The History of Waterbury Lodge #265

On June 21st, 1893 the Waterbury American newspaper heralded the birth of the Waterbury Elks with the following headline --
"Waterbury Lodge of elks Meets Tonight."
From this modest beginning the Waterbury Lodge of Elks has moved forward. Waterbury Lodge is the second largest Lodge in the state.

Waterbury lodge was granted a dispensation to organize a new Lodge on May 5, 1893. The Lodge was instituted on June 15, 1893 and the Charter was granted on June 21, 1893. The initiation was conducted by members of the Hartford Lodge #35. Visiting Elks from the various Lodges were in attendance.
It was the sixth lodge organized in the state of Connecticut.

Michael J. Colloty, William Hellmann, William D. Richardson, Meyer J. Brzezinski, Joseph A. Cullen, Edward J. Starr, William T. Carroll, Daniel F. Mack, Alfred Drescher, Luman N. Howe, Moritz Grelle, James E. Watts, George H. Schwenck, John F. Fallon, Fredrick Harvey, John H.Chritie, George J. Strobel, William H. Johnston, David David, Marcus Hellmann, Edward E. Harvey, John F. Holohan, Louis Schick. James J. Madden, George Hauser, John R. Giller, William Baechner, Andrew Esinhart, John E Semrow, Henry A. Hellmann, John H Curley, Daniel F. Dunn, Robert P. Ogden, James F Coffey, Hugh J. Cronan, Thomas J. Moran, William T. Disley, Miles F. Connolly.

The Charter members numbered 38 and the first officers were: Michael J. Colloty, Exalted Ruler; Esteemed Leading Knight,William Hellmann; Esteemed Loyal Knight, Edward J. Starr; Esteemed Lecturing Knight, John F. Holohan; Secretary , Joseph A Cullen,also #1 card; Treasurer, James E. Watts; Esquire, William D. Richardson; Tiler, Edward E. Harvey; Chaplin, Thomas J. Moran; Organist John H. Christie; Inner Guard, William T. Carroll; Trustee's, David T, Mack; David David; William Johnson.

The Benevolent And Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America was founded in New York City on Febuary16,1889. Its founders were men from the theatrical profession. Its declared purposes are to practice Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity, to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members, quicken the spirit of American patriotism and to cultivate good fellowship.

Waterbury Lodge was chartered on June 21, 1893 and Michael J. Colloty was installed as its first Exalted Ruler. The ceremonies were held at the Concordia Hall on Bank St. There were 38 Charter members. The Lodge rented a suite of rooms at 108 Bank St. where it held its meetings and affairs until the Great Fire of 1902 completely destroyed its effects. For three years it had rooms in the Waterbury Trust Building {now North American Bank}. In 1909 the Waterbury Lodge raised fund and purchased the Curtis Home on West main St. In 1910, it built a beautiful home in back of the old residence. In 1914, Truman Lewis offered the club $16,000 to completely renovate the building and grounds. The final cost was $26,000 and Mr.Lewis insisted on making this amount, the amount of his donation. With this renovation, the Waterbury Lodge was considered the most modern and complete lodge in the state. The Lodge provided Tennis Courts, Bowling Alleys, Card Rooms, Rathskeller, Social Hall, Parlors, Showers, Lockers and a Library.

In 1970 the Lodge was again extensively destroyed by fire. It was deemed expedient to replace the wood residence and to erect a new building in front. In 1972 the new building was completed and it was dedicated on October 1, 1972.

Around the turn of the Century the Elks were Competing with other Lodges in baseball. Tennis Courts were laid where the present parking lot is located. Elks tennis matches and tournaments were the order of the day. Tennis was king until the invasion of automobiles.Parking became a necessity and the tennis courts went. Inside Duckpin Bowling Alleys were installed and for the 78 years this has been a winter standby. Over 200 members are registered in the league. The lodge also sponsers a Ladies League and a Children's League. All three leagues continue to be a popular sport. The Waterbury Elks Bowling League is considered to be the oldest continuous Duckpin Bowling League in the country.

Cards are also very popular with the members and their families. In the winter our famous Cribbage League holds a large group of members attention, plus mixed card leagues. In the summer we have two card leagues operating. One for men and one for the ladies.

Grand Lodge has honored the Waterbury Lodge by appointing nine of its members as District Deputies. They are the late Atty. John H. Cassidy, the late Col.William J. Shanahan, the late Dr. Mortimer O'Hara, the late Richard H. Lawlor, Angelo A. Rubo, The late David F. Brady, John Watson, Att. James P. Caulfield, Patrick Basile and John P. Clifford.

Over the years several Waterbury Elks were elected to high office in the Ct. Elks Association. They are Angelo A. Rubo, State President; Patrick Basile, State Treasurer; James J. (GOD) Donahue, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and David F. Brady, PDD-PER, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

By 1950, Waterbury Lodge boasted a membership of 1000 members. In 1953 the interior of the building was completely redecorated and refurbished. All these efforts were for naught. The Great Flood of 1955 completely destroyed the bowling alleys, the kitchen and the Rathskeller. Only by much volunteer work was the Lodge saved.

In 1962, extensive alterations were completed in the Social Sessions Hall and the Rathskeller. Highlights were the removal of all windows, a new floor in the Social Hall and the installation of air conditioning in the Social Hall (the first Hall to be air conditioned in western Connecticut). The Rathseller was then air conditioned, given new stools, a complete new back bar, new ceiling and a complete paint job.

In 1970, the Waterbury Lodge of Elks was once again a victim of fire. Because of the extensive damage, it was deemed prudent to raze the old Curtis Home (front building) and erect a two story 6000 sq.ft. building. the Architect, John Damico, received an award for his ingenious design of the stair cases and their attachment to the old building.

On June 21st, 1993 the Waterbury Lodge of Elks celebrated its 100th Anniversary. John P. Clifford, Exalted Ruler and his team of officers, brought about a task that was to run a celebration that lasted a week long. Starting with a parade through town that not only honored the Lodge, but more for the American Flag, for it was Flag Day. Then with the most rewarding of all events, that any Lodge may have, a Ritual for Burning the Morgage. The secretary, James J. Donahue, had also been working on getting together a large class of candidates to be initiated as members.

The lodge sponsors many activities for the youth. The Lodge participates in the National Hoop Shoot Program, State Soccer Shot, Halloween Party, Christmas Party, Easter Egg Hunt and many other activities for the youth. The Lodge also takes part in the State Elks Scholarship Program. It also administers our own Scholarship Awards, The James J. Donahue Scholarship and The James J. Walker Scholarship. These Scholarships are open only to children of members, who have paid up membership, including those who have passed on.

What does the future hold for the Waterbury Lodge of Elks? That is up to the members. They are in good finacial shape, and they have a strong membership. Thou members, like all Lodges, could be more active. It is time to begin thinking for the future. The Bowling Alleys have given good and faithful service, Renovation of the Rathskeller, Pool Tables, additional parking etc. Now is the time to begin working on the next 100th Anniversary.

Today, the Lodge can boast of over 1600 members who are still guided by the principles of the original founders. Its members come from all stratas of society. They are active in business, the professions, trades and manufacturing. The Waterbury Lodge awards scholarships, honours the flag, remembers the veterans, provides charity, supports the Connecticut Childrens Hospital and participates with various charities and activities throughout the community.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Of the United States of America, claims a membership of over 1,350,000 nationally, and 31,000 members statewide. There are over 2,250 Lodges distributed throughout the country. The Elks are second only to the US Goverment in awarding scholarship's. The Elks are most active in promoting family participation and they provide numerous programs for the women and children.

This article was originaly printed by David F. Brady, PDD-PER, for our 100th Anniversary Book. Since his passing, there has been many changes to better our work. But Thanks to Gentlemen like him and many others, the history of Waterbury Elks #265 will live on.