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The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America
Overview
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America is one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the country. Since its inception in 1868, the Order of Elks has grown to include nearly 1.2 million men and women in almost 2,200 communities.
The BPO Elks is committed to the ideals of charity and patriotism. To that end, Elks have now disbursed over the Order's 132 years more than $2.69 billion in cash, goods, and services to the nation's youth, its veterans, the disadvantaged and handicapped, and in support of patriotic and civic programs. In the 1998-99 fiscal year alone, the BPO Elks expended in such fashion over $160 million, and the Order ranks as one of the largest private providers of college scholarships in the nation, second only to the federal government.
The Elks have created a quiet network of good deeds that has profoundly changed millions of lives for the better, yet there is little public awareness of the impact of their vital work. Why is this so? Quite simply, the Elks have rarely sought recognition, neither have they gone to the general public with fund-raising efforts nor received monies from any level of government. Indeed, the flow of money and goods moves in the opposite direction: the Elks donated to the government the first veterans hospital; contribute regularly to schools and police and fire departments; and assist the young and the needy throughout this great nation.
How could this powerful force have come into being? And where does all this charitable giving come from? From the generous hearts of Elks members whose willingness to share, whose prudent long-term planning, and whose time devoted to serve--for free and with enthusiasm--infuses the Order with an exuberant and enduring expression of the true volunteer spirit.
Of note is that the elected leadership of the BPO Elks--from the Exalted Rulers of the local Lodges to the national president, known as the Grand Exalted Ruler, and other decision-makers at the various levels--serve without salaries.
The organization of the Elks is democratic representation, with overall statutes set through voting at national conventions. The BPO Elks national headquarters is based in Chicago. The Chicago campus is also the site of the Elks Veterans Memorial Building; the home of the Elks National Foundation, the Order's charitable trust; the Elks National Veterans Service Commission; and The Elks Magazine, the official publication that is sent to every member of the Order.
How It All Began
The moving spirit for the Elks was an Englishman named Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian. Born October 22, 1842, this son of a clergyman was a successful comic singer and dancer in the music halls of London. In November 1867, Vivian arrived in New York City to try his fortune.
Other actors and entertainers soon gravitated toward his magnetic personality, and soon this group dubbed themselves the Jolly Corks, a name derived from a practical joke of the time.
When one of their members died shortly before Christmas in 1867, leaving his wife and children destitute, the Jolly Corks decided that in addition to good fellowship, they wanted to have a more enduring organization to serve those in need. On February 16, 1868, they established the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Its social activities and benefit performances increased the popularity of the new Order. Membership grew rapidly. Elks traveling to other cities spread the word of the Brotherhood of Elks. Soon there were requests for Elks Lodges in cities other than New York. In response to these appeals, the Elks asked the New York State legislature for a charter authorizing the establishment of a Grand Lodge with the power to establish local Lodges anywhere in the United States. When the Grand Lodge Charter was issued, the founders then received the first local charter as New York Lodge No. 1 on March 10, 1871.
Over the years, the mission has been consistent, and the membership has become more inclusive. Today's guidelines for membership are that the candidate be invited to join, be a citizen of the United States, and believe in God.
The legacy of Charles Vivian continues to this day. As long as there are those who need help, the Elks will be there to give aid and comfort.
The Elks and Youth
Of everything that the Elks do, perhaps nothing is more important than their work with the country's youth. The efforts of the Elks on behalf of the young--in Scouting and scholarships, sponsoring athletic and artistic endeavors, youth camps, and drug awareness programs--sow the seeds of accomplishment and commitment that benefit the nation. The work and generosity of the Elks help today's youth become tomorrow's scientists, industrialists, academics, artists, athletes, and much more.
In the 1940s, the Elks made a commitment to "lay a solid foundation for the future; building the moral and physical character of American boys and girls, the leaders of tomorrow." Since then, the Elks have done much to fulfill that self-charged responsibility--and not for fanfare or publicity, but simply because they knew it was the right thing to do.
Youth Activities
In many communities, Elks Lodges sponsor Scout troops, offering the Lodge as a meeting place and also providing equipment. Lodges also support Boys and Girls Clubs; 4-H programs; youth athletics and arts programs, including Little League, football and soccer teams, debate and speech programs, fine arts contests, and other local youth organizations.
One of the Order's most impressive youth programs is the Elks "Hoop Shoot" National Free Throw Contest. With more than 3 million participants annually, ages 8-13, the odds of making it to the championship round of the Elks "Hoop Shoot" are more than 40,000 to 1. The odds of capturing one of the six national titles that are up for grabs each year are more than 500,000 to one!
At an Elks "Hoop Shoot" Free Throw Contest, boys and girls in one of three age-groups, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, attempt to sink 25 free throws--10 in the first round, 15 in the second, with ties being resolved by five-shot shoot-offs. The competition's fierce, but fun. And that's one reason that the Elks "Hoop Shoot" has grown, since 1946, from a local youth activity at Corvallis, Oregon, Elks Lodge to the largest coeducational sports program in the country. The Elks also conduct a “Soccer Shoot Out” contest along the same lines with local, state, regional and national level competition.
Handicapped Youth
Nationally and locally, the Elks have worked diligently to better the lives of handicapped youngsters. The Order has a long history of supporting Special Olympics events, donating special equipment and supplies to the families of disabled children, sponsoring the treatment and research of many illnesses that affect children, and arranging for medical personnel to provide free in-home therapy services.
Drug Awareness
The BPO Elks, both at the local level and through its national Elks Drug Awareness Education program, has done stellar work in informing the nation's youth and their parents about the dangers associated with using illegal substances, tobacco products, and alcohol. Since 1983, the Elks have distributed more than 150 million pieces of educational literature to students, educators, and parents. But besides their educational efforts, the Elks work with other organizations and agencies to provide youth with healthy and safe alternatives to using drugs and alcohol. Local Lodges sponsor drug- and alcohol-free post prom and graduation parties and dances as well as a host of other activities. The Elks also provide financial support to law enforcement agencies for their efforts to curb the growth of drug use and encourage children and young adults to make healthier decisions.
Youth and Americanism
Every year the Elks sponsor an Americanism essay contest for students in two divisions, 5th & 6th grade and 7th & 8th grade. The subject is different year to year. In the past we have had essays on “What Is An American?”, “Why I’m Proud To Say The Pledge Of Allegiance?”, etc. The local Lodge grades the essays and awards the top students in an open Lodge meeting, inviting the families and teachers to attend. The best three essays in each division gets sent to the District for further judging. The best three in each division are then is sent to the State Association. If an essay places in the top three, the student receives a US Savings Bond, and their essay is submitted to The Grand Lodge, where the top three in each division receive a US Savings Bond.
Scholarships and Grants
With monies from local Lodges and from the national organization, the Elks typically donate around $8 million in scholarships each year. On the local and national level, Elks award scholarships and grants to Boy and Girl Scouts; exemplary high school seniors through the Elks "Most Valuable Student" scholarship program; the children of Elks, through the Elks Legacy Awards and Emergency Education Fund Grants; and the disadvantaged. The Elks rank as one of the largest providers of college scholarships in the United States.
The Presidents' Summit for America's Future--America's Promise
In the spring of 1997, the BPOE publicly announced its current goals for laying a solid foundation for the leaders of tomorrow, making several pledges to America's Promise: The Alliance for Youth. One of the pledges was to commit $34.9 million a year in support of Scouting, athletic programs, and other youth organizations and programs by the year 2000. Each year since the Order has surpassed that goal, which is due in large part to the efforts of local Lodges. Another one of the commitments made by the Order to America's Promise was to pledge to commit $12.1 million a year in aid and treatment for children with disabilities as well as in drug education and prevention programs by 2000, and this goal was exceeded long before 2000. The BPOE had also pledged to commit $6.5 million a year in scholarships by the year 2000, another goal surpassed.
Celebrating Our Youth
Like no other fraternal organization, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is committed to celebrating the accomplishments of the country's youths. The first week in May each year, the Order holds its Elks National Youth Week, recognizing young people for their involvement with and achievements in the community. Traditionally, the Elks present awards and plaques to outstanding youngsters during this week, in addition to hosting programs, similar to the ones that are held all year, that provide youths with even greater chances to play an active role in their communities.
From sponsorships of youth fairs, career nights, student government days, athletic and educational programs, clubs, scouting troops, and much more, the Elks truly are making a difference in the lives of so many young people. It's this caring commitment that makes the BPOE the fraternal organization most actively engaged in promoting strong and healthy futures for young people.
Remembering Our Nation's Veterans
Since 1917, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has demonstrated its compassion for the veterans of our armed forces through a number of programs and activities. The Elks realize that in every state, city, town, and village in our nation there is a hospital, nursing home, or VA medical center that houses a living veteran deserving utmost respect. And that is why the Order made a pledge in 1946 that "So long as there are veterans in our hospitals, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them."
While visiting VA medical centers, many Elks choose to entertain veterans by hosting coffee and ward socials, magic shows, musical concerts, games, bingo, or an afternoon an evening of movies. Often, Elks members demonstrate their compassion and gratitude for veterans in the simplest of ways--reading to a blind veteran who sacrificed his sight in defense of the nation or by listening to the stories that a veteran has to tell. While visiting VA medical centers, the Order not only entertains veterans but frequently provides much-needed supplies and equipment to the hospitals and a wide range of smaller amenities to the veterans. Some items that are perennial favorites for the Elks to give these brave men and women are greeting cards for holidays, birthdays, and all other occasions; envelopes, stationery, and first-class postage; lap robes, slippers, and toiletry items; books, recent issues of pictorial magazines, and crossword puzzles; occupational and manual-art supplies, including hides from the Elks Veterans Leather Program; board games; jigsaw puzzles; fishing and golf supplies; small appliances like radios, hot-air popcorn poppers, and televisions; and homemade cookies and pastries.
Local Lodges that aren't close to a VA medical center make sure that they remember veterans residing in nursing homes throughout their community. These veterans, like the ones residing in VA facilities, are often "adopted" by the Elks and invited on fishing trips, sightseeing tours, golf outings, ball games, or to the Lodge for lunch or dinner. Veterans often are honored guests at a lodge's holiday and special events.
The Order's history of caring for veterans is something for which every Elk is proud, and that pride shows permanently in the Elks Veterans Memorial, an awe-inspiring monument on Chicago's lakefront. Dedicated in 1926 to the memory of those who had fought in World War I, the memorial was rededicated in honor of the men who served in World War II. Rededication’s followed in 1976 for the patriots of the Korean War and Vietnam, and in 1994 for the men and women who have served in all of our nation's conflicts since.
The Elks and Patriotism
Since the earliest days of the Order, patriotism has been among the many hallmarks that make the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks stand out from other fraternal organizations. With a membership comprised entirely of U.S. citizens, the BPO Elks are committed to promoting the principles of individual freedom, opportunity, and dignity.
The Stars and Stripes
Elks have always been moved by the flag of the United States of America, which is why, in 1907, Elks members adopted a resolution designating June 14 as Flag Day. In 1911 the Grand Lodge mandated that all local Lodges observe Flag Day with appropriate ceremonies, making the Elks the first national fraternal organization to require the observance of Flag Day. Finally, on August 3, 1949, President Harry S. Truman, himself a member of the Order, permanently designated June 14 as Flag Day by signing an act of Congress.
But observing Flag Day isn't the only way that the Order demonstrates its deep reverence for the banner that symbolically embodies the values of the nation. Many Lodges give or sell flags to worthy groups and provide training in proper flag etiquette. Some Lodges even provide flags for newly sworn citizens, while other Lodges give flags to their local schools for display in the classroom and provide educational materials to help grade school students learn the Pledge of Allegiance. Each year, Elks across the country sponsor essay contests that encourage elementary and high school students to explore why the flag is important in their lives.
Lady Liberty
At their 1983 national convention, the Order of Elks passed a resolution endorsing the Liberty Centennial Campaign's work to restore the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and pledging its full support to the campaign. For its part, the Order vowed to raise one million dollars in three years. Elks from across the country enthusiastically responded to the Order's pledge, and by 1986, the Order had exceeded its original goal, contributing more than $1.38 million to restore this treasured symbol of the nation's promise of freedom and opportunity.
Civic Pride
In nearly 2,200 communities, local Elks Lodges work valiantly to promote civic pride. Local Lodges regularly hold functions to recognize and celebrate the achievements of local emergency services personnel, teachers, leading citizens, educators, students, and government officials. Elks also demonstrate the pride that they feel toward their communities by assisting the efforts of local charitable organizations through volunteer work and financial contributions.
In Defense of the Nation
In times of war and international conflict, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has made considerable contributions to the nation's armed forces. The Order considers its work done to aid in defense of the nation as one of its proudest and most lasting achievements.
World War I
The Elks patriotism and generosity helped the nation to victory in World War I. In 1917; the Grand Lodge allocated $2 million to finance efforts to assist U.S. soldiers. The Order organized and equipped the first two base hospitals in France, and to accommodate the maimed and wounded, the Elks built a 700-bed Reconstruction Hospital and gave it to the War Department in 1918. This was the first of what was to become the VA medical centers. That same year, the Order built a 72-room Community House to take care of the families visiting the 40,000 soldiers stationed at Camp Sherman, Ohio.
During the war, the Salvation Army was severely handicapped in its great efforts for the servicemen by lack of funds. To make sure that this work continued, the Elks undertook campaigns to raise funds for the Salvation Army, and on many occasions assumed the entire cost of these undertakings. In addition, the Order at Christmastime in 1918 gave the Salvation Army $60,000 to continue its programs.
Following the war's end, the Elks made 40,000 rehabilitation, vocational, and educational loans to disabled veterans who were ineligible for government help or awaiting approval of their applications. This service was so effective that the government followed the Order’s example and established a revolving fund that was the precursor to the GI Bill.
More than 70,000 Elks served in the armed forces during World War I. More than 1,000 made the supreme sacrifice.
World War II
Throughout World War II, the Elks fully contributed to the war effort by providing for members of the armed forces both at home and abroad. By the time hostilities ceased, the Grand Lodge had spent more than $1.5 million, while local Lodges spent hundreds of thousands of dollars more.
Elks Lodges spearheaded local recruitment efforts, directly helping to enlist more than 142,000 men into the armed forces as well as thousands of construction specialists who dramatically aided the war effort. Additionally, more than 400 Lodges conducted refresher courses that qualified thousands of young men for training as army flying cadets.
During World War II, the Order also realized the need to boost the morale of servicemen stationed far from home. Across the country, the Elks sponsored 155 Elks fraternal centers, where GIs were invited to relax, socialize, and enjoy the hospitality of the Elks. More than one million servicemen visited the center in New York City. For those serving overseas, the Elks prepared and sent care packages containing candy, personal grooming supplies, and other comforting items.
In 1999, the members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks gladly approved a resolution pledging an amount equal to one dollar per member to the National World War II Memorial, to be collected by voluntary donations from the Order's membership. The memorial, to be built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., will preserve the memory of the more than 16 million people who served in WW II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions more who made lesser but nonetheless important sacrifices to support those in combat overseas.
Korea and Vietnam
When war broke out in Korea in 1950, the Elks responded by sending the gift packs as they had done in World War II. In 1951 during the Korean War, the Secretary of Defense appealed to the Order for help in procuring blood for the wounded. Within a few months, the Elks Lodges obtained more than half a million pints.
During the Vietnam War, the Elks again answered the call by beginning the Letters from Home campaign. Elks members from across the nation flooded these fine young men and women with letters expressing gratitude for the sacrifices they were making on behalf of the nation. In addition to the letters, the Order provided care packages to soldiers.
Operation Desert Storm
As in previous conflicts, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was ready to aid the men and women of the U.S. armed forces. Once again, the Elks mounted a letter-writing campaign to thank these patriots for their dedicated service, and gift packs for soldiers were provided as had been done in the past.
At the close of the Gulf War, many Elks Lodges made arrangements to host ceremonies honoring the brave soldiers returning from the conflict in the Middle East, making the Order one of the first organizations to formally welcome these veterans home.
Through these programs and many others, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has truly established itself as a leading force in promoting the values that help shape and strengthen the United States.
The Elks and Disaster Relief
In 1871, a fire devastated the city of Chicago, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks quickly organized and staged a benefit to provide financial assistance to residents most affected by the disaster. Since then, the Order has responded to every major catastrophe (natural or manmade) and played a leading role in providing relief and comfort.
In 1889, the Elks, at the national level, offered financial contributions to assist the families that suffered as a result of flooding in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and fires in Seattle, Washington. In 1892, the BPO Elks began working with the American Red Cross when it and the Order provided monies for those suffering from a famine in Russia. To this day, the Elks have maintained a partnership with the American Red Cross and developed similar partnerships with other relief agencies.
Following the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco, the Order was the first organization to respond to the call for help. Within 12 hours, the Elks' relief efforts were in full swing. In Oakland, California, the Elks equipped hospitals, established temporary shelters for nearly 2,000 displaced persons, and arranged for provisions to be transported to the area. From across the country, financial donations from Elks came in answer to the pleas of the earthquake victims.
Through the years, the Elks have been responsible for aiding the men, women, and children whose lives have been affected by extraordinary circumstances. No matter the cause of the disaster--torrential rains that led to heavy flooding, explosions in mines, earthquakes, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, epidemics of various illnesses, and tidal waves--the Elks have been among the first organizations to lend a helping hand in troubled times.
Today, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks continues its commitment to participate in disaster relief. Most recently, the Order raised more than $230,000 to help the families victimized the Oklahoma City bombing and tens of thousands more to provide assistance to the people affected by the Red River flooding, tornadoes in Oklahoma and Kansas, and Hurricanes Dennis and Floyd.
In times of crisis, it has long been a pattern for the Order of Elks to ease the pain of others by providing the necessary relief.
San Diego Elks Lodge #168
If a "Quantum Leap" could be possible, It would be most interesting to leap back to the year 1890 and become an Elk with the founders of B.P .O.E. No. 168. What a thrill that would be. One can read the first edition of the minutes, which is still In the historical fi1e at the lodge, marvel at the hand written script, picture what was happening at that meeting when dignitaries from other lodges of Elkdom instituted San Diego Elks Lodge No. 168 and revel at the courage of these pioneers as they entered the gates of Elkdom.
To compose a complete history of the San Diego Lodge would require many volumes. The minutes from 1890 to 1990, which were very descriptive, especlal1y the first fifty years, filled 36 volumes. So, it is our intention to present a brief but thorough history of its being by sharing with you a series of happenings during those years.
In the beginning, it is important to know that the new group initiated into the order were made up of some of the area's most important citizens. Looking around San Diego, you will see these names still sprinkled on the business horizon. Of course, the most important name linked with the San Diego Lodge was the home of John Mason" Jack" Dodge, Its founder and first Exalted Ruler. His accomplishments as an Elk of 61 years would fill volumes, but the most noticeable one was the love expressed for him by all who had the good fortune to know him. In 1930, Jack was very ill, and not expected to live. In the minutes it stated that all the members present at the meeting gave of themselves with a special vigil of prayer. The miracle of prayer was answered as Jack lived until 1951 - age 97. Jack's dreams were fulfilled as his lodge has grown from 28 founding members to today's membership of approximately 800.
For the many years that followed founding of the lodge, the ladles entertained themselves but supported their spouses when asked. In April 1949, the San Diego Ladles of the Elks was formed by the ladles bridge group and through their bazaars and other fund raisers, have given substantially to help the brothers support their charities.
Everything in Elkdom has been accomplished through dedication and love of the order. This is certainly true when we read about the growth of Lodge No.168. Its financial problems In the beginning were compounded by a bank failure (California National Bank closed its doors in early 1892) which tied up all of the lodge's funds. However , the brothers pulled together and in 1907 they built their own lodge building at 2nd and Broadway. Good fortune smiled upon them, and In 1930 they built a magnificent new home at 4th Avenue and Cedar Street. In 1938, because of a reversal in finances, it was necessary for them to vacate the property and lease quarters in their original home at 2nd and Broadway. It was indeed another rebirth, but experience and hard knocks had taught them how to survive. The reward for patience and endurance was realized in 1955 when the property on 4th Avenue at Nutmeg became their new home.
The memories of existence were imbedded In the minds of the survivors of the 1938 fiasco and "caution" became their middle name. Since that time, many attempts to sell and move have been proposed to the membership. Without a doubt, in the minds of a lot of the brothers, opportunities, especially n the real estate climate of today, have been lost. However, the Lodge building was almost 100 years old and was badly in need of substantial repairs. In the year 2000 the Lodge moved to its present address at the corner of Navajo Road and Jackson Drive. Since moving t5o our new location, the lodge has continued to grow and prosper.
The acts of giving and helping have been the "Charity Bylaws" of the San Diego Lodge for the past 118 years. The brothers and ladles have reached into their pockets millions of times to help the needy, the aged (one episode was recorded about the brothers pooling $10 between them to repair an old lady's eyeglasses), the sick and handicapped children, the War Bond drives (one month in 1945 resulted in 2,061,400.40 In sales by the brothers), open house for veterans and servicemen, veterans Christmas parties and events throughout the year, annual benefits, charity shows consisting of operas, concerts, circus events, Elks' hospitals, Red Cross and Salvation Army help, soldiers' friend committees, Major project piggy banks, National Foundation and many others. The brothers voted, at one meeting In 1948, to donate $ 10,000 to 25 organizations In San Diego In the name of charity. In addition, millions of volunteer hours have been given by the San Diego Elks and their ladles.
With Jack Dodge In charge, It was no surprise that from the very first stage of development, the brothers, made up usually of their own group, entertained after lodge meetings and also for benefits for charity. This was a lodge which during Its first 59 years had their own "High Jinks" comedians, orchestra, chanters, quartets, baseball team, minstrels, bowling, billiards, golf, trap shooting, parades, rodeos, drill teams, plays, musical operas and concerts. The activities did not always stay at home, because excursions and visitations were no strangers to this lively group.
In the late 40's and 50's, the "tube" drew a lot of these fun lovers to its viewing screen and somewhat put an end to the jovial past and the Founders of Lodge No.168 knew It. We realize that in today's modern world with population explosion, times and habits change, but the Order of Elks will remain the same because its creed of giving has been implanted in our hearts as a great institution pledged to charity.
We are very active in promoting the various programs of the Grand Lodge, in support of the Veterans of our Nation, our Flag and Country, as well as the children of our community, along with many other charitable endeavors.
We would like to extend an invitation to stop by and meet your new neighbors and learn more about the Elks and the good work that we do.
Food, Fun, Dancing, Charitable Work!!
