History of Greenfield Lodge of Elks #1296

The Greenfield Lodge of Elks, No. 1296 was instituted on January 7, 1913, after several months of organizational work by Dr. John C. O’Brien and a few other local men who belonged to Elk Lodges in other places. A number of them were members of Northampton Lodge, No. 997.

In organizing the Greenfield Lodge, Dr. John C. O’Brien and his associates were given the complete approval of the Northampton Lodge as evidenced by the original letter dated October 23, 1912 from Secretary James H. O’Dea of the Northampton Lodge, and addressed to Mr. W.S. Carson, Greenfield, Massachusetts, the body of which reads as follows;

Dear Brother Carson;

I wish to inform you that I have this day returned the list
of applicants for the new Lodge of Elks at Greenfield to
the Grand Exalted Ruler. Northampton Lodge has no
objection, and we wish you God Speed in your undertaking.

Yours Fraternally,;

(s) James H. O’Dea
Secy.

From this friendly and blessed beginning was instituted the Greenfield Lodge of Elks, No. 1296 as indicated above on January 7, 1913 in Grinnell Hall by Dr. James F. Tierny of Boston, district Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, with a staff of fifteen officers. Among them were Judge Hartnett and James P. Corcoran of Hudson. Our friendly neighbors, the Northampton Lodge, became sponsoring or Mother Lodge. From that beginning to its present date, the Greenfield Lodge has maintained a most warm and pleasant relationship with the Northampton Lodge. A hearty welcome to them on this anniversary from the grateful Greenfield Brothers.

In organizing the Lodge, Walter Scott Carson of Greenfield was installed as the first Exalted Ruler and your attention is invited to the list of Officers herein contained for the other Chair Officers first elected to office.

January 7, 1913

Exalted Ruler; Walter S. Carson
Leading Knight; Frank J. Lawler
Loyal Knight; James W. Black
Lecturing Knight; William Donaldson
Secretary; George W. Merrill
Treasurer; Barney J. Michelman
Trustees;
One Year Charles M. Savage
Two Year Charle O. Douvville
Three Year Walter S. Cassidy
Tiler; William D. Galvin
Esquire; John K. Kelley
Chaplain; Homer R. Lebrum
Inner Guard Alexander Gosselin
Organist; Arthur E. Wiggin

A banquet at the Mansion House followed the institution of the Lodge with about two hundred in attendance; a large delegation present from Northampton Lodge, and numerous representatives from the Lodge of Springfield, Pittsfield and North Adams. Dr, John C. O’Brien of the committee on arrangements, presided at the dinner and acted as toastmaster. The principal speakers were Dr. James F. Tierney and Judge Hartnett, Frederic R. Hollister of Boston, Grand Exalted Ruler McCarthy of Springfield, Justice Richard w. Irwin and George P. O’Connell of Northampton, then district Attorney. At this function a beautiful clock was presented to the Greenfield Lodge by Justice Irwin and accepted by Frank J. Lawler.

The toast “Our Absent Brothers’, always given at 11 o’clock p.m. was responded to by Joseph N. Shafer of Boston, editor of the Eastern Elk Magazine. The orchestra of the Greenfield Military Band, Charles M. Bickford leader, furnished music at the banquet. After the banquet, there was entertainment in Grinnell Hall. Since the Brothers from Northampton Lodge came by special train (Elks train) that did not return until early Wednesday morning, the entertainment at the hall was enjoyed by all.

Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks

Calendar of Events

St. Jude's Dinner/Raffle
Sat, Feb 15, 5:30 pm

Vets Lunch Building Bridges
Thu, Feb 20, 12:00 pm

BOD & Lodge Meeting, Election Officers
Tue, Feb 25, 6:00 pm

Vets Lunch Building Bridges
Thu, Feb 27, 12:00 pm

Tim Herzig Treasurer Birthday
Fri, Feb 28, 12:00 pm

Go to Calendar...

Greenfield Elks #1296
3-5 Church Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
(Directions)

(413) 774-4909

413-376-4240 Fax

elks1296@comcast.net

Hall Rental:

ksnowgreenfieldelks

@gmail.com

Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks