The Wrangell sentinel., 1943-02-12
ELKs DIAMOND JUBILEE

Seyenty-fiYe years ago next Tues day. February It, in 1868. a small group of congenial actors, meet ing together in New York City, or ganized themselves into a fraternal group which was to grow into one of the largest and most respected truly American lodges ill history The Benevolent and Protective Ord er of Elks.
 Is begun by it's ten theatrical founders, lead by Charles Vivian, to whom credit is given as its in spitation, the club was called Jolly Corksp, which suggests that in it's embryo form the lodge was mainly social But, as such, the. Jolly Corks fraternity was short lived. Vivian, a man of unusual in telligence and brillance, and son of Church of England clergyman, and his companions saw the pos sibility of good that could be done through organization. Casting about for a more suitable name, one that would express the organization s
  aims and purposes, the name "Elks ' Was finally selected. The little group had learned that the Amer ican Elk was distinguished by all the attributes which formed the ideals at which they aimed. It was fleet of foot, timid of wrOngdoingI and it avoided combat except in de- fense of its young, the helpless orr the weak.
 As symbols of their lodge, the or-I lginators chose the virtues of Char fly. Justice. Brotherly Love and Fidelity and Patriotism became its leading principle
 Two years after it's creation in New York, a petition requesting grand charter was presented to the New York Legislature and was granted March 10, 1871. The New York lodge became No. and was followed by establishment of Lodge No. ? in Philadelphia. In 1882 there were 14 lodges with a membership of 1,806 persons and today there are 1400 lodges with membership of over half million.
 One of the Elks most impressive ceremonies, the Eleven O'Clock Toast" was originated by one of the charter members, George Mcdonald, in 1868, when he suggested that an Elk, living or dead, never be forgot ten and as time of adjournment us-I nf ha F1 Our Absent Brothers" was chosen for this hour.
 Memorial Services, held annually, Flag Day observances and help for the needy at Thanksgiving and at Christmas, as we'll as all through the year, are only a few of an Elk'sI obligations as established by the rules of the lodge. Volumes could be written on help the lodge has extended to crippled children in providing medical care; medical care, donations of milk, fuel, schol- arship funds, clothing and food for thousands who were or are in need, care of veterans, contributions to- the Salvation Army, Boy and Girl Scouts, all have felt the helping and generous hand of the Elks. Now the pleas of Uncle Sam for more and more War Bonds has been answered by Elks lodges all over the nation Wrangells lodge, 1895, has it's share, too.
 Wherever financial or physical aid can help anyone unfortunate or in distress, you'll find an Elksi lodge ready.
 Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love- and Fidelity are not just words to an Elk, and Royal Purple is more than color. All are symbolic of the noble purposes for which the lodge was founded and to which it has for seventy-five years, and al- ways will, keep faith.
 Congratulations, Brother Bills!