Evening star., 1932-01-10

Emery, w. A. Engef J. l. Feeney, George A.
Garner, c. r. Hermann, DIR. J. Franklin Hill
ton, Thomas Q. May, M. A. Lynch, r. j. Mer-
shsimei w. w. Meyers, Lieut.. Col. Il. A.
OBrien, J. Fred Rupertus, z. P. Schwartz,
c. H. Utermehle, Dr. A. Thomas Utz, Al
Hutchinson, jr., and A. w. Barron, and tho
Committee on Arrangements included M. @.
Mccormick as chairman; John c. Maxwell,
secretary Henry J. Allen, treasurer, and
Joseph p. FeEan.
OF course, the Elks are making big prepara-
tions for celebrating their golden anniversary
during the coming month and intend devoting
February II to initiating a class Of candidates,
to be known as the "F1ftieth Anniversary
Class" after which banquet viii be held.
On the following evening ladies' night Is
planned, and the celebration viii undouotediy
be one of the outstanding events OF the year
in local fraternal organizations. The commit
tee having the matter IN charge consists OF 81
members with Michael G. Mccormick as chair
man; James G. Collihower, vice chairman;
Joseph Bittoni secretary: James j. Murray,
assistant secretary, and Nathan WE'LL, txsas-
urer.
THERE are many people who have not even
i the slightest idea as to the origin Of the
Elks, nor of the good work It's various lodges
are doing To the first statement the writer
the many who did not know. But he wanted
to know, and he proceeded to search the files
of The Star to find out and back in 1918 he
found just what he wanted. Here 1t is:
1.-THE Benevolent and Protective Order Of
Elks owes its existence to one Charles Vivian,
the son of an English clergyman, who 1ande4
in New York in the Fall of 1867. The new
arrival found his way to a chop house on Lis
penard street, near Broadway. Richard StelrV
was the pianist of this place and while he w1s
engaged in playing for the singing of some
persons who were present Vivian volunteered
to sing a song. The proprietor, after hearing
Vivian, sent for the owner of the Americas
Theater, who was delighted with the supers4e
voice of the stranger and Immediately engages
him.
''Steirly invited Vivian to dinner at his
boarding house and introduced him to w. L..
Bowron another Engishman. This house was
at that time a favorite resort of the theatrical
profession. The excise laws Of New York were
then very stringent, in consequence OF whicB
Vivian and q number Of congenial associates
were in the habit Of assembling in the board
ing house parlors On Sunday afternoon for the
purpose of indulging in social intercourse. On
one Of these occasions Vivian suggested that
the association be given a more permanent and
tangible form, which proposal was enthusiast
ically received.
THE organization was formed in the Winter
Of 186768 and was given the name of the Jolly
Corks,' an allusion to trick Vivian and Bow
ron had learned I'm England which they had
practiced to the great amusement of their
associates
THE popularity of the new organization soon
caused 1t to overtax the capacity of the board
ing house parlors New quarters were secured
in Delaney street. The Jolly Corks' grew in
numbers and financial strength until steps were
taken for placing the society ON a more endur-
ing basis. 1t was deemed necessary to adopt
n more dignified title and the proper selection
became matter of careful consideration.
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