History of The Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World
Pictured: Arthur James Riggs
The Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World was granted a copyright as an organization on September 28, 1898, in Cincinnati, Ohio. A Pullman porter, Arthur James Riggs, and Benjamin Franklin Howard, who were both members of another fraternal organization discovered they both had dreams of forming an Elks organization for people of color. Their dreams and plans were realized when the first Lodge, Alpha Lodge No. 1, was organized in Cincinnati as a result of their efforts. As the Elks prevailed, the organization struggled against many racist attitudes and legal efforts to deny the existence of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World.
Pictured: Emma V. Kelley
On June 13, 1902, Emma Virginia Kelly organized the Daughters of Elks in Norfolk, Virginia. This group was later adopted by the Grand Lodge and became an auxiliary body to the Brothers of Elks. The first Temple was Norfolk Temple No. 1, Norfolk, Virginia.
The Daughters of Elks national organization presents an annual Emma V. Kelley Achievement Award, named in her memory.
Pictured: J. Finley Wilson
In 1922, J. Finley Wilson was elected Grand Exalted Ruler. He also founded and edited the Washington Eagle, the publication of the Elks Grand Lodge. Throughout his reign as the “Grand,” Wilson increased the fraternal society’s national membership from 30,000 to 500,000 and oversaw the creation of approximately 900 new lodges. Wilson also led efforts to raise about $700,000 in scholarship money for African American college students.
Legacy and Tradition
1939 Rare Footage of Georgia State Association Convention provided by the UGA, Walter J. Brown Media Archives. Click the photo to watch the video.
(Laney-Walker Area, Augusta, GA) This recently discovered 1939 rare footage of the IBPOEW, Georgia State Association parade, was found in a collection belonging to Nelle and Walter Golosky. Nelle and Walter owned N&W Camera Exchange in Augusta from 1938 until 1998. Click on the image to see the video [15:46]. The University of Georgia Libraries made this footage available after retouching the film and digitizing it. News about the rare footage was released in the Augusta Chronicle and the UGATODAY Online News. The IBPOEW is thankful of the work that the UGA Libraries has done to help preserve this film and our cultural traditions. Finally, we’d like to thank Sam Wilson for donating the collection to the university.
Banquet of Columbia Temple #422 I.B.P.O.E. of W. in honor of Daughter Effie Steward, March, 19th 1930 at the "Bamboo Inn", Wash. D.C.
Elks inside a DC church circa 1930-1940
Columbia Lodge No. 85, circa 1930-1950
Banquet by House Committee, Columbia Lodge #85, I.B.P.O.E. of W. Improved, Benevolent, Protective Order of Elks of the World Wash. D.C., Sept. 28, 1929
Class of 1930, Health Unit of Columbia Temple #42
Annual Banquet of Past Exalted Rulers' Council No 4, Jan. 31, 1930 Whitelaw Hotel, Washington, D.C.