Over Christmas weekend in 2022, a widespread power outage in Benton Harbor caused a pipe to burst and rain inches of water throughout the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Elks Lodge.
Due to the power and internet outage, Elks leadership was also unable to be notified by the alarm system they installed. For three days, the carpet, bar, HVAC system, ceiling and some electronics were soaking in water before the former owner of Babe’s Lounge in Benton Harbor called and informed them there was water coming out of the lodge doors.
Four months later, The lodge overlooking the St. Joseph River will be returning to its full hours beginning May 10 – and Grand Exalted Leader Carol Klukas is relieved start to turn her focus again toward the benevolent programs the Elks pride themselves on.
“We were feeling like we were just crawling out from COVID, trying to regain our membership and doing pretty good,” Klukas said. “Then boom – this happens.”
From drug awareness campaigns to helping children with special needs and supporting veterans in various ways, the Elks were founded “to promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.” This winter, Elks leaders have instead been focused on insurance adjustors, contractors, mold inspections and cleanup.
The total bill for repairs was more than $100,000, according to Klukas. While she said there is still some work left to do prior to the full opening, the building has gotten new carpet, a new HVAC system, security system upgrades, an electronic jukebox, a new bar and more. It hosted a soft opening March 10, and has been open Fridays and Saturdays since then.
“I feel like we can finally get about the business of what we’re supposed to do at the Elks,” Klukas said. “Just the basic, benevolent things that we were supposed to do in our community.”
Klukas said she is grateful the damage wasn’t worse, and there was no mold to deal with. She added they are looking into getting a generator just in case this kind of thing happens again, but the income lost due to closing for so long is a hindrance – as is decreased membership over the years.
At its peak, the lodge had 1200 members – now it has 500. So, Klukas and fellow officers are trying to figure out ways to recruit new members.
“We want to draw in our young families and other younger people,” Klukas said. “We’re not going to live forever, and we need new younger ideas and people, otherwise organizations like ours will go away.”
Hours for the lodge once fully open will be Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m. For more information, visit the Elks Lodge at 601 Riverview Drive in Benton Harbor, call (269) 363-4180 or visit them on Facebook at facebook.com/Elks541. For more on the Elks organization, visit elks.org.
By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
Photo Cutline: Leading Knight Douglas Kopp and Grand Exhalted Ruler Carol Klukas
