July 9, 2016 marks the 120th Anniversary of Renovo Lodge #334, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Renovo’s Lodge received its charter in 1896 during a Grand Lodge session held in Cincinnati, Ohio. The charter was presented by Grand Exalted Ruler Meade T. Detweiler. The installation took place in the Grand Army of the Republic Hall, second floor of the Odd-Fellows' Building, located on Sixth Street and the installation banquet was held in the Ward House, which was part of Maxwell’s Furniture Store. Captain E. T. Swain, a member of the 49th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Company B, was elected as the first Exalted Ruler and served for the year 1896 to 1897. Since then, there have been ninety four different Exalted Rulers, many serving multiple terms throughout the years.
The new Lodge met in several buildings during the next twenty-nine years, the first being the, second floor, rear of the Knights of Columbus Building located on the corner of 6th Street and Erie Avenue. Later, meetings were held in the “Swain” building located on Erie Avenue. In a few years meetings moved back to the Knights of Columbus, this time to occupy the entire second floor front. The next move was to the “Adams” building also located on Erie Avenue.
The year 1922 saw the largest member growth by initiating a hundred new Elks thereby increasing the membership to four hundred twenty three and a requirement for more space. In the quest for larger facilities the Hotel Clinton (present day Yesterday’s) was offered to the Lodge and after much investigation and discussion the lodge decided against its purchase. Instead the lodge decided to erect a new building. At this time multiple lots which once housed the Exchange Hotel and other buildings (which were destroyed in a fire) became available and were purchased. The front half of three lots was sold to the First National Bank, now the Santander Bank. Excavations for the basement of the present lodge location began in May, 1924. The cornerstone was laid with ceremonies on November 11, 1924.
Since its charter was granted in 1896 Renovo Lodge #334 has been involved in community actions and charities. Currently, in conjunction with The Western Clinton County Veterans Council, Renovo Community Choir and the Boy Scouts of Troop 137, the lodge conducts its Annual Flag Day Ritual and as part of its Youth Activities Committee, sponsors The Elks Annual Hoop Shoot competition. This year the lodge hopes to re-vitalize the Youth Activities by introducing its Drug Awareness Program.