Orange Elks Exalted Ruler JC Cortez (back row center) is surrounded by Lodge leaders at the Orange Lodge’s 101st Installation of Officers earlier this year.
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Orange Elks
Orange Elks Lodge 1475 celebrates its 100th anniversary. Originally located above what is now Hector’s (formerly Watson’s), the Lodge moved across the street to its current four-story building when the Oddfellows lost its former home during the Great Depression. With 1,931 active members, the Orange Elks support Americanism, veterans, youth, drug awareness, Downs Syndrome, schools, law enforcement and scouts.
“We don’t bring politics or religion inside the door at the Elks,” says Jorge “JC” Cortez, a six-year Elk and the Lodge’s current Exalted Ruler.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America is one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the country since its inception in 1868. The Elks created the original VA hospitals and gave them to the government. Joining the Orange Elks Lodge requires being an American citizen, belief in God and $155 a year.
“We do a lot of community work and we have a lot of fun,” says Bill Neessen, an Elk since 2002. “We make a lot of money, and we give it all away. The key to our Lodge’s success is time, treasure, talent and teamwork.”
Money is raised through membership and from the Grand Lodge. The Elks do not go to the general public with fundraising efforts, nor receive monies from the government. The Orange Elks own the four-story building outright, freeing them up to use monies to help the community. Additionally, members of the public can rent out the second-story banquet room for celebrations.
The Orange Elks have been in the same 4-story building for nearly 100 years. They obtained it from original owners, the Orange Odd Fellows, who lost the building to foreclosure in 1925. In this circa 1965 photo, a furniture store occupied the ground level, while the Elks Lodge housed the second and third floors, and also the basement.
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“Several of our members are very creative with fundraising and have fun doing it, such as cooking in the Lodge kitchen on selected weeknights for members to come in and purchase the food,” says Cortez. “That money all goes back to the community.”
In the last 100 years, the Orange Elks Lodge has donated more than $9 million to the local community. The lodge runs on volunteerism. There are about a dozen paid staff.
“There is no minimum time commitment,” says 13-year Elk Mike Cash.
Committees are created to execute events and programs to serve Orange, such as Reading Promise or Flags Over Orange, two programs created by Elks members. Most Orange Elks programs are volunteer created and not Grand Lodge instituted. The Orange Elks will soon assume responsibility for the Flag lowering ceremony in Plaza Park.
“You can make your membership your own based on what you are good at or passionate about,” says Cortez, whose goal this year is to bring more visibility to the Elks. “The lodge really plays to people’s strengths, whether it’s sports, cooking or whatever your passion is.”
The secret to the Elks longevity? “Volunteers and good people,” says Cortez.
Orange Elks Lodge #1475
211 East Chapman Ave., Old Towne Orange, CA 92866 / 714-538-2168
