Salisbury Elks Lodge #817, a Pillar In Our Community Since 1903!

The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC) successfully hosted its March Business After Hours event at the Salisbury Elks Lodge #817 on Thursday, March 9, 2023. Over 80 members of the SACC and the local community came together to support the Elks, network and build camaraderie.

The event was made possible by our generous host Salisbury Elks Lodge #817 and guests were welcomed by Duke Marshall and Bob Hussey.

Marshall, the Incoming Exalted Ruler, passionately shared the history and community engagement of the Salisbury Elks Lodge #817.

 “Just a little bit of history about us.  We were founded in 1903, started downtown, and the city made a deal in the 40’s to switch that location for the land where we are sitting now.  This building that we are in was started to be built in 1947, but the war came and everyone went to war leaving the building incomplete.  Two years after, when they returned, they finished the building, making it in my opinion into one of the iconic buildings of Salisbury.   Part of what the Elks do is giving back to the community and taking care of our Veterans, Boy Scouts, the needed and the kids that need it the most.  Last year Salisbury Elks members raised over $14 Million dollars that have been given back the surrounding areas.  We give them the opportunity with Easter, Halloween, Christmas parties and more.   Even though we are a private club, we hold catering events and rent this room, and if you have the chance, you can visit the Ballroom and the Regency rooms that are available for rent as well.”

Marshall concluded by announcing that they are celebrating three important anniversaries this year: 120 years of the lodge, 90 years of the golf course and 60 years of the pool.   “We encourage anyone to take an application and consider joining this great organization.”

Bob Hussey, pool committee chair, was thrilled to talk about the pool facilities. “Just six years ago we only had 75 pool members, presently we have 235 pool members.  In 1963, the pool opened at the lodge, we are celebrating its 60^th anniversary.  I am pleased to announced because of the growth in pool membership the Elks swim team is coming back!  We have a lot of improvement plans this year, but I can tell you that the lodge’s fortune changed about 5 years ago when we partnered with the Community Foundation and created the Friends of the Elks.  It enabled us to raise close to $800,000 to put back into this grand old lady (the lodge). In 2020, Covid turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to this place, because one of the restrictions was that people had to be outside and we were ready because of the investment we had done.   We even turned a storage unit, into an outside tiki bar.  Other renovations include epoxy floors in our pool area, new toilets, and partitions in the pool area.  We are looking forward to another great summer season; and allowing the underprivileged children to use our pool before we open the pool to our members.”

Elks USA, is a national organization dedicated to providing charitable services to their local communities.  Today, Salisbury Elks Lodge #817 has over 1,400 members, and has donated over $14 million back into the local community.   For more information regarding membership, please email membership@elks817.org

Guests were treated to appetizers provided by the lodge’s chef, as well as beer and wine. Door prizes included a gift certificate for Evolution Craft Brewing – Public House, a golf pass at the lodge’s golf course, and a snack basket. A 50/50 raffle was held to support the SACC Foundation Wor-Wic Scholarship fund, with the winner receiving a hefty cash prize!

For more information call 410-742-2104, visit www.elks817.org or stop by at 401 Church Hill Avenue, Salisbury, MD.