From the Eastman Archive at UC Davis
Susanville Council Declines to Buy Elks Lodge
October 2, 1967
The City Council last night said no to a proposal from spokesmen for Elks Lodge No. 1487 that the city purchase the historic Elks Lodge Building for $40,000.
The building, a stately old two-story mansion which sits at the head of Main Street and overlooks the city, is one of the first things tourists notice as they drive into Susanville.
Mayor Dale Soule said the city has been approached by the Elks Club to purchase the building.
Unable To Raise Funds
Following a discussion of the offer, the council agreed it would be unfortunate if the landmark was demolished, but indicated the city would be unable to raise funds to purchase the structure.
City Councilman Jim McKahan suggested that if civic organizations in the city wished to raise the necessary funds to purchase the building and bring it up to meet building code standards, the city would consider taking the facility as a gift.
“I don’t like the idea of seeing it torn down,” McKahan said.
“A lot of people would hate to see it torn down,” Councilman Charles Richardson agreed.
Three Factions
Councilman Ivor Lanigar, who also serves as secretary of the Elks, said the “big problem” with the Elks here is that the lodge’s 500 members are divided into three factions.
One faction, Lanigar explained, wants to remodel the old structure, which already has a modern meeting room on the rear of the lot.
Another faction, he said, wants to demolish the two-story house in front of the modern meeting room and build a modern front.
Still another faction, he said, wants to move to a new site altogether and build a completely new lodge.
