By Tom Rue

According to the published history of Monticello Lodge (Benton, 1942), Sanford Case was either raised to the degree of Master Mason in or affiliated with Monticello Lodge from elsewhere on June 22, 1922. When he signed the Lodge's by-laws to consummate his membership, he listed his occupation simply as "carpenter," a modest understatement.

According to information provided by Susan Schock, daughter of the above mentioned Alvin Benton who was a contemporary of Bro. Chase, Sanford became associated with a builder of pre-fab houses and in 1899 traveled with this firm to Cuba and England. He returned to Rock Hill, located in southern Sullivan County, in 1905 and began work there as a stone mason. However, his true vocation was that of artisan. Much of his work still exists today scattered throughout Sullivan Co. in fireplaces, chimneys, well houses. His original house all of stone still stands on the Katrina Falls Rd. Unfortunately many do not understand the value of his beautiful art (really folk art) and it is being vandalized and destroyed.

Sanford Case was born in 1866, married 1954). He married Nellie Blockley 22 Mar 1891 in Brooklyn, and died in 1954. Several generations of his family lived in Rock Hill, and some still do. Sanford and his wife never had any children, but brothers, nieces and nephews were all in that area (and still are). Many with the name Gordon, Piper and Benjamin are related to Sanford Case. "There is a Richard 'Dick' Benjamin who has an antique shop in the area who is a grand nephew I believe," said Mrs. Schock in an e-mailed message which accompanied the portrait appearing to the right, adding that Mr. Benjamin was a collector of Sanford's artwork.

An example of Bro. Case's three-dimensional bas-relief can be seen over the mantle, built into the home of Susan Schock of Wanaksink Lake (former residence of the late R.W. Bro. Alvin Benton, who published the Republican Watchman) here, a close-up of which appears below.