HISTORY OF HUDSON LODGE 787

HUDSON LODGE B.P.O.E. 787

ON JUNE 28, 1901, an unobtrusive article appeared in the Hudson Republican to the effect that "there was some talk of starting a lodge of the Order of Elks in this city." Very shortly after the appearance of this announcement, application to the Grand Lodge was made for a charter. The incident was hailed with considerable attention and excitement in town and preparations were begun for a celebration, civic in character.

The day of the induction of the new lodge was a gala holiday in which the entire city participated. The Opera House, scene of the festivities, was decorated with the colors of the order both inside and out. Warren Street was also lined with festive bunting in honor of the occasion. The induction ceremony was performed under the auspices of Albany Lodge No. 49. Representatives attended from the entire district, and some more distant members were welcomed also. Officiating at the ritual were Grand Exalted Ruler, B. M. Huth, Grand Esteemed Leading Knight M. F. Cox, Grand Esteemed Loyal Knight

Edward P. Hanlon, Grand Esteemed Lecturing Knight D. P. G. Galloway. Edward Leach, Past Exalted Ruler of New York No. 1 acted as Grand Esquire and District Deputy M. J. Severance installed the first officers .

The Lodge was instituted June 23, 1902, and the following officers were installed:

Exalted Ruler--Hon. R. A. N. Deeley; Chaplain--S. Y. Southard

Est. Leading Knight--William F. Rooney; Inner Guard--Joseph H. Furling

Est. Loyal Knight--Grant A. Miller; Secretary--Henry Buxbury

Est. Lecturing Knight--James J. McShane ; Treasurer-Edward H. Lisk

Esquire--A. F. Bogardus ;

Trustees--Henry Hudson, Charles N. Traver, E. Washburn Scovill and S. R. Peake.

The Elks were popular from their founding and continued to grow in number quite lustily. For a time meetings were held in the hall over the post office, but it soon became apparent that more suitable quarters were required. The Knights of Columbus Hall was also used for a while, but efforts were made to obtain a meeting place and clubhouse that would be exclusively for Elks.

To that end a mammoth bazaar was held under the Persian title of "Mawsim," the first of a series of similar events which proved quite popular and enjoyable to the public. An attractive feature was the prize drawing, at which it is interesting to note that Grant Miller walked off with the grand prize, a $150 upright piano (or a lady's sealskin jacket). As an added attraction for the bazaar a stage show was presented in the Opera House, starring "Pretty and Petite Agnes Ardeck" in "Madamoiselle Louise." This was the first of a group of theatrical ventures with which the Elks became identified.

In 1903, the Elks took upon themselves the management of the Opera House as a legitimate theater. The move was hailed as an advantageous one by the townsfolk and the local lodge proceeded to change the name to the Elks Theater, and to effect a number of alterations and improvements. As the first attraction they featured the great Robert Mantell of Tremayne', "The Dagger and the Cross." This was received as a great success, as were the modifications made in the building by the new management. To quote from an editorial in the Republican, "For the first time in many years a woman could go there

without ruining her gown; the old barn had actually been cleaned, and an attempt was made to keep order in the gallery." The theater continued under lodge management until 1907, when the club moved into new quarters. During the time the Elks were in charge they instituted many improvements and provided many interesting and entertaining programs. Although travelling companies were the vogue of the day local talent was also given opportunity to demonstrate historic ability which in many cases proved surprisingly good. In 1906 a benefit performance was given to aid those who suffered in the San Francisco Earthquake. Hudson Lodge participated with others throughout the country in providing a fund of $30,000 for the relief of the destitute.

This was only one of the charitable enterprises in which 787 engaged. From the beginning it adopted a policy of civic charity which has marked the Elks the country over. Orphans and crippled children were taken for an outing to Electric Park, now Kinderhook Lake. Contributions were made to the local hospital and any other worthy enterprise found Elks willing'to lend a hand.

The first Memorial Service was held on December 4, 1904, commemorating the passing of Dr. Crawford E. Fritts and Michael German. The ceremony was the most impressive of its kind ever conducted in Hudson, and was looked upon as a gracious gesture by the general public.

In 1907, the need for new quarters became acute, and the lodge finally chose the Hudson River National Bank Building as their new dwelling. The building which was the home of the lodge until November of 1936 was entirely remodeled and redecorated. Reception room, reading and smoking rooms, buffet and kitchen were arranged on the ground floor; card rooms, committee chamber and billiard room were directly above. The lodge, described as "the handsomest in the city and at the same time the best ventilated" occupied the top floor. Money for the construction and refurbishing was raised by means of shares of stock sold to the members at $10 and bearing suitable interest. The progress of the new clubhouse was marked by Hudson residents, and the papers described it as "the showplace of Hudson" and a building that "would make them sit up and take notice."

That building after almost thirty years of continuous service had outlived it practical usefulness. Some of the furnishings and in particular the oak wainscote of the grill room are to be found in the present building. The old home had been the scene of many hours of pleasure and good fellowship for hundreds of brothers and it was left with regret always felt in the passing of the old familiar things.

Our present building, the former Gillette property, was dedicated in 1936 with a three-day program. Sunday, November 15th, was the formal dedication with the Flag Raising and Dedication Banquet. Tuesday the lodge building was open for public inspection, with a tea for the ladies scheduled in the afternoon. Wednesday the final day saw the Grand Ball which proved to be a top social event of the season. The original property was enlarged with a two-story brick addition on the rear which housed the grill room, bar and bowling alleys on the first level and the entire second story being devoted to the spacious Lodge hall. The rooms of the original building were set up as a library, writing room, and dining area, on the first floor with the offices, card rooms and janitor's quarters on the second floor.

In 1975, the membership approved a number of renovations to the lodge property. The lodge meeting room was enlarged, a new kitchen and storeroom was added to the rear of the building, new enlarged rest room were built, a new conference room was placed in the front of the building, a new public entrance was erected, and all other rooms were painted and carpeted. Most of the labor was donated by members of the lodge. The sauna was relocated in the old locker room and a new locker room was built close to the bowling lanes.

In addition, the outside was sandblasted to restore its original beauty. The parking area was enlarged and blacktopped with a new entrance and exit installed. A new sidewalk was constructed. The whole area was enhanced by new spot lights on the flag pole and in front of the building a new lawn and shrubbery was placed on the premises.

Since that date, other improvements have been made to the building. The entire bar area was completely renovated, a new lighting system was installed and new furniture added. In addition a new and more efficient heating system was installed in the building. The bowling alleys were also improved with replacing the runways with "armor plate."

In the past eighty years, the Lodge has been recognized by having five Past Exalted Rulers appointed as District Deputy Grand Exalted Rulers of the Northeast District. Michael J. Degnan served in 1938, Paul Smoyer in 1948, Louis A. Pierro in 1958, Daniel J. O'Neil, Jr., in 1968, Moses Sweetgall in 1978 and Frank Melino Jr. in 1979.

Four of our Past Exalted Rulers served as State Vice-Presidents. They were Frank Fowler in 1940, Edwin J. Felt in 1953, William E. Yerick, Sr., in 1965, Wilson C. Shea in 1975, John Pryshliak, in 1985 and Normand Tanner, in 1990.

A number of the members of Hudson Lodge have been honored by serving as chairmen of various State Association Committees in the Northeast District.

In 1969 the Lodge approved the formation of a Ladies' Auxiliary. Since that date, the ladies have been a great asset to the membership, volunteering their assistance in the multitude of activities which go on in the lodge building. When the building program was started in 1975, the ladies donated a sizeable sum for the anticipated renovations. and have continued their generous contributions each succeeding year.

Since its inception, Hudson Lodge has carried out the high and noble principles on which the order was founded.

Foremost among its activities has been its accent on various youth programs. The Elks Little League was founded in 1951, and has grown from four to eight teams. All games are played on a fine Little League Park located on Elks property. Our Lodge also sponsors an Elks team in the Babe Ruth League and one in a girls' softball league. Other activities include: Golf, Bowling and Skiing tournaments. Each Thanksgiving Day a cross-country race called the "Turkey Trot" has become a tradition in the city of Hudson. Since its start by the Grand Lodge, we have sponsored the "Hoop Shoot" contest for OUT area.

Annually the Lodge sponsors a Youth Day with the cooperation of several school districts in the area. The students take over the reins of city and county governments for a day after which a dinner is held and certificates awarded to each participant.

For many years the Lodge sponsored an outing for the Hudson Orphanage which is now closed. However, for the past several years, trips have been sponsored for the handicapped children in our area to such places as Catskill Game Farm and Carson City. The Lodge also contributes to Boy Scout and Girl Scout projects.

For many years Hudson Lodge has assisted worthy and deserving students who wish to further their education. Through our efforts many of these students have received scholarships on the state and national level. In addition, a $500 annual award is given on the local level. We are also proud of those students who have won our annual Youth Leadership contest. Several went on to win recognition in the statewide Youth Leadership contest.

To make certain that veterans will never be forgotten, and with the assistance of the Ladies' Auxiliary, monthly visits have been-made to the V.A. Hospital in Albany for special programs including Bingo, Christmas parties and other forms of entertainment. We have contribute'd books, games, clothing and purchased recreation equipment for the hospital. Contributions to enable veterans to return to their homes for the holiday season have been made. Similar programs have been presented at the New York State Firemen's Home in Hudson.

Hudson Lodge is proud of these accomplishments which have been recognized by the Grand Lodge and the State Association. It is a reflection of the high caliber of its projects and the success that has resulted through the efforts of an active membership and the influence of good leadership.

Five Grand Exalted Rulers have visited our Lodge: James T. Hallinan, George I. Hall, Ronald I. Dunn, Robert E. Boney and Homer Huhn. Many presidents of the New York State Association have also been honored guests of the Lodge.

For the past eighty years we have always supported many projects and local and regional charities. Among these have been the Columbia Memorial Hospital Building Program, United Fund, Cancer Fund, Heart Fund, American Red Cross, Mental Health Program, Police Youth Program, Humane Society, Salvation Army, Summer Camp for Children, Home for the Aged, all County Ambulance Funds, Cystic Fibrosis, Pine Haven Home and many others.

Among other Elks Activities we have supported the National Foundation through individual and Lodge donations. We donate to the Elks Film Fund for the national Home.

We have won two first place and three second place awards for the Memorial Services. We have been recognized for the impressive services for Flag Day which includes a well organized parade in the city in which other groups are invited to participate.

Through the years we have received many awards in recognition of our excellent presentation in numerous patriotic events, public functions and parades.

We are proud of our members who have served through the past eighty years and have made it possible for Hudson Lodge to achieve an outstanding record of community service and to show that Elks Care.

Copyright © 2002
New York State Elks Association
North Hudson District Elks 6260
Hudson Lodge No. 787
All Rights Reserved.