The History of the
BPO Elks Thousand Oaks Lodge 2477

The foundation of the this fraternal orgainzation is found in the Elks Mission Statement: "To inculcate* the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share." * To impress upon the mind of another by frequent instruction or repetition; instill

With that vision as the root of the organization Thousand Oaks Elks lodge #2477 became a reality with a dinner and dance taking place at the Oxnard Lodge on March 25, 1972 (at a cost of only $3.00 per person).

The series of meeting locations began with Du-Pars Restaurant located on TO Blvd. but due to on-site fund raising restrictions it quickly became apparent that a new location was needed. Thanks to one of the members we found ourselves in a tack room in Lynn Ranch meeting for free. Still, a tack room isn’t necessarily the place to grow an organization so the hunt continued. After an inspection of a warehouse off Skyline Drive conducted by cigarette lighter in conjunction with an “offer they couldn’t refuse” the Elks had a new home. However temporary.

Again in early 1973 members came to the aid of the lodge moving to our present location a former Lutheran Church at 158 Conejo School Road. Needing $85.000 to purchase the property, some members put their homes up as security against default of the loan. Bob Clark Sr., Dick Churik, Dick Flake, John Farhat, Jack Henry, Paul Jones, Erle Pitman, Frank Rindone and Don Steinhelper did so under the name “The Conejo Brothers”. Thanks to them and twelve other brothers who each loaned $1000.00 to the lodge, funding was guaranteed. The purchase of our lodge building and property was complete and a new era began.

Changes to the current lodge building have continued over the years including some of notable interest. In March 1983, what is now the men’s room was under construction. The project of John Nichols, the ER at that time, was a new men’s room, something to replace the “one holer” which was currently in use. With donations of time and materials from many, it becomes reality and the "Johns John" was ready for the Grand Flush Opening! The spring of 1981 saw the remodeling of the bar at the lodge and the efforts to continue to upgrade and renovate the property continue today.

While the Elks are known as a fraternal organization, 1999 saw Heather Walter initiated as the first woman to join Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge 2477. Since then the intigration and cooperation of men and women to serve both the lodge and the community has continued and flourished.

Known as the “friendliest” lodge through much of its history, the Thousand Oaks Elks lodge is moving into a new era with its current ER Terry Gicking. Terry’s goal for the coming year is to get people working together and create an air of excitement in what we do so that they too wish to be a part of the excitement. More members will lighten the individual load together we can do the things it takes to keep this, “the friendliest lodge in Elkdom.” His motto is: Memories from the past to rebuild our future.

To read additional details on the history of our lodge check out the latest Antler Antics. Read more about our charities and community programs on our home page or see a complete list of our programs here.

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