In 1901, a funicular railway called the Angels Flight Railway commenced operation in downtown Los Angeles, carrying passengers in either of two counterbalanced tram cars named Olivet and Sinai to cover the 600-foot slope between Bunker Street (now Hill Street) up in the affluent Bunker Hill area and the commercial district (literally) "downtown."

In 1968, the Angels Flight Railway -- dilapidated and fallen into disuse -- was dismantled and stored by the city. A little over 27 years later, it was restored to operation a few hundred feet from its original location and continues as an impressive tourist attraction to the present, carrying visitors in the Turn-of-the-Century style to the heights above the City of the Angels. However, many riders are puzzled by the inscription on the cast-iron arch that serves as the lower entrance gate: Immediately below the words "Angels Flight" are four letters known to our members well -- "BPOE."

Research in the Chicago Headquarters has failed to find the connection between the Order and this curious little railway. If anyone has information that will shed some light on how the letters got there, please let Grand Lodge Historian Mike Kelly know so the facts get into the record. You can reach him by e-mail at mikek@elks.org or by phone at 773/477-2750, ext. 313.