Some of these "story books" continue the story with a personal memory, as a souvenir of a place the collector has been and captures that moment in time.
Other books come into a collection as a gift from friends or a trade/purchase from other collectors- sometimes you remember how you got it and sometimes you don't.
Such is the story of this book with the B.P.O.E. logo. The KC Matchgirl doesn't know any Elks, much less anyone from Missoula, Montana, where Hell Gate ( lodge) 383 is located.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was founded in New York in 1868 as a drinking club for entertainers. At some point soon after, they decided they could be more benevolent and protective by naming themselves after a large hooved animal and doing charitable acts.
What "Hell Gate" refers to I have no clue, but 383 refers to the fact that Missoula, Montana has the 383rd Elks lodge founded in America.
Apparently, drinking is still involved at most Elks lodges, as pictured in this stylish, modern lounge on the back cover- at least it was stylish and modern and newly remodeled around 1950.
As for Bill, be sure to tell him "Hello". Not sure if he's the bartender or maybe a doorman who makes sure your Elk credentials are in order before entering. All I know is that the saddle of the book reads "Hello Bill" in red script lettering, perhaps a cryptic message from long ago that only a fellow Elk would understand.
Most likely, these books were meant for other Elks but somehow this one fell into non-Elk hands before it fell into mine, and hence tell its tiny story.
The Hell Gate Lodge in Missoula, MT is located at 112 N. Patee St. and became a National Historic Site in 1990.
