Louis J. Viehmann built his career in the industrial world of Long Island City as a furniture executive, Mason and civic figure. Decades later, the factory tied to his name found an unexpected second life as a communal loft linked to the early history of Talking Heads.

Founded in Hunter’s Point in 1865, Island City Lodge No. 586 grew alongside Long Island City itself, from modest beginnings in borrowed rooms to a lasting place in the civic and Masonic life of Queens. This directory honors the Charter Members who established the Lodge and the Notable Members whose service, leadership, and fidelity helped shape its enduring legacy.

Founded in 1865 at Hunter’s Point, Island City Lodge No. 586 grew alongside Long Island City itself—from ferry-house beginnings to a temple on Jackson Avenue, and eventually to consolidation with Mizpah Lodge in Elmhurst. Its story reflects the making of Queens through fellowship, charity, and civic life.

Join author Richard Melnick for a reading of Long Island City in 1776 on Wednesday, May 13 at 7 PM at the Advance Masonic Temple in Astoria, NY. Hosted by the Greater Astoria Historical Society and Astoria Masons.

Horatio S. Sanford emerged as a reform-minded leader at one of the most turbulent moments in Long Island City history. In a political landscape dominated by corruption, contested elections, and machine rule, Sanford fought for honest government, fiscal responsibility, and civic improvement. His brief but consequential mayoralty helped restore public trust, reform city institutions, and lay foundations that would outlast the city itself.