History of Lodge

	Back in 1886 several gentlemen has an idea, "What could be done to be able to get together on the weekends and enjoy the things we have in common". These gentlemen became known as the "Jolly Corks" and founded what became one of the greatest benevolent organization known today, this being the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. From this meager beginning, Gilroy had the opportunity to become part of this organization and again, men of vision got together to form an exploratory committee to find out what had to be done to become part of this organization called "ELKS". These men petitioned the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and were granted a Certificate of Dispensation. This allow these gentlemen to proceed to get the Lodge established. The Lodge was finally granted a Charter and became known as "Gilroy Elks Lodge No. 1567. The Lodge was instituted on August 8, 1929. There are many men who were instrumental for our Lodge to receive its charter. Men like Lin Walker Wheeler, or as he was known around the City of Gilroy, "LW". Brother Wheeler was a devoted Elk and was very instrumental in the Lodge obtaining its Charter. In addition, "LW" donated the building on Monterey Street to the Lodge, then valued at around $40,000.00 and this building became the first Lodge. The original building still stands downtown Gilroy and the corner stone is still intact. Because of this donation, the Lodge sold the building and was able to acquire a new building which is its present location and has been since 1969. In 1986, additions were added to the building. These additions were a Members Lounge, Exercise Room and a Sauna. One of the interesting things to see at the Lodge when you visit, ask to see our "Clock" in the Lodge Room. This clock was built by C.R. Weaver. Dr. Weaver, a local dentist, attended the Grand Lodge Convention in Portland, Oregon in July of 1912 with the hopes of selling his invention of an electrical clock for use in ritualistic works of the Order. Dr. Weaver had two clocks made. The first clock was presented to the Alameda Elks Lodge where it is till to this day. The second clock was presented to the Gilroy Elks Lodge. This clock is described as being "32 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep with a 22 inch dial composed of 52 pieces of the finest French Art Glass. Each lamp, from 1 to 11, is lit simultaneously with the stroke of the gong and all the lamps remain lit after the eleventh stroke. The center of the dial is lit, showing the Stars and Stripes in their respective colors". When the lights in the clock are turned out, it automatically sets itself for the next operation. Since August 8, 1929 and to this present day, our Clock strikes the "Hour of Eleven" as a reminder of our Departed Members. The Clock is used during Lodge meetings, Memorial Services and during Initiations of New Members. Several years ago, a hand blown pig, now known as "Gilly", was found sitting in the corner covered with dust in an antique shop downtown Gilroy. Gilly was purchased for $25.00 with the thought to be painted Purple because the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project is symbolized by the Purple Pig. Gilly was given to a gentlemen from Watsonville, who as a hobby, is a Glass Blower. A cut was made on the top so money could be put into the Pig and eventually turned over the the Exalted Ruler for the Major Project Piggy Bank walk at the California-Hawaii Elks State Convention. It was determined that "Gilly" was produced in his present stage in August of 1929, the same year as the Gilroy Lodge was formed. The Lodge has many functions they are proud of, like the Ladies Fashion Show. Held, usually during the first weekend of March, this function, started by Dorthea Broderson, has become a tradition for well over 47 years. The proceeds from this function are donated to the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project. CHEA as it is know, was established in 1955 to help less fortunate children in California and Hawaii. We here at the Gilroy Lodge have been able to be very active in this program. Our members are very proud of our yearly contributions to this great program. The "Great Heart of Elkdon" which is the Elks National Foundation is supported by our members through the Mother's Day Breakfast. Our Mother's Day Breakfast has raised well over $50,000.00 for ENF. We don't forget the fathers of our community and Lodge. because our Father's Day Breakfast is conducted by the Ladies of our Lodge. Two great functions and fun had by all. When at the Lodge, you must look at the Calendar of Events to find our when the Lodge is have its "Cook-ur-Own Steak" night. Having a chance to stand around the BBQ pit with out members is a great evening. You never know, you might meet a new friend from life. Our Annual Car Show is done to help promote and support our Drug Awareness Program, Helping children understand how to "Say No to Drugs". The Dictionary Program stated in our Lodge during 2006 has been great success. The Grand Exalted Ruler called on all the Lodges within the United States to get behind this program started in 1955 by Mary French in Charleston, SC. This program has given students in the 3rd grade a dictionary for their own private use. Well over 5 million dictionaries have been distributed throughout the United States. Our Lodge has now made this one of its major functions through the year, giving dictionaries to 3rd Grade Students in Gilroy, San Martin, and Morgan Hill Area Schools. This our second year, total distribution of the dictionaries to the 3rd Grade students amounted to over 1320. "As long as a veteran is in a hospital, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will not forget them". This is a motto that is very near and dear to the hearts of every Elk in the United States. Twice a year, the Members of our Lodge go to the Veterans Hospitals in Palo Alto and Menlo Park to BBQ a feast fit for a King. Yes, our vets are Kings and we will never forget the sacrifice they have made for this Country. Last, but of course not least, let's not forget our famous "RIB NIGHT". The 4th Friday each month, except July because of the Garlic Festival, and November because of Thanksgiving and December because of Christmas, our cooks, of course with a "SECRET" recipe, prepare Baby Back Ribs that fall off the bone. A MUST when you are at the Lodge on our Special Rib Nights.