Eureka Elks Lodge #652

The Civil War ended with the Ceasefire Agreement by General Robert E. Lee on 9 April 1865, concluded with Ceasefire Agreement of the Shenandoah on 6 November 1865 and was formally declared over by President Andrew Johnson on 20 August 1866. The United States at that time was rebuilding and working to bury the strife and bloodshed that had so divided the country.

Two years later an event occurred which has helped shape and support the United States of America. On 16 February 1868 a group of people laid the foundation for The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Since that event and through numerous wars and conflicts Elks have made contributions to support veterans, their families, and their children. Words alone cannot describe the support Elks have for veterans. Such is a testament of the honor of the B.P.O.E.

Grand Exalted Ruler Francis M. Smith in 1972-73 issued a proclamation naming November as Elks Veterans Remembrance Month. The Elk tradition recognizes veterans for their service and common pledge: “to support and defend this country.”

Members are encouraged to participate in Elk activities and if interested, in Elk Veterans activities.

Greg Rill, Past Elk of the Year

Download the November Herd Talk. Note: the Elks lodge is a members-only organization.

Association Vice President of the California-Hawaii Elks Association Dennis Hunter, representing the “Greater Northwest District” was honored with a welcome home dinner, with 190 members and guest in attendance. As Association Vice President he visits Crescent City, Ukiah, Lakeport, Napa, Vacaville, Petaluma, San Rafael and his home lodge, Eureka. The purpose of the visits of the 338 miles is to spread the work the Elks do for our communities, children, seniors and veterans. The theme of CHEA President, Jay Larkins this year is ” The Future of Elkdom Begins with You”. Pictured: (l to r) Elks Exalted Ruler, Scott Reinsmith and his lady, Claudia; Karen Hunter, wife of AVP and Honoree, Dennis Hunter.

Well, mask season is finally over. We are back to full capacity and will be able to have live music and dancing again along with guests being welcome at the Lodge. With this added capacity the Lodge will be needing more help in the volunteer department. If you have any experience with or want to learn about working in the kitchen or bar to help your Lodge please leave your name and number at the bar or front desk and someone will contact you. Also, we are looking to hire an additional maintenance/custodial staff person. If you are interested or know of someone who is interested in this position, please contact the office.

With the weather heating up inland, I’m sure a lot of people will be traveling to our area again and our R.V. park will be filling up. It will be so nice to SEE people and talk to them again face to face without masks. I look forward to hearing about their travels.

I will be attending the Elks National Convention in Tampa, Florida over the weekend of July 4th to represent our Lodge and District. When I return we will be getting our Lodge ready for CHEA President, Jay Larkins’ Visitation to the Great Northwest District, which is a great honor for our Lodge. Later in July we will celebrate the A.V.P. Dennis Hunter’s Homecoming, another very special event at our Lodge.

I hope everyone has a great 4th of July and is feeling the excitement of getting back to normal. I can’t wait to hear live music again at the Lodge. Lastly, if you leave a note in my box please sign it so that I can get back to you with answers.

ER Scott Reinsmith

Americanism by Wendy Browne. This month we gives thanks to revolutionary war patriot Robert Philipson Cary who is registered with the Daughter’s of the American Revolution for his service to the Virginia Colony. He was a descendant of one of the first families of Virginia. The Cary family. His ancestors arrived at the Jamestown colony in the early 1600’s. Robert Philipson Cary was born in 1763 in Chesterfield, Virginia he served 3 years on the Virginia Continental line. After the war he and his wife, Martha North, moved to the state of Tennessee where he had a land grant from the government for his valiant service to our country. Robert Philipson Cary left this life in Dec of 1819 at his home in Claiborne County, Tennessee. We give thanks and honor to this brave man who served our country with courage and a fighting spirit. Robert Phillipson Cary was the 4th great grandfather of Lodge 652 member Floyd Squires.

Do you have an ancestor who fought for the liberation of the us colonies from Great Britain? If you would like to share with others, and learn more about their lineage, please leave a note with your contact info. with the lodge clerk. We have the memorial brick project on the front wall of the lodge you can memorialize them there as well. The war memorial bricks include the Revolutionary War period as well as the more recent wars.

Eureka Elks Lodge no. 652 held its annual flag day ceremony on Sunday
June 6th. The ceremony displayed the earliest American flags from the Pine
Tree flag to todays 50 stars and 13 strips. Elks invited members from
Eureka Emblem Club no. 298, Eureka Commandery no. 35, Knights Templar,
Boy Scout Troop no. 54 and Mad River Honor Guard to participate in this
historical event. There was a hosted lunch after the program. Pictured
Boys Scouts, Knights Templar and Emblem Club Members.
Pictured third from left is Warren Tindall with the Mad River Honor Guard.
Center back, left to right is, Dennis Hunter Past Exalted Ruler and Exalted
Ruler Scott Reinsmith.