Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

{{short description|American fraternal order}} {{Use American English|date = October 2019}} {{Use mdy dates|date = October 2019}} {{Independent sources|date=November 2025}} {{see also|Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World}} {{Infobox fraternity | name = Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks | letters = BPOE | crest = BPOE logo.png | alt = Logo of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks | founded = {{start date and age|1868}} | birthplace = New York City, New York | affiliation = Independent | type = General fraternity | scope = National | status = Active | pillars = Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity | colors = {{color box|#7851A9}} Royal Purple and {{color box|#FFFFFF}} White <!--Interestingly, the crest as shown uses blue, probably a royal blue, rather than royal purple.--> | symbol = Elk | publication = ''Elks Magazine'' | chapters = 1,781+ local lodges<ref name="local lodges">"[http://www.elks.org/lodges/default.cfm Local Lodges]". ''Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks''. Accessed on March 18, 2016.</ref> | members = | lifetime = 750,000+ | nickname = The Elks, Elks Lodge | address = | city = Chicago | state = Illinois | ZIP code = | country = United States | website = {{URL|elks.org}} }}

The '''Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks''' ('''BPOE'''), commonly known as the '''Elks Lodge''' or simply '''The Elks''', is an American fraternal order and charitable organization founded in 1868 in New York City. Originally established as a social club for entertainers active in theatrical and minstrel show circuits, it evolved into a nationwide fraternal organization dedicated to charitable, civic, and community service. With over 750,000 members across 1,700-plus local lodges,<ref name="local lodges"/> the Elks are known for philanthropic programs supporting veterans, youth scholarships, and disaster relief. The organization upholds four pillars—Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity—and maintains traditions like the 11 o'clock toast to absent members. Historically membership was limited to white male citizens; these requirements were revised through legal decisions and internal rule changes beginning in the 1970s and continuing into the 1990s. Today, The Elks now admits all U.S. citizens over 21 who profess belief in God.<ref>{{cite web |title=Membership FAQs |url=https://www.elks.org/who/faqs.cfm |publisher=BPOE |access-date=June 10, 2024}}</ref> The Elks National Memorial and Headquarters in Chicago, was originally dedicated in 1926 to members who served in World War I and later rededicated to honor American veterans more broadly.

==History== right|thumb|Elks charity performance poster from 1910The Elks was established by actor Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian in New York City on February 16, 1868.<ref name="knox">{{cite news |last1=Booker |first1=Robert |title=Investigating the history of the Elks organization |url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/opinion/columnists/robert-booker/2018/02/12/investigating-history-elks-organization/324444002/ |access-date=August 27, 2023 |work=Knoxville News-Sentinel |date=February 12, 2018}}</ref> Vivian was a British expatriate and member of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes.<ref name="knox" /> Organized as a club for entertainers active in theatrical and minstrel show circuits, the impetus for the group's founding has been described in contemporary accounts as including the death of a fellow actor who lacked funds for treatment, and a desire to organize communal support for fellow actors in need.<ref name="minstrel">{{cite news |title=Elks Founder Dies. J. M. Norcross, Minstrel, 84, Was Last Signer of Lodge Charter |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/03/01/archives/elks-founder-dies-j-m-norcross-minstrel-84-was-last-signer-of-lodge.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=March 1, 1925 |access-date=2015-01-27 }}</ref><ref name="south">{{cite news |last1=Branch |first1=Zoe |title=The Rich History of McMenamins Elks Temple |url=https://www.southsoundmag.com/arts-entertainment/the-rich-history-of-mcmenamins-elks-temple/article_1252aedb-9b01-5f2b-8ee7-5264a9a18e7b.html |access-date=August 27, 2023 |work=South Sound Magazine |date=April 15, 2019}}</ref>

Founded as the "Jolly Corks", by December 1868, it had adopted the name Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.<ref name="knox" /> By 1890, 173 lodges had been established throughout the United States.<ref name="south" /> According to a late 19th century ''Black Book'' used internally by Elks, members were generally drawn from occupations associated with the emerging professional managerial class such as traveling salesmen, realtors, bankers, and dentists; farmers and laborers were absent. Despite this diversification of professions, minstrel-style performances continued to appear in lodge activities and fundraising through the 1950s.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Barnes |first1=Rhae Lynn |title=Darkology: Blackface and the American Way of Entertainment |date=2026 |publisher=Liveright |isbn=9781631496349}}</ref> Such performances reflected broader entertainment traditions of the period.

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 reported as 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>

[[File:BPOE Building Ouray Colorado.jpg|right|thumb|The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks building in downtown Ouray, Colorado]]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|date=June 2023}}

The Elks have participated in bond drives, civil defense programs, and Flag Day observances as part of their civic activities. 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" />

In 1976, the Elks had 1,611,139 members.<ref name="Schmidt p.103">Schmidt p. 103</ref> As of June 2020, it reported to have more than 750,000 members.<ref name="More Information">{{cite web |title=More Information |url=http://www.elks.org/who/information.cfm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206013332/https://www.elks.org/who/information.cfm |archive-date=Dec 6, 2023 |website=elks.org}}</ref>

== Symbols and traditions ==

The Elk was selected as a symbol for the organization because it is a herd animal that is native to America that is large and strong, yet graceful and fleet of foot.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=History and Interesting Facts about the BPOE |url=https://www.elks.org/lodges/LodgePages.cfm?LodgeNumber=1625&ID=3095 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Elks Lancaster, CA 1625}}</ref> It was described in early organizational materials as a noble animal.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=The Origins of the BPOE |url=https://www.elks.org/lodges/LodgePages.cfm?LodgeNumber=183&ID=8896 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=www.elks.org}}</ref> The head of a male elk was used on the fraternity's original badge and emblem.<ref name=":1" />

The Elks' colors are royal purple and white.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Meaning of the BPO Elks Colors |url=https://www.elks.org/lodges/LodgePages.cfm?LodgeNumber=259&ID=19753#:~:text=The%20Elk%20colors%20are%20Royal,severity%20of%20laws%20and%20customs. |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=Elks Green Bay, WI 259}}</ref> Purple has been interpreted within the organization as representing high favor and kingship,<ref name=":3" /> whereas white has been interpreted as symbolizing purity and truth.<ref name=":3" /> These colors have been associated historically with the clergy and royalty.<ref name=":1" />

The fraternity's principles or pillars are Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.<ref name=":2" /> Its anthem is "Auld Lang Syne".<ref name=":2" /> ''Elks Magazine'' is published 10 times a year and is distributed to members.<ref name="elkmag">{{cite web |title=Elks Magazine Online |url=http://www.elks.org/elksmag/default.cfm |access-date=October 17, 2008 |work=Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks}}</ref>

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 greeting among members at national reunions and appears in historic photographs documenting these events.<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 many 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 worked 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.<ref name="Schmidt p.102">Schmidt p. 102</ref>

=== Rites === 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 a chaplain leading the members in prayers and psalms. The candidate must accept a "solemn and binding obligation" to never "reveal any of the confidential matters of the Order". The candidate further promises to uphold the Constitution of the United States, protect other 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" />

===11 O'clock Toast=== 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 that person gives the 11 o'clock toast, of which this version is the most common:

{{Blockquote|sign=|source=elks.org|"You have heard the tolling of eleven strokes. This is to remind us 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, 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" === [[File:Benevolent Protective Order of Elks (24753568436).jpg|right|thumb|The communal tomb of Elks Lodge No. 30 in New Orleans, Louisiana.]]The Lodge offers Funeral Services to members, typically 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 their Lodge room dedicated to absent members. The Elks have communal cemetery plots, which are often marked with statuary.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}

== Activities ==

===Social quarters=== thumb|right|Elk's Carnival in Toledo, Ohio, 1912 Most Elks lodges operate social quarters with a private bar. According to sociologists Alvin J. Schmidt and Nicholas Babchuk, members have been described as joining the Elks in part to obtain "entertainment, food, and liquor at reasonable rates" in the social quarters.<ref name="Schmidt">{{Cite journal |last1=Schmidt |first1=Alvin J. |last2=Babchuk |first2=Nicholas |year=1973 |title=The Unbrotherly Brotherhood: Discrimination in Fraternal Orders |journal=Phylon |volume=34 |issue=3 |pages=275–282 |doi=10.2307/274186 |jstor=274186}}</ref>

===National charity programs=== Lodges are encouraged to participate in national Elks charity programs. There are also State Elks Association 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 informally common to turn the BPOE abbreviation into a backronym for "Best People on Earth".<ref>{{cite web |last=Beck |first=Bill |title=A Message From Bill Beck |url=http://www.elks.org/lodges/LocalNews.cfm?news_id=30469 |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 |last=Kelly |first=Mike |title=The origins of The 11 O'Clock Toast |url=http://www.elks.org/history/toast.cfm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070112162846/http://www.elks.org/history/toast.cfm |archive-date=January 12, 2007 |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...}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sparks |first=Eva |title=Elks Walk 2,223 Miles to Attend 1912 National Convention |url=http://www.elks.org/history/hikers.cfm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070301231817/http://www.elks.org/history/hikers.cfm |archive-date=March 1, 2007 |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...}}</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 its inception, the Foundation has received more than $288.7 million in contributions and bequests. As of the close of the 2021 fiscal year, it reported 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 |title=Veterans Services |url=http://www.elks.org/programs/vetsprograms.cfm |access-date=3 July 2013}}</ref> {{independent source inline|date=January 2019}} * Elks National Memorial and Headquarters 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] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809095637/http://www.elks.org/programs/history.cfm |date=August 9, 2016 }}, Elks website</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 22, 2015 |title=Journal Entries: Saint Peter's gets $100K grant from Provident Bank |url=http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2015/09/journal_entries_three_students_graduate_from_njits.html |access-date=June 10, 2016 |website=NJ.com}}</ref> * Adopt-A-Veteran Program<ref>[https://www.elks.org/vets/AdoptAVeteran.cfm Adopt-A-Veteran Program], Elks website.</ref> * Freedom Grants provide support for 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 Awareness * Soccer Shoot * ''Junior Golf Program'' * Dictionary Project * Youth Recognition

== Membership == Candidates for membership are required to be:<ref name="More Information" /> * A citizen of the United States of America who pledges allegiance to and salutes the flag * Over the age of 21 * A believer in God * Of good character. * Neither directly or indirectly participating in the activities of any group or organization that supports or adheres 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|Elks National Memorial and Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois]] The Elks' national headquarters are located in Chicago at the Elks National Memorial and Headquarters, overlooking Lincoln Park, near Lake Michigan. This building was originally conceived as a memorial to the nearly 1,000 Elk members who were lost in World War I. The cornerstone was laid on July 7, 1924, and the building was officially dedicated on July 14, 1926.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of the Elks National Memorial |url=http://www.elks.org/memorial/historicalTour.cfm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001185604/https://www.elks.org/memorial/historicalTour.cfm |archive-date=Oct 1, 2023 |website=elks.org}}</ref><ref>"[http://www.elks.org/memorial/ Welcome to the Elks Veterans Memorial]". ''Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks''.</ref>{{independent source inline|date=January 2019}}

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.<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 meets during the annual convention. Grand Lodge members nominate and elect the following officers: * Grand Exalted Ruler—serves as the chief executive officer of the 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 that person's absence; furthermore, the Grand Esteemed Loyal Knight acts as a prosecutor in cases Involving disciplinary proceedings within the organization. The Grand Trustee has general authority over assets and property owned by the order. The Grand Esquire is appointed by the Grand Exalted Ruler to organize the Grand Lodge and serve as marshal of Elks' parades. The Grand Tiler, Grand Inner Guard, and Grand Chaplain are also appointed by the Grand Exalted Ruler.<ref>Schmidt pp. 104–105</ref>

=== State associations === The state-level organizations are called Elks State Associations. State-level officers include presidents, vice presidents, secretaries, and treasurers. Generally, state associations are set up to coordinate and oversee the State's Major Projects.

=== Lodges === Lodges officers are essentially the same as the ones on the national level, with the "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 that are incorporated are required to be governed by a board of directors. Otherwise, the Lodge Trustees serve as the governing board.

== 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 institute 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 references 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" by 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 an Elks official he spoke to. The text of the relevant portion of the 1907 resolution is on p. 109</ref>

{{Blockquote|text="The Antlers is a new organization in Louisville, but it will henceforth be a notable one... The new society is composed of members of the Louisville Lodge of Elks. It's aims conflict in no way with the parent order. It is merely a club within the order, its purpose being simply to hold social sessions and give entertainments at frequent intervals. The wives, sisters and sweethearts of the members are to figure largely in these entertainments, as was shown in the Antlers first social session held last evening..."|source=Courier Journal, October 18th, 1896}}

== Controversies and members misconduct ==

[[File:Elks Flag Day Resolution 1919.jpg|thumb|1919 Flag Day Resolution barring membership from people perceived as unpatriotic]]Throughout American history, many Elks lodges maintained policies that excluded African-Americans, Jews, Italians, women, atheists, and others from membership. Membership policies were later revised through legal decisions and organizational rule changes in the late 20th century. The Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World (IPBOEW) was founded in 1897 due to the exclusion of African-Americans from the BPOE.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Harper |first1=Brad |date=Dec 26, 2018 |title=Black Elks Lodge members want to unite historic community |url=https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2018/12/26/black-elks-lynching-memorial-mlk-civil-rights-bus-boycott-rosa-parks/2280238002/ |accessdate=2024-01-13 |publisher=Montgomery Advertiser}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=Oct 1, 1995 |title=Elks Now Open to Women |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/01/us/elks-now-open-to-women.html |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 |accessdate=2024-01-13 |work=The New York Times |agency=The Associated Press}}</ref> {{Wikisource|Flag Day Resolution}} 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 anyone 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 === 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 |date=April 30, 1962 |title=New York Elks Ask Grand Lodge to Discontinue Admission Restrictions |url=https://www.jta.org/archive/new-york-elks-ask-grand-lodge-to-discontinue-admission-restrictions |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 |accessdate=2024-01-13 |publisher=Jewish Telegraphic Agency}}</ref>

In 1972, the Elks expelled the head of the Ridgewood, New Jersey lodge, Richard J. Zelenka, because of his advocacy against the Elks' discriminatory policies which limited membership to white men.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kandell |first=Jonathan |date=1972-03-13 |title=Elks Dismiss Opponent Of Their All-White Rule |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/03/13/archives/elks-dismiss-opponent-of-their-allwhite-rule.html |access-date=2019-02-13 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Pfefferkorn |first=Michael |year=1988 |title=The Ability of Voluntary Associations to Control Membership through Expulsion Comment |url=https://heinonline.org/HOL/P?h=hein.journals/stlpl7&i=218 |journal=Saint Louis University Public Law Review |volume=7 |page=209}}</ref> By the following year, however, a resolution to repeal the discriminatory clause of the national constitution passed, resulting in the removal of the whites-only membership provision.<ref>{{cite news |last=Enstad |first=Frober |date=July 20, 1973 |title=Elks open source to blacks |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/383704734/ |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |page=12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Meehan |first1=Thomas |date=August 13, 1972 |title=The other July convention |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/08/13/archives/the-other-july-convention-the-bpoe-best-people-on-earth-in-atlantic.html |newspaper=The New York Times |language=en}}</ref>

In ''Beynon v. St. George-Dixie Lodge 1743'' (1993),<ref name="auto">{{cite news |title=Beynon v. St. George–Dixie Lodge 1743 |url=http://law.justia.com/cases/utah/supreme-court/1993/910551.html}}</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 coeducational in June 1993,<ref name="auto2">{{cite news |title=Elks Must Admit Women or Lose Liquor License |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/297730/ELKS-MUST-ADMIT-WOMEN-OR-LOSE-LIQUOR-LICENSE.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928103124/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/297730/ELKS-MUST-ADMIT-WOMEN-OR-LOSE-LIQUOR-LICENSE.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 28, 2017}}</ref> which was followed by a vote at the Elks National Convention in July 1995<ref name="auto1">{{cite news |title=Elks Lodges Vote on Whether to Admit Women |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/1995/0929/29142.html}}</ref> to remove the word "male" from the national membership requirements.

== Notable members == {{Main|List of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks members}}

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

{{columns-list|colwidth=30em| * '''''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 – George 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;<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 Session Renews War Aid Pledge|work=New York Times}}</ref> 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) * 2025 - Bryan R. Klatt; De Kalb, IL (#765)

}} Source:<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 18, 1896 |title=The Antlers: Delightful Entertainment By a New Organization Given Last Evening |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1020582505/sem-2 |website=ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Courier Journal}}</ref>

==See also== * Elks of Canada * Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World * List of Elks buildings * Moose Lodge

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==Notes and references== {{notelist}} {{reflist}} * {{cite web |url=http://www.elks.org/about/celebrity.cfm |title=Name That Elk |last=Kelly |first=Mike |publisher=elks.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070814035235/http://www.elks.org/about/celebrity.cfm |archive-date=August 14, 2007 |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." |url-status=dead }} *Schmidt, Alvin J. ''Fraternal Orders'' Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 1980

==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{Official website|http://www.elks.org/}} * [http://www.elkshistory.org/ Unofficial site – collection of images and articles illustrating early Elkdom] * [https://www.elkslodge885.org/elks-on-the-web/ Link to State Association pages] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726195841/https://www.elkslodge885.org/elks-on-the-web/ |date=July 26, 2020 }}

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Category:Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Category:1868 establishments in the United States Category:History of racial segregation in the United States Category:Men's organizations in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1868 Category:Service organizations based in the United States Category:Deer in culture