The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1922-02-24

brother by producing his own cork
from his pocket. If the challenged
man could not also produce a cork,
he must pay for the drinks. The cham
payne cork became the insignia of
the order
Stuart Robson, noted American
actor of that period, was jolly Cork
and the target of deep-laid plot. 1t
was at Rooson's wedding AS the ac-
tor entered the church, he found the
aisle >sclidly lined with a double rank
OF Jolly Corks. At the altar awaited
the minister. The organ was playing
the Wedding March. AS Robson
started down the aisle. with the flu
ture Mrs. Robson on his arm, every
Jolly Cork, with the precision of an
army officer drawing sword and sa-
luting, held aloft new and shining
campaigne cork in salute.
But Stewart Robson was ready. In
stantly he reached into the tail-pocket
of his dress-coat, produced a cham
payne cork equally new and shining,
and marched down the aisle, his bride
on his left arm, his cork held aloft in
his right hand. History does not tell
who bought those drinks But it was
not Stuart Robson!
New Yorks Excise Laws rigor-
ously enforced in 1867 and 1868, clos
ed, all places of public entertainment
on Sunday. The Jolly Corks installed
q piano, a keg of beer and a box of
sandwiches, in the attic of Mother
Geisman's board ing house in the
theatrical district, and met there, with
music, songs, stories and mock-courts
at which fines were imposed for vari-
Gus Whimsical 'offenses'' to provide
the fund FOR next weeks beer and
sandwiches, Their festivities cost
them thejc home. Irate at the noise,
MctAe-' Giesnan drove them out.
Then they hired a hall' and form
ed their fraternal order. 1t was near
y named the "Bufaloes," after the
Royal Antediluvian Order Of Bufa-
loes" of England, to which Vivian.
the ruling Cork, belonged. The vote
stood seven to seven, deadlocked on
"Ruffaloes" and "Elks.'
Only q handful recall the name of
w. L. Bowron of New York, today.
Yet i is to him that the "Elks' owe
their name. On the second ballot he
switched his vote from Buffalo" to
Elk" Vivian, in the chair, though
an ardent advocate of "Buffaloes."
ratified the majority of one, and the
Benevolent and Protective Order of
Fiks was born.
One other circumstance. little
known, paved the way for the name
OF "Elks." The committee charged
with selecting name was to meet at
Broadway and Ann Street, New York.
Some were tardy. Others weary of
waiting, strolled into Barnum's Mu-
scum on that corner, and wandered
through the famous animal collection.
Pears" was suggested, but dis
cardea as animals of few inviting
traits, coarse, brutal and morose.
Beavers" were brought up as ex-
amples of industry, but cast aside as
too destructive. Foxes" suggested.
were voted down as too cunning and
crafty. large moose-head attracted
attention, but was at last turned down.
Then an Elk's head, with graceful.
spreading antlers, met with general
approval and divided honors with
"Buffaloes,' which Vivian had advo-
Gated strongly, but which half the
committee opposed because they did
not wish to copy the name of an ex-
listing order.
From this trip to Barnum's Museum
the committee went to the meeting
where the name of "Elks" was chosen.
Since then the order has grown
by giant strides. 1t embraces Amer