Elgin Elks Lodge moves to new home

It's on the wall like an old family photo.

But it was the finishing touch to an eight-year journey for the Elgin Elks Lodge 737.

"I kept it in my house for four years so it would not get lost. Part of my duties were to protect this," said Don Westphal, Elgin resident and exalted ruler for the lodge.

Inside the large frame is the lodge's original charter from Aug. 14, 1902.

It hangs proudly on the south wall of the new 2,400-square-foot lodge location at 139-141 W. River Road.

For eight years, the 120-plus Elks members lived a somewhat nomadic existence after moving from their downtown home.

"This is a great place, but it's nothing like our old lodge downtown," added Ernie Plote, Elginite and elk for 21 years. "It was a beautiful building. We we couldn't afford it anymore."

The new location has helped reinvigorate current members and spur renewed interest in the lodge, Westphal said.

The lodge expects to hit 150 members by next year.

"It was just amazing how we could keep people together all these years," Westphal said. "It's really, really good to have our own place. Everybody is really tickled."

The historic location at Villa Court and DuPage Street simply cost too much to maintain, so the Elks sold it.

Gordy Jorgensen, Elgin resident and Elk since 1986, said the old building needed a new heating, ventilation and cooling system.

"The pipes were starting to go. It would have cost us and arm and a leg," he added.

For years, the Elks held meetings at the American Legion hall and other locations while searching for a suitable location.

Community events such as the hoop shoot, soccer shoot and Flag Day observation continued, but members had to bring podiums and other equipment for initiations and other events.

"We didn't have the continuity for our meetings," Jorgensen said. "As this grows and we can hopefully expand, we can more people to start coming down."

The new lodge is nestled in a northern Elgin strip mall. It has plenty of room for speakers, catered events or simply pulling up a seat at the bar.

Les Bacon, the Elks district deputy of Illinois' North District and the former exalted ruler for the Woodstock Lodge 1043, visited the Elgin location in late September.

Bacon said it was well decorated and had nothing but praise for the lodge members for their persistence.

"The Elgin lodge has held together for approximately eight years without a home," he said. "I don't know how they held it together. Many places can't.

"They're doing a fine job. I commend their officers and their members."

Bacon believes it's easier to recruit new members with a permanent lodge location.

Perhaps he's right, as more than 80 people came out for an open house in late October.

Bacon hopes the 737's new spot can help them continue their mission of serving the community.

"They do a lot of work that really benefits the community," he said. "They, in my opinion, contribute significantly. I think any lodge has a significant part to play in today's environment."

For details on joining the Elks, call (847) 742-2310 or visit elks.org.