About the Virginia City Elks Lodge #390
The Benevolent Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) was founded in February of 1868 in New York City. It was the outgrowth of a group of men who had socialized together under the name “Jolly Corkers,” but wished to be better organized and have a more serious purpose.
In 2018, was the Elks Organizations 150th anniversary of that decision.
The name of the new organization was debated among Buffaloes, Bears, Foxes, Beavers, and Elks. Each name had its supporters and detractors. A strong American identity was preferred so “Buffalo” was discarded, as there existed in England the British Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes. Finally the Elk was chosen in an 8-7 vote for its majestic demeanor and grace, and the beauty of its antlers.
In the years that followed, the BPOE became known for its donations to improve America’s communities and, in some cases, the world. They delivered aid to famine-stricken Russian peasants in 1892 and to victims of the horrible earthquake in southern Italy in 1908. In 1911, the “Big Brother” movement was founded, which helped over 5,000 boys and eliminated the necessity of having probation officers in the U.S. court system for juvenile offenders.
Beginning in 1918, the Elks gave loans to disabled veterans. As each loan was repaid, the money was given out again. All together 40,000 loans were made. Every loan was paid back, with the exception of a few whose recipient succumbed to death before the loan could be fully repaid. In 1942 the Elks were asked to recruit all the Seabees and Army Engineers that were needed by the U.S. military for World War II. The Elks found enough recruits to satisfy the request and did so three months ahead of schedule. This is but a small part of the list. Over their history, the Elks have donated over five billion dollars to worthy, often patriotic, causes.
Virginia City Elks Lodge #390 was established in 1898. It is believed that they met in the lodge room on the second floor of the City Hall and eventually purchased the entire building around 1950, when the town of Virginia City deemed the building too much for the town to maintain. The building’s stately tower was removed, however, after sustaining structural damage during the earthquake at Hebgen Lake. The Elks also added the coat of stucco that you see today to stop the building from deteriorating further.
Lodge #390 will be celebrating its 125th year the summer of 2023. It is Planning a celebration in August, 2023 with a BBQ dinner and more at the lodge. The only Elks Lodge in Madison County, it has donated well over $100,000 during the past 50 years to institutions and young people in the county. Among the recipients have been local hospitals, fire departments, libraries and high school seniors going on to higher education. These days the Elks welcome both men and women. Lodge #390 is still very active and accepting new members. Contact any Elk or the Lodge Manager, Tanya Engle (406) 660-1559 if you are interested in membership or you can apply online.
In 2018, was the Elks Organizations 150th anniversary of that decision.
The name of the new organization was debated among Buffaloes, Bears, Foxes, Beavers, and Elks. Each name had its supporters and detractors. A strong American identity was preferred so “Buffalo” was discarded, as there existed in England the British Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes. Finally the Elk was chosen in an 8-7 vote for its majestic demeanor and grace, and the beauty of its antlers.
In the years that followed, the BPOE became known for its donations to improve America’s communities and, in some cases, the world. They delivered aid to famine-stricken Russian peasants in 1892 and to victims of the horrible earthquake in southern Italy in 1908. In 1911, the “Big Brother” movement was founded, which helped over 5,000 boys and eliminated the necessity of having probation officers in the U.S. court system for juvenile offenders.
Beginning in 1918, the Elks gave loans to disabled veterans. As each loan was repaid, the money was given out again. All together 40,000 loans were made. Every loan was paid back, with the exception of a few whose recipient succumbed to death before the loan could be fully repaid. In 1942 the Elks were asked to recruit all the Seabees and Army Engineers that were needed by the U.S. military for World War II. The Elks found enough recruits to satisfy the request and did so three months ahead of schedule. This is but a small part of the list. Over their history, the Elks have donated over five billion dollars to worthy, often patriotic, causes.
Virginia City Elks Lodge #390 was established in 1898. It is believed that they met in the lodge room on the second floor of the City Hall and eventually purchased the entire building around 1950, when the town of Virginia City deemed the building too much for the town to maintain. The building’s stately tower was removed, however, after sustaining structural damage during the earthquake at Hebgen Lake. The Elks also added the coat of stucco that you see today to stop the building from deteriorating further.
Lodge #390 will be celebrating its 125th year the summer of 2023. It is Planning a celebration in August, 2023 with a BBQ dinner and more at the lodge. The only Elks Lodge in Madison County, it has donated well over $100,000 during the past 50 years to institutions and young people in the county. Among the recipients have been local hospitals, fire departments, libraries and high school seniors going on to higher education. These days the Elks welcome both men and women. Lodge #390 is still very active and accepting new members. Contact any Elk or the Lodge Manager, Tanya Engle (406) 660-1559 if you are interested in membership or you can apply online.
