Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge Number 878, Fraternal lodge in Elmhurst, Queens, United States
The Elks Lodge 878 at 82-10 Queens Boulevard is a 3+1⁄2-story Italian Renaissance Revival building of granite, limestone and buff brick, designed by the Ballinger Company. Its north facade has a five-bay elevation with a rusticated limestone first floor, a central arched entrance flanked by Doric columns, and a granite terrace with balustrade. A two-story annex stands east at 82-20 Queens Boulevard, and a three-story rear addition dates to 1930.
The cornerstone was laid in October 1923, with The Ballinger Company overseeing the construction. The building was erected as the fraternal organization expanded its presence in Queens during the early twentieth century.
The lodge served as an important gathering place for community members and local political figures throughout the twentieth century. It reflects the social role that fraternal organizations held in Queens during that era.
The building is situated on Queens Boulevard and maintains its original architectural details throughout. Access is primarily through the annex section, as the lodge operates on a limited basis today.
The bronze elk on the entrance steps is not just decorative: according to local legend, members squeezed the elk's testicles for good luck before going in. Elk motifs also appear on the building's doorknobs, and the frieze over the main arch reads "Queensborough Lodge, No. 878 B.P.O. Elks".
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