In 1910, you could buy a loaf of bread for $.03 and milk cost $.30. A barrel of beer would set you back $7 and a case of 36 pint bottles was $1.75. College graduates would, on average, earn $750 per year. It was during that year, on June 3, 1910, in fact, that Bismarck Lodge #1199 came into existence. Elks from all over the state came to the Capital City to welcome the state’s newest B.P.O.E. lodge. On July 15, 1910, the lodge received its official charter, which still hangs in our lodge room today.

Over the course of 100 years, World Wars would begin and end, the Great Depression would come and go, but remaining steadfast was Bismarck Lodge #1199. Of course, the lodge found its home in various locations in Bismarck, and in 1966, the doors of the current building were opened. B.P.O.E. #1199 prospered and grew, and eventually the Elks lodge from Mandan merged with the one in Bismarck, thus becoming what we proudly call today Bismarck-Mandan Lodge #1199.

Throughout 2010-2011 we will have many special events to help us celebrate our centennial year; member appreciation day, musical tributes, 100th year memorabilia, anniversary day banquet and more.
Watch for updates in future newsletters, mark your calendars, and come out to help us celebrate this special milestone in our history.

As we kick off our 100th year as an Elks Lodge, we intend to celebrate with several events throughout the year, a Centennial wine with our own label (Merlot, chardonnay, and White Zinfandel), and Centennial Elks glasses.

But for now we should reflect on the great things the Elks has meant to us through the years. Brotherhood, friendships we have made, when our parents used to take us to the restaurant or Elks events, when the Purple and White band used to march in the parades with pride, friends and family who have dined and danced together, Elks Camp Grassick, the Camp Grassick Day and picnic, the Elks Pool, and the many contributions and donations the Elks has given to the community. Each of us has our own memory that says Elks. The many lodge buildings and the memories that stem from them and their members over the years are eternal and to be cherished. Let us toast to the Bismarck/Mandan Elks Lodge 1199 and to our absent members!