AmericasEvent

Jolly Corks renamed Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in New York

When
1868
Where
New York City
Episodes
1

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks originated in New York City in 1868. Established by actor Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian on February 16, the group initially operated as the Jolly Corks. By December 1868, the organization adopted its formal name, reflecting its charitable and fraternal mission.

Episodes

  1. 16 February 1868 · New York CityEstablishment

    Actor Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian established the organization in New York City on February 16, 1868.

Background and detail

Background. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is an American fraternal order and charitable organization founded in 1868 in New York City. The group was established by actor Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian on February 16, 1868. Initially known as the Jolly Corks, the organization later adopted the name Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks by December 1868.

Naming. The organization began as the Jolly Corks. By December 1868, it had adopted the name Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. This change reflected the organization's identity as a fraternal order and charitable organization, commonly known as the Elks Lodge or simply The Elks.

Legacy. The Elks pledge states that as long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them. This commitment highlights the organization's charitable focus and its enduring connection to veterans.

People involved

Sources

  1. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-09

Machine-drafted from the cited Wikipedia passages and checked by a reviewing model, not by a human editor. Every passage cites the revision it was written from; dates and places follow those passages.