The island and its cemetery were used as a prison for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Many of the Confederate soldiers were Masons and sometimes shared Masonic experiences with their Union captors.

The brethren of Oliver H. Perry Lodge, No. 341, of Port Clinton, traditionally host the day’s event each May and put on the memorial ceremony.

In the picture, from left, are Hugh A. Harris, a Past District Deputy Grand Master from the 22nd Masonic District, in his SAR color guard uniform; Most Worshipful Brother Winnett, using crutches to support a broken leg, and Richard R. Schulz, Worshipful Master of Harding-Concordia Lodge, No. 345, in Cleveland.