| History of the Lodge The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is one of the oldest Fraternal Organizations in the world. Started in 1867 by a group of eleven actors, the organization's purpose turned serious when one of the members passed away. This began an historic movement of dedication and service to others. The Elks built and donated the first Veterans Hospital to the Federal Government during World War I. The Elks donate more scholarships to the youth of our country than any organization except the United States government - and the Elks, don't have to paid back. The Elks originated what is now celebrated as Flag Day, and the Armistice was held at the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour on the eleventh day in the eleventh month because General John J. Pershing was an Elk. This is the hour that is held in remembrance of all departed Elks. Lodge #2483 began as Mid-Cities Lodge in October of 1972 in Hurst, Texas. From humble beginnings in a building that used to be a funeral home, the Lodge moved to an ex-machine shop in Euless. In 1985, a group of members from the Irving Lodge were looking into starting a new Lodge in the Grapevine-Lewisville area. An agreement was made to transfer the Charter to Grapevine and change the name of the Lodge to match its new host city. The first fund raiser was held inside of three walls and a dirt floor in a strip shopping center on North Main Street. This was to become the first Lodge home in Grapevine. In 1992 the old Grapevine Steak House went up on the auction block and a group of Lodge leaders made the move to purchase the building and land. Help from members of all shapes and sizes, and skills began to do the remodeling that was needed to create a Lodge room, meeting areas, office space and a comfortable lounge area. The Lodge has since hosted State Hoop Shoot contests, a Fall Conference, countless fundraisers, many civic group meetings and several weddings under the gazebo. The Lodge corn cooker is famous at community events such as Main Street Days, Grapefest and Heritage Days. |
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