From Corks to Forks

By Katie Drake

Corks: Charity, Justice, Love and Fidelity

These four guiding principles have served as the cornerstones of one Little Falls organization for the past 137 years. Charity giving being one of the most important, continues to support many people and organizations in our City today.

It all began in New York City in 1867 when a group of actors led by a man named Charles Algernon

Sidney Vivian decided to form a club (mostly because they wanted to dodge the Blue Laws to be able to enjoy a drink or two on Sundays.)

The group named themselves the Jolly Corks after a drinking game they played where a group of people would each bounce their cork off the bar and try to catch it as fast as possible. (Old school flip cup, perhaps?) Naturally, the last person to catch their cork had to buy the next round of drinks.

When one of their members died just before Christmas in 1867, leaving his wife and children destitute, the Jolly Corks decided that in addition to good fellowship, they needed a more enduring organization to serve those in need. Its charitable purpose came from that beginning.

In 1868 the Jolly Corks became established as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks with Vivian as the leader. Its social activities and benefit performances made them popular, and membership grew rapidly. Soon there were requests for Elks Lodges in cities across the country.

When the Grand Lodge Charter was issued, forming a national organization, the founders then received the first local charter as NY Lodge No. 1 in 1871. It’s a cool

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