History of Bristol Lodge of Elks No. 1010

Bristol Lodge No. 1010 Historical Gallery

Walk Through 120 Years of Bristol Elkdom

The history of Bristol Lodge is not only a record of dates. It is a collection of people, unexpected moments, acts of compassion and traditions that have endured across generations. Each exhibit below tells one part of that story.

Then and Now

From our earlier Lodge home to 126 South Street, the building has changed, but the spirit of service has remained.

Historical photograph of the former Bristol Lodge of Elks building — Then

Present-day Bristol Lodge of Elks No. 1010 building — Now

Continue through the gallery to discover the stories behind Bristol Lodge No. 1010—stories that will also appear as rotating history features on the Lodge homepage.

1926 Brotherhood in Action

An Elk Never Stands Alone

Bristol Lodge member Albert G. Kottenhoff was killed in an automobile accident near Fredericksburg, Virginia, while traveling with his wife.

Far from home, Mrs. Kottenhoff was immediately assisted by members of Fredericksburg Lodge No. 875. An Elk physician provided care, an Elk undertaker handled the arrangements, Elk attorneys assisted with legal matters, and Lodge members helped escort her safely on the journey home to Connecticut.

Featured in The Elks Magazine as a fine example of the spirit of the Order

1936 Thirty Years

Charter Members Return

Bristol Lodge celebrated its thirtieth anniversary with seventy-five members in attendance. Ten living charter members returned for the occasion and were honored with commemorative gifts from the Lodge.

The evening included dinner, entertainment and speeches recognizing the men who helped establish Lodge No. 1010.

Reported in The Elks Magazine, 1936

1949 A Traveling Elk

Ringling Bros. Comes to Bristol

Willis E. Lawson, assistant manager of Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus, had begun an Elks application through Dallas Lodge but had never completed it.

When the circus came through Connecticut, Bristol Lodge officers contacted Dallas, confirmed his eligibility, and arranged for Lawson to be initiated into Bristol Lodge No. 1010 that same evening.

Reported in The Elks Magazine, 1949

1949 Twenty-Five Years

The Steward Cooked His Own Surprise Dinner

Lodge Steward Joseph Massei believed he was preparing a roast beef dinner for someone else's celebration.

Instead, the banquet was honoring his own twenty-five years of service. After preparing the meal, he was escorted to the head table and surprised before roughly 150 members and guests.

Reported in The Elks Magazine, 1949

1949 Regional Leadership

Plainville Joined Bristol's Jurisdiction

Grand Lodge proceedings recorded Plainville, Connecticut, as being placed under the jurisdiction of Bristol Lodge No. 1010.

The action reflected Bristol Lodge's regional role in supporting the growth and organization of Elkdom in central Connecticut.

Grand Lodge proceedings, 1949

1959 Apples for Charity

A Dollar for a Single Apple

Bristol Elks sold apples to raise funds for the United Cerebral Palsy campaign.

Community support was so strong that many people paid one dollar for a single apple—an especially generous donation at the time—to help children and families.

Reported in The Elks Magazine, 1959

1996 A New Chapter

Lillian Stone Becomes the First Woman Member

Lillian Stone became the first woman admitted as a member of Bristol Lodge No. 1010, opening a new chapter in the Lodge's history.

Her place in the Lodge's story continues to be honored through the legacy of the women who followed her.

Bristol Lodge historical record

2001 Lodge Leadership

Sandy Scott Becomes the First Woman Exalted Ruler

Five years after women first entered the membership of Bristol Lodge, Sandy Scott became the Lodge's first woman Exalted Ruler.

Her election marked another major milestone in the history of Lodge No. 1010.

Bristol Lodge historical record

2026 History Comes Full Circle

A Family Connection Discovered 120 Years Later

While the City of Bristol was preparing a proclamation honoring the Lodge's 120th anniversary, Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu recognized the name of Thomas A. Tracy, Bristol Lodge's first Exalted Ruler.

Tracy was her great-uncle. A family connection hidden in the Lodge's 1906 records had come to light 120 years later.

Discovered during preparation of Bristol's 120th anniversary proclamation

Milestones Through the Years

1906 Bristol Lodge No. 1010 is instituted, with Thomas A. Tracy serving as the first Exalted Ruler.
1926 Fredericksburg Lodge assists the family of Bristol Elk Albert G. Kottenhoff after his death in Virginia.
1936 Bristol Lodge celebrates its thirtieth anniversary.
1949 Ringling Bros. assistant manager Willis E. Lawson is initiated through Bristol Lodge.
1959 Bristol Elks raise funds for United Cerebral Palsy through an apple campaign.
1996 Lillian Stone becomes Bristol Lodge's first woman member.
2001 Sandy Scott becomes the first woman Exalted Ruler.
2026 Bristol Lodge celebrates 120 years of service and discovers the Tracy–Zoppo-Sassu family connection.

Our Cardinal Principles

Charity

Giving back through community aid, grants, scholarships and youth programs.

Justice

Promoting fairness, honor and civic duty in all we do.

Brotherly Love

Fostering true friendship and lasting community bonds.

Fidelity

Staying true to our country, our members and our obligations.

History of Bristol Lodge No. 1010