The Riverhead Elks Lodge on East Main Street was originally the Riverhead Country Club. It was built around 1921, surrounded by an 18-hole golf course, with six holes on the east side of Route 25 near the clubhouse and 12 holes on the west side. That is how the neighborhood called “The Greens” — a post-war development built opposite the clubhouse — got its name. A driving range was behind the club.
The land was originally the Charles Kratoville farm. The country club and golf course closed during World War II, then reopened briefly, but wasn’t successful. Then in 1946 the American Legion Post No. 273 purchased the clubhouse, along with the total of 82 acres of land and the 18-hole golf course.
In 1947 the Legion sold the 51-acre parcel across the street from their clubhouse for the purpose of a new development of homes with preference given to veterans, young married couples, and people of the air force. These homes were built in the 1950s on the Riverhead Greens. Later, larger houses were built north of the Greens, and called Riverhead Gardens.
In the spring of 1959 the Elks purchased the six-and-a-half acre plot and headquarters building of the American Legion. The Riverhead Elks were organized in 1957 but had no “home” of their own. For close to 58 years now, the Elks have been meeting at the Riverhead Elks Lodge and have been hosting many benefits for the community, as well as renting their hall to local groups.
Raise the Roof!
The building is now about 96 years old and in need of a new roof. The Riverhead Elks Lodge is having an outdoor benefit on Saturday, May 20 to help raise money for a new roof. The Raise the Roof benefit will feature live music by Kerry Kearney, Yankee Rebel, and Joe Hampton & The Kingpins with Southold Slim.
Food will be available for purchase, as well as a 50/50 raffle and raffle prizes. Tickets are $20 each, and the benefit is from 2 to 6 p.m.
For tickets call the Lodge at 631-727- 2027 or send an email.
Weather permitting, this will be an outdoor event. We welcome monetary donations or donations of raffle prizes.
Author’s note: History courtesy of Jack Kratoville, Georgette Case, and newspaper articles dated 1945 – 1959.
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