I am thrilled a local friend and Lodge member passed these onto me today!! Can't say I've seen these beauties before and am curious as to thier age and who made them? Hopefully Gene can pull something out of his hat? Thanks in advance, Eric

Central City Lodge of Elks, BPOE #557, was organized and the officers installed March 16, 1900. Membership for the first month shows 33 men listed as charter Members. By 1902 Membership was nearly 200. The Central City Lodge was quite active and minstrel shows as well as Burlesque Circus fundraisers were mentioned in the local newspapers, the principle ones being the Weekly Register-Call and the Gilpin Observer.

Through the efforts of Dr. Ashbaugh and Mr. George Williams, the Elks were able to purchase a two story building on Main St. in April 1902 and financed the addition of a third floor for use as a Lodge Room. The building was dedicated to the use of the Elks at a special ceremony April 23, 1903.