Bakersfield (Calif.) Lodge Dedicates Handsome New Home

Bakersfield (Calif.) Lodge, No. 266, dedicated its new $425,000 Home on Washing ton's Birthday, in the presence of one thou sand visiting Elks from all parts of the State. In the afternoon, a class of 142 candidates was initiated into the Order. After the initiation, the Grand Lodge officers were entertained at dinner at the Stockdale Coif and Country Club. In the evening the dedication ceremonies were held. Dr. Howard B. Kirtland of San Luis Obispo (Calif.) Lodge, No. 322, President of the California Stale Elks Association, presided at the services, assisted by Grand Esteemed Leading Knight, Harry !M. Ticknor of Pasadena (Calif.) Lodge, No. 672, and Past Exalted Ruler James M. Shanly of Oakland (Calif.) Lodge, No. 171, who was present at the organization of Bakersfield Lodge over thirty years ago. Horace Amphlett, of San Mateo (Calif.) Lodge, No. 1112, delivered a patriotic and inspiring address. After the ceremonies dinner was served in the jinks room, to over 600 of the guests.

The architecture of the new building is colonial and the structure is of steel, concrete and brick. On the first floor, to the left of the entrance in the center of the building, is the jinks room, 82 x 46 feet, which is provided with adequate stage facilities, and a well-equipped kitchen. This big room will be used for dances, entertainments and banquets. The entrance to the building is surrounded by stately columns, and marbled floors and stairway form the way to the second floor, or the large passenger elevator can be used. In the rear of the entrance is the tiled swimming-pool, 46 x 30 feet. On the right of the entrance are the ladies' par- lop, which can be reached from the street without entering the building proper. On the main floor is the very spacious lounge room, 57 X 37 feet. The Lodge room, 70 X 46 feet, on the same floor, is the pride of the Bakersfield Lodge. Its walls and ceiling are decorated with art work in a brown tint, and the curtains in the embrasured windows are in harmony with the color scheme. In a short time a pipe-organ will be installed in the loft provided for that purpose. The spacious billiard room is off the lounge room. A club room and buffet are to the rear of the billiard room. The third and fourth floors are divided into forty finely furnished rooms for members and traveling Elks.

On the evening following the dedication the first dance in the new building was held, and it was enjoyed by hundreds of the members and their friends.

More News from April, 1924