The Wrangell sentinel., 1940-05-17
Bills Club Was Beginning Of Elks' Organization Here;
 Early Struggle Tough One

But let Us commence at the be- ginning of the Wrangel Elks lodge, and work step by step through these past five years and discover the l trials and tribulations of the char ter members if any, in their efforts 10 bring to this community. a lodge of national recognizance. Look closely as these struggling pioneers grew and expanded until at last in 1885 they had over Q tenth Of the entire population of Wrangel talk ing the oath of Brotherly love, Jus tiee, Fidelity and Charity to all. Let us grope back through the draperies of time and see if we can find any accomplishments that are credit to the B. P. o. k. Or locate any achievements of which we can be proud and so prove to all whom it may concern, that lodge 1895 is the yertebrae around which ia built the structure of WrangelPs social life.
 The Bills Club is in reality potential Elks Lodge, comprised of Elks from various localities without a charter It is the nucleus from which small horns expand into the mighty antlers of the emblematic Elks, which, in the last analysis, is the final goal of the Bills Club
 In the beginning. 1t was Emerson Reed, chief Engineer of the Bar rington Transportation Go. who in stalled the plumbing in the building that was leased to the club for five years rent free by I. 0. Biorgs.
 COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION
 There was George Hatton, con- tractor and Ed Lindeman, earpen- ter, who with the zeal of men in spired, completed the construction that was essential to the club room. These men worked night and day in their spare moments to make an inn questionable and comfortable meet ing place for the members of a lodge that in a few short years was to set a new record of achievement in the social life of Wrangell history. La ter, when the Bills Club had attain ed maturity and emerged as a full fledged lodge, these four men were given five years free dues by the or der in appreciation for their efforts which played so large a part in the formation and success of the organi- zation.
 The installation of a club room
 
 There was the problem of obtaining decorations, pictures for the walls. entertainment devices for the mem bers, card tables, library, and sundry other necessities, were facing the social pioneers without adequate funds to provide for them.
 DONATIONS
 But-Brother Olsen came forward with a pool table donation, Brother Hatton volunteered pictures as did Brother Lindeman picture frames, Brother Gurr, Elk's Head, Brother Hanford, drapes for the reception room. Dances were given. to raise funds to pay bills. Tickets were two dollars a head and record attendance marked the occasions. Then there was ladies night which was held weekly by the club to entertain their wives and friends. A small fee was obtained from the visitors to offset the expense of these gala affairs, which were so instrumental in ad- ding impetus to the already mount ing popularity of the Baby Elks Club.
 In view of the fact that three dol lars was all that was required by the members for dues per year, il is readily apparent that the Bills Club found it almost impossible to spon- sor any social community welfare work This, of course, was in the be- ginning, some ten years ago. On October 25, 1930. It was Ed Lind eman President, James Nolan, as Secretary, A. E. Gurr, Treasurer Under the management of these men were between fifty and sirty mem- bers all Elks in good standing from sundry lodges throughout the coun- try.