Evening star., 1902-08-11
GRAND LODGE OF ELKS
THE ANNUAL ASSEMBLAGE AT
SALT LAKE CITY.
Local Delegates on the Way-Import-
ant Matter to Come Before
the Body.

A number of the members of the Wash
ington Lodge of the Benevolent and Pro-
tective Order of Elks of this city are on
their way to attend the convention of the
Grand Lodge, Which meets in Salt Lake
City August l. to A. inclusive. Among
those from the local lodge are Past Grand
Exalted Ruler E. B. Hay and Past Ex-
aIted Rulers Joseph A. Burkhart and E.
Shine. who are delegates from this city.
1t is stated that considerable rivalry ex-
lists between Saratoga and Baltimore rela-
tive TO securing the next convention of the
Grand Lodge, and it is thought the decision
as to the next meeting place will be deter
mined by very close margin of votes. The
washington delegates, it is understood
VIII urge the claims of the monumental
city for the convention of 1903.
One of the important matters that will
come up before the convention in Salt Lake
City Will be the official announcement by
the committee in charge of securing a
nome tor aged Elks that the project has
nnaily been realized. The securing of such
a home has been for many years a cher
lshed plan of the order. The movement
took definite shape only three years ago at
the meeting of the Grand Lodge held in ST.
Louis, when ii was resolved that the Ma
toHal Elks' Home could and would be pro-
Vided- At that convention over $4,000 was
piedged for the purpose, and the work was
taken up in earnest by a committee spe-
cially appointed for the furtherance of the
plan.
To obtain a suitable site for the home
was problem that entailed considerable
trouble. Offers of sites came from almost
every quarter. and the committee was kept
busy in the details of investigation and in
spection and travel. Sites were inspected
at Springfield Ohio: Hillsboro', Ohio; Col
orado Springs. Colo: Waukesha. Wis
Cody WyO., and Fauquier White Sulphur
Springs. Va.
Location at Bedford CITY.
The committee had about decided on pur-
chasing large hotel at the last-named
place when the building was DESTROYED bv
fire. Finally large hotel was secured at
Bedford City. Va, and the deal was closed
for the property. Bedford City is situated
at the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains,
ana almost within the shadow of the IA
nous Peaks of Otter 1t is on the main line
OF the Norfolk and Western railroad. nearly
midway between Roanoke and Iynchburg
ana mas population Of 3.0Go The hotel
which in the future will be known as the
Eiks Home. is about three-fourths of a
mile from the town. The Randolph-Macon
Academy is located near by
The building was erected in 1890 and until
last year was used as summer hotel
Nelson county granite, brick and shingles
were used in its construction. To provide
ample breathing space a lot Of eight acres
surrounds the building the rear part of
the tract being covered by noble grove of
OAKS; me hotel is completely and ele-
gantiy furnished, so that the purchasers
will be put to no expense in that line he
yond some slight repairs The rooms are
large and airy, opening upon welI-venti-
lated halls Nearly all rooms have omen
fireplaces to add to their cheerfuness and
comfort Some of them on the first floor
are. like the large dining hall, finished in
hard wood paneling. while the offices and
lobbies have tiled floors. COOL spacious
veranda extends all around the main por-
ton of the hotel and the east wing From
the observatory on top of the building o
magnificent view of the beautiful surround
ing landscape may be had.
Owns Electric Light Plant.
The building has it's own fully equipped
electric light plant and an ample water
supply piped from springs at the base of
the Peaks of Otter. The house is three
stories high. has a frontage of 200 feet and
can comfortably accommodate 200 persons
There are bath rooms on every floor and
the sanitary arrangements are of modern
and scientific construction.
The committee came into possession of
the property July l, but it will probably not
be occupied until about the beginning of
winter. 1t was intended to be used as a
summer hotel, and there is no arrangement
for heating except the open fireplaces
which Will not be adequate in severe
weather. Plans are now being prepared
for the installation of steam heating
plant, work on which will be begun in a
short time. A large water main for pro-
lection against fire will also be placed in
the building. Some painting Is required
as well as attention to plumbing and spout
ing in certain parts. These improvements
will be pushed during the early fall.
The Virginia members of the order are
especially interested in the new home and
delighted that it is located in their state
They desire to have 1t dedicated in No
vember and propose to have a state re-
union at the time. The occasion will doubt
less be a notable one in Elkdom and will
draw together members from all parts Of
the United States.
Easy Of Access.
1t is thought the work of the committee
will be promptly and enthusia stically in
dorsed by the Grand Lodge The new home
Is easy of access. as there are four trains
daily each way on the Norfolk and West
ern railroad. with connections north south
east and west. 1t is in a country where
market supplies are plentiful and cheap
The climate is delightful. the landscape
surroundings of remarkable beauty and
with excellent fishing and hunting terri
tory all around The location is near what
may be termed the geOgra phical center of
Elkdom. Some time in the future, 1t is
thought, a second home will be established
west Of the Mississippi river.
Plans for the administration of the home,
its maintenance and the reception of in
mates have not been formulated. 1t is
good start at the coming session of the
Grand Lodge. 1t IS proposed to make the
home model in every way, one in which
the 1150o0 members of the order may take