A Century of Service to Orange
In the early summer of 1923, Thomas "Herb" Elijah was reading the Orange Daily News. Alongside stories about Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey, and Prohibition, a small article caught his attention. It spoke of a movement to establish a new Elks Lodge in the growing community of Orange.
At the time, Elijah and many other Orange residents were members of Santa Ana Lodge, but the opportunity to establish a lodge in their hometown generated tremendous enthusiasm. Elijah joined with other interested Elks and began the work necessary to secure a charter. A census was conducted to verify that Orange met the required population threshold, and petitions were submitted to Grand Lodge.
In November 1923, Grand Lodge approved the charter. Fifty-three Orange residents who had previously belonged to Santa Ana Lodge became the charter members of Orange Lodge #1475. The institution ceremony was held on November 26, 1923, in the Odd Fellows Hall above Watson's Drug Store.
The Orange Daily News reported on the impressive ceremonies, elaborate decorations, and a banquet held beforehand at the Coffee Cup Café. Fourteen officers were formally installed to guide the new lodge and begin what would become a century-long tradition of service to the community.
Early Growth and Community Involvement
The first club rooms occupied by the new lodge were located in what is now the Friedemann Building. Furnishings were modest, consisting primarily of a few tables, chairs, and pool tables left by previous tenants.
By December 1923, seventy-five additional members had joined, bringing total membership to 128. Throughout the following years, membership steadily increased, and the lodge became increasingly involved in community activities and charitable endeavors.
In 1925, the Odd Fellows completed construction of their new building at the corner of Chapman and Orange Avenue. Orange Lodge moved into the vacated Watson Building quarters after extensive remodeling and improvements. The first meeting in the new facility was held in December 1925.
During the difficult years of the Great Depression, Orange Lodge continued to support charitable activities despite economic hardship. In 1935, when the Odd Fellows experienced financial difficulties and lost their building through foreclosure, Orange Lodge was given the opportunity to lease the upper floors. The additional space allowed the lodge to expand its activities and better serve its growing membership.
World War II and a Permanent Home
The outbreak of World War II dramatically impacted the lodge. Members entered military service, and the lodge actively supported wartime efforts. Bonds were purchased, blood drives were supported, and the lodge opened its doors to visiting servicemen.
Sixty-six stars appeared on the Lodge Service Flag. Sixty-five members returned home.
In February 1942, Orange Lodge purchased its present home at 211 East Chapman Avenue. Through the generosity of members and responsible financial stewardship, the mortgage was paid off in less than a year.
The post-war years brought unprecedented growth. Membership expanded rapidly, and a major building improvement project was undertaken beginning in 1947. Renovations included an expanded lodge room, improved club facilities, an elevator, kitchen facilities, dining areas, and additional gathering spaces.
In August 1948, Orange Lodge celebrated its Silver Jubilee with a week-long celebration featuring an open house, community barbecue, raffle, and dinner dance. Membership continued to flourish and eventually exceeded 900 members.
Building for the Future
During the 1960s and 1970s, Orange Lodge explored opportunities to construct a new facility and purchased property on Taft Avenue. Although a new building was never constructed, significant improvements were made to the existing lodge.
Members donated countless hours of labor renovating, modernizing, and expanding the facility. Improvements included remodeling projects, new heating and air conditioning systems, upgraded kitchens, improved dining facilities, and enhanced meeting spaces.
The 1980s and 1990s saw Orange Lodge increase its emphasis on community outreach and charitable service. Programs supporting youth, education, public safety, veterans, and local families expanded significantly.
The lodge donated its first Police K-9 to the Orange Police Department in 1985 and would continue that tradition for decades to come. The Orange Peal newsletter earned state and national recognition, and Orange Lodge became one of the nation's leading contributors to the Elks National Foundation.
The admission of women into the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks brought new opportunities and perspectives to the organization. In 2004, Donnal Hunt became Orange Lodge's first female Exalted Ruler.
Orange Lodge Today
More than one hundred years after its founding, Orange Elks Lodge #1475 remains one of the most active and respected lodges in California.
Today, the lodge serves more than 2,000 members and continues to provide thousands of volunteer service hours annually. Orange Lodge has earned recognition as an All-American Lodge and has been recognized among the top lodges in California and the nation for its community service, charitable programs, membership growth, and leadership development.
Located in the heart of Old Towne Orange, the lodge remains a gathering place for fellowship, family activities, civic engagement, and volunteer service.
Our mission remains unchanged: to serve our youth, veterans, first responders, and neighbors while promoting the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity.
Behind the Secret Doors
For generations, residents of Orange have wondered what takes place behind the doors of the historic Elks Lodge building.
The answer is simple: service.
Every week, Orange Elks gather not only for fellowship but also to plan, organize, and execute programs that strengthen our community and improve lives.
Through thousands of volunteer hours each year, members support programs serving youth, veterans, seniors, first responders, families, and individuals experiencing hardship.
Youth Programs
Dictionary Project
For more than sixteen years, Orange Elks volunteers have distributed dictionaries to every third-grade student in the Orange Unified School District. Thousands of students receive dictionaries annually, promoting literacy and educational success.
Reading Promise
The Reading Promise program encourages reading among children and families by distributing books and hosting literacy-focused events. Since its creation, the program has placed more than a thousand books into the hands of local children.
Hoop Shoot
The Elks National Hoop Shoot provides youth ages 8–13 opportunities to develop confidence, perseverance, sportsmanship, and leadership through friendly competition.
Youth Appreciation Programs
Each year, Orange Elks recognize outstanding students through scholarships, essay contests, scouting awards, leadership recognition, ROTC awards, and Americanism programs.
Antlers Youth Leadership Program
Orange Lodge recently chartered an Antlers youth organization, creating opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills, participate in community service projects, and become engaged citizens.
Veterans Programs
Supporting veterans remains one of the most important missions of Orange Lodge.
Programs include:
- Veterans Appreciation Events
- Veterans Stand Down
- Tustin Veterans Outpost Meal Service
- Fleet Week Support Activities
- Wreaths Across America
- Veteran Resource Outreach Programs
Orange Elks proudly honor those who have served our nation while supporting veterans facing challenges as they transition to civilian life.
Marketplace at the Hub
One of Orange Lodge's newest and most impactful initiatives is the Marketplace at the Hub.
Operated in partnership with the OC Hub Resource Center, the Marketplace provides a dignity-based shopping experience for individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship.
Participants select the items they need most, including:
• Hygiene products
• Personal care items
• Socks and underwear
• Nutrition and snack packs
• Pet care supplies
The Marketplace serves hundreds of individuals annually and continues to grow through community partnerships and volunteer support.
Community Service
Orange Elks continue to provide a wide variety of community programs including:
Christmas Basket Program
For more than fifty years, Orange Elks have provided holiday food assistance to local families. More than 9,000 families have benefited from this program.
Senior Santa
Members collect gifts, clothing, and necessities for low-income seniors throughout Orange County.
Down Syndrome Family Picnic
The lodge sponsors annual family events that provide recreation, inclusion, and community connection for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
National Night Out
Orange Elks participate in community safety outreach and public education activities each year.
Orange International Street Fair
Members maintain a strong presence at the Street Fair, sharing information about Elks programs while providing family-friendly activities for visitors.
Supporting First Responders
Police K-9 Program
Since 1985, Orange Elks have supported the Orange Police Department through the purchase and support of Police K-9 units. Numerous police service dogs have been funded through the generosity of lodge members and supporters.
Police and Fire Appreciation Night
Each year, Orange Elks recognize outstanding police officers and firefighters for their service and dedication to the community. The lodge also presents the Enrique S. Camarena Award to a law enforcement professional who exemplifies community service and commitment to drug prevention.
Americanism and Patriotism
Orange Elks proudly promote patriotism and civic responsibility through:
- Americanism Essay Contest
- Flag Day Ceremony
- Pocket Constitution Distribution
- Classroom Flag Program
- Flag Retirement Ceremonies
- Flags Over Orange
- 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Through these programs, thousands of students and residents are reminded each year of the freedoms and responsibilities that accompany American citizenship.
Looking Toward Our Next Century
As Orange Elks Lodge #1475 enters its second century of service, our commitment remains stronger than ever.
The history of Orange Lodge is not simply found in the stories of the past. It is written every day by members who volunteer, serve, lead, mentor, and support one another and their community.
For more than one hundred years, Orange Elks have answered the call to serve.
We invite you to become part of the next chapter and join us as we continue our tradition of service, fellowship, and community leadership for generations to come.