Elks Magazine Online

Archive Issue: Dec. 2009/Jan.2010

Features

22

An Alligator in the East Room: First Families and Their Pets, by Earl Rickard

From John Quincy Adams's alligator to the Lincolns' pet goats to the Clinton family's cat, the White House has been home to a wide variety of pets.

30

A Snapshot of George Eastman, by Jean Schaefer

George Eastman, inventor, business visionary, and philanthropist, improved photographic equipment and made it available to the masses.

36

The Christmas Tree: An Ancient Tradition, by Victor Parachin

Tracing its origins back more than 1,000 years to the Vikings, the Christmas tree has become the symbol of one of Christianity's most important holidays.

42

Dreaming of a Bath Christmas, by Patricia Ann McNair

Bath, England, holds something special for everyone during the holidays, including an outdoor Christmas market and choral concerts in a Gothic church

Departments

4

Message from the GER

6

It's Your Business, by William J. Lynott

7

Healthline, by Elizabeth A. Reid, M.D.

8

News of the Lodges

48

Elks National Veterans Service Commission

51

Elks National Foundation Joy of Giving

52

Elks Drug Awareness Program

54

Annual Report of the Grand Secretary