FROM THE ‘JOLLY CORKS’ to a model of service
IOLA’S ELKS Lodge marks its 125th anniversary this year. It’s certainly a cause for celebration. Far too many community organizations have faded away over the years. Membership ages out, leadership fails to regenerate, and the whole reason for existing becomes lost in a shuffle of meetings, dues and blurred duties.
Elks Lodge #569 is an exception to that trend. 125 years is an awfully long time, and the landmark is a testament to its members’ belief in what the Elks stand for and do in our community. Their tradition of giving back runs strong. It’s a key part of the Order’s national story.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the United States of America was founded in New York City on February 16, 1868. A group of 15 men who identified themselves as “members of the theatrical, minstrel, musical, equestrian and literary professions and others” were the original members. The main figure, and the man who is recognized as the Order’s founder, was Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian. The son of an En- glish clergyman, he had arrived in the U.S. to try his fortune
Ten of the fifteen founding members of the Elks. Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian, third seated from the right, is recognized as the founder of the organization.
This magazine is the result of close collaboration between The Iola Register and the Elks Lodge #569 of Iola. This special edition seeks to both commemorate 125 years of proud history and celebrate our beloved community. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we did putting it together.
Editors: Susan Lynn and Tim Stau er
Advertising: Tim Stau er, Paul Vernon and Katie Wiley of The Iola Register
Gary McIntosh, Susan Booth and Liz McArdle of Iola Elks Lodge #569
Content: Tim Stau er
Layout and graphic design: Kristi
Marketing: Violeta Rodriguez Stau er
Cover photo: April Kroenke
Photos: Iola Register, Elks History Project, Iola Elks Lodge #569
of the Iola Elks Lodge #569 gather in front of their Lodge at 202 S. Je erson, Iola in
Kranker
The Grand Lodge Charter of 1868 from the New York legislature and governor gave Elks the power to establish Lodges anywhere in the United States. The moose head was a printing error.
after a successful career in London music halls. It seems he found true purpose in fellowship.
At first, Vivian gathered a group that called themselves the Jolly Corks, the name of a parlor trick introduced by Vivian where the uninitiated purchased a round of refreshments.
But when one of their members died before Christmas in 1867, leaving his wife and children destitute, the Jolly Corks realized they needed to have a more concrete purpose. They needed a mission, a calling, and it was decided they would dedicate their efforts to serving those in need.
The Elks was thus formed. The first local charter was New York Lodge #1, issued on March 10, 1871.
Several cornerstone beliefs have served as the backbone of the organization. First: charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity are the four cardinal virtues. The Order also works to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members, to quicken the spirit of American patriotism, and to cultivate good fellowship.
FAST FORWARD to today, and more than 2,000 Elks Lodges exist in communities across the country. The Order spends over $80 million each year for benevolent, educational and patriotic community-minded programs.
It’s also an organization with its share of history and unique traditions. An exalted ruler governs each Elks Lodge, and an altar decorated with the Holy Bible is present in ev-
ery Lodge.
The Eleven O’Clock Toast is one of the Elks’ oldest traditions, when at 11 p.m. all Elks members present in Lodges stand, remove their hats and recite a toast in honor of Elks members no longer with us. The message in this golden hour of recollection: Elks are never forgotten, never forsaken.
Things have fallen by the wayside, too. A secret grip ended in 1904 and a test oath was removed in 1911. Candidates were no longer blindfolded prior to initiation in 1952. In 1995, women were admitted into the Order.
Many who are new to the Elks organization often wonder about the animal that serves as its symbol.
Since its founding, the Order of Elks has been recognized by the elk, one of the largest terrestrial mammals in North America. When considering their symbol, the fifteen founders of the Elks wanted an animal that would be easily recognized and native to the United States. Elk are peaceful animals but will defend their own when faced with a threat. The buffalo was also a popular choice, and so it was put up for a vote. By a count of 8-7, the elk won the day.
How does one become an Elks member? The requirements are simple. An applicant must be at least 21 years of age, believe in God, and be a citizen of good character who pledges allegiance to and salutes the American flag. Two current Elks members must act as your references and a member sponsor is also required.
glad you’re here!
The Iola Elks’ first home was in the third floor of the Northrup Bank building at the corner of Jackson and Washington. Note the elk figures visible in the windows. A Register article from April 13, 1900 documents the Lodge’s formation.
An iLLuSTRiOuS pAST, an optimistic future
THE BENEVOLENT and Protective Order of the Elks proved to be a popular proposition toward the turn of the 20th century. By the time Iola had organized its own Lodge, 568 communities across America had done the same. Iola Elks Lodge #569 was established on April 7, 1900 and received its charter on July 12, 1900.
Upon its creation, the Lodge had 45 members. The first exalted ruler was J.W. French. Reading through the list of founding members, one gets a true sense of the organization’s weight: it reads a veritable “who’s who” of Iola.
Thomas Bowlus, L.L. Northrup, Charles F. Scott, F.A. Northrup, and perhaps the most famous of all: Frederick K. Funston were all charter members. Funston was even issued a golden life membership card in 1902. He was a brigadier general at the time, an honor he received for his engagements in the Spanish-American War.
The Iola Elks established their home on the third floor of the Northrup Building, located on the corner of Washington and Jackson streets. The building was one of Iola’s largest and finest.
The Northrup building was brand new at the time, finished in 1900 by L.L. Northrup and his brothers. The construction cost was estimated at $85,000. The Northrup National Bank was on the first floor. It later became First National Bank, until the bank was liquidated in the fall of 1929 and Iola State Bank purchased its assets.
The Elks’ first home was a source of immense pride for the budding organization. Of particular lore were the New Year’s Eve Elks Balls, Iola’s most lavish event at the time — and arguably ever since.
Addison Bragg, who grew up in Iola and later became a renowned writer for the Billings Gazette of Billings, Mont., and a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, remembers attending a ball in the early 1930s. “I doubt if there’s a social function in Iola today comparable to that time in years when Iola dressed to the nines and pulled out all the stops — and a goodly number of bottle corks as well — to greet the New Year,” he later wrote.
Hundreds attended the social event where “women all wore long dresses and corsages, and for every business suit
in the place one could count a dozen and more tuxedos,” Bragg recalled. “I felt I had, at last, arrived on Iola’s social scene.”
TRAGICALLY, the building was destroyed on January 31, 1949, when an early morning fire engulfed the structure. According to reports in the Iola Register, the fire began in the Shannon & Shannon Hardware Store and was likely caused by the spontaneous combustion of damp coal in the basement. Damages were estimated to be over $350,000. Nothing was salvaged.
It was a frigid morning, with temperatures recorded at 20 below zero. Snow on the surrounding buildings likely aided firemen, who also credited the thickness of the Northrup building’s south wall as key in preventing the fire’s spread. A stiff southwest wind carried burning embers for blocks, and Chanute sent fire crews to help control the blaze.
Thomas H. Bowlus and Walter S. Fees owned the building, which, along with the Iola Elks, was occupied by seven business firms, the American Red Cross and the Iola Athletic Association.
RECORDS of the Elks’ early years in Iola were de-
A 1949 fire destroyed the Northrup Bank Building, which also housed the city library on the second floor. It contained $6,000 worth of cut stone, terra cotta and Kansas City molded brick.
At left, Iola Elks members distribute gift baskets in December 2011 to 40 area families. Members were, kneeling from left, Christina Ramirez, Mike Jewell, Beverly Higginbotham, Melany Dean, Linda Guenther and Penny Haberland; standing from left, Ryan Janzen, Aaron Brookes, Clay Grewing, Ed Hoover, Marsha Karr, Judy Thompson, Harold Karr, Teresa Grewing, April Descio, Paula Scott and Bob Pollman.
At bottom left, 22 local swimmers braved the chilly waters of Elks Lake in December 2012 as part of a polar plunge fundraiser. Iolan Sam Shallah, dressed as Superman, was the top individual fundraiser, raising $500.
Bottom right, an April 11, 2000 article in the Iola Register documents the Lodge’s 100th anniversary celebration.
stroyed in the fire, a massive loss to the organization. Of course the Elks were also left without a home. After much searching and discussion, the Elks purchased the Beck building at 202 S. Jefferson Ave., where they remain today.
The Lodge continued to grow and expand in mission.
The Ladies of Elks, a women’s group associated with Lodge #569, was formed in 1967. The first woman joined Elks in 1996, a year after a national ban on women ended. Christina Ramirez served as the Lodge’s first female exalted ruler in 2012.
In June 1982, the Iola Elks signed a lease for the Lehigh quarry from Iola Industries. The terms of the lease were most favorable — rent was just $1 per year. With the lake came an explosion of growth and community engagement.
The Elks’ 4th of July fishing tournament and fireworks shows were popular events at the lake, and the Elks made significant investments in the surrounding property. Elks Lake, as it came to be known, became synonymous with the Lodge and was a major source of revenue. In 2000, Iola’s Lodge counted 422 members, making it one of the largest in Kansas.
Iola Industries terminated its lease with the Iola Elks Lodge #569 in mid-2022, when the property was donated to the state of Kansas in order to create a state park. Lehigh-Portland State Park, which includes the 138-acre lake and its surrounding 230 acres of biking and hiking trails, became Kansas’ 29th state park in 2023.
Here’s to 125 years and counting!
RECENT years have seen Lodge #569 continue to fulfill its motto of “Elks Care, Elks Share.” The National Hoop Shoot, Fun Fests, food basket donations, community support and fundraisers, and care for veterans help maintain an active rhythm for members. Drug awareness is a ma jor part of the Lodge’s focus, with mascot Elroy the Elk sure to bring a smile to children’s faces.
Events at the Lodge, with regular meal nights and social gatherings, continue. Charity, justice, brotherly love and fi delity still serve as lodestars. 125 years later, chapters end and others begin. Iola Elks Lodge #569 marches on.
The former Lehigh quarry became known as Elks Lake and was a source of countless community events. The lake and surrounding land became Lehigh-Portland State Park in 2023.
A FAMiLY AFFAiR
When most people call Nick or Kenny Anderson, it’s because something’s wrong. A leaky pipe. Broken water lines. A sewer backing up.
It makes sense. The family has been in the plumbing business for five generations, after all. You get used to people texting photos of clogged toilets.
Anderson Plumbing began in 1902 with Benjamin Anderson. Benjamin was born in Woodson County and came to Allen County in 1901. He started his plumbing business the next year. When he died in 1946 at the age of 69, his son, G.T. (Bud) Anderson continued the family business. The business has passed through the family ever since, the surname now synonymous with plungers, pliers and a wrench.
But what many may not realize is that the family’s history with Iola Elks Lodge #569 is equally impressive, spanning four generations of membership.
first Elks member, serving as Exalted ruler from 1949-1050. His son, Glen Anderson, joined in 1953. Glen’s son, Kenny, joined 30 years later in 1983, and Kenny’s son, Nick, joined in 2011.
Michael Anderson, Nick’s younger brother, is the family’s newest member, joining this July after learning about the family’s long history with the organization.
And Nick’s wife, Becky Anderson, joined the Order in 2022.
Becky, whose maiden name is Stotler, brings her own noteworthy family connections to Iola’s Elks Lodge. Her father, Dewey Stotler, was Exalted Ruler in 2024, and her great-uncle Dewey H. Stotler was Exalted Ruler in 1989. She’s currently the Lodge’s chaplain, hoop shoot coordinator, veterans chair and drug awareness program coordinator.
BY ALL ACCOUNTS,
Bud Anderson was a largthan-life figure. He was a man of intense energy, on the local school board and city council. In addition to the Elks, he was a Kiwanis member and involved in Trinity Methodist Church. He organized softball tournaments, boxing events, and scholarships.
Tragically, he died on June 27, 1959 at the age of 54 from injuries sustained from a fall at a fishing cabin south of Wichita. At the time of his death, Bud was the director of both the Iola Chamber of Commerce and the Kansas Plumbing and Heating Contractors’ Association. Upon learning of his death, Iola Register editor Angelo Scott wrote in the June 29, 1959 edition of the Register, “I wonder if any business man in Iola has as many friends as Bud Anderson had. I rather doubt it. And this is a strange thing, because Bud had a type of shyness and awkwardness which he could have permitted to insulate him completely from the affections and friendships which come to ordinary people.
Kenny Anderson, center, with sons Michael, left, and Nick.
Becky Anderson’s roots in the Elks organization run deep. Her father and great-uncle were both Exalted Rulers, and her husband is a fourth-generation member of Elks Lodge #569. She currently serves as the Lodge’s chaplain.
“He was a huge man of tremendous physical strength … He WAS awkward — in his speech, in his hulking size, and in the social graces which depend on small talk, a light step on the dance floor, and the like. But to make up for this, he had the most unfailing sense of humor I have ever seen.
“What a tragic pity that he should have been struck down at the very peak of his attainments and satisfactions by a trifling others might have survived with scarcely a scratch … There will never be another Bud Anderson to grace the Iola business community with his charm, to enliven it with his gentle humor, and to make it humble with his example of personal accomplishment.”
IT’S CLEAR that the Andersons intend to carry on such a legacy. The Elks organization has been a powerful way to do so.
When asked what explains the family’s dedication to Elks, Becky doesn’t hesitate. “The motto ‘Elks care, Elks share’ means everything to us,” she says. “I love being an active member of our community and helping out.”
It truly is a family affair. “When we’re doing something at the Lodge, our kids are there, too. When I’m driving out to nursing homes with gift baskets, Nick is right there with me,” said Becky.
Becky’s first real exposure to the Elks came as a bartender for the Lodge in 2022. But as she gradually heard stories from members about their work, she became impressed by their focus on giving back and decided to join. She quickly became an energetic member, leading committees and writ-
ing grant applications.
“Our Lodge has been awarded several grants that are only available to the Elks organization,” Becky noted. “That’s money we’ve put into our community that no one else could have secured. And those grants are funded by contributions from Lodges across the country, including our own.”
As she prepares for the Lodge’s August celebration marking its 125th anniversary, Becky has her eyes on the future. She’d love to become the third generation of her family to be appointed Lodge 569’s Exalted Ruler, recognizing it would continue a proud tradition for both the Anderson and Stotler families.
Zooming out, she understands that for the Elks to continue to thrive in Iola, community involvement is key.
“We’re passionate about helping. We’re so much more than the lake and a bar,” she said. “Elks is about the good we do in the community. Some may not understand we have principles to follow, values we aim for. Our purpose is to do good.”
Becky ticks off recent projects she’s been a part of: food basket distribution, Adopt a Child, veterans projects, the National Hoop Shoot, and Family Safety Night, among others.
“We’ve shown in the last three years that we are here to stay. Losing the lake was hard. But we do a lot for our community, and I would love to see the community more involved with Elks. We’re here to help — to give our time, financial support, and do all we can to help Iola.”
“Exalted ruler” can sound quite intimidating, especially to those outside the Elks organization, but that’s certainly not the intent.
While the office is the Lodge’s highest, an exalted ruler is akin to a group’s president or a company’s chief executive officer.
An exalted ruler appoints committees and has general supervision over the Lodge. The title likely dates back to the organization’s early days as the Jolly Corks in New York City.
“Exalted ruler” was likely drawn from some sort of theatrical or other drama-infused inspiration. When the Jolly Corks became the Elks in 1868, the title for their top officer came with it.
Here’s a complete list of Exalted Rulers for Iola Elks Lodge #569:
1900: J.W. French
1901: T.W. Kitchen
1902: F.A. Northrup
1903: F.W. Brewster
1904: Walter P. Hull
1905: Joseph McKinley
1906: Thomas H. Bowlus
1907: L.L. Ponsler
1908: L.L. Northrup
1909: C.L. Cowan
1910: T.S. Stover
1911: R.R. Drake
1912: D.P. Northrup
1913: John H. Young
1914: C.E. Riggs
1915: Colonel Lanyon
1916: W.W. Nelson
1917: S.A. Bixby
1918: H. Kilborn
1919: P.S. Mitchell
1920: F.M. Stocker
CONGRATULATIONS
1921: Frank R. Forrest
1922: C.A. Swiggett
1923: J.J. Griffin
1924: R.E. McDonald
1925: Lewis O. Northrup
1926: A.R. Enfield
1927: Frank McCarthy
1928: Howard M. Miller
1929: Leo N. Gish
1930: D.R. Symmes
1931: Melvin Frank
1932: I.E. O’Flaherty
1933: Milford C. Langley
1934: Ross Arbuckle
1935: John L. Parkhurst
1936: D.C. Dullea
1937: A.R. Chambers
1938: Winfield D. Jones
1939: James H. Kinser
1940: C.L. Hoyt
1941: Otis D. Ayling
1942: Lyle F. Schmaus
1943: J.W. Copening
1944: Howard A. Jones
1945: Walter S. Fees
1946: G.L. Ford
1947: Richard H. Johnson
1948: John McNally
1949: G.T. Anderson
1950: V. Cain
1951: L.R. Cyrus
1952: I. Lewis
1953: R.E. Jones
1954: B.P. Heigele, Jr.
1955: R. Featherlin
2025 OFFiCERS
for Iola Elks Lodge #569
1956: D. Carter
1957: L. Harvey
1958: D. Tweedy
1959: J. Coleman
1960: H.J. Nicholson
1961: D. Meyers
1962: W. Clendenen
1963: J. Pierce
1964: Dr. R.W. Stanzel
1965: D. Wichman
1966: D. Tweedy
1967: M. Littlepage
1968: R. Hardwick
1969: W.B. Lackey
1970: R.L. Schuster
1971: H. Shinn
1972: D. Mitchell
1973: A. Caler
1974: L. Jacobs
1975: J. Hinson
1976: K. Campbell
1977: J. Hinson
1978: R. Baxley
1979: R. Baxley
1980: L. Hillbrant
1981: L. Hillbrant
1982: L. Lundine
1983: L. Henkle
1984: W. McDown
1985: J.R. Robb
1986: J. Ziemba
1987: R. Gere
1988: L. Utley
1989: D. Stotler
1990: John Hillbrant
Exalted Ruler: John Booth
Leading Knight: Milton C. Ivy
Loyal Knight: Nancy Ford
Lecturing Knight: Larry
Crawford
Secretary: Bryan Brown
Treasurer: Susan Booth
Trustee Chair: Kelli Frazell
Trustee - One Year: Gary McIntosh
1991: J. Valentine
1992: M. Layne
1993: R. VanNice
1994: D. McDown
1995: R. VanNice
1996: C. Hillestead
1997: W. Jay
1998: W. Jay
1999: R. Pollman
2000: H. Scovill
2001: Mike Buck
2002: Mike Buck
2003: Kyle King
2004: Tim Thompson
2005: Tim Thompson
2006: Bob Jewel
2007: Clay Grewing
2008: Bill Hillbrant
2009: Michael Jewell
2010: Michael Jewell
2011: Kyle King
2012: Cristina Ramirez
2013: Brenda Buck
2014: Tim Thompson
2015: Gary Stout
2016: Linda Sigg
2017: Jon Wells
2018: Todd Francis
2019: Michael Ford
2020: Lynda Yocham
2021: Lynda Yocham
2022: Todd Francis
2023: Todd Francis
2024: Dewey Stotler
2025: John Booth
Trustee - Two Year: Carl Ray
Trustee - Three Year: Roger
Campbell
Trustee - Four Year: Kelli Frazell
Trustee - Five Year: Michael W. Ford
Tiler: Shawna Ivy
Esquire: Christopher Ivy
Chaplain: Rebecca Anderson
Inner Guard: Crystal Fosdick
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A note from Elks Lodge #569
Exalted Ruler
John Booth
My youngest son joined the Elks to gain access to the lake and encouraged us to join as well. He mentioned that the Elks was a re ally inviting place and thought we would en joy it.
A letter from the ExALTEd RuLER
After enjoying the lake for a year, the Elks lost access to it. At that point, my wife and I decid ed to become more involved with the organization and learn about its activities. We attended the Grand Lodge convention in Minnesota, which opened our eyes to the many positive initiatives the Elks undertake across the United States. This experience also reinforced the importance of our contributions to the local community.
While at the Grand Lodge, we visited with various other Lodges and recognized the unique qualities of the Iola Lodge. Although we don’t have a lake, fancy property, or an elaborate lodge, we do have a strong brotherhood dedicated to helping our community. I believe one of our biggest challenges is that we often don’t take pride in our efforts; we complete our tasks but fail to appreciate the impact of our work.
traditions are maintained. Some of those traditions include distributing food baskets at Christmas, supporting our veterans, adopting children during the holidays, promoting drug awareness, cleaning highways, organizing a Hoop Shoot, and holding many fundraisers to support both our members and local organizations. Except for the small grants we receive from the Grand Lodge, all other funding must come from member fundraising.
This year, my primary goal is to attract new members by showcasing the profound impact the Elks have made in our community over the past 125 years.
Countless members have dedicated thousands of hours to serving our community, veterans, the needy, and our children. I would love to display all the accomplishments of the Elks on a billboard. The Elks do not brag; they simply act, and that is something we can all be proud
Membership in our Lodge goes beyond merely attending meetings and social events; it’s about taking action, making a meaningful impact, and standing for something greater than oneself. It involves being part of a brotherhood and sisterhood that recognizes the needs of our communities and responds without hesitation.
Our Lodge is fortunate to have a group of individuals who embody these values, making the role of Exalted Ruler a rewarding experience.
Yours in service,
As the Exalted Ruler, I am committed to upholding the values of the Elks. I am responsible for ensuring that all our
John Booth
A GiLdEd MEMORY, and a timeless gift
On February 25, 1902, Major Gen. Frederick Funston and his cousin, Major Burton J. Mitchell, were made life members of Iola Elks Lodge #569. According to a report in the Topeka Daily Capital, a newspaper that ceased publication in 1980, “the occasion was celebrated with great enthusiasm.”
At the event, Gen. Funston offered a short speech thank ing the members “for the honor and expressing satisfaction at finding the village of his boyhood spread to a city.”
Most Iolans have heard mention of Frederick Funston. His boyhood home is located on Iola’s square after all.
For those unaware, a brief overview: Funston was born in New Carlisle, Ohio, and moved to Iola with his family at the age of 2. He graduated from Iola High School in 1886 and then attended the University of Kansas. While on campus, he befriended William Allen White, who later became a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and the publisher of the Emporia Gazette.
After a brief stint as a journalist, Funston later entered the United States Army and achieved national recognition for his actions in the Spanish-American War and Philippine-American War. On February 14, 1900, Funston was awarded the Medal of Honor. He was the command er of the Presidio in San Francisco when the famous 1906 earthquake occurred. He died suddenly in 1917 at the age of 51.
Major Mitchell is lesser known, but his life was similarly compelling. Also born in Ohio, Mitchell and family moved to Iola when he was 7 years old.
Frederick Funston (above) and his cousin, Burton J. Mitchell, spent their formative years in Iola. In 1902 they were honored with lifetime memberships to the Elks Lodge #569. Their deaths were national news, as seen at right. Iola’s Elks now possess the gilded life membership card (see page 22) they presented to Funston over a century ago.
According to a 1941 article in the New York Times, Mitchell was appointed to a government position in Washington, D.C. early in his life. When the Spanish-American War broke out, he returned to Kansas and joined the National Guard. The article reports that in the
Mitchell entered the jungles and aided in the capture of Aguinaldo, famous leader of the revolt. For this he was decorated with a silver star for gallantry in action.”
Mitchell later became aide de camp to General Funston. The Times writes that in 1908 “he was assigned to Fort Niagara for a year. It was at this time that he married Miss Jennie Howard. In 1909 he was assigned to Fort Leavenworth, where he again became an aide to General Funston. In July, 1910, he resigned his commission and returned to Niagara Falls, where he engaged in business, having purchased a building supply company, of which he was president when he died.” Mitchell died in 1941 at the age of 69.
IT’S NO SURPRISE to see why the Iola Elks honored both native sons with lifetime memberships. What is a surprise, however, is that more than 120 years later, the Iola Elks have come into possession of Funston’s original membership card. The story is almost as compelling as Funston’s life itself.
Earlier this year, Elks member Susan Booth and her husband, John, were looking online for materials in preparation for this year’s 125th anniversary. They came across Funston’s membership card to the Iola organization on eBay. They placed a bid, not imagining they’d face much competition.
Little did they realize how much rivalry they’d face. The rare life membership card attracted attention. Coated thinly
with gold, it features Funston’s photograph and signature, and the original fabric pouch used to contain the card was also for sale. The card folds in half and features the Iola Elks seal printed on the front. On the back are the words “Cervus Alces,” Latin for elk, with a clock pointing to 11 o’clock. It appears to be signed by Thomas H. Bowlus, the Iola banker and benefactor of the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, who was Exalted Ruler in 1906.
Days passed, and the price on eBay kept rising. “I remember thinking, ‘Who else on earth could want this thing?’” said Susan Booth.
It turns out Clyde Toland, a former Iola attorney and the author of a three-book “Becoming Frederick Funston” series, was bidding as well. To the delight of the seller on eBay, Toland and Booth didn’t realize they were both bidding on the same item — until later.
The Booths intend on eventually donating the membership card to the Allen County Historical Society. “That’s where it belongs,” said Susan. “It’s part of our town’s history.”
Kurtis Russell, director of the Allen County Historical Society, is thrilled by the prospect. “We have a real passion about Frederick Funston here. It’d be an excellent item to help us preserve the history of Funston, Iola and Allen County. The boyhood home of Funston is here. It’s a significant gift and another neat item for us. It’d be a significant partnership for us with the Elks.”
CHEERS TO IOLA ELKS’ 125TH ANNIVERSARY!
The ornate exterior of Funston’s life membership card to Iola Elks Lodge #569 is imprinted with the words “Cervus Alces,” Latin for elk. It also features an elaborate design of a clock with a time of 11 o’clock, an hour at which all members pause to remember members no longer present.
Iola Elks Lodge #569 plans to donate the membership card to the Allen County Historical Society, the site of Funston’s childhood home.
Frederick Funston’s life membership card to Iola Elks Lodge #569 is a true collector’s item. Note that the signature in the line of E.R., or Exalted Ruler, appears to be that of Thomas H. Bowlus, the benefactor of the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. Bowlus was Exalted Ruler in 1906, but not in 1902. F.A. Northrup was the Exalted Ruler that year.
Thinly gilded, the card folds in half. A fabric pouch adorned with a photo of Funston that was used to carry the membership card is seen to the left of the card.
A HEART FOR pEOpLE: Joining to serve
Liz McArdle grew up in a family of helpers.
“My mom was Methodist, my dad was Baptist. We grew up going to the Methodist church. My dad was always helping people; he didn’t blink before helping someone.”
Her grandmother, Lois Bradford, is the same way. “From a very young age, my grandma was always getting me involved in the community. As kids, we spent a lot of time at the senior center and food pantry. It was instilled in us at a very young age: it’s always important to help out.”
McArdle, 48, grew up in a military family. They moved to Iola right before McArdle entered kindergarten. She didn’t plan on staying long. Once she graduated from Iola High School, she moved to Texas.
“Oh, I fought coming back home,” McArdle says with a wistful smile. “I fought it and fought it and fought it, but the universe said, ‘Guess what? This is where you belong.’”
AS AN ADULT, McArdle took some time to find her niche. She worked at H&R Block for a while and then
was a youth services assistant for the public library. She worked for a year at Thrive Allen County. But she really hit her stride as an administrative assistant at Wesley United Methodist Church, where she worked from 2018-2023.
She enjoyed the job’s social mission, and she got along famously with Jocelyn Tupper, Wesley’s pastor at the time. When she left the position in August 2023 to open Pour Choices with husband Josh, it was a positive move, but not an easy one.
Running the bar is a full-time gig for Liz; Josh helps out in the evenings and weekends; he works in IT for Monarch Cement Co. They married in 2021. Daughter Madison, 25, is learning the ropes and has her eyes on taking over the business someday.
After some initial hiccups, McArdle got into a groove running the bar. After all, she’s been bartending for over 20 years. But as time went by, she noticed something was missing.
“I missed the community involvement. At the church,
Here’s to 125 years and more!
Jocelyn and I managed the local Salvation Army program, and Barb Leavitt at Wesley is amazing. You develop relationships with people who help the community, and I just missed interacting with people in that way. I have a heart for people.”
So when one evening a couple of Elks members at the bar gathered to discuss upcoming projects, McArdle started paying close attention.
“Milton and Shawna Ivy were sitting here in this mid-
dle bar,” recalls McArdle. “They were talking about how the Elks were getting ready to put together some food baskets for the kids. And they just had so many community-focused projects that they were talking about.”
McArdle realized how much she’d missed that. “It made me very interested to learn more, so I told them I’d like to join. They got me an application that night.”
About four months ago, McArdle was initiated and now counts as one of the Lodge’s newest members.
Liz McArdle is one of the newest members of Iola Elks Lodge #569. A true believer in community and giving back, she’s found a home in the organization’s mission to serve others. She and her husband Josh are the owner of Pour Choices, a bar in Iola.
“GROWING UP, I was always aware of the Elks,” says McArdle. “I knew about them because of the lake and things going on around town. But I think for a lot of people, once Elks lost their access to the lake, it was like, ‘Well, what’s the point?’”
Now an official member, McArdle sees plenty of reasons.
“So many Elks members have their heart in this. I had no idea the Elks give back so much. And on a personal level, it’s cool to know I can go to any Elks Lodge in the country and be welcomed. Everyone is inviting and friendly. I’ve been very impressed. They give back to Iola, to southeast Kansas, the whole state.”
In many ways, McArdle feels Elks has been a perfect fit for her to keep building community. It may not seem obvious, but it’s also a big part of why she and her husband made the jump to Pour Choices.
“Here, it’s similar. We’re a tight-knit family. We have our regulars, and if anybody needs anything we’re here. It’s like the old adage says, a bartender is your psychologist. We’re here for your best and worst news. We get to know you.”
That type of community is intentional, McArdle insists. It’s something she and her husband work hard to cultivate. “I have a child at home, and I want this business to be the type of place where I can always take my child.”
So many Elks members have their heart in this.
I had no idea the Elks give back so much.
“Bar people become like family. In California, when I was bartending and became pregnant, people who barely knew me opened their arms. Strollers, clothes, toys — that child did not want for anything.
She mentions free pool nights, live music and pool tournaments as steps they take to get people together.
“Rarely do you come in here and see someone on their phone. We talk, get to know each other. We find common ground and talk about everyday life. People from all backgrounds come in here.”
All in all, McArdle feels lucky. She jokes that “pour” choices are what brought her to where she is now, but one gets the sense that McArdle understands life is what you make it.
“We’ve been very blessed to have this business and do it the way we want to do it,” says McArdle. Elks is just one more way she has found a way to share the love.
Pregnancy & FamilyCent er
LODGE #569 through the years
Clockwise from top left: The Fort Scott Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution recognize Iola Elks with a flag certificate presentation in June 2025; Exalted Ruler Christina Ramirez presents Hope Unlimited’s Donita Garner with a certificate of appreciation in 2012; Jerry Mirante receives a helpful push by Gary Kimball of the Iola Fire Department during the Elks’ inaugural Hillbilly Raft Race in 2013; Max Lewis, center, was the raft race’s chief organizer; Elks members in front of the old Lehigh quarry in 1982, when they first leased the property from Iola Industries; Elks Angels Margaret Robb and Sharon Matlock.
Top left, Elroy the Elk pauses for a quick photo during the Iola Chamber’s 2024 trunk-or treat.
At left, Iola Elks members fill bags with food and personal care items to be given to area schoolchildren before spring break in 2025.
Below left, Tay Hammond during the 2012 Ed Hendrix Memorial Fishing Derby.
Above, the 1970 Ritualistic Team. Back row, Don Rust, Al Caler, Dean Tweedy, Larry Foster, Bob Hardwick, Jim Leech, and Dale Mitchell; front row, Bob Schuster, Bud Lackey, and Harold Shinn.
Far left, members of the Sunflower Quilting Guild partnered in 2024 with the Iola Elks Lodge to create quilts for local veterans.
At left, members of the
Lodge’s Annual Christmas Baskets committee gathered in 2021 to hand out holiday meals to those in need. Front to back, Terri Taylor, Erica Kinney and Curtis Kinney are in the photo.
Why join the Benevolent and Protective 0rder of Elks?
Join the Elks and become part of a fraternity dedicated to community service, patriotism, and giving back.
Here's how you can make an impact:
• Veterans: The Elks are committed to serving those who have served our nation.
• Invest in Youth: The Elks are one of the largest providers of college scholarships in the nation, offering millions each year to help young people achieve their educational goals.
• Strengthen Your Community: Elks Lodges actively work to improve their local communities through various projects and initiatives.
• Cultivate Good Fellowship: Elks Lodges provide a welcoming environment to connect with neighbors and friends who share a commitment to patriotism, fair play, and noble causes. Become part of something bigger.