01 - Welcome!The monument was rededicated after World War II, during the Bicentennial Celebration in 1976 (for Korean and Vietnam conflicts), and then again in 1994 (Panama, Grenada, and Desert Storm). While there are some offices in the monument itself, a building behind the monument serves as headquarters of the Elks and is where the order's monthly magazine is published.
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02 - Reclining Elk at Memorial Grounds Entrance, Sculpture by Laura Gardin FraserMarried to sculptor James Earle Fraser, Laura Gardin Fraser was the first woman to design a coin for the US Treasury (Alabama Centennial Commemorative Half-Dollar, 1921) and won several awards for her many coin and medal designs.
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03 - Reclining Elk at Memorial Grounds Entrance, DetailAccording to The Story of Elkdom published by the Elks in 1931 (1974 reprint), the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America was started on February 16, 1868, by 15 "members of the theatrical, minstrel, musical, equestrian and literary professions and others who sympathized with and support the object in view." The organization's mandate was later broadened to include all professions.
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04 - View of the Full Dome from the EastThe man recognized as the founder of the BPOE was Charles Vivian, a British music hall performer and the son of a clergyman, who emigrated to the US and began the movement which resulted in the formation of the Elks.
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05 - Bronze Entrance Doors, Designed by Gorham Studios
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06 - Hanging Lamp, South WingThe declared purposes of the BPOE are to practice the four cardinal virtues of the order, which are Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity (these four virtues are portrayed throughout the monument); to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; and to cultivate good fellowship.
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07 - Stairway Sculpture, South Wing
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08 - Stairway Sculpture, Detail
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09 - View of Upper Colonnade from the SouthThe cornerstone for the memorial was laid June 7, 1924 and it was officially dedicated on July 14, 1926 "in the presence of a vast throng of members of the Fraternity." We have seen pictures of the dedication and "vast throng" is almost an understatement.
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10 - Exterior Sculpture, South Wing: "Fraternity," by Adolph A. WeinmanWeinman also designed several coins (most notably the "Walking Liberty" Half-Dollar and the "Winged Liberty" or "Mercury" Dime) and armed services medals; as well as statuary for several state capitols, the Jefferson Memorial, and the US Supreme Court.
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11- Detail of Weinman Sculpture "Fraternity," Exterior South WingDescription from The Story of Elkdom "Kneeling at the left is the figure of an aged man, looking up beseechingly to the sturdy masculine figure standing at the right and in benevolent gesture offering support to his brother in need. Behind the kneeling figure appears a youth, looking questioningly into the partly veiled countenance of Mother Nature, whose extended arm rests gently upon his shoulder."
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12 - Exterior Sculpture "Patriotism," by Adolph A. Weinman, North WingThe female figure represents Columbia, who is holding the torch of Liberty and extending her left hand in blessing. Behind her is "an American eagle with outstretched wings, standing upon a branch of a spreading oak- symbol of power."
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13 - Detail of Weinman Sculpture "Patriotism," Exterior North WingA mother and son. "The mother relating the glorious history of their country, thus inspiring him with love and devotion in his native land."
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14 - Detail of Weinman Sculpture "Patriotism," Exterior North Wing"At the left of Columbia is a standing figure in the fullness of manly vigor, partly draped in the folds of the Stars and Stripes, and offering his sword and shield in defense of his country."
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15 - Detail, Frieze Below Colonnade, "The Triumphs of War Perish," by Adolph A. WeinmanExtending around the exterior of the dome on either side of the front doors are Weinman's two immense and stunning allegorical friezes (very similar in motif and execution to Lorado Taft's Fountain of Time) depicting alternately the horrors of war and the bounty of peace.
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16 - Detail, Frieze Below Colonnade, "The Triumphs of War Perish," by Adolph A. WeinmanA procession of figures depict the evolution of warfare over the centuries and its inevitable progression to suffering and death.
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17 - Detail, Frieze Below Colonnade, "The Triumphs of War Perish," by Adolph A. WeinmanDeath appears in a particularly frightening allegorical form, illustrating the end result of armed conflict.
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18 - Detail, Frieze Below Colonnade, "The Triumphs of Peace Endure," by Adolph A. WeinmanOn the other side of the entrance, Weinman depicts the pursuits of peace and the resultant prosperity and happiness which they bring. One of the most striking things about this memorial is that it continuously projects the idea that, while the bravery of our soldiers is a laudable and remarkable thing for which we are eternally grateful, war itself is a horror which is best avoided altogether. This is in stark contrast to some war memorials which almost seem to glorify carnage and suffering.
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19 - Lamp near Entrance
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20 - Detail of Lamp Near Entrance
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