The historic Elks Lodge has been in the news lately after a years-long legal dispute over the property was finally resolved. While much of our citizenry might ask, “What’s Elks Lodge?” that’s not true for those who grew up in our western neighborhoods.
It’s certainly not for the son of pioneer entrepreneur and civic leader James A. Dallas Sr., whose name appears on NW Second Street signs, running west to east to the new Brightline station. His clubs hosted a long line of music greats, including Ray Charles, Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald.
James Dallas II, now a Chicago doctor, tells us, “As a young kid, I clearly remember riding in the car with my father to the Elks Lodge several times. I had to sit and wait in that hot car while he went inside.
“Once inside, he would meet and talk with local businessmen, such as George Benton, owner of Benton Funeral, the first black funeral home in Fort Lauderdale, or Congressman Alcee Hastings, who was just getting started with his political career. These were just a few, along with other local professionals, that would be inside while I waited.”
“The Elks Rest” was the name they called it before it was known as “The Elks.” Located at 712 NW Second St., it was built in 1932.
“Back in the day, especially during the ’50s-’60s-’70s, anybody black and of high regard and considered ‘classy’ would most likely visit the Elks during their visit to Fort Lauderdale,” James II says. “It was not just for these out-of-town visitors but also for everyday people looking for a cozy watering hole where they could have a few drinks and some good conversation.”
His uncle, a postman, would travel from Harlem to Fort Lauderdale every winter for decades. “After he dropped his suitcase at our house, his first stop was The Elks.”
James’ sister, Michele Dallas, a prominent local dentist and now filmmaker (“Crossing the Waters”), recalls those days. Her mother often said, “Your daddy is at his second home.” As a little girl, Michele recalls, “I would call the Elks and ask for Daddy, and he would always come to the phone.” He already knew what she wanted: a stop at the Burger King.
Over the years, notables who stopped by the lodge included the Rev. Ralph Abernathy and President Jimmy Carter. But the lodge also served as a gathering spot for events like the Kappa Alpha Psi Black and White Ball, fashion shows and local bands.
The Elks Rest and The Elks have a more formal name: The Pride of Fort Lauderdale Elks Lodge No. 652.
The lodge traces its roots back to 1868, when African American leaders established the “Black Elks” as a nonprofit, charitable and fraternal organization in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The mission of the Black Elks emphasized “the welfare and happiness of its members … nobleness of soul … charity, justice.”
According to historical accounts, B. F. Howard and Pullman porter Arthur J. Riggs helped found the new organization after being denied membership in the white Elks. They structured the new group in a way that withstood legal challenges from the original Elks and protected the fledgling association’s legitimacy.
However, efforts to expand the organization were not without danger. In Alabama, Riggs was reportedly threatened with violence if he attempted to bring the charter to Birmingham. To ensure his safety, he avoided returning there and continued his work under a different name.
Howard, along with support from the Knights of Pythias (another Black fraternal group), helped establish the first chapter of what became known as the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World. By 1920, it had secured its place as a recognized and respected organization.
While there is still no confirmed date for the reopening of the Elks Rest in Fort Lauderdale, its story remains a vital part of the city’s cultural and civic fabric.
