The public is invited to the dedication of a historical plaque commemorating the Grass Valley Elks Lodge #538 Building, which was recently landmarked by the Board of Supervisors. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 12, at 109 S. School St., Grass Valley. Light refreshments will be provided and a tour of the interior will follow the ceremony.
The ceremony coincides with the Lodge's 125th anniversary. The two-story red brick building, designed in the Neo-Gothic/English Tudor style, is one of the City’s historical centerpieces. It opened in 1912, following a 12-year effort to fund, design, and erect what is one of Grass Valley’s most architecturally distinctive buildings, at a cost of $50,000. The Lodge features a spring-hung hard maple dance floor and a four-lane bowling alley. Many readers will have fond memories of attending weddings, dances and other events there. Its historical significance was recognized in 2018 in a proclamation City of Grass Valley, cosigned by Supervisor Swarthout, then Grass Valley’s Mayor.
This landmark will be featured on the Landmark Commission’s interactive map and in the next edition of its book, Exploring Nevada County, a guide to all the County’s historical landmarks. The book is available in electronic format for any smartphone or tablet from Apple or Amazon. Visit You Bet Press for clickable links.
The purpose of the Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission is to promote the general welfare of Nevada County and its citizens through official recognition, recording, marking, preserving and promoting the historical resources of Nevada County. For more information, please call 530-264-0115.