<Tr> <Th> Website </Th> <Td> www.elks.org </Td> </Tr> <P> The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE; also often known as the Elks Lodge or simply The Elks) is an American fraternal order founded in 1868 originally as a social club in New York City . Today headquartered at Elks National Veterans Memorial in Chicago, Illinois, it is one of the leading fraternal orders in the United States, claiming nearly one million members . </P> <P> The Elks had modest beginnings in 1868 as a social club for minstrel show performers, called the "Jolly Corks". It was established as a private club to elude New York City laws governing the opening hours of public taverns . After the death of a member left his wife and children without income, the club took up additional service roles, rituals and a new name . Desiring to adopt "a readily identifiable creature of stature, indigenous to America," fifteen members voted 8--7 in favor of the elk above the buffalo . Early members were mostly from theatrical performing troupes in New York City . It has since evolved into a major American fraternal, charitable, and service order with more than a million members, both men and women, throughout the United States and the former territories of the Philippines and the Panama Canal . </P> <P> The BPOE was originally an all - white organization . In the early 1970s this policy led the Order into conflict with the courts over its refusal to allow African Americans the use of its club and leisure activities . In nearly all instances, the all - whites clause was made public after someone was denied the use of the Elks' dining or leisure facilities . The clause was revoked at the Grand Lodge of 1976, with the proviso that it could be reinstated if the law allowed . </P>

What is the purpose of the elks organization
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