South Central History |
An important event occurred in 1912 that would have significant and far-reaching effects, the creation of the South Central District of the New York State Elks Association.
In March of 1912, the Exalted Ruler of Owego and the three Knights were directed to read over the bylaws as proposed for forming a Central NY Association of Elks and the advisability of joining such Association. At the second meeting of that month, joining the association was tabled.
In late April, a proposal was made that Owego join the Central New York Elks Association and send the name of a member to be vice president. The motion was defeated.
At a meeting in Lyons Lodge on April 18, 1912, it was agreed to hold the first annual convention of the South Central District of the New York State Elks Association in Binghamton on June 11 and 12, 1912. Although the officer presiding over the district is by appointment of the Grand Exalted Ruler, the geographical formation is the responsibility of the state association.
In June, it was determined that thirty from Owego would parade at Binghamton; it was agreed that Owego would join the Central New York Association of Elks, and we would have a band and go to Binghamton. The ER was to be elected Vice President of Central New York. It was also directed that the ER was to choose four delegates to attend in uniform. The ER was to have an order for the necessary fee to join Central New York Elks Association.
The event was successful beyond expectation. There were 2,500 Elks in the City of Binghamton. They represented lodges in Auburn, Binghamton, Cortland, Elmira, Fulton, Geneva, Ithaca, Lyons, Little Falls, Seneca Falls, Norwich, Syracuse, Oswego, Rome Utica, Watertown, Ogdensburg, Newark and Owego. They represented a total membership of over 6,000.
The first day, Tuesday, was devoted to the business session during which time the election of officers was held. Among the officers elected was Charlie Starr, who was elected a State Vice President.
The feature of the afternoon was the parade, which began at 3:15 P.M. Members from twelve lodges participated in the parade. Owego Lodge had thirty-nine members and was the only marching unit in uniform.
The members of Owego Lodge left the village for Binghamton on a special train operated by the DL&W and they were accompanied by the Owego Marching Band. The members marched from the Lodge on Lake Street to the train station.
They were not in uniform, however; their uniforms were conveyed to Binghamton in a trunk and they blossomed forth in their glory only when it was apparent it was not going to rain. The Owego contingent was attired in white duck suits, purple ties, purple belts and purple bands for their straw hats.
The contingent from Owego boarded the train for the return trip to Owego at 12:15 A.M.
During this time, the South Central District extended from Port Jervis to the south, out west to Wellsville and north to Cortland. Automobile transportation was not as easy as it is now, and it was the railroad that brought us together and held us fast. Frequently we had visiting Brothers from Binghamton and all throughout our district, and it was not unusual to have visitors from Scranton Lodge. Once when Owego's Past Exalted Rulers were unable to install their officers, Past Exalted Ruler Jacobsen from Sayre Lodge rendered the honors.
On February 3, 1916, Brothers George Glazier and T. J. McNamara came from Binghamton Lodge to Owego's meeting. They were there to discuss the arrangements for traveling to the Grand Lodge Session to be held in Baltimore. While there, they also extended an invitation to the Owego Lodge to attend the annual banquet of Binghamton Lodge, which was held every year, February 22.
Later, on March 10, 1932, District Deputy Arthur B. Stiles made his official visit to Owego Lodge. John Gorman introduced the visiting Exalted Rulers of Elmira 62, Bath 1547, Ithaca 636, Sayre 1148, and Binghamton 852; and the State President of the New York State Elks Association, Wilbur Knapp of Bath 1547; State Vice President, J. Victor Schaad; Past State President of Binghamton 852, John O’Sowski; Past District Deputy of Elmira 62, Frank Sherman of Oneonta 1312; and Frank S. McGovern of Corning 1071. There were 150 present with 225 at dinner. All district Lodges except Cortland and Hornell were represented.
In November 1919, members were invited to attend a ceremonial session of Binghamton 852 at Kalurah Temple at Washington and Front Streets in Binghamton on Tuesday, the 18th. This was expected to be one of the largest Elk affairs held in this section of the state, considering that there were three hundred candidates. The initiatory work was put on by the officers of Oneonta Lodge, who were in demand for all large classes of candidates.
The second part, lasting about forty-five minutes, was followed by a lunch and cabaret in the Temple’s banquet hall.
Owego's plan was to leave the club at noon on the day of the parade; the headquarters was the Rothburn Hotel in Elmira, with lunch for all after the parade. The uniform was dark trousers, white shirts, and purple ties; hats and canes were provided. Owego was headed by the American Legion Drum Corps. A card was sent to each member to state whether each would go to the convention.
Owego Lodge received $75 as the first prize for the Lodge having the finest drum corps at the convention. The Lodge donated the $75 to the American Legion Drum Corps who headed the Owego delegation and who by their wonderful performance were the reason for the Lodge winning the first prize; the Lodge also extended its thanks to John O’Sowski for wonderful Headquarters facilities.
At its first meeting of May 1938, Owego voted to extend to Binghamton 852 an invitation to the ladies visiting the State Convention to be our guests at a luncheon on Tuesday June 7.
At the following meeting it was announced that the Owego Committee for “On to Binghamton" hired the American Legion Drum Corps. Hats, canes and neckties for the marching delegation were to be procured.
It was announced that headquarters for the Owego delegation would be at 212-214 State Street; the Brothers were to meet at the Owego Club House on Wednesday June 8. Those who had cars were to bring them so there would be transportation for all brothers who wished to go. The plan was to be at the Binghamton Headquarters at 1 PM as the parade started at 1:30 PM. The Owego delegation was headed by American Legion Drum Corps.
Endicott was organized on March 23, 1955, with 103 applications and 53 transfers. State President Fitzpatrick presided with the initiation class to be called the CF Johnson class.
In March 1964, a new lodge was instituted in Horseheads. Owego's Esquire and Secretary were Grand Lodge officers at the institution of Horseheads Lodge.
In 1974, Vestal and Homer were instituted.
Johnson City was instituted at Owego Lodge on April 21, 2001,
increasing the number of Lodges in our district to ten.
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