Dean Parsons
(picture coming ???)
Our Lodge has 578 members. At one time the membership was nearly 1082 (the number of our Lodge). However, due to various governmental edicts and regulations that slowed down (in some cases stopped entirely) the timber and fishing industries, the population of the area decreased significantly and our membership suffered as well. We are finding it difficult (as many Lodges are) to increase membership. Due to the decrease in membership, our Lodge experienced some financial difficulties. The Officers and the Board realized that a BIG change had to be made and recruited several volunteer committees to address the problems. The committees; "spruced up" the exterior of the building and grounds(the Building was completed in 1908), completely refurbished and redecorated the lounge(time and materials were donated), refurbished the kitchen and in general, just made Hoquiam Lodge #1082 the proud and beautiful Elks Lodge that it is. There is little doubt, in my mind, that membership will increase due to our efforts.
The City of Hoquiam is one of three contiguous cities. (Aberdeen and Cosmpolis being the other two) Hoquiam, being the farthest West of the three, is known as the Gateway to the Olympic Pennisula. For the uninitiated, the Olympic Pennisula is a combination of rain forest, mighty fir and spruce trees, beautiful lakes, sandy Pacific Ocean beaches and wildlife in abundance.(in any given day, driving the Pennisula, one might see Bears, Elk, Deer, Coyotes, Bald Eagles and many other fasinating "critters") Reigning over this beautiful pennisula is the largest peak in the "coastal" range of mountains in the United States : the majestic, snow-capped Mount Olympus. Rising to 7960 feet, this mountain can most certainly be called "The guardian of paradise"
For all who heed Horace Greeley's statement and "go West", please make Hoquiam Elks Lodge #1082 and the Olympic Pennisula must see places on your itinerary.
At Hoquiam #1082 you are not a "stranger", rather a "friend" we haven't met yet.