Elks and Moose

Loyal Order of Moose

The Loyal Order of Moose, sometimes simplified to “The Moose” was founded in Louisville, Kentucky in 1888. Its original function was as a social club where members could help one another. Over time, its purpose and membership has expanded to allow women and provide many social services to members and communities. There has been at least 6 Moose Lodges in Humboldt County, with the earliest beginning in 1916. There are two Moose Lodges, both founded in the early 1950s, that still hold meetings today. 

You can learn more about the Moose by visiting their international website here. You can also see the local Moose Lodge website here.

Moose Club Bar, Cat #: 2004.109.602

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE)

​The Elks, originally founded in New York in 1868 and chartered in 1871, were founded as an organization intended to help members through difficult times. Since then, the Elks have not only expanded their aid to people outside of the membership, but they also established the first Flag Day in 1907 and conducted a variety of projects to help support members of the military both during and after their service.  The Elks Lodge of Eureka has been in operation since at least 1901 and is still doing work in the community today.
The museum collection contains an interesting panoramic photographs of Moose members participating in a Hijinks Parade. Many of the organizations in this exhibit participated in a variety of parades, but the Hijinks Parade was one of the more unusual ones, consisting of attendees donning humorous costumes and carrying signs. 
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​You can learn more about the Elks at their local website here.