Some spectacular Elks membership campaigns ~ updated 04/09/2009 (why doesn't the elks Magazine look back in its archives to see some of the Elks news that it printed back then? Currently, they only list charitable events ~ not successful fraternal activities.)

• Grand Lodge membership campaign for 1921 to 1922 was named "None but the best ~rich or poor." Click here for the Elks Magazine article (in adobe).
• Pennsylvania State Association in 1922 held an amazing State wide tour that was financed by 54 participating lodges at the cost of $14,629. This incredulous and innovative event generated more than 3000 candidates into the Order. Click here for the Adobe pdf article.
• Arizona State Elks Association 1923 was held at the Grand Canyon. A large initiation was held in conjunction with the convention ~at 1 minute past midnight (odd time). Click here for picture of article.
• May 1923 Elks Magazine, page 46 describes one amazing event that was part of  Atlanta's "5000 member campaign. #78 initiated a class of 1200!  and was led by the famous  Drill Team of Philadelphia #2 (Charles Grakelow, ER) The total crowd was estimated at 7,000 and most of the Georgia lodges were represented.
• Dallas TX large initiation class article ~1923. click here.
• Fresno Ca, 1924. They initiated 70 in a special presentation held at a local theatre. They followed that up with a large banquet and a dance. Several days later more activities followed.  Click here
• Waukegan, IL initiates class of 500 ~1923. They made a big event out of this evening. Click here
• Brooklyn #22 NY Membership campaign from 1932.  The goal was 5000 new members in 60 days!!. click here for picture.
• Valparaiso in the midst of the depression in 1932. Seven day campaign results in record 102 new members initiated! Click here for  Elks Magazine article in adobe pdf (you'll have to turn the article right side up).
• Columbus OH March '32 Elks Magazine reported that the Gov of Ohio was one of many attending the DD visit. 85 were initiated. Included among the new members were the Mayor and Police chief of Columbus, the asst. attorney-general of the state and three judges.
• South Bend IN had a novel membership campaign that generated 75 new and reinstated members. Click here for the June 1938 Elks Magazine article. Also, neat picture of Navy men who were initiated  at Bremerton WA. Also, this neat initiation in Hagerstown, MD where the DD didn't have to watch the Lodge officers read the ritual. It was performed by Elks from different Lodges in the state. 250 attended!! Click here for this article in the same Elks Magazine as above.

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