The B.P.O.E. building in Vancouver, Washington is a very old club for
men. The letters are B for benevolent, P for protective, O for order of,
and E for Elks. The Elks club is a national service organization. This club
raises more than 50 million dollars a year for hospitals, youth activites,
home therapy, and handicapped children.
The Vancouver Elks Lodge was constructed in 1911. The southern portion was
added in 1925. It was a building that was used for parties and public meetings
as well as Elks meetings.
We went to the Elks Lodge on a field trip. I thought that it was small,
but it was big. It is made of bricks with neat designs. It was fun to go
there and learn about the building. The building is now owned and occupied
by an insurance agency. They are responsible for keeping it in good shape.
There is a new Elks Lodge in Vancouver.