by Karen Walker
Did you know we have Elks in our backyard? It’s true…but don’t worry, these Elks are the two-legged kind! Members (Elks) of Richmond Elks Lodge #1251, located behind the large etched stone with an Elk along San Pablo Dam Road in El Sobrante, have been giving back to our local communities—from Crockett to Berkeley—since 1911. That’s 113 years! (so far)
What are the Elks?
In a nutshell, Elks are community leaders who put serving others first. Some of its well-known members have included Gene Autry, Babe Ruth, Clint Eastwood, Arnold Palmer, Vince Lombardi, Jack Benny, Danny Thomas, Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein, Will Rogers, former presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Kennedy, Harding, Ford, Truman and more…but at the core, the names aren’t important because every Elk is a community leader, as you’ll see below.
In November 1867, English entertainer Charles Vivian moved to New York City. At the time, NYC “Blue Laws” were in effect so Vivian attracted fellow entertainers to gather together for their own amusement on Sundays. “Remember, there were no radios or TVs in those days,” notes Richmond Elk Jim Findley.
The informal fun and friendship reached a new level, however, when a member died shortly before Christmas, leaving his widow and children destitute. That’s when Vivian spearheaded the decision to formalize their group to help not only their friend’s family, but also others in need.
Formally established on February 16, 1868, as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), their social activities and benefit performances attracted new members and rapid growth, with lodges expanding to other cities as members traveled and spread the word. Soon a charter was needed, authorizing the establishment of a Grand Lodge with the power to establish Lodges anywhere in the United States. This Charter was granted as New York Lodge No. 1, on March 10, 1871.
Today the Elks is the largest fraternal organization in the United States—with more than 850,000 members and 1,900 lodges nationwide, each lodge providing charitable services that help build stronger communities locally. Dedicated to Patriotism and Charity, membership is open to all men and women who are American citizens, at least 21 years of age, and who have a belief in God.
A family tradition for some
Richmond Elks Lodge, Lodge #1251, has been around since 1911. Jim Findley, a 39-year member of the Richmond Lodge says for him it’s a family tradition. “My great grandfather joined in Phoenix. My grandfather joined the Richmond Elks Lodge in 1924, my father later joined, and I continued.”
Extending the tradition further, Jim's wife, Elaine, joined the Richmond Lodge about five years ago and has become active helping with various needs and events. “I like the core things they stand for and the community outreach,” she says.
Jim, who especially enjoys the Lodge’s monthly Jazz Sunday events with live music and dancing, concurs. “I believe in the work we do, especially in supporting veterans, disabled, First Responders and scouting of all types. I like the camaraderie and friendships, the dinners, and getting together for service and fun…. and you don’t have to cook!”
Findley’s family tradition is not unique.
“My husband was a third generation Elk, my nephew will be the fourth generation,” echoes Richmond member Gloria Ettling proudly. “Each Elk brings their own life experiences, family and friends with them. Some of my longest and dearest friends have been Elk members. We become Elk family and share Elk activities together.”
Veterans and Children
Elks take special pride in serving veterans and children, especially children with disabilities.
Ruthie Abelson Olivas joined the Elks three years ago “because I like the people at the Elks and their engagement in the community. They focus their efforts on veterans, scouting and children with disabilities. The fellowship among us is very enjoyable and it’s always nice to see so many friendly faces at Elks’ events and meetings. It feels like a second home!”
“It’s kinda like going into partnership with all your friends on a bar and restaurant and all your profits go to charity,” laughs Jim Cowen.
During World War II, Findley said the Richmond Elks Lodge built the Richmond YMCA so that children whose parents were working in the shipyards could have a safe place to go and enjoy activities while their parents worked for extended hours due to the war. The local Elks recognized the need and found a way to fill it. “That’s what we do,” Findley says. “We try to make life better for everyone.”
Linda and John Pitts agree. Both are seasoned members, 13- and 12-years respectively, who last year served as VP of the California-Hawaii Grand Lodge. They chose to travel to each lodge, making many new friends in the process and seeing first-hand the charitable works of different local lodges. They especially like helping veterans.
“About five years ago we helped buy beds for newly-housed veterans as part of a bigger project,” says Linda. “It’s always really good to see young and older men who served our country get back on the right track.”
Other Elk activities include hearing, speech and eyesight screening, holding four blood drives a year at the Richmond lodge, patriotic endeavors such as Memorial Day, Flag Day and Veterans Day, scholarships for higher education, Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation night, delivering Noah’s Bagels to local First Responders every few weeks (they LOVE that!) and more.
Scouting
“My son joined the local Boy Scout Unit 146, sponsored by the Elks. Soon after I realized how strongly the Elks were involved with the Scouts in their community and patriotic activities,” reflects Mark Maltagliati, now an 18-year member of the Richmond Lodge. “It was an eye-opening understanding of dedicated folks making life better for those in need.”
“Besides the charitable works that are inherent with the Elks,” Mark adds, “I also saw the fun they were having with the social hall and dinners.” Shortly after joining, Mark began helping the lodge with the management of its large hall for rentals and with maintenance of the building and property.
36-year Richmond Elk member Jim Cowen also became involved through scouting. As a Scout Master he joined the Elks and was grateful that the Lodge let his troop meet there and serve at some of the Elks events. The friendship, fellowship and opportunity to “serve the community in a structured way” kept him involved.
Patriotism is a core component. “There’s always a Flag outside our lodges and in the lodge room,” says Cowen. “It’s presented as an integral part of every meeting, and is one of our four Elk emblems.”
Newest Lodge Trustee Sergio Otero also learned about the Elks through scouting, girl scouts in his case. The father of 3 daughters, he’s only been an Elks member for about four years, but he’s fully involved. “I really enjoy it, especially the camaraderie,” says Sergio. “I’ve met people from all walks of life. The Elks care a lot about the community and I’m proud to be an Elk.”
The Purple Pig
Every Elk member knows about the Purple Pig. Every lodge has one. Every new member is given one, agreeing to fund it throughout the year for their Grand Lodge’s Major Project charity. It’s a core reminder and commitment to give back, to give what you can and to keep it top-of-mind.
In case you’re wondering, a Grand Lodge serves all the lodges within one or two states and each has a charity focus, called a Major Project. The California-Hawaii Elks (CA-HI Elks) Major Project is aiding physically handicapped children. Their Purple Pig motto is: A coin a day. They’ll walk, talk, see and play.
Last year California’s lodges contributed $4.4 million through Purple Pig donations…and what they’re doing with those donations is amazing!
“Collectively CA-HI Elks launched and run a therapy program for disabled children,” says Cowen. “They provide in-home therapy for physical, occupational, speech and other therapies—free of charge. The special part is that they go directly into the homes and assess the entire situation, including layout of the home, getting siblings and parents involved, and providing customized solutions and training to make the family as successful as possible.”
Friendship, camaraderie, a shared sense of purpose, a welcoming haven
Perhaps the best-kept secret in town is that the Richmond Lodge rents out its generously-sized hall (with or without access to the adjoining bar) as another way to fundraise. Linda handles the reservations and says their hall has been used for birthday and graduation parties, anniversaries, memorials, weddings, kids’ parties, award ceremonies and more.
If you’d like to learn more, you’ll find the Richmond Elks actively participating each year at the El Sobrante Stroll or see the contact information in the sidebar.
“Come on down, I’d like to meet you!” Jim Findley invites readers who might be interested in joining.
“It’s a very fun fraternal order that has the ability to help our community. We need you!” Sergio adds, with a big welcoming smile.
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