The members of the North Bay Elks Lodge are opening their doors to the public and inviting everyone to join them for the celebration of their building’s 60th Anniversary and for donating well over $1.5 million dollars to our community. This a great opportunity to see pictures of our current and past members, to view photos of the many events in our history and, to celebrate good cheer with friends and family.
The event takes place at the North Bay Elks Lodge located at 325 Elks Lane off Trout Lake Road on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Grand Lodge of the Elks of Canada instituted the North Bay Elks Lodge #25 in 1914, which means the Lodge has 105 years in North Bay. The Lodge history is somewhat blurry, but in 1934 during the Great Depression, the charter was surrendered due to both a lack of funds and members.
In August of 1953 our Lodge requested to be reinstated and in 1954 The Grand Lodge of Canada granted our request and we received our charter effective 1953, with the same Lodge #25. In the mid-50s, Elks members put together a financial plan to obtain property and build a Lodge with revenue abilities. In 1959 the small hall opened for business. During this period construction continued on the large hall and members quarters. It has now been 60 years since our Lodge has been open and operating.
Grant Devine, one of the long-time members, worked on the construction of our Lodge and he and his wife Shirley had their wedding reception here. Grant and Shirley are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year and Grant lights up every time he walks into the small hall as it holds a lifetime of memories for him. The current membership is proud of what was started and what they have been able to maintain.
Elks Lodge officials hope that members of the public consider joining them to celebrate this milestone in the building and the 60 years of memories.
