1960's - (B.P.O.E.) Elks Lodge Tietack Pin

This is a vintage late 1960's Elks Lodge tietack pin in a gold-tone finish with red, white, and blue enameled features and a clear gemstone at top.
** The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE; also often known as the Elks Lodge or simply The Elks) is an American fraternal order and social club founded in 1868. - The Elks had modest beginnings in 1868 as a social club (then called the "Jolly Corks") 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. 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.