Ti Elks Lodge #1494 turns 100

TICONDEROGA | 2024 marks a significant milestone for Elks Lodge #1494. This summer, the fraternal organization that inculcates the four stations of brotherly love, justice, charity, and fidelity will celebrate its 100th birthday in Ticonderoga. Much has changed in that century, but one thing has remained steadfast- the Elks encompass a mission of philanthropy and betterment of their community, and as they usher in a new era, those principles continue to be their driving force. "When you look back at 100 years and how much our society and culture have changed and the way we relate to and interact with others, and the fact that so many other organizations are struggling, the fact that we are still here -especially in a small town- is amazing," said Pam Moser, who is entering into her third term as Exalted Ruler. The Elks organization was founded in New York City on Feb. 16, 1868 under the name "Jolly Corks" by a group of 15 male artists and actors. Back in those days, nothing was open on Sunday in the way of entertainment, which was a driving force in the group of gentlemen forming an organization. "A fellow member that was young and had children passed away, and they realized what they were doing needed to be more," Moser explained, the death serving as a catalyst for the brotherhood to center around their four unwavering virtues. The new name, Elks, was chosen because the animal was "fleet of foot and timorous of doing wrong." Lodge #1 still exists to this day, and the national Order now spends more than $80,000,000 every year for benevolent, educational and patriotic community-minded programs (in 1998 women were finally allowed to join the ranks). Their fields of focus include special needs children, sponsoring Elks National Foundation scholarships, scouting, athletic teams, veterans' works, a national "Hoop Shoot" free-throw contest involving more than 3 million children, physical and occupational therapy programs, patriotic programs, and even combined forces with the United States Drug Enforcement Association to create Elks Drug Awareness Education Program. "To be an Elk, you have to believe in God, we are reverent," Moser said. "We are very American and we are very patriotic." A large emphasis is placed on helping children grow up healthy and drug free by undertaking projects that address unmet yet essential needs, as well as honoring the service and sacrifice of Veterans. It was in fact the Elks that began the June 14 Flag Day tradition, which was later adopted by Congress as an official observance. In the 100 years Lodge #1494 has occupied Ticonderoga, 84 dedicated citizens have served as Exalted Rulers (the very first was Charles Hunt, who lived on Champlain Avenue), their pictures and names immortalized on the left entry side doorway of the first floor of the lodge building located at 5 Tower Avenue. The Elks came into possession of the building for the substantial sum of $1 in 1976 from International Paper (it had been an IT office for the company) after their original lodge was completely destroyed in a fire the same year. "The first lodge site is now the empty parking lot on the other side of Aubuchon's," Moser revealed. "They had a restaurant downstairs with the meeting room above." Like many Elks lodges, that restaurant, which served breakfast and lunch (similar to the Burleigh Luncheonette) was used a source of income for #1494. The eatery was open to the public and was a Montcalm Street anchor before the devastating flames consumed it. Moser noted that today, many lodges have golf courses, RV parks, and bowling alleys to supplement their revenue. Donating to charity does not come cheap, after all. At one point in time during the early to middle 20th century, there were over 560 members that belonged to Lodge #1494. Today, that number has dwindled to 350, with a mere 30 members being active in the organization and offering manpower to keep the functions alive. "That's a significant decline, as with any other organization in today's world,"Moser admitted. "We have a lot of members that have moved but are still members, which is awesome. Our organization offers different avenues and the chance to grow in so many areas, both known and unknown. There are so many different levels of volunteering, like somebody coming in and saying, 'Hey, I can drive someone to a medical appointment,' or 'I can help deliver dictionaries,' or 'I can help at the fishing tournament with my boat.' All of that is a significant help." With seven lodges in the district, #1494 is the only lodge in the area and serves not only Ticonderoga, but Crown Point, Schroon Lake, Port Henry, Hague, and Putnam. The closest lodge north is in Keeseville and the closest south is in Whitehall/Glens Falls, with Plattsburgh lodge having closed. That begs the question, how does #1494 adapt to the times? How does an organization founded a century ago keep its head above water in a more modern, fast-paced world and all of the distractions it offers? In Moser's opinion, it all comes down to a hard and fast focus on one's own community. "Every single member that has come across initiation, the common denominator is they want to give back, they just don't know how," Moser observed. "I know some people are able to give more time than others, but I think there is a good feeling and a sense of hope and encouragement knowing you did something good and you helped somebody. I think it is really important to give back and to pay it forward and invest in your community." In the year ahead, the Ti Elks will be doing a lot more of the same admirable work- youth hoop and soccer shoots, the annual youth fishing tournament in August, the dictionary project, the Americanism essay contest, breakfast with Santa, meet and greet with the Easter bunny, the newly established Family Fun Day will return, gas cards will be given to Veterans for transport to their medical appointments, local fire department grants, and of course donating to the Kiwanis Backpack Program- as well as new exciting benevolent endeavors designed to bring positivity to residents and their children. "We will be working closely with Nancy Quesnel of It Takes A Village (the revamped Tiny Tim program) as well as some other sources to see what is really needed and what we can do to provide," Moser previewed. "We also would like to set up an emergency fund for the community when disasters strike (like the fire that destroyed a single mother's home that the Elks donated $500 to), we don't like to see tragedies happen but they do and we want to be able to support those who need help." On Thursday, April 18, Lodge #1494 will host the monthly Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce After-Business Mixer as a kick-off for their anniversary celebrations. The Elks will be seen upon a float in both the Crown Point Memorial Day Parade and Ticonderoga's Fourth of July Parade, and on Saturday, July 20, the public is invited to attend their Steak and Clam Bake at Elk's Field, a birthday party of sorts to commemorate the very first meeting that took place on July 24, 1924.. "In order to remain sustainable you need to be able to grow, we want to have our doors open to the community for membership and have people come in, there are a lot of people out there that have some amazing talent at all different levels- I think we can really tap into that and really provide for our communities," Moser said. For those interested in learning more about the Elks or to explore membership, Moser encourages them to visit elks.org, where they may submit their name and contact info, and Moser herself will contact them.

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Ti Elks Lodge #1494 turns 100

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