Glastonbury Lodge No. 2202 found no difficulty in organizing, despite the fact that Glastonbury was already well settled with Lodge representation of other orders. Through the faithful and diligent guidance of East Hartford’s Michael Kiro, PER, its progress was assured.

The Lodge’s first meeting was held on October 19^th, 1960 at the Grange Hall and since that initial meeting, we have found encouragement and satisfaction.  Bill Colgan, Past Exalted Ruler of Bridgeport Lodge No. 36; Frank Gioielli of East Hartford No. 2063 and Frank Milardo had given the original members unfailing guidance since their inception.  The second meeting will always be remembered because of the generosity of Brother Charles Rocci, whose doors were open to the new lodge’s every need.

The organization period, chaired by Judge Walter Downes, brought to each prospective member the acid test of sincerity.  They came, stayed, and multiplied through the worst storms in the State’s history.  Lodge meetings were held in the Grange Hall on Naubuc Avenue until 1964 when the Lodge began to rent the Polish Home on Concord Street.  Growth and activity continued, and in the spring of 1966 ground was broken for the construction of our present building by Brother Charles Monzeglio.  Completion of the building was celebrated by a New Year’s Eve dance held on December 31^st, 1966.

Also during this time, members of the Lodge were busy dismantling a tobacco shed which had been donated. It needed to be transported from East Hartford, and the present Pavilion was erected from the recovered material, which stands in the field below the Lodge building.  This outdoor area also provided entertainment such as horseshoes, bocce ball, and shuffleboard.  John and Andy Dondero were the prime movers of this project.

Under the leadership of Joe Galka and Jack Leslie, our fine trap shoot facility was built in 1967.  In addition to the electrical clay pigeon firing system, there is a paved firing line and a small lodge well equipped with a fireplace, stove, and other necessities for comfort in hot or cold weather.  Trap shooting is a regular, as well as popular event on Sunday afternoons.  This amenity is also open to anyone in the community that wishes to participate.

Horse show grounds were constructed including show rings, jumps, and trails.  Baylis Earle directed the operations of this feature, which hosted some of the largest shows in New England.  Emphasis has now been shifted to cooperation with local pony clubs who utilize the extensive trails through our eighty acres of woods and fields.

A spring-fed fish pond was developed under the chairmanship of Dick Anderson.  In addition to providing recreation for our members, it has served for years as the site of our Annual Handicapped Children’s Fishing Derby.  Just before this event the pond is well stocked, assuring that the youngsters have a memorable day filled with fun and excitement.  Swimming lessons were also provided for members and their families throughout the summer.

Over the years the Glastonbury Elks has given their time freely and enthusiastically on both a State and National basis.  Among our many works are:

            Rocky Hill Veterans Home

            Blind Veterans of Connecticut

            Handicapped Children Christmas Party

            Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner and Party

            Firearms Safety Training Courses

            Scholarship Programs

            Connecticut Children’s Medical Center

            American School for the Deaf

            Camp Sunrise Award Dinner

            Glastonbury Volunteer Fire Department

            American Red Cross

            Handicapped Children’s Fishing Derby

            Youth Scholarship Program

            Camp Sunrise Summer Party

            Glastonbury Little League

            Camp Sunrise Christmas Party

            Boy Scouts of America

            Veterans National Service Commission

            House of Bread Food Shelter

            Youth Drug Awareness Program

            Youth Bicycle Safety Rodeo

            Smoke Alarms for Seniors

            Infant Car Seat Donations

            Wheelchair Donations

Our facilities are also available at little or no cost to many local groups for their activities.  A sampling of these include:

            V. F. W. outings

            Boy Scouts camp-outs

            YMCA outings

            Radio Comm. Alert

            Glastonbury Fire Company outings

            Midget Football League Award Dinners

            Rotary Club summer meetings

            Chamber of Commerce outings

            Town Employees summer outings

The Glastonbury Lodge is continuing to improve all of its extensive facilities by renovating and modernizing on an ongoing basis.  A new carpet in the lounge, renovation in the bar area, and the repainting of ceilings and walls throughout the lodge are among our continuing accomplishments.  The trap house has also just recently undergone a much needed makeover, including the addition of a brand new deck area.

A large deck area has also been added to the main entrance to the lodge, allowing more opportunity for outdoor summer events.  Many more improvements remain, and include repaving the parking lot, refurnishing the hall, landscaping improvements, creating an all-weather entry from the parking lot, and expansion of the range.

The Lodge continues to carry on the original tradition of volunteering their time to help the community.  The members of the Lodge also find time to hold events at which they, along with their families, can relax and enjoy themselves.  One event that has been created recently accomplishes both of these goals: the annual charity Bike Run.  This event, which was started in 2001 by Michael Perleoni, PER, has grown over the past few years.  The members and other motorcycle enthusiasts, along with generous corporate sponsors, help to raise money which benefits many of the charities listed above.  Dinners such as the Lobster Fest and All You Can Eat Filet Mignon also prove to be fun times for the members and their families while raising money for charities.  The annual Fishing Derby for handicapped children, the annual Blind Veterans turkey shoot, and functions held for the children of Camp Sunrise continue to be important events today, after many years.  The members of the Lodge strive to perpetuate their motto, which states “never criticize a volunteer”.

 The Volunteer

 Although many people hold this job, there are never enough I fear.

The job I am referring to is that of a volunteer.

The job is quite satisfying, at least that’s what they say.

It must be the truth, because I know for a fact it’s certainly not the pay.

Their rewards will come much later, because from what I hear

There’s a special place in heaven for those who volunteer.

 by Tom Flanagan (Member No.5)

Special thanks to the following:

Pictures and archives provided by Bernard Burgan, PER

Compiled and summarized by Erik Witham, PER

Edited by Sarah Myles