Tarentum Elks Lodge #644...
Lodge Information

Location:
219 East 6th Avenue
PO Box 6
Tarentum, PA 15084
(724)226-1644
(Take route 28N to exit 14)
(15 miles NE of Pittsburgh)

Meetings:
2nd and 4th Monday of each month

Hours of Operation:
CLUB HOURS
Mon-Thur:  4:00pm - 2:00am
Friday:  3:00pm to 3:00am
Saturday:  12:00pm to 3:00am
Sunday:  12:00pm to 1:00am
 

Brief History of the Elks

The B.P.O.E. (Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks), known throughout America as the "Elks," has quite a long name, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of The United States Of America; and the Order was founded in New York City on February 16, 1868.  Led by an immigrant English comedy singer, Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian, the initial group was formed on November 15, 1867 as the "Jolly Corks," a name taken from the harmless bar-game Charles Vivian, known professionally as "Mr. Johnson," brought with him to America.  Vivian's little group, with their initial intentions being to promote fellowship among lonesome entertainers, quickly saw the benefits they could bring not only to themselves but to others less fortunate; even if the people in need were not associated with their little band.  This is a very simplified explanation as to how and when the Elks got started; and when the Order's first recognized Lodge, located in New York City, was officially opened on March 12, 1871, the second official Lodge, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was given its charter 12 hours afterward. The Philadelphia Lodge was dissolved on March 19, 1972 (leaving Lodge #11 in Pittsburgh, opened on September 13, 1878, as the oldest Elks Lodge in the state). Pittsburgh 11 was followed by Erie Lodge #67 and New Castle Lodge # 69 in 1887.

HOME