[Back to Formatted Version]

Title: Richmond Lodge, No. 581, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Records, 1902-1931

Creator: Richmond Lodge, No. 581, Benevolent and Protective Order of  Elks

Extent: 0.5 Cubic Feet

Date Acquired: 05/28/2020

Languages: English [eng]

These volumes contain the membership records from the lodge. In some cases there are vital records for new members including birth date and place. Occupation is sometimes given as are personal connections in the form of referrers and references for new members. Donations from each member document charitable activities of the lodge.

The local Elks Lodge No.581 (officially the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks) was chartered in June 1900. A. Wilkes Smith was the first Exalted Ruler. In addition to fellowship, the lodge provided for members’ families in times of need. It also conducted charitable programs locally and around the state. Among its projects was sponsorhip of youth sports leagues and purchase of a mobile clinic that once traveled around the state conducting tuberculosis tests. Membership declined so much in recent years that the organization lost its charter in March 2015 and the Elks Building was sold soon after.

Acquisition Source: Jones, David M.