Boone County Historical Society – Masonic Temple

The Champlin Memorial Masonic Temple, constructed in 1907 in Boone, Iowa, stands as an impressive example of early twentieth-century fraternal architecture and represents a significant chapter in the social and civic history of central Iowa. Built to serve the spiritual and organizational needs of Mt. Olive Lodge No. 79 of the Free and Accepted Masons, the temple incorporated the finest architectural practices of its era and reflected the importance that Masonic organizations placed upon visible symbols of permanence, brotherhood, and moral authority. The structure housed this active Masonic lodge for more than eight decades, becoming an integral part of Boone's downtown landscape and serving as a gathering place for members of one of America's oldest and most widespread fraternal organizations. Throughout the early and middle twentieth century, the building served not only as a lodge facility but also as a venue for community events, celebrations, and ceremonies that reflected the central role Masonic organizations played in American civic life.

The Champlin Memorial Masonic Temple maintained its primary purpose for nearly a century before Mt. Olive Lodge No. 79 changed significantly. In 1990, the lodge relocated to a newly constructed facility, leaving the historic temple building vacant and in need of new purpose. The structure's historical significance and architectural merit prevented its demolition, and the building was subsequently recognized for its importance to Iowa's architectural heritage. The property was included on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, the same year the lodge vacated the structure. Following the lodge's departure, the Boone County Historical Society assumed responsibility for the building, transforming it from an exclusive fraternal gathering place into a museum and archive facility dedicated to preserving the region's history and making it accessible to the broader public.

During the transition from active Masonic lodge to historical society headquarters, staff and visitors began reporting unusual phenomena within the Champlin Memorial Masonic Temple. These manifestations centered around a poltergeist entity that became known by the name Frank to those who worked regularly within the building. Frank's presence announced itself through characteristically mischievous poltergeist behavior, most notably the repeated and unexplained slamming of doors throughout the structure, often occurring when the building stood otherwise empty and locked. Witnesses reported lights turning on and off without human intervention, creating an unsettling atmosphere of unseen presence and activity within the halls. Staff members working during evening hours described hearing disembodied footsteps echoing across the second floor, footsteps that appeared to follow no logical pattern and vanished when investigation was attempted. Employees reported being called by name in clear voices emanating from nowhere visible.

The identity of the entity known as Frank remains unknown, though several theories have emerged regarding his possible origin and motivation. Some researchers suggest that Frank may have been a lodge member who died while actively involved with Mt. Olive Lodge, his spiritual connection creating a lingering presence after his death. Others propose that Frank might represent a previous caretaker or custodian whose years of service created such deep attachment to the structure that departing the physical plane did not compel him to move beyond the familiar halls. The particular manifestation of poltergeist activity suggests an entity possessed of considerable energy and intention, capable of interacting with physical objects in his environment. The phenomenon has persisted even after the building's transition to historical society use, suggesting that Frank's attachment to the Champlin Memorial Masonic Temple transcends the specific purpose the building served during his apparent lifetime. The Boone County Historical Society continues to operate within the building despite the ongoing paranormal phenomena, and the structure remains open to visitors and researchers exploring Iowa's regional history.