As Salida Elks Lodge No. 808 reached another milestone
(1902-2002), our 100th year of Elkdom, it was natural and
fitting that we look back with pride at the starting activities
leading to the establishment of a Lodge of Elks.
According to the Salida Mail of April 22nd, 1902, there were
about 65 Elks in local residence who desired to have a Lodge
of their own.
According to the Salida Mail of November 18th, 1902, Salida
Lodge No. 808 was instituted with over 300 visiting Elks participating.
Every train into the city brought visiting members from Lodges
both to the East and the West. The Canon City delegation of
over 50 included a drum corps and a complete orchestra. Leadville
sent 60 Elks and Buena Vista added 15 of their own. A crack
team from Canon City initiated thirty-two candidates. After
a lunch, a parade was formed with the Scenic Line Band in
the lead, followed by visitors and Grand Lodge dignitaries, then the candidates, tied together in a chain gang, and last
the local lodge membership. The silk hats, the Prince Albert
coats and canes with colors streaming made an exceptionally
fine showing. The hour of 11 having arrived, the chairman announced
that the customary toast, “To Our Departed Friends,”
be given. The Elks then formed in line and marched around
the hall, and, at the proper signal, drank the toast. More
speeches were made, songs were sung, poetry was read, and
thus was completed the institution of Salida Elks Lodge No.
808.
The Salida Elks Home (1909/1910): On Friday, July 29th, 1910,
ground was broken for the new Elks home. This beautiful building
stands on the corner of 2nd and D Street, and is still being
used today. |
Ritual began to assume importance in the Salida
Lodge when Gene Davis was Exalted Ruler in 1954 - 1955. It
reached a peak in 1958 under Exalted Ruler Sam DeLeo, who
led the ritual team to the State Championship in 1958 with
a team score of 96.397, which was based on a word-perfect
performance by each and every officer. In addition at that
state contest, the ER, the three Knights, and the Esquire
were on the first place all state team. Since that time, ritual
has been an important factor in the Salida Lodge. In September
of 2000, Salida Lodge officers performed the Rose Ritual,
a performance rarely seen these days.
The Salida Lodge of Elks has done well in many regards. In
the Lodge year 2001/2002, our per capita ENF contribution
exceeded $8.00. We are providing three State Officers - President,
Chaplain and Sergeant-at-Arms; One State Committee Chairman
(Hoop Shoot), and 6 District Committee Chairmen. Our charity
efforts exceed our budget, but they get funded somehow. The
Elks Ladies have been spectacular in their efforts to support
the Lodge.
The Salida Elks Lodge is an integral part of the communities
throughout the Upper Arkansas Region. We offer the use of
our downstairs facilities (one of only two fully equipped
public gathering places in Salida) for dances, wedding receptions,
and charity events of many kinds, and Elks are always ready
to lend a hand when asked. We have over 550 active members,
and we look forward to the next 100 years of service to our
families, communities, and country.
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