On April 9, 1967, a group of about 200 men got together in Jefferson County and pledged to uphold the traditions of the Elks, help veterans and serve their community.
Today, more than 50 years later, members of the Meramec Arnold Elks Lodge 2372 are still carrying out that pledge.
The lodge was formed that day in April 1967, and not long after, a Ladies Auxiliary, now simply called the Auxiliary, was established there.
At first, the lodge was housed at the former Breezy Heights on Old Lemay Ferry Road in Imperial, an establishment most people remember as Sally’s (that recently burned down), according to the “Lodge History” included in the program for the Meramec Arnold Elks’ 50th anniversary celebration on May 20.
“While the lodge was only there (in the former Sally’s building) a short time, many hours of skilled labor as well as many hours of not so skilled (labor from members) were donated (to improve the building),” the history said.
In 1968, the organization moved to a building at Rev-Plaza, which, according to several members, was located near the former Boemler Chevrolet dealership at the intersection of Telegraph Road and Jeffco Boulevard just south of Arnold. While at that location, members again worked to make their building hospitable, the history said.
Members, however, were already planning ahead and in 1970, Mrs. Adele Michaelis sold them the land where the Elks lodge now stands – an 8-acre tract near the intersection of Miller Road and the West Outer Road in Imperial. That purchase came in handy when in 1973, a fire burned down the building at Rev-Plaza and the lodge was able to move into a barn on the property at 1515 Miller Road.
“Again the brothers and ladies went to work, and the barn, which came with this property, became our interim home. Although it was somewhat humble in appearance and space, it was rich in fellowship and we have many fond memories of our time in the barn,” the history said.
Lodge members immediately developed plans for a new building. Those plans were more than the lodge could afford at the time, though, so members decided to construct the building in two phases. Both phases were financed by Lemay Bank & Trust Co. Phase 2 was completed in 1978, and donations from the Elks generous members enabled the lodge to pay off its debt on the building in 1985.
Recently, the lodge completed an expansion and remodeled its building.
From its construction until now, the Meramec Arnold Elks Lodge has been filled with dances, dinners, service projects and fundraisers that benefit the community.
Elks member Fred Rodolf said a friend told him about the organization approximately 25 years ago.
“I like to barbecue and volunteer, so I joined up with them,” he said. “I’ve gotten a lot of satisfaction helping people in the community. I’ve also met a lot of people and made a lot of friends.”
His wife, Jeanie, is vice president of the Auxiliary. She said the Elks opened their membership to women in the early 1990s, but some women, including herself, still prefer the Auxiliary.
She said the group supports the lodge’s projects and shares every privilege, except voting.
“I saw no need to join (the lodge),” she said.
The Auxiliary membership is also open to men, but no men have joined it yet, Jeanie said.
“We’ve tried (to recruit men),” she said.
Lodge member Dave Reinheimer said a friend invited him to join 25 years ago, and it didn’t take him long to get with the program.
“It was neat what they did down here for the blind kids and the food baskets for kids at Christmas time,” he said. “It’s an organization that cares about people and wants to help.”
The Meramec Arnold Elks now has 569 members, both men and women, and the Auxiliary has about 40 members.
During the Elks 50-year history, “we have contributed our time, talent and treasure to support numerous charities and organizations, including fire and police departments; Red Cross, Cardinals and Blues blood drives; the Missouri School for the Blind; Hoop Shoots; Boy Scouts; youth softball/baseball; dental vans; veterans programs; Christmas baskets for the needy; Fourth of July and Flag Day celebrations; and the use of our facilities for fundraising and many others projects too numerous to mention,” public relations director Ray Brand said.
During the May 50th anniversary celebration, a banquet was held in the hall, memorabilia was on display and a short program was held, followed by music and dancing.
Jamie Murphy, a representative for state Sen. Paul Weiland (R-Imperial) presented a resolution honoring the lodge’s charitable works, Brand said.
