‘Things to do this fall’

     
Autumn is only days away, so you’re probably wondering what there is to do to celebrate the season. Well, it’s a good thing you read The Magpie Mason! Here are a few suggestions.

Sunday, September 23 at 1 p.m.

Catherine Walter at Kearney House

in Alpine, New Jersey

The curator of the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library and Museum reprises her lecture from January titled “The Civil War and Freemasonry: Reunion of Brothers in the Blue and Gray.” This concerns a Confederate captain (and Freemason) who saved the lives of three Union soldiers (also Freemasons) who were dying at the Second Battle of Bull Run.

Also that day at the site, a Civil War encampment, with demonstrations, talks, and other activities from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, September 29, noon to 5

McGarrah’s Oktoberfest in Monroe

Hosted by the Cornerstone Masonic Historical Society, the philanthropic arm of Cornerstone Lodge 711, this Oktoberfest raises funds for the continued restoration and maintenance of McGarrah’s Stagecoach Inn and Museum.

All you can eat. All you can drink. 300 Stage Road in Monroe.

Food: Wursts from Schaller and Weber, German food prepared by Culinary Institute graduate Max Wessels.

Beer: Spaten Oktoberfest, Franziskaner, and someone named Bud Light.

Live music, raffles, a climbing wall, games, bounce house, building tours, ghost tours, and more.

Tickets:

Day of event: all you can eat/drink: $40 (alcohol included) or $30 (no alcohol)

Kids 12 and under: $10

And before the Oktoberfest, at 11 a.m., there will be a 5K run, if you’re into that kind of thing.

Sunday, October 7 at 1 p.m.

Grand Masters Day at Tappan

The annual event at DeWint House, the Grand Lodge of New York’s George Washington Historic Site in Tappan.

Brunch at 11:30 a.m. at Casa Mia Manor House (577 Route 303 in Blauvelt). $36 per person. Contact Bro. Ken Merring here to arrange your pre-paid reservation.

The event itself is an enjoyable program centered around the dedication of an exotic tree planted on the impressive 12-acre grounds of the historic site. Click here to see many photos of past Grand Masters Days.

Sunday, October 7, 11 a.m. to dusk

Traubenfest 2018 at Tappan

That same day, the brethren of the Ninth Manhattan District host their 800th annual Traubenfest at German Masonic Park, also in Tappan. Go to both events. Traubenfest means Strawberry Festival, but this basically is an Oktoberfest with plenty of German music, food, and beer. Vendors will be hawking stuff. A great time. Click here for photos of previous Traubenfests.