Eli Franklin Stark 1913
Born August 23, 1873 in Wheatland Township, Will county, Illinois.

Died February 13, 1966 in Naperville, DuPage County, Illinois.

Married Linnie M. Wagner May 26, 1897

They had two children, Byron Wagner, and Irene R.

He also served Euclid Lodge as Senior Warden in 1911 and 1912, as Secretary in 1916, as Junior Deacon in 1910, and as Junior Steward in 1914.

He served Euclid Chapter No. 13, R.A.M. as High Priest in 1914 and 1915.

Following are excerpts from "A View of Historic Naperville" by Genevieve Towsley.

Learned the printing trade in the print shop of his brother-in-law, who was editor of one of the county's early newspapers, "The Illinoisan". Studied in Chicago to learn to operate a Linotype machine, and after becoming a qualified operator was admitted to the typographers union. Finding the trade too confining and the fumes quite toxic, he gave up Linotyping in 1899 and bought out his brother's bicycle repair shop in Naperville. It was on the site of the Naper Theater and Masonic Temple. When that building was erected he moved into the building next door on the west. He sold Wheeler and Wilson sewing machines, as well as athletic supplies and games. He bought out a news route and had a newsstand. With a horse and cart, Eli's newsboys delivered papers to the outskirts of town, as far East as Wright Street! In 1901 he bought a confectionary store on Washington Street, which was much more. He kept his newsstand, athletic supplies, and games; and added photographic supplies, fresh fruits and berries, as well as ice cream and candy. He started the town's first taxi cab business. Beginning with one cab, he added more as the demand warranted; and at one time had seven taxis. He retired from all his businesses in 1945.
Besides his Masonic affiliation, he was one of the faithful attendants of the Senior Citizen's group that met Wednesday afternoons in the Masonic Hall. One of the groups founders, he arranged for use of the hall as a meeting place.
Photography was his only hobby, pursued with zeal and sustained over many decades. He did his own developing and printing, doing some of the developing in the sun on albumen paper.
His pictures of life in Naperville in a bygone era represent a precious legacy for his townsmen, and will stamp him for generations as a photo historian.

Obituary reprinted from "The Naperville Sun", Thursday, February 17, 1966.

Eli Stark, 92, of 564 S. Washington street, well-known Naperville resident, died Sunday in the DuPage County Convalescent Home. Mr. Stark, a pioneer merchant, entered business in Naperville in 1899. Among his enterprised through the years were an ice cream parlor on the site of the present Naper Cleaners, a general merchandise business which he and his nephew, Herbert Matter Sr. operated at the location of the Naperville Pharmacy and the first taxicab business in Naperville. He retired in 1945.

Mr. Stark was born August 22, 1873, on a farm in Wheatland township. In 1897 he was married to Linnie Wagner. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1947. Mrs. Stark died two years later.

Survivors include a daughter Irene, who was a physical education teacher in the Naperville school system from 1926 until her retirement; a son, Byron, of DeKalb; and a grandson, Richard Stark of Naperville.

Mr. Stark was a Past Master and a 50 year member of Euclid Lodge No. 65, A.F. & A.M., Past High Priest and 50 year member of Euclid Chapter No. 13 and a member of the Aurora Commandery No. 22.

Masonic services for Mr. Stark were conducted Monday evening at Ackman chapel and the funeral was held Tuesday afternoon from the chapel with the Rev. Grant Graver officiating.

Interment was in the Naperville Cemetery.

Naperville Clarion article from June 26, 1958.

Tuesday night, June 17, was a special occasion for members of Euclid Lodge No. 65, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Naperville and vicinity.

They turned out in record numbers to honor one of their oldest members, Eli Franklin Stark, who has been an active Mason for 50 years.

Friends of Stark attending the special meeting stated that Stark had probably instructed more candidates for their degrees, and more Lodge officers in their work than any other member.

Mr. Stark was born in neighboring Wheatland, (Will County) August 23, 1873. He was made a Master Mason in 1908, was Worshipful Master of the Euclid Lodge in 1913; was made a Royal Arch Companion in 1908 also, and was Excellent High Priest of the Euclid Chapter 13 in 1914 and 1915.

The presentation of a continuous 50-year membership certificate issued by the Grand Lodge of Illinois was made by Harold E. Meiley, a past-Master of the local Lodge, who is now Right Worshipful Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge.

In addition of many years of service to the community, Mr. Stark has proved a source of local history, and had contributed many old photographs and reminiscences to members of the press.

Club members were also noted to say that fifty years in Masonic work has not slowed Stark's activity pace. He's described as "Active as ever."