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 A short history of the founding of the  Ravenna  Elks Lodge #1076

    About 1900 many young Ravenna men wished to found an Elks Lodge but the rules prohibited the establishment of lodges in towns with less than 5,000 population.  Many of the men joined lodges in other towns.

    In 1907, the population demands of the Grand Lodge were met when Ravenna was officially declared a city.  Dispensation for a charter for an Elks Lodge was granted by the Grand Lodge on May 23, 1907. 

    The charter for the Lodge was granted on June 14, 1907.  Fred Robinson was the Grand Secretary and John K. Tener was the Grand Exalted Ruler.  The signers of the charter were Willis J. Beckley, George Waggoner, L. J. Goddard, George H. Robinson, Kelsey E. Wing ( Secretary from 1907 through 1918). A. W. Stocker and J. C. McManus.

    In 1907, the organization and installation was conducted by members of the Warren Lodge.  A large delegation came over from Warren and brought with them the necessary paraphernalia, including a large goat and a young kid.  The old goat represented the older Warren Lodge and the kid the lodge about to be formed. A parade was formed and the prospective members were led by the Ravenna Band, with the old goat leading the parade.

    The parade proceeded up Cleveland Road to Highland Avenue, east on Highland to Walnut Street to Main Street and down Main Street, which had been decorated with American and Elks flags.  The parade stopped at the old Sontum Block, 250 West Main Street, on the north side of the street which was to house the lodge #1076.

    The Elks moved from the Sontum Building and had their first meeting in Riddle Block 7 on March 3, 1908.  The first and third Friday nights were established as meeting nights.  Willis J. Beckley was Exalted Ruler the first two years. 

The first lodge over 100 years ago
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