Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
The spirit for the Elks came from Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian, born October 22, 1842, who was an Englishman. Son of a successful clergyman, comic, singer and dancer in the music halls of London, In November 1867, Charles Vivian arrived in New York City to try his fortune. With his magnetic personality other actors and entertainers soon gravitated toward him. New York City had Blue Laws that closed everything on Sundays. So a loose organization was formed.
People began meeting for their own amusement under Charles Vivian's leadership for these gatherings and to make sure that there place was well-stocked. They called themselves the “Jolly Corks.” The named came from a trick introduced by Charles Vivian in which the people who do not have knowledge of or experience with would purchase a round of refreshments.
One of their members died in 1867 shortly before Christmas, leaving his wife and children devastated. Jolly Corks decided that in addition to good fellowship, they needed a more enduring organization to serve those in need. So Charles Vivian was elected on February 16, 1868, as they established the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Its social activities and performances increased the popularity of the new Order. Membership grew rapidly while Elks traveling to other cities and spread the word of the Brotherhood of Elks, soon there were requests for Elks Lodges other than New York. In response to these appeals, the Elks asked the New York State legislature for a charter authorizing the establishment of a Grand Lodge with the power to establish local Lodges anywhere in the United States. When the Grand Lodge Charter was issued, the founders received the first local charter as New York Lodge No. 1 on March 10, 1871.
Now how cool is that!