An inspection of the new home just completed by the local Elks convinces one that The Dalles lodge, number 303, B.P.O.E., certainly has the most artistically constructed and luxuriously furnished edifice of any fraternal order of similar size in the United States.

Upon entering the portals on Third Street, one is carried back in imagination to the old feudal halls of ancient song and story as he observes the wide tiled vestibule with its inner Cluny-curtained glass doors guarding from view the mysteries sacred to the royal herd. Within, the sheen of silken hangings and the graceful fold of velvet draperies blend to form an entrancing symphony of color.

The lobby is entered from the vestibule and extends through the central part of the building. Its walls are finished in light olive color. Massive scagliola pilasters of mottled brown arising from green bases, stand at intervals throughout the hall. The commodious couches and chairs in this room are upholstered in dark brown leather. The electric fixtures are of antique brass with handsome cut glass shades. A piano has been added for the amusement of musically-inclined members.

In the northwest corner of the building is situated the ladies - parlor. Its walls are hung with silk tecco in the soft tones of mulberry. The dainty furnishings are of mahogany in Henry II. Design, upholstered in plush to conform to the casement hangings of rose silk velour's with linings of gold sundour. Electric fixtures all of handsome brushed brass, and telephone connections have been installed for the convenience of the ladies of Elkdom.

Adjoining and south of the lady's parlor is the reading room whose furnishings are done in a rich shade of green. A fireplace adds comfort to the dark mahogany reading desks and tables. Side lights are placed between the long French windows which open onto a cozy porch.

The card room is located to the south of the reading room. Its walls are tinted in a golden yellow and its hangings are of royal blue. The chairs and tables are of fumed oak and a cherry red brick fireplace surmounted by a fine set of antlers, occupies a prominent position. In the northeast corner of the structure is a billiard hall. It is supplied with four oak tables, three pool and a billiard. This room is finished in a shade of chocolate brown with brown velvet draperies and hangings.

To the left of the lobby, south of the billiard room, is the stein room, whose dark mission high-backed benches and tables are lighted by individual burnt-amber Gothic lanterns. The accompanying window hangings are of burnt orange velvet, lined with golden sundour. A stein rail is surmounted by an imported Dutch frieze whose quaint figures with the general surroundings of the room bring to one's fancy the faint clink of the glasses. To the back of the stein room is the buffet with furnishings of natural Oregon fir, and to its right is a diminutive kitchen neatly curtained with white scrim and to be supplied with all the modem conveniences.

The main hall or lodge room that is located on the second floor is 53 by 71 feet and contains one of the finest spring floors in the west. The windows here are hung with French net and Cluny lace with overhanging of royal purple velvet, and they open to a spacious porch overlooking the street. All the lodge furniture is of golden oak in a dull finish and includes 66 feet of leather settees besides the regular station and membership chairs. The walls are tinted in warm golden tones. At one end of the hall is a stage large enough to accommodate a company of players if it is desired to use it for such purpose. Above this stage is a picturesque balcony where on festal occasions, a spectator may steal away and watch the dancers as they sway to the dreamy measures of a waltz.

A spacious banquet room adjoins the main hall and is shaded in a warm stone lure. Its furnishings are of weathered oak, the long tables being the exclusive patent of the local lodge. To the left of the main hall is a ladies' waiting room which is well supplied with handsome furnishings.

The third story is devoted to the bachelors' quarters and here are located six comfortable bedrooms, furnished in Circassian walnut, with brushed brass beds, telephone connections and all the conveniences of the most modern hostelry.

The basement of the building contains a cement swimming tank, 19 by 30 feet and a number of dressing rooms and private lockers. The west side of the basement has been reserved for the construction of a bowling alley.

Practically all the furniture has been installed and the structure is now ready for occupancy. The doors will be thrown open at 11 o'clock tomorrow morning, and in the evening the first meeting will be held in the new quarters when all local and visiting members of the herd will convene to christen their new haunts.

Too much praise cannot be given to the several committees to whose untiring efforts, good judgment and taste is due the construction and furnishing of this magnificent building of which The Dalles may feel proud.

The Elks have decided to dedicate their beautiful new home and hold the cornerstone laying ceremonies Friday and Saturday, October 27 and 28, 1911.

The big doings will commence on the afternoon of the twenty-seventh when a reception will be given. A grand ball will be held that evening. The official laying of the cornerstone and temple dedication will take place Saturday afternoon and in the evening entertainment will be furnished for members and visiting brothers only.

The local lodge is making preparations to entertain several hundred Elks from various orders of the Northwest.