Once upon a time, Elks in Lodge 616 knew how to celebrate a really terrific Thanksgiving.
No, not riding over the Pali and through the tunnel to Grandmother’s house to eat too much and watch football. Elks at Lodge 616 personally gave their time and money to help needy members of our community, up close and personal. Here’s the story . . .
The setting is November 1925. Honolulu headlines shout the story of Brigadier General William “Billy” Mitchell’s court martial[1]. News stories highlight an angry debate of business vs. teachers on improving student grades, and point out the city’s troubled finances.
Thanksgiving, 6:45 a.m.: In cool Waikiki morning air, a long line of shiny black automobiles - 50 in all - pulls away from Lodge 616 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. More than 200 people are giving up time on Thanksgiving to help distribute food baskets to 360 families. Looking into one open car, we can see the auto carries a smiling crew: a 616 Elk at the wheel, a uniformed Boy Scout, and a “welfare woman”[2] most came from the Territorial Social Services Bureau or Palama Settlement. At least a few of the ladies were wearing hats and gloves. Each auto is crowded with woven baskets chock full of kitchen basics like sugar, flour, coffee, and canned goods. Baskets for families with young children include frivolous items - usually animal crackers, and Cracker Jack. The welfare workers direct drivers to the homes of deserving families and match the size of the basket to each family. Well before noon, the workers return to their own families with warm feelings of satisfaction in a good job well done.
Over 2000 people received food that day. The generous auto owners who volunteered their not-yet-common vehicles enabled the distributions. “Motoring” was still a pastime for the more affluent.
By 1925, providing food to ensure everyone had a good Thanksgiving meal was already an Elks 616 tradition. A committee was appointed in September, followed by fundraising in October and early November.
Organizing the 1925 record-breaking event (more food to more people) were Chairman Robert Hendry, Henry Auerbach (DDGER 1944; ER 27-28), Edward Hartman, Mark Huckestein (DDGER 1936-37; ER 34-36, 39-40), William S. Lederer [3](DDGER 1933-34; ER 24-25), Tom Sharp, William Warner (DDGER 1927-28; ER 26-27). Warner must have found the work rewarding. In 1931, he chaired the annual giving of food baskets by the “antlered herd.” The reward came on Thanksgiving Day in the joy of sharing with others. This personal involvement in feeding the hungry continued through the depression when the minutes regularly refer to ‘good deeds’ and feeding hungry families.
As we plan our own Thanksgiving dinners [or Super Bowl pupu blow outs], we might each consider how we can live up to the standard set by those Elks who made charity a personal matter. Have you done a good deed today? This week?
Anita Manning, Lodge Historian
References:
Honolulu Advertiser 27 Nov 1925
Honolulu Lodge 616. 1951. Book of Memories, Fiftieth Anniversary.
Star Bulletin 27 Nov 1925
[1] Mitchell openly criticized his superior’s decision not to strengthen military aviation after World War I.
The Court Martial of Billy Mitchell, an Otto Preminger film with Gary Cooper as Mitchell, tells the story ala Hollywood.
[2] In this pre-equal opportunity employment era, 99% of social workers were women.
[3] Serving at times as 616 Secretary or Club Manager, Lederer was an early boxing promoter and owned Bill Lederer’s Bar, Hotel & Nuuanu.
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