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City of Bellingham, WA

"Bellingham’s first members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks' held their meetings in private homes, then began renting various rooms available in the city and finally built this two-story brick clubhouse in 1912. Built in the second major real estate boom, along with the Federal Building and Citizen's Dock, the Elks club is one of downtown Bellingham's finest formal street fronts. The Elks Club is also significant as a monument to the importance of fraternal clubs in the early 20th century. The architect, William Cox, was praised for designing the most handsome fraternal lodge in the state. The vivid street front facade is composed of blond brick framed with a light stone arch, uncommon in the usually dark Romanesque style, with sandstone steps leading up to it. Originally, the offices were located on the first floor and a large meeting room and a kitchen were on the second. In the basement, a member could play card games, pool, or even bowl."