[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 76 (Tuesday, June 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E999-E1000]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ELKS LODGE 664

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                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2001

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing the 100th anniversary of Elks Lodge 664 in Fairview 
Heights, Illinois.
  The beginnings of the Elks organization is credited to Charles 
Algernon Sidney Vivian. Born in London, Vivian arrived in New York in 
1867. Vivian, an actor, met with a group of other theatrical 
entertainers to create a loose organization called the Jolly Corks. 
When one of the members died in 1867, leaving both his wife and his 
children destitute, the Jolly Corks decided, that in addition to good 
fellowship, they needed a more enduring organization to serve those in 
need. On February 16, 1868, they established the Benevolent and 
Protective Order of the Elks and elected Vivian to head it. As word of 
its social activities and benefit performances increased and spread to 
other cities, other Elk's ``lodges'' were formed.
  The legacy of Charles Vivian continues to this day. In addition to 
aiding members in distress, the Elks raise money for children with 
disabilities, provide college scholarships, develop youth projects and 
organize recreational programs for patients in veterans hospitals.

[[Page E1000]]

  In 1907, the Elks held the first Flag Day observance. This tradition, 
started by the Elks, was later declared a national holiday by President 
Harry S. Truman. During World War I, the Elks funded and equipped field 
hospitals in France. Their loans to 40,000 returning veterans for 
college, rehabilitation and education were the precursor to the 
original GI bill. The Elks were also used during WW II to recruit 
construction workers for the military and they also contributed books 
to the Merchant Marines. During the Korean War, the Elks gave more than 
a half million pints of blood to help the wounded and in Vietnam, the 
Elks provided funds for the recreational needs of the military. When 
Desert Storm took place, the Elks undertook letter-writing campaigns to 
help keep up soldiers' morale.
  Today, there are more than 1.3 million members of the Elks in 2200 
local lodges found in all 50 states. Many members of Congress have been 
Elks. Former Speakers of the House Tom Foley, Tip O'Neill, Carl Albert, 
John McCormack and Sam Rayburn all belonged to the Elks. Hale Boggs of 
Louisiana was also an Elk. Presidents Harding, FDR, Truman, Kennedy and 
Ford were all Elks lodge members. I, too, am an Elks member from Lodge 
481 in Belleville.
  Local Elks lodges provide recreational and support facilities for the 
entire family and are the focal point for many community service 
projects. Lodge 664 members in Fairview Heights log in thousands of 
hours annually in volunteer service to charitable, educational and 
patriotic causes in our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 100 years 
of service of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 664 
and salute the members of the lodge both past and present.

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