The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States (BPOE) was founded in 1868 in New York. The Lodge originated from an informal drinking society formed in 1866 called the Jolly Corks, a group of actors and entertainers under the leadership of Charles Vivian who sought to
circumvent New York blue laws.
The Elk was chosen as the emblem of the Order because of “a number of attributes [that] were deemed typical of those to be cultivated by members of the fraternity”
(fleet of foot, graceful in movement, quick and keen of perception, strong and valiant in defense of its own).”