LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Newark
Lodge Number 1249 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
and pay tribute to fraternal organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay
tribute to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of the Newark Lodge Number 1249 of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; this auspicious occasion will
be celebrated on Saturday, September 17, 2011, in Newark, New York; and
WHEREAS, Newark Lodge Number 1249 of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks was instituted September 8, 1911, in the Newark Grange
Hall with 68 charter members; Lyons Lodge 869 was the sponsor with
District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler James T. Somers, of Utica, New York,
acting as the instituting Officer; Joseph Gilbert became the first
Exalted Ruler; six weeks after the Lodge was formed, a contract was made
to purchase the N.E. Landon property on South Main Street; and
WHEREAS, The first meetings were held in the Odd Fellows Hall and
continued to be held there until February 1916; during that time, the
club rooms were maintained in the new home which was purchased in April
1912; in May 1929 the former Landon property was traded even for the
O.H. Alterton house; this house, after being remodeled and refurnished,
was to remain the Elks Lodge until May 16, 1957, when it was demolished;
the new building, built on the same site, was, and is, considered to be
one of the finest Elks Lodges to be found in the country for a community
the size of Newark; and
WHEREAS, During the years that have passed from September 1911, to
September 2011, Newark Lodge Number 1249 of the Benevolent and Protec-
tive Order of Elks has steadfastly supported and maintained the ideals
of Elkdom; it has etched a history filled with traditions that every
member on the rolls can be proud of and be more than willing to do his
part to perpetuate in the years to come; and
WHEREAS, The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) is one of
the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the United States; its
first formal meeting was held on February 16, 1868, in New York City; as
of March 31, 2008, there were 955,887 Elks in over 2,079 Lodges found
throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1928, the Elks National Foundation is the
charitable arm of the BPOE; over the years, the Foundation has contrib-
uted millions toward Elks' charitable projects nationwide; and
WHEREAS, Public service is an integral part of the Elks; in keeping
with this tradition, Elks create and participate in many programs to
better their communities, including: scholarships, Americanism, Hoop
Shoot, drug awareness, youth activities, veterans services and community
investment programs; and

WHEREAS, Organizations of singular distinction such as Elks Lodge
Number 1249 of Newark, New York, merit the grateful praise of the commu-
nity and of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments, which serve to bring
people together for such constructive and beneficial purposes, are
brought to our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Newark Lodge Number 1249 of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Newark Lodge Number 1249 of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks.