State History

 New Jersey State Elks Association's History

The New Jersey State Elks Association was founded in 1913. Morris Odell of Camden Lodge No. 293 was elected the first president. Since then, many fine Elks from lodges throughout the state have held this high office. Down through the years, the New Jersey State Elks Association has been doing an excellent job in fulfilling its role. It has produced many great leaders. Many have been rewarded for their devoted and unselfish service by being appointed to Grand Lodge Positions. Each and every one of these Elks started the same way, in their respective lodge. Four members of our New Jersey State Elks Association have succeeded to the Order’s highest office of Grand Exalted Ruler. Joseph A. Buch of Trenton Lodge No. 105 State Association President in 1922, well known in Elkdom as the Founder of the “Aid to Crippled Children Movement”, became Grand Exalted Ruler in 1940. William J. Jernick of Nutley Lodge No. 1290, State Association President in 1939, became Grand Exalted Ruler in 1954, Kenneth V. Cantoli of Hasbrouck Heights No. 1962, State President in 1977, became Grand Exalted Ruler in 1983, and Arthur Mayer Jr. of Bergenfield Lodge No. 1477, State Association President in 1985, became Grand Exalted Ruler in 2001. New Jersey has been very fortunate in having four outstanding Grand Exalted Rulers, and is proud of its outstanding handicapped children program with Elks Camp Moore, the “Miracle on The Mountain” at Haskell, North Jersey, The Cerebral Palsy center and The Adult Training Center in Clifton, The Cerebral Palsy Center in Somerville, and in our national high standing in National Foundation, Lodge Activities, Membership, Youth Activities and other Grand Lodge National Programs, especially considering the fact that geographically, New Jersey is one of the smallest states in the nation. Until the early 1960’s, membership in the State Association was not limited to Exalted Rulers and Past Exalted Rulers as it is today. Today one must be the Exalted Ruler of their Lodge to be recognized as their lodge’s official delegate. As Past Exalted Ruler they become permanent members of the Association as long as their lodges stay in good standing.