Canon City Lodge #610 was instituted July 30,
1900, in Schaffer Hall located on the southwest corner of
Fourth and Main Street.
The Meeting was called to order by Acting District Deputy
Grand Exalted Ruler J. Knox Burton of Cripple Creek Lodge.
When the business of instituting the Lodge was taken up, 44
members were duly initiated, and enrolled as members of said
lodge. The next order of business being nomination of Officers
for the remainder of the term. The Officers were nominated,
elected and duly installed.
It was moved and seconded on December 19, 1900, that the
Trustees of the Lodge act as a committee to confer with several
persons, who were about to build business blocks, in regards
to a Lodge Room, as they had outgrown the present facilities.
Several locations were checked and finally, the Lodge took
a ten year lease on the upstairs of the F.L.Smith building,
to be designed according to Elk Plans. This was authorized
by the Lodge February 6, 1901.
November 27, 1901, the committee was appointed to investigate
and purchase Elk heads for the Lodge. One was purchased for
the sum of $75 and two more for $200.00 These along with several
others adorn the walls of the beautiful Lodge Room today.
The few years following business was mostly routine until
January 9, 1907. It was moved that the Trustees purchase the
Bailey corner at 4th and Macon for $6,500.00. On January 16,
1907, the property was purchased and a 2,500.00 payment was
made.
On December 29, 1909, a motion was made that a building committee
be appointed. On August 3, 1910, the building committee submitted
plans for the new home for approval and all were rejected.
It wa then moved for the Secretary to write to different Lodges
for the plans of their Lodge buildings and the price of construction.
Motion carried.
On October 5, 1910, a motion was made that an exclusive new
home and club be built at 4th and Macon and the building should
be attractive neat appearing, and distinctive and not of the
stereotype line of the ordinary business buildings. Plans
were submitted on February 15, 1911 for approval. By vote
of the Lodge, the Board of Trustees were authorized and empowered
to enter into contact with Lamb and Campbell for $26,242.35.
The Trustees stated, on December 27, 1911, that the present
quarters
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would be vacated and that the
next meeting, January 3, 1912, would be held in the new home
on 4th and Macon. The dedication committee reported a public
reception would be held on Washington's birthday February
22, 1912.
Bro. Perry A. Clay of Denver #17 delivered the
address. Bro. Benj F. Koperlik of Pueblo #90 gave the 11 O'Clock
Toast. District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Bacon declared
the new home of Canon City Lodge #610 officially dedicated.
At the Noon Luncheon two Elk donated by the Cattlemen of Fremont,
Park, and Custer counties were served. Various entertainment
was furnished in the afternoon by Pueblo #90's Band and Harmony
Sextets, and entertainment by Victor Lodge #367, including
an afternoon dance at the Woodmen of the World's Hall.
The new home of Canon City Lodge #610 to say
the least was far above expectations. The cost of the Building
was $29,500.00, Furniture and Fixtures ran $10,842.50. and
real estate $6,500.00 for a total of $40,292.50.
On January 3, 1924 the Lodge approved street
paving not to exceed $1,834.40. On October 26, 1938 the contract
was let for $2,495.35 to complete the basement for recreational
and dining purposes. A complete kitchen was installed in 1943.
In the early sixties the Officers and Members decided the
facilities were inadequate, and in 1966 an upgrade was started
and on June 15, 1967 the Antlers Lounge was completed.
On September 6, 1944 the minutes reveal that
the Officers of Canon City Lodge #610 were the winners of
the Colorado Elks Association Ritual Contest. Due to a limited
session of the Grand Lodge in 1945, it will never be known
if the Officers would have placed in the National Contest.
This is the first and only time since that our Lodge took
first place in the State Contest.
In 2000 a refurbishment was started that continues
today. Also in 2000 the Lodge held its 100th year celebration
that was attended by numerous State and National dignitaries.
The weeds are being cut out and destroyed. The
flowers are bearing seed to be scattered among future generations.
No one can predict the Future of the B.P.O.Elks Canon City
#610.
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