The Elks Lodge: : More than a place to eat and dance
Posted on Wednesday, September 3, 2008
While they have the largest dance floor in the area, the local Elks Lodge would rather be known for their communityservice work. Dozens of local youngsters have received scholarships and savings bonds from the group through writing and athletic contests.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks first came to downtown Rogers in the 1900 s, according to Dan Franklin whose title is Exalted Ruler. He's the executive officer elected by the membership.
Nationally the Elks are still strong with under one million members in more than 2, 000 lodges, according to their Web site, www. elks. org. The local lodge has 249 members.
The building that served as the first Elks Lodge was downtown; the name is still visible on the facade. But the first lodge had to disband during World War II, when there weren't enough men left to keep it open.
A new chapter was started after the war to serve both Rogers and Bentonville. The present lodge, located a few blocks off Walnut, near Scottsdale Center, was built in the 1950 s, Franklin said.
The lodge sits on 20 acres, including about five acres of woods that shelter deer and raccoons. Although it's only a stone's throw from Restaurant Row in Scottsdale Center, it has the secluded feeling of a more rural setting. Many area residents have no idea the lodge is back there, Franklin said.
Inside is a dining room that can seat 200, a full kitchen and a lounge area with dart games, a pool table and a full bar. The lodge is open to members Wednesday through Saturday. Once a month a dinner dance with live entertainment is planned.
The group usually meets twice a month on the second and fourth Monday to plan activities.
Most of their service projects are directed at youth, Franklin said. With the help of the national organization, the Elks National Foundation, several types of scholarships are awarded. Nationally the ENF gives more than $ 3 million in college scholarships including scholarships for Boy Scouts who become Eagle Scouts and Girl Scouts who achieve the Gold Award. There are also scholarships for children and grandchildren of members.
The local lodge, number 2144, sponsors Boy Scout Troop 2144. While the Boy Scouts no
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