The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1902-04-27
NEWLY ELECTED OFFICERS OF
THE ST. LOUIS ORDEEG CT ELKS

sreoisl Correspondence Of The Sunday Republic.
In the last few years a great deal has
been written about the Benevolent and Pro-
tective Order of Elks. Although the public
IL acquainted with its power for good and
charity. comparatively few are acquainted
with its early history.
The Order of Elk now numbering more
than 1900 members. with lodges in more
than 900 of the principal cities of this coun-
try. is the outgrowth of a small coterie of
the theatrical folk who met in New York
In the winter of 1S67-6s. and formed them
selves into a social organization known as
the Jolly Corks."
The prime mover in the formation of this
little society was Charles Algernon Sidney
Vivian. who was at the time singing in the
old American Theater. and whose memory
Is now honored by ell Elks as the founder
of the order.
So popular did the works become and
SO rapidly did the society increase that 1t
became evident that It should be placed on
a frmer basis and given a more dignihed
name. Vivian. as Imperial Cork and
chairman Of a committee appointed for that
purpose. suggested the name of "Buffaloes,"
the title of an English organization. but the
ma jority desired a purely American name,
and at a meeting held February 16. 1868. the
name OF "Elks'' was adopted.
9Iri natural history the Elk is described as
possessing gentleness and timidtyi as be-
ing strong OF limb. fleet OF foot, quick and
keen Of perception. From these attributes
Of the animal the Elks are taught to be
quick to hear the cry of distress. timorous
of doing wrong and fleet OF foot to succor
the weak and unfortunate.
The foundation stones of the order are
charity. justice, brotherly love and fidelity.
Acting under a special dispensation, Is
sued by the Grand Lodge, a delegation
from Chicago Lodge No. :, headed by
Joseph Mackin and assisted by Simon
Quinlin, c. F.. Davis. John Il. Jeffrey. John
A. Corwin and John r. Allen. met in the
managers office of the Olympic Theater
May IS. 1878, and initiated the first mem
bers OF St. Louis Lodge. Patrick Short,
the treasurer of the Olympic. was the first
10 face the awful mysteries. Thomas Z.
Garrett. Thomas C. Noxon, w. d. Wetherell
and Charles f. Ware were also Initiated
the first day.
The Chicago delegation held daily meet
tngs until the membership reached the
requisite number necessary to elect the
first officers of the organization.
They were: T. z. Garrett, exalted ruler;
Doctor Edward W. Jamison. esteemed lead
ing knight: Joseph A. Robertson. esteemed
loyal knight: w. d. Wethereli. grand lee
tureT: Patrick Short, secretary: Charles A.
Spaulding. treasurer; Charles Creighton.
tiIer: John W. Park. inner guard; B. Nogel,
organist: Charles A.. Fowle. John F. Nc
Govern and Joseph L. Griswold. trustees.
While New York Lodge would be nat
uraily considered as the home of members
OF the theatrical profession, the st. Louis
Lodge has always been exceptionally hon
ored IN having upon its roster the names
of tho leading players of the age.
Lawrence Barrett was one of the early
members He Joined April ., 1SS2. at the
age Of e: John McculioYgh. who wop fame
ireland, and was Il years old when he
Joined, in October. 1873. John T. Raymond
was Initiated September e. 1915. Samuel
Colville. a prominent manager, and John W
Norton. then an actor. n who afterwards