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{{Redirect|Elks|the animal|Elk|the Canadian counterpart|Elks of Canada|other uses|Elks (disambiguation)}}
{{short description|American fraternal order}}
{{short description|American fraternal order}}
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The '''Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks''' ('''BPOE'''; also often known as the '''Elks Lodge''' or simply '''The Elks''') is an American [[fraternal order]] founded in 1868, originally as a [[social club]] in [[New York City]].
The '''Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks''' ('''BPOE'''; also often known as the '''Elks Lodge''' or simply '''The Elks''') is an American [[fraternal order]] founded in 1868, originally as a [[social club]] in [[New York City]].
[[File:Benevolent Protective Order of Elks (24753568436).jpg|right|thumb|The communal tomb of Elks Lodge No. 30 in [[New Orleans, Louisiana]].]]
[[File:Benevolent Protective Order of Elks (24753568436).jpg|right|thumb|The communal tomb of Elks Lodge No. 30 in [[New Orleans, Louisiana]].]] The fraternity currently focuses on Community, Friendship and Charity.

==Membership requirements==
Candidates must be as follows: <ref name="More Information">{{cite web| url=http://www.elks.org/who/information.cfm|title= More Information|website=elks.org |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206013332/https://www.elks.org/who/information.cfm |archive-date= Dec 6, 2023 }}</ref>
* A citizen of the United States of America who will pledge allegiance to and salute our flag.
* Over age of 21.
* A believer in 'God'. A candidate will never be asked to define or qualify their belief.
* Of good character.
* Neither directly or indirectly participating in the activities of any group or organization, supporting or adhering to beliefs or tenets advocating the overthrow of the Government of the United States or any political subdivisions by force or violence.

==Organization==

===Headquarters===
[[File:BPOE Chicago.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|Grand Lodge in [[Chicago]], Illinois]]
The Elks' national headquarters are located in Chicago at the [[Elks National Veterans Memorial and Headquarters]], overlooking [[Lincoln Park, Chicago|Lincoln Park]], near [[Lake Michigan]]. This building was originally conceived as a memorial to the nearly 1,000 Elk brothers who were lost in [[World War I]]. The cornerstone was laid July 7, 1924, and the building was officially dedicated on July 14, 1926.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elks.org/memorial/historicalTour.cfm|title= History of the Elks National Memorial|website=elks.org |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001185604/https://www.elks.org/memorial/historicalTour.cfm |archive-date= Oct 1, 2023 }}</ref><ref>"[http://www.elks.org/memorial/ Welcome to the Elks Veterans Memorial]". ''Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks''.</ref>{{third party inline|date=January 2019}}

The [[Rotunda (architecture)|rotunda]] displays murals and statues illustrating the Elks' four cardinal virtues: charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity. The [[friezes]] depict the "Triumphs of War" on one side and "Triumphs of Peace" on the other. The entrance is flanked by large bronze elks.<ref>Schmidt p. 104</ref>

===Grand Lodge===
The BPOE is organized on the national or "grand" level and the local lodge level. The Grand Lodge, which meets in convention annually. Grand Lodge members nominate and elect the following officers:
* Grand Exalted Ruler—Similar to [[chief executive officer]] of an organization
* Grand Secretary
* Grand Esteemed Leading Knight
* Grand Esteemed Loyal Knight
* Grand Esteemed Lecturing Knight
* Grand Treasurer
* Grand Trustees
The three Knights assist the Grand Exalted Ruler and officiate in his absence; furthermore, the Grand Esteemed Loyal Knight acts a prosecutor in cases when an Elk is accused of an offense against the order. The Grand Trustee have general authority over assets and property owned by the order. The Grand Esquire is appointed by the Grand Exalted Ruler and organizes the Grand Lodges and serves as marshal of Elks parades. The Grand [[Tyler (Masonic)|Tiler]], Grand Inner Guard, and Grand Chaplain is also appointed by the Grand Exalted Ruler.<ref>Schmidt pp. 104–105</ref>

''Elks Magazine'' is published 10 times a year and goes to all members.<ref name="elkmag">{{cite web |url= http://www.elks.org/elksmag/default.cfm |title= Elks Magazine Online |access-date=October 17, 2008 |work=Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks }}</ref>{{third party inline|date=January 2019}}

===Lodges===
Lodges officers are essentially the same as the ones on the national level, with "Grand" prefix removed. Lodges also may establish dinner and recreational clubs for members. In 1979, there were 2,200 lodges.<ref name="Schmidt p.105">Schmidt p. 105</ref> Lodges which are incorporated are required to be governed by a board of directors. Otherwise, the Lodge Trustees are the governing board.

==Activities==
===Social quarters===
[[File:Elk's Carnival, BPOE Welcome Home. - DPLA - 9eb5b1bc32bfbb14c145da76edb92894 (page 1).jpg|thumb|right|Elk's Carnival in Toledo, Ohio, 1912]]
Most Elks lodges operate a social quarters with a private bar. According to [[sociologists]] Alvin J. Schmidt and Nicholas Babchuk, members primarily joined the Elks to be "provided with entertainment, liquor, and food at reasonable rates" in the social quarters.<ref name=Schmidt>{{Cite journal |jstor = 274186|title = The Unbrotherly Brotherhood: Discrimination in Fraternal Orders|journal = Phylon|volume = 34|issue = 3|pages = 275–282|last1 = Schmidt|first1 = Alvin J.|last2 = Babchuk|first2 = Nicholas|year = 1973|doi = 10.2307/274186}}</ref>

===National charity programs===
Lodges are encouraged to participate in national Elks charity programs. There are also State Elks Associations charity programs. This usually includes a State Major Project. Elks Lodges are usually involved in other local charitable efforts.

Due to the willingness of most Elks Lodges to respond to community needs and events, it has been internally common to turn the BPOE abbreviation into a [[backronym]] for "Best People on Earth".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.elks.org/lodges/LocalNews.cfm?news_id=30469 | title = A Message From Bill Beck | first = Bill |last= Beck |work= Springfield, Illinois, Lodge #158 |publisher= Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks | quote = I will forever remember that BPOE also stands for the Best People On Earth, a line you have used often... }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elks.org/history/toast.cfm |title=The origins of The 11 O'Clock Toast |first=Mike |last=Kelly |work=B.P.O.E. Grand Lodge Historian |publisher=Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks |quote=I will forever remember that BPOE also stands for the Best People On Earth, a line you have used often... |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070112162846/http://www.elks.org/history/toast.cfm |archive-date=January 12, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.elks.org/history/hikers.cfm
|title=Elks Walk 2,223 Miles to Attend 1912 National Convention
|last=Sparks
|first=Eva
|work=Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
|quote=Four athletic young men, members of the local B.P.O.E Lodge (Best People On Earth) and employees of...
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070301231817/http://www.elks.org/history/hikers.cfm
|archive-date=March 1, 2007
}}</ref>

====Elks National Foundation====

Established in 1928, the Elks National Foundation is the charitable arm of the BPOE. The foundation, with an endowment valued at more than $750 million, has contributed more than $500 million toward Elks' charitable projects nationwide. Since inception, the Elks have received more than $288.7 million in contributions and bequests. As of the close of the 2021 fiscal year, they boast more than 120,000 active donors and an endowment fund valued at $833.1 million.<ref>Elks National Foundation, About ENF, Annual Report 2021, https://www.elks.org/ENF/background.cfm</ref>

===Veteran services===
The Elks pledge that "So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elks.org/programs/vetsprograms.cfm |title=Veterans Services |access-date=3 July 2013}}</ref> {{third party inline|date=January 2019}}
* [[Elks Veterans Memorial]] in Chicago, Illinois
* The Army of Hope, established in 2003, primarily serves families of deployed service members.<ref>[http://www.elks.org/programs/history.cfm History of veterans programs], Elks website</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Journal Entries: Saint Peter's gets $100K grant from Provident Bank | website=NJ.com | date=September 22, 2015 | url=http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2015/09/journal_entries_three_students_graduate_from_njits.html | access-date=June 10, 2016}}</ref>
* Adopt-A-Veteran Program<ref>[https://www.elks.org/vets/AdoptAVeteran.cfm Adopt-A-Veteran Program], Elks website.</ref>
* Freedom Grants to serve veterans and/or military members in need of support or services.
* Veterans Leather Program
* Veterans Remembrance
* Playing Cards for Veterans
* Re-Creation USA

===Youth programs===
* Most Valuable Student scholarships<ref>[https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/MVS.cfm Most Valuable Student], Elks website.</ref>
* ''Hoop Shoot'' (National free throw contest)<ref>[https://www.elks.org/hoopshoot/ Hoop Shoot], Elks website.</ref>
* [[Drug education|Drug Awareness]]
* Soccer Shoot
* ''Junior Golf Program''
* [[The Dictionary Project|Dictionary Project]]
* Youth Recognition

===Americanism===
The Elks have shown their devotion to [[Americanism (ideology)|Americanism]] by conducting bond drives, promoting [[civil defense]] programs, and [[Flag Day (United States)|Flag Day]] observances. During World War II, they designated the week of March 15, 1942, as "Win the War Week", and helped recruit for the [[United States Army Air Corps]]. An "[[Elks National Service Commission]]" was in operation from 1946 to 1950, and the Grand Lodge adopted a "[[Declaration of American Principles]]" in 1961 in Miami.<ref name="Schmidt p.102">Schmidt p. 102</ref>

==Rites and traditions==
[[File:BPOE Building Ouray Colorado.jpg|right|thumb|The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks building in downtown [[Ouray, Colorado|Ouray]], [[Colorado]]]]

Initiation and funeral rites still exist, however. The initiation rite is not considered a secret. The initiation involves an altar, with a Bible upon it and chaplain leading the brethren in prayers and psalms. The candidate must accept a "solemn and binding obligation" to never "reveal any of the confidential matters of the Order". He further promises to uphold the [[Constitution of the United States]], protect brother Elks and their families, only support worthy candidates for admission and never bring political or sectarian questions up into the Order. The funeral rite is called the "Lodge of Sorrow" and also involves prayers.<ref name="Schmidt p.103"/>

===The Hour of Recollection===
Deceased and otherwise absent lodge members are recalled each evening at 11 p.m. Chimes or sometimes a bell will be rung 11 times and the Lodge Esquire intones, "It is the Hour of Recollection." The Exalted Ruler or a member designated by him gives the 11 o'clock toast, of which this version is the most common:
{{Quote|sign=|source=http://www.elks.org/|You have heard the tolling of eleven strokes. This is to impress upon you that with us the hour of eleven has a tender significance. Wherever Elks may roam, whatever their lot in life may be, when this hour falls upon the dial of night, the great heart of Elkdom swells and throbs. It is the golden hour of recollection, the homecoming of those who wander, the mystic roll call of those who will come no more. Living or dead, Elks are never forgotten, never forsaken. Morning and noon may pass them by, the light of day sink heedlessly in the West, but ere the shadows of midnight shall fall, the chimes of memory will be pealing forth the friendly message: "To Our Absent Members."}}

===Memorial for "Absent Members"===
The Lodge offers Funeral Services to members who pass. This usually is available upon request. Details for this ceremony can be found in the "Rituals of Special Services" manual. Many Lodges have a memorial in their building or in their Lodge room, dedicated to their absent members.

===Communal burial===
[[File:Wiki-elks EMY1236-Edit.jpg|alt=Elks Lodge 315 burial ground|thumb|The communal burial ground and statue for Elks Lodge #315 at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Newport News, Virginia]]
The Elks have communal [[cemetery]] plots, which are often marked with impressive statuary.{{cn|date=June 2023}}


==History==
==History==
Line 30: Line 124:
In 1976, the Elks had 1,611,139 members.<ref name="Schmidt p.103">Schmidt p. 103</ref> As of June 2020, it claimed to have more than 750,000 members.<ref name="More Information"/>
In 1976, the Elks had 1,611,139 members.<ref name="Schmidt p.103">Schmidt p. 103</ref> As of June 2020, it claimed to have more than 750,000 members.<ref name="More Information"/>


===Elks Mutual Benefit Association===
Like many other fraternal orders, the Elks at one point sponsored an insurance fund. The Elks Mutual Benefit Association (EMBA) was founded in 1878. At the 1885 Grand Lodge, it was reported that the EMBA was prosperous, but its finances were carelessly managed. The Association was disbanded after the 1907 Grand Lodge passed a resolution banning mutual or insurance features, as well as degrees and auxiliaries.<ref>Schmidt pp. 108–109 Schmidt's main source is James R. Nicholson and Lee A. Donaldson, ''History of the Order of Elks'' 1969. He also cites back issues of the proceedings</ref>

===Elks National Home===
The [[Elks National Home]] is a retirement home in [[Bedford, Virginia]], built in 1916. In late 2013, the Elks sold the home to a private organization.{{cn|date=June 2023}}

===Origin of the Slogan "Hello Bill!"===
The slogan "Hello Bill!" was coined during the Elks' National Re-Union in Minneapolis in 1897. William Goddard of Minneapolis Lodge No. 44 became known for this greeting as visiting Elks were frequently directed to him with phrases like "Go see Billy Goddard." This led to visitors greeting him with "Hello Bill!" The phrase quickly spread among attendees and became a lasting tradition within the Elks community.<ref>[https://www.elks.org/history/hellobill.cfm Origin of Hello Bill], Elks History Project</ref>

The slogan was used as a personal greeting and welcoming elks to the different national re-unions. This can be seen in many historic photos. <ref>[https://www.mtmemory.org/nodes/view/13919, Elks Club float on Pattee Street], Montana State Library</ref><ref>[https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/ADB4RKEX3ZA77D87 Bunting on S. 8th ], Library Search</ref><ref>[https://www.lib.uidaho.edu/digital/barstock/items/barstock2434.html 1939 Elks Roundup Parade],Stockbridge Collection</ref>

===Ritual===
The Elks originally borrowed a number of rites, traditions, and regalia from the [[Freemasonry|Freemasons]]. However, by the first decade of the twentieth century, much of this had been abandoned as the Elks sought to establish their own identity. The original two degrees required for membership were consolidated into one degree in 1890, the [[Masonic apron|apron]] was discontinued in 1895, the [[secret password]] was gone in 1899, and the badges and [[secret handshake]] were abandoned by 1904.<ref name="Schmidt p.102"/>

===Controversies===
Throughout American history, many Elks lodges have been criticized for excluding African-Americans, Jews, Italians, women, atheists, and others from membership. The [[Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World]] was founded in 1897 due to the exclusion of African-Americans from the BPOE.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2018/12/26/black-elks-lynching-memorial-mlk-civil-rights-bus-boycott-rosa-parks/2280238002/ |date=Dec 26, 2018 |first1= Brad |last1=Harper |title=Black Elks Lodge members want to unite historic community |publisher=[[Montgomery Advertiser]] |accessdate=2024-01-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/01/us/elks-now-open-to-women.html |date= Oct 1, 1995 |agency=The Associated Press |title=Elks Now Open to Women |work=[[The New York Times]] |accessdate=2024-01-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114040600/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/01/us/elks-now-open-to-women.html |archive-date= Jan 14, 2024 }}</ref>
Throughout American history, many Elks lodges have been criticized for excluding African-Americans, Jews, Italians, women, atheists, and others from membership. The [[Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World]] was founded in 1897 due to the exclusion of African-Americans from the BPOE.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2018/12/26/black-elks-lynching-memorial-mlk-civil-rights-bus-boycott-rosa-parks/2280238002/ |date=Dec 26, 2018 |first1= Brad |last1=Harper |title=Black Elks Lodge members want to unite historic community |publisher=[[Montgomery Advertiser]] |accessdate=2024-01-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/01/us/elks-now-open-to-women.html |date= Oct 1, 1995 |agency=The Associated Press |title=Elks Now Open to Women |work=[[The New York Times]] |accessdate=2024-01-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114040600/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/01/us/elks-now-open-to-women.html |archive-date= Jan 14, 2024 }}</ref>


[[File:Elks Flag Day Resolution 1919.jpg|thumb|1919 Flag Day Resolution barring membership from people perceived as [[unpatriotic]]]]{{Wikisource|Flag Day Resolution}}
===Desegregation===
In 1919, a "Flag Day resolution" was passed, barring membership to even passive sympathizers of the [[Bolsheviks]], [[Anarchists]], the [[Industrial Workers of the World|I.W.W.]], or kindred organizations, or who does not give undivided allegiance to" the flag and constitution of the United States.

In 1979, the qualifications for membership included being male, at least 21 years old, of sound mind and body, a [[Citizenship of the United States|citizen of the United States]] and not a member of the [[Communist Party USA|Communist Party]].

====Desegregation====
In 1962, the [[Anti-Defamation League]] supported the decision by New York Elks Lodge No. 1 to eliminate their "Caucasians Only" membership criteria and expressed support for extending the BPOE's membership to other minority groups as well. A 1956 ADL study showed that nearly 15% of BPOE lodges in the survey excluded Jewish people from membership. Some lodges banned Jews from membership while other lodges made it difficult for Jews to become members.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jta.org/archive/new-york-elks-ask-grand-lodge-to-discontinue-admission-restrictions |date=April 30, 1962 |title=New York Elks Ask Grand Lodge to Discontinue Admission Restrictions |publisher=[[Jewish Telegraphic Agency]] |accessdate=2024-01-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114042144/https://www.jta.org/archive/new-york-elks-ask-grand-lodge-to-discontinue-admission-restrictions |archive-date= Jan 14, 2024 }}</ref>
In 1962, the [[Anti-Defamation League]] supported the decision by New York Elks Lodge No. 1 to eliminate their "Caucasians Only" membership criteria and expressed support for extending the BPOE's membership to other minority groups as well. A 1956 ADL study showed that nearly 15% of BPOE lodges in the survey excluded Jewish people from membership. Some lodges banned Jews from membership while other lodges made it difficult for Jews to become members.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jta.org/archive/new-york-elks-ask-grand-lodge-to-discontinue-admission-restrictions |date=April 30, 1962 |title=New York Elks Ask Grand Lodge to Discontinue Admission Restrictions |publisher=[[Jewish Telegraphic Agency]] |accessdate=2024-01-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114042144/https://www.jta.org/archive/new-york-elks-ask-grand-lodge-to-discontinue-admission-restrictions |archive-date= Jan 14, 2024 }}</ref>


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In ''Beynon v. St. George-Dixie Lodge 1743'' (1993),<ref name="auto">{{cite news| url=http://law.justia.com/cases/utah/supreme-court/1993/910551.html|title=Beynon v. St. George–Dixie Lodge 1743}}</ref> the [[Utah Supreme Court]] ruled that while [[freedom of association]] allowed the Elks to remain a men-only organization, "the Elks may not avail itself of the benefits of a [[liquor license]] and the license's concomitant state regulation" as long as it violated the Utah State Civil Rights Act. Faced with losing their liquor licenses if they did not admit women, the Elks Lodges of Utah voted to become [[unisex]] in June 1993,<ref name="auto2">{{cite news| url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/297730/ELKS-MUST-ADMIT-WOMEN-OR-LOSE-LIQUOR-LICENSE.html| title=Elks Must Admit Women or Lose Liquor License}}</ref> which was followed by a vote at the Elks National Convention in July 1995<ref name="auto1">{{cite news| url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1995/0929/29142.html|title=Elks Lodges Vote on Whether to Admit Women}}</ref> to remove the word "male" from the national membership requirements.
In ''Beynon v. St. George-Dixie Lodge 1743'' (1993),<ref name="auto">{{cite news| url=http://law.justia.com/cases/utah/supreme-court/1993/910551.html|title=Beynon v. St. George–Dixie Lodge 1743}}</ref> the [[Utah Supreme Court]] ruled that while [[freedom of association]] allowed the Elks to remain a men-only organization, "the Elks may not avail itself of the benefits of a [[liquor license]] and the license's concomitant state regulation" as long as it violated the Utah State Civil Rights Act. Faced with losing their liquor licenses if they did not admit women, the Elks Lodges of Utah voted to become [[unisex]] in June 1993,<ref name="auto2">{{cite news| url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/297730/ELKS-MUST-ADMIT-WOMEN-OR-LOSE-LIQUOR-LICENSE.html| title=Elks Must Admit Women or Lose Liquor License}}</ref> which was followed by a vote at the Elks National Convention in July 1995<ref name="auto1">{{cite news| url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1995/0929/29142.html|title=Elks Lodges Vote on Whether to Admit Women}}</ref> to remove the word "male" from the national membership requirements.


==Membership==
==Notable members==
Belief in a [[God|Supreme Being]] became a prerequisite for membership in 1892. The word "[[God]]" was substituted for Supreme Being in 1946.<ref>Schmidt pp. 103–104</ref>


<div style="-moz-column-count:2; -webkit-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
{{Wikisource|Flag Day Resolution}}
In 1919, a "Flag Day resolution" was passed, barring membership to even passive sympathizers of the [[Bolsheviks]], [[Anarchists]], the [[Industrial Workers of the World|I.W.W.]], or kindred organizations, or who does not give undivided allegiance to" the flag and constitution of the United States.


===Athletes / Sports===
In 1979, the qualifications for membership included being male, at least 21 years old, of sound mind and body, a [[Citizenship of the United States|citizen of the United States]] and not a member of the [[Communist Party USA|Communist Party]].
* [[Michael Badgley]], Summit NJ Elks Lodge No. 1246
* [[Jon Condo]], Philipsburg PA Lodge No. 1173
* [[Dan Feeney]], Summit NJ Elks Lodge No. 1246
* [[Whitey_Ford|Edward Charles "Whitey" Ford]], Queensborough NY Lodge No. 878
* [[Will Fries]], Cranford Lodge No. 2006
* [[William Ray Guy]], Hattiesburg MS Lodge No. 599
* [[Bobby_Jones_(golfer)|Bobby Jones]], Atlanta-North Lake Lodge No. 78
* [[Willie Keeler]], Brooklyn, New York Lodge #22<ref>{{cite book |last1=Solomon |first1=Burt |title=Where They Ain't: The Fabled Life and Untimely Death of the Original Baltimore Orioles, the Team That Gave Birth to Modern Baseball |date=14 March 2000 |publisher=[[Crown Publishing Group]] |isbn=978-0-385-49882-1 |page=6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MFuUDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA6 |access-date=31 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
* [[King Kelly]], Boston, Massachusetts Lodge #10
* [[Al Leiter]], Summit NJ Elks Lodge No. 1246
* [[Vincent Thomas Lombardi]], Green Bay Lodge #259
* [[Nick_Mangold|Nicholas Allan Mangold]], Madison NJ Lodge No. 1465
* [[Elisha Nelson Manning]], Summit NJ Elks Lodge No. 1246
* [[Knute Kenneth Rockne]], South Bend Indiana Lodge No. 235
* [[Babe Ruth]], New York, New York Lodge #1{{cn|date=June 2023}}
* [[Spec_Shea|Francis Joseph "Spec" Shea]], Naugatuck CT Lodge No. 967
* [[Monty_Stickles|Monty Anthony Stickles]], San Francisco Lodge No. 3
* [[Billy_Southworth|William Harold Southworth]], Kenton OH Lodge No. 157
* [[Honus Wagner]], Carnegie PA Lodge No. 831
* [[Dick_Weber|Richard Anthony Weber]], Florissant MO Lodge No. 2316


===Politicians===
The current requirements include belief in God, American citizenship, willingness to recite the [[Pledge of Allegiance]], willingness to salute the flag of the United States of America, willingness to support the laws and Constitution of the United States of America, being of good character and being at least 21 years of age.<ref name="More Information">{{cite web| url=http://www.elks.org/who/information.cfm|title= More Information|website=elks.org |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206013332/https://www.elks.org/who/information.cfm |archive-date= Dec 6, 2023 }}</ref> There is also a background interview conducted by the Membership Committee, who make the final recommendation to the Lodge members. The members then use a ballot box,<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/newtonfiremuseum/746573768| title=Secret Ballot Box photo}}</ref> with the back drawer first being displayed to the members to be empty, then the members drop their vote one at a time into the hole in the back, typically a white glass marble to accept or a [[Blackballing|black cube]] to reject. A 2/3 majority of member votes is necessary for acceptance.<ref>Schmidt pp. 102–103</ref>
====Presidents of the United States====<!-- Please respect numberical order -->
* [[Warren G. Harding]], 29th president of the United States, Marion, Ohio #32{{cn|date=June 2023}}
* [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]], 32nd president of the United States, Poughkeepsie, New York #275<ref name="Schmidt p.105"/>
* [[Harry S. Truman]], 33rd president of the United States, Kansas City, Missouri Lodge #26<ref name="Schmidt p.105"/>
* [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]], 34th president of the United States{{cn|date=June 2023}}
* [[John F. Kennedy]], 35th president of the United States, Boston, Massachusetts Lodge #10<ref name="Schmidt p.105"/>
* [[Gerald R. Ford]], 38th president of the United States, Grand Rapids, Michigan Lodge #48{{cn|date=June 2023}}


====Vice Presidents of the United States====<!-- Please respect alphabetical order -->
==Organization==
* [[Alben W. Barkley]], 35th vice president<ref name="Centennial Anniversary of Elkdom">{{cite book |title=Congressional Record | year=1968 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iD0keoZvrp0C&dq=%22order+of+elks%22&pg=PA3727 |access-date=30 August 2022 |pages=3726| publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office }}</ref>


====Governors====<!-- Please respect alphabetical order -->
===Headquarters===
* [[Fred P. Cone]], Florida (1937–1941)<ref name=GRAVE>{{cite web|title=Cone, Frederick Preston|url=http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/conduit-conkling.html|publisher=The Political Graveyard|access-date=February 19, 2013}}</ref>
[[File:BPOE Chicago.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|Grand Lodge in [[Chicago, Illinois]]]]
* [[David Sholtz]], [[Governor]] Florida (1933–1937), Exalted Ruler of Florida.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|date=November 10, 1932|title=Florida's Next Governor |volume=8|page=4|work=[[Sarasota Herald-Tribune]]|issue=33|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1787&dat=19321110&id=SEscAAAAIBAJ&sjid=M2QEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2797,3174607}}</ref>
The Elks' national headquarters are located in Chicago at the [[Elks National Veterans Memorial and Headquarters]], overlooking [[Lincoln Park, Chicago|Lincoln Park]], near [[Lake Michigan]]. This building was originally conceived as a memorial to the nearly 1,000 Elk brothers who were lost in [[World War I]]. The cornerstone was laid July 7, 1924, and the building was officially dedicated on July 14, 1926.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elks.org/memorial/historicalTour.cfm|title= History of the Elks National Memorial|website=elks.org |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001185604/https://www.elks.org/memorial/historicalTour.cfm |archive-date= Oct 1, 2023 }}</ref><ref>"[http://www.elks.org/memorial/ Welcome to the Elks Veterans Memorial]". ''Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks''.</ref>{{third party inline|date=January 2019}}
* [[William M. Tuck]], Danville, Virginia, Lodge #227 Governor of Virginia (1946–1950){{cn|date=June 2023}}


====Members of Congress====<!-- Please respect alphabetical order -->
The [[Rotunda (architecture)|rotunda]] displays murals and statues illustrating the Elks' four cardinal virtues: charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity. The [[friezes]] depict the "Triumphs of War" on one side and "Triumphs of Peace" on the other. The entrance is flanked by large bronze elks.<ref>Schmidt p. 104</ref>
* [[Richard E. Connell]], United States Representative representing [[New York (state)|New York]]<ref>{{cite book|title=United States Congressional Serial Set|date=1914|publisher=[[U.S. Government Printing Office]]|page=43|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KNaQxh7RG-4C&q=richard+e.+connell+catholic&pg=RA2-PA43|access-date=1 March 2018|language=en}}</ref>
* [[Bob_Ehrlich|Robert Leroy Ehrlich Jr.]], Towson MD Lodge No. 469
* [[Barry Goldwater]], United States Senator representing [[Arizona]]<ref name="Schmidt p.105"/>
* [[Tom Kean Jr.]], Summit NJ Elks Lodge No. 1246
* [[William Fife Knowland]], Oakland Lodge No. 171
* [[Warren_Magnuson|Warren Grant "Maggie" Magnuson]], Seattle Lodge No. 92
* [[Sherman_Minton|Sherman "Shay" Minton]], New Albany Indiana Lodge No. 270
* [[John Matthew Moore]], Houston Lodge, No. 151<ref>{{cite book|last1=Hardy|last2=Roberts|first1=Dermot H.|first2=Ingham S.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1uYxAQAAMAAJ|title=Historical Review of South-East Texas and the Founders Leaders and Representative Men of its Commerce, Industry and Civic Affairs|pages=607|volume=II|publisher=The Lewis Publishing Company|publication-place=Chicago|date=1910|via=Google Books}}</ref>


====Other politicians====<!-- Please respect alphabetical order -->
===Grand Lodge===
* [[Lonnie O. Aulds]], member of the [[Louisiana House of Representatives]] from 1968 to 1972, real estate developer in [[Shreveport, Louisiana]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legis.la.gov/legisdocs/members/h1812-2012.pdf |title=Membership of the Louisiana House of Representatives, 1812–2012 |publisher=Louisiana State Legislature |date=September 15, 2011 |access-date=July 8, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004235758/http://www.legis.la.gov/legisdocs/members/h1812-2012.pdf |archive-date=October 4, 2013 }}</ref>
The BPOE is organized on five levels: the national or "grand" level, the regional level, the state level, the district level and the local lodge level. The highest level is the Grand Lodge, which meets in convention annually. The Grand Lodge elects all the officers of the order, such as the Grand Exalted Ruler—the [[chief executive officer]] of the organization—Grand Secretary, Grand Esteemed Leading Knight, Grand Esteemed Loyal Knight, Grand Esteemed Lecturing Knight, Grand Treasurer, Grand [[Tyler_(Masonic)|Tiler]] (in charge of regalia), Grand Inner Guard and Grand Trustees. The three Knights assist the Grand Exalted Ruler and officiate in his absence; furthermore, the Grand Esteemed Loyal Knight acts a prosecutor in cases when an Elk is accused of an offense against the order. The Grand Trustee have general authority over assets and property owned by the order. The Grand Esquire is appointed by the Grand Exalted Ruler and organizes the Grand Lodges and serves as marshal of Elks parades. The Grand Chaplain is also appointed by the Grand Exalted Ruler.<ref>Schmidt pp. 104–105</ref>
* [[Edward Francis Blewitt]], [[Pennsylvania State Senate|Pennsylvania State Senator]] and businessman. Great-grandfather of the 46th and current [[President of the United States]], [[Joe Biden]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=O'Dowd|first1=Niall|title=Biden's Irish Roots|url=http://goballycastle.com/BidenIrishRoots.html |date=August 28, 2008 |access-date=26 April 2020|website=globallycastle.com}}</ref>
* [[Richard E. Connell]], NY Lodge No. 1
* [[Richard J. Daley]], 48th [[Mayor of Chicago]]<ref name="Schmidt p.105"/>
* [[David Dank]], member of [[Oklahoma House of Representatives]] since 2007<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.okhouse.gov/District85|title=Representative Dank, David, District 85|publisher=Oklahoma House of Representatives |access-date=August 21, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102021513/http://www.okhouse.gov/District85|archive-date=January 2, 2015}}</ref>
* [[Gilbert L. Dupré]], state representative and district court judge in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana{{cn|date=June 2023}}
* [[John_C._B._Ehringhaus|John Christoph Blucher Ehringhaus]]
* [[Fiorello Henry La Guardia]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Henry "Scoop" Jackson]], Everett WA Lodge No. 479
* [[John W. McCormack|John McCormack]], 45th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives<ref name="Centennial Anniversary of Elkdom" />
* [[A. J. Rosier]], [[Wyoming Senate|Wyoming state senator]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bartlett |first=Ichabod Sargent |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q6A-AAAAYAAJ&q=rosier |title=History of Wyoming |date=1918 |publisher=[[S. J. Clarke Publishing Company]] |volume=2 |location=Chicago |pages=55–56 |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Alfred Emanuel Smith]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Vincent Richard Impellitteri]], NY Lodge No. 1


===Military===
''Elks Magazine'' is published 10 times a year and goes to all members.<ref name="elkmag">{{cite web |url= http://www.elks.org/elksmag/default.cfm |title= Elks Magazine Online |access-date=October 17, 2008 |work=Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks }}</ref>{{third party inline|date=January 2019}}
* Captain [[Eddie Rickenbacker]]<ref>http://www.elkshistory.org/ "April 1943 Elks Magazine reported that the Life membership card of Brother Eddie Rickenbacker was featured in several national weekly magazines. This was bestowed upon him by the LA Elks on June 18, 1919"</ref>
* General [[John Joseph Pershing]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Frederick Funston]], New York Elks Lodge #1

===Entertainers===
* [[Gene Autry]], Burbank CA Lodge No. 1497
* [[Ed_Begley|Edward James Begley Sr.]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Jack Benny]]<ref name="Centennial Anniversary of Elkdom" />
* [[Irving Berlin]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Leonard Bernstein]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Bruce Lorne Campbell]], Ashland OR Lodge No. 944
* [[Jim Cramer|James Joseph Cramer]], Summit NJ Elks Lodge No. 1246
* [[Walter Cronkite Jr.]]
* [[Andy Devine]], San Fernando CA Elks Lodge No. 1539
* [[Jack_Elam|William Scott "Jack" Elam]], Ashland OR Lodge No. 944
* [[Rich_Hall|Richard Travis Hall]], Livingston MT Lodge No. 246
* [[Harry Hershfield]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Al Jolson]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Martha MacCallum]], Summit NJ Elks Lodge No. 1246
* [[Paul_Petersen|William Paul Petersen]], Gardena CA Lodge No. 1919
* [[Lawrence Welk]]<ref name="Centennial Anniversary of Elkdom" />
* [[Casey Webb]], Red Bank Lodge No. 233
* [[Tex Williams]], Santa Clarita CA Lodge No. 2379
* [[Robert_Wagner|Robert Wagner Jr.]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Rudy Vallée]], Portland ME Lodge No. 188
* [[Danny Thomas]], Toledo OH Lodge No. 53
* [[John Philip Sousa]], NY Lodge No. 1
* [[Arthur Willard Pryor]], Asbury Park Lodge No. 128

===Other===
* [[Charles Marion Russell]], Greater Falls MT Lodge No. 214
* [[Francis Joseph Spellman]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.]], New York Elks Lodge #1
</div>


===Grand Exalted Rulers===
===Grand Exalted Rulers===
This is a list of the organization's national presidents, known as the Grand Exalted Rulers (GER):
This is a list of the organization's national presidents, known as the Grand Exalted Rulers (GER):

{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
* '''''Year - GER Name; Home Lodge Name (Lodge Number)'''''
* 1871 – George J. Green / [[Charles "Charlie" White|Charles T. White]]; New York, NY (#1)
* 1871 – George J. Green / [[Charles "Charlie" White|Charles T. White]]; New York, NY (#1)
* 1872 – Joseph C. Pinckney; New York, NY (#1)
* 1872 – Joseph C. Pinckney; New York, NY (#1)
Line 132: Line 329:
* 1941 – John S. McClelland; Atlanta-Northlake, GA (#78)
* 1941 – John S. McClelland; Atlanta-Northlake, GA (#78)
* 1942 – E. Mark Sullivan; Boston, MA (#10)
* 1942 – E. Mark Sullivan; Boston, MA (#10)
* 1943 – [[Frank J. Lonergan]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1943/07/14/88556610.html?pageNumber=16|access-date=November 6, 2023|publication-date=July 14, 1943|title=Elks Elect Lonergan Grand Exalted Rule; Boston Sesion Renews War Aid Pledge|work=New York Times}}</ref>; Portland, OR (#142)
* 1943 – [[Frank J. Lonergan]];<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1943/07/14/88556610.html?pageNumber=16|access-date=November 6, 2023|publication-date=July 14, 1943|title=Elks Elect Lonergan Grand Exalted Rule; Boston Sesion Renews War Aid Pledge|work=New York Times}}</ref> Portland, OR (#142)
* 1944 – Robert S. Barrett; Alexandria, VA (#758)
* 1944 – Robert S. Barrett; Alexandria, VA (#758)
* 1945 – Wade H. Kepner; Wheeling, WV (#28)
* 1945 – Wade H. Kepner; Wheeling, WV (#28)
Line 213: Line 410:
* 2022 – Bruce A. Hidley; Watervliet-Colonie, NY (#1500)
* 2022 – Bruce A. Hidley; Watervliet-Colonie, NY (#1500)
* 2023 – Randy P. Shook; Lawrenceburg, TN (#2206)
* 2023 – Randy P. Shook; Lawrenceburg, TN (#2206)
* 2024 – Douglas A. Schiefer; Bucyrus, OH (#156)
}}
}}
Source:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.elks.org/history/pgers.cfm |title=Grand Exalted Rulers |website=elks.org |access-date=September 16, 2020}}</ref>
Source:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.elks.org/history/pgers.cfm |title=Grand Exalted Rulers |website=elks.org |access-date=September 16, 2020}}</ref>


==Tangential Organizations==
===Lodges===
===Elks State Associations===
Lodges officers are essentially the same as the ones on the national level, with "Grand" prefix removed. Lodges also may establish dinner and recreational clubs for members. In 1979, there were 2,200 lodges.<ref name="Schmidt p.105">Schmidt p. 105</ref> Lodges which are incorporated are required to be governed by a board of directors. Otherwise, the Lodge Trustees are the governing board.
The state level organizations are called "Elks State Associations"; state level officers include presidents, vice presidents, secretaries and treasurers. Generally state associations are setup to govern and control the "State Major Project".


==Activities==
===Antlers===
Despite its 1907 resolution banning any auxiliaries, the Elks at one point had a youth affiliate for young men called the Antlers. The first chapter was organized in February 1922 by San Francisco Lodge #3. The 1927 Grand Lodge approved the junior order, granting the Grand Exalted Ruler the power to permit subordinate lodges to instituted organizations for males under 21. In 1933, there were 45 local units of the Antlers with 3,584 members. However, the Antlers numbers were decimated during the [[Second World War]], with so many young men having gone off to war. Despite 86 local Antlers groups still existing in 1946, the Grand Lodge deleted all reference to them in their constitution and bylaws that year. However, some local Antlers groups were still active in 1979, according to one source.<ref>Schmidt p. 44 Schmidt's main source is "The Antlers" in James R. Nicholson and Lee A. Donaldson, ''History of the Order of Elks'' 1969. The source for the continued existence of the Antlers after 1946 was apparently an Elks official he spoke to. The text of the relevant portion of the 1907 resolution is on p. 109</ref>
===Social quarters===
[[File:Elk's Carnival, BPOE Welcome Home. - DPLA - 9eb5b1bc32bfbb14c145da76edb92894 (page 1).jpg|thumb|right|Elk's Carnival in Toledo, Ohio, 1912]]
Most Elks lodges operate a social quarters with a private bar. According to [[sociologists]] Alvin J. Schmidt and Nicholas Babchuk, members primarily joined the Elks to be "provided with entertainment, liquor, and food at reasonable rates" in the social quarters.<ref name=Schmidt>{{Cite journal |jstor = 274186|title = The Unbrotherly Brotherhood: Discrimination in Fraternal Orders|journal = Phylon|volume = 34|issue = 3|pages = 275–282|last1 = Schmidt|first1 = Alvin J.|last2 = Babchuk|first2 = Nicholas|year = 1973|doi = 10.2307/274186}}</ref>

===National charity programs===
Lodges are encouraged to participate in national Elks charity programs. There are also State Elks Associations charity programs. This usually includes a State Major Project. Elks Lodges are usually involved in other local charitable efforts.

Due to the willingness of most Elks Lodges to respond to community needs and events, it has been internally common to turn the BPOE abbreviation into a [[backronym]] for "Best People on Earth".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.elks.org/lodges/LocalNews.cfm?news_id=30469 | title = A Message From Bill Beck | first = Bill |last= Beck |work= Springfield, Illinois, Lodge #158 |publisher= Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks | quote = I will forever remember that BPOE also stands for the Best People On Earth, a line you have used often... }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elks.org/history/toast.cfm |title=The origins of The 11 O'Clock Toast |first=Mike |last=Kelly |work=B.P.O.E. Grand Lodge Historian |publisher=Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks |quote=I will forever remember that BPOE also stands for the Best People On Earth, a line you have used often... |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070112162846/http://www.elks.org/history/toast.cfm |archive-date=January 12, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.elks.org/history/hikers.cfm
|title=Elks Walk 2,223 Miles to Attend 1912 National Convention
|last=Sparks
|first=Eva
|work=Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
|quote=Four athletic young men, members of the local B.P.O.E Lodge (Best People On Earth) and employees of...
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070301231817/http://www.elks.org/history/hikers.cfm
|archive-date=March 1, 2007
}}</ref>

====Elks National Foundation====

Established in 1928, the Elks National Foundation is the charitable arm of the BPOE. The foundation, with an endowment valued at more than $750 million, has contributed more than $500 million toward Elks' charitable projects nationwide. Since inception, the Elks have received more than $288.7 million in contributions and bequests. As of the close of the 2021 fiscal year, they boast more than 120,000 active donors and an endowment fund valued at $833.1 million.<ref>Elks National Foundation, About ENF, Annual Report 2021, https://www.elks.org/ENF/background.cfm</ref>

===Veteran services===
The Elks pledge that "So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elks.org/programs/vetsprograms.cfm |title=Veterans Services |access-date=3 July 2013}}</ref> {{third party inline|date=January 2019}}
* [[Elks Veterans Memorial]] in Chicago, Illinois
* The Army of Hope, established in 2003, primarily serves families of deployed service members.<ref>[http://www.elks.org/programs/history.cfm History of veterans programs], Elks website</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Journal Entries: Saint Peter's gets $100K grant from Provident Bank | website=NJ.com | date=September 22, 2015 | url=http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2015/09/journal_entries_three_students_graduate_from_njits.html | access-date=June 10, 2016}}</ref>
* Adopt-a-Veteran Program
* Freedom Grants!
* Veterans Leather Program
* Veterans Remembrance
* Playing Cards for Veterans
* Re-Creation USA

===Youth programs===
* Elks National Foundation Scholarships
* ''Hoop Shoot'' (National free throw contest)
* [[Drug education|Drug Awareness]]
* Soccer Shoot
* ''Junior Golf Program''
* [[The Dictionary Project|Dictionary Project]]
* Youth Recognition

===Americanism===
[[File:Elks Flag Day Resolution 1919.jpg|thumb|1919 Flag Day Resolution barring membership from people perceived as [[unpatriotic]]]]
The Elks have shown their devotion to [[Americanism (ideology)|Americanism]] by conducting bond drives, promoting [[civil defense]] programs, and [[Flag Day (United States)|Flag Day]] observances. During World War II, they designated the week of March 15, 1942, as "Win the War Week", and helped recruit for the [[United States Army Air Corps]]. An "[[Elks National Service Commission]]" was in operation from 1946 to 1950, and the Grand Lodge adopted a "[[Declaration of American Principles]]" in 1961 in Miami.<ref name="Schmidt p.102">Schmidt p. 102</ref>

===Elks National Home===
The [[Elks National Home]] is a retirement home in [[Bedford, Virginia]], built in 1916. In late 2013, the Elks sold the home to a private organization.{{cn|date=June 2023}}

==Rites and traditions==
[[File:BPOE Building Ouray Colorado.jpg|right|thumb|The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks building in downtown [[Ouray, Colorado|Ouray]], [[Colorado]]]]
The Elks originally borrowed a number of rites, traditions, and regalia from the [[Freemasonry|Freemasons]]. However, by the first decade of the twentieth century, much of this had been abandoned as the Elks sought to establish their own identity. The original two degrees required for membership were consolidated into one degree in 1890, the [[Masonic apron|apron]] was discontinued in 1895, the [[secret password]] was gone in 1899, and the badges and [[secret handshake]] were abandoned by 1904.<ref name="Schmidt p.102"/>

Initiation and funeral rites still exist, however. The initiation rite is not considered a secret. The initiation involves an altar, with a Bible upon it and chaplain leading the brethren in prayers and psalms. The candidate must accept a "solemn and binding obligation" to never "reveal any of the confidential matters of the Order". He further promises to uphold the [[Constitution of the United States]], protect brother Elks and their families, only support worthy candidates for admission and never bring political or sectarian questions up into the Order. The funeral rite is called the "Lodge of Sorrow" and also involves prayers.<ref name="Schmidt p.103"/>

===The Hour of Recollection===
Deceased and otherwise absent lodge members are recalled each evening at 11 p.m. Chimes or sometimes a bell will be rung 11 times and the Lodge Esquire intones, "It is the Hour of Recollection." The Exalted Ruler or a member designated by him gives the 11 o'clock toast, of which this version is the most common:
{{Quote|sign=|source=http://www.elks.org/|You have heard the tolling of eleven strokes. This is to impress upon you that with us the hour of eleven has a tender significance. Wherever Elks may roam, whatever their lot in life may be, when this hour falls upon the dial of night, the great heart of Elkdom swells and throbs. It is the golden hour of recollection, the homecoming of those who wander, the mystic roll call of those who will come no more. Living or dead, Elks are never forgotten, never forsaken. Morning and noon may pass them by, the light of day sink heedlessly in the West, but ere the shadows of midnight shall fall, the chimes of memory will be pealing forth the friendly message: "To Our Absent Members."}}

===Communal burial===
[[File:Wiki-elks EMY1236-Edit.jpg|alt=Elks Lodge 315 burial ground|thumb|The communal burial ground and statue for Elks Lodge #315 at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Newport News, Virginia]]
The Elks have communal [[cemetery]] plots, which are often marked with impressive statuary.{{cn|date=June 2023}}

==Notable members==

<div style="-moz-column-count:2; -webkit-column-count:2; column-count:2;">

===Athletes / Sports===
* [[Michael Badgley]], Summit NJ Elks Lodge No. 1246
* [[Jon Condo]], Philipsburg PA Lodge No. 1173
* [[Dan Feeney]], Summit NJ Elks Lodge No. 1246
* [[Whitey_Ford|Edward Charles "Whitey" Ford]], Queensborough NY Lodge No. 878
* [[Will Fries]], Cranford Lodge No. 2006
* [[William Ray Guy]], Hattiesburg MS Lodge No. 599
* [[Bobby_Jones_(golfer)|Bobby Jones]], Atlanta-North Lake Lodge No. 78
* [[Willie Keeler]], Brooklyn, New York Lodge #22<ref>{{cite book |last1=Solomon |first1=Burt |title=Where They Ain't: The Fabled Life and Untimely Death of the Original Baltimore Orioles, the Team That Gave Birth to Modern Baseball |date=14 March 2000 |publisher=[[Crown Publishing Group]] |isbn=978-0-385-49882-1 |page=6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MFuUDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA6 |access-date=31 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
* [[King Kelly]], Boston, Massachusetts Lodge #10
* [[Al Leiter]], Summit NJ Elks Lodge No. 1246
* [[Vincent Thomas Lombardi]], Green Bay Lodge #259
* [[Nick_Mangold|Nicholas Allan Mangold]], Madison NJ Lodge No. 1465
* [[Elisha Nelson Manning]], Summit NJ Elks Lodge No. 1246
* [[Knute Kenneth Rockne]], South Bend Indiana Lodge No. 235
* [[Babe Ruth]], New York, New York Lodge #1{{cn|date=June 2023}}
* [[Spec_Shea|Francis Joseph "Spec" Shea]], Naugatuck CT Lodge No. 967
* [[Monty_Stickles|Monty Anthony Stickles]], San Francisco Lodge No. 3
* [[Billy_Southworth|William Harold Southworth]], Kenton OH Lodge No. 157
* [[Honus Wagner]], Carnegie PA Lodge No. 831
* [[Dick_Weber|Richard Anthony Weber]], Florissant MO Lodge No. 2316

===Politicians===
====Presidents of the United States====<!-- Please respect numberical order -->
* [[Warren G. Harding]], 29th president of the United States, Marion, Ohio #32{{cn|date=June 2023}}
* [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]], 32nd president of the United States, Poughkeepsie, New York #275<ref name="Schmidt p.105"/>
* [[Harry S. Truman]], 33rd president of the United States, Kansas City, Missouri Lodge #26<ref name="Schmidt p.105"/>
* [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]], 34th president of the United States{{cn|date=June 2023}}
* [[John F. Kennedy]], 35th president of the United States, Boston, Massachusetts Lodge #10<ref name="Schmidt p.105"/>
* [[Gerald R. Ford]], 38th president of the United States, Grand Rapids, Michigan Lodge #48{{cn|date=June 2023}}

====Vice Presidents of the United States====<!-- Please respect alphabetical order -->
* [[Alben W. Barkley]], 35th vice president<ref name="Centennial Anniversary of Elkdom">{{cite book |title=Congressional Record | year=1968 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iD0keoZvrp0C&dq=%22order+of+elks%22&pg=PA3727 |access-date=30 August 2022 |pages=3726| publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office }}</ref>

====Governors====<!-- Please respect alphabetical order -->
* [[Fred P. Cone]], Florida (1937–1941)<ref name=GRAVE>{{cite web|title=Cone, Frederick Preston|url=http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/conduit-conkling.html|publisher=The Political Graveyard|access-date=February 19, 2013}}</ref>
* [[David Sholtz]], [[Governor]] Florida (1933–1937), Exalted Ruler of Florida.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|date=November 10, 1932|title=Florida's Next Governor |volume=8|page=4|work=[[Sarasota Herald-Tribune]]|issue=33|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1787&dat=19321110&id=SEscAAAAIBAJ&sjid=M2QEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2797,3174607}}</ref>
* [[William M. Tuck]], Danville, Virginia, Lodge #227 Governor of Virginia (1946–1950){{cn|date=June 2023}}

====Members of Congress====<!-- Please respect alphabetical order -->
* [[Richard E. Connell]], United States Representative representing [[New York (state)|New York]]<ref>{{cite book|title=United States Congressional Serial Set|date=1914|publisher=[[U.S. Government Printing Office]]|page=43|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KNaQxh7RG-4C&q=richard+e.+connell+catholic&pg=RA2-PA43|access-date=1 March 2018|language=en}}</ref>
* [[Bob_Ehrlich|Robert Leroy Ehrlich Jr.]], Towson MD Lodge No. 469
* [[Barry Goldwater]], United States Senator representing [[Arizona]]<ref name="Schmidt p.105"/>
* [[Tom Kean Jr.]], Summit NJ Elks Lodge No. 1246
* [[William Fife Knowland]], Oakland Lodge No. 171
* [[Warren_Magnuson|Warren Grant "Maggie" Magnuson]], Seattle Lodge No. 92
* [[Sherman_Minton|Sherman "Shay" Minton]], New Albany Indiana Lodge No. 270

====Other politicians====<!-- Please respect alphabetical order -->
* [[Lonnie O. Aulds]], member of the [[Louisiana House of Representatives]] from 1968 to 1972, real estate developer in [[Shreveport, Louisiana]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legis.la.gov/legisdocs/members/h1812-2012.pdf |title=Membership of the Louisiana House of Representatives, 1812–2012 |publisher=Louisiana State Legislature |date=September 15, 2011 |access-date=July 8, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004235758/http://www.legis.la.gov/legisdocs/members/h1812-2012.pdf |archive-date=October 4, 2013 }}</ref>
* [[Edward Francis Blewitt]], [[Pennsylvania State Senate|Pennsylvania State Senator]] and businessman. Great-grandfather of the 46th and current [[President of the United States]], [[Joe Biden]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=O'Dowd|first1=Niall|title=Biden's Irish Roots|url=http://goballycastle.com/BidenIrishRoots.html |date=August 28, 2008 |access-date=26 April 2020|website=globallycastle.com}}</ref>
* [[Richard E. Connell]], NY Lodge No. 1
* [[Richard J. Daley]], 48th [[Mayor of Chicago]]<ref name="Schmidt p.105"/>
* [[David Dank]], member of [[Oklahoma House of Representatives]] since 2007<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.okhouse.gov/District85|title=Representative Dank, David, District 85|publisher=Oklahoma House of Representatives |access-date=August 21, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102021513/http://www.okhouse.gov/District85|archive-date=January 2, 2015}}</ref>
* [[Gilbert L. Dupré]], state representative and district court judge in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana{{cn|date=June 2023}}
* [[John_C._B._Ehringhaus|John Christoph Blucher Ehringhaus]]
* [[Fiorello Henry La Guardia]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Henry "Scoop" Jackson]], Everett WA Lodge No. 479
* [[John W. McCormack|John McCormack]], 45th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives<ref name="Centennial Anniversary of Elkdom" />
* [[A. J. Rosier]], [[Wyoming Senate|Wyoming state senator]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bartlett |first=Ichabod Sargent |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q6A-AAAAYAAJ&q=rosier |title=History of Wyoming |date=1918 |publisher=[[S. J. Clarke Publishing Company]] |volume=2 |location=Chicago |pages=55–56 |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Alfred Emanuel Smith]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Vincent Richard Impellitteri]], NY Lodge No. 1

===Military===
* Captain [[Eddie Rickenbacker]]<ref>http://www.elkshistory.org/ "April 1943 Elks Magazine reported that the Life membership card of Brother Eddie Rickenbacker was featured in several national weekly magazines. This was bestowed upon him by the LA Elks on June 18, 1919"</ref>
* General [[John Joseph Pershing]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Frederick Funston]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* General [[John Joseph Pershing]], New York Elks Lodge #1

===Entertainers===
* [[Gene Autry]], Burbank CA Lodge No. 1497
* [[Ed_Begley|Edward James Begley Sr.]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Jack Benny]]<ref name="Centennial Anniversary of Elkdom" />
* [[Irving Berlin]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Leonard Bernstein]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Bruce Lorne Campbell]], Ashland OR Lodge No. 944
* [[Jim Cramer|James Joseph Cramer]], Summit NJ Elks Lodge No. 1246
* [[Walter Cronkite Jr.]]
* [[Andy Devine]], San Fernando CA Elks Lodge No. 1539
* [[Jack_Elam|William Scott "Jack" Elam]], Ashland OR Lodge No. 944
* [[Rich_Hall|Richard Travis Hall]], Livingston MT Lodge No. 246
* [[Harry Hershfield]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Al Jolson]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Martha MacCallum]], Summit NJ Elks Lodge No. 1246
* [[Paul_Petersen|William Paul Petersen]], Gardena CA Lodge No. 1919
* [[Lawrence Welk]]<ref name="Centennial Anniversary of Elkdom" />
* [[Casey Webb]], Red Bank Lodge No. 233
* [[Tex Williams]], Santa Clarita CA Lodge No. 2379
* [[Robert_Wagner|Robert Wagner Jr.]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Rudy Vallée]], Portland ME Lodge No. 188
* [[Danny Thomas]], Toledo OH Lodge No. 53
* [[John Philip Sousa]], NY Lodge No. 1
* [[Arthur Willard Pryor]], Asbury Park Lodge No. 128

===Other===
* [[Charles Marion Russell]], Greater Falls MT Lodge No. 214
* [[Francis Joseph Spellman]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.]], New York Elks Lodge #1
* [[Charles Marion Russell]], Greater Falls MT Lodge No. 214
</div>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 396: Line 428:


{{clear}}
{{clear}}

==Notes and references==
==Notes and references==
{{notelist}}
{{notelist}}

Latest revision as of 22:07, 2 September 2024

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
AbbreviationBPOE
Founded1868; 156 years ago (1868)
FounderCharles Vivian
36-0793011[1]
Legal status501(c)(8) fraternal benefit order[1]
HeadquartersChicago, Illinois, United States
Coordinates41°55′56″N 87°38′24″W / 41.9323°N 87.6400°W / 41.9323; -87.6400
Affiliations1,928 local lodges,[2] Elks National Home and Retirement Center, Elks National Foundation, Elks National Veterans Service Commission, Elks Veterans Memorial Restoration[1]
Websitewww.elks.org

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE; also often known as the Elks Lodge or simply The Elks) is an American fraternal order founded in 1868, originally as a social club in New York City.

The communal tomb of Elks Lodge No. 30 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The fraternity currently focuses on Community, Friendship and Charity.

Membership requirements

[edit]

Candidates must be as follows: [3]

  • A citizen of the United States of America who will pledge allegiance to and salute our flag.
  • Over age of 21.
  • A believer in 'God'. A candidate will never be asked to define or qualify their belief.
  • Of good character.
  • Neither directly or indirectly participating in the activities of any group or organization, supporting or adhering to beliefs or tenets advocating the overthrow of the Government of the United States or any political subdivisions by force or violence.

Organization

[edit]

Headquarters

[edit]
Grand Lodge in Chicago, Illinois

The Elks' national headquarters are located in Chicago at the Elks National Veterans Memorial and Headquarters, overlooking Lincoln Park, near Lake Michigan. This building was originally conceived as a memorial to the nearly 1,000 Elk brothers who were lost in World War I. The cornerstone was laid July 7, 1924, and the building was officially dedicated on July 14, 1926.[4][5][third-party source needed]

The rotunda displays murals and statues illustrating the Elks' four cardinal virtues: charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity. The friezes depict the "Triumphs of War" on one side and "Triumphs of Peace" on the other. The entrance is flanked by large bronze elks.[6]

Grand Lodge

[edit]

The BPOE is organized on the national or "grand" level and the local lodge level. The Grand Lodge, which meets in convention annually. Grand Lodge members nominate and elect the following officers:

  • Grand Exalted Ruler—Similar to chief executive officer of an organization
  • Grand Secretary
  • Grand Esteemed Leading Knight
  • Grand Esteemed Loyal Knight
  • Grand Esteemed Lecturing Knight
  • Grand Treasurer
  • Grand Trustees

The three Knights assist the Grand Exalted Ruler and officiate in his absence; furthermore, the Grand Esteemed Loyal Knight acts a prosecutor in cases when an Elk is accused of an offense against the order. The Grand Trustee have general authority over assets and property owned by the order. The Grand Esquire is appointed by the Grand Exalted Ruler and organizes the Grand Lodges and serves as marshal of Elks parades. The Grand Tiler, Grand Inner Guard, and Grand Chaplain is also appointed by the Grand Exalted Ruler.[7]

Elks Magazine is published 10 times a year and goes to all members.[8][third-party source needed]

Lodges

[edit]

Lodges officers are essentially the same as the ones on the national level, with "Grand" prefix removed. Lodges also may establish dinner and recreational clubs for members. In 1979, there were 2,200 lodges.[9] Lodges which are incorporated are required to be governed by a board of directors. Otherwise, the Lodge Trustees are the governing board.

Activities

[edit]

Social quarters

[edit]
Elk's Carnival in Toledo, Ohio, 1912

Most Elks lodges operate a social quarters with a private bar. According to sociologists Alvin J. Schmidt and Nicholas Babchuk, members primarily joined the Elks to be "provided with entertainment, liquor, and food at reasonable rates" in the social quarters.[10]

National charity programs

[edit]

Lodges are encouraged to participate in national Elks charity programs. There are also State Elks Associations charity programs. This usually includes a State Major Project. Elks Lodges are usually involved in other local charitable efforts.

Due to the willingness of most Elks Lodges to respond to community needs and events, it has been internally common to turn the BPOE abbreviation into a backronym for "Best People on Earth".[11][12][13]

Elks National Foundation

[edit]

Established in 1928, the Elks National Foundation is the charitable arm of the BPOE. The foundation, with an endowment valued at more than $750 million, has contributed more than $500 million toward Elks' charitable projects nationwide. Since inception, the Elks have received more than $288.7 million in contributions and bequests. As of the close of the 2021 fiscal year, they boast more than 120,000 active donors and an endowment fund valued at $833.1 million.[14]

Veteran services

[edit]

The Elks pledge that "So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them."[15] [third-party source needed]

  • Elks Veterans Memorial in Chicago, Illinois
  • The Army of Hope, established in 2003, primarily serves families of deployed service members.[16][17]
  • Adopt-A-Veteran Program[18]
  • Freedom Grants to serve veterans and/or military members in need of support or services.
  • Veterans Leather Program
  • Veterans Remembrance
  • Playing Cards for Veterans
  • Re-Creation USA

Youth programs

[edit]

Americanism

[edit]

The Elks have shown their devotion to Americanism by conducting bond drives, promoting civil defense programs, and Flag Day observances. During World War II, they designated the week of March 15, 1942, as "Win the War Week", and helped recruit for the United States Army Air Corps. An "Elks National Service Commission" was in operation from 1946 to 1950, and the Grand Lodge adopted a "Declaration of American Principles" in 1961 in Miami.[21]

Rites and traditions

[edit]
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks building in downtown Ouray, Colorado

Initiation and funeral rites still exist, however. The initiation rite is not considered a secret. The initiation involves an altar, with a Bible upon it and chaplain leading the brethren in prayers and psalms. The candidate must accept a "solemn and binding obligation" to never "reveal any of the confidential matters of the Order". He further promises to uphold the Constitution of the United States, protect brother Elks and their families, only support worthy candidates for admission and never bring political or sectarian questions up into the Order. The funeral rite is called the "Lodge of Sorrow" and also involves prayers.[22]

The Hour of Recollection

[edit]

Deceased and otherwise absent lodge members are recalled each evening at 11 p.m. Chimes or sometimes a bell will be rung 11 times and the Lodge Esquire intones, "It is the Hour of Recollection." The Exalted Ruler or a member designated by him gives the 11 o'clock toast, of which this version is the most common:

You have heard the tolling of eleven strokes. This is to impress upon you that with us the hour of eleven has a tender significance. Wherever Elks may roam, whatever their lot in life may be, when this hour falls upon the dial of night, the great heart of Elkdom swells and throbs. It is the golden hour of recollection, the homecoming of those who wander, the mystic roll call of those who will come no more. Living or dead, Elks are never forgotten, never forsaken. Morning and noon may pass them by, the light of day sink heedlessly in the West, but ere the shadows of midnight shall fall, the chimes of memory will be pealing forth the friendly message: "To Our Absent Members."

— http://www.elks.org/

Memorial for "Absent Members"

[edit]

The Lodge offers Funeral Services to members who pass. This usually is available upon request. Details for this ceremony can be found in the "Rituals of Special Services" manual. Many Lodges have a memorial in their building or in their Lodge room, dedicated to their absent members.

Communal burial

[edit]
Elks Lodge 315 burial ground
The communal burial ground and statue for Elks Lodge #315 at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Newport News, Virginia

The Elks have communal cemetery plots, which are often marked with impressive statuary.[citation needed]

History

[edit]

The Elks was established by actor Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian – a British expatriate and member of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes – in New York City on February 16, 1868.[23] Organized as a club for minstrel show performers, the impetus for the group's founding was the death of a fellow actor to disease due to a paucity of funds for treatment and a desire to organize communal support for fellow actors in need.[24][25]

Founded as the "Jolly Corks", by December of 1868 it had adopted the name Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.[23]

By 1890, 173 lodges had been established throughout the United States.[25]

In 1976, the Elks had 1,611,139 members.[22] As of June 2020, it claimed to have more than 750,000 members.[3]

Elks Mutual Benefit Association

[edit]

Like many other fraternal orders, the Elks at one point sponsored an insurance fund. The Elks Mutual Benefit Association (EMBA) was founded in 1878. At the 1885 Grand Lodge, it was reported that the EMBA was prosperous, but its finances were carelessly managed. The Association was disbanded after the 1907 Grand Lodge passed a resolution banning mutual or insurance features, as well as degrees and auxiliaries.[26]

Elks National Home

[edit]

The Elks National Home is a retirement home in Bedford, Virginia, built in 1916. In late 2013, the Elks sold the home to a private organization.[citation needed]

Origin of the Slogan "Hello Bill!"

[edit]

The slogan "Hello Bill!" was coined during the Elks' National Re-Union in Minneapolis in 1897. William Goddard of Minneapolis Lodge No. 44 became known for this greeting as visiting Elks were frequently directed to him with phrases like "Go see Billy Goddard." This led to visitors greeting him with "Hello Bill!" The phrase quickly spread among attendees and became a lasting tradition within the Elks community.[27]

The slogan was used as a personal greeting and welcoming elks to the different national re-unions. This can be seen in many historic photos. [28][29][30]

Ritual

[edit]

The Elks originally borrowed a number of rites, traditions, and regalia from the Freemasons. However, by the first decade of the twentieth century, much of this had been abandoned as the Elks sought to establish their own identity. The original two degrees required for membership were consolidated into one degree in 1890, the apron was discontinued in 1895, the secret password was gone in 1899, and the badges and secret handshake were abandoned by 1904.[21]

Controversies

[edit]

Throughout American history, many Elks lodges have been criticized for excluding African-Americans, Jews, Italians, women, atheists, and others from membership. The Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World was founded in 1897 due to the exclusion of African-Americans from the BPOE.[31][32]

1919 Flag Day Resolution barring membership from people perceived as unpatriotic
Wikisource has original text related to this article:

In 1919, a "Flag Day resolution" was passed, barring membership to even passive sympathizers of the Bolsheviks, Anarchists, the I.W.W., or kindred organizations, or who does not give undivided allegiance to" the flag and constitution of the United States.

In 1979, the qualifications for membership included being male, at least 21 years old, of sound mind and body, a citizen of the United States and not a member of the Communist Party.

Desegregation

[edit]

In 1962, the Anti-Defamation League supported the decision by New York Elks Lodge No. 1 to eliminate their "Caucasians Only" membership criteria and expressed support for extending the BPOE's membership to other minority groups as well. A 1956 ADL study showed that nearly 15% of BPOE lodges in the survey excluded Jewish people from membership. Some lodges banned Jews from membership while other lodges made it difficult for Jews to become members.[33]

In 1972, the Elks expelled the head of the Ridgewood lodge, Richard J. Zelenka, because of his advocacy against the Elks' discriminatory policies which limited membership to white men.[34][35] By the following year, however, a resolution to repeal the discriminatory clause of the national constitution passed, desegregating the organization.[36][37]

In Beynon v. St. George-Dixie Lodge 1743 (1993),[38] the Utah Supreme Court ruled that while freedom of association allowed the Elks to remain a men-only organization, "the Elks may not avail itself of the benefits of a liquor license and the license's concomitant state regulation" as long as it violated the Utah State Civil Rights Act. Faced with losing their liquor licenses if they did not admit women, the Elks Lodges of Utah voted to become unisex in June 1993,[39] which was followed by a vote at the Elks National Convention in July 1995[40] to remove the word "male" from the national membership requirements.

Notable members

[edit]

Athletes / Sports

[edit]

Politicians

[edit]

Presidents of the United States

[edit]

Vice Presidents of the United States

[edit]

Governors

[edit]

Members of Congress

[edit]

Other politicians

[edit]

Military

[edit]

Entertainers

[edit]

Other

[edit]

Grand Exalted Rulers

[edit]

This is a list of the organization's national presidents, known as the Grand Exalted Rulers (GER):

  • Year - GER Name; Home Lodge Name (Lodge Number)
  • 1871 – George J. Green / Charles T. White; New York, NY (#1)
  • 1872 – Joseph C. Pinckney; New York, NY (#1)
  • 1874 – James W. Powell; Philadelphia, PA (#2) / Henry P. O'Neil; New York, NY (#1)
  • 1876 – Frank Girard; New York, NY (#1)
  • 1878 – George R. Maguire; Philadelphia, PA (#2)
  • 1879 – Charles E. Davies; Chicago, IL (#4) / Louis C. Waehner; New York, NY (#7)
  • 1880 – Thomas E. Garrett; St Louis, MO (#9)
  • 1882 – John J. Tindale; New York, NY (#1)
  • 1883 – Edwin A. Perry; Boston, MA (#10)
  • 1884 – Henry S. Sanderson; New York, NY (#1)
  • 1885 – Daniel A. Kelly; Baltimore, MD (#7)
  • 1886 – William E. English; Indianapolis, IN (#13)
  • 1887 – Hamilton E. Leach; Washington, DC (#15)
  • 1889 – Simon Quinlin; Chicago, IL (#4)
  • 1890 – Simon Quinlin; Chicago, IL (#4)
  • 1891 – Edwin B. Hay; Washington, DC (#15)
  • 1892 – Edwin B. Hay; Washington, DC (#15)
  • 1893 – Astley Apperly; Louisville, KY (#8)
  • 1894 – Edwin B. Hay; Washington, DC (#15)
  • 1895 – William G. Meyers; Philadelphia, PA (#2)
  • 1896 – Meade D. Detweiler; Harrisburg, PA (#12)
  • 1897 – Meade D. Detweiler; Harrisburg, PA (#12)
  • 1898 – John Galvin; Cincinnati, OH (#5)
  • 1899 – B.M. Allen; Birmingham, AL (#79)
  • 1900 – Jerome B. Fisher; Jamestown, NY (#263)
  • 1901 – Charles E. Pickett; Waterloo, IA (#290)
  • 1902 – George P. Cronk; Omaha, NE (#39)
  • 1903 – Joseph T. Fanning; Indianapolis, IN (#13)
  • 1904 – Wm. J. O'Brien, Jr.; Baltimore, MD (#7)
  • 1905 – Robert W. Brown; Louisville, KY (#8)
  • 1906 – Henry A. Melvin; Oakland, CA (#171)
  • 1907 – John K. Tener; Charleroi, PA (#494)
  • 1908 – Rush L. Holland; Colorado Springs, CO (#309)
  • 1909 – J.U. Sammis; LeMars, IA (#428)
  • 1910 – August Herrmann; Cincinnati, OH (#5)
  • 1911 – John P. Sullivan; New Orleans, LA (#30)
  • 1912 – Thomas B. Mills; Superior, WI (#403)
  • 1913 – Edward Leach; New York, NY (#1)
  • 1914 – Raymond Benjamin; Napa, CA (#832)
  • 1915 – James R. Nicholson; Springfield, MA (#61)
  • 1916 – Edward Rightor; New Orleans, LA (#30)
  • 1917 – Fred Harper; Lynchburg, VA (#321)
  • 1918 – Bruce A. Campbell; Fairview Heights, IL (#664)
  • 1919 – Frank L. Rain; Fairbury, NE (#1203)
  • 1920 – Wm. M. Abbott; San Francisco, CA (#3)
  • 1921 – W. W. Mountain; Flint, MI (#222)
  • 1922 – J.E. Masters; Charleroi, PA (#494)
  • 1923 – James G. McFarland; Watertown, SD (#838)
  • 1924 – John G. Price; Columbus-Grove City, OH (#37)
  • 1925 – William H. Atwell; Dallas, TX (#71)
  • 1926 – Charles H. Grakelow; Philadelphia, PA (#2)
  • 1927 – John F. Malley; Springfield, MA (#61)
  • 1928 – Murray Hulbert; New York, NY (#1)
  • 1929 – Walter P. Andrews; Atlanta-Northlake, GA (#78)
  • 1930 – Lawrence H. Rupp; Allentown, PA (#130)
  • 1931 – John R. Coen; Sterling, CO (#1336)
  • 1932 – Floyd E. Thompson; Moline, IL (#556)
  • 1933 – Walter F. Meier; Seattle, WA (#92)
  • 1934 – Michael F. Shannon; Los Angeles, CA (#99)
  • 1935 – James T. Hallinan; Brooklyn Queensborough, NY (#878)
  • 1936 – David Sholtz; Daytona Beach, FL (#1141)
  • 1937 – Charles Spencer Hart; Mt Vernon, NY (#842)
  • 1938 – Edward J. McCormick; Toledo, OH (#53)
  • 1939 – Henry C. Warner; Dixon, IL (#779)
  • 1940 – Joseph G. Buch; Trenton, NJ (#105)
  • 1941 – John S. McClelland; Atlanta-Northlake, GA (#78)
  • 1942 – E. Mark Sullivan; Boston, MA (#10)
  • 1943 – Frank J. Lonergan;[52] Portland, OR (#142)
  • 1944 – Robert S. Barrett; Alexandria, VA (#758)
  • 1945 – Wade H. Kepner; Wheeling, WV (#28)
  • 1946 – Charles E. Broughton; Sheboygan, WI (#299)
  • 1947 – L. A. Lewis; Anaheim, CA (#1345)
  • 1948 – George I. Hall; Lynbrook, NY (#1515)
  • 1949 – Emmett T. Anderson; Tacoma, WA (#174)
  • 1950 – Joseph B. Kyle; Hobart, IN (#1152)
  • 1951 – Howard R. Davis; Williamsport, PA (#173)
  • 1952 – Sam Stern; Fargo, ND (#260)
  • 1953 – Earl E. James; Oklahoma City, OK (#417)
  • 1954 – William J. Jernick; Nutley, NJ (#1290)
  • 1955 – John L. Walker; Roanoke, VA (#197)
  • 1956 – Fred L. Bohn; Zanesville, OH (#114)
  • 1957 – H. L. Blackledge; Kearney, NE (#984)
  • 1958 – Horace R. Wisely; Salinas, CA (#614)
  • 1959 – W. S. Hawkins; Coeur D Alene, ID (#1254)
  • 1960 – John E. Fenton; Lawrence, MA (#65)
  • 1961 – William A. Wall; West Palm Beach, FL (#1352)
  • 1962 – Lee A. Donaldson; Etna, PA (#932)
  • 1963 – Ronald J. Dunn; Oneida, NY (#767)
  • 1964 – Robert G. Pruitt; Atlanta, GA (#1635)
  • 1965 – R. Leonard Bush; Inglewood, CA (#1492)
  • 1966 – Raymond C. Dobson; Minot, ND (#1089)
  • 1967 – Robert E. Boney; Las Cruces, NM (#1119)
  • 1968 – Edward W. McCabe; Nashville-Franklin, TN (#72)
  • 1969 – Frank Hise; Corvallis, OR (#1413)
  • 1970 – Glenn Miller; Logansport, IN (#66)
  • 1971 - E. Gene Fournace; Newark, OH (#391)
  • 1972 - Francis Smith; Sioux Falls, SD (#262)
  • 1973 - Robert Yothers; Seattle, WA (#92)
  • 1974 - Gerald Strohm; Fresno, CA (#439)
  • 1975 - Willis McDonald; New Orleans, LA (#30)
  • 1976 - George Klein; Lincoln, NE (#80)
  • 1977 - Homer Huhn, Jr.; Mount Pleasant, PA (#868)
  • 1978 - Leonard Bristol; Saranac Lake, NY (#1508)
  • 1979 - Robert Grafton; North Palm Beach, FL (#2069)
  • 1980 - H. Foster Sears; Macomb, IL (#1009)
  • 1981 - Raymond Arnold; Jackson, MI (#113)
  • 1982 – Marvin M. Lewis; Brawley, CA (#1420)
  • 1983 - Kenneth Cantoli; Hasbrouck Heights, NJ (#1962)
  • 1984 - Frank Garland; Centralia-Chehalis, WA (#2435)
  • 1985 - Jack Traynor; Devils Lake, ND (#1216)
  • 1986 - Peter Affatato; Hicksville, NY (#1931)
  • 1987 - Ted Callicott; Paris, TN (#816)
  • 1988 - Robert Sabin; Des Plaines, IL (#1526)
  • 1989 - Donald Dapelo; Coalinga, CA (#1613)
  • 1990 – James W. Damon; John Day, OR (#1824)
  • 1991 – Lester C. "Ted" Hess, Jr.; Wheeling, WV (#28)
  • 1992 – Vincent Collura; Lincoln, NE (#80)
  • 1993 – Charles F. Williams; Plano-Richardson, TX (#2485)
  • 1994 – Kenneth L. Moore; Corona, CA (#2045)
  • 1995 – Edward Mahan; Framingham, MA (#1702)
  • 1996 – Gerald L. Coates; Greensboro, NC (#602)
  • 1997 – Carlon M. O'Malley; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA (#109)
  • 1998 – C. Valentine Bates; Gainesville, FL (#990)
  • 1999 – James C. Varenhorst; Ludington, MI (#736)
  • 2000 – Dwayne E. Rumney; Willmar, MN (#952)
  • 2001 – Arthur Mayer, Jr.; Bergenfield, NJ (#1477)
  • 2002 – Roger R. True; Tri-Cities, WA (#2755)
  • 2003 – Amos A. McCallum; Biddeford-Saco, ME (#1597)
  • 2004 – James M. McQuillan; Ogallala, NE (#1760)
  • 2005 – Louis James Grillo; Stockton, CA (#218)
  • 2006 – Arthur H. "Jack" Frost, III; Oak Ridge, TN (#1684)
  • 2007 – F. Louis Sulsberger; Flora, IL (#1659)
  • 2008 – Paul D. Helsel; Newark, DE (#2281)
  • 2009 – James L. Nichelson; Ohio River Valley, OH (#231)
  • 2010 – Michael F. Smith; Plant City, FL (#1727)
  • 2011 – David R. Carr; Ticonderoga, New York (#1494)
  • 2012 – Thomas S. Brazier; Santa Cruz, California (#824)
  • 2013 – Millard C. Pickering; Sapulpa, Oklahoma (#1118)
  • 2014 – John D. Amen; Denver, Colorado (#17)
  • 2015 – Ronald L. Hicks; Fredericksburg, VA (#875)
  • 2016 – Michael F. Zellen; Saugus-Everett, MA (#642)
  • 2017 – Malcolm J. McPherson Jr.; Lyndhurst, NJ (#1505)
  • 2018 – Michael T. Luhr; Petersburg, AK (#1615)
  • 2019 – Robert L. Duitsman; Culver City, CA (#1917)
  • 2020 – Paul R. Ryan; Willmar, MN (#952)
  • 2021 – T. Keith Mills; Caldwell, ID (#1448)
  • 2022 – Bruce A. Hidley; Watervliet-Colonie, NY (#1500)
  • 2023 – Randy P. Shook; Lawrenceburg, TN (#2206)
  • 2024 – Douglas A. Schiefer; Bucyrus, OH (#156)

Source:[53]

Tangential Organizations

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Elks State Associations

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The state level organizations are called "Elks State Associations"; state level officers include presidents, vice presidents, secretaries and treasurers. Generally state associations are setup to govern and control the "State Major Project".

Antlers

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Despite its 1907 resolution banning any auxiliaries, the Elks at one point had a youth affiliate for young men called the Antlers. The first chapter was organized in February 1922 by San Francisco Lodge #3. The 1927 Grand Lodge approved the junior order, granting the Grand Exalted Ruler the power to permit subordinate lodges to instituted organizations for males under 21. In 1933, there were 45 local units of the Antlers with 3,584 members. However, the Antlers numbers were decimated during the Second World War, with so many young men having gone off to war. Despite 86 local Antlers groups still existing in 1946, the Grand Lodge deleted all reference to them in their constitution and bylaws that year. However, some local Antlers groups were still active in 1979, according to one source.[54]

See also

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Notes and references

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  1. ^ a b c "Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax". Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Guidestar. May 31, 2014.
  2. ^ "Local Lodges". Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Accessed on March 18, 2016.
  3. ^ a b "More Information". elks.org. Archived from the original on December 6, 2023.
  4. ^ "History of the Elks National Memorial". elks.org. Archived from the original on October 1, 2023.
  5. ^ "Welcome to the Elks Veterans Memorial". Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
  6. ^ Schmidt p. 104
  7. ^ Schmidt pp. 104–105
  8. ^ "Elks Magazine Online". Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Retrieved October 17, 2008.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Schmidt p. 105
  10. ^ Schmidt, Alvin J.; Babchuk, Nicholas (1973). "The Unbrotherly Brotherhood: Discrimination in Fraternal Orders". Phylon. 34 (3): 275–282. doi:10.2307/274186. JSTOR 274186.
  11. ^ Beck, Bill. "A Message From Bill Beck". Springfield, Illinois, Lodge #158. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. I will forever remember that BPOE also stands for the Best People On Earth, a line you have used often...
  12. ^ Kelly, Mike. "The origins of The 11 O'Clock Toast". B.P.O.E. Grand Lodge Historian. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Archived from the original on January 12, 2007. I will forever remember that BPOE also stands for the Best People On Earth, a line you have used often...
  13. ^ Sparks, Eva. "Elks Walk 2,223 Miles to Attend 1912 National Convention". Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Archived from the original on March 1, 2007. Four athletic young men, members of the local B.P.O.E Lodge (Best People On Earth) and employees of...
  14. ^ Elks National Foundation, About ENF, Annual Report 2021, https://www.elks.org/ENF/background.cfm
  15. ^ "Veterans Services". Retrieved July 3, 2013.
  16. ^ History of veterans programs, Elks website
  17. ^ "Journal Entries: Saint Peter's gets $100K grant from Provident Bank". NJ.com. September 22, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  18. ^ Adopt-A-Veteran Program, Elks website.
  19. ^ Most Valuable Student, Elks website.
  20. ^ Hoop Shoot, Elks website.
  21. ^ a b Schmidt p. 102
  22. ^ a b Schmidt p. 103
  23. ^ a b Booker, Robert (February 12, 2018). "Investigating the history of the Elks organization". Knoxville News-Sentinel. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  24. ^ "Elks Founder Dies. J. M. Norcross, Minstrel, 84, Was Last Signer of Lodge Charter". The New York Times. March 1, 1925. Retrieved January 27, 2015.
  25. ^ a b Branch, Zoe (April 15, 2019). "The Rich History of McMenamins Elks Temple". South Sound Magazine. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  26. ^ Schmidt pp. 108–109 Schmidt's main source is James R. Nicholson and Lee A. Donaldson, History of the Order of Elks 1969. He also cites back issues of the proceedings
  27. ^ Origin of Hello Bill, Elks History Project
  28. ^ Elks Club float on Pattee Street, Montana State Library
  29. ^ Bunting on S. 8th , Library Search
  30. ^ 1939 Elks Roundup Parade,Stockbridge Collection
  31. ^ Harper, Brad (December 26, 2018). "Black Elks Lodge members want to unite historic community". Montgomery Advertiser. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  32. ^ "Elks Now Open to Women". The New York Times. The Associated Press. October 1, 1995. Archived from the original on January 14, 2024. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  33. ^ "New York Elks Ask Grand Lodge to Discontinue Admission Restrictions". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. April 30, 1962. Archived from the original on January 14, 2024. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  34. ^ Kandell, Jonathan (March 13, 1972). "Elks Dismiss Opponent Of Their All-White Rule". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
  35. ^ Pfefferkorn, Michael (1988). "The Ability of Voluntary Associations to Control Membership through Expulsion Comment". Saint Louis University Public Law Review. 7: 209.
  36. ^ Enstad, Frober (July 20, 1973). "Elks open source to blacks". Chicago Tribune. p. 12.
  37. ^ Meehan, Thomas (August 13, 1972). "The other July convention". The New York Times.
  38. ^ "Beynon v. St. George–Dixie Lodge 1743".
  39. ^ "Elks Must Admit Women or Lose Liquor License".
  40. ^ "Elks Lodges Vote on Whether to Admit Women".
  41. ^ Solomon, Burt (March 14, 2000). Where They Ain't: The Fabled Life and Untimely Death of the Original Baltimore Orioles, the Team That Gave Birth to Modern Baseball. Crown Publishing Group. p. 6. ISBN 978-0-385-49882-1. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  42. ^ a b c d Congressional Record. U.S. Government Printing Office. 1968. p. 3726. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  43. ^ "Cone, Frederick Preston". The Political Graveyard. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
  44. ^ "Florida's Next Governor". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Vol. 8, no. 33. November 10, 1932. p. 4.
  45. ^ United States Congressional Serial Set. U.S. Government Printing Office. 1914. p. 43. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  46. ^ Hardy, Dermot H.; Roberts, Ingham S. (1910). Historical Review of South-East Texas and the Founders Leaders and Representative Men of its Commerce, Industry and Civic Affairs. Vol. II. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company. p. 607 – via Google Books.
  47. ^ "Membership of the Louisiana House of Representatives, 1812–2012" (PDF). Louisiana State Legislature. September 15, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 4, 2013. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  48. ^ O'Dowd, Niall (August 28, 2008). "Biden's Irish Roots". globallycastle.com. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
  49. ^ "Representative Dank, David, District 85". Oklahoma House of Representatives. Archived from the original on January 2, 2015. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
  50. ^ Bartlett, Ichabod Sargent (1918). History of Wyoming. Vol. 2. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Publishing Company. pp. 55–56.
  51. ^ http://www.elkshistory.org/ "April 1943 Elks Magazine reported that the Life membership card of Brother Eddie Rickenbacker was featured in several national weekly magazines. This was bestowed upon him by the LA Elks on June 18, 1919"
  52. ^ "Elks Elect Lonergan Grand Exalted Rule; Boston Sesion Renews War Aid Pledge". New York Times. July 14, 1943. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  53. ^ "Grand Exalted Rulers". elks.org. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
  54. ^ Schmidt p. 44 Schmidt's main source is "The Antlers" in James R. Nicholson and Lee A. Donaldson, History of the Order of Elks 1969. The source for the continued existence of the Antlers after 1946 was apparently an Elks official he spoke to. The text of the relevant portion of the 1907 resolution is on p. 109
  • Kelly, Mike. "Name That Elk". elks.org. Archived from the original on August 14, 2007. Although the original Elks were actors and entertainers, members of other professions soon joined the organization. Today's Elks represent just about the full spectrum of occupations in America.
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