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Elks Club
Watertown Elks Lodge No. 666
Watertown-Beaver Dam Lodge 666
Old
Concordia Opera House
Established 1901
117 N First
The historic Elks Lodge building was built in 1888 and opened as the Concordia Opera House,
which housed two theaters, the Empire and the Colonial, both featuring film and
vaudeville acts with admission of 10 to 30 cents. The Watertown Elks purchased the building on
Jan. 5, 1916, and added an ice cream
parlor in the lower level of the building in 1917. They also updated the
dining area and added custom furniture.
In the next few years, the Elks completed various updates in the
interior of the building, including a coal stoker in 1934, a conversion of the grillroom into a bar in 1937 and the addition of two pin
setting machines for the bowling alleys located in the lower level in 1938.
At this time, the Elks also installed a golf driving net in the upper
room.
The current lodge still retains remnants of the bowling alley and original 1937 updates in the lower
level, along with a modernized kitchen area.
The main floor features mission era custom tables designed by an Elks
Lodge member to reflect the authentic period of when the building was first
purchased.
The Elks Lodge holds parties, gatherings and weddings
of members and guests. The Elks have
also been active in the community by providing free Christmas dinners, a Flag
Day ceremony at Veteran’s Memorial Park, student
scholarships, hospital equipment donations, a drug prevention program, Hoop
Shoot program, post prom party and youth banquet. The Elks also honor veterans through a free
veteran’s luncheon, as well as other services.
The Wisconsin Elks major project supports handicapped children at Camp
Wawbeek during the summer months.
1888 CONSTRUCTION OF THE
CONCORDIA OPERA HOUSE
The Elks purchased the Opera House on Jan.
5, 1916.
1889
04 05 MRS. FELD ENCHANTED THE AUDIENCE . . .
The
concert Monday evening at Concordia Opera House given under the auspices of the
Concordia Society, was one of the most remarkable musical entertainments ever
given in our city. And with such
distinguished and accomplished artists as Messrs. B. Steindel, E. Bare, J. G.
Beyer and Mrs. C. R. Feld, how could it be otherwise? . . . Mrs. Feld enchanted the audience with
her charming vocalization of “One Spring Morning,” which necessitated a
response to an encore. Mr. Beyer, the
tenor, rendered two waltz songs, which were well received . . .
Mrs.
Feld is especially to be congratulated on the great success scored by her. Her stage presence was a perfect picture of
composure, and her beautiful voice, while not of a strong or robust character,
is as musical and enchanting as is that of the sweet bird warbler. Her work at the piano in the trios was also a
marvel of correct and exquisite finish, and greatly delighted her audience with
its superior excellence. When it is
taken into consideration that Mrs. Feld sung two numbers, took part in two trios,
one in German and one in English, and responded to an encore in the second
number, besides her work at the piano, it will be seen that her labors were
necessarily severe and exacting. Our
music-loving people are also under obligations to this lady for securing the
talented gentlemen, Messrs. Steindel, Bare and Beyer. WR
06 20 PICNIC, COMMENCEMENT, ALUMNI BANQUET
The annual picnic of
our public schools will be held next Friday afternoon on Concordia Island.
All the schools, with the exception of the high school, will close the
day before, the latter continuing to have sessions next week. The high school commencement exercises will
take place on Friday evening June 30 and the alumni banquet will be given July
1 at Concordia Opera house. WR
1901 ESTABLISHMENT OF
Watertown
Elks Lodge #666 was established by 38 charter members on
In
1901, The Watertown Elks Lodge was chartered by BPOE. Through the years the Lodge has made an
impact on the community i.e., various programs for the youth and veterans,
establishing the Home Health Care Equipment program, furnishing Christmas meals
on Christmas day for the elderly and shut-ins, and other activities .
06 07 ELKS'
PHANTOM PARADE ON 4th OF JULY
The
phantom parade and dance at 11 o’clock on the
night of July 4th by the local lodge of Elks will wind up festivities of
that day. This will take place on West
Main and Main streets, the entire length of the paved portion of the
streets. The Elks will be attired in
white sheets and masks and will dance to the music of a brass band. The street will be darkened for the occasion,
but a various points along the line of the dance, green fire will add interest
to the spectacle. Don’t fail to see this
feature of the celebration. WG
10 25 RECEPTION
AT NEW CLUB ROOMS
On Tuesday evening the Watertown Lodge of Elks gave an
informal reception at their new club
rooms on Main Street, the affair taking the nature of a house-warming, and
was for members of the lodge and their families only. The rooms were most tastefully decorated for
the event. Luncheon was served at 9:30,
followed by dancing, music being-furnished by Hardege’s orchestra. Misses Clara Hoermann and Elsa Schempf
presided at the punch bowl. It was one
of the most delightful informal affairs ever given here, and greatly
appreciated by those present. WG
1902 In
1902 the local Elks Lodge occupied quarters on the third floor of the Daub Building, 10 E. Main St., and moved in 1907
to the third floor of the Masonic Temple,
which was inhabited by the Fischer's Department Store for many decades.
1903 SECOND ANNUAL BALL
02 14 The second annual ball of the Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks of this city was held last Friday evening at Turner opera house.
Over 100 couples took part in the affair, and a large number of
spectators were admitted to the gallery.
It was by far the most elaborate and dressiest ever held here, and the
decorations were perfectly grand. Three
large arches spanned the center of the hall.
They were draped in purple and white, and studded with electric
lights. The balcony railing and pillars
were also draped in purple and white, and festooned with purple and white
chrysanthemums hung all around the hall, and many cozy corners were arranged
and beautified for the pleasure and accommodations of the dancers. . . . Above
the stage entrance a large panel was suspended, which bore the number of the
lodge in purple incandescent lights, and below which hung a horologe for the
Elks indicating the hour of eleven. The
hour being sounded, the musical, and all was still as death, and W. C. Leitsch,
of Columbus, made a brief address, reminding the Elks present of the hour's
significance. Each Elk held his right
hand aloft during Mr. Leitsch's remarks at the conclusion of which the dance
proceeded. WG
08 11 ELK’S
SOCIAL BALL
Last
week the social ball given by the local lodge of Elks at Tivoli Island was
attended by almost 100 couples. The
island presented a very charming appearance.
It was electric lighted, and here and there Japanese lanterns added to
the beauty of the illumination, the fountain was at full play, and the weather
was perfect for an evening of pleasure at this popular resort.
At
Dancing
began at about
Music
for the dance was also furnished by the Apollo orchestra, and the merry dancers
all proclaimed that no better music has ever been rendered here. This orchestra
has been popular with our people since its organization and is daily growing
more so.
At
1905
10
11 NEUMAN
THEATRE BUILDING
The West Avenue Hotel has changed hands. Monday, Eugene Wardwell retired as proprietor
and Tuesday he was succeeded by Robert Donner of Marshfield. Mr. Wardwell, having purchased the Neuman
Theatre building at the corner of First and Madison streets, will give it his
personal supervision. He informed a
representative of the Republican that
it was his intention to change the name of the play house to the Grand and
secure the very best dramatic and operatic talent possible for the amusement of
the people of Watertown.
1908
11 27 Memorial Day observed by local lodge on
December 6th, in Masonic Temple WG
1909
01 08 New
Year ball at Masonic Temple hall given by the Elks WG
02 19 Elk’s ball at Turner opera house,
Washington's birthday WG
04 02 Election of
officers WG
04 02 Elks Baseball Club WG
12 31 Elks Present Christmas Gifts: Last week the local lodge of Elks distributed
a large number of good things to eat, other necessities of life, toys for the
little ones, etc., to those of our citizens who were not blessed with full and
plenty at this season of the year. Their
work in this line is very commendable. WG
c.
1910
ELK’S SOCIAL
1911
03 09 CONCORDIA OPERA HOUSE SOLD
Harry
Davis of this city, the moving picture film manufacturer, has purchased the
Concordia Opera House, consideration $5700.
Mr. Davis has secured a very cheap property and intends making many fine
improvements on the building. WG
1915
02
18 ELKS
MINSTRELS
Friday,
February 12th, was another red-letter day to the fun lovers of Watertown, it
being the occasion of the recent appearance of the Elk’s Minstrel’s. The assembly room of the Masonic Temple was
filled with an audience ready and willing to be amused and they were not
disappointed for from the time that the curtain separated at 8:30 o’clock and
the opening choruses were sung, to the final disappearance of the black
artists, it was a continual succession of pleasant and witty things said and
done and sung.
As
interlocutor, Dr. Ralph Kayson filled the position admirably taking the jokes
aimed at him with as much apparent zest and enjoyment as those shafts sent in
other directions. The entire circle was
good as usual, but we cannot resist particular mention of the solo by the ever
popular baritone, Mr. Wm. Sproesser. The audience was fairly breathless as he sang
that old time favorite “Way Down Upon the Swanee River.” The refrain was taken up and softly sung by
the quartette; there was a strange dimness in the eyes of many.
Zeno
Walthers in the singing of “When you Wore a Tulip and I Wore a Big Red Rose,”
R. M. Hahn in “In the Hills of Old Kentucky” and E. O. Wolfram in “The Bell
Buoy” each contributed largely.to the success of the program. The quartette consisting of E. L. Schempf,
Wm. Sproesser, O. E. Meyer and Max Rohr sang “Keep
Agoing” and as an encore “The Baldheaded Man,” they certainly scored a great
hit.
The
end men consisting of Gordon H. Bacon, Jacob Sproesser, Frank P. McAdams and
George Weber were brimming over with fun and the jokes were handed to the
audience in such rapid succession that they could not be grasped at once.
The
rhythm of the song “You Can’t Get Away From It” as sang by Jacob Sproesser
appealed to everyone and the numbers given by Gordon Bacon “Poor Pauline” and
George Weber’s “When I Hear a Gun” with accompanying dance were greatly
enjoyed, but the hit or the evening was unquestionably the parody on “It’s a
Long, Long Way to Tipperary” composed and sung by Frank P. McAdams, the
applause was fairly deafening.
“Wacht am Rhine,” “The Star
Spangled Banner” and “All Aboard for Dixie” as sung by the entire company
proved a fitting climax to a very enjoyable evening.
The public is willing
to welcome these minstrels as often as they are willing to appear, for they are
rightly styled “Goom Chasers.” WG
1916 CONCORDIA OPERA HOUSE SOLD
The
Elks Lodge purchased the old Concordia
Opera House on
Image
Portfolio, Masonic
Temple and 1916 fire
07 06 Death of
Emil Schultz
1917 WORLD AT WAR
In
1917, the World was at war. The Order of
Elks was only 49 years old. GER Edward
Rightor appointed a committee to study what the Order of Elks should do in this
crisis. The membership enthusiastically
and unanimously approved a resolution appropriating one million dollars for the
“War Relief Fund”. This money was raised
by the membership at the local Lodge level.
02
18 ICE
CREAM PARLOR AT THE ELKS
An innovation at the Elks new
club house is an ice cream and soda water parlor, opened Friday evening. It is situated on the ground floor near the
North First Street entrance and has a very inviting interior, being decorated
in a manner suitable for such a room.
New furniture of a cream color is in harmony with the surroundings. The service will be supplied to members and
their guests each day after 2 o’clock.
The mandolin orchestra furnished
the inspiration for an informal dancing party which followed the opening of the
parlors. - The Watertown News, 06 18 1917
03 21 A HANDSOME ELK HEAD
A
handsome Elk head done in bronze now adorns the front of the new Elk’s home in
North First Street. The head was a gift
from Max H. Gaebler and
the head was placed in position last Friday.
The anthers have twelve “points” and each point is mounted with an
electric globe which makes a very pretty sight when the electric current is
turned on at night. Watertown Weekly Leader, 03
21 1917. Can be seen in ../Images/WHS_006_Semrich_101.jpg
c.1917
FIRE TRUCK LEAVING CITY HALL, ACROSS
FROM THE ELKS
1927
12 03 ELKS
MEMORIAL SERVICE SATURDAY OPEN TO PUBLIC
The
memory of 38 departed members of the Watertown Lodge of Elks will be honored at
the annual memorial service of the order here Sunday afternoon at the Elks
Club. The exercises will be held in the
main auditorium of the building and will start at 3 o'clock. The officers of the lodge have extended an
invitation to the public to attend lodge and members of their families, as well
as those who are survivors of Elks who have passed on are especially invited to
be present.
Milton
C. Potter, Milwaukee superintendent of schools, will deliver the memorial
address.
The
Watertown Elks chorus, under the direction of Edward L. Schempf, will sing and
Frank Bramer, violinist, and Mrs. Bramer, pianist, will render two
selections. The ritual will be in charge
of the officers of the lodge, headed by F. W. Koenig, exalted ruler.
Mr.
Bramer will offer the "Andantino” by Lully-Brown, and “An Old Air" by
Haesche as his part of the program. The
chorus will sing “Radiant Morn" by Woodward, and “There is No Death” by
O'Hara.
The
memory of 38 Elks will be recalled when the lodge secretary calls the roll.
The
following are the men who have died as members of the lodge since it was
organized in Watertown: Jesse Stone,
Carl Manz, Joseph Brandenburg, Frank Behlke, Edward C. May, Eugene Wiggenhorn,
Herbert Kyle, Emil W. Schultz, W. P. Bingham, John T. Ryan, William F. Brandt,
W. M. Davenport, Robert Dent, George P. Koenig,
William H. Rohr, Fred Wittenwyler, W. D. Sproesser, Max Gaebler, J. H. Smith,
William K. Voss, Karl A. Keck, L. H. Cordes, John Clifford, U. N. Barber, F. C.
Werner, John S. Kings, A. Solliday, Gilbert Bentzin, A. F. Bauman, Webster F.
Pease, James W. O'Brien, C. J. Habhegger, F. C. Hartwig, William C. Stone, John
Thauer, B. T. Marks, Adam Mohr, E. C. Wolfram.
1937
In
1937, the grill room was changed to a bar and the ladies room and lodge room
were redecorated.
1938
During
1938, the lodge purchased two pin setting machines for the bowling alleys and
authorized the installation of a golf driving net in the upper ante-room.
1939
Authorization
was approved in 1939 for the purchase of air conditioning units in the bar and
card room.
1941
12 07 PEARL
HARBOR
The
Local Lodge supported the various programs of the Elks War Commission. The day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the
Lodge offered the entire Ladies room and the northwest ante-room (now the lodge
room bar) to the local chapter of the Red Cross for their war program. These rooms were used for over three years,
until they moved to larger quarters.
Members were encouraged to donate blood.
The first gift box was mailed to Fred Kretchman. A carton of cigarettes was sent to all
members in service and Christmas remembrances were mailed to service
personnel. Bingos and other parties were
held in behalf of veterans in hospitals.
Yes, the Elks were involved. Glenn Friedl recollections
1942
07 16 HIGH SCHOOL GIRL WINS HIGH SCHOLASTIC HONOR
Viola
Boeder, Watertown, 18 year old high school graduate who has won an unceasing
stream of honors since she came here to live with a guardian nine years ago,
had one more attainment to her credit Thursday.
At Omaha, officers of the Elks National Foundation announced that they
had awarded her the second grand prize of $500 in the foundation's "most
valuable student" contest.
Miss
Boeder is the ward of Miss Anita Krueger of Watertown. She was senior class speaker at the June
graduation exercises at Watertown High School
and among graduates highest in academic standing. Earlier this year she won the
state citizenship award of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
In the
course of her high school career, Miss Boeder was president of the school's
dramatic club and was active in forensics.
She participated in state speech contests of the American Legion and was
a delegate to the Badger Girls State last year.
Her name was entered in the Elks contest by Edward Hinterberg, principal
of the high school. Miss Boeder will use
her award to help finance her education at the University of Wisconsin, which
she plans to enter this fall. She
expects to take a liberal arts course. Milwaukee
Journal, 07 16 1942
1950
The current lounge bar was established
in 1950.
09 26 ELKS' ROUND UP AND CARNIVAL
Committees to have
charge, which will be held here October 11, 12 and 13, have been fully
organized. At the regular meeting of the
members held last evening, the arrangements were gone into and a complete plan
has been promulgated . . . Committees are: Publicity, Gordon E. Bacon,
chairman, John Clifford, C. W. Acker, G. H. Lehrkind and A. N. Thauer. Advertising — John Salick, chairman, A. J.
Bickner, Walter Schlueter, Elmer Lemmerhirt, Melvin Norbert. Parades – George Richards, chairman, William
Brandt, AI Price, W. F. Simon, Capt. A. F. Soliday. Ticket committee — Herbert Schatz, chairman,
Fred Ruesch, G. E. Bentzin, Eugene Meyer, E. J. Carroll and C. A.
Schimmel. WDT
1952
FIRST POST-PROM PARTY
First Watertown High School senior class to have a
post-prom party at the Elks Lodge.
1954
01 26 Post-prom party WDT
1955
09 17 Attorney Charles A. Kading, former
member of Congress, last night became the third living member of Watertown
Lodge No. 666, B.P.O.E., to receive a life membership card in the lodge, having
achieved 50 years of membership since his initiation a half century ago. Attorney Wallace Thauer was named to make the
presentation to Mr. Kading on behalf of the lodge. Mr. Thauer presented him with the life
membership card and the half century pin.
Mr. Thauer referred to the occasion as a pleasant moment in the life of
the Elks Lodge and that of Mr. Kading, marking his 50th anniversary as an
Elk. He stated that during those 50
years Mr. Kading had attained a high reputation for professional ability as a
lawyer and for fearless devotion to the cause of his clients and that he was
endowed with eloquence, industry, perseverance, and resourcefulness in court
and had won many hard fought law suits.
1957
01 23 Approximately 240 Elks from Watertown Lodge No. 666 and other lodges in
the southern Wisconsin district turned out last night for the testimonial
dinner honoring Dr. J. R. Casanova,
this city, district deputy grand exalted ruler of the southern district. The district is made up of 12 lodges,
including No. 666 here. It was one of
the largest Elks gatherings held in Watertown in a number of years. The upper ballroom, where the dinner was
served, was filled to near capacity.
1958
03 19 Nine past exalted rulers of Elks Lodge No.
666 and a large number of “Old Timers” Elks honored.
1959
03 25 Officers elected WDT
1960
03 27 U.S.
Constitutional contest winners
Attorney
Paul Hibbard, chairman of the Elks U.S. Constitutional contest committee, today
announced the seven winners in the annual area contest held here recently and
said the state contest will be held in Antigo on April 2. The area contest, for high school seniors in
the Watertown region, is sponsored each year by Watertown Lodge No. 666,
B.P.O.E. The winners as announced by Mr.
Hibbard and their cash awards are: First — Glen Mundschau, Johnson Creek, $30.
Second — Jane Uttech, Watertown, $20. Third — Karen R. Schmidt, Watertown, $15.
Fourth — Jane Trachte, Johnson Creek, $10.
WDT
05 14 Dr. J. R. Casanova elected president of the WI Elks Association at Green Bay WDT
11 22 William J. Fitzgerald Jr. new exalted
ruler, named to succeed Glenn R. Ferry, acting city manager who had submitted
his resignation. Mr. Fitzgerald will
serve as head of the lodge until next March when the next election is held and
new officers are installed. Earl Maas is
the new esteemed leading knight of the lodge.
WDT
1961
05 16 Dr.
J. R. Casanova, former exalted ruler of Watertown Lodge No. 666, B.P.O.E.
next Sunday will become president of WI Elks Association at the annual
convention of the association to be held at Oshkosh. Dr. Casanova is now president-elect of the
association, having been named at the 1960 state convention. WDT
07 13 The Watertown Rotary Club is going to
meet at the Legion Green Bowl starting in August. Ever since the club was founded here the
membership has met every Monday noon at the Elks
Club, in the lower dining hall. WDT
1962
01 21 Arthur A. Ullrich, 134 Corner Street, for many years a member
of the Merchants National Bank staff, will be
honored by Watertown Lodge on exalted rulers’ night which will be observed at
the Elks Club on Feb. 14. Mr. Ullrich
has been a member of the Elks for 50 years, and during that time has held
different offices in the lodge and has been active in the organization. WDT
01 23 Dr. J. R. Casanova,
president of the Wisconsin Elks Association, was the guest of honor of the
Milwaukee Elks Lodge, No. 46, last night.
The meeting was preceded by a dinner and social hour attended by a large
number of past exalted rulers of the club.
During the meeting, a large class was initiated in honor of the state
president. Several Watertown Elks
accompanied Dr. Casanova to the meeting.
They were William Fitzgerald, exalted ruler; Christie Coogan, secretary
Frank Kellerman, a trustee; and John D. Clifford. WDT
02 10 Annual past exalted
rulers night - A dinner was held in connection with the lodge meeting. The
evening opened with a cocktail hour, followed by the dinner, after which the
members attended the meeting. Dr. J. R.
Casanova, a past exalted ruler, a former district deputy and now president of
the Wisconsin Elks Association, occupied the chair of the exalted ruler. Other past exalted rulers who served in
official positions last night, after drawing lots, were A. E. Bentzin, loyal
knight; Attorney Charles O. Payant, lecturing knight; Joseph T. Lange, leading
knight; Earl Maas, esquire; Wayne Simon, chaplain.
1963
03 23 ANNUAL POST-PROM PARTY
The
annual drive to raise funds for the annual post-prom parties is now being
organized and will get underway later in the week. A committee of members of the Elks Club will
meet to complete plans for the fund raising effort. A large committee has been picked to make the
contracts with merchants, industrial concerns, members of the professions and
others who provide the necessary funds for the annual affair. The post-prom party was introduced in
Watertown in 1952, with the Elks lodge sponsoring the project. A party has been held each year since, with
the 12th annual party to take place in the upper hall of the Elks Club
following the prom at the high school gym on Friday night, April 19. WDT
1964
10 20 DINNER AND INITIATION
NIGHT
Watertown
Lodge No. 666, B.P.O.E. will hold a dinner and initiation night at the Elks
Club next Wednesday, Oct. 28. The dinner
will precede the meeting. To be initiated are: Lloyd Radcliff, Waterloo,
Michael Lees and Arthur Rehm Jr., Lake Mills, Warren Gay, James Clifford and
Wesley Schwartz, Watertown. WDT
12 24 CHRISTMAS FOOD BASKETS
Watertown
Lodge No. 666, B.P.O.E. is again playing Santa Claus this Christmas by
distributing baskets of food to needy and unfortunate families and individuals
in Watertown. Preparing the baskets at
the Elks Club yesterday were numerous members of the lodge. Lloyd Meyer, Harold E. Blaesius and Otis
Anton prepare food baskets for distribution as part of the order’s charity work
each year. WDT
1965
01 14 YOUTH LEADERSHIP
CONTEST
In the
youth leadership contest conducted by the Watertown Lodge No. 666, B.P.O.E.
Miss Orlaine Isaacson, a senior student at Oconomowoc High School, and Ralph
Schmoldt of 307 North Monroe Street, Watertown, were judged the winners among
contestants from high schools in the Watertown lodge area. David Stiller of Lake Mills and Jeffrey Frost
of Watertown received a second and third rating respectively among the boys
submitting entries, while on the basis of their application brochures Miss
Nancy Norman of Watertown and Miss Bonnie Kowski of Lake Mills were rated
second and third respectively among the girls.
WDT
02 24 MOST VALUABLE STUDENT
SCHOLARSHIP
In the
Elks National Foundation “Most Valuable Student” scholarship contest conducted
by the Watertown Elks Lodge No. 666, Miss Carol Schopan, a senior student at Jefferson
High School, was rated first among the girls applying, and Ralph Schmoldt of
Watertown High School was judged the winner among the boy contestants. WDT
03 25 OFFICERS ELECTED
At
last night’s meeting of Watertown Lodge No. 666, B. P. O. E., officers were
elected for the coming year. Elected
were Pat Downing, exalted ruler, succeeding Theodore Freitag; Russell Twesme,
esteemed leading knight, succeeding Pat Downing; James Clifford, esteemed loyal
knight, succeeding Dean Priebusch; Tom Finnel, esteemed lecturing knight,
succeeding Al Maas; Donovan Richards, tyler, succeeding Frank Semon; Theodore
Freitag, trustee, succeeding William J. Fitzgerald; Dr. J.R. Casanova,
alternate representative to the Grand Lodge, re-elected; and Christy P. Coogan,
secretary, and Robert Cutter, treasurer, both re-elected. WDT
04 01 U.S. CONSTITUTION
CONTEST
Terry
Turke leads the list of five Watertown winners and two winners from Johnson
Creek in the recent United States Constitution contest conducted in this area
by Watertown Lodge No. 666, B.P.O.E.
The local area winners were as follows: first, Terry Turke, Watertown;
second, Ralph Schmoldt, Watertown; third, Robert Schneider, Watertown; fourth,
Kenneth Abel, Watertown; fifth, Barbara Morgan, Johnson Creek; sixth, Nancy
Kehl, Watertown; seventh, Scott Hinzmann, Johnson Creek. WDT
1966
1967
01
31 FUNDING DRIVE FOR ANNUAL POST-PROM PARTIES
Plans now
are being formulated for a finance drive to provide needed funds for
Watertown’s annual post-prom parties.
The annual post-prom parties started in 1952 but now have become an
institution in Watertown. The parties
were established in order to provide a place to go following the close of the
prom at the high school. While the Elks
Lodge sponsors the parties, handles all the arrangements and furnishes the
manpower for each party, the money required is provided by business firms,
professional people, industrial concerns and others. Approximately $700 is required for each
party.
04 13 FRANK KELLERMAN, ELK OF
THE YEAR
Frank C. Kellerman, a
long time member of Watertown Lodge No. 666, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, last night, at a lodge meeting of the club, was presented with the Elk of
the Year Service Award. The award came
as a complete surprise to him.
Kellerman, of 231 Lounsbury Street, operates an insurance and real
estate business at 204 North Third Street with his brother, Edgar. The award was presented in recognition of
many years of distinguished service to the lodge, and particularly for his
accomplishments as chairman of the club’s membership committee.
1968
01 18 HATTIE STRAHOTA AND MAY
METZGER HONORED
Mrs. Hattie Strahota
and Miss May Metzger, who have handled the food for banquets and dinners at the
Elks Club for many years, were honored Saturday night by the lodge. Only Hattie was present in person. May was ill.
Pat Downing, past exalted ruler of the lodge, served as master of
ceremonies. He and other members who
appeared on the program had words of praise for both Hattie and May. Others who talked were Richard Hoge, Robert
Hargraves and Russell Twesme, present exalted ruler of the lodge.
04 18 HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES HONORED
All-sports
dinner. WDT
11 29 ELKS REMEMBER THOSE WHO PASSED
The annual Elks
Memorial Day service was held at the Elks lodge on Sunday afternoon. All departed members of the lodge, since its
inception, were remembered. The names
were read by the secretary, Robert Wicker.
Since the last memorial service, nine members of the lodge passed
on. They are: Henry B. Kunz, Paul E.
Stiehn, Charles Archie, Jr., Harold Nolte, Irvin Hornickle, Arnold Landsverk,
Robert Gustavesen, W. W. Carroll and Roman Hahn. Speaker at the service was
Father James Blantz, C.S.C., assistant pastor of St.
Bernard’s congregation.
1969
03 21 OFFICERS ELECTED
James Clifford, 12
Pawnee Street, was re-elected exalted ruler of Watertown Lodge No. 666,
B.P.O.E. at a dinner meeting Wednesday evening at the Elks Club. Mr. Clifford is a member of the advertising
staff of the Watertown Daily Times
and is also its circulation manager.
Other officers re-elected were:
Richard Johns, esteemed leading knight; Fred Amthor, esteemed loyal
knight; Tom Wooley, esteemed lettering knight; Robert Wicker, secretary;
Richard Hoge, treasurer; John Bloedorn, tiler; Dr. J. R. Casanova, alternate in
the grand lodge. Ted Freitag was elected
trustee.
04 10 Dr. J. R.
CASANOVA: ELK OF THE YEAR
04 17 MILWAUKEE BUCKS AT
ELKS ANNUAL ALL-SPORTS BANQUET
Larry
Costello, Milwaukee Bucks coach and guest speaker
04 18 POST PROM PARTY
EVENT
Junior prom party sponsored by the Elk’s
John
Meyers, Robert Breunig, Carol Frederickson, Elk Daniel Wethall, Linda Wilkes,
Lester J. Herro, Robert Steinhorst, Sydney McQuoid, Leslyn Amthor, Suzy
Verhamme, Deborah Metzger, Janyne Reckner
05 05 1969 POST PROM PARTY
Link
to portfolio of pics. Thumb through
05 29 ELKS STATE BOWLING
TOURNEY
Lester Zick (left) received a trophy, wallet and check for rolling a 694
first place score in the Elks state bowling tourney at Stevens Point. Presentation was made by Don Zimmermann,
chairman of the local Elks bowling committee.
12 23 ANNUAL ELKS CHRISTMAS PROJECT FOR THE NEEDY
Members
of the Watertown Elks Club prepared packages for needy persons in the Watertown
area. Hargraves, William Connor, Lloyd
Meyer, and Don Palmer.
1970
09 24 NINE CANDIDATES
INITIATED
John
Bubernak, Robert H. Miller, Fran H. Porter, Michael A. Counsell, Dave Wood,
Robert Thompson, Dr. William Ehlinger, LeEarl Peterson, and Frank E. Harvey,
Jr.
Distinguished
guests: C. F. Katzenmeyer, Wisconsin
Elks Association State Secretary; Robert W. Speaker, principal speaker and
District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, Wisconsin Southeast; Richard Johns,
Exalted Ruler of the Watertown Lodge, and H. M. Militzer, vice president of
Wisconsin Southeast.
11 04 ELKS NATIONAL VETERANS
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Richard Johns
1974
ELKS AUXILIARY STARTED
The
Watertown Elks Auxiliary was started in 1974 by 40 women who were wives of Elks
members. These women felt they could
assist the Elks members by making the lodge more inviting. The women elected officers, adopted a
constitution, set up committees and held meetings at the lodge once a month.
The
main object was to raise funds to purchase items needed for the lodge. The members held bake sales, rummage sales, card
parties, raffles and spaghetti dinners.
The funds were used to purchase furniture, drapes, dishes and many other
items along with decorations for the holidays.
Food for parties and receptions were many times prepared by the
auxiliary members. The women of the
auxiliary are always happy to help provide the lodge with an inviting
atmosphere.
A
special project for the auxiliary is providing a camping experience for a handicapped
youth at Camp Wawbeek in Wisconsin Dells.
This is provided with the help of Easter Seals and the Elks Lodge. The Elks Lodge major project is helping
handicapped people. Another important project at this time is providing funds
for the “Stairway to Heroin” and “Playground to Pills” programs in Watertown.
The
auxiliary meets at the lodge the first Wednesday of the month, not including
January, June, July and August. The
meeting consists of a light supper, an interesting program and a short business
meeting. The auxiliary welcomes people
who are family members of an Elk to join the auxiliary. [2016 Elks pr]
1978
12 21 CHRISTMAS
BOXES FOR THE NEEDY
Bob
Wicker, Ralph Meiers, Gene Schlesner, Jack Butcher Sr., Jack Butcher Jr., Art
Christenson, Glenn Friedl, Dinty Meyer and Bill Connor.
1982
03 12 VAVS
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
W. T.
Connor, 307 South Ninth Street, has been named deputy representative for the
State Elks on the VAVS Advisory Committee at the William S. Middleton Memorial
Veterans Hospital in Madison. The
two-year appointment was made by Dr. Francis Kruse Jr., president of the
Wisconsin Elks Association. As a member
of the VAVS Advisory Committee plans for the various events are made and
carried out by the committee. Connor has
been a volunteer at the hospital for the past two years, deciding to “help out”
after having back surgery at the hospital.
He and his wife, Mary, received a “Volunteering Together” Award in 1980
and he received an award for having served 100 hours in 1981 at the annual
awards ceremony. WDT
07 17 Dr. J. R. Casanova elected Grand
Esteemed Lecturing Knight WDT
1983
03 08 Dr.
CASANOVA HONORED
Ralph
Meiers, exalted rules of Watertown Elks Lodge No. 666, has announced a party
honoring Dr. John R. Casanova will be held at Watertown Elks Lodge No. 666, 117
North First Street, on Saturday, March 19.
Two past grand exalted rulers of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks
will be on hand to honor Dr. Casanova, grand esteemed lecturing knight. They are H. Foster Sears from Macomb, IL.,
Lodge No. 1009, and Francis M. Smith from Sioux Falls, S.D., Lodge No.
262. Also, many past state presidents
and current Wisconsin Elks Association officers will attend the dinner. WDT
1985
TAP BEER WAS INSTALLED IN 1985
02 26 Officers elected and new members WDT
03 11 The Casanova Room, redecorated dining
room; Dr. Casanova Champion Trophy
1986
CHRISTMAS DINNER PROGRAM ESTABLISHED
Established
to bring meals and smiles to many Watertown residents who perhaps were unable
to prepare or not able to be with family on Christmas Day. A Watertown Elks member, who is also a
veteran of our armed forces, would often miss and always wonder about his
family while away serving our country during the holidays. It was a heartache he would never
forget! With his inspiration and the
dedication and volunteerism of other lodge members a program was developed to
deliver Christmas meals to those who might be alone and unable to enjoy a
Christmas meal.
[2016
note] This is our 30th year and we have served and delivered 11,000 meals! We currently serve approximately 500 meals
each year, both in deliveries and serving meals at the lodge. Our only reward
is to see the gratitude and smiles on the recipient’s faces!
1987
09 24 PLAN
TO SEE BUILDING
The
Watertown Elks Lodge No. 666 plans to sell its building, located at 117 North
First Street, according to Exalted Ruler James Meyer. Meyer said the club wants to relocate to
another building in Watertown that has just one floor. The current lodge has three stories. "The average age of our members is late
50s and early 60s," Meyer said. "It's
getting to the point where (climbing) the steps in that place is just too
much." In a survey taken a year
ago, about 89 percent of the members supported moving to a new building. However, nothing has been done about moving
until recently. WDT
1990
05 16 FENDT
INSTALLED AS EXALTED RULER
Joseph
Fendt, 414 Hancock St., has been installed as the Exalted Ruler of the
Watertown Elks Lodge No. 666. Past
Exalted Ruler Wilbur Riedl installed Fendt and the following lodge officers,
Leading Knight Alvin Schloesser; Loyal Knight Roman Tischler; Lecturing Knight
Dennis Daley; Secretary Ralph Meiers; Treasurer Glenn Friedl; Tiler Lloyd
Meyer; Trustee James Meyer; and Chaplain Donald Bobb. WDT
1991
FRIEDL NAMED
WEA
President Reinie Palm named Glenn Friedl, WEA Chairman for Restoration and
Rededication of the Elks Veterans Memorial Building in Chicago, which also
serves as the Elks National Headquarters.
1992
09 27 REMODELING AND RENOVATION COMPLETED
The Watertown Elks Lodge will have an open
house Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. to celebrate the completion of extensive
remodeling and renovation of the building.
The original building was erected in 1888, as the Concordia Opera
House. During the early 1900s, it housed
two theaters, the Empire and Colonial. A charter was granted to the Watertown
Elks Lodge on July 25, 1901, as a fraternal organization. For the next few years, the Elks Lodge had
its meetings in various downtown locations, including the Knights of Pythias
Hall, the Daub Building and the old Masonic Temple.
1993
LODGE OFFICE BUILT. A
lodge office was built in the lower level of the building in 1993.
05 03 James Meyer of Jefferson was elected to the
position of president-elect of the Wisconsin Elks Association at the annual
convention this past weekend in Janesville.
A past exalted ruler of the Watertown Elks Lodge, Meyer will assume the
duties of president of the association next year at its annual convention to be
held in Superior. He will represent
Wisconsin’s 36 Elks lodges and approximately 19,000 members at the annual Grand
Lodge Elks convention to be held in Chicago during the summer of 1994. In 1991, he was named the State Elk of the
Year and the following year he received the Watertown Elks Lodge “Elk of the
Year” Award. WDT
1994
05 02 JAMES MEYER
A member of the local Elks lodge is celebrating
twofold this week — his installation as president of the Wisconsin Elks
Association and his 50th birthday. James
Meyer of Jefferson, a member of Watertown Elks Lodge No. 666, was installed
this past weekend as president at the association’s annual convention. Today, he also celebrated his 50th
birthday. Meyer joined the Elks 194
years ago, at age 30. It was the group’s
work with charitable contributions for youth and veterans which drew him to the
Elks. “There’s only one other
organization that gives more scholarships,” he said. “We’re second only to the
federal government.”
09 07 TO HOST STATEWIDE CONFERENCE
For the first time in history, the Watertown
Elks Lodge No. 666 will play host to a statewide conference. The event will be held at Olympia Resort and
conference Center in Oconomowoc Sept. 15-18.
According to local Elks officials, Olympia was chosen because the
facility is large enough to handle all functions, including lodging, for the
conference. The event also will bring
Grand Exalted Ruler Kenneth L. Moore to Watertown. The national leader of the organization will
be the featured speaker at the conference.
In addition, Moore will visit the Watertown Elks Lodge, 117 No. First
St., on the first night of the conference.
Local members are excited about this, as it marks the first appearance
for a current grand exalted ruler at the Watertown lodge.
1998
06 06 SALE OF LANDMARK CONSIDERED
Members of the Watertown Elks Lodge are
considering the sale of their landmark building at First and Madison streets to
a local firm which would then remodel it for downtown office space. The Lodge has received a purchase offer from
American Express Financial Advisors, 111 S. Second St. The offer was submitted through ERA Egan
Realty which has been retained by the lodge to sell the building. Under the plan, the building would be
remodeled, an elevator installed, and professional office space made available
for various businesses. The financial
advisers would be the first tenants in the building. WDT
06 06 &
09 16 Sale
of Elks bldg considered; decision not to purchase made by local
financial business WDT
1999
06 24 John “Jack” C. Lemke honorary marshal,
Fourth of July Parade WDT
2000
10 20 HOSPITAL AND REHABILITATION EQUIPMENT DONATED
A longtime area business couple will be honored by the
Watertown Elks Lodge for their donation to the lodge which will help the
citizens of Watertown for many years to come.
Ray and Marie Dobbratz have donated all of their hospital and
rehabilitation equipment to the lodge.
While operating Hafemeister Funeral Home and
Furniture Store, the Dobbratzes provided this equipment free of charge to
people in need. That tradition will
continue under the leadership of the Elks Lodge. The lodge will honor the Dobbratzes for this
donation to the lodge and other civic work they have done. They will be the special guests of honor at
the lodge’s Harvest Ball on Oct. 28. The
Harvest Ball will also be the kickoff for the lodge’s third phase of
remodeling.
11 01 ELEVATOR ADDITION
The Watertown Elks Lodge No. 666's plan to build an
elevator addition on its building received approval by the Watertown Site Plan
Review Committee. The elevator, at North
First and Madison streets, will be built on the east side of the Elks Lodge and
will service all three floors of the building.
The Watertown Common Council in January approved a vacation of alley
adjacent to the Elks Lodge, which allows for construction of the elevator. The alley extends south from East Madison
Street and west from North Second Street.
The elevator addition is part of a remodeling project to include the
addition of a new stairwell from the third floor to the street, rest rooms on
the third floor, expansion of the main lounge area on the second floor,
remodeling of the large banquet hall and lodge meeting room on the third
floor. WDT
2001 CENTENNIAL YEAR: 1901-2001
Centennial
Booklet [large-size pdf file]
03 18 100th ANNIVERSARY / THIRD FLOOR REMODELED
The Watertown Elks Lodge has
undergone many changes over the years, but has remained an active community
organization for the past 100 years.
Watertown Elks Lodge No. 666 is celebrating its 100th anniversary on
Thursday. Members are planning a
birthday party on April 21 followed by a rededication of the membership charter
on April 22. Officers attending the
birthday party will be dressed in outfits that would have been fitting back in
1901 when the local organization was founded.
The festivities will be held at the Watertown Elks Lodge which is
currently undergoing a remodeling project.
Members will celebrate in the lodge room or ballroom on the third floor
where the original ceiling has been restored and lighted with new
chandeliers. WDT
05 10 Jim
Kraemer, past Exalted Ruler of Watertown Lodge #666, was recently named Exalted
Ruler of the Year at the Wisconsin Elks Association Convention held in Fond du
Lac. Jerry Crouse, outgoing state
president who presented the award, said Kraemer was given the honor for three
reasons: Having the largest membership
gains in the state; the largest per capita donations given to the Wisconsin
Benevolent Fund, the National Foundation and the Major Project; and the spirit
of excitement that has been generated in Watertown by the lodge’s recent
building renovation. Kraemer said, “This
honor really belongs to all members of the Watertown lodge who have given so
much of their time. They are a hard working and dedicated bunch.” WDT
2003
An
addition was built on the east side of the structure in 2003 that includes rest
rooms, a meeting room, an elevator and a stairwell. Cost of about $200,000.
03 30 An installation ceremony was held for the
2003-04 officers of the Watertown Elks Lodge.
The new officers include Dick DeCono, exalted ruler; Dennis Daley,
leading knight; Clyde Kennedy, loyal knight; John Pirkel, lecturing knight;
Glen Friedl, secretary; Donald Krueger, treasurer; Dick Mueller, tiler; Ralph
Meiers, esquire; Jim Kraemer, chaplain; John Wanke, inner guard; and Ron Mass,
trustee. Al Schloesser is also a trustee and his term will end in 2004. Tom
Godfroy’s term as trustee will expire in 2005.
WDT
2004
05 27 ANNUAL
YOUTH RECOGNITION DINNER
The
Watertown Elks Lodge hosted its annual Youth Recognition Dinner on Tuesday,
recognizing the young people who won top honors in the Most Valuable Student
scholarship program, United States Constitution Contest and Hoop Shoot Contest. In the Most Valuable Student scholarship
competition, the winners in the girls division were Sara Hooper of Lake Mills
High School, $1,400 and the $500 Gora Scholarship; Janelle Hoffman of Watertown
High School, $1,300; Jillian Johnson of Johnson Creek High School, $1,200; Sarah
Bauer of Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills, $1,100; and Abigail
Warpinski of Watertown High School, $600. In the boys division, the winners
included Brian Nehls, who received $400, Robert Dahlke, $300, and Adam Staude,
$200. Nehls will graduate from Watertown High School and Dahlke attends Lake
Mills High School. Staude is from Johnson Creek High School.
2005
11 03 NEW
RESPITE CENTER
Watertown
Elks Lodge No. 666 with the Wisconsin Elks Association are in the process of
constructing a new Respite Center at the Elks/Easter Seals Respite Camp located
at Camp Wawbeek situated within 400 acres of land at Wisconsin Dells. The new building will relieve the existing
overcrowding and increase the number of campers attending the facility. The new 24 room, 48 bed facility is to cost
$816,500 and is planned to be completed and dedicated on Elks Day Saturday,
June 24, 2006. Those members who have
not donated to the “Wall of Honor” program and would like to donate should do
so as soon as possible. WDT
2007
04 11 FIRST
FEMALE TO SERVE AS EXALTED RULER
For
the first time in the 106-year history of the Watertown Elks Lodge No. 666, a
woman will serve as the exalted ruler of the local organization. Watertown resident Dianne Kennedy was
installed as the 106th exalted ruler during a ceremony at the Elks Lodge on
Saturday. “I am pretty humbled and very
honored because in the past years when I look at the wall of honor there’s some
incredible leadership and significant people from Watertown on there,” Kennedy
said. “To follow those footsteps and to
gain the confidence of a male-dominated group to me is an honor.” WDT
09 05 USE
OF ATTIC FOR PERFORMANCES
Deep
in the attic of the headquarters of Watertown Elks Lodge No. 666 lies a unique
piece of history. Before the Elks Lodge
occupied its current dwelling on North First Street in 1916, the former
Concordia Opera House was the home to two theaters - the Empire and the
Colonial which featured both film and vaudeville acts. According to Alvin Schloesser, a member of
the local Elks Lodge for around 35 years, the performers in the opera house
circuit would change wardrobes in the attic of the building because the area
next to the stage was too small. He
added the actors may have also slept in the attic between shows.
09 10 ANNUAL
STATE CONVENTION HOSTED
Watertown
Elks Lodge #666 will host the organization's annual state convention. The annual event will be held in conjunction
with a rededication ceremony celebrating the recent restoration project on the
exterior of the Elks Lodge's building.
Alvin Schloesser was chairman of the restoration project; he was a
member of the local Elks Lodge for about 35 years. The restoration project that was completed
over the past few months includes new paint on the exterior of the building, a
new roof, a new sign and a new flag pole mount.
The entire project cost the local organization about $75,000. WDT
09 14 ELKS CELEBRATE BUILDING RESTORATION
Members
of the Watertown Elks Lodge, past state presidents of the organization and
other dignitaries gathered in front of the local headquarters on North First
Street Thursday to celebrate the restoration of the building.
Watertown
Elks Lodge #666 has just put the finishing touches on a restoration project
that has been in the works for the past several years.
According
to Alvin Schloesser, local Elks member and chairman of the restoration
committee, the exterior work that was completed over the past few months
include new paint, a new roof and rain gutters, a new sign and a new flag pole. The entire project cost the local
organization about $75,000.
Schloesser
said an addition was built on the east side of the structure in 2003 that
includes rest rooms, a meeting room, an elevator and a stairwell. That project cost about $200,000.
“Many changes
have been made over the years, but the historic appearance and stature remain
today,” Schloesser said.
Watertown
Elks Lodge #666 was established by 38 charter members on
In
1902 the local Elks Lodge occupied quarters on the third floor of the Daub
Building, 10 E. Main St., and moved in 1907 to the third floor of the Masonic
Temple, which was inhabited by the Fischer's Department Store for many decades.
The
Elks Lodge purchased the old Concordia Opera House on
The
Masonic Temple was damaged by a fire on
Over
the next few decades various alterations and remodeling projects were made to
the interior of the building.
In
1937, the grill room was changed to a bar and the ladies room and lodge room
were redecorated. During 1938, the lodge purchased two pin setting machines for
the bowling alleys and authorized the installation of a golf driving net in the
upper ante-room.
Authorization
was approved in 1939 for the purchase of air conditioning units in the bar and
card room. The current lounge bar was established in 1950 and tap beer was
installed in 1985.
A
lodge office was built in the lower level of the building in 1993.
The
Elks Lodge received an offer to purchase the building in May 1998, but the
potential buyers canceled that offer later in the year. At that time Elks members decided it was in
the lodge's best interests to remodel the current structure.
Watertown
Elks Lodge #666 is hosting the Wisconsin Elk Fall Conference which will run
today through Sunday. WDTimes article
2010
06 13 
2011
05 11 The Watertown Elks Lodge recognized its
old-time members with a dinner in their honor. Members were recognized as
old-timers after 20 years of membership. Back row from left were, Bill Connor,
44 years; Louis Hady, 22 years; Tom Lauer, 43 years; Don Krueger, 57 years;
Meredith Thomson, 20 years; and Mike Vandre, 31 years. Front row from left,
Dick DeCono, 33 years; Glenn Friedl, 37 years; Bill Clark, 29 years; Romy
Tischler, 40 years; Jim Seibold, 26 years; George Prahl, 60 years; and William
Kwapil Jr., 44 years.
Those
honored for 20 or more years of membership in the Watertown Elks were, back row
from left, John Bruno, 25 years; Alvin Schloesser, 37 years; Jack Lemke, 47
years; Dennis Daley, 22 years; and Chuck Corbett, 34 years. Front row from
left, Wayne Simon, 58 years; Joe Darcey, 60 years; Jerry Dricken, 35 years; and
Duane Mandel, 45 years.
2012
03 17 WATERTOWN CARES DONATION
2013
05 02 ELKS
AUXILIARY OFFICERS
The
2013-14 Watertown Elks Auxiliary officers are:
Anna Heller, president; Harriet Daley, vice president; Fran Vandre,
secretary; Jackie Pfister, treasurer; Diane Fontaine, trustee; Marlene Meier,
trustee; Linda Maas, trustee.
12 21 ELKS SERVE UP FRIENDSHIP, DINNER
No one
should have to be alone on Christmas. This statement is the foundation of the
Watertown Elks Lodge’s Free Christmas Dinner Program, according to Elks member
Alvin Schloesser, who has been heading up volunteer activities for the meal
since it began 27 years ago. The Elks
Lodge Christmas Dinner program, which is aimed at reaching the elderly, needy
and lonely, impacts Watertown and its adjacent communities with nearly 400
complete Christmas meals each year. WDTimes
article
2015
04 02 ELKS LODGE OFFICERS FOR 2015-16
1888
compared to 2015
12 22 CHRISTMAS DINNERS
2016
01 28 GLENN FRIEDL, 1928-2016
Glenn F. Friedl, age 88, passed away on January 28,
2016.
11 12 100th ANNIVERSARY IN CONCORDIA OPERA HOUSE
The
Watertown Elks Lodge will be celebrating our 100th Anniversary in the famed
Concordia Opera House. We are also
recognizing our 115th year as a chartered Elks Lodge. Come join us on Nov. 12 at the historic
building as we will be open to the public and help us celebrate our centennial
home. We hope to have many local and
state dignitaries, as well as fellow Elk leaders and officers from throughout
the state joining us for this epic event!
Open
house and hors d’oeuvres will be between 3 and 5 p.m.
Dinner
at 6 p.m.
Elks
program at 7 p.m.
Live
music following the program.
2017
05 31 FLAG DAY SERVICE
The
Watertown Elks Lodge will be honoring veterans and the flag of this country at
their annual Flag Day ceremony on June 11 at 2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park.
Patriotism
has characterized the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United
States of America since the early days of the organization. Allegiance to the flag of this country is a
requirement of every member.
In
1907, the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
designated, by resolution, June 14 as Flag Day.
The Grand Lodge of the Order adopted mandatory observance of the
occasion by every lodge in 1911, and that requirement continues.
The Elks
prompted President Woodrow Wilson to recognize the order’s observance of Flag
Day for its patriotic expression. But it was not until 1949 when President
Harry Truman, himself a member of the Elks, made the proclamation that
thereafter June 14 would be a day of national observance for the symbol of the
country. It was through his Elks Lodge in Independence, Missouri, that Truman
got the idea for a national observance of Flag Day.
05 31 ELK MURAL
WDTimes
photo
A life-size elk mural, hand-drawn by students and
mural artist Paul Dominguez, was donated to the Elks Lodge.
11 01 CAMPING EVENT FOR CUB SCOUTS
Watertown
Elks Lodge 666 held a special camping event for local Cub Scouts Saturday at
the Lodge. Attending were 15 Cub Scouts
from Pack 111, eight Cub Scouts from Pack 43, leaders and parents from both
packs as well as several local boys interested in learning more about Scouting.
Boy Scouts and leaders from Troop 11 were present to help teach knot tying to
the Cubs. Ten Elks were also present to
make this event happen. Activities
included pinewood derby racing, knot tying, tent setup and preparation, an art
project sponsored by the Elks Ladies Auxiliary, Giant Jenga, Giant Connect 4 as
well as many board, floor and card games.
A pizza party with ice cream and cookies was followed by a movie and
popcorn night. A total of 26 people stayed overnight. A breakfast was served
Sunday.
2018
03 21 LONGTIME MEMBERS
HONORED
On Feb. 28 the Watertown Elks
celebrated their “Old Timer Night.”
Members with 20 or more years with the lodge were honored: Ron Maas, 35 years; John Wanke, 40 years;
Ralph Meiers, 47 years; Mae Lange, 20 years; Milt Swantz, 40 years; Don
Krueger, 64 years; Jerry Rabbach, 22 years; Bob LaPoint, 40 years; Jerry
Dricken, 42 years; Jim Ptaschinski, 50 years; Louis Hady, 29 years, Glenn
Willman, 23 years; Wayne Behm, 26 years; Joel Rosenow, 25 years; John Himrich,
52 years; John Bruno, 32 years; Dick Mueller, 20 years; Max Justman, 28 years
and Tom Godfroy, 27 years; Jerry Hepp, 27 years; Jim Meyer, 44 years; Mike
Meyer, 32 years; Dennis Daley, 29 years; Dick Wicker, 52 years, and Joe Darcey,
67 years.
04 09 INSTALLATION OF
OFFICERS
Pat McCarthy, Esteemed
Loyal Knight; Wayne Arbogast, Esteemed Leading Knight; Ron Mass, Tiler; Mark
Dutcher, Esteemed Lecturing Knight; Shane Wagner, Inner Guard; Mike Meyer,
Trustee and Ryan J. Swantz, Exalted Ruler; Michelle Bradley, Esquire; Dave DeCono,
Past Exalted Ruler; Jerry Hepp, Trustee; Dennis Daley, Secretary; Tom Hahn,
Treasurer; Misti Hawn, Chaplain and Tom Godfroy, Trustee.
06 22 K-9
DONATION
Watertown
Elks Lodge and Chickens Unlimited made separate donations ($690 and $1,000
respectively) and to the Police Dept. K-9 fund.
07 18 JAMES MEYER, grand
esteemed lecturing knight
Recently, as the Elks
celebrated their 150th year as a fraternal organization, Watertown Elks Lodge
member James Meyer was installed as the grand esteemed lecturing knight during
the national convention in San Antonio, Texas.
Meyer has been a member
of the Watertown Lodge for 45 years.
During that time he has volunteered for many service projects on the
local, district, state and national levels.
He started and chaired the lodge’s major project for 12 years, which
included storing, picking up and delivering hospice equipment to those in
need. Meyer was elected and served as
the Wisconsin Elks Association’s state president in 1994-95 and was the
chairman of the association’s Grand Lodge Attendance Committee for 26 years,
which included driving the “Traveling Show Trailer” to each national convention
and setting up and managing Wisconsin’s hospitality room.
2019
10 01 DONATION TO CUSTOM
CANINES SERVICE DOG ACADEMY
The Watertown Elks
Lodge made a $5,000 donation to Custom Canines Service Dog Academy. The donation was made possible with funds
donated to the Elks, from James R. Taylor and Sons at a fundraiser event with
Lesley Blasing. It was the third
Watertown Elks donation to Custom Canines Service Dog Academy to place a
service dog with a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder. This service dog, Stitches, went to Jacob
Gennrich, a Marine veteran, who served 10 years in various countries.
2020
07 08 DeCONO CHOSEN TO LEAD
DISTRICT OF ELKS
Thousands of members of
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America and
guests gathered in Baltimore, Maryland, from July 5 to July 8 for the BPO Elks’
National Convention. During the
convention, David DeCono, of Watertown, was installed as district deputy for
the BPO Elks for lodges in the Central District of the Wisconsin Elks
Association and will serve a one-year term.
The BPO Elks is one of the premier patriotic and charitable
organizations in the United States of America and is committed to making its
communities better places to live.
2022
01 13 CHRISTMAS DINNER
FUNDING
The Elks Lodge Christmas Dinner was among
activities that received funding from the Watertown Piggly Wiggly store.
06 26 MORTGAGE BURNING
CEREMONY
The Watertown Elks
Lodge will hold a mortgage burning ceremony from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the
city parking lot at 100 E. Madison St., east of the Elks building. The ceremony will celebrate the paying off of
the mortgage for the beautiful building that we’ve been in for more 100 years
07
22 DONATION FOR ICE CREAM
The Wisconsin Elks Association
Inc., Watertown Lodge presented a check for $1,750 to Watertown Police Dept. to
be used for the ice cream in the park events.
2023
10 06 ELKS MERGER <>
WATERTOWN WITH BEAVER DAM
Watertown-Beaver
Dam Lodge 666
Beaver Dam Elks Lodge 1540
is merging with Watertown Elks Lodge 666 to build upon the strengths of both
lodges. The lodge will be known as
Watertown-Beaver Dam Lodge 666 and continue the long history of charitable
service that has provided millions of dollars of support and countless hours of
volunteer effort. The lodges have been
closely associated since 1928, when Watertown Elks sponsored a new lodge in
Beaver Dam.
Beaver Dam Elks has
struggled to maintain its volunteer force, so merging with Watertown offers an
opportunity to tap into more volunteers.
Additionally, Watertown Elks Lodge leverages the facility it owns for
fundraising and hosting community groups to build partnerships.
10 11 ENRIQUE CAMARENA AWARD
The Watertown-Beaver
Dam Elks Lodge will be present Detective Sergeant Daniel Horvatin, with The
Elks Local Lodge Enrique Camarena award on Oct. 23. Horvatin has been with the Jefferson County
Sheriff’s department for 22 years. In
September 2019, he was promoted to the rank of Detective sergeant and took over
the role as the Jefferson County’s drug task force unit supervisor.
CROSS REFERENCE:
Used to see Santa there! We got a brown bag with an apple, orange,
peanuts and hard Christmas candy and a pic with him, all courtesy of the lodge!
History of Watertown,
Wisconsin