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January Historical Events

BPOE Historical January Events

The creation of the Grand Lodge was approved by membership in
January of 1871. Charter Number 1 was issued to New York and
Charter Number 2 was issued to Philadelphia. The incorporation of
Grand Lodge was enacted by the State of New York in March of the
same year. Grand Lodge requirement was to be a PER, Past Exalted
Ruler.

The Life Magazine edition of January 15, 1941 publishes the Elks
presentation of The Uncle Sam Poster to President Franklin D.
Roosevelt.

The Elks National Defense and Public Relations Commission becomes
the Elks War Commission on 4 January 1942.

Elks membership in 1871 was 243 and Elks membership in 1968
during the Elks Centennial was 1,452,187.

Most notable historical events are attributed to the Grand Lodge
year in which they occur and there have been millions of events.
The Millionth Elk was Raymond Cole of Bay City, Michigan, Lodge
No. 89.

Greg Rill

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December Historical BPOE Events

In 1871 Article A of The Constitution set the 2nd week in December as the Annual Session and the 2nd week in June as the Semi-annual Session.

In 1889 the Forty-First Session designated and dedicated the first Sunday in December to be celebrated as a “Lodge of Sorrow.” The Grand Lodge Session of 1890 then designated and dedicated the first Sunday in December as “Elks Memorial Day.”

The Elks War Commission opened an Elks Fraternal Center in New York City on December 11, 1943.

Elks National Foundation offices were moved from Boston to the Elks Memorial Building during the month of December 1966.

Written by Greg Rill

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National Veterans Remembrance Month

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

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2nd Annual Car Show

Eureka Elks Lodge No.652 & local Veteran’s held its second annual car show on Saturday, September 25th. Over 50 vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles were on display. Cost was $20.00 per vehicle. All proceeds go to assist local veterans with meals, groceries, transportation and personal needs. Also, they go to help those veterans that are shut-ins.

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Christmas Tree Ornament

David Eberhardt, a member of Eureka Elks lodge No. 652 and a member of Redwood Roamers RV group, created a copper ornament to be placed on the U.S. Capital Christmas Tree, which will grace the West Lawn of the U.S. Capital in Washington D.C for the holiday season. The tree will require nearly 4,000 large ornaments. Eberhardt’s project took forty hours to complete. This piece was intricate in design and required the use of small tools to make the precise cuts along the way. David, an Air Force Veteran, drew inspiration from his adventures enjoying a lifetime of exploration on the North Coast. Our community is honored to have his ornament displayed on the “Peoples Tree” this holiday season. Pictured from left to right: Lodge Exalted Ruler, Scott Reinsmith and Ornamented Creator, David Eberhardt.

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AVP Honored

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.

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Elks Host CHEA President

Eureka Elks Lodge No. 652 hosted a visit for Jay Larkins, President of the California-Hawaii Elks Association. He was accompanies by Exalted Rulers (ER) of Elks Lodges from the Greater Northwest District. His visit was to spread the excellent work that the Elks are doing in our communities for children. seniors and veterans. The theme was “The Future of Elkdom Begins with You!”. Pictured from left to right front row: ER, Bill Sollows, Napa; ER, Leigha From, San Rafael; Vice President, Northwest District,
Dennis Hunter; Association President, Jay Larkins; Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, Randy Logan and ER, Scott Reinsmith, Eureka. Back row: ER, Randy Butcher, Crescent City; ER Jenna Shepherd, Ukiah and ER, Jeff Poteet, Petaluma.

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Elks #652 Honors Veterans

Eureka Elks Lodge No. 652 honored Dr. Thomas Mays and Cameron Renner as Veterans of the Year. Dr. Mays is a professor of history at HSU. He served for 26 years in the armed forces. Cameron Renner served in the Marine Corp and served in the First wave of Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq President of the California- Hawaii Elks Association, Jay Larkin presented the awards and thanked both veterans for ” courageously protecting our liberty and independence. Your honorable service is greatly appreciated. As long as there are veterans, Elks will never forget them”. Pictured from left to right: Association Vice President of the Northwest District, Dennis Hunter; Honorary, Cameron Renner; Honorary, Dr. Thomas Mays; Association President, Jay Larkins and Exalted Ruler, Scott Reinsmith.

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Exalted Ruler – July 2021

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