Overview of the History of Reno Lodge

The history of Reno Lodge #597 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks may be broken into two parts. The first part consists of the 60 years between the chartering of the Lodge and the completion of the current lodge facility at 597 Kumle Lane. The second part consists of the years from the completion of the current lodge to the present day. The following is a list of some of the important dates in the history of Reno #597 of the B.P.O.E.

• June 30, 1900: Reno Elks Lodge #597 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is chartered.
• September 20, 1903: Cornerstone laid for Reno Elks Home at 1^st and Sierra.
• April 23, 1904: Elks dedicate Reno Elks Home.
• November 25, 1906: Goldfield Lodge Authorized.
• April 27, 1907: Elks from Reno install Tonopah, NV Lodge.
• December 19, 1909: D.C., "Uncle Dan" Wheeler hosts turkey feast for charity.
• June 14, 1911: Flag Day ceremony held at the Majestic Theater.
• October 15, 1915: "Uncle Dan" Wheeler passes away.
• February 16, 1918: Reno Elks celebrate semi-centennial of Elkdom.
• December 12, 1918: Group photo of Reno Elks taken at "Uncle Dan's Dinner".
• February 26, 1921: Elks home survives a small fire.
• December 14, 1930: Attendace at "Uncle Dan's Dinner" reaches 400.
• June 30, 1950: Reno Elks celebrate the 50^th birthday of the Lodge.
• February 5, 1957: Reno Elks home destroyed in explosion and fire.
• February 7, 1960: Groundbreaking ceremonies are held for Lodge at 597 Kumle Lane
• February 5, 1961: New Lodge is dedicated on land donated by Raymond I., "Pappy", Smith.
• January 9, 1987: Reno Elks almost lost due to financial difficulties.
• January 29, 1987: Reno Elks Lodge re-opened.
• July 19, 1987: Fire damages Elks Lodge.
• June 14, 1998: Elks bring traveling Vietnam Wall War Memorial to Reno for Flag Day.
• June 30, 2000: Reno Elks celebrate 100^th birthday.
• November 10, 2001: 92^nd Uncle Dan's Charity Dinner is held.
• July 5, 2002: Grand Lodge Convention comes to Reno.

History from 1900 to 1960

The Reno Lodge of the B.P.O.E. was chartered as Lodge No. 597 on June 30, 1900 and was installed by D.D.G.E.R. F.L. Gray and officers of the Sacramento, Nevada City and Grass Valley Lodges. The charter list of the Reno Lodge consisted of 45 men who were "among the best citizens of the State of Nevada". (Reno Gazette, July 1, 1900)

From its chartering in 1900 until the completion of the "Reno Elks Home" in April of 1904, the Lodge met in the "Investment Hall". On April 23, 1904, the Lodge dedicated its new home at 50 North Sierra Street, (Across the street from the present day Century Riverside Movie Theater), at which it resided for 53 years.

During the early years, the Reno lodge was Nevada's only Lodge and included Elks from the mining camps of Tonopah and Goldfield. During the year of 1907, the Tonopah and Goldfield Elks formed their own lodges because it was becomming too difficult to travel the 300 miles to Reno for Lodge meetings and Elks events.

The Reno Lodge was very active in Elkdom durings its first 60 years. The Reno Elks Home was a social center of the community and the Elks performed many, many acts of charity in and around Reno. The first "Uncle Dan" night was hosted by "Uncle Dan" Wheeler himself on December 19, 1909. This dinner, which is the primary way by which the Reno Elks raise money for their charitable activities, has been held every year since during or just before the holidays.

During the years between 1904 and 1957, the Reno Elks Home was flooded twice by the Truckee River and survived a small fire. On February 5, 1957, however, the luck of the building ran out and the Reno Elks Home was destroyed by a disaterous explosion and fire. J.C., (Cliff), Kumle, Secretary and Manager of the Reno Elks at the time, was credited with averting further tragedy by promptly evacuating some 74 members from the lunch and card rooms. Only minor injuries were reported.

From March of 1957 until the current lodge was completed in 1960, the Reno Elks Lodge met at the historic Mapes Hotel and the old Holiday Hotel Casino, (Now the Sienna), in downtown Reno.

History from 1960 to 2002

Rising from the ashes of the explosion and fire that destroyed their beautiful home at 50 Sierra Street, the Reno Elks began a new chapter in the history of the Lodge with groundbreaking on their new facility at 597 Kumle Lane.

Built "out of town" on five acres of property donated by Raymond I., "Pappy", Smith, the new Reno Lodge was, at the time of its completion, among the finest buildings of its type in the west. The Lodge was dedicated on February 5, 1961.

The new Lodge is a ranch-style building designed for family participation in Elks affairs. The property still has the largest volume public pool in Reno.

The Reno Lodge of the B.P.O.E. rose to its greatest numbers during the years between 1960 and the present. The new facility attracted many members and was, ultimately, the reason for the decline in membership to the current level. Men's and women's athletic facilities were built in the mid 80's and the resulting cost caused a significant increase in the annual dues of membership. As a result, many members chose not to continue in Elkdom. Money woes actually almost caused the Reno Elks to close in 1987. Despite this hardship, the lodge survived and continued to prosper.

Although smaller in numbers, the Reno Lodge is in as good shape as it has been in many years. After a potentially disasterous fire in 1987, Reno Lodge has re-built and revitalized its building and grounds through effectively targeted renovation and hard work. The membership is committed to helping the Lodge regain lost glory.

The Reno Elks continues its tradition of service to the community. The tradition of charity exemplified by "Uncle Dan" Wheeler in the early 20^th century is as visible today as it was then. The Lodge gives thousands of dollars each year to enhance the quality of life in the Truckee Meadows, but, perhaps more importantly, the members of Reno Lodge give their time and energy to the people of Reno and Sparks.

The current officers, Past Exalted Rulers Association and members of the Reno Lodge #597 of the B.P.O.E. proudly carry the virtues of their ancestors into the 21^st century.

"Uncle" Dan Wheeler

Daniel C. Wheeler was born in 1840 as a native of Ohio. At the age of 18 he started west; crossing the plains and reaching Salt Lake City by 1858. Against the advise of almost everyone he knew, he, seven others and a pioneer named Nate Gregory set out across Nevada.

When Dan reached the Truckee Meadows, (The area which is now Reno), there was only one other anglo man living in the area. Dan worked for this man as a "teamer". Being interested by the mining activities of the California camps, he gave up teaming for mining. In 1862, he returned to the Truckee Meadows and began running supplies to Virginia City. He continued in the line of work until 1867.

"Uncle" Dan, (as he came to be lovingly known), made his fortune in the sheep business. He correctly calculated the profit in purchasing herds in Oregon for sale in Virginia City. He and his sons formed the D.C. Wheeler Company.

The Elks of Reno have a fond remembrance for our member D.C. Wheeler.

These are those who have less than we have and are in need. We won't miss the little we give, but will be better for it.
--D.C."Uncle Dan" Wheeler

William Woodburn, A Past Exalted Ruler of Reno Lodge delivered the Eulogy at Uncle Dan's funeral with these words: "If somewhere, a little sunshine has been brought into human hearts, some hope has been revived, and someone is really sorry we have passed away, then life has not been a failure."

How perfectly did our beloved friend and brother come within the compass of this thought. His whole life seemed to have been dedicated to dispersing the shadows, reviving hope in the hearts of the discouraged and bounteous giving to the unfortunate, accomplished always in his charteristic silent and unpretentious manner."

Over the years, the Reno Elks Lodge has tried to maintain this same quiet, unobtrusive silence in its performance of good deeds. So that younger Elks may be privilaged to know "Uncle" Dan Wheeler, the tradition started by Uncle Dan in 1909 is continued each year just before the holidays. "Uncle Dan's Dinner" is the primary fund-raising tool for the Reno Elks charity projects. It is the highest honor in local Elkdom to be asked to speak the annual tribute to D.C. Wheeler. The dinner will be held each year as long as this Lodge shall endure. It is a monument to his thoughtfullness and generosity.

"If courage, boundless love and inflexible honesty are still the attributes of a noble and many character, then, indeed, can we rejoice in the thought that we were privilaged to have grasped his hand in friendship and brotherly love." -- William. Woodburn, PER, 1915

Past Exalted Rulers of Reno Lodge #597 of the BPOE

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