Central City Lodge of Elks, BPOE #557, was organized and
the officers installed March 16, 1900. Membership for the
first month shows 33 men listed as charter Members. By 1902
Membership was nearly 200. The Central City Lodge was quite
active and minstrel shows as well as Burlesque Circus fundraisers
were mentioned in the local newspapers, the principle ones
being the Weekly Register-Call and the Gilpin Observer.
Through the efforts of Dr. Ashbaugh and Mr. George Williams,
the Elks were able to purchase a two story building on Main
St. in April 1902 and financed the addition of a third floor
for use as a Lodge Room. The building was dedicated to the
use of the Elks at a special ceremony April 23, 1903.
In 1906 the Central City Lodge carried away many honors from
the State convention held in Denver during July 1906.
The Lodge continued to be active, but, during the years 1908
to 1912, many men left the area, and demitting to other Lodges
in other states became common. The flu epidemic of 1918 had
the same impact in Central City as it did other places in
the nation. Public meetings were suspended, and it was months
before things returned to normal.
Central City benefited from talented leadership of many of
its Exalted Rulers, and, in the early years, several of their
very able men became District Deputies within the state and
national Elks organization.
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Central City enjoyed, from an interesting source, an increase in membership in the
1920’s when men who were
working on the Moffat Tunnel joined the Lodge.
In the mid 1930’s, mining experienced a revival and
another new source of members made itself known.
Eventually, Central City evolved into a summer tourist town,
for which it was known for so many years. In those years, more
musicians and entertainers joined the Lodge than at any other
time.
Central City Elks Lodge has always been a vital part of the
community at large. Especially in the 1960’s, youth
programs and activities were supported by the Elks when no
other organizations were available. The youth choir for an
example had an excellent reputation.
Through time, in the 1970’s and 1980’s, summer
programs were totally supplied by the Elks for swimming, baseball,
and other special activities.
The Central City Elks Lodge continues to be an active participant
in community affairs. In the 1990’s, as in other Lodges
across the country, the local Lodges welcomed the membership
of a much grander spectrum than ever before and has benefited
from the addition of this more diverse membership. |
