The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) strategically used matchbooks to promote their lodges and foster community involvement. These matchbooks, often distributed at local businesses, social gatherings, and community events, featured the Elks' distinctive emblem, lodge number, and contact details prominently on the cover. They typically included engaging slogans such as "Elks Care, Elks Share" or "Join Us for Community and Fellowship," which highlighted the organization's commitment to charity, community service, and camaraderie. The covers frequently depicted patriotic symbols, images of elk, or scenes of lodge activities, emphasizing the values of patriotism, benevolence, and fraternal bonding. By providing these matchbooks as complimentary items, the Elks ensured that their lodges remained visible and top-of-mind in the daily lives of community members. The practical and frequently handled nature of matchbooks helped reinforce the organization's presence, encouraging individuals to visit their local lodge, participate in charitable events, and consider membership, thereby strengthening the Elks' influence and engagement within the community.
