On July 31, 1894, a special session of the Deputy Grand
Lodge B.P.O. Elks of Colorado was called for the purpose of
instituting Colorado Springs Lodge #288 (correctly changed
to #309 in April of 1896). Lodge #288 is the Pendleton, Oregon
Lodge. There were 30 charter members who presented themselves
for initiation. In April of 1896, the Lodge number was changed
from 288 to 309 on the seal.
In November of 1896, a motion was made to organize a “club”
known as the Elks Club. In February of 1898, a motion was made
to purchase lots at Evergreen Cemetery suitable for an Elks
Rest. In April, a warrant was drawn for $16.00 to pay for eight
lots. In May of that year, the Exalted Ruler appointed a committee
of seven to manage and govern the Elks Club for one year.
The Exalted Ruler was to be a member of this committee. (This
was very likely the predecessor of today’s House Committee.)
In 1899, the Lodge determined that no one but an Elk could
be admitted into the Lodge and clubrooms except as provided
by the rules of the club.
The early 20th century was an active and rewarding time for
Lodge #309. The Lodge finally got a home they could call their
own in 1902. A new club was to be built on the southeast corner
of Cascade and Bijou Avenues. On November 11, ground was broken,
and exactly one year later the new Elks Club was dedicated.
In 1906, Lodge #309 made its debut on the national scene.
The National Convention was being held in Denver, and many
delegates from around the United States were headquartered
in Colorado Springs. In appreciation for their efforts, the
Grand Lodge presented Lodge #309 a silver cup. In 1908, our
Lodge again premiered on the national scene. The National
Convention was held in Dallas that year, and, on July 14th,
Rush L. Holland (Past Exalted Ruler of our Lodge) was elected
by the delegates of the nation to be the new Grand Exalted
Ruler of the Order.
In July 1910, the band from Elks Lodge #309 traveled to Detroit
to represent the Lodge at the annual meeting of the Grand
lodge. The band members dressed themselves in Indian regalia.
C. B. Horn was the drum major of this splendidly attired 40-piece
band.
At some point during the teens, the Lodge dedicated the bronze
elk statue that stands in the Elks plot in Evergreen Cemetery.
New York sculptor Eli Harvey at a cost of about $2,000.00
cast this beautiful statue. Over 300 members attended the
dedication along with the famed Elks band.
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In 1918, the U.S. had entered World War I, and Lodge #309
was quite active during the conflict. Many members served
honorably in the armed services, and at home were devoted
to aiding the war effort. At the direction of the Grand Lodge,
every Lodge throughout the nation was requested to assess
$1.00 per member to raise one million dollars to build and
maintain six base hospitals in France, as well as to equip
a base hospital at the University of Virginia for the purpose
of taking care of disabled soldiers returning from the firing
lines. The Lodge contributed to the war effort both financially
and physically and represented the Elk’s creed nobly.
The “roaring twenties” proved to be a busy decade
for Lodge #309. In 1921 the Lodge held a Christmas party for
the children of Colorado Springs. Over 1000 children were
invited and attended. Rush Holland appeared upon the scene
again at this time. As P.E.R. of Lodge #309 as well as G.E.R.
and P.G.E.R., he became involved in national politics. He
was appointed to the position of assistant Attorney General
of the United States.
In May of 1963, Lodge #309 (at the corner of Cascade and
Bijou) was closed. The Lodge had met there for more than 60
years. The new location was 3400 North Nevada Avenue (present
location).
It was reported in October 1972, the Trimble Fund, established
in 1933, was exceeding all expectations. Those funds had provided
many indigent residents of El Paso County with aid for obtaining
glasses, food and milk, and dental services, as well as many other
services. Monthly aid had reached a total of $44,425.00, while
total expenditures over the years had reached a phenomenal
$1,277,701.00.
January 15, 1977, was the burning of the mortgage of our
present home. Three hundred nine (309) tickets were sold and
the price of each ticket (a souvenir item) was $3.09 a couple.
Lodge #309 of the 1980’s was involved in many activities.
Not only charitable in nature but also social as well. Membership
increased greatly, and the Lodge was probably as healthy and
profitable as it had ever been. As we embark upon new and
uncharted waters for the Lodge, it’s very important
to remember our past. |
