In 1902, The Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks purchased the Hotel Bedford in Bedford, Virginia at a public sale. This beautiful facility you see today is located on 200 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Elk National Home was dedicated in 1903 as a retirement community for retired Elks members and their spouses.
The Elks National Home in Bedford, Virginia
The Home was originally established for "indigent" Elks who were supported by their subordinate lodges and the Grand Lodge. The original hotel was demolished and replaced by the existing home in 1916. Today, residents pay the charges though the Home is supported in part by the membership through the $1.00 annual assessment.
· The Elks Rest Cemetery in the City of Bedford was in use from 1903 to 1980.
· The cemetery on the Home's grounds was dedicated May 11, 1980. It covers 3 acres, will accommodate
1428 graves and has 100 spaces in the cremation garden.
· The bronze Elk was a gift from John Schmitt of New York Lodge No. 1 and placed in 1937
· Every Christmas season since 1953, the Home has been decorated for Christmas. The display has grown
over the years to with thousands of lights and decorations. It's a tradition to drive through the magical
display and over 20,000 vehicles pass through during the two weeks before Christmas and week after. The
lights are on from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. each evening, through New Year's Eve.
One of the numerous hand painted displays
Directions: Route 460, midway between Roanoke and Lynchburg. From Interstate 81 take exit 150A. Greyhound Bus lines travel to the city. The nearest airports are Roanoke and Lynchburg.
Elks National Home
931 Ashland Avenue
Bedford, VA 24523
1-800-552-4140
Posted by Debbie Malone, Realtor RE/MAX 1st Olympic 20395 Timberlake Rd Lynchburg, VA 24502
(434)546-0369 malone1981@aol.com
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