Elks Lodge - 152 W Derby Street

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks New Jerusalem Lodge 1508 meets the second and fourth Wednesday of every month; Ladies of the Elks meet the third Wednesday. The club features a good-sized reception hall and adjoining bar rented out on weekends for functions. There’s a separate, basement-level members only clubroom/tavern, complete with billiards and three (illegal) slot machines. 
A massive, 1.5-ton, life-size bronze elk atop a brick pedestal adorns the front lawn. Over the years, its bronze hue has weathered to green.
The Elks began in 1868 as a social club for minstrel show performers, called the "Jolly Corks". It was established as a private club to elude New York City laws governing the opening hours of public taverns. The Elks borrowed rites and practices from Freemasonry. To become an Elk one must profess a belief in a God and is barred from being even passive sympathizers "of the Bolsheviki, Anarchists, the I.W.W., or kindred organizations, or who does not give undivided allegiance to" the flag and constitution of the United States. The BPOE is an all-white organization that does not accept "colored' men for membership.
The Lodge is currently very unhappy about the opening of the Beth Shalom Synagogue just up the street from them and is trying to figure what, if anything, they can do to get it removed.

Parent Location

Northside