The Colorado History of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
During the first years after the founding of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in 1868, organization
of new Lodges was slow. Denver Lodge became the 17th when it was founded in 1882.
Growth was more rapid during the next six years and seventy-two more Lodges were instituted before Pueblo #90 received
its charter in 1888.
Many of the early Lodges in Colorado were founded in centers of mining activity where actors who came to entertain the
miners and their families spread the word of Elkdom.
Other Colorado Lodges instituted before Ft. Collins #804 were Trinidad #181,Aspen #224, Leadville #236, Colorado Springs
#309, Cripple Creek #316, Victor #367, Ouray #492, Creede #506, Durango #507, Central City #557, Boulder #566, Grand Junction
#575, Idaho Springs #607, Canon City #610, Florence #611, Telluride #692, and La Junta #701.
The growth of Elkdom was at its height in the two years following the institution of Boulder #566 in February 1900. A number
of Fort Collins residents became members of the Boulder Lodge, commuting to meeting by train.
