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History of the Elks National Home
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In 1902, The Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks purchased the Hotel Bedford in a bankruptcy sale. The Elks National Home was dedicated May 21, 1903 with over 5,000 Elks from around the country in attendance. In the beginning, the Home was established for "indigent" Elks and they were supported by their subordinate lodges and the Grand Lodge. Today, although the Home is supported in part by the membership through the $1.00 annual assessment, the residents are financially self-sustaining and pay the charges established by the Board of Grand Trustees. Their subordinate lodges are not responsible for any charges.
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Elks National Home in 1916 July 8, 1916 Dedication "Horse and Buggy" Days
After a few years, the old hotel building became inadequate for the increasing residency. The cornerstone for a new home was laid in September 1915 and the new home was dedicated July 8, 1916. Between 1923 and 1938, three additional buildings for residents were constructed, as well as a laundry building and theater. In 1985, Building "A" was totally renovated to provide private bathrooms and central air conditioning. The renovation of Buildings "B" and "C" followed in 1987 and 1991.
The first female Elk members became residents in 1999 and a major renovation project began. The project involved converting four buildings into apartments for independent living, a complete renovation of the lobby, a dramatic redecoration of the dining room and sun porch, and enclosing the verandahs that connect the buildings at the front of the Home.
The Grand Lodge purchased the Hotel Bedford at a public sale on June 16, 1902.
The Home was dedicated May 21, 1903 by Grand Exalted Ruler George P. Cronk.
The new Home was dedicated July 8, 1916 by Warren G. Harding, US Senator at that time. Warren G. Harding went on to become this Nation's 29th President (March 4, 1921 to August 2, 1923).
The Elks Rest Cemetery in the City of Bedford was in use from 1903 to 1980.
The cemetery on the Home's grounds was dedicated May 11, 1980. It covers 3 acres , will accommodate 1428 graves and has 100 spaces in the cremation garden.
The Fred Harper Memorial theater was dedicated Sunday afternoon, May 22, 1938. The building was the gift of Past Grand Esteemed Leading Knight, Dr. Robert South Barrett, PER of Alexandria, VA Lodge No. 758.
The bronze Elk in front of the home was a gift from John Schmitt of New York Lodge No. 1. It was placed into its current position December 9, 1937. The Elk is from the studios of the Gorham Manufacturing Co. from Providence, RI. The Elk weighs 1950 lbs. and its base, made of Georgia Granite, weighs about two tons.
| 1901 | Grand Lodge Session recommends Home to be established. |
| June 16, 1902 | Grand Lodge acquires site in Bedford, Virginia. |
| 1911 | Grand Lodge authorizes construction of new Home. |
| 1915-1916 | Old hotel is demolished and new Home is built.
Residents use old Jeter School (a former college for girls) as residence during construction. |
| July 8, 1916 | New Home is dedicated consisting of the Administration building, Cottages B, C, D, E, F, and G. |
| 1923 | "A" Cottage is constructed. |
| 1927 | "H" Cottage and Laundry building are constructed. |
| 1930 | "I" Cottage is constructed. |
| Dec. 9, 1937 | The Bronze Elk is placed in front of the Home. |
| 1938 | The Fred Harper Memorial Theater building is constructed (Dedicated May 22, 1938). |
| 1978 | Home celebrates 75th "Diamond Jubilee" Anniversary. |
| 1985 | "A" Building renovated. Elevator to service "H" and "I" Buildings added. Cross-over to connect "H" Building to Administration Building added |
| 1987 | "B" Building renovated. |
| 1991 | "C" Building renovated (including elevator). |
| March 1992 | "C" Building re-opens for occupancy. |
| 1993 | Coordinator program began. |
| 1995 | Ladies began to be admitted to membership in the Order. |
| 1998-2000 | Renovation of lobby, dining room, and sun porch. Enclosed the verandahs that connect the buildings at the front of the Home. Renovation of Buildings D, E, F, & G into apartments. The first female Elk members become residents (1999). |
| 2003 | Home celebrates 100th Anniversary. |
| 2005 | Elevators added to Buildings "A" and "B" |
