Valpo Elks

Valpo Elks The Story, always interesting, is the story of the expansion of a dream of brotherhood into the greatest of American Fraternities. Richard R.

On Friday, November 15th , 1867, Charles A. Vivian, an English comic singer, landed in New York via an English trading vessel from South Hampton. On the night of his arrival he dropped into the Star Hotel, a "Free and Easy" kept by John Ireland on Lispenard street near Broadway. Steirly, also of English birth, was a piano player at the Star Hotel. Vivian struck up an acquaintance with him and volu

nteered to sing a few songs. He made such an impression on John Ireland that the latter sent for his friend, Robert Butler, manager of the "American Theater" on Broadway. Vivian sang for Butler, making such a hit that he was engaged for a three week's run at the American. When closing time came at the Star Hotel, Steirly took Vivian around to his boarding house at 188 Elm Street, kept by Mrs. Giesman, There he found a collection of congenial spirits, among them William Bowron, who also knew Vivian in his native land, *** The streets in that section of New York have been re-plotted and their names changed so that the plot known as "188 Elm Street" can now be found on LaFayette Street in the block between Broome and spring Streets, In 1939 the Council of the City of New York passed the following resolution: "Be it resolved... that the two blocks remaining on Elm Street be known as Elk Street to pay tribute to the famous Order of Elks which was founded on that Street in the year 1867." On November 23rd , 1867, Dick Steirly went to the American Theater to take notes for the purpose of orchestrating some of Vivian's songs. After the matinee, Vivian took Steirly over to Sandy Spencer's place at Broadway and Fulton Street, There they met Hughley Dougherty, Cool Burgess and Henry Vandemark. The latter suggested that the party shake dice for the refreshments. Vivian replied that he never handled the cubes, but would show them a new game. Calling for three corks he gave one each to Steirly and Vandemark, keeping the other for himself, He asked Cool Burgess to be the judge and Dougherty to count to three. They rehearsed the trick of each dropping his cork on the bar and picking it up as rapidly as possible, several times, the idea conveyed to initiated being that the last man to lift his cork was to buy. Vivian then gave the word of command, Dougherty counted, He and Steirly passed their hands over their corks while Vandemark, eager to lift his cork from the bar, was both first and last to pick it up, and consequently was stuck for the round. This was the first introduction of a delectable form of amusement which became popular.

Fish fry!! Come down and have some fish Friday the 28th from 430-7 with BINGO at 7
08/20/2026

Fish fry!! Come down and have some fish Friday the 28th from 430-7 with BINGO at 7

Who needs Friday plans! We have a pork chop dinner from 430-7 and then BINGO starting at 7! Come down and have some fun!
08/12/2026

Who needs Friday plans! We have a pork chop dinner from 430-7 and then BINGO starting at 7! Come down and have some fun!

07/31/2026

Fish Fry tomorrow July 31st 4:30p-7:00p with BINGO starting at 7:00p. Come down and support!

Don’t forget to come see us Friday night! Mexican night at the elks with dinner from 430-7 and BINGO at 7!Tacos for dinn...
07/09/2026

Don’t forget to come see us Friday night! Mexican night at the elks with dinner from 430-7 and BINGO at 7!

Tacos for dinner with margaritas on drink special!

See everyone tomorrow night!

Happy Fourth of July!
07/03/2026

Happy Fourth of July!

Thank you all who participated and helped put together the wonderful dinner and bingo for the Porter County Special Olym...
06/30/2026

Thank you all who participated and helped put together the wonderful dinner and bingo for the Porter County Special Olympics!

Happy 4th of July to everyone! Be safe! We will be closed for the fourth

Don’t forget July 10th we will be happy Mexican Night with tacos and drink special of the month/evening is margaritas! Come have a taco and marg!

Don’t forget! This Friday come support your local elks and more importantly come support the Porter County Special Olymp...
06/25/2026

Don’t forget! This Friday come support your local elks and more importantly come support the Porter County Special Olympics!

Put it on your calendar! Come support Porter County Special Olympics!

June 26th fish dinner 430-7
BINGO starts at 715 where half of each pot goes to the Special Olympics.

Come down, support and have some fun!

Put it on your calendar! Come support Porter County Special Olympics!June 26th fish dinner 430-7 BINGO starts at 715 whe...
06/18/2026

Put it on your calendar! Come support Porter County Special Olympics!

June 26th fish dinner 430-7
BINGO starts at 715 where half of each pot goes to the Special Olympics.

Come down, support and have some fun!

Come see us Friday! We have fried chicken from 430-7 and then BINGO at starting at 7!
06/11/2026

Come see us Friday! We have fried chicken from 430-7 and then BINGO at starting at 7!

We know you’ve missed it!May 29th Fish fry 430-7 with BINGO starting at 7!
05/21/2026

We know you’ve missed it!

May 29th Fish fry 430-7 with BINGO starting at 7!

Address

157 Jefferson Street
Valparaiso, IN
46383

Opening Hours

Wednesday 4pm - 8pm
Friday 4pm - 11pm
Saturday 4pm - 11pm

Telephone

(219) 462-5421

Website

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