Pony Express Elks Lodge Returns to Life

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The BPOE – Benign Protective Order of the Elks – or popular name, Best People on Earth – Lodge #2484 is nicknamed the “Pony Express Lodge” because its first location on Folsom Boulevard was one of the original Pony Express stops. It has moved a couple of times, to its home at 11440 Elks Circle in Rancho Cordova. 

The membership was over 300 before, but the two-year shutdown because of COVID was hard on the Lodge. After those years, the membership is now around 217.  “We’re like the Phoenix, we’re trying to pull ourselves out of the ashes,” said Jack Melvin, trustee, and chair of the house committee.  Exalted ruler John Garrett said the Lodge is getting its life back.  “People want to get out after being housebound for two years. They want to have a little fun in life instead of looking at the four walls.”

The requirements for membership are to be at least 21 years of age, an American citizen, to believe in God, and be of good moral character.  Applicants must be sponsored by an Elk to join. If you don’t know an Elk, you can call the office for more information at 916-635-8038 Monday, Wednesday and Friday from approximately 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., leave a voicemail at other times, or e-mail [email protected].

The local Lodge is a member of the Rancho Chamber of Commerce.  “We also work very closely with the City,” Melvin said. “The City has given us some grants to upgrade our building when we moved back in, like air conditioning our back bar, a whole brand-new grant. We’ve been so grateful for it.”

The building, ready for use, is available for rental – with a capacity of 200 seated guests, a commercial kitchen for catering, full-service bar and lounge, and abundant parking space.  “It can be used for going-away parties, anniversaries, graduations, memorials,” said Melvin. “Just call and tell us what you need.”  There are discounts for nonprofit organizations.  To inquire about hall rental, use the phone number and e-mail above.

The reasons for joining the Elks are many, but chairman of the board and trustee Norm Mayers gave two.  “We’ve got a great, great group of people, and the second (reason) is to find ways to give back to the community.”  There are many Lodge activities throughout the year for members and their guests, such as the twice a month Pasta Night, and the shrimp and rib dinner held recently, at which veterans could attend for half price. The annual crab feed was held in February 2022, there is a theater group and Dixieland Jazz Night. There is pub grub at the bar, which is open for major sports events.  There are poker and cornhole tournaments, and holiday parties.  There are some events that the public attends as well, such as the Fashion Show, with vendor booths from the community offering their wares.  Money earned goes to various service projects.

“Every state has its own major project on top of our Elks National Foundation,” Mayers said.  He also authors the Rancho Elks newsletter titled Elk Droppings.  “Our Hawaii and California association raises funds amounting to about $5 million a year.  We used these to provide, last year, about 41,000 eye tests to preschool kids . . . as well as providing a lot of in-home care for disabled children.”  The Lodge supports local food banks and veterans organizations, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. 

The Elks Lodge was started in New York in the 1800s by a group of actors. Now with more than 2,100 lodges nationwide, the Elks donate over $200,000,000 in goods and services every year and are second only to the U.S. government in awarding scholarships.  The very first Veterans Hospital was built and donated to the U.S. Government by the Elks.

“I joined for the RV parks,” said Mayers.  “A lot of Elks Lodges have places to park at a reduced rate. I got involved about 8 or 9 years ago and I’m chairman of the board now.  I’ve got a lot more out of the Elks by being an active member than just taking advantage of the RV parking. The nice thing is that with over 2,000 lodges around the country . . . you walk in there and . . . it’s like you’ve been missed.  You end up being brothers and sisters with every other Elk around the country.  It’s a nice feeling.”