Winter 2006 West Volusia Properties Restoration Award
Benevolent and Protective ORDER OF ELKS
Corner of S Florida and W Howry, DeLand

   DeLand's Benevolent and Protective ORDER OF ELKS of The United States of America  received West Volusia Properties Winter 2007 Restoration Award. Refurbishing the Lodge exterior and thus improving the neighborhood stands as a notable achievement downtown.  Located on the corner of Clara and Howry this 1923 building is a classic example of beauty and practicality in its Arts and Craft's design.
   The Lodge was organized on July 11, 1923 for "Men Only." However, times change thank goodness, and women were received as members in 2000. Elks are lauded for their charitable work which includes children and veteran's organizations and numerous major non-profits. At present the DeLand Lodge has approximately 500 members.
   At the time of the award presentation its Exalted Ruler was Matt Pieper (pictured). Dean Yeager was the Leading Knight and Joe Marmo the Secretary. The Lodge retains much of its original furnishings as well as its architectural charm. Early photographs of DeLand members and community leaders grace the walls as do dozens of trophies and awards including the recent MainStreet DeLand 2007 Remodeling Award.
   Easily unnoticed by passers-by, this building's extraordinary transition from hidden historic beauty to its present appearance makes us proud. Ron Weiss, a talented Lodge member and painter, did the façade work while additional members organized to clean the grounds. Elk members' outstanding example of what can be achieved with effort and care prove that we can all beautify our properties for everyone's enjoyment and in so doing return pride to our neighborhoods and to ourselves as well.

ELK'S CREED Believe in the goodness in thyself as well     as in others. Protect childhood with tenderness,     old age with respect,     cherish with reverence the memory of     those who have passed. Observe faithfully the Golden Rule. Enjoy the good things of earth. Keep within     thee the glorious sunshine of youth and     remain always of good cheer.