HISTORY
EARLY OWNERSHIP – An Island Gem
Melita Island was originally called Wilgus Island and was named for a Scotsman who acquired the island from Alex MacDonald. The Montana Knights Templar purchased the island in 1916 for $2,500.
From the Proceedings of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Montana 29 th Annual Conclave, August 26-28 1916:
“Upon my arrival in Polson, July 25th [1916], it was learned that this island could not be purchased for the amount that the Grand Commandery had voted to expend, which was $1,000. After securing a boat and visiting the Island and thoroughly inspecting same we decided that we could not afford to let this pass by, hence on the 26th, we bid it in for the sum of $2,500. The day following the sale we were offered $7,500 for our purchase. This tract is one of the most delightful spots that it has ever been my pleasure to see. There are 64 ½ acres, a perfect shoreline, and a most delightful contour. Every foot of it can be utilized and some day the Templars of Montana will understand what a gem they have. I can not picture a more ideal spot.”
The Knights Templar changed the name from Wilgus Island to Melita Island in 1918 in commemoration of the Battle of Malta.
From the Proceedings of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Montana 29 th Annual Conclave, August 26-28 1916:
“Upon motion of Grand Prelate Francis R. Bateman, the name of the island in Flathead Lake, purchased by Grand Commandery, was changed from Wilgus to Melita, the vote being unanimous. Our Grand Commandery now has not only and island home but one with a distinctly Templar name.”
The original Wilgus name was the sir name of the Scotsman who first deeded the island as Wilgus Villa Sites. The main lodge was built in 1928 by the Masonic Knights Templar as a convention center. St Omer’s cabin was also built in 1928 by the Missoula Commandery No. 9.
From the Proceedings of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Montana 30 th Annual Conclave, June 22-23, 1917:
“I left Missoula by train on the morning of May 8 th 1917 for Kalispell by way of Ravalli, thence by auto stage to Polson. I was met at Polson by E. Sir Charles Pomeroy, Grand Captain General, E. Sir George W. Slack, Commander, Sir Claude McAllister, Generalissimo, and became the guest of Cyrene Commandery No. 10 of Kalispell.
We had luncheon at the Lake View Hotel at Polson, after which I was given an auto ride along the west shore of beautiful and picturesque Flathead Lake. When we reached a point opposite Melita Island we were met by a motor boat belonging to Sir Henry Bierman and taken over to the Island where we wandered around for an hour or so.
We found the Island safe under the protecting care of a fine American Eagle (Bald) which had built a nest and established itself as a sole inhabitant of our cherished Masonic possession. On our return to the main land, our esteemed Frater McAllister made a misstep on landing and received a slight ducking.”
After the Templars purchased the island it remained relatively unchanged until ten years later when it was decided to hold a statewide Masonic conclave there.
From the Sunday Missoulian, December 19, 1926:
“Melita Island, comprising 64 acres, was purchased by the Masonic Knights Templars of Montana in 1916. It is situated 14 miles from Polson, is thickly wooded, has an excellent swimming beach and is only a short distance from the mainland. For a number of years the island was used only for an occasional summer picnic, but during the last year a decided movement has started, looking toward permanent improvement of the island. Parade grounds have been selected and cleared and two fine docks have been built by Gene Hodge on the mainland and on Melita Island. Plans are completed for a $3000 pavillion. (the current lodge). It will be financed this winter and built in time for the meeting of the grand lodge next summer. A tented city will provide the other needed accommodations.”
The Knights Templar continued to use the island off and on into the late 1930s but not much is known as to the island’s use in the 1940s.
Purportedly a group of Sea Scouts from Seattle were the first scouts to use the island in 1948. It is also rumored the first Wood Badge Training event in the Pacific Northwest took place on the island in the late 1940s. In 1954, the Knights Templar and the local Western Montana Council made a 20 year agreement for Scouts to use Melita Island as a summer camp.
