FLORIDA, Mass. — The gathering couldn't quite the match the 10,000 who attended the unveiling the bronze memorial on June 17, 1923, to Elks members who had died in World War I.

 

But around 300 members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, their families and local residents were surrounded the landmark monument on Saturday afternoon to mark its 100th anniversary.

 

"It is my honor and privilege to be able to speak to you all today to celebrate the 100th anniversary for the Elk on the Trail in honor of those Elks who paid the ultimate sacrifice during World War One," said Steven Hardy, president of the state Elks association. "And for all men and women who served our country for us. I believe this elk stands for them as well. ...

 

"I truly believe this monument has served us well and we're hoping for another 100 years.

 

The ceremony included addresses, the presentation of services flags by local Boy Scout Troup 38 and Elks President-elect Michael Delfino, music by the Drury High School band, a flag honor guard by members of North Adams firefighters from Local 1781, and a gun salute by North Berkshire veterans.

 

The 8-foot tall bull elk is a well-known sight on the Mohawk Trail, just east of the Whitcomb Summit. The original was sculpted in 1904 by Eli Harvey, a leading animal sculptor of the era who also created the lion sculptures on the Lion House at the Bronx Zoo. Harvey's elk is the emblem of the international order and statues are used at other Elks sites. There is also bronze statuette on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

 

The bronze was cast by the Gorman Manufacturing Co. of Rhode Island at the request of the Greenfield Elks lodge, which made and sold pocket watch fobs and pins for women to raise the money. According to reports at the time, 50 girls were selling the fobs at the 1923 dedication. 

 

The potential location of the elk apparently caused some "spirited bidding" by local business owners, who wanted the monument near their place of business. The trail had opened just nine years before and already had a reputation as a scenic byway. 

 

But Charles Cannedy offered 15,000 square feet of land to the Massachusetts Elks Association, free and clear, which it accepted. The elk and the surroundings are now maintained by the North Adams Elks Lodge.

 

"We're here today to honor our service members in to remember the sacrifices they had made in honor of their duty and country," said Michael Zellen, a past grand exalted ruler.

"The service members we honor today came from all walks of life, but they shared several fundamental qualities. They possessed coverage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity. All the qualities needed to serve a cause larger than oneself."

 

Veterans and attendees whose family members had served were asked to stand and be recognized. Peter Plecinoga, first vice president of Springfield, did the 13 folds of the American flag and grandchildren of a local lodge member led the Pledge of Allegiance. The opening prayer was given by Michael Fitzgerald and the closing prayer be Steven Sevigne. 

 

The gathering also did the 11th hour toast, an Elks tradition to remember Elks living and dead. The chiming of the bell 11 times and then the toast are said to date to the Battle of Hastings when William the Conquerer ordered the watchfires extinguished at that hour. Apparently, Gen. John "Blackjack" Pershing, an Elk, specifically chose the 11th hour for the signing of the agreement ending World War 1. 

 

The bell was rung by Albert Mancuso and the toast of remembrance by Lewana Dyer.

 

The ceremonies concluded with the laying of wreaths around the elk by the state association and participating lodges from across the state. A luncheon at the North Adams Elks lodge followed.

 

Hardy said he'd attended the annual ceremony at the elk about at least a half-dozen times and that thinking about veterans and their service gave him a warm feeling.

 

But the Elks do more than ceremonies, he continued, such as its programs and donations for charities that many people don't know about. 

 

"I think that's the most important part is to have it publicized for the many great things we do for our charities," Hardy said. "We we give away thousands and thousands of dollars every year. ... There's so many good things we do.

 

Chris Caproni, Drury's band director, seconded Hardy's comment. 

 

"The Elks have always supported the Dury band financially," he said. "Whenever I have a kid who needs anything, they're always, 'what do you need Chris? They're always supporting whatever we need."