History of the Phoenix Elks Lodge

The Jolly Corks

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was founded in New York City on February 16, 1868, "to inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members, to quicken the spirit of American patriotism, to cultivate good fellowship."

Charles A. Vivian was elected "Right Honorable Primo." Vivian was an English comic singer from Southampton. On his arrival in New York on November 15, 1867, he dropped into the Star Hotel, where he met piano player Richard R. Steirly, who, before the evening was out, introduced his new friend to several other "congenial spirits" at the boarding house where Steirly lived.

One thing led to another; one get-together led to another, and soon there was an organization of good fellows known as the "Jolly Corks", most of whom were professional entertainers. Together one day before Christmas of that same year, they attended the funeral of a friend. Gradually they began to share the belief that some sort of a "benevolent and protective" society could perform other acts of brotherly love and charity while continuing their good fellowship and fun.

It is recorded that the name "Elks" won out by one vote over "Buffalos," a name used by a similar English organization. "Elk Street" in New York was named in 1939 to commemorate the area where the Jolly Corks and later the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks were founded.

What Else Was New In 1867–68?

Andrew Johnson was finishing out the second term of Abraham Lincoln as President. Lincoln had been assassinated on April 15, 1865. One of the very serious purposes of the B.P.O.E. was to help bind the wounds of the North and South. Even in those days, the early Elks abided by the principles described by Fred Harper, Past Grand Exalted Ruler, in these words:

"The Order questions no man's religion; nor bars him on account of his creed. It is not concerned with one's political affiliation. And it does not permit either religion or politics to be injected into, or to have any effect upon, its fraternal deliberations, national or local. It seeks to draw into its fraternal circle only those who delight in wholesome association with congenial companions; who are deeply imbued with the spirit of patriotic loyalty and devotion; who recognize the obligations of human brotherhood; and who desire, without fanfare of trumpets of publicity, to share with their associates in the endeavor to feed the hungry, to shelter the homeless, to relieve those in distress, and to prove themselves true friends of all in need."

President Lincoln in 1863 had signed the Organic Act creating the Territory of Arizona. Richard C. McCormick, who had published the first newspaper north of the Gila River, Arizona Miner, was Governor of Arizona during those years, 1867–68, when the Order of Elks was founded in New York. In 1868, the first citrus crop was harvested in the territory by Jack Swilling, John Y.T. Smith, and Darrel Duppa along "Swilling's Ditch," dug where evidence of a vanished race had once made the desert bloom.

And in 1870 the little town of Phoenix, Arizona was born, christened after the Phoenix bird, "who rose from its own ashes"—perhaps from the ancient Hohokam canals. The town already had its horse-drawn street railway with a fare of 5 cents (set by law and continued for 40 years), and it was served north and south by stagecoach. Automobiles had appeared, but most transportation was still on foot, with bicycles and horse-and-buggy supplementing the streetcar.

Population explosion was not a problem; by 1890 there were only 88,243 souls in the entire Arizona Territory, and in Phoenix, by then the State Capital, there were just 3,152. Not so long after that, Phoenix Lodge No. 335 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks arrived on the scene.

Origins of Elkdom in Arizona Territory

In January 1896, Prescott Elks Lodge No. 330 became the first Elks lodge in Arizona. Shortly thereafter, in June 1896, Phoenix Elks Lodge became the second lodge in Arizona.

Establishment of Phoenix Elks Lodge No. 335

The charter for Phoenix Lodge No. 335 was applied for on February 24, 1896 and granted by Grand Lodge in session July 7–12, 1896. It was on March 17, 1897 that Phoenix Lodge was ushered into Elkdom with 28 original members who signed the constitution and bylaws on that date. The first meetings of the Lodge were held in the old Monahan Building, then for a time in City Hall, and later in various offices.

Dr. J. M. Ford, a respected physician and hotel proprietor, became the first Exalted Ruler, setting the tone for the Lodge’s future.

Founding members included community leaders such as C. W. Morrell (later Arizona’s first District Deputy), Ira P. Smith, Selim J. Michelson (District Deputy 1900–1902), and William M. Mayers. Victor “Vic” Hanny, a charter member, later helped establish Tucson Lodge No. 385. These men anchored the lodge in Phoenix’s civic and business life.

The Phoenix Elks quickly became known for charity, fellowship, and civic service. Early contributions supported relief efforts and community causes, and the lodge soon became a gathering place for the city’s cultural life.

Highlights of Our Early Growth

From borrowed halls to opera houses, Elks Park, and our present home.

Downtown Phoenix

Finding a Home (Pre–1905 → 1930s)

The Lodge first met in a series of downtown locations—Monihan Building, City Hall, the Orchard Grave building, and briefly the K of P building. By 1905, membership had grown to about 150 and the Brothers set their sights on a permanent home.

For $9,000 the Lodge purchased the former Dorris Opera House at 324 W. Washington, a handsome property with a theater at street level, clubrooms on the second floor, and a Lodge room on the third. In the spring of 1936, the building was fully remodeled from a live stage venue into one of the Southwest’s most modern sound-picture theaters. Five years later, growing needs led to leasing the second floor of an adjacent building and opening a connecting passage.

Early Meeting Places

Before 1905

Monihan Building → City Hall → Orchard Grave Building → K of P Building.

1905 Dorris Opera House Purchased — $9,000; lobby & reception at ground, clubrooms (2nd), Lodge room (3rd).

1936 Modern Sound Theater — Complete remodel from stage house to state-of-the-art picture theater.

1941 Expansion Next Door — Leased 2nd floor of adjacent building; created a connecting passageway.

ELKS PARK — 44th St & Thomas Rd

22½ Acres for Fellowship & Family

On December 15, 1949 the Lodge approved the first ten-acre purchase at 44th & Thomas, later expanding to 22½ acres. Former nursery trees made it a beloved, shaded picnic area for years.

• Aug 30, 1950 — First construction for “Elks Park” approved.
• Mar 3, 1951 — Club building with concrete patio dedicated.
• Apr 1951 — Swimming pool approved; additions followed over the years.
• Jul 7, 1966 — On our 70th Charter anniversary, Lodge voted to sell 700’ of Thomas Rd frontage to build a new Lodge Hall & offices and remodel existing structures.
• Sept 1–2, 1967 — Dedication of the new facilities.
• Jan 1981 — Voted to sell the NE corner to United Bank of Arizona; later executed a land-lease with A.J. Properties for the pool parcel.

Tip: add old aerials or site plans here for extra context.

OUR PRESENT HOME — 32nd St & Acoma

A Turn-Around Vision Realized

After extensive studies and more than a dozen developer presentations—and with guidance from our architect—the members voted to sell most of “Elks Park” (retaining the lease parcel) and to build new Lodge & Club facilities at 32nd Street & Acoma.

• Mar 17, 1984 — Groundbreaking ceremonies held.
• May 1, 1985 — Move-in day for the new Lodge facilities.
• Oct 13, 1985 — Formal dedication.

For over a century, Phoenix Elks has served our city and state with charity, patriotism, and fellowship—living our creed: Elks Care, Elks Share.

Phoenix Elks Opera House

Phoenix’s original lodge meetings took place in the historic Dorris Opera House (built 1898). In the 1910s it was renamed the "Elks Theatre" and became the official home of the local lodge. This grand Queen Anne–style theater hosted plays, concerts, and dances, reflecting the Elks’ role as cultural patrons in early Phoenix.

Elks Theater Advertisements

The Elks Theater in Phoenix featured touring vaudeville and theatrical productions. In 1920, former major-league baseball star Mike Donlin appeared in the comedy “Turn to the Right” at the Phoenix Elks Theater. The newspaper advertisement below promoted that show, illustrating the lodge’s entertainment programming in the early 20th century.