In the month of February, 1900, a number of fellows who were in the habit of meeting quite frequently in a social way, discussed the idea of forming a club in Derby, they having  in mind no particular kind of club deemed it advisable to call a meeting on some date and discuss the question of the formation of a social organization, with the result that on February 20, 1900, a post card was sent out to several of the local gentlemen that there would be a meeting in the office of Dr. L. T. LaBonte on Sunday afternoon, February 25, 1900 at 4:00 o'clock to formulate the organization of a representative social club.   The following responded to the call for this meeting:

                            Joseph J. Cronin                        George Hubbell
                            Dr. T.L. LaBonte                        Edmond J. Larkin
                            John W. Larkin                            James F. Shannon

    It was during this meeting that it was suggested that we form a lodge of Elks, at which Dr. LaBonte replied "That's the stuff!  That's the stuff!"  The next procedure was as to how they would go about forming such an organization, so they immediately appointed Joseph Cronin, Dr. LaBonte, and Walter Torrance, who were at that time members of Waterbury Lodge, to inquire as to the necessary steps in forming such an organization.  This committee immediately started in to procure the necessary information, with the result that on March 15, 1900, a notice was sent out calling attention to the fact that there would be a meeting on Sunday  March 18, 1900, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sterling Opera House (stage entrance), at which meeting addresses by members of the Waterbury Lodge were to be heard regarding the workings of the Order, at which Exalted Ruler Edward Mahoney and Joseph Cullen, P.E.R. impressed the gathering with their remarks which showed the principles and ground work of the Order.  Great enthusiasm was displayed at this meeting, so much so, that it was then and there decided to make application for a charter.

    On March 29, 1900, a further notice was sent out, calling attention to a meeting on Sunday, April 1, 1900, at 1:30 p.m., at which time Joseph Cullen, acting District Deputy, was present and addressed the meeting further with regard to the institution of a lodge.  A notice dated April 5, 1900, was sent out, calling attention to a meeting on Friday, April 6, 1900, at 8:00 o'clock in Gerich's Studio,  at which all preliminary work was to be completed and the nomination of officers to take place.  Notice was sent out on April 14, 1900, to all members who had signed the charter, stating that they were to appear at the Knights of Pythais hall, Tuesday evening, April 17, 1900, at 6:00 o'clock in evening dress to do escort duty to all visiting Elks.  The Ansonia Band was engaged for this occasion and headed a Street Parade through the principle streets of the city, accompanied by a large delegation of Elks from New Haven, Waterbury and Bridgeport.  Derby in reality was in the jurisdiction of the New Haven Lodge, but owing to the three members applying for the charter belonging to the Waterbury Lodge, and as Waterbury Lodge was very active in giving the desired information, New Haven Lodge waived all rights and conferred the honor of instituting Derby Lodge upon Waterbury Lodge.  Acting District Deputy Cullen conducted the ceremonies of instituting, after which a banquet was held in Gould Armory, at which Jerry Denny catered.

    After the Lodge was instituted, the signers of application, Joseph Cronin, Walter Torrance, and Dr. LaBonte, applied for a demit from Waterbury Lodge to Derby Lodge.

    The original charter of Derby Lodge was composed of a membership of sixty-one members.

Officers of Derby Lodge

at Institution, April 17, 1900

James T. Smith - Exalted Ruler
Jas A. McNamara - Esteemed leading Knight
Albert K. Kennedy - Esteemed Loyal Knight
Andrew J. Haire - Esteemed Lecturing Knight
Alfred F. Howe - Secretary
John W. Larkin - Treasurer
Henry A. Kileen - Tiler
Arthur A. Gerich - Esquire
Edmund J. Larkin - Chaplain
John W. Doyle - Inner Guard
Edward J. Haire - Organist
John H. Donovan - Trustee
Patrick Gorman - Trustee
Edward J. Condon - Trustee
 

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Interesting Dates in Connection

With Our New Home

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McEnerney Property Purchased                                    February 15, 1915
Ground Broken                                                                September 13, 1915
Corner Stone Laid                                                            December 8, 1915
Home Dedicated                                                               February 21, 1917
F.A. Russ Gift of $20,000.00                                            February 21, 1917
Mortgage Burned                                                             March 29, 1917