The Aspen Elks Lodge #224 was established on December 27th,
1891. The DDGER of Denver Lodge #17 initiated twenty-two members
into the newly established Lodge. After initiation, the officers
were elected, and Charles R. Bell became the first Exalted
Ruler. Dues were set at $2.00 a month and $20.00 for the initiation
fee.
The site of the first Lodge was on Durant Street and
was formally a jail. The Lodge was moved to Armory Hall (the
current City Hall), in 1892. The year 1892 was significant
in the history of Aspen because of the demonetizations of
silver. This resulted in the economic decline of Aspen
and the end of mining as the primary industry.
In 1904, the Elks moved to their present location; although,
they could not afford the purchase of the building until January
1916.
Noteworthy events during the first half of the twentieth
century were the following. In 1913, 25 head of elk were shipped
to Aspen, and members with ranches donated hay to feed the
elk. Thus, elk were returned to their former habitat. In December
1918, the first Turkey Roll was held, a tradition that is
still going strong today. In 1903, a committee of five members
were appointed to arrange for and call a meeting of representatives
from all the Lodges in the state. This was the genesis of
the formation of the Colorado Elks Association.
In 1921, a Community Welfare Committee was appointed to
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represent the Lodge in all matters pertaining
to the good of the area. This tradition is still carried out
today; however, it is distributed among our Trustees, Youth
Activities Committee, Scholarship Committee, and various other
committees.
The Scholarship Program is a prime example of our growth
in the benevolent endeavors of our Lodge. In 1974, Exalted
Ruler Charles “Skip” Ela presented the first Elks
scholarship; one student received $1,000.00. In 2004, Exalted
Ruler Brian O’Neil presented 18 scholarships for a total
of $79,000.00. In just 30 years, our Lodge has increased its
scholarship grants by $78,000.00.
Throughout the history of our Lodge, patriotism has held
a prominent place. The Aspen Elks still continue this tradition,
as is evidenced in their work with Veterans, Disabled Veterans,
and the recent renovation of Ute Cemetery, with the emphasis
on the restoration of Civil War Veterans gravesites and Memorial
and Veterans Day activities.
Today the Aspen Lodge #224 continues its work with senior
citizen luncheons, sponsors of youth programs (both athletic
and academic), and involvement with community programs. The
Aspen Lodge has always played a part in our community, and,
today, the involvement with the community is greater than ever.
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