WELLSVILLE — The Wellsville Lodge of Elks No. 1495 will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the issuance of their charter from the Grand Lodge of Elks.

The charter, dated July 16, 1925, was issued upon completion of several months of planning by the then-charter members. Charter members included F.M. Wall, Herbert W. Ward, Floyd W. Lee, J.J. Dean, Henry DeBarbieri, Earl B. O’Connor, W.M. Cobb, H.B. Eynon, P.C. Connor, Rodney E. Kane, Howard O. Gonter, W.J. Moynihan, Carl Shreiner, Gus Giopulos, Francis Anderson, F.P. Knox, L.J. Coons, C.F. Mayer, G.P. Probst, W.J. McGurk, Wm. J. Hanson, Wm. J. Cronin, Anthony M. Reiller, H.J. Stephens, Laurence J. Pflager and Carl N. Marshall.

A gala weekend of celebration will be held on Friday and Saturday, led by current Exalted Ruler Bryant Hughes and the event co-chairmen, State Vice President Tom Hand and Past Exalted Ruler Jody Torrey.

Members and invited guests will enjoy dinner Friday night at the Wellsville American Legion. After dinner, there will be music performed by The Sticktights at the Elks Lodge. The music is open for all to enjoy.

On Saturday, the Lodge will participate in the Great Wellsville Balloon Rally parade and then host a family day at the lodge with youth games, food trucks and music by Adam and Anton from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and Dollar Short from 4 to 8 p.m. This is also open to all.

The celebrations wrap up on July 16 (the actual charter date) with an open house at the Lodge, serving pizza and wings starting at 5 p.m.

The officers and members thank Wellsville and the surrounding communities for their generosity and patronage over the last century.

Anyone interested in joining the Elks are welcomed to inquire at the Lodge or any member.