Photograph by Chad Pilster

Sentimental Journey: Couples take a spin around the dance floor at the San Jose Elks' 100th birthday celebration.




One Hundred Years of Certitude

San Jose Elks Lodge 522 celebrates centennial anniversary in style

By Michele Leung

The back room of the San Jose Elks Lodge 522 is alive with talk. Armed with 100 years of material, older members are taking a tour of memory lane, while younger members try to grasp the days that were before their time.

One couple is amazed that a frail notebook with the actual minutes dating back to 1903 is still intact. Another man is reminiscing about the photos from the Elks' minstrel shows of the 1950s.

"Look at those ceilings in the old building."

"Is that Frank Oliver? Remember the old Oliver family from downtown?"

"That's Doc Reed. He'd come every Thursday, and he'd always have a bow tie on and have a brandy. People asked him, 'Why do you always have a brandy?' And he'd say, 'That's the only thing that's natural.' "

The San Jose Elks celebrated their 100th birthday in grand style with a golf tournament on Oct. 8 and a dinner and dance the following evening. Over 200 feasted and danced the night away.

"I'm [here] to celebrate history," said life member Frank Fiscalini. "But I'm also a council member for that district so I'm there in that official capacity. But mostly, I enjoy seeing old pals." Fiscalini has been a member for 34 years.

Approximately a third of the 1,300 members of Lodge 522 are life members; an honor based on the number of years dedicated to the Elks. Another notable life member is state Sen. Alfred Alquist, who has been an Elk for 45 years.

The longevity of Lodge 522 has attracted the attention of local politicians. San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales and his wife were honored guests at the festivities. U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren presented the Elks with an American flag that flew in Washington, D.C., for one day in their honor. State Rep. Elaine Alquist awarded the group with a special citation.

"Zoe Lofgren thanked us for the efforts we give the community, and Elaine Alquist gave us a proclamation and congratulated us for the work we do," said Russ Mosher.

Community service has long been a part of the Elks' identity. The members contribute to a myriad of activities, ranging from hosting a special dinner for veterans and sponsoring youth soccer and baseball teams to organizing an appreciation night for those in law enforcement. But the bulk of the energy goes to fundraising for the Elks' main project: sending therapists to handicapped children who live in rural areas.

This past year, the San Jose Elks raised $22,000 toward this major project. Earlier this year, members had a chance to travel to the state convention to hear about the medical work being done and to see a "theme child"--a patient who has undergone much progress. "There was not a dry eye in the Assembly," said Dick Bartels.

"I enjoy doing things that help me to do good for children. I have a grandson who is autistic, so it's good for me to be helping other children," said president Jack Genna.

As times have changed, so have the Elks. The original founders limited membership to white males. But during the 1970s, "white" was taken out of the membership rules. Then, four years ago, women were accepted as fellow Elks. Currently, the lodge has six women members.

Anna Simpson is the group's first female officer. She explains that as more families have two parents working, a father who needs to attend meetings becomes removed from the family. But with women allowed as members, "this makes for a more family-oriented organization."

Family time is another element that resonates with the Elks, ranking a close second in importance to community service. "I joined in 1968, and I was looking for an organization where I could bring my wife and my child," said Mike Viverito.

Similarly, one of Fiscalini's favorite memories as an Elk involves his family. "When my children were young, every Sunday afternoon, I took my family to swim at the lodge."

The Elks believe they've had a good 100 years and they trust the next 100 will be just as good. Several members stated that they would like to see more younger and female members join. But they take pride in their record in public service and continue to focus on it.

"It's a strong future, let me tell you that," said Viverito, upon stating that resources will be doubled for the major project.

Said Bartels, "It's very charitable. That's one reason why I'm still a part of this. The good this organization does is what keeps it going."

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