## PRELUDE

As most introductory remarks are in the form of a preface, the events leading to losing the Manila "Elks Home" were of necessity an introductory performance.

January 2nd, 1942, at about the hour of midnight, a Captain of the Imperial Japanese Army entered the building and for the instant assumed full authority. After a cursory examination left the premises in possession of the resident members.

January 3rd, 1942, however, reversed the previous procedure to the extent that all residents were under guard, confined to building, and from 8:30 a.m. on, were to all intents and purposes under technical arrest.

January 4th, 1942, was the introduction to the ever-present contradictory Japanese nature. At 8:00 a.m. residents were given to understand that they were masters of their own household. At 11:30 a.m. with a fifteen minute preparatory period, those present, after a two hour wait, were removed under guard, without bedding, but with two days' food supply, in Imperial Japanese Army trucks to Villamor Hall in the University of the Philippines Area. This location being about one kilometer from our "Elks Home".

The following Wednesday the members were interned at "Santo Tomas". Except only for a provisional visit in September of 1942, most of our Brothers never again laid eyes on "Elks Home".

This B.P.O.E. building has the pre-eminent distinction of being the only building in "Elkdom" over which has flown the national flag of a foreign conqueror.

Upon the liberation of our members there existed only the destroyed home of a once proud and loyal group of men whose faith was never forsaken.

This report to Brotherhood - Justice - Charity and Fidelity will even be a reminder of what we owe you, our "Brother Elks".

Manila Lodge #761

REHABILITATING MANILA LODGE #761

Manila Lodge #761, B.P.O.E., was reorganized under the most unusual conditions. Offices of members served as meeting places.

Later, one of the members prepared the Lodge Room, such as it was, in a resident. This, one of the few remaining buildings in the "Ermita" area, is not far from the totally destroyed Manila Lodge building.

The American flag graced the altar, a bible was made available and the spreading antlers were a mounting of forked horns from a local deer.

The first building committee met January 30, 1946. Our attendance was small, with five of the twelve members appointed being present.

The Quonset huts were authorized on February 27, 1946. In attendance was Brother George Foster of Atlanta Lodge #78, as a member of the "Elks War Commission". On April 24th, 1946, it was decided to install dormitory facilities over the remaining portion of the former garage and bowling alley building.

The cost of these facilities are accounted for in the financial section of this report. It must be remembered that all materials and equipment were in a premium in so thoroughly a devastated area as was Manila. No imagination can quite comprehend the value of these temporary quarters unless the many thousands of members, their sons and daughters, recall the service which was made available to them.

As an "Elks Home", Manila Lodge shared what it had with the visiting members and friends to the extent that those who read this report in later years may say, "We were there".

REHABILITATION

From the early part of March, 1947, to as late as December, 1947, the Construction Committee was in the process of attaining the necessary building permits.

It may be well to state at this point that Manila Lodge #761 did obtain under date of July 13th, 1911, a "Torrens Title" with a clause therein, that the property plus the improvements thereon could be purchased by the City of Manila, for public purposes only. This so called option to be exercised by the City of Manila will be effective as of a period fifty years later, namely, July 13th, 1961.

Manila Lodge #761 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America is the owner in "fee simple", subject to the expressed conditions as set forth in Transfer Certificate of Title #2195.

On or about January 5, 1948, the Construction Committee approved a building plan which contemplated the use of the remaining portions of the present reinforced concrete walls and foundation.

Authority was given to the Construction Committee to proceed as set forth in the minutes of the regular meeting of Manila Lodge #761, B.P.O.E., held Wednesday, January 7, 1948.

Under this authority of the Construction Committee issued, under date of January 13, 1948, an order to proceed in accordance with the plans and specifications prepared by Brother Harold H. Keys, the architect for the proposed rehabilitation.

On March 12, 1949, Brother E. J. Mora, of the E. J. Mora Electric Co., Inc. of Manila, made an offer in writing to perform all electrical work at cost. This offer was made in appreciation of the helping hand which was extended to all Brothers of the Order upon their arrival in the United States after their timely and welcome liberation.

Under the ensuing fiscal year (1948-49) construction, the Construction Committee was increased from three to five members. This committee authorized the employment of Price, Waterhouse & Co., Certified Public Accountants, for the audit and certification of expenditures made by the committee and/or the major contractors, for and on behalf of the rehabilitation project.

For the purpose of eliminating any unnecessary expense, it was the judgment of the committee that the major contractors could be provided with funds for goods and services obtained. In addition thereto, by the nature of prepayment, it eliminated a two (2%) percent tax on the contract.

THE BUILDING

Here are presented the entrance one would normally use in gaining entrance to Manila Lodge #761, B.P.O.E.

Drive off to the right from Dewey Boulevard, and the doors of the building are always open, to "Brother Elks" and their guests, who are visitors to the Pearl of the Orient.

The first view on the preceding page is the bar. Behind the wall facing the observer is the games section where the "Brothers" spend many happy times.

This is a traditional institution in this "Elks Club".

The next picture is the dining room, at the other end of the open foyer.

The two pictures on the rear wall represent the typical mountain provincianos.

The Kitchen is accessible through the alternate doors at the rear.

The scene opposite is the library and committee meeting room. This is in the center of the main foyer.

To proceed to the Lodge Room, the way leads from the foyer to the stairs
ahead.

This section is used as a writing room.

THE LODGE ROOM

The pride of the Lodge and the most important.

The Lodge Room is finished in light bleached local wood (tanguili). Above each lower panel is an area for the placing of the pictures of the Past Exulted Rulers of this Lodge.

The Elk's Head which adorns our station of "Fidelity" is a presentation from the Missoula, Montana Lodge #456. This Elk's Head is to honor the Montana Boys who sacrificed their all in these, the Philippine Islands.

There are also a small number of rooms (eleven) on this same floor. Our members have first call on the living quarters. But we welcome our visitors and will provide for them if possible.

The descent to the first floor gives access to the remaining facilities of the building.

There is an entrance also on the "Juan Luna" side of the building. This
section is reserved for the fair sex.

The first picture leads the observer to the dining room.

The second picture at the opposite end of this long enclosed porch directs
the wayfarer to the Ladies' Lounge. The mural at the end of the Ladies' Lounge de-
picts a Filipino Legend, and for which a mountain is named "Makiling".

For refreshment and convenience a small bar is provided. From this
room (see opposite page), the entrance to the foyer is through the writing room.