Birth of the Elks

“Lodge of the Elks at Aspen,” read a headline in the Aspen Daily Chronicle on Dec. 28, 1891. “General B.F. Klee, district deputy of the Elks, will institute a new lodge at Aspen next Sunday night, says the Denver Republican on Friday morning. He will be assisted by the officers and team of the Denver Lodge. A special car has been chartered on the Midland, and at least thirty-five Elks will leave Saturday night for Aspen. Charles R. Bell of that city has been instrumental in organizing the lodge, which will have thirty charter members.”