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A Little Taste of History within Willimantic
Lodge
Prepared by Alex Coriaty,PER
Willimantic Lodge #1311 received its
charter on March 31,1914 and was under the leadership of Willimantic’s 1st
Exalted Ruler Daniel Dunn* (1914-1915). Lodge meetings were held in
various locations throughout Willimantic including the French Club on Center
Street, the Jordan Hardware Building and the Old Fellows Hall on Main
street.
The Lodge purchased land at its present
location at 198 Pleasant Street on July 13,1919 and Michael F. Sullivan* was
the Exalted Ruler (6th) at that time. Construction took place at 198
Pleasant Street on April 2,1925 and was completed in May of 1926.
| The Lower Level Banquet Hall which holds up
to 350 people and the Bowling Alleys off of the Grille Room
were completed between February 1957 and May 1958.
Willimantic Lodge has won the
Connecticut Elks Association Ritualistic Championship four times, 1956-1957,
1965-1966, 1966-1967, 1967-1968.
Because of the dedication to the
Connecticut Elks Association and the respect earned by Willimantic Lodge The Connecticut Elks Association
named their Ritual Trophy after Arthur J.Roy ,PER,PDD,PSP,PGELK,PGT,PSDGER. |
Photo Courtesy of
www.elks.org
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Florimond Lussier the Lodge’s
52nd Exalted Ruler (1965-1966) is the eldest living Past Exalted Ruler with 45
years and counting.
Willimantic Lodge has had three Past
State Presidents, George W. Hickey*, Arthur J. Roy*, and Alan W. Lyon* and seven Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Rulers, Arthur J.Roy*, Eric H. Lind*,
Alan W. Lyon*, Edward R. Volle, James P. McMahon, Edward J. Waitte,
Donna Wallace.
The Lodge has seen two men serve two
terms as Exalted Ruler. The first being Leonard “Jake” Tompkins in 1973-1974
and again in 1982-1983. The second being Jeffrey Zizka who served back
to back terms in 1990-1991,1991-1992.
In its 97 year history Willimantic Lodge
has one father/ son Exalted Ruler combination when in 1994-1995 Charles A. Coriaty* served as Exalted Ruler. His son Alex C. Coriaty served as
Exalted Ruler in 1997-1998.
The Lodge in 2003-2004 celebrated its
first female Exalted Ruler in Mrs. Donna Wallace.
The Lodge also celebrates its only
current Husband and Wife Exalted Ruler combination when in 1998-1999 George
St. Germain* served as Exalted Ruler. His wife Marion St. Germain
served as Exalted Ruler in 2005-2006.
On September 21,2008 Willimantic
Lodge had the honor of hosting the Grand Exalted Ruler Visit.
Approximately 240 elk members from across the state welcomed Grand Exalted
Ruler Paul D. Helsel and his lovely wife Jane. The Grand Exalted Ruler
is from Newark Lodge #2281. Also in attendance was Connecticut's
Jurisdictional leader the Honorable Peter T. Affatato, Past Grand Exalted
Ruler, and his lovely wife Irene. Willimantic Lodge last hosted a GER
Visit in 1981.
In September of 2009 The Grand Lodge
approved the merge between Norwich Lodge #430 and Willimantic Lodge.
Members in good standing of Norwich Lodge were allowed the opportunity to
become members of Willimantic Lodge. Some of the
Norwich members decided to joined the New London Lodge #360.
On July 7,2010 at the Grand Lodge
Convention in Orlando, Florida, Donna Wallace was installed has District
Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler-Connecticut East. Donna is the second
female in the State of Connecticut to be appointed to this high honor.
In the Lodge year 2013-2014
Willimantic Lodge will be celebrating its 100th year of Elkdom.
*-Deceased
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