There is an air of mystery about her that hauntingly recalls fairytale stories of a beautiful princess beckoning from the castle to her prince passing by. Perched high on a hill she is irreplaceable, one of a kind, a past haven to many, and today a testimony to yesteryear's breathtaking architecture.

Yet, her purpose was and is to be a valued servant to folks in need. It started with the Masonic Order 1920s project to provide home and care for Mason brethren and their families. Nearly 90 years later, the Masonic Home's majestic presence at 23660 Marine View Dr. S. is unforgettable.

Built in 1928 and renamed The Masonic Retirement Center of Washington, this aging beauty stands as a magnificent monument to the Masonic Order's values and City of Des Moines location identity. The masterful building design creates a landmark with uniqueness of character and community connection to drivers, boaters, walkers and all things nearby. The name is now "Landmark by the Sound."

In the 1920s local folks were not happy about selling their ideal views and location property. Early settlers, such as Max Elsner, who owned a flourishing green house business, resisted a property sale, as did his neighbors. Eventually, an agreement was reached and today you'll see the result of Max's move north to what is now Zenith-Holland Green Houses, the first and oldest continuing business in Des Moines.

Fortunately, Des Moines historian Melanie Elsner Draper, (Max's daughter-in-law) preserved Des Moines history with her first book, "Timber, Tides and Tales," published in 1975.

In April 1989, Richard T. Kennedy, former Des Moines mayor, assisted by associate editor Grechen F. Schmidt, edited, updated, expanded, cataloged and reproduced Draper's historic information with a new title, "One Hundred Years of the 'Waterland' Community."

With Des Moines' considerable population of senior care businesses, the Masonic Home distinction of being the first retirement home built here remains, although inactive.

A new 50-bed infirmary filled up quickly in 1967 when 24 beds were added to this health center and upgraded in 1987.

Entrance into care at the Masonic Home was originally only for Masons their wives, widows and widowed mothers as a private organization. In later years, partly in response to financial conditions, it was open to the public as well.

Many couples have said they loved living in this most unique building with magnificent rooms of fine woods, remarkable furniture and builder's pride.

A huge library remains with a collection of fascinating books and "Great Room" for music and socializing.

Down the hallway, seniors operated a small store selling wonderful personal jewelry and possessions. An eye-catching fancy handbag became mine with a vow to come again.

Local organizations such as Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, Legacy Foundation and school activities have been welcomed in the large auditorium that lends itself to community events.

The most amazing views are from huge windowed rooms on the north and south sides of the building.

Attending community meetings there, I found it's mighty difficult to concentrate on what's being said when there is so much natural beauty outside.

Mike Gray, current director of campus services, said all past and future building plans are on hold depending on the current economy. Meantime, the building is available for weddings and social events.

Also offered is outreach assistance for seniors looking for living facilities. Contact Mary at 206 878-8483, ext. 101.

I remember when my husband, Gordy, himself a Mason, told me to "Go see them" if he was gone and I needed care. What a wonderful comforting thought. Thirty years later things changed. My Gordy is gone and although the Masons of Washington are still owners no such help exists, except for referrals to other facilities.

The last senior tenants were moved out years ago in anticipation of construction that didn't happen. Those plans are still on hold.

So that's the story of this beautiful haunting lady that has greeted groups of people by the hundreds to celebrate and create history, housed the needy, the lonely and brothers and sisters; put the glow of lasting beauty to the face of this community and demonstrated that life was about helping each other and keeping families close.

So, there is really no mystery to this beautiful building. Yet the princess veil is lifted slightly into a quality of life that stands proudly, hauntingly beckoning. The future? Who knows? Time and money will tell.
Lives change - -Excellent architectural art remains.

"Today's Thought -I cannot give you a formula for success. I can give you the formula for failure:
Try to please everybody."