In November of 1923, ceremonies were hosted in Orange, California, forming the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Lodge number 1475.  While the first members were 53 transferees from the Santa Ana lodge, there were 75 local residents waiting in the wings to take the Obligation in a large initiation meeting.  Many early members were also leading citizens of our town, with names like Huff, Hirstein, McCandless, Mansur and Muench.  The first Exalted Ruler was A L Tomblin.

      Meetings were first held in the Ehlen & Smith building (later Friedemann Hall) before moving to the Odd Fellows lodge above Watson's Drug.  Later they moved across the street when the Odd Fellows were unable to meet their financial obligations for the lovely new building they built on the North side of Chapman.

      OCHS will salute the Elks Lodge with our Saturday, January 27th meeting at the Lodge 211 East Chapman, at 10:00 in the morning.  We will start with a simple breakfast in the dining room, (a nominal fee will be collected), followed by a tour and program about the Elks.  We will also hold our official annual voting meeting, as per our by laws.

       Our speaker will be Leading Knight, J C Cortez, who will also be installed Exalted Ruler in 2024. (J C also served as the first Duke of Orange for the Chamber of Commerce May Parade.)

       We hope you can join us for this great opportunity to learn more about this active fraternal lodge and their many ways they support our community.

       Please note that free parking is available on Chapman and side streets, the Library and City Hall parking lots.  The lot immediately behind the building is a private lot NOT owned by the Elks, and offers parking for a fee.