ELKS LODGE
409 SEYMOUR ST.jpg The Kamloops Lodge #44 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks began in 1920 with a mandate to provide community service and leadership. It contributed large sums of money to help the community by upgrading Riverside Park, sponsoring music groups, and assisting the sick and elderly. It also focused on organizing social activities like dances, concerts, and vaudeville acts.

To accommodate all its activities the Elks built a new Lodge in 1927 with club quarters, billiard room, lounge, banquet hall, auditorium and seven residential suites on the top floor. It was the first building designed in the Spanish-American style of architecture and started a trend in the city.

The auditorium had the second largest stage in the province and held an audience of 1,000. It hosted travelling shows, vaudeville, concerts, musicals, and dances. It was 'the community place'. In 1930 the auditorium became the Rex Theatre and brought the first 'talkies' to Kamloops. The latest New York equipment and design made it a popular venue.

Source: Kamloops Heritage Commission