47-465: Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park is a state park of Nevada . It contains the Old Mormon Fort (completed 1855), the first permanent structure built in what would become Las Vegas fifty years later. In present-day Las Vegas, the site is at the southeast corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Washington Avenue, less than one mile north of the downtown area and Fremont Street . This
94-795: A citizen of the United States , and not a member of the Communist Party . In 1962, the Anti-Defamation League supported the decision by New York Elks Lodge No. 1 to eliminate their "Caucasians Only" membership criteria and expressed support for extending the BPOE's membership to other minority groups as well. A 1956 ADL study showed that nearly 15% of BPOE lodges in the survey excluded Jewish people from membership. Some lodges banned Jews from membership while other lodges made it difficult for Jews to become members. In 1972,
141-526: A land lease from the U.S. government , while Mackinac National Park was handed down to become the first of the Michigan state parks . As with national parks, facilities at state parks are often leased to concessionaires to operate. Breaks Interstate Park is operated under an interstate compact by Virginia state parks , although it is also one of the Kentucky state parks , straddling both sides of
188-553: A bell will be rung 11 times and the Lodge Esquire intones, "It is the Hour of Recollection." The Exalted Ruler or a member designated by that person gives the 11 o'clock toast, of which this version is the most common: You have heard the tolling of eleven strokes. This is to impress upon you that with us the hour of eleven has a tender significance. Wherever Elks may roam, whatever their lot in life may be, when this hour falls upon
235-787: A board of directors. Otherwise, the Lodge Trustees are the governing board. Despite its 1907 resolution banning any auxiliaries, the Elks at one point had a youth affiliate for young men called the Antlers. The first chapter was organized in February 1922 by San Francisco Lodge #3. The 1927 Grand Lodge approved the junior order, granting the Grand Exalted Ruler the power to permit subordinate lodges to institute organizations for males under 21. In 1933, there were 45 local units of
282-535: A defense and shelter for local settlers and travelers. Mormon missionaries led by William Bringhurst arrived on June 14, 1855, and selected a site, along one of the creeks that flowed from the Las Vegas Springs , on which they would build the fort. The fort served as the midpoint on the trail between Salt Lake City, Utah and Los Angeles, California . As a result of the beginning of the Utah War ,
329-589: A few exceptions such as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California, and Wood-Tikchik State Park in Alaska, the largest state park in the United States . In addition to preserving natural landscapes and providing recreational opportunities, many state parks also serve as important educational resources . They often offer guided tours, interpretive programs, and exhibits that help visitors learn about
376-681: A historic relationship with the clergy and royalty. The fraternity's principals or pillars are Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity. Its anthem is " Auld Lang Syne ". Elks Magazine is published 10 times a year and goes to all members. The slogan "Hello Bill!" was coined during the Elks' National Re-Union in Minneapolis in 1897. William Goddard of Minneapolis Lodge No. 44 became known for this greeting as visiting Elks were frequently directed to him with phrases like "Go see Billy Goddard." This led to visitors greeting him with "Hello Bill!" The phrase quickly spread among attendees and became
423-570: A lasting tradition within the Elks community. The slogan was used as a personal greeting and welcoming elks to the different national reunions. This can be seen in many historic photos. The Elks originally borrowed many rites, traditions, and regalia from the Freemasons . However, by the first decade of the twentieth century, much of this had been abandoned as the Elks sought to establish their own identity. The original two degrees required for membership were consolidated into one degree in 1890,
470-466: A private bar. According to sociologists Alvin J. Schmidt and Nicholas Babchuk, members primarily joined the Elks to be "provided with entertainment, liquor, and food at reasonable rates" in the social quarters. Lodges are encouraged to participate in national Elks charity programs. There are also State Elks Association charity programs. This usually includes a State Major Project. Elks Lodges are usually involved in other local charitable efforts. Due to
517-699: A restaurant) for lodging at some parks. These typically use "Resort" in the name, such as "_____ Resort State Park" in West Virginia state parks and "_____ State Resort Park" in neighboring Kentucky state parks , which has 17 such resort parks, the most of any state. Other states use the Resort name inconsistently (like DeGray Lake Resort State Park , the only one out of three resorts in Arkansas state parks ), or have only one such park ( South Carolina state parks ' Hickory Knob State Resort Park ), or do not use
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#1732776805590564-622: A state to preserve a location on account of its natural beauty, historic interest, or recreational potential. There are state parks under the administration of the government of each U.S. state , some of the Mexican states , and in Brazil . The term is also used in the Australian states of Victoria and New South Wales . The equivalent term used in Canada, Argentina, South Africa, and Belgium,
611-403: A symbol for the organization because it is a herd animal that is native to America that is large and strong, yet graceful and fleet of foot. It was viewed as a noble animal. The head of a male elk was used on the fraternity's original badge and emblem. The Elks' colors are royal purple and white. Purple represents high favor and kingship. White symbolizes purity and truth. These colors have
658-413: Is provincial park . Similar systems of local government maintained parks exist in other countries, but the terminology varies. State parks are thus similar to national parks , but under state rather than federal administration. Similarly, local government entities below state level may maintain parks, e.g., regional parks or county parks . In general, state parks are smaller than national parks, with
705-537: Is now downtown Las Vegas, transferring most of the company's land to the now defunct Las Vegas Land and Water Company . Ownership of the fort and the land around it changed hands many times and it had several close calls with destruction. In 1955, the land was acquired by the Las Vegas Elks . With support of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, the city of Las Vegas acquired the fort in 1989. Long-term protection
752-581: Is the only U.S. state park located in a city that houses the first building ever built in that city. The fort was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 1, 1972. The site is memorialized with a tablet erected by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1997, along with Nevada Historical Marker #35, and two markers placed by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers . It
799-670: The Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration . Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ( BPOE ; also often known as the Elks Lodge or simply The Elks ) is an American fraternal order founded in 1868, originally as a social club in New York City . It has more than 750,000+ members at 1,928 lodges. The fraternity currently focuses on Community, Friendship, and Charity. The Elks
846-629: The Elks National Veterans Memorial and Headquarters , overlooking Lincoln Park , near Lake Michigan . This building was originally conceived as a memorial to the nearly 1,000 Elk brothers who were lost in World War I . The cornerstone was laid on July 7, 1924, and the building was officially dedicated on July 14, 1926. The rotunda displays murals and statues illustrating the Elks' four cardinal virtues: charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity. The friezes depict
893-439: The apron was discontinued in 1895, the secret password was gone in 1899, and the badges and secret handshake were abandoned by 1904. Initiation and funeral rites still exist; however, the initiation rite is not considered a secret. The initiation involves an altar, with a Bible upon it, and a chaplain leading the members in prayers and psalms. The candidate must accept a "solemn and binding obligation" to never "reveal any of
940-508: The "Jolly Corks", by December of 1868, it had adopted the name Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. By 1890, 173 lodges had been established throughout the United States. Like many other fraternal orders, the Elks at one point sponsored an insurance fund. The Elks Mutual Benefit Association (EMBA) was founded in 1878. At the 1885 Grand Lodge, it was reported that the EMBA was prosperous, but its finances were carelessly managed. The Association
987-421: The "Triumphs of War" on one side and "Triumphs of Peace" on the other. The entrance is flanked by large bronze elks. The BPOE is organized on the national or "grand" level and the local lodge level. The Grand Lodge meets during the annual convention. Grand Lodge members nominate and elect the following officers: The three Knights assist the Grand Exalted Ruler and officiate in that person's absence; furthermore,
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#17327768055901034-735: The Antlers with 3,584 members. However, the Antlers' numbers were decimated during the Second World War , with so many young men having gone off to war. Despite 86 local Antlers groups still existing in 1946, the Grand Lodge deleted all references to them in their constitution and bylaws that year. However, some local Antlers groups were still active in 1979, according to one source. Throughout American history, many Elks lodges have been criticized for excluding African-Americans, Jews, Italians, women, atheists, and others from membership. The Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of
1081-503: The Civil War. In 1865, Octavius Gass re-occupied the fort and started the irrigation works, renaming the area to Los Vegas Rancho (later renamed Las Vegas in 1902). Gass defaulted on a loan to Archibald Stewart in 1881 and lost the ranch, with Stewart and his wife Helen becoming the new caretakers. In 1902, William A. Clark's San Pedro, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake Railroad acquired the property from Helen Stewart along with most of what
1128-538: The Confederates there the next year. However, Fort Mojave was later reoccupied in 1863 by Union troops from California. In 1864, a road survey party led by Captain Price, Company M, 2nd California Cavalry Regiment traveled on the route from Fort Douglas to Fort Mojave passing through Las Vegas, stopping for water there on June 10. No mention is made of any garrison there. Presumably the post was never garrisoned during
1175-596: The Elks expelled the head of the Ridgewood, New Jersey lodge, Richard J. Zelenka, because of his advocacy against the Elks' discriminatory policies which limited membership to white men. By the following year, however, a resolution to repeal the discriminatory clause of the national constitution passed, desegregating the organization. In Beynon v. St. George-Dixie Lodge 1743 (1993), the Utah Supreme Court ruled that while freedom of association allowed
1222-557: The Elks have received more than $ 288.7 million in contributions and bequests. As of the close of the 2021 fiscal year, they boast more than 120,000 active donors and an endowment fund valued at $ 833.1 million. The Elks pledge that "So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them." Candidates for membership must be : The Elks' national headquarters are located in Chicago at
1269-754: The Elks to remain a men-only organization, "the Elks may not avail itself of the benefits of a liquor license and the license's concomitant state regulation" as long as it violated the Utah State Civil Rights Act. Faced with losing their liquor licenses if they did not admit women, the Elks Lodges of Utah voted to become unisex in June 1993, which was followed by a vote at the Elks National Convention in July 1995 to remove
1316-549: The Grand Esteemed Loyal Knight acts as a prosecutor in cases when an Elk is accused of an offense against the order. The Grand Trustee has general authority over assets and property owned by the order. The Grand Esquire is appointed by the Grand Exalted Ruler to organize the Grand Lodges and serve as marshal of Elks' parades. The Grand Tiler , Grand Inner Guard, and Grand Chaplain are also appointed by
1363-598: The Grand Exalted Ruler. The state-level organizations are called Elks State Associations. State-level officers include presidents, vice presidents, secretaries, and treasurers. Generally, state associations are set up to govern and control the State's Major Projects. Lodges officers are essentially the same as the ones on the national level, with the "Grand" prefix removed. Lodges also may establish dinner and recreational clubs for members. In 1979, there were 2,200 lodges. Lodges that are incorporated are required to be governed by
1410-581: The Mormons abandoned the fort. Around 1860, a small detachment of U.S. Army troops was assigned to protect the settlers at the fort. The fort was called Fort Baker during the Civil War , named after Edward Dickinson Baker . In a letter from Col. James Henry Carleton written to Pacific Department headquarters, December 23, 1861, Carleton mentions his plan to send an advance party of seven companies from Fort Yuma to reoccupy Fort Mojave and reestablish
1457-583: The World was founded in 1897 due to the exclusion of African-Americans from the BPOE. In 1919, a "Flag Day resolution" was passed, barring membership to even passive sympathizers of the Bolsheviks , Anarchists , the I.W.W. , or kindred organizations, or anyone who does not give undivided allegiance to" the flag and constitution of the United States. In 1979, the qualifications for membership included being male, at least 21 years old, of sound mind and body,
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park - Misplaced Pages Continue
1504-566: The confidential matters of the Order". The candidate further promises to uphold the Constitution of the United States , protect other Elks and their families, only support worthy candidates for admission, and never bring political or sectarian questions up into the Order. The funeral rite is called the "Lodge of Sorrow" and also involves prayers. Deceased and otherwise absent lodge members are recalled each evening at 11 p.m. Chimes or sometimes
1551-675: The country's state parks. The NASPD further counts over 43,000 miles (69,000 km) of trail, 217,367 campsites, and 8,277 cabins and lodges across U.S. state parks. The largest state park system in the United States is Alaska State Parks , with over 100 sites encompassing 3.3 million acres. Many states include designations beyond "state park" in their state parks systems. Other designations might be state recreation areas , state beaches, and state nature reserves . Some state park systems include long-distance trails and historic sites . To encourage tourism in rural areas, several states have simple lodges, inns, hotels, or motels (usually with
1598-478: The designation at all (such as the lodges of Georgia state parks ). The term "lodge" may also refer to a hiking lodge , essentially a large cabin for hikers rather than a large facility with private rooms and a restaurant. Other lodging may include yurts and tipis . Not all parks owned by a state are necessarily part of its state-park system, such as Stone Mountain Park near Atlanta. Some Texas state parks are
1645-468: The dial of night, the great heart of Elkdom swells and throbs. It is the golden hour of recollection, the homecoming of those who wander, the mystic roll call of those who will come no more. Living or dead, Elks are never forgotten, never forsaken. Morning and noon may pass them by, the light of day sink heedlessly in the West, but ere the shadows of midnight shall fall, the chimes of memory will be pealing forth
1692-478: The ferry there. Carleton then intended to send on from there three cavalry companies and one of infantry to the Mormon fort at Las Vegas, and establish a post called Fort Baker. This was in preparation for an advance to Salt Lake City the following year. The move to reoccupy Fort Mojave never occurred as planned because Carleton's California Column at Fort Yuma were sent instead into Arizona and New Mexico to evict
1739-469: The friendly message: "To Our Absent Members." The Lodge offers Funeral Services to members who pass. This usually is available upon request. Details for this ceremony can be found in the "Rituals of Special Services" manual. Many Lodges have a memorial in their building or their Lodge room, dedicated to their absent members. The Elks have communal cemetery plots, which are often marked with impressive statuary. Most Elks lodges operate social quarters with
1786-493: The local flora , fauna , geology , and cultural history of the area. These programs are designed not only to enhance the visitor experience but also to promote conservation awareness and encourage responsible enjoyment of natural resources. There are 6,792 state park units in the United States, according to the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD). There are some 813 million annual visits to
1833-474: The state line. Other multi-state parks are legally two separate parks with the same name and more informal cooperation between them. The title of oldest state park in the United States is claimed by Niagara Falls State Park in New York , established in 1885. Several public parks previously or currently maintained at the state level pre-date it. Indian Springs State Park has been operated continuously by
1880-454: The state of Georgia as a public park since 1825, although it did not gain the title "State Park" until 1931. In 1864 Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove were ceded by the federal government to California until Yosemite National Park was proclaimed in 1890. In 1878 Wisconsin set aside a vast swath of its northern forests as "The State Park" but, needing money, sold most of it to lumber companies within 20 years. Mackinac National Park
1927-597: The week of March 15, 1942, as "Win the War Week", and helped recruit for the United States Army Air Corps . An " Elks National Service Commission " was in operation from 1946 to 1950, and the Grand Lodge adopted a " Declaration of American Principles " in 1961 in Miami. In 1976, the Elks had 1,611,139 members. As of June 2020, it claimed to have more than 750,000 members. The Elk was selected as
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park - Misplaced Pages Continue
1974-524: The willingness of most Elks Lodges to respond to community needs and events, it has been internally common to turn the BPOE abbreviation into a backronym for "Best People on Earth". Established in 1928, the Elks National Foundation is the charitable arm of the BPOE. The foundation, with an endowment valued at more than $ 750 million, has contributed more than $ 500 million toward Elks' charitable projects nationwide. Since its inception,
2021-628: Was built in the New Mexico folk carpenter architectural style to facilitate travel along the Spanish Trail , and to enable Mormon missionary work in the Las Vegas Valley and to those traveling from New Mexico to California . The fort was surrounded by 14-foot (4.3 m) high adobe walls that extended for 150 feet (46 m). While called a fort, it was never home to any military troops but like many Mormon forts provided
2068-523: Was disbanded after the 1907 Grand Lodge passed a resolution banning mutual or insurance features, as well as degrees and auxiliaries. The Elks National Home is a retirement home in Bedford, Virginia , built in 1916. In late 2013, the Elks sold the home to a private organization. The Elks have shown their devotion to Americanism by conducting bond drives, promoting civil defense programs, and Flag Day observances. During World War II, they designated
2115-524: Was established by actor Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian in New York City on February 16, 1868. Vivian was a British expatriate and member of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes . Organized as a club for minstrel show performers, the impetus for the group's founding was the death of a fellow actor to disease due to a paucity of funds for treatment and a desire to organize communal support for fellow actors in need. Founded as
2162-473: Was established in 1875 as the second U.S. national park before being converted to a state park in 1895. The first state park with the designation of "state park" was Itasca State Park in Minnesota , established in 1891. Many state park systems date to the 1930s, when around 800 state parks (and several national ones) across the country were developed with assistance from federal job-creation programs like
2209-440: Was gained when the state acquired the site as a state park in 1991. A $ 4.5 million renovation and visitor center, designed by assemblageSTUDIO, was completed in 2005. A visitor center explains the history of the fort. State park State parks are parks or other protected areas managed at the sub-national level within those nations which use "state" as a political subdivision. State parks are typically established by
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