Elks Lodge In Danger of Demolition: Historical Society Pledges to Preserve Landmark Building

The historic B.P.O. Elks Lodge 128 building, built in 1914 at the intersection of Heck Street and Monroe Avenue near the beachfront, is in danger of being demolished under the city's beachfront redevelopment plan. The Asbury Park Historical Society is launching a campaign to save the building, which was also more recently known as the “ Charms Building ,”

“We have already lost much of the city's heritage and we want to make sure we don't lose much more,” said society President Johna Karpinski.

The society has printed color postcards which have a postcard image of the Elks Lodge on the front and a message to City Manager Terry Reidy on the back urging city officials to save the building. “We hope concerned people will mail these postcards in and help support this effort,” Karpinski said

For more detailed information about the historic Elks Lodge or to request postcards visit www.asburyparkhistoricalsociety.org or telephone 732-869-4478 and leave a message.

The Elks Lodge 128 was built in 1914 and enlarged in 1924. The building had four bowling alleys, restaurants, a barbershop, a billiard room, a lounge, a dining room, a smoking room and a gymnasium. Many of the most influential and affluent people living at the Jersey Shore were members. The Elks also provided free health care to area children during the 1920s and 1930s. Around 1940 the building was sold to the Charms Candy Company, which moved pot of town in the mid 1970s.

Fourth of July Parade

Marcello Tomazell Painting to be Raffled by the Asbury Park Historical Society. The painting has an estimated value of a minimum of $6,000 and raffle tickets will be sold for $20.00 each.

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