Examine individual changes

'{{Redirect|Elks|the animal|Elk|the Canadian counterpart see|Elks of Canada|other uses|Elks (disambiguation)}} {{Refimprove|date=August 2013}} [[File:BPOE logo.png|thumb|right|Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks]] The '''Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks''' ('''BPOE'''; also often known as the '''Elks Lodge''' or simply '''The Elks''') is an American [[fraternal order]] and [[social club]] founded in 1868. It is one of the leading fraternal orders in the U.S., claiming nearly one million members.<ref name="elkmag">{{cite web |url= http://www.elks.org/elksmag/default.cfm |title= Elks magazine online |accessdate=2008-10-17 |work= |publisher= }}</ref> ==History== The Elks had modest beginnings in 1868 as a social club for [[minstrel show]] performers, called the "Jolly Corks".<ref name= minstrel/> It was established as a private club to elude [[New York City]] laws governing the opening hours of public taverns. After the death of a member left his wife and children without income, the club took up additional service roles, rituals and a new name. Desiring to adopt "a readily identifiable creature of stature, indigenous to America," fifteen members voted 8–7 in favor of the [[elk]] above the [[American bison|buffalo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elks.org/about/buffalo.cfm|title=Why not buffaloes|publisher=Elks website}}</ref> Early members were mostly from theatrical performing troupes in New York City. It has since evolved into a major American [[fraternal organization|fraternal]], charitable, and service order with more than a million members, both men and women, throughout the United States and the former territories of the Philippines and the Panama Canal.<ref>{{cite web| title = Lodge Locator| url = http://www.elks.org/lodges/| work = Elks Official Website| publisher = The Elks| accessdate = 8 August 2011| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/1312942103225585| archivedate = August 10, 2011<!--DashBotWC-->}}</ref> ==Membership== The BPOE was originally an all white organization. In the early 1970s this policy led the Order into conflict with the courts over its refusal to allow African Americans the use of its club and leisure activities. In nearly all instances, the all whites clause was made public after someone was denied the use of the Elks' dining or leisure facilities. The clause was revoked at the Grand Lodge of 1976, with the proviso that it could be reinstated if the law allowed. However, some noted that the revocation would probably have little impact, as the Elks used the [[Blackballing|blackball]] system to accept members, and at least three votes in a lodge were necessary to deny an applicant membership.<ref>Schmidt pp.102&ndash;3</ref> {{Wikisource|Flag Day Resolution}} In 1919 a "Flag Day resolution" was passed, barring membership to even passive sympathizers "of the [[Bolsheviki]], [[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, 21 years old, of sound mind and body, a citizen of the United States and not a member of the [[Communist Party USA|Communist Party]]. Belief in a [[Supreme Being]] has been a prerequisite for membership since 1892. The word "[[God]]" was substituted for Supreme Being in 1946.<ref>Schmidt pp.103&ndash;4</ref> The current requirements include a belief in God, [[American citizenship]], [[good moral character]] and being over 21.<ref name="More Information">[http://www.elks.org/who/information.cfm More Information]</ref> In 1976 the BPOE had 1,611,139 members.<ref name="Schmidt p.103">Schmidt p.103</ref> Currently, it has 850,000 members.<ref name="More Information"/> ===Women=== The Elks have traditionally been an all male fraternal order. Unlike many other male orders, it has never had an official [[female auxiliary]], after passing a resolution in 1907 that ruled "There shall be no branches or degrees of membership in the Order, nor any insurance or mutual features, nor shall there be other adjuncts of auxiliaries".<ref>Schmidt, Alvin J. ''Fraternal Organizations'' Westport, CT; Greenwood Press p.109</ref> The Elks enforced this resolution through at least the 1970s. Nevertheless, several unofficial female auxiliaries were created: the [[Emblem Club]], the [[Lady Elks]] and the [[Benevolent, Patriotic Order of Does]]. The Lady Elks appear only to exist on the local level and varies from place to place with regard to its activities. There also does not appear to be any published or printed ritual.<ref>Schmidt p.202</ref> More organized are the Benevolent, Patriotic Order of Does who were founded on chartered on February 12, 1921. This organization does have an organization above the local level, complete with districts, state organizations and a national "Grand Lodge".<ref>[http://www.bpodoes.org/AboutUs.asp Grand Lodge, Benevolent, Patriotic Order of Does &ndash; It's History and Organization ]</ref> The Does also have a written secret ritual based on the [[Magnificat of Mary]] and which makes reference to [[St. Paul]]'s [[First Epistle to the Corinthians]] [[1 Corinthians 13|Chapter 13]], emphasizing love and charity.<ref>Schmidt p.93</ref> The Emblem Club was founded in 1926, with a ritual written by a male Elk. It also has a national organization with local Clubs, State Association and a national Supreme Club of the United States.<ref>Schmidt pp.109&ndash;10</ref> Women were permitted to join in the mid-1990s. The opening of membership to women was mandated by the [[Oregon Public Accommodations Act]], which was found by an [[appeals court]] to apply to the BPOE, and it has been speculated that the religious restriction might be litigated on the same basis.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/margie_boule/index.ssf?/base/living/120354811026870.xml&coll=7&thispage=1|title=The last bias: Elks lodge bans woman because she's an atheist|author=Margaret Boule|date=2008-02-24|work=The Oregonian}}</ref> A year after the national organization changed its policy to allow women to join, the [[Vermont Supreme Court]] ordered [[punitive damages]] of $5,000 for each of seven women whom a local chapter had rejected citing other reasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2008/03/27/88576.htm|title=Vermont Supreme Court Upholds Fraternal Club Sex Bias Ruling|author=John Curran|date=2008-03-28}}</ref> ==Structure and 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]], over looking [[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 the [[First World War]]. The cornerstone was laid July 7, 1924 and the building was officially dedicated on July 14, 1926.<ref>[http://www.elks.org/memorial/historicalTour.cfm History of the Elks Veterans Memorial]</ref><ref>[http://www.elks.org/memorial/ Welcome to the Elks Veterans Memorial]</ref> The [[Rotunda (architecture)|rotunda]] displays mural and statues illustrating the Elks four cardinal virtues of charity,justice, brotherly love and fidelity. The [[friezes]] depict the "Triumphs of War" on 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 three levels: the national or "grand" level, the state level and the local lodge. 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 [[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.104–5</ref> The local lodges are known by their lodge number and the name of the city in which they are located. For example, the first Lodge, located in New York City, is Lodge 1, while the Lodge in [[Nashville, Tennessee]] is Lodge 72. When a Lodge is closed, its number is retired, but if re-instituted at a later time, the city name and lodge number can be reinstated by the Grand Lodge.{{citation needed|date=August 2013}} Elks Magazine is published 10 times a year and goes to all members.<ref name="elkmag"/> ===State Associations and Lodges=== The state level organizations are called "State Associations"; state level officers include presidents, vice presidents, secretaries and treasurers. Local groups are called "Subordinate 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> ===Local Lodge Officers=== ====Chair Officers==== * Exalted Ruler * Esteemed Leading Knight * Esteemed Loyal Knight * Esteemed Lecturing Knight ====Other Lodge Officers==== * Esquire * Inner Guard * Secretary * Treasurer * Tiler * Chaplain * Trustee (5 yr.) * Trustee (4 yr.) * Trustee (3 yr.) * Trustee (2 yr.) * Trustee (1 yr.) ====Financial and legal governing==== Lodges which are incorporated are required to be governed by a Board of Directors. Otherwise the Board of Trustees are the governing board. The Board of Directors consist of the Chaired Officers and the Trustees. This committee has the following powers: (a) control of the funds, investments and real and personal property of the Lodge, (b) execute all leases, contracts or other papers. ====Social club management and supervision==== Lodges may choose in their bylaws between 4 options of governing their club facilities. # Exalted Ruler, Esteemed Leading Knight, Esteemed Loyal Knight, Esteemed Lecturing Knight, and the Trustees of the Lodge # Board of Trustees of the Lodge # By a House Committee (of not less than 3 or more than 13) to be appointed by the Exalted Ruler of the Lodge # Board of Directors of a corporation consisting of Chaired Officer and Trustees ====Past Exalted Ruler's Association==== Past Exalted Rulers are not considered officers, but rather a valuable advisory resource. A Lodge's Past Exalted Ruler's Association usually meets monthly, and current officers are encouraged to seek counsel from the men and women who have led Lodges in previous years. ===Elks Mutual Benefit Association=== Like many other fraternal orders, the Elks at one point sponsored an insurance fund. The Elks Mutual Benefit Association 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.108–9 Schmidts 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> ===Antlers=== Despite its 1907 resolution banning auxiliary, 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 unites of the Antlers with 3,584 members. However, the Antlers numbers were decimated during the [[Second World War]], with so many young men going 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 Schmidts 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> ==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 is 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 = in A Message From Bill Beck | accessdate = | author = Bill Beck, of Springfield, IL Lodge #158 | authorlink = | coauthors = | date = | year = | month = | format = | work = | publisher = | pages = | language = | archiveurl = | archivedate = | 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 = from "The origins of The 11 O'Clock Toast" | accessdate = | author = by Mike Kelly, B.P.O.E. Grand Lodge Historian | authorlink = | coauthors = | date = | year = | month = | format = | work = | publisher = elks.org | pages = | language = | archiveurl = | archivedate = | 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/hikers.cfm | title = Elks Walk 2,223 Miles to Attend 1912 National Convention | accessdate = | last = Sparks | first = Eva | authorlink = | coauthors = | date = | year = | month = | format = | work = | publisher = elks.org | pages = | language = | archiveurl = | archivedate = | quote = "Four athletic young men, members of the local B.P.O.E Lodge (Best People On Earth) and employees of..." }}</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 $400 million, has contributed $253.5 million toward Elks' charitable projects nationwide. ===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 |deadurl=no |accessdate=3 July 2013}}</ref> * [[Elks Veterans Memorial]] in Chicago IL * [[Army of Hope]] * 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 * [[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]] observance. During [[World War II]], they designated the week of March 15, 1942 "Win the War Week" and helped recruit for the [[United States Army Air Corps]]. An "[[Elks National Service Commission]]" was in operation from 1946–1950, and the Grand Lodge adopted a "[[Declaration of American Principles]]" in 1961 in Miami.<ref name="Schmidt p.102">Schmidt p.102</ref> ===Community investment program=== * Impact Grants * Promise Grants ===Elks National Home=== The [[Elks National Home]] is a retirement home in [[Bedford, Virginia]] built in 1916. ==Rituals and traditions== [[File:BPO Elks, Trinidad, CO IMG 5026.JPG|right|thumb|The Elks building in downtown [[Trinidad, Colorado|Trinidad]], [[Colorado]]]] [[File:Elks Bldg., Idaho Springs, CO IMG 5414.JPG|right|thumb|Another Elks building in [[Idaho Springs, Colorado|Idaho Springs]], Colorado]] The Elks originally borrowed a number of rituals, 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 [[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 rituals 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" 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|You have heard the tolling of eleven strokes. This is to remind you that with Elks, 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, an Elk is never forgotten, never forsaken. Morning and noon may pass them by, the light of day sink heedlessly into 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.<ref>http://www.elks.org/history/toastarchive.cfm</ref>}} ===Communal burial=== An interesting physical artifact of the order is the number of communal [[cemetery]] plots once favored by the group. Often these are marked with impressive statuary. ==Famous Elks== {{div col|colwidth=30em}} ===Military=== * General [[Dwight D Eisenhower]] * General [[Frederick Funston]] * General [[James M. Gavin]] * General [[Douglas MacArthur]] * General [[George S. Patton]] * General [[John Pershing]] * 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> * [[Rough Rider]] [[Henry Nash]] * Captain [[Harry Noah Robbin]] ===Politicians=== ====Presidents of the United States==== * [[Warren G. Harding]], Marion, Ohio #32 * [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]], Poughkeepsie, New York #275<ref name="Schmidt p.105">Schmidt p.105</ref> * [[Harry S. Truman]], Kansas City, Missouri Lodge #26<ref name="Schmidt p.105"/> * [[John F. Kennedy]], Boston, Massachusetts Lodge #10<ref name="Schmidt p.105"/> * [[Gerald R. Ford]], Grand Rapids, Michigan Lodge #48 ====Governors==== * [[Louis Lincoln Emmerson]] Mt Vernon IL – Lodge #819 * [[Robert Ehrlich]], Towson, Maryland, Lodge #469 * [[Joseph Flores (Guamanian politician)|Joseph Flores]] * [[Daniel Jackson Evans]], [[Governor]] [Washington] The Seattle Elks Lodge #92 * [[Albert Rosellini]], [[Governor]] [Washington] * [[Goodwin Knight]], [[Governor]] [California] * [[William M. Tuck]], Danville, Virginia, Lodge #227 Governor of Virginia (1946–1950) ====Members of Congress==== * [[Carl Albert]] – [[United States House of Representatives|United States Representative]] representing [[Oklahoma (U.S. state)|Oklahoma]] [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]] * [[Edward L. Bartlett]] – [[United States Senate|United States Senator]] representing [[Alaska (U.S. state)|Alaska]] * [[Hale Boggs]] – [[United States House of Representatives|United States Representative]] representing [[Louisiana (U.S. state)|Louisiana]] * [[Harry P. Cain]] – [[United States Senate|United States Senator]] representing [[Washington (U.S. state)|Washington]] * [[Walter Evans Edge]] – [[United States Senate|United States Senator]] representing [[New Jersey]] & United States Ambassador to France * [[Tom Foley]] – [[United States House of Representatives|United States Representative]] representing [[Washington (U.S. state)|Washington]] [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]] * [[Barry Goldwater]] – [[United States Senate|United States Senator]] representing [[Arizona]]<ref name="Schmidt p.105"/> * [[Henry M. Jackson]] – [[United States Senate|United States Senator]] representing [[Washington (U.S. state)|Washington]] Everett Elks Lodge #479 * [[William F. Knowland]] – [[United States Senate|United States Senator]] representing [[California (U.S. state)|Californian]] Oakland Elks Lodge #171 * [[Warren G. Magnuson]] – [[United States Senate|United States Senator]] representing [[Washington (U.S. state)|Washington]] The Seattle Elks Lodge #92 * [[John W. McCormick|John McCormick]] – [[United States House of Representatives|United States Representative]] representing [[Massachusetts]] [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]] * [[Frank Murkowski]] – [[United States Senate|United States Senator]] representing [[Alaska (U.S. state)|Alaska]] * [[Tip O'Neill]] – [[United States House of Representatives|United States Representative]] representing [[Massachusetts]] [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]] * [[Sam Rayburn]] – [[United States House of Representatives|United States Representative]] representing [[Texas (U.S. state)|Texas]] [[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives]] * [[L. Mendel Rivers]] – [[United States House of Representatives|United States Representative]] representing [[South Carolina (U.S. state)|South Carolina]] * [[Jim Saxton]] – [[United States House of Representatives|United States Representative]] representing [[New Jersey (U.S. state)|New Jersey]] * [[Arthur H. Vandenberg]] – [[United States Senate|United States Senator]] representing [[Michigan (U.S. state)|Michigan]] * [[Thomas L. Reilly]] – United States House of Representatives representing [[Connecticut (U.S. state)|Connecticut]] from 1910–1915, Past Grand Esteemed Leading Knight 1917 Boston * [[William M Tuck]] Member Danville Lodge #227. US House of Representatives representing 5th District of Virginia. (1953–1969) * [[W.C. "Dan" Daniel]] Member Danville Lodge #227. US House of representatives representing 5th District of Virginia (1969–1988) ====Other politicians==== * [[Lonnie O. Aulds]], member of the [[Louisiana House of Representatives]] from 1968 to 1972, real estate developer in [[Shreveport, Louisiana|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=legis.la.gov|accessdate=July 8, 2013}}</ref> * [[Armand Brinkhaus]], member of both houses of the Louisiana State Legislature from [[St. Landry Parish]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acadianmuseum.com/legends.php?viewID=188|title=Living Legends: Armand Brinkhaus|publisher=acadiamuseum.com|accessdate=May 23, 2014}}</ref> * [[Overton Brooks]], member of the [[United States House of Representatives]] from [[Louisiana's 4th congressional district]], based in Shreveport * [[Mack Cleveland]], member of both houses of the [[Florida State Legislature]] from 1953 to 1965; attorney from [[Sanford, Florida|Sanford]], [[Florida]] * [[Richard Daley]]{{disambiguation needed|date=April 2014}}, [[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=okhouse.gov|accessdate=August 21, 2013}}</ref> * [[Gilbert L. Dupré]], state representative and district court judge in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=132676391|title=Gilbert Louis Dupre|publisher=''St. Landry Trade Review''|date=December 1896|accessdate=March 7, 2015}}</ref> * [[John W. Grabiel]], [[Fayetteville, Arkansas|Fayetteville]] lawyer, Arkansas Republican gubernatorial nominee in 1922 and 1924 * [[Robert Grant (Kansas politician)|Robert Grant]], [[Kansas House of Representatives]] * [[Gerry E. Hinton]], former Louisiana State Senator * [[Robert F. Wagner, Jr.]], Mayor of [[New York City]]; Past Exalted Ruler of New York Lodge No. 1 * [[Percy Saint]], [[Attorney General of Louisiana]] * [[Charles Plummer]], Alameda County Sheriff * [[James Record]], Alabama State Senator * [[Charles F. Smith, Jr.]], Wisconsin State Senator * [[Zelma Wyche]], Louisiana mayor and civil rights activist * [[J. M. Whorton]], [[Missouri House of Representatives]] * [[Thomas Z. Morrow]], one of twenty-eight men who founded the Kentucky Republican Party * [[Ryan Kiesel]], [[Oklahoma House of Representatives]] * [[Charles Langford]], Alabama state senator who represented [[Rosa Parks]] in the famous civil rights case of the 1960s * [[Frank W. Parker]], American judge who served on the [[New Mexico Supreme Court]] for 35 years * [[David Roberts (mayor)|David Roberts]], Mayor of [[Hoboken, New Jersey|Hoboken]], New Jersey * [[James Keller (Minnesota politician)|James Keller]], member of the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] and the [[Minnesota Senate]] * [[Joe Fine]], Major of [[Marquette, Michigan]] * [[Jason Glennon Crowell]], [[Missouri Senate]] * [[Ron Richard]], [[Missouri House of Representatives]] * [[Dan W. Gray]], Mayor of [[San Jose, California]] * [[Joseph Poindexter]], [[Governor of Hawaii|Territorial Governor of Hawaii]] * [[Robert A. Costa]], [[Maryland House of Delegates]] * [[James W. Newman]], [[Ohio House of Representatives]], [[Ohio Senate]], and was [[Ohio Secretary of State]] * [[Philip Willkie]], [[Indiana House of Representatives]] * [[Lloyal Randolph]], [[Maryland House of Delegates]] * [[Charles W. Lyon]], [[California State Senate]] * [[Richard A. Sossi]], [[Maryland House of Delegates]] * [[Percy Saint]], [[Louisiana House of Representatives]] * [[Parley P. Christensen]], Utah and California politician, Esperantist * [[George M. Borg]], Wisconsin State Senator * [[Isaac P. Witter]], Wisconsin State Senator * [[Gary R. Goyke]], Wisconsin State Senator * [[Charles A. Barnard (Wisconsin)|Charles A. Barnard]], Wisconsin State Assemblyman * [[Charles L. Valentine]], Wisconsin State Assemblyman * [[Michael J. Barron]], Wisconsin State Assemblyman * [[John P. Dobyns]], Wisconsin State Assemblyman * [[William T. Sullivan]], Wisconsin State Assemblyman ===Businesspeople=== * [[Dave Beck]], President [[International Brotherhood of Teamsters]], Past Exalted Ruler, The Seattle Elks Lodge #92 1928–1929 * [[Caleb Bradham]], Inventor [[Pepsi Cola]], Past Exalted Ruler New Bern, NC #764 * [[Jack Christian]], Automobile dealer, former [[Mayor]]/President of [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge]], [[Louisiana]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lahistory.org/site20.php|title=Christian, John "Jack"|publisher=[[Louisiana Historical Association]], ''A Dictionary of Louisiana Biography'' (lahistory.org)|accessdate=December 23, 2010}}</ref> * [[Jim Cramer]] * [[Julius Curtis Lewis, Jr.]] * [[Gordon L. Park]], [[Chevron Oil Company]] manager and former member of the [[Wyoming House of Representatives]] * [[Andrew Querbes]], [[Shreveport, Louisiana|Shreveport]] [[mayor of Shreveport, Louisiana|mayor]] and banker/planter * [[Samuel Lapham VI]], architect * [[Edward Everett Cox]], newspaper publisher * [[Henry Frank]], early [[Montana]] businessman and political figure * [[Andrew Jackson Zilker]], political figure and [[philanthropist]] in Austin, Texas ===Entertainers=== * [[Gail Edwards]], actor * [[Lawrence Welk]], band leader * [[Will Rogers]], comedian * [[Jack Benny]], comedian * [[Edward Arnold (actor)|Edward Arnold]], actor * [[Andy Devine]], Past Exalted Ruler of San Fernando, California, Lodge No. 1539 * [[Clint Eastwood]], Monterey, California, Lodge No. 1285 * [[Gene Autry]], Burbank, CA Lodge No. 1497 * [[Arthur Lyman]], band leader, Honolulu Elks Lodge #616 * [[William F. Cody]] (Buffalo Bill) * [[Donald O'Connor]], actor * [[Buster Keaton]] * [[Billy Barty]] * [[Richard Moll]] * [[Tim Moore (comedian)|Tim Moore]], comedian (vaudeville) * [[Nathaniel Carl Goodwin]], vaudeville entertainer * [[Nat M. Wills]], vaudeville entertainer * [[Randall Parrish]], author * [[Charles Hale Hoyt]], dramatist * [[Daniel Sully]], actor and playwright ===Sports figures=== * [[Honus Wagner]] * [[Bobby Jones (golfer)|Bobby Jones]], Atlanta GA Lodge #78 * [[Vince Lombardi]] * [[Casey Stengel]] * [[Mickey Mantle]] * [[Whitey Ford]] * [[Zack Wheat]] * [[Petros Papadakis]], San Pedro, California, Lodge No. 966 * [[Joe Glenn (American football)|Joe Glenn]], football player * [[Jim Finks]] * [[King Kelly]] * [[Katy Easterday]] * [[Eddie Blair]], early professional football player with the [[Latrobe Athletic Association]] * [[Willis Glassgow]], early professional football player * [[Ace Parker]], NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback and MLB Player, Portsmouth-Chesapeake Lodge No. 82 * [[Babe Ruth]], was initiated into New York Lodge #1 at home plate with over 1000 brothers as witnesses. Feb 13, 1928 <ref>{{cite news|title=Babe Ruth Made An Elk|url=http://images.rarenewspapers.com/ebayimgs/10.77.2010/image062.jpg|newspaper=New York Times|date=Feb 13, 1928}} * [[Dick Weber (Bowler)|Dick Weber]], Florissant Mo. Lodge #2316 </ref> ===Other influential people=== * [[C.E. Byrd]], prominent educator in Louisiana<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.elks.org/about/celebrity.cfm | title = Name That Elk | accessdate = | last = Kelly | first = Mike | authorlink = | coauthors = | date = | year = | month = | format = | work = | publisher = elks.org | pages = | language = | archiveurl = | archivedate = | quote = "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." }}</ref> {{div col end}} ==In popular culture== In ''[[Babbitt (novel)|Babbitt]]'', by Sinclair Lewis, the main character, George Babbitt, is an active member of the Elks. Canadian indie rock group [[The Weakerthans]] have a song entitled "Psalm for the Elks Lodge Last Call". The song "Brotherhood of Man" in [[How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying]] mentions the Elks. ==Founders== * [[Joseph M. Norcross]].<ref name= minstrel>{{cite news |author= |coauthors= |title=Elks Founder Dies. J. M. Norcross, Minstrel, 84, Was Last Signer of Lodge Charter |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9807E1D81739E333A25752C0A9659C946495D6CF |quote= |newspaper=[[New York Times]] |date=March 1, 1925 |accessdate=2015-01-27 }}</ref> ==National Convention sites & presiding Grand Exalted Rulers== The first Grand Lodge meeting was held on February 12, 1871 at 114–116 East 13th Street New York City, NY. The Grand Lodge Officers were, George J. Green elected to preside, E.G. Browne as Secretary and Hugh P. O'Neil, Fernando Pastor, J. C. Pinckney, S.K. Spencer, Claude Goldie, Henry P. O'Neil, A.H. Mulligan and Antonio "Tony" Pastor in other offices.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.paelks.com/files/1871.htm | title = THE HISTORY OF THE PENNSYLVANIA ELKS STATE ASSOCIATION | accessdate = 2011-04-26 | last = Haas | first = Ralph | quote = first Grand Lodge meeting. Held on that date at 114–116 East 13th Street in New York City}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.elks.org/lodges/LodgePages.cfm?LodgeNumber=1078&ID=9155 | title = Facts and Dates about the Elks | accessdate = 2011-04-26 | quote = On Feb. 12, 1871, Claude Goldie received a New York State Charter for the B.P.O.E.'s New York Lodge No. 1, and the first Grand Lodge meeting was called to order at 4:15 PM at 114–116 East 13th St. in New York City.}}</ref><ref name="Past Grand Exalted Rulers">{{cite web |url=http://www.elks.org/who/history/pgers.cfm |title=Past GERs |deadurl=no |accessdate=3 July 2013}}</ref> {{div col|colwidth=25em}} * '''Year: Convention Site, Grand Exalted Ruler''' * 1871: No Convention, George J. Green * 1871: No Convention, Charles T. White * 1872: No Convention, Joseph C. Pinckney * 1874: No Convention, James W. Powell * 1874: No Convention, Henry P. O'Neil * 1876: No Convention, Frank Girard * 1878: No Convention, George R. Maguire * 1879: No Convention, Charles E. Davies * 1879: No Convention, Louis C. Waehner * 1880: No Convention, Thomas E. Garrett * 1882: No Convention, John J. Tindale * 1883: No Convention, Edwin A. Perry * 1884: No Convention, Henry S. Sanderson * 1885: No Convention, Daniel A. Kelly * 1886: No Convention, William E. English * 1887: No Convention, Hamilton E. Leach * 1889: No Convention, Simon Quinlin * 1890: Cleveland OH, Simon Quinlin * 1891: Louisville KY, Edwin B. Hay * 1892: Buffalo NY, Edwin B. Hay * 1893 :Detroit MI, Astley Apperly * 1894: Atlantic City NJ, Edwin B. Hay * 1895: Atlantic City NJ, William G. Meyers * 1896: Cincinnati OH, Meade D. Detweiler * 1897: Minneapolis MN, Meade D. Detweiler * 1898: New Orleans LA, John Galvin * 1899: St. Louis MO, B.M. Allen * 1900: Atlantic City NJ, Jerome B. Fisher * 1901: Milwaukee WI, Charles E. Pickett * 1902: Salt Lake City UT, George P. Cronk * 1903: Baltimore MD, Joseph T. Fanning * 1904: Cincinnati OH, Wm. J. O'Brien, Jr. * 1905: Buffalo NY, Robert W. Brown * 1906: Denver CO, Henry A. Melvin * 1907: Philadelphia PA, John K. Tener * 1908: Dallas TX, Rush L. Holland * 1909: Los Angeles CA, J.U. Sammis * 1910: Detroit MI, Aug. Herrmann * 1911: Atlantic City NJ, John P. Sullivan * 1912: Portland OR, Thomas B. Mills * 1913: Rochester NY, Edward Leach * 1914: Denver CO, Raymond Benjamin * 1915: Los Angeles CA, James R. Nicholson * 1916: Baltimore MD, Edward Rightor * 1917: Boston MA, Fred Harper * 1918: Atlantic City NJ, Bruce A. Campbell * 1919: Atlantic City NJ, Frank L. Rain * 1920: Chicago IL, Wm. M. Abbott * 1921: Los Angeles CA, W. W. Mountain * 1922: Atlantic City NJ, J.E. Masters * 1923: Atlanta GA, James G. McFarland * 1924: Boston MA, [[John G. Price]] * 1925: Portland OR, William H. Atwell * 1926: Chicago IL, Charles H. Grakelow * 1927: Cincinnati OH, John F. Malley * 1928: Miami FL, Murray Hulbert * 1929: Los Angeles CA, Walter P. Andrews * 1930: Atlantic City NJ, Lawrence H. Rupp * 1931: Seattle WA, John R. Coen * 1932: Birmingham AL, Floyd E. Thompson * 1933: Milwaukee WI, Walter F. Meier * 1934: Kansas City MO, Michael F. Shannon * 1935: Columbus OH, James T. Hallinan * 1936: Los Angeles CA, David Sholtz * 1937: Denver CO, Charles Spencer Hart * 1938: Atlantic City NJ, Edward J. McCormick * 1939: St. Louis MO, Henry C. Warner * 1940: Houston TX, Joseph G. Buch * 1941: Philadelphia PA, John S. McClelland * 1942: Omaha NE, E. Mark Sullivan * 1943: Boston MA, Frank J. Lonergan * 1944: Chicago IL, Robert S. Barrett * 1945: New York NY, Wade H. Kepner * 1946: New York NY, Charles E. Broughton * 1947: Portland OR, L. A. Lewis * 1948: Philadelphia PA, George I. Hall * 1949: Cleveland, OH, Emmett T. Anderson * 1950: Miami FL, Joseph B. Kyle * 1951: Chicago IL, Howard R. Davis * 1952: New York NY, Sam Stern * 1953: St. Louis MO, Earl E. James * 1954: Los Angeles CA, William J. Jernick * 1955: Philadelphia PA, John L. Walker * 1956: Chicago IL, Fred L. Bohn * 1957: San Francisco CA, H. K. Blackledge * 1958: New York NY, Horace R. Wisely * 1959: Chicago IL, W. S. Hawkins * 1960: Dallas TX, John E. Fenton * 1961: Miami Beach FL, William A. Wall * 1962: Chicago IL, Lee A. Donaldson * 1963: San Francisco CA, Ronald J. Dunn * 1964: New York NY, Robert G. Pruitt * 1965: Miami Beach FL, R. Leonard Bush * 1966: Dallas TX, Raymond C. Dobson * 1967: Chicago IL, Robert E. Boney * 1968: New York NY, Edward W. McCabe * 1969: Dallas TX, Frank Hise * 1970: San Francisco CA, Glenn Miller * 1971: New Orleans LA, E. Gene Fournace * 1972: Atlantic City NJ, Francis Smith * 1973: Chicago IL, Robert Yothers * 1974: Miami Beach FL, Gerald Strohm * 1975: Dallas TX, Willis McDonald * 1976: Chicago IL, George Klein * 1977: New Orleans LA, Homer Huhn, Jr. * 1978: San Diego CA, Leonard Bristol * 1979: Dallas TX, Robert Grafton * 1980: New Orleans LA, H. Foster Sears * 1981: Las Vegas NV, Raymond Arnold * 1982: Chicago IL, Marvin Lewis * 1983: Honolulu HI, Kenneth Cantoli * 1984: Houston TX, Frank Garland * 1985: Seattle WA, Jack Traynor * 1986: Denver CO, Peter Affatato * 1987: Atlanta GA, Ted Callicott * 1988: Las Vegas NV, Robert Sabin * 1989: New Orleans LA, Donald Dapelo * 1990: Las Vegas NV, James Damon * 1991: St. Louis MO, Lester Hess, Jr. * 1992: Dallas TX, Vincent Collura * 1993: Portland OR, Charles Williams * 1994: Chicago IL, Kenneth Moore * 1995: New Orleans LA, Edward Mahan * 1996: Las Vegas NV, Gerald Coates * 1997: Chicago IL, Carlon O'Malley * 1998: Anaheim CA, C. Valentine Bates * 1999: Kansas City MO, James C. Varenhorst * 2000: Dallas TX, Dwayne E. Rumney * 2001: Philadelphia PA, Arthur Mayer, Jr. * 2002: Reno NV, Roger R. True * 2003: St. Louis MO, Amos A. McCallum * 2004: Minneapolis MN, James M. McQuillan * 2005: Reno NV, Louis James Grillo * 2006: Orlando FL, Arthur H. Frost III * 2007: Charlotte NC, F. Louis Sulsberger * 2008: Anaheim CA, Paul D. Helsel * 2009: Portland OR, James L. Nichelson * 2010: Orlando FL, Michael F. Smith * 2011: Phoenix AZ, David R. Carr * 2012: Austin TX, Thomas S. Brazier * 2013: Reno NV, Millard C. Pickering * 2014: New Orleans LA, John D. Amen * 2015: Indianapolis IN, * 2016: Houston TX, * 2017: Reno NV, * 2018: San Antonio, TX * 2019: Saint Louis, MO * 2020: Baltimore, MD {{div col end}} ==See also== * [[List of Elks buildings]] * [[Army of Hope]] * [[Elks of Canada]] ==References== {{reflist|30em}} ==External links== {{commons category}} * {{official site|http://www.elks.org/}} * [http://www.elkshistory.org/ An unofficial site but a unique collection of images and articles illustrating early Elkdom] {{DEFAULTSORT:Elks}} [[Category:Fraternal service organizations]] [[Category:Organizations based in the United States]] [[Category:Organizations established in 1868]] [[Category:1868 establishments in the United States]] [[Category:Elks (fraternal order)]]'