An Elk is never forgotten ~ never forsaken.

Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of today’s veterans, and improve the quality of life.

Reported in the Rochester Post & Record on May 24, 1907, the Elks of Rochester will soon have a lodge of their own. The moving force behind the idea was a Lee Grabbe of Davenport, Iowa. Mr. Grabbe has been a guest at the Kahler Hotel for quite a long period of time as his wife was doctoring at the Mayo Clinic. Mr. Grabbe was a “composer of high rank and highly thought of in the music industry.” He was also an Elks member who thought that this great community of Rochester would be a great Elk Community. As a result of his influence the Elks of Rochester asked permission of the Grand Lodge to start their own lodge.

On the morning of October 24, 1907, a delegation of Elks who were members of the order in other communities but lived in Rochester, traveled to the Northwestern train depot to meet Elks from the throughout the state who would be witnessing and installing this new lodge. A parade was held from the station to the Masonic Temple, where the business would be conducted, a banquet was served, followed by speeches, entertainment and socialization. There were a total of 225 visitors. Promptly at 3:10 PM Grand Lodge representatives, headed by the District Deputy Minnesota South, Henry Bryant of St. Paul, and assisted by members from the state, installed Rochester Lodge #1091 as the newest lodge in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

As Elks our Lodge has always been supportive of our men and women in the armed forces. During WWI men were drafted to serve in Europe. At a meeting on June 26, 1918, mention was made to the last "draftee sendoff" the members were disappointed with th

As Elks our Lodge has always been supportive of our men and women in the armed forces. During WWI men were drafted to serve in Europe. At a meeting on June 26, 1918, mention was made to the last "draftee sendoff" the members were disappointed with the way our city fathers handled it. Motion made and carried that the Elks take over this duty and informed the city fathers that the next "sendoff" would show the men and their families that there was someone in the city that wished them "God Speed." On July 24, 1918, the citizens of Rochester were so impressed with the job that the Elks were asked to take charge of all the "sendoffs" for the duration of the war. During WWII, membership stood at 307 members, 22 members were serving in the military. Rochester Lodge has continued with their support of our veterans, making trips to visit hospitals and semi-annual donations. Today our lodge is teaching young students what our Veterans have done by a visit to the Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial.

On May 10, 1939 the lodge voted to sponsor a $500 scholarship for a graduating senior from Rochester high schools. The first scholarship was issued to Arthur Swan, who became a well known attorney for our city. Over the years we have continued a scho

On May 10, 1939 the lodge voted to sponsor a $500 scholarship for a graduating senior from Rochester high schools. The first scholarship was issued to Arthur Swan, who became a well known attorney for our city. Over the years we have continued a scholarship program through the Minnesota Elks Association and the Grand Lodge. In 2022 we gave out seven $1,000 scholarships to seniors at our four local high schools. These seven local seniors were honored at a member dinner in July.

Charity is "The cornerstone of every Elk structure" and "The crowning virtue" of our order. This is not lost on members of Rochester Lodge #1091. Over the years the lodge has supported charitable works in our community such as Salvation Army, the Lan

Charity is "The cornerstone of every Elk structure" and "The crowning virtue" of our order. This is not lost on members of Rochester Lodge #1091. Over the years the lodge has supported charitable works in our community such as Salvation Army, the Landing, Eagles Cancer Telethon, youth sports, boy & girl scout programs, as well as other programs in our city. In May 26, 1920, a terrible storm came through and a family in Chester lost everything. The Elks headed a relief fund for the family and donated $200 of their own money to help. On Dec 10, 1941, the lodge decided to purchase a "deluxe" wheelchair for a young girl that had never walked and presented it to her for Christmas. Many acts of charity are performed year after year.

Rochester 1091 Viking Drum & Bugle Corps

The Rochester Elks “Vikings” Drum and Bugle Corps was organized nearly 100 years ago and has made appearances annually in scores of Minnesota cities and as far distant as Chicago, Seattle, and St. Louis. A typical season got under way at the annual convention of the Minnesota State Elks Association, extends through the many festivals and celebrations of southern Minnesota communities, and terminates with a weekend trip. Upon completion of 2,500 miles, making more than 30 appearances carrying the greetings of Rochester, Minnesota and Elks Lodge 1091 to many thousands of people.

As far as can be ascertained, the Rochester unit was the oldest active drum corps in the state. It was organized in 1921 when such organizations were an absolute novelty. Thousands of hours of practice and performance have been donated to the cause of entertaining the people of Minnesota by the members of this drum and bugle corps. Weekly practice sessions were faithfully attended throughout the winter months. Sundays and holidays are sacrificed because most appearances are so timed. Thousands of additional hours have been donated during the past to money making endeavor in a very successful effort to the part of drum corps members to make the “Corps” self supporting.

The “Drum Corps” contributed much to Elkdom and particularly Rochester Elkdom by acting as the city of Rochester at Function throughout southern Minnesota providing valuable publicity by keeping the name “ELKS” in front of the public. The Drum Corps has also been pleased to be able to contribute to the lodge in a material way from time to time. In 1961, the Drum Corps underwrote the State Elks Convention parade at Rochester at hte cost of approximately $4,500. The Drum Corps contributed drapes and lodge furniture for the 1964 lodge building.

Rewards for the time and effort spent are apparent to the viewer of the awards and trophies amassed by the Corps. Included are the first place in National competition at Seattle, second place in the competition at Chicago as well as many State Championships and parade awards. Sadly, with the passing of this generation, the ELKS Drum Corps is no longer in existence.

Elks’ Lodge Collections

BPOE sung by Nat M. Wills - 1908.

 

Grand Lodge Elks Reunion, Rochester NY 1913