Born a freeman to African-American parents in 1817, Primus Mason grew up to become known as an adventurer, farmer, clever businessman, successful entrepreneur and generous philanthropist.
He spent his very early years living in Monson, MA where he was apprenticed to a Monson farmer for an unspecified term of indenture. In 1837, he fled Monson and settled in Springfield where he worked as a teamster. Between 1837 and 1850 he was married three times and amassed real estate valued at $1,000, a hefty sum for the time.
1849 Gold Rush fever caught him and he left for California to seek his fortune. He returned to Springfield a fairly wealthy man and prospered by astutely investing in real estate. He also developed a profitable refuse business that included the US Armory as a client. Mason's foresight and instinct led him to purchase real estate on "The Hill" which was not yet developed. After the Civil War he sold it to the McKnight brothers for a substantial profit.
In 1850 Mason purchased a parcel of land at the junction of Wilbraham Road and State Street and lived out the rest of his life in a mansion on the corner of State and Mason Streets. In 1860 he sold the property to the City of Springfield for $65 on the condition it be used for public purposes. Primus also cared deeply about the plight of the slave in America and was very active in the Underground Railroad.
Primus died on January 12, 1892 at the age of 74, leaving an estate consisting of $40,000 in real estate and $500 worth of personal property. Much was left to relatives but $33,000 was directed for the establishment of a home for aged men. Following a fund drive which provided many other business people the opportunity to share in Mason's vision, a home was erected at 832 State Street, but it proved to be unsuitable and was replaced by a more spacious home on Walnut Street in 1904. Aged men were eligible to live there regardless of ability to pay. In 1924 a new building was erected as a permanent home and in 1999 the Mason Wright Retirement Community at 74 Walnut Street was built under the auspices of the Springfield Home for the Elderly, a (501) c 3 charity which continues to emulate Primus Mason's worthy intent.
