Back in 1886 several gentlemen had an idea, “What could be done to be able to get together on the weekends and enjoy the things we have in common”. These gentlemen became known as the “Jolly Corks” and founded what became one of the greatest benevolent organizations known today, this being the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
From this meager beginning, Gilroy had the opportunity to become part of this organization and again, men of vision got together to form an exploratory committee to find out what had to be done to become part of this organization called “ELKS”. These men petitioned the Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and were granted a Certificate of Dispensation. This allowed these gentlemen to proceed to get the Lodge established.
