Monday, December 30, 2024
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DOWNTOWN LIGHTS
photo by JACK BOYCE
Shelbyville Fraternal Groups: The Elks Club
The Assemble Hall, built in 1897, once served as the local home for the Elks Club at 52 W. Broadway.
by GEORGE YOUNG
Editor’s note: The following is the next installment of George Young’s series on local fraternal lodges, which thrived at the turn of the 20th century.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), often referred to as the Elks Lodge or simply the Elks, is an American fraternal organization established on February 16, 1868, in New York City. Initially founded as the "Jolly Corks," the group adopted its current name later that same year. The Order's primary founder, Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian, was an English-born actor and a member of the British fraternity known as the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes. While Vivian advocated for the new Order to adopt the title "Buffaloes," the name "Elks" was ultimately chosen by an 8–7 vote.
The elk was selected as the organization’s symbol for its noble characteristics—peacefulness, vigilance, and readiness to defend itself—qualities that align with the Elks' guiding principles: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity. The founders sought a symbol that was not only dignified but also uniquely American, making the elk a fitting emblem for the Order.
By 1890, the Elks had grown to include 173 lodges nationwide. Although the organization initially borrowed rituals and symbols from the Freemasons, it gradually established its identity, consolidating membership degrees, discontinuing certain regalia, and abandoning secret rites by the early 20th century.
Historically, the Elks also managed the Elks Mutual Benefit Association (EMBA), an insurance fund established in 1878. Today, many lodges operate social quarters, providing members with food, drinks, and entertainment at reasonable rates. The Order remains committed to fostering American patriotism, enhancing members' happiness, and cultivating goodwill through its declared virtues. Today, the organization has over 750,000 members across 1,928 lodges and focuses on community, friendship, and charity.
History of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks in Shelbyville
The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks was founded in Shelbyville on December 26, 1898, with 29 charter members. These individuals were prominent leaders and influential figures within the community. In 1901, the newly formed Elks Lodge #457 showcased its cultural contributions by staging a two-act Spanish-American comic opera, “The Princess Bonnie”, at the Blessings Opera House on April 18 and 19. The event was open to the public, and the Elks published a 40-page program featuring details about the opera, cast members, member photographs and local advertisements.
Over the next century, the Elks in Shelbyville emphasized the social and entertainment aspects of fraternal life, setting themselves apart from other fraternal organizations that focused more on mutual aid, insurance, and other forms of support. The Elks became known for hosting golf outings, social gatherings, dances, barbecues and bingo nights.
In 1907, the Elk Grand Lodge mandated that members cease wearing elk teeth as charms or fobs to help protect elk populations. At least 75 members of Shelbyville Lodge #457 were reported to have worn such emblems. Around 1909, the lodge proudly displayed a nearly perfect elk head trophy, which had won first prize at the Wyoming State Fair, in its entry foyer at 52 W. Broadway.
The lodge's first meetings were initially held in Sindlinger Hall at the northeast corner of Washington Street and Pike, starting in 1898 until 1906, when the Elks moved to the Assembly Hall at 52 W. Broadway. The Assemble Hall built in 1897 is pictured above in the postcard. The Elks operated out of three successive buildings over several decades at that location, 52 W. Broadway.
Growth and Expansion
By the 1920s, the lodge had grown to 250 members. They planned and built a new clubhouse with modern amenities, including a basement with showers, two bowling alleys, and a cafeteria. Designed by architects Kopf & Wooling, this second building on the same site was estimated to cost $50,000 (equivalent to $750,000 in 2024).
By the late 1940s, the lodge had outgrown their second facility. In 1950, construction began on a new building at the same address. On July 16, 1950, the cornerstone for the third building was laid, containing various artifacts to commemorate the lodge’s history and its founding members. These items included a copy of the charter, meeting minutes, a list of officers and contractors, a U.S. flag, and ritual documents.
The new lodge, built by Shelby Construction Co., featured 32 rooms, including a main dining room/ballroom, a private dining room, a rathskeller, a lodge room, a kitchen, a cocktail lounge, two ladies' lounges, and a browsing room. The grand opening in March 1951 was a festive event with a smörgåsbord, bridge games, special entertainment and dinners. Twenty new members were initiated, bringing the lodge’s active membership to nearly 700.
Later Years
In the 1950s and 1960s, Lodge #457 expanded further, adding a country club with a golf course and swimming pool. However, managing two locations became financially challenging. By the early 1970s, the lodge closed its downtown facility and operated exclusively from the country club on North Highway 9. This location remained the lodge's home until around 2003, when the property was sold to Blue River Golf Course, marking the end of an era for Shelbyville Lodge #457.
A gift from Lena Grover has profoundly shaped the community. When she willed her beloved farm to the Shelby County Historical Society, it was more than just a donation; it was a heartfelt gesture to safeguard the past for future generations. The Historical Society, recognizing the opportunity to deepen its mission, sold the farm and used the proceeds to acquire the historic downtown Elks Lodge at 52 W. Broadway in 1979.
This iconic building, steeped in its own local history, became the perfect canvas for the Society’s ambitions. Renovation efforts began immediately, driven by a shared sense of purpose among volunteers and historians eager to breathe new life into the structure. By 1981, the former Elks Club, with its stately charm and rich architectural details, was transformed into the Grover Museum—a treasure trove of exhibits and stories celebrating Shelby County's past.
NOTEBOOK:
The Shelby County Recycle Center and Transfer Station will be closed tomorrow, December 31, and January 1. Among numerous items accepted by the center, 1316 North Michigan Road, Shelbyville, holiday lights can be recycled there. Live Christmas trees can be taken to Sunset Park. Look for the sign at the east end of the parking lot.
You may not need to rush to take advantage of that 5% off sale at the local Big Lots after all. Variety Wholesalers is in the process of acquiring between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores, which would continue to be operated under the Big Lots brand, saving numerous jobs. Specific locations of stored to potentially be saved were not included in a media release.
Thank you to every donor for your continued support as The Addison Times forges ahead to fund 2025 and beyond. We will once again provide a quarterly publication with extra news and photos in 2025 as a gift for your support of $100 or more. This past year, we’ve covered city and county meetings, our students, local business, primary and general elections, commercial and residential development, and, of course, daily local history. Please consider a one-time or monthly donation to The Addison Times, either online or via a check to The Addison Times, 54 W. Broadway, #13, Shelbyville, Ind., 46176. Thank you for your continued support of daily local news and history. I appreciate each of you. - Kristiaan Rawlings, Editor
HOOSIER NEWS: Indiana’s elderly population is growing significantly. The projections rely on recent birth and death data and migration estimates. Indiana saw a 40 percent increase in those age 65 and older between 2010 and 2023. Meanwhile, the number of people younger than 20 is falling. The IBRC projects the elderly population will grow by 73 percent between 2020 and 2040. Between 2020 and 2060, it will grow by almost 90 percent. Shelby County's population ages 65 and older is projected to grow by 1,908 (23.7%) between 2020 and 2050, the lowest of the Indianapolis metro counties. Hamilton County's population ages 65 and older is projected to grow by 52,943 (115.9%) between 2020 and 2050. (Indiana Public Media/Indiana Business Research Center at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business)
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SHS Courier Archive Highlights:
October 1971
The Vocal Music Department along with the Thespian Troupe were set to perform “Hello Dolly” at Breck Auditorium. Several features had been added: a red grand drape, a lighted runway built by G.V. Myers and assisted by Tom Warrick and others, and a colorful train built and designed by Miss Bonnie Schneider. She had completed the costumes to go with elaborate hats made by Myers, Pat Wright and Jerry Holt.
Democrat mayoral candidate Jerry Higgins told Courier staff that the lowering of the voting age might help him in the next year’s election since many voters ages 18 to 20 knew him from his teaching career.
Bonnie Schneider, an Indiana University graduate and 1965 graduate of Shelbyville High School, was back to teach art. Sally Landwerlin, a 1966 SHS graduate who went to Ball State, was back teaching English. (Landwerlin was known in high school as Sally Sybil, her alter-ego who, from the confines of Mrs. Kelley’s Latin class, predicted the scores of football games, told the futures of classmates and “even successfully conjured up whatever weather she wanted that day.”) Also, Mr. Frank Zerr, a 1967 SHS grad who went to Purdue, was back, teaching history and Spanish. Mr. Steve Drake, fellow 1967 SHS graduate who went to Marion College, was also back, teaching American Problems.
The Junior High School had several new faculty members as well: Bob Rukes, geography; Bruce Hickman, science; Miss R. Bender and Mrs. H. Klen, special education; Dorothy Plymate, reading; Gail Gibson, reading aide; Marilyn Conner, math.
Several business people had spoken to the Business English class recently: Frank Kehoe, Admiral Corp.; Steve Moberly, attorney for the local school board; Allen Elder, manager of Indiana Bell’s Shelbyville office; Robert Plew, Porter Business College in Indianapolis; and Helen Childs, business machine trainer for Varityper Corp. in Indianapolis.
This Day in Shelby County History
News around Shelbyville and the surrounding area as reported on or about this date in history. Selections are curated by The Addison Times from Shelby County Public Library Genealogy Department materials.
2004: Students from Waldron Elementary had recently raised more than $1,500 to provide food baskets for the needy. The baskets were distributed to 65 Shelby County families. Participating students were Drew Hubbard, Leanna Harker, Ashlie Koth, Kayla Romero, Rachel Stephen, Jessica Smothers, Keith Geis, Hailey Gahimer, Morgan Sawyer, Jessie Hallgarth, Mickayla Sefton, Brady McClure, Lauren Suite, Cheyenne Lightner and Rachael Harding.
1994: The local Salvation Army had fallen $5,780 short of its $65,000 goal from its annual Christmas fundraiser. Fewer mail donations and a lack of bell ringers hindered the collection, office manager Jan Jeffries reported. It was the first time in eight years the Salvation Army hadn’t met its goal.
1984: Eight months after Shelby National Bank went under, investigators for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation said they were still gathering information on what happened, and were not yet ready to release their findings. American Fletcher National Bank (AFNB) had taken over the failed bank’s facilities at the red brick building in the southwest quadrant of Public Square.
1974: Efforts by sheriff deputies failed to revive a Shelby County man who died of a heart attack, which was apparently caused by the anxiety of a burglary he had discovered and reported at Indiana Gravel Co., where he was employed as a night watchman. Kenneth Collins, 60, also resided on the gravel company property. A Fairland man was arrested on burglary charges shortly after Collins made his report.
More than 200 people attended a dinner and retirement party for Police Major Robert W. Phares at the FOP lodge. Brief talks and reminiscences were given by many friends and associates. A dance followed the program.
1964: A 50-year Award of Gold was presented to Fred Conger during the 75th annual oyster supper held by Norristown Farmers Lodge No. 147 for members and their families. Worshipful Master Forrest Gorrell also gave 25-year pins to Carl Deiwert and Paul Young. Organizational officers for 1965 included Kermit Money, Wallace Cassady, Loren Sampson, Norman Barnett, Russell Hamner, Andrew Monroe, Harry Shaw, Roy Courtney, Ted Benson, Harry Knowlton, Richard Deiwert, Ted Wertz and Eugene Monroe.
1954: The Lions Club received the coveted Salvation Army bell for collecting the most money during the Christmas campaign. Ray Harris, of the Lions Club, received the bell from Bob Eck, Kiwanis Club. Jim Law was chairman of the Salvation Army advisory board.
After a 15-month trial run, junk mail would be discontinued on March 31. For 15 months, third class matter sent without names and addresses - with pieces marked “boxholder, householder or patron” - had been permitted to be sent through the post office. Postal officials said the results of the trial “were not satisfactory.”
1944: Traffic conditions were hazardous with ice-covered highways and streets. Bus service to and from Shelbyville was halted for the day.
1934: Numerous New Year’s Eve parties would be hosted locally, including at the Strand Alcazar and the Golden Glow annex, which was hosting a party for Shelbyville High School alumni. Local establishments had a gentleman’s agreement to stop serving alcohol at midnight. “When the clock strikes 12, there will be the usual greeting to Infant 1935, in the form of factory whistle blowing, bell ringing and firearms salutes,” The Republican reported.
1924: More than 50 candidates were initiated into the local Red Men’s lodge in a ceremony in Boggstown.
Beulah Dennis, 633 Montgomery St., received a radio set as a prize for winning the local Better Home Lighting essay contest, put on by the Interstate Public Service Company.
1914: Federal officials continued their quest to build a post office in Shelbyville. They had most recently inspected the Cheney-Hoover lot on West Broadway and a lot on South Harrison Street owned by Emma Hamilton and occupied by the Lockwood Hotel and some office buildings. Federal officials had proposed putting the building, which would be fully federally funded, in the middle of public square, but local officials shot down that idea.
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