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Elk’s Club

Established 1901

117 N First

1901

Watertown Elks Lodge #666 was established by 38 charter members on March 22, 1901. The lodge was granted its dispensation that same day and the charter was granted at the Grand Lodge session on July 25, 1901.

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 Elk’s Social Ball

08 11 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 8 o'clock the evening's program opened with a concert by the Apollo orchestra of 14 pieces, all home musicians, under the able direction of Edward L. Schempf. The musical program ended at 9:15. The music rendered was of a very high order, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.

Dancing began at about 9:30 and at the conclusion of the second number Herman Wertheimer announced that refreshments were ready and all present availed themselves of the excellent luncheon served by the Ohm Bros.

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 midnight the social came to a close and the many people present pronounced the Elks capital entertainers, and the management were the recipients of numerous congratulations for the success of the event and the Apollo orchestra was highly complimented for the captivating music furnished. WDT

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

1916

The Elks Lodge purchased the old Concordia Opera House on Jan. 5, 1916. The building, which was constructed in 1888, is the current home of the Watertown Elks Lodge. During the early 1900s, the Concordia building housed two theaters - the Empire and the Colonial - which featured both film and vaudeville acts.

The Masonic Temple was damaged by a fire on Feb. 18, 1916, and all of the property and records of the lodge were destroyed. Immediate alterations were made to the Concordia building and the remodeling was completed when the lodge opened its facilities to its members on Dec. 31, 1916.

Over the next few decades various alterations and remodeling projects were made to the interior of the building.

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.

1950

The current lounge bar was established in 1950.

1954

01 26 Post-prom party WDT

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

05 14 Dr. J. R. Casanova elected president of the WI Elks Association at Green Bay WDT

1982

07 17 Dr. J. R. Casanova elected Grand Esteemed Lecturing Knight 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

1993

A lodge office was built in the lower level of the building in 1993.

1998

06 06 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

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.

2007

09 10 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. WDT DOC WHS_005_554