Jolly corks cork game

Charles Vivian brought this tradition here. George F. McDonald delivered the first official Eleven o'clock toast at a social session May 31, , while Charles Vivian was out of town. By mid June, Charles Vivian no longer darkened the Elks door evermore.

In earlier days, the social sessions were usually held on Sunday nights and were concluded about Eleven O'clock. As the participants departed, members naturally made inquiries about the absentees and expressed sympathetic interest in their causes. The toast is a way to remember and wish well to those absent Elks. At the Grand Lodge Session of , Past Grand Exalted Ruler offered a resolution that public rendition of the eleven o'clock toast would be permitted.

Eight days later on November 23rd his piano player friend Richard Steirly came to watch his performance. At Sandy's someone suggested they roll the dice to see who would buy the next round. Charles said he wasn't familiar with the dice but he would show them a new game. He quietly filled his friend Steirly in on the procedure and got three corks from the bartender. He got an acquaintance, Henry Vandemark to join them.

The cork part involved a game in regard to who was picking up the drinking tab. Here is the story:. Vivian 25 yrs. On the night of his arrival he stopped at the Star Hotel. As Steirly was also from England, Vivian struck up a conversation and volunteered to sing a few songs that evening.

Butler was the manager of the American Theater on Broadway. The next day, Steirly invited Vivian to Mrs. It was there that Vivian first met many of the gentlemen who would form the Jolly Corks.

It was suggested that the party shake dice for the refreshments. Calling for three corks he gave one to Steirly, one to Vandemark and kept the remaining cork for himself. Vivian asked Burgess to be the judge and asked Dougherty to count to three. At the count of three, each dropped his cork on the bar, then picked it up as rapidly as possible.

Some accounts suggest that the corks were just seized. The last man to lift his cork would buy the round. Upon meeting another member, and if he was unable to produce a cork, the penalty was to by the challenger a drink. On Sunday, the group gathered at Mrs. At every meeting of the BPOE, and every social function, when the hour of p. Regular meetings of Subordinate Lodges have always been held at night. As the participants departed, the Brothers made inquiries about the absent Brothers and expressed sympathetic interest in the causes of their absence.

It soon became a custom for some member to propose a toast to the Brothers who were not present. Find Out More. Share Your Story! Contribute Today! When the wounded from Vietnam needed help, the Elks responded. They provided the funds for a recreation pavilion at the Navy Hospital on Guam.

The wounded at Tripler Medical Center in Hawaii were sweltering in the heat. When the Elks heard of their plight, they purchased 24 air-conditioning units so these patriots could recuperate in some degree of comfort. When Operation Desert Storm took place, the Elks again led the support for our fighting men and women in the Persian Gulf. Subordinate Lodges undertook letter-writing campaigns to help keep up the spirits of the defenders of freedom. The Elks were also among the first to welcome them home and thank them for a job well done.

Our story is long; our work is humble; our history is proud. As long as there are those who need our help, the Elks will be there to give aid and comfort. Home Jolly Corks. The revels of the Jolly crew meeting at Mrs.