History of Elks Lodge # 2705
The History of Osage Community
LAURIE, MISSOURI, is embraced by beautiful country, rich with history and community and treasured for its summertime recreation. It was here that the Osage tribe of Native Americans once made their home, and today's amateur archaeologist discovers that the Osage River and Gravois Creek can still surprise by giving up arrowheads and tomahawks. It was also here that during the Great Depression, Bagnell Dam was completed to generate electricity, creating the Lake of the Ozarks amidst gently rolling hills lush with trees and greenery that would later give way to a resort community.
But Lake of the Ozarks isn't just any ordinary lake, it is one of the premier recreational lakes of the Midwest. With more than 1,500 miles of shoreline-more shoreline than the entire state of California-Lake of the Ozarks is something of a summertime paradise for the Great Plains, attracting millions of visitors each year with the promise of good fishing, boating, swimming, and waterskiing. And for the village of Laurie, Osage Community Elks Lodge No. 2705, is no less a paradise in the community. Osage Community Elks Lodge # 2705 is one of the few local organizations that have actively sought to improve the quality of life in the area. Osage Community Elks Lodge # 2705 is truly a treasure of the Order of Elks
How Osage Community Elks Lodge No.2705. Started.
The Lake West did not have an Elks Lodge until Sunday, Feb. 23, 1986, when Osage Community Elks Lodge 2705 was instituted, making it a lodge of the Benevolent and protective Order of Elks, of the United States of America. The great American fraternal organization originated Feb. 16, 1868, in New York City. The great brotherhood, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, has more than 1.3 million members. Osage Community Elks Lodge # 2705 started from a humble beginning, spurred by two stray Elks who lived in the west lake area. It all started when Donnie Mauslein and Jerry Wareham contacted Past State President Galen Marr in Warrensburg. Edward W. McCabe, Past Grand Exalted Ruler of the Grand Lodge was also informed.
Mauslein and Wareham were later joined by Larry Haines, and they, as a steering committee, started promoting Elkdom in the west lake area. Past State President Marr soon realized the Elks seeking his audience were in very much in earnest and outlined the requirements for instituting a new lodge. Brothers Lawrence E. Haines, Don Mauslein and Jerry Wareham pledged their support in meeting these requirements.
The quartet met again at Dogwood Restaurant July 5 and a general meeting was scheduled for August 7 … there were 26 American Gentlemen in attendance, as was District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Gary M. Kroeck of Warrensburg. He too, realized the sincere desire of the three Elks and announced officers of the Organizational Committee. The committee included Don Mauslein, chairman, Jerry Wareham, secretary, and Larry Haines, treasurer. Additional meetings and fund-raising events resulted.
As early as November 11, 1985 interest had peaked to the point DDGER Gary Kroeck advised if enough applications and transfers were received by December 9, proceedings would be started with the Grand Lodge. The challenge was met!
December 18 a number was assigned, Lodge # 2705, the name was announced, Osage Community Lodge and a quota of 100 signatures of intent was set by DDGER Kroeck. No problem for the North Highway 5 Community!
As early as January 4, 1986, officers and trustees elect were meeting … the steering committee was jubilant with 76 applications and 17 demits approved. Pending approval were 23 applications and 16 demits … ONLY six months after the original meeting with Galen Marr when the first general meeting was scheduled, 134 American Gentlemen had expressed interest in the new Lodge!
Organizational meetings were held in the Bank of Laurie, there were 103 in attendance for the organizational meeting January 5, Bernard M. Watters, SDGER issued approval of the new Lodge January 10; date of institution was established during a January 20 meeting. After months of hard work, promoting, and fund-raising events, the quota for institution was met. The installation of officers for the new Lodge was conducted by Grand Lodge and Missouri Elks Association Officers at Millstone Lodge. The Lodge was instituted on February 23, 1986 at the Millstone Auditorium with a total of 227 Charter members in attendance of which 171 were new Elks and 56 were transfers from other Lodges. Our first meetings were held at several different locations. The infant Lodge held bi-monthly meetings at Zack Wheat American Legion Post 624 in Sunrise Beach, meeting were also held at the Fire House & Community Center. Later, land was purchased off of Route O in Laurie, beyond the Bowling Alley; construction of the initial building began in February of 1987 and was completed in September of the same year. The building consisted of two floors and 4800 square feet and was built almost entirely with volunteer help. There were too many Brothers involved to list them all, but many remain active today. The Lodge growth was rapid, and it wasn't long before we outgrew the building and plans were generated to build an addition, which would increase the size by 3 times, an addition of 60 x 60 2 story was added. Construction began on October 20, 1990 and was completed in November of 1991. A Building Dedication Party was held the same month and nearly 600 people attended. By 2000, the membership had grown to over 800 members. It was decided that due to the fast growth an addition was needed. A 70 x 40 bar/lounge was added and completed in 2003. The 3 stages of building were done mostly by volunteer members. This attractive Lodge building is located on 13 1/2 acres suitable for future expansion.
The Elks Lodge contributes to many charitable activities include Christmas baskets to needy families. Youth activities including the Fishing Derby (l00 to 150 kids), hoop shoot, sponsorship of Boy Scout Troop, Soccer team, and Baseball team. Special money raising events are held for the benefit of Veterans. The Elks have the honor of conducting Hillbilly Fair opening Day each year. Profits from raffle tickets provide clothing for needy children. The Elks are also involved in many other programs including Drug Awareness, Hoop Shoot, Student of the Month and Scholarships to deserving kids.
Osage Community Elks Lodge # 2705 Four Time All American Lodge
Ted Callicott third from left a past National President of the Elks accepts a commemorative "Three-Time Winner" polo shirt from the three Laurie Elks who were Presidents in the years the local Lodge was awarded "All-American" honors. They are (left-to-right) Dale Evans, 1998-1999; Gary O'Hare, 1999-2000; and George Whitney,1993-1994.
In the years 2006 - 2007 when Frank Scarpino was our President we again received All American Lodge Award, making us a Four Time All American Lodge Winner.
Each year, over 2300 Elks Lodges Nationwide are judged for their participation in the many local and National programs and one from each membership category is awarded the prestigious designation of "All American Lodge".
The achievement of these awards were a result of a devoted effort by the members who volunteered their time. The members continue to step forward and volunteer which is what makes Osage Community Lodge #2705 so great.For a Listing of Past Exalted Ruler's & Elk's of the Year Click Here
