Formal Organization and Name

The Order of the Elks was formally organized February 16, 1868, in the City of New York. Its full corporate name is "Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America." Its declared purposes are to practice its four cardinal virtues, Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; and to cultivate good fellowship.

The animal from which the Order took its name was chosen because a number of its attributes were deemed typical of those to be cultivated by members of the fraternity. The elk is distinctively an American animal that lives in herds. It is the largest of our quadrupeds, it is yet fleet of foot and graceful in movement. It is quick and keen of perception; and while it is usually gentle and even timorous, it is strong and valiant in defense of its own. A representation of the majestic head of the male with its spreading antlers was adopted as the first badge of the Order and is still the most conspicuous element of its copyrighted, fraternal emblem.

 

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Elks Honor Local Residents for Community Actions
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Group:  Elks Miscellaneous
The Elks National Home
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Amazing Elks Fact of the Day

Fact No. 16:   From 1950 to 1952 the members of the B.P.O.E. supplied 600,000 pints of blood for GIs in Korea.

 

Almost Amazing Fact of the Day

Fact No. 298:   The Hundred Years War actually lasted for 116 years.