Rising as a mirage in a haze of time, in the background of which may the story be told of pioneer Oregon, stands an edifice almost on the junction of the Old Oregon Trail and the Columbia River highway. Through its portals may stroll shades of men who helped blaze the trail and open the door to the Inland Empire.

That edifice is the Elks Temple in The Dalles, Oregon.

The monument to the early efforts of the "lodge of 12" that is, the 12 Dalles members who regularly attended lodge at Cascade Locks where it was first organized, has a story of romantic beginning that is perhaps unequaled by any other lodge in the United States.

According to the story, Portland Lodge #142 was interested in the welfare of the men who were building Cascade Locks. In those early days the social life of a construction camp-well, the least said the quicker it will be forgotten, though there were many of the "rip-roar in' old times" that are mentioned behind a smile.

Knowing these conditions, the Portland members arranged weekly 'social sessions' to which the builders of the locks were invited. They were well attended and the spirit of Elkdom inculcated in the hardy breasts of the men from "up river."

"Why can't we have something like that at the Locks?"

No one knows who made that remark or query, but in it is seen the keystone of the arch through which Elkdom entered. Under special dispensation, the Cascade Lodge No. 303, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, was duly constituted and formed in 1895.

During that year many of the pleasantries of the lodge affiliations were known. Evenings of floating down the river on the characteristic old river steam boats, gaily decorated with flags and surrounded by an atmosphere of fraternity and good fellowship, are remembered. Nights of returning with the joy and hilarity of an evening well spent and the promise of more, kept alive the sprout of antlers that was later to spread over the whole of Central Oregon.

The Dalles Lodge, No. 303 B.P.O.E. originally known as Cascade Lodge, No. 303, and under that name it was instituted at Cascade Locks on May 16th, 1895, at which time twelve members were initiated.

At this date the government was building the canal and locks at Cascade, and a large number of men were employed upon the works, and among them were Elks belonging to other lodges, and a special dispensation was obtained whereby a new lodge could be instituted. The lodge continued at Cascade Locks until the completion of the government work. During this period quite a number of members were initiated from The Dalles, going down to Cascade Locks at different times for that purpose. Upon the completion of the works at the Locks, it was the desire of the Cascade members as well as those who had joined from The Dalles, that the lodge be transferred to the latter place, and this was done on Feb. 29th, 1896, and from that time on No. 303 has been regularly held at The Dalles, Oregon.

March 16th, 1896, the Lodge was permanently moved to The Dalles and the first meeting was held. Also a committee had made applications for space in the new Knights of Pythias Hall, they moved from there to our building in 1911. The Lodge also held meetings in the Odd Fellows Hall during that time.

Feb. 16th, 1903, The Dalles Lodge #303 filed for record, the Articles of Incorporation.

April 1st, 1905. There were 205 Elk members in good standing. The amount of money expended for charity in 1904-05 was $1,057.05.

During the year of 1905-1906, B.P.O.Elks Cascade Lodge No. 303, held their meetings on Saturday in the Odd Fellows Building.

On June 18, 1908, a committee was appointed to purchase property for the new Lodge. The City of The Dalles was offered $2000 for the city jail property.

Nov. 12, 1908, the lodge passed a resolution to purchase the property on the comer of 3rd and Court for $8,000. The lodge paid the sum of $1500 in cash and executed a mortgage in the sum of $6,500 with interest at 7%, for five years.

January 12th, 1910, Tulls & Gibbs, Inc. submitted a proposal for furnishing the Lodge. The amount was $7477.12. A break down of the cost was as follows: Lobby (first floor) $798.25, Stairs and landing $63.60, Ladies parlor (first floor) $729.95, Reading room $819.35, Card room $354.90, Sec room (first floor) $80.25, Stein room $370.00, Kitchen (first floor) $93.15. Gents restroom and Billiard room $375.60, total first floor $3767.20. Ante rooms 1 and 2 (second floor) $118.25, Ladies parlor & hall landing (second floor) $139.80, Banquet hall $260.85, Pantry $22.15, Men's restroom $16.00, Lodge room, set complete $1968.32, Curtains for Lodge Hall $329.70. Total for second floor $3043.02. Third floor which consisted of eight rooms $566.90. On Feb. 1st, 1911, a payment of $7400, was made to Tull & Gibbs.

On May 26, 1910, the Trustees reported the sale of house on the property of 3rd and Court for the sum of $450.00

J. C. English Co. On Feb. 15th, 1911, was authorized to furnish all the lighting fixtures for the entire lodge, at a cost of $1125.00.

The by-laws were also amended to raise the initiation fees to $60.00 and the yearly dues to $12.00 per year.

The jurisdiction of The Dalles Lodge covers Wasco, Hood River, Sherman, Crook counties in the State of Oregon and portions of Klickitat and Skamania counties in the State of Washington, and its roll contains members from all portions of the territory embraced in these wide limits.

On November 11th, 1911, the new Lodge Home in The Dalles was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies largely attended by members from different parts of Oregon and Washington. The home is a beautiful one and represents an expenditure of $65,000, and its doors stand open at all times for the welcome admission of all members of the order.

In May, 1919, Elk members from Bend, Oregon requested that The Dalles Lodge waive jurisdiction and grant them the right to start a Lodge. This request was passed and the Bend Lodge, No 1371 was instituted July 3rd, 1919.

March 4, 1920, a committee was authorized by motion of the Lodge, to fill the swimming tank with sand and to cover with cement. The reason for filling was due to "misuse". The estimated cost was $450.00.

In June, of 1923, the sixth annual Oregon State Elks Convention was held in The Dalles. Some of the Lodges represented were Astoria, Albany, Portland, Salem, McMinnville, Bend and many others. Every lodge at the convention was in the parade. Pendleton was the only exception.

The Drum and Bugle Corps drill team from the Portland Lodge was awarded a silver plate for the best representation of visiting Elks.

On February 19, 1925, 41 members demitted from The Dalles Lodge to Hood River, Oregon to start a Lodge. The Dalles Lodge furnished officers for the installation and inauguration of the Lodge and Officers, of Hood River Lodge. No. 1507 on May 14. 1925.

On Thursday, September 6, 1928, a fire of unknown origin, starting in a small closet in the basement, virtually caused the destruction of a large part of the interior of The Dalles Elks Temple. The flames roared up between the walls and floors throughout the entire building. The toss was estimated at $25,000. The actual cost was $55,000. The insurance paid $50,000.

Thomas Kelly, a resident, was saved from injury or death when firemen made a spectacular rescue of the 79 year-old man, after he had crawled through the smoke from his room to the cornice on the Third Street side of the building. His plight was seen by those below and he was rescued by the hook and ladder truck.

Most of the lodge records were saved. One particular attempt was made to get out the original charter of the lodge. Exalted Ruler E.A. Elton attempted to reach the lodge room via the stairs but they were afire, and the lodge room was filled with smoke. Elton and C. L. Bonn then procured a gas mask and entered the lodge room by a ladder through a rear window, rescuing the charter and other records.

In 1929-30 Past State President Frank Lonergan visited the Lodge and blamed poor attendance on automobiles and the radio.

May 14, 1931, The hall usage fee was raised to $75.00.

During 1934-35 our Exalted Ruler attended the Grand Lodge Convention in Kansas City, went to the Worlds Fair in Chicago and visited Denver on the total of less than $300.

The year of 1936-37 the mortgage on the Temple was burned. The Grand Lodge Convention was held in Los Angeles.

November 23, 1939, Grand Exalted Ruler Henry C. Warner visited the Lodge. He delivered a very fine address that was enjoyed by all members. He compared the freedom and liberties of the citizens of The United States with those of other countries. He also stated that if the B. P.O. Elks had their way that all fascist and communists would be deported and that he believed that any foreigner that had lived in this country for five years and had not declared intentions of becoming a citizen should also be deported.

October 31, 1940, it was recommended that the lodge turn over a sum of money, not to exceed $700.00 to The Dalles High School Band. To help purchase instruments that was lost during the fire. Also the sum of $500 was given to help replace books that were lost.

May 22, 1941, the lodge donated $249.50 to The Dalles High School for the purchase of a bassoon for the band.

In November, 1942, the lodge donated the $1,000 for "G Boxes to be sent to our servicemen.

The dining room in 1943-44 was modernized for the sum of $3000. The Lodge boasted a membership of 400. $14,000.00 worth of War Bonds were purchased.

August 2nd, 1945, One of the Brothers stated that in 1916 a membership roster was printed and that he thought that it should be brought up to date as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. A motion was made and carried. (It took fifty more years before it was fulfilled)

Also the Trustees of The Dalles Lodge #303 were hereby authorized and directed to disburse from the funds and resources of the Lodge, the sum of Five Hundred Dollars to each of the religious institutions.

First Methodist Church, St. Peter's Catholic Church, Episcopal Church, St. Mary's Academy, Baptist Church, Lutheran Church, Nazarene Church, Christian Church, United Brethren Church, Free Methodist Church, Christian Science Church, Salvation Army, Congregational Church (all located in The Dalles). Methodist Church, Christian Church, Catholic Church (all located in Dufur). Presbyterian Church (located in Moro). Baptist and Methodist Church (located in Grass Valley). Methodist and Christian Church (located in Wasco). Catholic Church (located in Maupin). Presbyterian Church (located in Moro).

During the year of 1946-47 The Dalles Elks Lodge purchased an ambulance for the City of The Dalles. Our membership at that time was 880.

Had a great New Years Party in 1947-48. Our E.R. had a budget of $500.00 and spent all of it. Grand Exalted Ruler L. A. Lewis visited our lodge.

In 1949-50 the Lodge purchased property at 4th and Court for the sum of $20,000. The first Western Party and Picnic was held. In 1950 the Elks started the Swim Team. In July, 1950, a thank-you letter was read from the Chairman of the Civic Relations for the $3,000 donation to the Boy Scouts of America.

There were 200 members initiated during the year 1951-52. The Lodge was first in the District Ritualistic Contest and second in the state. The lodge also received a much needed new coat of paint.

During 1953-54 liquor by the drink was started. The well-known "Big Brothers" program was instituted. The attendance record for lodge was set, with an average of over 100 members. On one occasion between 300 & 400 members were present. Also the lodge members were entertained by the Tommy Dorsey Band.

The Mid-Winter Convention was held in The Dalles 1954 - 55. Also the Lodge purchased new jewels.

In 1956-57 a Building Committee was appointed and the members of the Lodge on March 7, 1957, approved the remodeling program.

During 1958 the remodeling program included lounge and dance area on the main floor, stag bar, main floor service kitchen, new furniture and numerous other improvements. The amount of the contract was $73,825.00.

In 1959-60 the sale of the parking lot on 4th and Court was completed for approximately $50,000.00. The first Elks Picnic to be held other than at Tygh Valley was held at Dufur. Also the Hide Program was started by the Lodge.

Initiation Fee in 1960-61 was reduced from $50.00 to $25.00 for prospective members not attaining their 26th birthday. Sherman County Night at Grass Valley was initiated. Area 1 Ritualistic Contest was held in The Dalles.

In May 1962, the Hillgen Scholarship Fund was created to award a worthy High School student, living within the jurisdiction of The Dalles Elks, a scholarship for the purpose of attending college.

On Armed Forces Day the veterans wore their uniforms. Several veterans from WW I and WW II were plentiful, but some of them had a hell-u va time getting into their uniform.

Look what happened in 1966-67! A low light of the year- was Little Reno Nite. A couple of "guests" arrived and like all nice visiting brothers, they were provided with dinner and drinks as a courtesy. The next morning, we learned that these guests raided the place, taking the blackjack tables, crap table and eight slot machines containing about $800.

The State Convention was held in Klamath Falls, in 1969 and was attended by members of #303 Lodge. The Convention was protested with picketing by the NAACP for a Charter clause that limits membership to Whites.

In 1972 the E.R. gave recognition to the four volunteers who built the upstairs bar, modified the hallway, and other facilities. Our membership at that time was 1548.

The basement in 1974-75 was renovated with carpeting; new hanging lights (which were built by one of the trustees) and mirrors were put around the support posts. The cost was in the neighborhood of $3,000.

In the year of 1978-79, Harry James and his band entertained the lodge members. Disco dances were held on Friday nights for the Junior High students & Saturday Night Fever for the Senior High students. There would be between 250 to 350 students turnout for this occasion.

The State Emblem Club summer convention was also held in The Dalles Elks Lodge. Also the Elks National Convention was held in San Diego, CA.

The Dalles Lodge #303 won the State Ritual Contest in 1979-80 and competed in the Nationals in Dallas, Texas.

September 8, 1988, numerous Elks memorabilia were buried in a time capsule at Sorosis Park, to be unearthed in the year 2038.

As a fund raising project in 1989-90 parking spaces were reserved, with users' donations going into the scholarship fund. One non-member entered his donation as 'rent' -the County assessor got wind of this, the lot was put on the tax roles as a profit venture and since taxes were not paid on the lot, the Assessor put it up for sale. After many consultations the issue was settled and the lot was saved for the private use of Elks.

In December 1990, the first Variety Show was held, to aid in the funding for Christmas baskets and charity for the needy. The show featured an auction of donated items & entertainment by local artists.

During the year of 1990-91 the small kitchen in the southwest corner of the building on the lounge level was restored to service after serving as a game room for several years. The French Doors on the west side of the lounge were reopened after being hidden for many years behind dark paneling and large mirrors. This change gives access to the balcony outside the building. The lodge floor was refinished and a new seal painted thereon. Over thirty members were added to the lodge.

The 96th birthday of the Lodge was celebrated in 1991-92. Also the Lodge members and guests were entertained by the renowned "Ink Spots".

In 1994-95 the upstairs serving area was remodeled by volunteer members of the lodge. The Ladies of The Elks were of great help cleaning the curtains, drapes and numerous other chores. The ante room was also redecorated. The lodge floor was refinished, with a considerable amount of painting and cleanup being done.

On March 23, 1995, the Big Brothers presented a Drug Education Kit to the law enforcement officials, to be used in their Drug Awareness Program.