The inception of an Elks Lodge for Silverton began with a couple guys sitting around a cup of coffee in one of the local restaurants in the fall of 1960.
The institution of the lodge was held in the Silverton Union High School on March 25, 1961. There were 252 original charter members. The original officers were Vern Henry (Exalted Ruler), Clint Weiby (Leading Knight), Olwyn Davies (Loyal Knight), Harry Montgomery (Lecturing Knight), Earl Hartman Jr. (Esquire), Willard Hayne (Chaplain), Jeff Hoyt (Inner Guard), Chuck Leonard (Secretary), C.B. Anderson (Treasurer), Ed Janz (Tyler), John Bronson (Trustee), Harvey Kaser (Trustee), Elmer Meyer (Trustee), Jim Fournier (Trustee) and Clay Porter (Trustee).
The newly instituted Silverton Elks Lodge #2210 held the first meeting in the Silverton Armory with subsequent meeting held in the old VFW Hall on High Street, the Moose Hall and Izaak Walton Hall and KP Halls. Over time is was determined that the old Moose Hall no longer met the needs of a growing lodge, so plans were made to purchase the Ideal Food Market from owner Elmer Peterson.
The newly acquired building required remodeling for the fledgling lodge. Due to the costs being more than the membership could afford, the decision was made to complete the work with help of lodge members. Member Kermit Bothum, a local contractor, was chosen to be the supervisor and through donations of material and volunteer label the new Elks Lodge became a reality.
After several years, due to an increase in membership, it became necessary to increase the size of the lodge. Plans were completed for a 9,600 square foot, fully air-conditioned building to include a men's lounge, kitchen, dining room, various committee rooms, lounge, office space, lodge room and family amusement center. Through the efforts of C.B. Anderson, who purchased the adjoining property, the lodge was able to purchase the needed property for $500 per year interest free. Two additional adjoining pieces of property were purchased from Arthur Impecoven and Vernon Simmons. Property for lodge parking was purchased from E. Kellerhals and Homeseekers Agency. Financing for the new building was arranged through purchases of building certificates.
Over the years the lodge membership has fluctuated, but what has not changed is our lodges commitment to the community and the ideals of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.