In 1961 a group of 10 men began the process of organizing what is now named “The West Shore Elks.”
As the new Lodge was becoming a reality, the attendance increased and charter officers were elected.
The inaugural officers were:
Exalted Ruler: Herbet G. Rupp, Jr.
Esteemed Leading Knight: C.J. Wachter, Jr.
Esteemed Loyal Knight: Kenneth L. Zeigler
Esteemed Lecturing Knight: James W. Spotts
Secretary: Earle W. Neff
Treasurer: William E. Stough
Esquire: John L. Storch
Chaplain: Thomas D. Boyle
Inner Guard: J. Robert Kurtz
Tiler: John V. Dean
Organist: Robert S. Darone
Trustees: Harry H. Cotton, Arthur T. Prasse, and Dr. Leon Shedlosky.
In March of 1962 the institutional meeting was held and 45 new Elks were initiated and 73 Elks transferred to the “All South Central”. The initial initiation fee was $15 and annual dues were $20.
The first significant community activity by our newly minted lodge was to assist in the dedication of Holy Spirit Hospital in January of 1963.
On September 23rd, 1966, West Shore Lodge #2257 purchased its first home at 407 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg for $19,200. The first lodge room was sparse containing only a double laundry tub and an unshielded commode, furnace and two bare light bulbs hanging from the ceiling.
In March of 1985, the Lodge voted overwhelming to purchase 10+ acres of land on St Johns Road that is now the current home of West Shore Lodge #2257.
Since its inception this lodge has always been a leader in Elkdom. We have surpassed our goals in fund raising, and in the past half century we’ve increased our support for homeless vets, families with special needs, and many local charities too numerous to list.
The success of Lodge #2257 is a direct result in the combined dedication of all our members to exemplify the virtues of Elkdom.