Elks National Home

The Elks National Home is a historic compound with over 20 buildings designed in Colonial Revival style, spreading across a large property. The complex includes various structures and objects arranged to support the needs of elderly residents.

The facility started in 1903 using an existing hotel building before moving to a newly designed complex created by prominent Chicago architects. This shift from hotel to retirement home marked a major change in how the property was used.

Interior murals in the Administration Building were created by an artist with a circus background, bringing creative character to the space. These artistic touches show how the facility aimed to enhance the experience of those living there.

The property covers a large area with multiple zones spread across the grounds, making it helpful to plan time for exploration. Keep in mind that the compound operates as a residence for its inhabitants, so respect the living spaces.

A tragic event in 1923 resulted in multiple deaths linked to contaminated food served at the facility, becoming a grim reminder of food safety challenges in early community settings. This incident serves as a historical marker of how institutional food handling practices have evolved since then.

Location: Bedford

Website: http://elkshome.org

GPS coordinates: 37.34289,-79.53498

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:08