 Ruth Ryback,
Exalted Ruler |
Join us for Mother's Day Brunch- May 11st
Good Luck to our Ritual Team at the State Convention
Welcome to the Nevada
City Elk's Website!
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Nevada City is located at the northern end of the California mother lode area that produced some of the largest gold deposits in the mother lode. In addition to the rich gold deposits, we are located on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains at the 3,000 foot level and offer scenic views of tall trees, crystal clear blue streams, rivers and lakes. We are also blessed with a diverse population who's talents range from musical abilities, writing, story telling and individuals who appreciate these talents and enjoy every day living.
The Nevada City Elks lodge has a membership of 500+ , who are interested in supporting the carnal principles of the benevolent and protective order of Elks, charity, Justice, brotherly love, and fidelity. Their support and efforts have resulted in significant contributions to the California- Hawaii lodge support of Children's therapy services, veterans support, scholarships and local community interests.
As Exalted Ruler of our lodge, I welcome you to our site and hope that you find the information here useful. If you have specific questions about our lodge or the Nevada City area, please phone us or send us an email and we will respond to you.
On behalf of our membership – Welcome.
-- Ruth Ryback,
Exalted Ruler,
Nevada City Elks Lodge 518
Our History
Our Lodge became a part of the benevolent fraternity on October 14, 1899, only thirty-one years after the B.P.O.E. began in 1868. Our Elk Ladies became established on May 8, 1979.
"The history of Nevada City Lodge during its first year was one of trial and error, following the Grand Lodge edicts and formulating by-laws to suit the local situation. E.M. Preston was installed as first Exalted Ruler by District Deputy Frank Gray of Sacramento under dispensation granted by Grand Exalted Ruler, Basil M. Allen of Birmingham, Alabama, Lodge No. 79. At this historical first meeting other officers were also seated and installed. In addition to Exalted E.M Preston, they were Esteemed Leading Knight, D.E. Morgan, Esteemed Loyal Knight, E.J. Rector, Esteemed Lecturing Knight, F.M. Miller, Secretary, Ralph Gaylord, Treasurer D.D. Vinton and Tiler, Max Isoard. Appointed by the Exalted Ruler were Esquire C.L. Harris, Chaplain, F.L. Arbogast, Inner Guard, J.F. Colley and Organist, John Werry."
"With the officers installed, No. 518 took up the urgent business of getting the Lodge in running order. Having no home of their own, the Elks met on Friday nights in the I.O.O.F. Hall and continued to do so until the acquisition of their own building."
"Important events of these first years were Dr. C.L. Muller's gift of antelers to the Lodge for use in decorating the altar and Exalted Ruler Preston's attendance at the Grand Lodge session in Atlanta."
"Brother John W. O'Niell really set the wheels in motion on September 23, 1910. Brother O'Niell had recently visited
Oakland's Lodge and had spoken very enthusiastically on their new home, concluding his remarks with the pointed query: 'Why not Nevada City and why not now?'
The Nevada City Elks Lodge agreed to build their home on Spring Street in Nevada City. On March 14, 1913, after three years of debates, planning and fund raising, the Lodge's home was finished. However, it only existed for 1 year and 4 months, since fire destroyed the building, and all of the conents on July 14, 1914. With experience under their wings, the Lodge members rebuilt their home by hiring the firm of E.F. Leiter and Sons. The rebuilt home was completed on January 1, 1915, six months later!
On February 19, 1961, the Lodge was once again consumed by fire. The Lodge was rebuilt, once again, and was back in operation in 1963.
In 1979 the Elks Ladies of 518 was established.
In 1991, with a vote of 104 to 9, the Lodge approved the proposal by Leo A. LaBrie, to build a new Lodge. More than $52,000 were raised in member pledges. The new lodge, consisting of 10,000 square feet, was completed on August 4, 1996. The cost was $1,250,000.00. The debt was paid off in the July of 2005.
