 In 1892, American newspapers hailed Salome Anderson, of Oakland, California, as "the only female Freemason in the world".She had, according to some, learned the secrets of masonry by hiding in the lodge room in her uncle's house, and was made a mason in order to pledge her to secrecy.She served on the board of trustees of her temple, and took higher degrees, as well as joining the Order of the Eastern Star.