Published: April 28, 2008 03:16 pm         

Local Elks Lodge to mark 20 years

The Cumberland County Elks Lodge 2751 was chartered on Oct. 8, 1989, with 109 members. Next year will mark their 20th anniversary. Some great questions have been raised, such as "Where did all those years go?" "What was it like during the early years?" "How many charter members are still alive?" What was the current lodge building like when they first bought it?" "What do we need to do to rewrite our history?"

Elk member Mary Anderson started asking some of these questions and many more. She searched old files and found numerous pictures and uncovered various scrapbooks. It was found that only 15 active members are still living out of the original 109 charter members. Anderson sent letters to each of them, asking for their memories to unwind and gather at a meeting to reminisce.

Five hardy souls showed up for the first meeting. They are charter members Richard Burris, Jim Decker, George McKeel, John Boski, and Mary Greenwood, who is a very active member of the Ladies of the Elks. Her husband, Robert, was a charter member and the Lodge Inner Guard. Anderson, Marilyn Affinito and Ken Steadman were present to enjoy all the fascinating stories.

Some forward planning provided a video camera to record the event. Many pictures were viewed and memories struggled to recall the names that were captured and the event that took place. Notes were recorded on the back of each picture. Everyone had a good time. Many laughs were shared and the start to the history writing began.

Mary has scheduled another meeting May 4 to involve some fond memories of other charter and current active members. The Ladies of the Elks (LOE) played a vital role in the growth of the lodge. A separate meeting is to be scheduled to gather their tales, happy events and experiences. No names will be disclosed.

Who knows how many chapters can be written in this Elk book of history. There will be a finished version when the 20th anniversary event takes place in 2009.