Niagara Falls, N. Y., Lodge Host to New York State Elks Association

The annual convention of the New York State Elks Association was recently held at Niagara Falls, N. Y. The meeting called forth the largest gathering of members in the history of the Association. Grand Exalted Ruler John G. Price was the guest of honor and many other distinguished members of the Order were present for the occasion. The opening exercises to which the public was invited were largely attended. Corporation Council George W. Knox formally welcomed the visitors to the city, and Exalted Ruler John B. Morden welcomed them on behalf of Niagara Falls Lodge No. 346. The exercises were patriotic, with vocal and instrumental numbers featuring the program. Grand Exalted Ruler Price and Hon. James A. Farley, President of the Association, addressed the gathering. At the opening business session held the following day in the ballroom of the Hotel Niagara the following officers were elected for 1925-1926: President, William E. Fitzsimmons of Albany Lodge No. 49; Vice-President of Southeast District, Martin A. Maher, Yonkers Lodge No. 707; Vice-President Northeast District, Theodore Kalbfeisch, Jr., Glens Falls Lodge No. 81; Vice-President South Central District, Martin Purtell, Elmira Lodge No. 62; Vice-President North Central District, H. Will Evans, Oneida Lodge No. 767; Vice-President Western District, Clayton C. Blood, Albion Lodge No. 1006. Secretary, Amon W. Foote, Utica Lodge No. 33, and Treasurer, Jay Farrier, Oneida Lodge No. 767, were both re-elected. Niagara Falls Lodge had arranged a widely diversified program for the entertainment of the visitors, and the whole city joined with the Lodge in giving them a hearty welcome. Business places and private homes were decorated with flags and bunting, giving the city a most festive air. The band and drill team contests were witnessed by large crowds and the gigantic parade which brought the convention to a close was one of the most brilliant that ever marched through the streets of Niagara Falls. The prize-winners in Sie various contests were as follows: Rochester Lodge No. 24, Bronx Lodge No. 871, and Buffalo Lodge No. 23 finished in the drill-team competition in the order named. In the parade, .the first prize for greatest number of men in line went to Buffalo Lodge. Medina Lodge No. 898 was second. Albany Lodge No. 49 marchers were judged the neatest appearing, and were given first prize in this event. New York Lodge No. 1 was the winner of the first prize for coming the longest distance. The band of Buffalo Lodge captured first prize in the band contest. The next annual meeting of the Association will be held in Syracuse.

More News from July, 1925