San Rafael Elks 1108

History of San Rafael Elks Lodge #1108

The San Rafael Elks Lodge was founded in 1908 with the help of our sister Lodge in Petaluma.

Our Lodge was originally located in downtown San Rafael on Fifth Avenue. In 1963 we were given the opportunity to purchase Maple Lawn Estate from Louise Boyd, just up the street from where the Lodge was originally located. The Lodge was formally dedicated in February 1964. In addition to the mansion house, the Lodge includes an historic carriage house, outbuildings, worker cottages, a swimming pool, a picnic area, and the beautiful outdoor terrace lined with magnolia trees.

The Lodge opened its membership to both men and women in 1995. Lillian Dreyer, the first female in Lodge #1108, was initiated in 1996. We now have over 500 members ranging from 21 to 97 years old. We are an active and vibrant Lodge with many families who help create a fun and lively atmosphere both at the Lodge and in the community.

History of the Property

John Franklin Boyd (1842-1920) formed a partnership with Seth and Dan Cook and opened the Standard Mining Company in Bodie, California, that yielded a bonanza. He married his partner's niece, Louise Arner, who inherited the Cook estate known as Maple Lawn in San Rafael and another estate in Contra Costa County, now known as Mt. Diablo.

Boyd continued to accrue assets through his skilled management, and the family enjoyed a charmed life. The Boyds took part in community affairs and shared their time between the two estates. The Boyds had three children: Louise, Seth, and John. The children had an ideal life romping in the large home and riding ponies around San Rafael. But tragedy struck in 1901: within a year, the two boys died of complications of rheumatic fever.

Maple Lawn was the name of the Boyds' estate in San Rafael on Mission Avenue. The Cooks, who originally owned the house, had made extensive improvements to the property. Seth Cook had bought six acres and added the Gate House at the entrance to the drive in 1879.

Louise Boyd inherited the Boyds' assets at the age of 29 when her parents, Louise Arner Boyd and John Franklin Boyd, died. A trip to the Arctic in 1924 determined her future life, and she became an Arctic explorer. Louise financed seven expeditions to Greenland and surrounding areas for which she acted as the photographer. After the start of World War II, she came home to San Rafael and became involved in social and civic activities. Louise kept Maple Lawn until she could no longer maintain the property. She sold the estate to the San Rafael Elks Lodge in the early 1960s. Louise died in a nursing home in San Francisco on September 14, 1972, just before her 85th birthday.

(history provided by Marin History Museum's publication of Early San Rafael)

The Swimming Pool is for all Elk members and their guests only.

Rentals and Private Parties

For more information on renting portions of our facility, please contact the Event Coordinator at 415.295.LAWN (415.295.5296), or email us at MapleLawnEvents@gmail.com