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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Menu Guide Wedding Weather Subscribe Contact Us March 15, 2005 Elks turn 100 By Robert Plain Ashland Daily Tidings One hundred years ago, the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Lodge No. 944, met for the first time in what is now the Black Sheep restaurant. The Ashland Elks lodge gets a fresh coat of paint earlier this month in preparation for the chapter's centennial celebration. Orville Hector | Ashland Daily Tidings Today the social organization, one of the oldest groups in Ashland, is found just up the road on East Main Street in one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. It is also one of the only places in Ashland that is dedicated almost entirely to having fun. "In this tourist town you walk into most places and it's a bunch of out-of-towners," Rich Kline, an Elk, said. "Here you can shake hands with anyone and you know they are an Elk." Kline, most of the other 735 Ashland Elks and many more from around the state and the country converged on the Elks Lodge over the weekend as the area's most popular fraternal organization said happy centennial to itself. "It's like Ashland's 'Cheers,'" Kline said. One of the most important rules at this glorified clubhouse for adults is that members don't talk about politics, business or religion. After that, what many members said is left, is just good, old-fashioned camaraderie amongst people of all walks of life. "It's a place to come and hang out," said Bob Nichols, an esteemed loyal knight. "From the moment I joined 20 years ago, it has changed my life." The Elks Lodge typically has some kind of weekend event happening - be it a dance, or a special supper, live music or one of their many charitable events. But the Ashland Elks pulled out all the stops for their big birthday bash. Friday night, the lodge hosted a charity poker match with Texas Hold 'Em and Blackjack. On Saturday, the Elks hosted a formal banquet and a dance, as well as, of course, some private ceremonies for Elks only. There were tours of the Shakespeare Festival and the local wineries for the visiting dignitaries and, also on Saturday, the Elks sealed and placed a 100-year time capsule in their lodge for future generations to know what Elks were like in 2005. "I love what we stand for here," Nichols said. "I love what we do here and I love what we stand for." In some ways, the Ashland Elks are indicative of the thousands of Lodges across the country. They enjoy spending time with their each other, tipping a cocktail and vigorously supporting a slew of local and national charities. However, there are many things that make the local Lodge unique, as well. For one, as they are well known for, they were one of the first social organizations to be all-inclusive and they even had one of the first female exalted rulers in the Oregon. For another, they are one of the few lodges anywhere to enjoy increased membership over the last few years, including a ever-growing number of younger Elks. "For quite a while there weren't a lot of younger guys," said Scott Hutchins, one of those younger members. Hutchins owns More Fun Comics in Ashland. "But lately there have just been a bunch of newer members pretty motivated about getting more new people involved. A lot of new people are saying, 'Wow, this is pretty cool.'" Warren Hedges, another younger member, agreed. "Most civic organizations peaked between World War II and Watergate," he said. "For some reason, ours has been on the upswing lately. I think people see how much fun we have and that our members aren't who you'd expect to find here." Hedges also says one of the best parts about being an Elk is being able to socialize with people that one otherwise maybe would not get the opportunity to be with. "It's pretty close to the way it operated back in the 19th century," he said. "It's just a bunch of people hanging out and trying to help each other." And, with its downtown location, it's quite a place to hang out. There is a buffet lunch four days a week for Elks and a dinner every Friday night. The drinks are, to say the least, affordable. And, of course, with membership comes the privilege of parking in the Elks coveted downtown parking lot. "It's just a great place to hang out downtown," Hutchins said. Staff writer Robert Plain can be reached at 482-3456 x 3040 or [email protected]. 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