Aurora in Kane County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
BPO Elk's Club Building
Downtown Heritage Tour
October 27, 2013
1. BPO Elk's Club Building Marker
Easily one of the most unusual buildings in Aurora, this 1926 structure designed by the firm of Zimmerman, Saxe & Zimmerman is one of the few examples of Mayan Revival design. The architects altered their original, more traditional design when they were inspired by the recently discovered Mayan temples in Central America. Use of the Mayan design motifs in friezes, similar to their use on Mayan temples, became a short-lived trend in architectural design. The irregular bricks are referred to as "clinker bricks", and succeed in giving the exterior a unique look. The local Elks chapter #705 formed in 1901. This building was their second home, dedicated on November 17, 1926. The local chapter had a membership of 700 when 77 South Stolp was built, and in the 1930s-1950s membership reached 1500, with a waiting list. The Elks operated a 40-room hotel in the building, which included bowling lanes in the basement. (Marker Number 2.)Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1913.
Location. 41° 45.395′ N, 88° 19.028′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Aurora Public Library (within shouting distance of this marker); Former U.S. Post Office (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall (about 400 feet away); Aurora Silverplate Manufacturing Co. (about 400 feet away); Dedicated in Memory of Our Fathers (about 400 feet away); Old Second National Bank (about 600 feet away); Leland Hotel (about 700 feet away); Aurora Hotel • Leland Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aurora.
October 27, 2013
2. BPO Elk's Club Building
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2013. This page has been viewed 409 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 29, 2013. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.
