Not only has its reputation evolved, so has its membership. Since the inception of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in 1868, barriers within this once male-only fraternal organization have slowly broken down.

In 1973, the group enacted a policy to end its whites-only rule. Then, in 1995, the Elks voted to accept women, a ruling that opened the door for Willow Glen resident Margaret Hobbs to become the "exalted ruler," the organization's top ranking, in the San Jose Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks No.522.

Hobbs, fiercely independent, never dreamed of becoming the group's leader when she joined almost five years ago. She was initially drawn to the San Jose Elks chapter on Alma Street because it boasted an Olympic-sized pool, and, as an avid swimmer, she was interested in the water aerobics classes held there, which stemmed from her years of living in Santa Rosa. There she was a member of the Masters Synchronized Swim Team, which earned two gold medals during the team's competition in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

"When I was at the pool, some members would ask me if I'd join, and it wasn't long after that that I was asked to be an officer," she recalls. "I joined because I am a swimmer, but my involvement now is just another example of how my life has evolved through the years."

Since almost her first day at the lodge, Hobbs was encouraged to become an officer and take an active role within the group. She began as a lecturing knight—one of the four office positions in the local lodge—and then progressed to loyal knight, leading knight and finally her current installation.

As an individual who has lived through the evolution of the women's movement, she appreciates her new role with the group. And she recognizes the importance of breaking through as the San Jose chapter's first president in its 105-year history. She has become the leader of an organization that is still male dominated, with more than 1,000 men and only 40 women, but believes that that dominance will not impede her position as the organization's first female leader.

For Hobbs, being able to balance her years as a stay-at-home mother with the feminist movement was never a contradiction of roles, she says.

"Throughout my life, I've had many opportunities," Hobbs adds. "I've always grabbed the ring when it came along," she says. "I have a very strong faith that has carried me through."

Although she wouldn't describe herself as a natural-born leader, Hobbs has always been one to "step up to the plate," viewing herself as a strong, successful woman.

"I think raising a family develops many talents," she says. "I've been a survivor."

Hobbs found herself in a tough situation when she became divorced and a single parent raising her four children, Cathy, Caren, Cindy and Bob. Later, after her children reached college age, she rejoined the work force as a manager for a large, international, charter airline business. Years later, she moved north to Santa Rosa to begin her own medical insurance claim service, becoming a licensed life and disability insurance agent. She established a successful medical insurance claim business in the town, and when she retired, Hobbs decided to return to San Jose and moved back to Willow Glen. Those business skills and her years as a single parent brought together her talents, which prepared her for the position of president and CEO of the San Jose Elks Lodge No. 522.

Hobbs, who doesn't want to reveal her age because she says age isn't an issue, thinks that being an older, more-mature woman is an asset in her new role. "A younger woman might be more competitive, or have a sexual edge," she says, "but with my maturity, I am able to leave that issue at the door. I am part of something that has evolved from only a man's organization. All the men are proud of me. I love them and they love me."

Longtime member and past first Exalted Ruler Mike Viverito says he knew when Hobbs joined the Elks, she could become its first woman officer and exalted ruler.

"Everybody loves Margaret," Viverito says. "She won't have any problems at all; she already has the support of the officers she works with."

Viverito, 57, says the top job is an involved one. He remembers spending nearly 30 hours a week at the lodge, paying bills and doing work that only the top officer is responsible for. His biggest advice to Hobbs: Never forgot to say thank you and to support your committees, because it will pay off in the long run. He remembers his gratitude toward fellow members usually translated into their willingness to help.

But watching Hobbs reach the top post was more than 10 years in the making. The mid-1990s was a pivotal time for the lodge, Viverito says. The lodge was about to break new ground and vote on accepting women into the longtime men's-only organization. Viverito says he didn't think the lodge was going to approve this change.

"I remember thinking that this isn't going to pass," he says. "I had to have one of my friends come in and sell the group on the idea."

And, Viverito says, it worked and the lodge approved the change, but there were some members who quit because they didn't like the idea.

But now, almost 10 years later, Viverito does not think Hobbs' new leadership role will be an issue.

"You can't please 100 percent of the people," he says. "But right now our membership is kind of off balance. I know I've got nothing against women; I'm married to one."

Elks Secretary Russ Mosher, 68, says Hobbs will be successful if she doesn't try to do everything herself and is a good representative for the lodge.

"Every member I've talked to is 100 percent behind her," he says. "She is going to do a great job."

One of the reasons Mosher is proud to be an Elks member, he reports, is that, nationwide, the organization gives more scholarships away than the United States government to youth. He also likes the camaraderie between members and the common bond shared—each member believes in God and is committed to the ideals of charity and patriotism, creating what the national organization calls a "quiet network of good deeds that has profoundly changed millions of lives for the better."

With money from local lodges and the national organization, the Elks usually donate about $8 million in scholarships every year. They also support Boy and Girl Scouts, exemplary high school seniors, children of the Elks and the disadvantaged.

Mosher hopes that the group's good work will encourage more residents to join. In recent years, membership has declined, which is symptomatic of many service organizations throughout the United States as the interests of younger generations have changed. At the San Jose Lodge's height—in 1983­84—membership was about 3,500. Today, it has dwindled to just over 1,000.

Hobbs hopes her influence as a female leader in the Elks will encourage more women to join the organization.

"It is an honor to be part of the group," she says. "This has been stimulating for me."

Despite its reputation as not being accepting of different races and genders, she says the organization is a social fellowship that comes together to support projects that all its members believe in.

"We have so many extensive philanthropic projects, there is something for everyone."

For more information about San Jose Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks No. 522, 444 West Alma Ave., call 408.298.3880.