| CHARTER MEMBERS WOONSOCKET ELKS LODGE #850 |
| William H. Chase John W. Smith Harry Dellabarre John J. McGrail Ambrose Kennedy Simon J. Treitel Arthur H. Boston Herbert A. Boss Julius M. Ranney Dr. C.H. Daniels Waldo R. Bartlett John P. Smith J. Fred Batchelor |
| Dr. T. Frank Kennedy James T. Mulvey C. Chester Roberts Frank B. Simmons Hon. Alphonse Gaulin John J. Mee John H. McCabe Charles H. Curtis William G. Rich John P. Meade Thomas F. Fox Theodore F. Holman |
| Dr. E.M. Granger Adelbert D. Roberts Lloyd M. Cook William H. Genereux Joseph H. Jacobson George V. Buxton William H. Horton Herbert M. Young Gustave Friedrichs Irving H. Sweet J. Frank Batchelor Robert Collins |
| PAST DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND EXALTED RULERS |
| John W. Smith William J. Lalor John S. McCabe Joseph B. McLaughlin John L. Kane Thomas C. Mee James A. Taylor Frank E. McKenna Anthony F. Lawrence |
| 1907-08 1914-15 1920-21 1926-27 1931-32 1936-37 1941-42 1946-47 1951-52 |
| Arthur A. Roberts Edouard N. Decelles Philip Remillard Frank J. Suffoletto Lewis A. Andrews James H. Clancy George R. Benoit Robert A. Blais Normand Vaillancourt |
| 1957-58 1965-66 1970-71 1976-77 1981-82 1991-92 1994-95 1999-00 2001-02 |
 |
|
| PAST STATE PRESIDENTS |
| Thomas C. Mee Anthony F. Lawrence Thomas Page Edouard N. Decelles Frank L. Suffoletto |
| Lewis A. Andrews James H. Clancy Rodney L. Taddeo George R. Benoit |
| 1938-39 1946-47 1952-53 1958-59 1974-75 |
| 1984-85 1988-89 1994-95 2000-01 |
|
FOREWORD This brief presentation, in narrative form, follows a chronological sequence of the Lodge’s development. As such, it focuses not only on its major achievements, but it address as well the problems and struggles it experienced and the very human frailties that inevitably characterize every human institution. It is not possible, of course, to comment on each Past Exalted Ruler’s tenure of office or the events of his individual year as Chief Officer. Certainly every Exalted Ruler made a valuable contribution to the Lodge and left an indelible mark in his own way. Yet names are used only when necessary in relating events and activities and omissions are not intended to slight any individual Exalted Ruler or minimize the historical significance of his leadership. The historical work of any organization is obviously dependent on source material and records kept by the organization. In this case, most of the information was obtained especially from those “Minutes of the Meetings” that were found. The limited records of the Trustees and Corporation meetings that were preserved were also of some help, as well as the brief history included in the 1953 Golden Anniversary booklet. Unfortunately the Minutes of the Meetings from 1968 through 1992 could not be located and some records relating to that period of time very possible were destroyed in a fire some years ago. Consequently, information for the 1970’s and 1980’s is sparse and leaves a gap in the history contained in these pages. We thought it well to alert the reader to this regrettable interruption in the narrative sequence. We hope it will not detract too much from its overall value or readability. THE FOUNDING OF THE LODGE AND EARLY YEARS By 1903 Woonsocket, incorporated as a city only fifteen years earlier, was developing and progressing quite remarkably as was the Order of Elks. William H. Chase, who had become familiar with the Order of Elks through his business travels, and a number of local men thought it appropriate that Woonsocket should have an Elks Lodge. The project was launched, prospective members were recruited, and Woonsocket Lodge was instituted on May 4, 1903. It became the 850th Elks Lodge in the country and was granted Charter by the Grand Lodge meeting in session on July 23, 1903 at Baltimore. The institution of the Lodge and ensuing initiation of 37 members (Charter Members – see list) was conducted by District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Robert F. Jones and his suite of Officers from Providence Lodge. It was held in Columbus Hall located at 65 Main St. in the city. The nomination and election of Officers immediately followed the initiation. The following had the distinction of serving as first Officers: William H. Chase, Exalted Ruler Dr. T. Frank Kennedy, Esteemed Leading Knight Dr. E.M. Granger, Esteemed Loyal Knight John W. Smith, Esteemed Lecturing Knight James T. Mulvey, Secretary A.D. Roberts, Treasurer Harry Delabarre, Tiler C. Chester Roberts, Esquire Lloyd M. Cook, Inner Guard John J. McGrail, Chaplain Frank B. Simmons, Organist William H. Genereux, Trustee (1 year) Ambrose Kennedy, Trustee (2 years) Hon. Alphonse Gaulin, Trustee (3 years) Upon concluding these rituals, the body assembled at Harris Hall for a banquet. The first regular meeting of Woonsocket Lodge was called by the Exalted Ruler for Monday, May 18 and was held at Columbus Hall. The Hall Committee reported that they negotiated a lease with the Woonsocket Council of the Knights of Columbus to use Columbus Hall on the first and third Mondays of each month for $100.00 per year and for two other nights gratis. The report was unanimously accepted. Columbus Hall, though not an Elks Home, became the first Elks Lodge since all meetings continued being held there until 1910. Eight applications were presented at this first meeting while the Investigation Committee reported favorably on several others that had been received earlier. Membership began growing early on. It appears that Woonsocket Lodge was well launched and the first Officers aimed to succeed. In addition to the regular meeting, the Exalted Ruler invariably called a Special Session immediately following the death of a member. The only purpose of the meeting was to appoint a delegation to attend the funeral, authorize purchase of a floral emblem, hire one or two carriages, and draft a resolution to be sent to the grieving family. The Charter was then draped in black for thirty days. The first such session was held on August 3, 1905 on the sudden death of John F. Mulvey who received the degree only the previous year on March 7, 1904. As the membership increased and the time intervals between funerals decreased, Special Sessions for this purpose faded into disuse. In these early years, the Lodge did not have the luxury of a social parlor or bar. The bulk of socializing was done at the conclusion of the meetings in a room adjacent to the Lodge Room referred to as the Banquet Hall. These social exchanges were accompanied by leisurely cigar smoking. This practice of socializing while enjoying a good cigar was a common event through the “Columbus Hall” period of the Lodge. A “Smoker” was used on occasion in membership recruiting efforts and continued being used thereafter as a recruiting tool for a period of some 35 to 40 years. On occasions, the Exalted Ruler designated a meeting as a Social Session when food and refreshments were catered. More elaborate banquets were held from time to time in other venues. The Woonsocket Elks Orchestra provided most of the entertainment. In fact, it was organized by the Lodge from the very beginning and was appropriated $35.00 at the 1st regular session to purchase some sheet music. Its reputation must have spread rapidly since it was invited to perform at the Providence Lodge and, at the District Deputy’s request, also performed at the institution of Pawtucket Lodge #920 on June 10, 1904. The orchestra continued in existence for a good number of years. It is clearly apparent that even without the amenities of a social parlor during the early years, opportunities to socialize were not lacking. The more serious nature of Elkdome and its dedication to charitable works to improve the community were not neglected. Before the treasury had even accumulated the sum of $1000.00, the Lodge donated $50.00 to the Woonsocket Day Nursery towards the cost of dinner, gifts and a Christmas tree for this children’s home in December, 1903. At the request of the District Deputy, it contributed $10.00 in January 1904 to the relief fund for a Westerly Lodge that lost everything in a fire. It responded in the same way to an appeal from the Grand Exalted Ruler to aid Baltimore Lodge #7 also experiencing distress. In order to provide charitable contributions and meet its own expenses, the Lodge had to promote fund-raisers as all Elks Lodges had to do and continue to do to this day. The first major fund-raising event was held in December 1903, but it fell short of expectations. It consisted of a Vaudeville Show by a New York troupe that was held in the Woonsocket Opera House. The project resulted in a net loss of $391.50 for the Lodge. In the immediate succeeding years, proposals for another fund-raiser, such as an athletic event or a carnival were summarily voted down. Smaller events like whist parties held at various local venues, even if net revenues were rather small, appeared to be favored. In fact, venues other than the Lodge facility were always used at the time for any public function sponsored by the Elks, even Memorial Sunday rituals and later, Flag Day observances. Throughout the first years, membership applications continued to be received regularly. From 37 Charter Members in May 1903, members in good standing totaled 142 by April 1, 1905 and 213 by January 15, 1910. There was therefore a sustained growth rate during the entire “Columbus Hall” period. Initiations at that time were referred to as “receiving the degree” and the ritual team was called the “degree team”. It was not unusual to have another Lodge, even from nearby Massachusetts confer the degree, since exchange visitations between Lodges took place often, mostly through mutual invitation. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIRST WOONSOCKET ELKS HOME For a number of years Woonsocket Lodge continued to operate in the leased quarters of Columbus Hall where members could gather only twice a month for regular meetings. The natural progression in the development of a young Lodge was to project establishing a permanent home. The young Woonsocket Lodge was no exception in looking forward to such a progression. Its realization, however, would take some time. On September 17, 1906, the Trustees were entrusted with looking “into the matter of purchasing some property and report at some future meeting.” By June 1, 1908, however, the idea of purchasing property was set aside, at least temporarily, in favor of leasing other quarters for continual occupancy. Indecision prevailed for more than one year until finally a “Ways and Means Committee” reported on Monday, December 6 that “they can purchase the Willis Cook Est. on Harris Ave. (corner of Harris Ave. and Verry St.-the building no longer exists) for about $8,000. And that by selling off a part of the land which was not needed, would reduce cost somewhat.” The Committee was empowered to negotiate a purchase agreement. The Lodge’s incorporation document of December 29, 1909 was approved by the State on January 6, 1910, enabling it to proceed with the transaction. Members financed the acquisition through the purchase of interest bearing certificates. At long last, Woonsocket Lodge had a permanent home. The 141st session was the first to be held in the new home on March 21, 1910. With a home to support, different fund-raising ideas were occasionally bantered about. Yet members initially seemed to shy away from more ambitious fund-raisers. Perhaps the memory of the unsuccessful vaudeville show of 1903 had not totally faded away. It was not until February 3, 1913 that a committee was designated “to look into staging a Comic Opera” at the Woonsocket Opera House. A production of “Girl and the Prince” was held on May 5 and 6 that resulted in a profit of $99.76. Other small functions such as whist parties continued to be held. Besides its monetary charities, members allowed the use of their facility by other organizations on occasion. Observances mandated by the Grand Lodge were faithfully observed in the new home. When the Grand Exalted Ruler made Flag Day a mandatory observance for all Lodges in 1911, Lodge #850 promptly and gladly complied. It held an open house the evening of Tuesday, June 13 and a flag-raising ceremony on Wednesday, June 14 at 12:01 a.m. (sic). It must have been a successful event since on June 19, the members voted to repeat the open house the evening of July 3 with another flag-raising ceremony on July 4, again at 12:01 a.m. While it is clear that no bar or lounge were available to the membership in the temporary quarters at Columbus Hall, there is no information whatsoever as to whether or not the home on Harris Ave. provided such an amenity. One major difference is that the Lodge was accessible to members on a daily basis. By April 22, 1912, the members in good standing had increased to 288, an increase of 75 in slightly over a year. Yet having a home, it seems, did little or nothing to improve the problem of attendance at regular meetings. Could this attendance problem and the home’s distance from the center of the city have been a factor that contributed to the next major move in the history of the Woonsocket Elks Lodge? It appears likely. RETURN TO THE CENTER OF THE CITY In the three first years Woonsocket Lodge occupied the former Cook estate, all seemed to be well. The members owned their own home, programs and activities were ongoing, and there is no evidence of any major financial problem alluded to or recorded in the proceedings of the sessions. Nor is there evidence that the facility was too small. It is all the more startling, then, that on February 17, 1913, the session recessed for 60 minutes to allow examination of blueprints for new quarters. On June 2, a committee was empowered to confer with Woonsocket Realty Co. on Main Street about moving into their quarters. The committee reported on July 7 that they had accepted plans for a 5-year lease and would submit a copy of the lease at the next meeting. On July 21, they announced that they had received an offer of $6,000.00 for the Harris Avenue home. The lease was approved and ready to be signed by the Officers of the Corporation on August 4, 1913. The new leased quarters were located in the Federal Building on the corner of Main St. and Federal St. The dedication and celebration was held on November 3, just short of four years from the time the Cook estate was purchased. Exalted Ruler Henri Morin presided at the opening session. The initiation of 11 new members, however, was conducted by Exalted Ruler Stephen H. Foley and Esquire George V. Garaza of Boston Lodge #10, along with Officers of Attleboro Lodge #1014. William E. Maines, District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for Rhode Island delivered the principal address. Exalted Rulers and some Past Exalted Rulers of Pawtucket #920 and Milford #628 also attended. A festive collation was served following the meeting. The ten-member Woonsocket Elks Orchestra provided entertainment. A new phase in the history of Lodge #850 was launched. The new facility appears to have been rather spacious since it included a hall that the Lodge occasionally rented out to other groups. The relocation and subsequent adjustments to new surroundings did nothing to hinder or interrupt the normal flow of Elks activities. A Big Brothers Committee was appointed to work hand in hand with the local arm of that movement. In December 1913, the Lodge voted to appropriate $100.00 for Christmas charity and an additional $176.50 was collected from the members for this purpose. The Committee later reported spending a total of $265.48 toward dinners, wood and coal, as well as clothing for some of the needy. This expression of caring for the less fortunate at Holiday time became an annual tradition that endures to this day in the form of our Holiday basket delivery. As to be expected, other charitable contributions were not neglected. By October 1, 1914, the membership had increased to 417 members. Two more adjoining rooms were leased to provide additional space. During the first two years at the Federal Building, besides having mounted a lighted Elk’s head to the exterior of the facility, the Lodge acquired a few notable items that remain unique and valuable possessions of our Lodge today. Among these are: the initial collection of P.E.R. pictures undertaken in 1914; a brass tablet of the Elks Creed donated by P.E.R. Henri Morin in November of that year; in December, the bronze memorial tablet, now affixed to our outdoor granite memorial stone; the ornate Elks grandfather clock in January 1915, courtesy of George W. Voelker. All of these items remain a precious link to the past for our current members. Although the membership had opted to leave their first home, the dream of establishing another home had not dies. On January 18, 1915, after only some fifteen months of occupying the new quarters, a Ways and Means committee of five was appointed “to find a means of raising funds for purchase of a home later.” The plan, based on the sale of shares to members, was most ambitious. That kind of support was not forthcoming. On February 21, 1916, one year after it was appointed, the entire Ways and Means committee tendered its resignation out of frustration. The few funds that were raised were returned to those who had invested. The prospect of acquiring or building a home and settling in permanent quarters would lay dormant for the next four years. A second five-year lease for the Federal Building facility was signed in 1918. Yet the dream of a home was not totally abandoned. On June 7, 1920, a “Home Fund” and a “Home Building Committee” were again established and the sale of bonds was again proposed to finance the construction of a new Lodge facility. The goal of the fund drive was set at $100,000.00. Less than a year after the campaign was launched, on March 20, 1922, the committee requested a “full power to procure a building site.” On April 3, the Committee was voted the power to proceed, but buy a very narrow margin of 58 to 51. The following month, the Board of Trustees was empowered to draw money to bind the purchase of land “next to the YMCA on Federal Street.” One can sense that the entire undertaking was not without having caused some tension in the Lodge. In May 1923, four Officers resigned. On August 6 of the same year, the entire Home Building Committee resigned and a new Committee of three was appointed to dispose of the Federal Street property. Even though architectural sketches and plans for the construction of a home on the property had been drawn, the Lodge opted to forego the project. On November 19, the Lodge “voted to sell the lot of land on Federal Street extending through to Clinton Street.” The offer tendered the Lodge for the sale of the land was accepted on January 7, 1924 and the Trustees were authorized to proceed with the sale. Only one year later, the Lodge purchased the Hamlet Avenue facility. We will return to this subject shortly. We must not overlook the fact that the early years of occupancy of the Federal Building coincided with the world events that had led to the outbreak of World War I. These developments warrant a short comment since it had a significant bearing on Lodge activities. Initially the membership took a strong stance, as did a large percentage of Americans, against U.S. involvement in the war and sent a resolution to Washington to that effect. Once President Wilson engaged the nation in the war, however, the Lodge wired their pledge of support to the President. Direct support was provided first and foremost by the 57 members who either enlisted or were drafted in the military, most of whom saw action in Europe. The Lodge acknowledged their sacrifice by waiving their dues and sending them each a gift at Holiday time. As jobs were not readily available upon return to the homeland, a Committee was organized to assist and help them find employment. In addition to this expression of Brotherly Love toward their members, the Lodge displayed its patriotism by purchasing Liberty Bonds, assisting and allowing use of its facility by other organizations that promoted war effort. At the end of the war, its War Relief Committee provided funds for the maintenance of two war orphans in France in 1919 and 1920 as well as other contributions for the benefit of people in war-torn Europe and the Far East. On the home front, it took charge of the Salvation Army campaign for the entire week of May 10,1920 and contributed $1,000.00 of its own funds to the campaign. In addition to these philanthropies, the Woonsocket Elks remained active participants in the local patriotic events. Noteworthy are the “Welcome Home” parade in the honor of the local World War I veterans held in Blackstone on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of Armistice Day. A patriotic float was entered in this parade, as well as that of July 4, 1921 in Woonsocket when the Elks float won the first-place prize of $50.00 from the city. Through all their war and post-war activities, the Woonsocket Elks truly added to the fabric of the city and the renown of the Order. PERIOD OF THE HAMLET AVENUE HOME |
| WOONSOCKET B.P.O.E. LODGE #850 HISTORICAL SKETCH |
| I must give credit where credit is due. The following is an excerpt taken from the Woonsocket Lodge Of Elks No. 850 100th Anniversary Souvenir Booklet. All historical facts have been researched, written and compiled by Normand Vaillancourt, PDD, and Lodge Historian. Without his help and generosity, an integral part of this web site wouldn't be here. Thank you Normand for all your hard work. Mark Rondeau |
 |
| William H. Chase Exalted Ruler 1903-04 |
 |