Old Missoula

Elks Installation Ceremony In 1897 Lasts Two Days

Hellgate Lodge 383 of the Elks was formally started in Missoula July 31, 1897, with Helena Lodge 193, Coeur d’Alene Lodge 331 and Silver Bow Lodge sending delegations to participate in the ceremony.

The lodge, however, had been in existence for 10 months before the charter was received. Its installation ceremony was one of the memorable events in the history of Missoula, lasting two days. District Deputy James H. Lynch was the officiating officer.

The first officials of the local lodge, installed to serve until March of 1898, were J. M. Keith, exalted ruler; George E. Boos, leading knight; F. C. Scheuch, loyal knight; F. C. Webster, lecturing knight, Joseph M. Dixon, secretary; C. A. Barnes, treasurer; D. F. Curran, esquire; T. B. Thompson, tyler; C. E. Woodworth, inner guard. The chaplain and three trustees were named at a later meeting.

Names which appear on the charter are George E. Boos, W. A. Hoblitzell, George H. Beckwith, Daniel E. Bandmann, M. R. Rutherford, C. A. Barnes, John Deffenbach, C. E. Flower, William Q. Ranft, W. M. Glenny, J. M. Keith and D. T. Curran.

The lodge had its first sessions in the old Bennett Opera House, then in the Masonic Temple and later in Hotel Florence before constructing its present Elks Temple in 1911.

At the first session in the new building on Jan. 1, 1912, dinner was served to 1,200 persons. The Elks paid $5,000 for the ground and the building cost $158,000. John Shackelton was the contractor. Membership in 1912 was nearly 1,000.

The Elks dedicated their remodeled home in 1950. The project which began in 1947 provided facilities for ritualistic work, lodge meetings, social gatherings and recreational programs.

Remodeled Home

The lounge with its deep carpeting, indirect lighting and complete air-conditioning serves as a setting for social functions. A complete remote-control sound system connects the ballroom with all portions of the building and provides amplification for speakers.

The stage curtain which opens from the ballroom is operated by electricity.

The kitchen is equipped with an electric stove, a steam pressure cooking unit, stainless steel steam trays and stainless steel trays. The dining room which opens onto the ballroom serves as many as 500 members.

Facilities for recreation and relaxation include a billiard room, four bowling alleys, a gymnasium, steam and massage room equipped with heat lamps and ultra-violet ray equipment.

Past Rulers

Past exalted rulers still living are F. A. West, E. L. Marlenee, H. M. Rawn, E. E. Wigal, N. B. Mithun, Harold Woods, Guy E. Trenary, O. K. Estes, J. A. Guilbault, Harry Edwards, R. P. Tiemyer, Edward T. Dussault, Oskar O. Lympus, F. A. Graehl, Ray P. Woods, C. W. Beckham, Henry Zahn, Edward W. Thomas, Donald C. Moore, W. A. Brouelette, Leslie Davies, Lawrende Livingston and William V. Klarr.

Current Officers

Officers for 1960-61 are James R. Clark, exalted ruler, John Heinrich, leading knight; James Morgan, loyal knight; Jack Zimmerman, lecturing knight, Bob Templeton, secretary; Russell Neal, treasurer; Harold Garnaas, esquire; William Niemyer, tiler; Win Roseth, inner guard; Cap Hammill, chaplain; Harry Edwards, organist.

Trustees are Art Peterson, Walter Brouelette, Edward Thomas, Al Orr and Leslie Davis.