Idaho Springs is situated 35 miles west of
Denver just off Interstate 70. It is the gateway to many areas
in the Heart of the Rocky Mountains, near the foot of those
famous peaks: Grays, Mt. Evans and Torreys. At an elevation
of 7500 feet, it is a mile from the site where gold was first
discovered in Colorado in 1859. Now Principally a tourist
and recreation area, it was at one time a booming mining town.
The Grand Lodge granted a dispensation to Denver #17 to
organize an Elks Lodge in Idaho Springs, Colorado. On July
7, 1900, Denver Lodge #17 assisted by Central City Lodge #557
and Boulder Lodge #556 instituted Idaho Springs Elks Lodge
#607.
On January 22, 1907, the trustees were instructed to secure
options on various pieces of property on Colorado Street.
At the following meeting a vote was taken and three lots on
the corner of Colorado and 16th Avenue were selected. On February
19, 1907, the Idaho Springs Elks Club Association was formed
and the officers of the Association were empowered to consummate
the purchase of the lots.
The plans and estimates were received and George Keys of
Idaho Springs was
|
awarded a contract on August 5, 1907 to construct
the clubhouse for the sum of $17,650. At 11:00pm on October
8, 1907, a very impressive ceremony was held and the corner
stone of Lodge #607 was placed in position. The building was
completed and on March 24, 1908, formal dedication services
were held.
Several renovations of the building were conducted through
the years. The most recent was done in preparation for the
100th Anniversary Celebration on July 7, 2000. Volunteers
from the Lodge performed most of the work.
The Idaho Springs Elks Lodge is an important contributor
to the community. Annual fundraisers such as the Lyle F. Wohlers
Horseshoe Tournament, the Wild Game Dinner and Horse Races,
Idaho Springs Mining Events and the Gold Rush Car Show help
raise money for scholarships and other worthy projects.
The Lodge also sponsors and Easter Egg Hunt, a Santa Party,
Mother’s and Father’s Day Breakfast for the community.
|
