The Friendly Lodge: 7 Surprising Facts About The Toms River Elks Club (Lodge #1875)

The Toms River Elks Lodge #1875, affectionately known as "The Friendly Lodge," is far more than just a social club; it is a critical hub for community service, historical preservation, and local events in Ocean County, New Jersey. As of , this lodge stands out not only for its commitment to the Elks' core values of Charity, Justice, Fidelity, and Brotherly Love, but also for housing a truly unique piece of American history right in the heart of Toms River.

Located at 600 Washington Street, the Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 is a powerhouse within the New Jersey Elks Association, residing in the Southeast District—the largest district in the state. The information below provides an in-depth, current look at its facilities, charitable programs, and the surprising historical artifact that draws visitors and members alike to this vital Jersey Shore institution.

Toms River Elks Lodge #1875: At a Glance

The Toms River Elks Lodge is a cornerstone of the local community, dedicated to serving veterans, youth, and special needs populations across Ocean County. Its profile is a testament to the enduring mission of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.).

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• Official Name: Toms River Elks Lodge #1875
• Nickname: The Friendly Lodge
• Location: 600 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
• District: Southeast District, New Jersey State Elks Association (the state's largest district)
• Core Mission: Community service, youth development, veteran support, and aid for special needs children and adults.
• Key Facilities: Main Hall/Banquet Room, Antler Lounge, Full-Service Bar, and a dedicated historical display.
• Phone: 732-349-9660 (Extension x201 for Hall Rentals)

The Unexpected Historical Artifact: A U.S.S. Arizona Remnant

One of the most compelling and least-known aspects of the Toms River Elks Lodge is its role as a keeper of American history. The lodge proudly hosts a U.S.S. Arizona Remnant display, a powerful and tangible link to one of the most pivotal moments in U.S. history: the attack on Pearl Harbor.

This display is a profound symbol of the Elks' commitment to patriotism and their support for veterans. The U.S.S. Arizona was a battleship sunk during the attack on December 7, 1941, and its wreckage remains at Pearl Harbor as a memorial to the 1,177 sailors and Marines who lost their lives. The presence of a remnant in Toms River serves as a permanent, local memorial, allowing residents of Ocean County to connect with the sacrifices made during World War II.

The display was notably highlighted during the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, reinforcing the lodge's dedication to honoring the nation's heroes.

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This unique piece of history elevates the lodge from a simple social club to a bona fide community landmark and a place of pilgrimage for veterans and history enthusiasts alike.

A Pillar of Community Service: Youth and Special Needs Programs

The core identity of the Toms River Elks Lodge is its unwavering dedication to charitable work, particularly focused on youth development and support for special populations. Their community service programs are extensive, providing crucial support across the local area.

Empowering the Next Generation

The lodge actively supports a wide range of youth activities, ensuring that local children have opportunities for growth, scholarship, and athletic development. These programs are essential LSI entities that define the Elks' mission:

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• Scholarship Programs: The lodge offers valuable scholarships to deserving local students, helping to fund their pursuit of higher education.
• Elks Hoop Shoot: An annual free-throw contest for children ages 8 to 13, promoting sportsmanship and healthy competition.
• Soccer Shoot & Batters Up: Other popular athletic programs designed to engage children in team sports and skill development.
• Boy Scouts Sponsorship: The Elks provide local support and sponsorship for the Boy Scouts, fostering leadership and civic responsibility.

The Special Children's Committee

Perhaps the most compassionate of the lodge’s efforts is the work of the Special Children's Committee. This dedicated group works with unwavering compassion to provide service programs for Special Needs Children and Adults throughout the community.

Their work often includes organizing events, providing necessary equipment, and offering financial assistance to make life better for special needs families in Toms River and the surrounding areas.

Modern Facilities for Public and Private Events

Beyond its charitable and historical roles, the Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 serves as a premier venue for local events, parties, and community gatherings. The lodge maintains two primary rental spaces, making it a popular choice for everything from weddings to corporate functions.

The facilities are available for public rental, with a dedicated catering and hall rentals contact line (extension x201) to streamline the booking process.

• The Antler Lounge: This smaller, more intimate space is perfect for smaller parties, meetings, and gatherings, with a capacity of up to 90 people. It is often used for casual events and is adjacent to the main bar area.
• The Main Hall / Banquet Room: This is the lodge's primary large event space. While capacity is not explicitly stated, it is the ideal location for larger functions like weddings, anniversary parties, and major fundraisers, accommodating crowds significantly larger than the Antler Lounge. The hall offers a customizable space often decorated independently by the user to fit any theme or occasion.

Upcoming and Recent Engagement: The Friendly Lodge in Action

The Toms River Elks Lodge is constantly active, hosting events that raise funds and foster community spirit. The commitment to providing fresh and engaging activities is evident in their recent and upcoming schedule:

• Annual Holiday Events: The lodge is a hub for holiday cheer, hosting events like the Festival of Trees (a major fundraiser) and popular seasonal gatherings such as the Brunch With Santa and Breakfast With Santa Kids Holiday Bazaar. These events often span into the following year, with mentions of 2025 dates, demonstrating a forward-looking and active calendar.
• Fundraising Plunges: They actively organize and participate in "Plunge" events, which are common charitable fundraisers in the Jersey Shore region, often involving jumping into cold water to raise money for a cause.
• Designer Handbag Bingo: A popular and recurring fundraiser that combines social fun with charitable giving, often scheduled months in advance to maximize participation.

The Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 continues its tradition as "The Friendly Lodge," serving as a critical pillar of support for veterans, youth, and special needs individuals, all while preserving a unique piece of American history and providing an essential social and event space for the greater Toms River community.