Who are the Elks?
Elks are community.No matter where you go in the country, an Elks Lodge is right around the corner. With more than 850,000 members and 2,000 Lodges nationwide, Elks are providing charitable services that help build stronger communities. Click here to join us in service to your community!
Historical Media
Boston Mayor James Michael Curley
Welcomes the Elks to Boston
Here is Legendary Mayor of Boston, James Michael Curley (1874-1958) Welcoming the members of the BPOE to Boston on July 7, 1924, A Gennett Record.
James Michael Curley's 11 O'Clock Toast
at the 1924 Convention
If you would like to read the words to the toast, click here.
Nat M. Wills sings “BPOE”
“A master of satire, Wills tells the satirical story here of his initiation and subsequent experiences with the ‘Best People on Earth’ The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks! Wills entertained [and] delighted audiences for many years with his own unique brand of singing these kinds of songs, until his tragic accidental death in 1917.”
Special thanks for the Youtube videos uploaded by Victrolaman
Thomas J. Shaw's “The Big Elks March”
Download Sheet MusicThis was submitted by Valerie Dickison, granddaughter of Thomas J. Shaw (1870-1948). He composed and published "The Big Elks March" sometime around the 1920s. The song was performed and recorded by a professional musician Peter Kok for you to enjoy.
The California Elk, September 21, 1901
Eight-page newspaper of the California Elks, September 21, 2001. (4MB, PDF format)
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