148 E. 2nd Street

Description

Real estate appraisal card. 148 E. 2nd Street, lots 24-26, block 22, in Salida, Colorado. This building was erected in 1910 as the Salida Elks Home, a function it continues to serve today. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) was founded in New York in 1868, evolving from a drinking society called the Jolly Corks led by Charles Vivian. The Elks focus on charity and patriotism, assisting victims of natural disasters and supporting the national observance of Flag Day. The Salida chapter of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) Number 808 met earlier in the McKenna Building on F Street. Leaders of the group in 1903-04 were W.S. Buchanan (Exalted Ruler) and W.O. Erwin (Secretary). W.C. Alexander (Exalted Ruler) and W.O. Erwin (Secretary) led the group in 1905-06. In 1909, the Exalted Ruler was C.S. Kramer and the Secretary was W. Scott Carroll. In the summer of 1909, the Elks determined to acquire their own home. They initially decided to buy and remodel the building at the rear of the First National Bank on E. 2nd Street. This building was purchased in November 1909 and plans for its remodeling were drawn up by a Mr. Hubbard, the mechanical draftsman for the Ohio Colorado Smelting and Refining Company in Salida. For some reason not determined, the Elks abandoned the approach outlined above in favor of constructing a new building at the northwest corner of E. 2nd and E streets. The building committee was composed of Frank B. Churcher, Robert P. Rubin, and John W. Carroll. None of the newspaper articles examined noted the name of the architect or builder. The building was dedicated on December 29, 1910. The total cost of the land and building was about $33,029, with furniture and fixtures adding another $13,039. The Salida Mail gave lengthy coverage to the dedication of the new Elk's home. The newspaper noted the five foot white sandstone foundation, the red pressed brick walls, and the cornerstone of Salida granite. The main entrance was surmounted by leaded, colored glass with a design of an elk's head in the center. Above the second floor balcony was a three-foot diameter glass clock face showing eleven o'clock which could be illuminated from behind by electric light. One of the dedication speakers explained the symbolism: eleven o'clock is "the majestic hour when all Elks turn away from the thought of business life and the living to the thoughts of the dead and departed ones." An extensive discussion of the interior rooms and furnishings was provided by the newspaper, which noted the ample use of oak in wainscoting, paneling, and the main staircase, a ten foot fireplace with a tile hearth, and a 60'X40' lodge room on the second floor with a domed ceiling, orchestra balcony, and a maple floor ("the finest dancing floor in Salida"). By late 1927, the Elks still had about $5,000 of indebtedness remaining from construction of the new building. At that time the local chapter had about 481 members. History Colorado's Architectural Inventory Forms have more information and are available at the Salida Library.