[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18239]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                100TH ANNIVERSARY HOBART ELKS LODGE 1152

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 17, 2009

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration and 
enthusiasm that I call attention to Hobart Elks Lodge 1152 in 
recognition of their 100th anniversary. Having served their Northwest 
Indiana surroundings with their charitable efforts, Lodge 1152 is to be 
commended. The always-prospering establishment will be commemorating 
this magnificent milestone on July 25, 2009. Not only will this small 
community be celebrating the longstanding history of their lodge, but 
they will be celebrating the spirit of Elkdom everywhere.
  Since its humble beginning in 1909, the Elks of Gary have been an 
ambitious bunch and have grown considerably since the time of their 
first establishment. Beginning with the meeting of thirty-four 
pioneers, the Gary Lodge 1152 was founded under its first Exalted 
Ruler, William P. Gleason. After hosting their gatherings in the Feuer 
building for more than a year, the Gary Elks felt it was time to expand 
and began construction of a building at 610 Washington Street, which 
would become home to the Lodge's meetings for the next seventeen years.
  They remained there until 1928 when a new three story lodge was built 
at 8th Avenue and Broadway, which was necessary to comfortably 
accommodate their increasing civic activities. Among the perks of this 
new location was the WJKS radio station that very quickly became a 
tenant of the new establishment, based on an agreement that the 
broadcasting company would air an eleven o'clock toast nationally and 
nightly. Elks from as far as Alaska would begin gathering around local 
turrets to pay respect to their Absent Brothers, thankful to the Gary 
Lodge for its commitment to sustaining the National Elk community. Due 
to woes of the Great Depression, the Elks of Gary sold their building 
and relocated to 633 Washington Street until 1942, when they again 
moved to a more convenient location at 5th and Jefferson. Assisted by 
some of the Elks' skilled craftsmen and volunteers, the new building 
was refurbished to reflect the glory of the Gary Elks.
  After 60 years in Gary, members of Lodge 1152 were relocated to the 
City of Hobart. It was there that they claimed their sanctuary on 61st 
Avenue. After about a year of construction, the first initiation was 
held on December 4, 1970. As an improved Hobart Lodge 1152, the Elks 
flourished so dramatically that they grew too large for the walls of 
their current structure, and henceforth built their latest addition, 
the Jubilee Room.
  As the Elks of Hobart grew in number, so did their charitable 
contributions to the city. Such support was allocated to Boy Scout 
troops, Soccer Shoot and Hoop Shoot programs, and scholarship-worthy 
students throughout the region. This philanthropy was also expressed 
through contributions to organizations such as the Elks National 
Foundation, Cancer Fund, and Parade of Nickels. Additionally, the 
Hobart Elks have been actively involved with the veterans of Northwest 
Indiana, namely through their annual Flag Day Celebration.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating the Hobart Elks Lodge 1152 on 
its centennial celebration. Through the years, the establishment's 
members have graced us with their patriotism and benevolence, and I am 
truly honored to represent them in Washington, D.C.

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