Red Lodge in Carbon County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

B.P.O.E. Lodge #534

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, July 26, 2011

1. B.P.O.E. Lodge #534 Marker

Inscription. Americans organized much of their social life around fraternal groups at the turn of the twentieth century. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks provided an important social and charitable outlet for Red Lodge's professionals, who circulated the charter petition in 1899 and established the Beartooth Lodge in 1900. By 1914, membership had grown from the original 40 members to over 160, and the organization needed "larger and more commodious" quarters than its rented rooms. The Elks raised building funds through membership dues, donations, concerts, and vaudeville-style performances. Billings architect C. C. Oehme designed the Elks Lodge in the "bungalow style." Stucco and cobblestones adorn the exterior, which at one time also featured a parapet along the roofline. The thoughtfully designed interior included a first-floor lodge hall, pool hall, card room, and bar. The basement included a banquet hall, kitchen, washroom, and coal room. The Red Lodge Picket declared the handsome building's grand opening on December 18, 1914, "a big hit," predicting that the Elks' new lodge would "become the most popular social place

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in the city."

Erected by Montana National Register Sign Program.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1839.

Location. 45° 11.306′ N, 109° 14.82′ W. Marker is in Red Lodge, Montana, in Carbon County. It is on North Broadway Avenue (U.S. 212) north of 10th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Red Lodge MT 59068, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Yellowstone Country

and in Greater Billings.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hawkes & Son Photography Studio (a few steps from this

B.P.O.E. Lodge #534 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, July 26, 2011

2. B.P.O.E. Lodge #534

marker); 105 North Broadway (a few steps from this marker); Carbon County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Carbon County Hospital And Sanitarium (within shouting distance of this marker); W. A. Talmage Company Hardware (within shouting distance of this marker); Picket Block (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Labor Temple (about 500 feet away); Pollard Hotel (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Red Lodge.

Also see . . . Red Lodge, Montana - Gateway to Yellowstone Park. (Submitted on August 1, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 24, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 784 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 1, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.