History of the Lodge

North Adams Lodge No.487,Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, was instituted in North Adams Massachusetts May 9,1899, by District Deputy Kauffman of Lawrence and suite, who installed the newly elected officers and initiated thirty charter members of the first Lodge of Elks in the Tunnel City. On the occasion a large number of visiting brothers from sister Lodges were present, all of whom contributed in part to the exercises to make this event one long to be remember by the members of North Adams Lodge of Elks. At the close of the institution of the Lodge the party adjourned to the Mansion House where a banquet equal to the occasion was served by Brother Joseph Ryan, and which with speech making, accompanied by a musical program, a pleasant and instructive evening was spent by all Brothers present and the first meeting of the North Adams Lodge of Elks was passed into history.

While the North Adams Lodge was in the process of organization, meetings were held in the Hall of Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division no.10,on Eagle St. Our first regular sessions were held in the St.Jean de Baptist rooms on Bank St. During our first lodge year fully equipped Social rooms and a lodge room were opened in the Hoosac Savings Bank Building on Main St.

It was Brothers Thomas P. Welch,T.M. Calnan, formerly of the Pittsfield Lodge,and James F. Coughlin, of the Bennington Lodge, and Thomas Whipple, who were instrumental in organizing the North Adams Lodge of Elks.

The members early realized the necessity of procuring larger quarters and in February 1908,a deal was consummated whereby the Brayton property at 100 Eagle St. was purchased and converted into up-to-date Club rooms. A brick building 90x50 was erected adjoining the Home in the rear,which to this day is used as as our Lodge room.

The officers elected and installed at the institution of the Lodge were as follows:

LODGE OFFICERS
Exalted Ruler	Dr.A.K.Boom
Esteemed Leading Knight	E.K.McPeck
Esteemed Loyal Knight	H.P.Shell
Esteemed Lecturing Knight	T.Dillaway
Secretary	W.H.Bennett
Treasurer	T.M.Calnan
Esquire	James F.Coughlin
Chaplin	Daniel Scully
Inner Guard	Thomas Whipple
Trustee	A.R.Smith
Trustee	H.P.Huffnagle
Trustee	George W.Webster

In 1938 the original wood building, which was no longer adequate for the Lodges needs, was torn down and replaced with a brick building.

In 1946 ,Peter Petri, chairman of the Trustees, requested authority from the Lodge to re-decorate the Lodge Room. Renovations were completed in late 1948 and the room was first used at the Memorial Service on December 5,1948.

The Lodge celebrated it's Golden Anniversary in 1949.

The Lodge was honored for it's achievements in 1958 when Horace Wisely,Grand Exalted Ruler from Salinas, California visited the North Adams Lodge to commend Exalted Ruler Michael Trisorio,his officers and the members of the North Adams Lodge for their many great achievements. An open house was held in honor of the visitation.

In 1971,David Shaker P.E.R., proposed that the Lodge look into conducting public bingo games. After much study and debate Exalted Ruler Alan Mutart announced that the Lodge would organize and operate BEANO in the fall of 1972. Since that time Beano has become one of the most important functions of the Lodge.

On May 26 1974 the North Adams Lodge hosted a rededication ceremony of the Elk on the Trail. The event, attended by Alfred Fitzpatrick, President of the Massachusetts State Elks association and scores of local and state Elks was held at the Elk Memorial. David Shaker P.E.R.,State Chairman of the Elk Memorial Committee coordinated the days events and appointed Exalted Ruler Alfred George as host and introductory speaker.

The Lodge celebrated it's 75th Anniversary in 1974.

The Lodge celebrated it's 100th Anniversary in 1999.

Since it's organization, North Adams Lodge has steadily grown in membership and has always been very active in charitable work and today is one of the leading fraternal organizations in the city.