Senate Resolution No. 2659

BY: Senator STEC

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the
Ticonderoga Elks Lodge No. 1494

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those fraternal organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Ticonderoga Elks Lodge No.
1494, to be celebrated on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at ; and

WHEREAS, The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) is one
of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the world, with
approximately 789,742 in more than 1,800 lodges across the United
States; and

WHEREAS, BPOE strives to teach the principles of Charity, Justice,
Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote
the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members; to quicken the
spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to
perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its
government; and

WHEREAS, Lodge No. 1494 of Ticonderoga, New York, was chartered on
July 1, 1924, under the direction of Grand Lodge Officers from the New
York State Elks Association as well as North District locations of
Hoosick Falls, Albany, and Glens Falls; during this time, its charter
Officers and Appointees were installed: Exalted Ruler, Charles A. Hunt;
Esteemed Leading Knight, Harry E. Hawksley; Esteemed Loyal Knight,
William J. Malaney; Esteemed Lecturing Knight, Robert L. McNeal;
Secretary, Rober W. Noel; Treasurer, William F. Townsend; Tiler, Frank
Denton; Trustee three years, Dr. Thomas J. Dowd; Trustee two years,
Joseph H. Arthur; Trustee one year, Isidor Rothschild; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception 100 years ago, Ticonderoga Elks Lodge
No. 1494 has established a remarkable legacy of service not only to the
immediate community of Ticonderoga, but also to other surrounding
communities, and has demonstrated fraternity among its members and with
other charitable local organizations; and

WHEREAS, Following a devastating fire at the Lodge and Lodge
Restaurant then located on Montcalm Street, the Ticonderoga Elks Lodge
acquired the International Paper Company's (Sylvamo predecessor)
Information Technology Office property at 5 Tower Avenue in 1976 for the
modest sum of $1.00 to establish its new Lodge; and

WHEREAS, Ticonderoga Lodge No. 1494 has diligently followed the
Elks' tradition of serving children, supporting the Elks National Hoop
Shoot, Elks Soccer Shoot, Drug Awareness Programs, and the Dictionary
Project; and

WHEREAS, Ticonderoga Elks Lodge No. 1494 sponsors Annual
Scholarships for high school students demonstrating commitment to
community service and National Elks Scholarships for Most Valuable
Students, as well as Legacy Awards and Emergency Grants for graduating
seniors planning to continue to their education at a college or
university; and

WHEREAS, During World War II, the Elks vowed that disabled American
veterans would never be forgotten; Lodge No. 1494 has remained faithful
to that promise, making annual contributions to support the welfare and
comfort of veterans, and honoring local veterans with a Veterans Day
dinner; and

WHEREAS, The Lodge supports the New York State Elks Association's
Major Project which aids children and adults with Cerebral Palsy; it
also supports the Order's pride in demonstrating its Americanism and
seeks to promote and safeguard the American principles of individual
freedom, opportunity, and dignity; and

WHEREAS, Organizations of singular distinction such as Ticonderoga
Elks Lodge No. 1494 merit the grateful praise of the community and of
the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor and commend
the members of the Ticonderoga Elks Lodge No. 1494, past and present,
who have labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of
life for the community it serves; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Ticonderoga Elks Lodge No.
1994; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Ticonderoga Elks Lodge No. 1494