Maine Elks Association

Public Relations Committee Newsbriefs -03/01/07

Maine Elks Association Newsbriefs

Maine Elks Association to meet in Presque Isle this Weekend

The Maine Elks Association Spring Meeting will be held this weekend at the Presque Isle Elks Lodge #1954 On Saturday morning, the MEA State Trustees will hold their annual budget meeting beginning at 10 AM. Anyone interested in seeing how the budget process works is invited to attend..

On Saturday evening, MEA State President Greg Daniels and First Lady Barbara will celebrate their homecoming at the Presque Isle Elks Lodge. The event will consist of a dinner, music, and dancing. The meal will consist of a choice of either Roast Beef or Baked Stuffed Chicken, complimented by “County” mashed potatoes, peas with pearl onions, candied carrots, salad & dressing, rolls, and dessert. Send your choice of meal to the Presque Isle Elks Lodge #1954, Attention: Pete Laurie, 508 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME 04769. Cost for the meal is $15.00 per person. Currently the Northeast land Hotel is full, but there are still rooms available at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center. Also, a live auction will take place during the evening to benefit the Elks National Foundation.

On Sunday, the MEA Trustees will hold their regular meeting beginning at 9 AM, followed by the State Association general meeting at 10 AM. All Elks are invited to attend this meeting

Update from the Sanford Elks Lodge

From Carol Spellman, Sanford Public Relations

 

The new face of the Sanford Elks Lodge is taking shape. The front brick work is done, and the roof will begin going on this week. Inside, the new function bar is also taking shape.

  

Roger Normandeau and Bruce Brunelle inspects some updates before the Lodge meeting along with Larry Young, Building Committee Chair and carpenter, and Peter Baker, Esquire.

 

Sanford’s very own ER "Tall Paul" Normand gets back on stage with his old band, "Blue Haze" which has not played as a group for 8 years. They got together with 4 other groups as part of a Building Fund raiser for the Sanford Lodge. A Band Jam was put together and members and community folks had an awesome fun filled night at the Nasson Gym in Springvale for old time and newer music. Over 200 attended the Band Jam and enjoyed dancing and snacks from 7:00 to midnight. The Band Jam is just one of the many fund raising events that have taken part at the Lodge that our Fund raising Committee has put together. We are getting closer to a finished new lodge. At this time, mid April looks like when Sanford will be ready to unveil all the renovations.

Houlton Lodge of Elks:  ‘Charity without ostentation’

Reproduced with permission from the Pioneer Times

Interest in creating a Lodge for the Houlton Elks no doubt started in 1902 by the eight men who had to travel to Bangor to attend Lodge meetings – the original eight men were O.B. Buzzell, S.H. Hanson, George Holyoke, Martin Lawlis, J.A. McLean, D.O. Pool, George A. Russell, and C.H. Wheeler.  It is to the credit and foresight of these eight pioneering gentlemen that the Houlton Lodge of Elks owes its creation.

The date of Tuesday, March 10, 1903 was finally settled upon for institution of the Lodge into Houlton.  The ceremonies were scheduled to take place in the Odd Fellows Hall.  The I.O.O.F. No. 78 had just moved into new quarters above what was then the new Fogg Block.  The Odd Fellows made this move due to the fire of May 17, 1902.

On Tuesday, March 10, the Lodge was instituted with 29 charter members.

The following officers were installed:  Exalted Ruler, Don A.H. Powers;  Leading Knight, J.A. Browne;  Loyal Knight; R.W. Shaw;  Lecturing Knight, R.L. Turney;  Secretary, Geo. T. Holyoke; Treasurer, Frank E. Gray;  and Tiler, S.H. Hanson.

Appointed officers included:  Harry Wheeler, Esquire;  Inner Guard, J.A. McLean;  and Chaplain, F.F. Innis while H.J. Hathaway, Chas. Carroll and Martin Lawlis were elected trustees.

The first meetings were held in Perks Hall.  This hall was on the third floor of Perks Brothers Drug Store.  Later meetings were held in the Aroostook Times Block which stood approximately where the Salvation Army stands today.

On April 13, 1906 the Lodge voted to purchase land and erect a building.  In one week’s time the Lodge was able to raise among its members $30,000 dollars to go toward the new building with the total cost including furnishings at $50,000.  The lot on which the building stands was purchased for $7,500.  Ground was first broken on the afternoon of May 8.

On Decoration Day, Wednesday, May 30, after the decorating of the graves, the ceremony of laying the cornerstone began.  The stone was laid by Exalted Ruler Charles Carroll with impressive ceremonies.  A record of the legal proceedings, names of the members, a number of coins from the members and a copy of the last issue of the Times, which contained a description of the building, was deposited in a copper receptacle under the stone.  The Hon. R.W. Shaw was the orator for the ceremony.  It is recorded that the cornerstone typifies the corner of the Order, “Charity Without Ostentation”.

The following is a timetable of the effort to construct the Lodge:

June 8, 1906:  The work on the wall of the Elks Lodge is progressed rapidly.

Oct. 3, 1906:  The first roof of roofing paper is all on, so that it is absolutely tight, and the 1-1/4 strips that are to form the foundation for the boarding of the outside roof are all laid and slating will commence next week.

Oct. 17, 1906:  The slating was to be completed, the cornice is nearly all on and work on the interior will be pushed as rapidly as possible on the plastering before freezing weather sets in.

Jan. 9, 1907:  Last week all the windows were put in place.  These are plate glass and add very much to the looks of the building on account of their artistic make-up.  The finish is being put on and the metal ceiling are going up in a satisfactory manner.

Feb. 6, 1907:  The standing finish is all on, three of the best bowling alleys that can be made have been installed, the floors are now being laid and the decorating of the metal ceilings and walls are progressing as well.

April 17, 1907:  Houlton has a new Elks home.

Starting in June of 1907, the Lodge started a Ladies Day that ran for many years to follow.  The events were well attended and usually had games in the afternoon and dancing and refreshments in the evening.  Bryson’s Orchestra was a regular at these and many other social events at the Lodge in the coming years.

July 15-23, 1907:  Members of the Houlton Lodge attend the Grand Lodge Convention in Philadelphia.  The Lodge was also quick to begin its charitable work in its new home.  In October of 1907, plans were made for a Thanksgiving dinner for the needy children of the area.  An event, which was carried on in one form or another up until World War II.

March 4, 1908:  The Aroostook Times’ headline said, “Social Event of The Season” as details of the Second Annual Ball and Reception of Houlton Lodge Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks No. 835, were announced.

Dec. 6, 1911:  An Aroostook Times’ article entitled “Elks Generosity” described an example of service to the community.  These types of events are well recorded throughout the many years of the Lodge.

During the Depression years in the early 1930’s, membership declined, forcing the Houlton Lodge to re-finance the remaining balance on the original mortgage.  However prosperity returned and membership climbed, allowing the local Elks to hold a mortgage-burning ceremony on Oct. 24, 1945.

On Sept. 16, 1947, Grand Exalted Ruler Lafayette A. Lewis of the National Elks Lodge visited the Houlton Lodge.  A program and banquet was held at the Northland Hotel with Mrs. Ira Tarbell singing the National Anthem and Bro. Rev. Gilbert Condit giving the Invocation.  Among the guest speakers on this important occasion was Past Grand Exalted Ruler John F. O’Malley of Springfield, Mass., who was the originator of the Elks National Foundation.

The Elks National Foundation is a program in which the Houlton Lodge has been very active.  This program brings scholarship money into the local school systems.  Since records have been kept, over $44,000 has been awarded to local students who wished to further their education.

Local monies raised through individual pledges from members, as well as funds collected through special events are sent to the National Fund where the principal is never touched.  Houlton always gets more funds back from the National Fund in the form of local scholarships than is raised locally.

The Lodge also gives out $1,000 of its Memorial Fund each year to the local Dollars for Scholars Program.

Each May, Elks celebrate Elks National Youth Week by hosting a free roast beef supper for the National Honor Society members at area schools.  Over the years, members have also sponsored a local Little League team, Hoop Shoot competitions, a local Cub Scout Pack and an Americanism essay contest for sixth-graders.

However, it is evident that the Houlton Lodge of Elks is more than just the physical building that sits at 86 Main Street.

The Lodge is actually the outstanding membership and their cornerstone is the same as in 1903 – Charity Without Ostentation.

Houlton Lodge of Elks honor student contest winners

Reproduced with permission from the Pioneer Times
 
 

AMERICANISM ESSAY – Houlton Lodge of Elks honored winners of its
Americanism Essay Contest recently, Winners included:  fifth grader
Andrew H., who won second place, and sixth grader Allyson C., who won
first place in their divisions.  Pictured here from left are Houlton Elks
Exalted Ruler Jim Bledsoe, Essay winners, and Southside School Principal
Jerry Kiesman.

 

CONTEST WINNERS – Jim Bledsoe, Exalted Ruler of the Houlton Lodge of Elks, presents certificates to winners of the Elks Americanism Essay Contest who will go on to compete at the state level.  Pictured here from left are: Bledsoe, first place winner Dakota J, second place winner Rebecca C and third place winner Amanda F.

 

 

ESSAY WINNER -  Jennah S., as sixth grade student at SAD 70, took third place in the Houlton Lodge of Elks Americanism Essay Contest.  Steamer is picture here with Elks Exalted Ruler Jim Bledsoe.

Proud American!

By Jennah S.

 

Crash. Bang. Boom. People everywhere. Bodies on the ground. People hovering over them in tears. That's what the ter­rorists did to America on Sept. 11 when they crashed into the World Trade Centers.

Even though the terrorists hurt our country HORRIBLY, American stuck together and everyone pulled through that sad and gloomy day. That's why I'm proud to be an American — for the teamwork our country has.

When someone dies or gets hurt, like in a car accident, Maine or America is there for those peo­ple. Some people send cards, let­ters and some even send prayers (o heal or help those people.

I also adore America because you can be you, not anyone else. You can wear whatever you want. Also, you can have any kind of religion.

There are tons of words that fit for America. FREE. COURA­GEOUS. HELPING. LOVING. And many more. But the main reason I am proud to be an American is because I can be myself and American respects me just the way I am and nothing more!

 

Why I'm Proud to be an American

By Andrew M.

 

I'm proud to be an American because we can do whatever want to do, unless it's against the law and everybody is treated the same. Plus, we don't have all the wars in America and all the fight­ing. My father is in Afghanistan and I know he's coming back.

America is a fun place to be. You can fish, hunt and hang out with your friends and play sports like basketball, baseball, tennis, football, soccer and softball. They're all fun.

In America, if you stay in school and succeed with passing grades up to college, you should get a good job and have a good life.

That's why I'm proud to be an American!

 

My America

By Allyson C.

 

My America is overpowered with freedom. My America opens a whole new life for immigrants. America lights a new light for people in darkness.

I am proud to be an American. America fights for not just her people's freedom, but for others as well. I am proud to be an American.

In my America, everyone can feel safe. Everyone can choose their future. In America, you can be whatever religion you choose.

I am proud to be an American.

 

Proud

By Dakota J.

 

Why are you proud to be an American? Are you proud to be an American? You should be. Some people just don't seem to see how much we have. We have so many things that other people in the world don't have. Some people in Iraq are scared to come out of their homes without being shot. I am proud to be an American and this is why. Freedom, safety and opportunity.

Freedom, the freedom to speak. The freedom of religion. The freedom of wearing what we want to wear and being who we want to be. We haven't always had the freedom of speech. Years back, people were too scared to stand up and wave the flag and be able to say that they are proud to be an American. Now, we can all stand up and wave the flag and say this. That is one freedom. Freedom of religion, we can stand out in a crowd and say our religion and nobody will kill us, hang us or threaten us. Some places in the world do that. That is freedom.

Safety, I feel very safe in our country. I feel safe to walk out of my home and not be scared of somebody shooting me. I feel safe of not being bombed. Some people in other places of the world can NOT say that. I feel safe to walk down the street to my friend's house and not be afraid of dying. I am lucky to have that safety.

Opportunities, we have SO many opportunities. The opportu­nity to walk down the street and go to the movies. The opportunity to ride a bike to a store. The opportunity to go to school. Those are just a few of the oppor­tunities that we have. Some peo­ple can't just ride their bikes down the street and go to the store.

This is why I am proud to be an American. Are you proud to be an American? Just think about it. Think of all the freedom. Think of all the safety. Think of all the opportunities. I hope you are proud to be an American

 

"And I'm proud to be an American!"

By Rebecca C.

 

"I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men (and women) who died and gave that right to me..."

This song speaks for me because I know that 1 am fortu­nate to be living in a free, wealthy country unlike a lot of other chil­dren who live in a world of pover­ty. Throughout the years, the brave men and women have fought for their country even knowing that the possibility of dying is high and I appreciate everyone of those people.

We might still be under the rule of the of England if it wasn't for the men who took a courageous stand against King George's absurd laws back in 1770s. Where would we be if no one had fought in WWI, Vietnam and the war that is going on now in Iraq? Who would stop the terrorists from causing a repeat of Sept. 11 ?

Sept. 11 was indeed a very dark and scary time for American citi­zens, but no matter the circum­stances, yet again, heroic firemen and police officers were willing to risk their lives for the victims of an attack on America.

Every day someone's father, mother, spouse, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, sibling or close friend dies in Iraq. And when we watch the news at night and hear that so and so has died, it may not effect us as much as it does the person who loved the one that has died. So instead of always listening for someone we know personally, say a prayer or do something for those who have died, fighting for us. Because truly they are saving everyone's life, including yours and the least we could is thank them. So ... thank-you war veterans and any­one else at war and God bless America!

 

I'm Proud of That, Are You?

By Amanda F.

 

Sometimes people don't realize how lucky they actually are. They don't know how proud they should be of what our ancestors fought for, for so long. But I can say I'm not one of those people. I am very proud of my country! I'm proud to have equal rights, freedom and safety. And many others, too.

Equal Rights. In some coun­tries, women are treated harshly. They can't vote and sometimes they can't even show their face. But in my country, I can do all three of these. And you bet I'm proud of it! We are so lucky to have equal rights among every­one. Some people don't realize that they should be proud of that, but I am!

Freedom. This one is my ulti­mate favorite. It doesn't matter what my mom did, my dad did or even my grandparents! I can grow up and do any job I want to. But not only that, if I want to have a discussion on government, pover­ty or something going on my hometown, I can because we have Freedom of Speech. And that makes me very proud. I'm proud of that, are you?

Safety. Wow, this is another one of my favorites. I'm so happy that I can go outside and not worry about being shot or kidnapped or being taken away. In America, we have police, soldiers and other people that are watching over us. Whether they're making sure ter­rorists aren't coming into our country or people in our very own town aren't harassing us. They keep us safe. And that is an amaz­ing right. I'm very proud of that, aren't you?

Well, I'm very proud of every­thing my country has accom­plished. They make me feel safe, they let me speak my mind, and I know I have my very own free­dom. I have asked this question many times and I have the answer! I am proud to be an American!

 

 

If you have news or information of interest to the members of the Maine Elks Association, please send your articles to Public Relations Director Wayne Cotterly at meapr@fairpoint.net for inclusion in the MEA Calendar, Newsbriefs, and/or Website. Also, if you would like to be removed from this mailing list, please send an e-mail to Public Relations Director Wayne Cotterly at meapr@fairpoint.net. In addition, if you know of someone who would like to be added to this list, please have them forward their e-mail address to the same address. All information provided has been read and approved by the MEA State President.