The "Service To The Community" Story

Postcard of Elks Lodge #134 in Lancaster, PA

It was an ordinary day.  Just got back from a photo shoot in downtown Lancaster.  One of the locations I wanted to photograph was the Lancaster's Elks Lodge #134.  It is located at 219 North Duke Street in what at one time was the home of the Landis family.  Lodge #134 purchased the home in 1903 and made extensive renovations to the home.  Renowned local architect, Mr. C. Emlen Urban was in charge of the renovations.  

Original group who formed the BPO Elks

So, just how did the Elks begin?  The moving spirit for the Elks was an Englishman named Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian.  He was born October 22, 1842 and was the son of a clergyman and was a successful comic, singer and dancer in the music halls of London.  In November of 1867 he arrived in New York City to seek his fortune.  Other actors and entertainers gravitated toward his magnetic personality, and soon they dubbed themselves the Jolly Corks.  When one of their members died in 1867, leaving his wife and children destitute, they 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.  They did have social activities, but their mission soon became known as helping others.  To be a member you must 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.  There are over 2,300 lodges in the U.S. and it's Territories.  90% of Elks Lodges own their own homes, most of them offering club facilities.  

The BPOE Elks Lodge at 219 N. Duke St.

The Lancaster Elks was founded by a group of men in 1889 who wished to exchange their horns for antlers, since the 24 men at one time were members of the Lancaster Buffalo Club, but felt it was time to broaden their field of endeavor and seek affiliation with the national organization which is the Order of Elks.  Today the membership has risen to over 450 members who hold their meetings and gatherings in their historic building at 219 North Duke Street.  The Lodge is working to assist the youth of the community through its many programs of golf, hoop shoot, soccer shoot, football, baseball, youth trips to national memorials, scholarships and drug and alcohol awareness.  

The original Grill Room at the Lodge

The Elks believe that today's youth, given the proper tools and motivation, will be the leaders of our community and the Elks of tomorrow.  The Elks have also funded the Salvation Army, Christmas baskets and donations and given time to such organizations such as Melagro House, under privileged children's Christmas parties and many more.  Lodge #134 has donated over $4.3 Million dollars to our local community since its inception in 1889.  

The original bar

Their three story house at 219 North Duke Street was purchased in 1848 and put a large addition on the home to include a Lodge Hall.  The building next door, which is now a dining area was built as a home in the 1870's.  In 1932 the buildings were remodeled and joined creating the current grille room.  In 1966 the Lodge was again remodeled and expanded.  Social activities at the Lodge today include bowling, pool, darts, shuffle board, cards and other social activities.  

The Elk is guarding the front door

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.  And...that is the way they want it since they don't seek recognition for their work.  Nation-wide, they have over the years donated to the government, the first veterans hospital, contributed to schools and police and fire departments and assisted the young and the needy throughout this great nation.  The Lancaster Lodge has been a gathering place for 130 years and looks forward to the next one hundred as the place to meet, greet and serve the community.  The Elks building looks amazing and the grounds are kept immaculate.  Check out my photographs and see how nice Lodge #134 is today.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.