Picture of Susanna Howard

Susanna Howard

Susanna is a Library Assistant in the Adult Services Department at CDPL.

Picture of Dellie Craig

Dellie Craig

Dellie is a Local History Specialist in the Adult Services Department at CDPL.

One of the many fraternal organizations with a home in Crawfordsville, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks was originally formed in New York by a group of actors. Though initially intended to aid members and other friends in need, their efforts soon expanded outwards. Cities nationwide were inspired by the popularity of the Elks’ fundraising performances to found their own branches.

The local lodge was founded in the spring of 1899. Three Elks from existing lodges were required to sponsor a new branch. These were Ammon “Am” B. Jones of Logansport Lodge #66, Albert Muhleisen of Indianapolis Lodge #13, and John McAlevy of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Lodge #134. With Lodge #66 from Logansport officiating, 28 members signed the charter, bringing Lodge #483 to life. They were likely inspired by the enthusiasm of Mace Townsley, manager of Music Hall, and Lew Graham, a local turned circus performer. After # 483 was founded, Graham transferred his membership here from that first lodge in New York, going on to become the first life member of the Crawfordsville Elks, the highest possible honor.

Most members of the Crawfordsville lodge were not performers, but businessmen, attracted to the spirit of brotherhood and charity espoused by the Elks. They struggled those first few years, low on funds and with no permanent location. Still, they gave to what causes they could. In 1907, they finally laid the cornerstone for a building of their very own. It’s a handsome structure still standing on the corner of Pike and Water streets near Lane Place. They stayed in this location for over 70 years, eventually moving first to 3097 IN Highway 32 East in 1981, and then to 2109 Indianapolis Road in 2020. Due to low attendance, Lodge #483 was absorbed by Lebanon Lodge #635 in 2024, after 125 years.

Charity was the founding principle of the Elks, and Lodge #483 did their part. When they saw an unmet need, they provided. They raised money supporting cancer research, provided clothes for children, and delivered Christmas dinners to the hungry. These efforts were supported by their famous benefit performances. Among their earliest attempts was an indoor circus. Two Elks wore a papier-mache elephant costume; another wrestled 20-foot snake puppets. The aforementioned Mace Townsley had a magic act. Another time, the Great Marine Band of the U.S. Navy was brought to town and played in front of what was then the largest-ever crowd in Crawfordsville. At a 4th of July celebration, the Elks sponsored a speech by Carrie Nation, the famous axe-wielding teetotaller, and had to hastily build the stands an hour before the event.

There are more stories and memorabilia on display now on the second floor of the library. Come by and peek inside this “secret” local institution. Did you know an Elk? See if you can identify unnamed members in our photograph!

Check out what’s happening at the library on our website or call us at 765-362-2242. The library is open Monday-Thursday 9a-9p, Friday-Saturday 9a-5p, and Sunday 1-5p.

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