Gunnison Lodge #1623 was instituted July 1
and 2, 1939, and has been an integral part of the Gunnison
Community over these years. Ruland Junior High School, at
that time Gunnison High School, was the site of the activities
on July 1, 1939, when 45 Elks who demitted from other Lodges
and 39 candidates were initiated. These were the Charter Members
of Gunnison Lodge. Of the 84 Charter Members, one is still
active. From the original 84 members, the Lodge grew steadily,
and, in the early 1950’s, the membership had grown to
672. Our present membership is 386, with 122 Life Members.
The LaVeta Hotel was the home of the new Lodge from the date
of the institution to October of 1940 when the property at
121 South Main Street was purchased. The old building served
for eleven years until the new building could be built at
123 South Main and moved into. This progress was the result
of steady growth and the activities of the Lodge in community
affairs, which made the larger quarters necessary.
Plans for the Home began to take shape during 1949, and,
on June 26, 1950, the contract was let for construction. Ceremonies
for the laying of the
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cornerstone were held September 28, 1950, and
the formal opening of the new home was on April 14, 1951.
The first regular Lodge meeting in the new Lodge Room was
on March 29, 1951. The initiation of the J. J. Miller Class,
which put the active membership over 500, was part of the
Dedication festivities on June 16-17, 1951. The Mortgage Burning
Ceremonies were held on June 10, 1985.
Gunnison Lodge has always been very active in the Youth Activities
programs and many other activities within the community and
the area. With the advent of a bequeath by the B. H. Jorgensen
Estate, the B. H. Jorgensen Memorial Trust Fund was established
to be administered by the Trustees of the Lodge. The Jorgensen
Trust, which is limited to Charitable, Religious, and Educational programs,
has been a tremendous influence in the area. The Lodge’s
participation in the Youth Activities program from the local,
state and national level has brought several awards from the
Grand Lodge, and the brochures on these can be seen in the
Trophy Room at the Elks Home. |
