Fans of heritage and architecture, mark your calendars for a step into Grass Valley's past as the Elks Lodge #538 Building celebrates a milestone anniversary with a historic gathering. Set to begin at 10 a.m. this Sunday, Oct. 12, at 109 S. School St., the event will honor the building's recent landmark status endorsed by the Board of Supervisors. Nevada County officials invite the public to partake in the dedication of a commemorative plaque, with an added perk of light refreshments and a tour showcasing the lodge's illustrious interior post-ceremony.
Having opened its doors in 1912 following a 12-year concerted effort, the lodge now stands tall at 125 years, taking root in the town's history with its Neo-Gothic/English Tudor style—a beacon among Grass Valley's architectural treasures; it was constructed at an expense of what then was a hefty $50,000 sum. The lodge's allure isn't just in its bricks and mortar; memories of lively weddings, spirited dances, and communal gatherings echo through its halls, including a particularly noted spring-hung hard maple dance floor and a unique four-lane bowling alley. The historical fabric of this locale was formally recognized in 2018, a testament proclaimed by the City of Grass Valley, with Supervisor Swarthout adding his signature to the accolades at the time.
This slice of historical grandeur will soon grace the pages of the forthcoming Exploring Nevada County, an illustrated guidebook to the county's heralded landmarks, as well as feature on the Landmark Commission’s interactive digital map; both resources seek to guide curious eyes and eager minds through a journey of the locale's storied landmarks. Engaged history buffs can also access a digital copy, compatible with various smartphone and tablet platforms, courtesy of You Bet Press, which provides clickable links for enhanced accessibility.
