Omaha, NE 39

Omaha Elks Lodge secretary Penn P. Fodrea attending a pilgrimage to Buffalo Bill's grave on Mount Lookout, sponsored by the Denver Lodge. Buffalo Bill was a member of Omaha Lodge 39 from 1897 until his death in 1917.

News article from 3/14/1924 describing the bronze tablet erected by Omaha Lodge 39 to be placed on the grave of William F. Cody, aka Buffalo Bill, on Mount Lookout. W.F. Cody was a member of Omaha Lodge 39 from 1897 until his death in 1917. "In Memory of Our Brother W.F. Cody, 1924"

Morning "Omaha" World-Herald from 2/8/1921. More than 2,000 Elks celebrate the Thirty-fifth Anniversary of Omaha Lodge 39. Page 2

Morning "Omaha" World-Herald from 2/8/1921. More than 2,000 Elks celebrate the Thirty-fifth Anniversary of Omaha Lodge 39. Page 1.

Omaha Elks Relief Station at 24th & Lake Streets following the devastating Omaha Cyclone of March 23, 1913. This storm remains the deadliest tornado in Nebraska’s history.

Omaha Elks Concert Band at the B.P.O.E Grand Lodge Reunion. Kansas City, MO July 19, 1934

This letter was sent to members in 1917, asking for their thoughts on whether the 7th Annual Clambake should proceed. On May 1 of that year, Nebraska enacted a statewide prohibition law banning the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol. With beer suddenly off‑limits, the future of the Clambake was cast into doubt. Despite the uncertainty, the event ultimately moved forward—with the introduction of “near beer” as a substitute.

After the Omaha Elks Lodge Secretary sent letters about the 7th Annual Clambake—and the challenges posed by the new “bone dry law” banning beer—this reply arrived from the Omaha Police Chief. In it, he advises against holding the event, famously remarking that “a clam bake without any beer would be like a wagon without any wheels.”

In 1917, this letter was sent to the Fulton Market in New York City in preparation for the 7th Annual Clambake. It outlines the original food request, notes concerns about the event’s success due to a prohibition on beer, mentions many members leaving for Army service, and even references the use of “near beer” as a substitute to keep spirits high. This is page 2 of the letter.

In 1917, this letter was sent to the Fulton Market in New York City in preparation for the 7th Annual Clambake. It outlines the original food request, notes concerns about the event’s success due to a prohibition on beer, mentions many members leaving for Army service, and even references the use of “near beer” as a substitute to keep spirits high. This is page 1 of the letter.

Letter sent to members in 1909 regarding the Elks Fair held to raise funds for furnishing the newly renovated building.

Invitation to the 7th Annual Elks Clambake in 1917. This Clambake was almost cancelled due to the "bone dry law".

ER message from the January 1950 monthly newsletter briefly talking about the financial troubles of Omaha Lodge 39 just a few months prior to the loss of the Lodge 39 charter.

Elks event calendar from August 1969