Central City Lodge of Elks, BPOE #557, was organized and the officers installed March 16, 1900. Membership for the first month shows 33 men listed as charter Members. By 1902 Membership was nearly 200. The Central City Lodge was quite active and minstrel shows as well as Burlesque Circus fundraisers were mentioned in the local newspapers, the principle ones being the Weekly Register-Call and the Gilpin Observer.
Through the efforts of Dr. Ashbaugh and Mr. George Williams, the Elks were able to purchase a two story building on Main St. in April 1902 and financed the addition of a third floor for use as a Lodge Room. The building was dedicated to the use of the Elks at a special ceremony April 23, 1903.
In 1906 the Central City Lodge carried away many honors from the State convention held in Denver during July 1906.
The Lodge continued to be active, but, during the years 1908 to 1912, many men left the area, and demitting to other Lodges in other states became common. The flu epidemic of 1918 had the same impact in Central City as it did other places in the nation. Public meetings were suspended, and it was months before things returned to normal.
Central City benefited from talented leadership of many of its Exalted Rulers, and, in the early years, several of their very able men became District Deputies within the state and national Elks organization.
Central City enjoyed, from an interesting source, an increase in membership in the 1920’s when men who were working on the Moffat Tunnel joined the Lodge.
In the mid 1930’s, mining experienced a revival and another new source of members made itself known.
Eventually, Central City evolved into a summer tourist town, for which it was known for so many years. In those years, more musicians and entertainers joined the Lodge than at any other time.
Central City Elks Lodge has always been a vital part of the community at large. Especially in the 1960’s, youth programs and activities were supported by the Elks when no other organizations were available. The youth choir for an example had an excellent reputation.
Through time, in the 1970’s and 1980’s, summer programs were totally supplied by the Elks for swimming, baseball, and other special activities.
The Central City Elks Lodge continues to be an active participant in community affairs. In the 1990’s, as in other Lodges across the country, the local Lodges welcomed the membership of a much grander spectrum than ever before and has benefited from the addition of this more diverse membership.
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