Beginnings 
On May 20th, 1909, inside the South Orange Village Hall, South Orange Lodge was instituted as Subordinate Lodge #1154 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Twenty seven founders and two emits comprised the chartered members installation. Fred Ardrey was our first Exalted Ruler, assisted by first Secretary William H. Van Iderstein.  Our founding members were:​
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David H. Smith
William B. Newman

Frederick A. Helmlinger
James P. Hall
Daniel B. Decker
William H. Geisel, Jr.
Robert Ferguson
Henry F. Moore
John F. Croak
John J. O'Hanlon
Arthur S. Palmer
Joseph Abbott
Charles De Grasse
Peter J. Kernan
Henry F. Tringor
Cornelius P. Nolan
George M. MacDonald
Andrew J. McDonneld
Lewis H. Pierson
Henry James

Michael A. Fitzsimmons       Esquire
Elvia Scott                             Inner Guard
William H. Van Iderstine      Chaplain  / Secretary

Fred Ardrey                          Exalted Ruler

Trustees
William H. Reeve
John Barrett
James F. Farrell