The Durango Elks Lodge received their charter on June
22, 1899, and were the 507th Lodge to become part of Elkdom.
Membership has ranged from 249 in 1904 to a high of 1335
in 1928. Currently, the Durango Lodge has a membership of
about 750.
Initial meetings were held in the rooms on the second floor
of a building, which was located where the current downtown
mall building stands. In 1904, the meetings were moved to
the building where the Red Snapper restaurant is located.
The current Lodge building was built in 1925 for $60,000.00.
The money for construction was provided by the sale of bonds
to the Durango Elks members. The building was occupied in
1926.
During the period from 1899 to 1926, the Durango Elks purchased
various lots in the City of Durango. These included property
at 2nd Ave. and 12th Street, Main and 11th Street, 2nd Ave.
and 9th Street (where the Lodge building is located), and
lots in Greenmount cemetery.
The Lots in Greenmount cemetery are available to Durango
Elks members. On July 30, 1926, a special ceremony was held
to dedicate the new Lodge building.
Throughout the first 100-year history, the Durango Elks have
been involved in a variety of community and charitable activities.
In 1900, the first Memorial Day service was held at the Opera
House.
The Durango Elks were involved with the repopulation of the
elk herds in southwest Colorado. In 1911, elk were purchased
for Hermosa Park. In 1913, 25 more head were delivered, and
more added in 1915.
In each of our wars and police actions, the Lodge has been
supportive of our
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Armed Forces personnel. Dues were paid for
members who were serving their country. Letters were written
to our personnel stationed overseas. Bond drives were held.
The Lodge facilities were donated for use by organizations
such as the Red Cross, and servicemen in town, whether or
not a member of the Elks, were welcome as guests.
The Durango Elks, in addition to supporting the national and
state projects, are involved in a number of activities to
benefit the community and individuals.
The Durango Elks have maintained a scholarship program for
graduating seniors who intend to pursue a post high school
education. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership,
community service, extra curricular activities, civic activities,
and financial need. In 1999, six students were awarded a total of $5,000.00 toward
their continuing education.
Safety Town, a cooperative effort between the Durango Elks
and the Durango Police Department, was inaugurated in 1990
as a local project. It is a comprehensive program of safety
training for kindergarten, first, and second grade children.
A miniature town complete with streets, sidewalks, buildings,
and traffic devices allow the children to practice what they
are taught.
The Lodge building was listed as a historical building in
1998. The Lodge has also established a museum on the top floor.
Memorabilia displayed in the museum were either stored in
the building’s attic or donated by members. This museum
not only provides an insight into the history of the Durango
Elks, but also into the history of the City of Durango. |
