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In the foothills of Ashland, Oregon, on East Main Street exists a fraternal order. Chances are you've crossed paths with several members, even if you didn't know it. They gather in secret once a month to initiate new members in a ceremony that - unfortunately - non-members don’t get to know about. The Benevolent Order of Elks, they call themselves, a charitable fundraising organization founded by actors in New York City back in 1868. Polly Stonier, Christina Martin and Kay Englund-Kumler of the lodge were more than happy to help share the history of the Order. The Lodge is not short on amusing anecdotes as to how it got its name. Rumors and stories have been circulating for years. Originally founded by a troupe of actors, everything about the lodge is theatrical, from its roots, to its official titles and its ceremonies. But its true purpose is charity and its mission is to better serve the community around it. The Order hosts several events every year to help those in need, including military veterans, survivors of abuse, and even students needing scholarships.