Fraternal organizations, such as the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), were the hub of social life in many mid-nineteenth-century American communities, especially in the West. On Saturday, May 27, 1899, the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler of the BPOE for Arizona, together with other “distinguished” Elks from around the state, met with a group of business and professional men in Globe to organize BPOE Lodge 489. Officers were elected and sixteen men initiated into the Order.

The brickwork continues inside the building, notably in the brick fireplace with decorative brickwork in a repetitive motif in recessed panels with brackets supporting the mantle at the front facade. The interior is also distinguished by a coved ceiling and crown molding. The second floor has a rustic pine bar and pine floor; the third floor features original Craftsman furniture and lighting fixtures.

The Elks made good use of the new building, initially occupying the upper two stories for lodge meetings and other functions, and leasing the ground floor as a commercial space. This space was also used as the Elks Theater and, later, the Iris Theater, both featuring live performances.  A mortuary occupied the first floor for a period of time.  At the age of 21, young Fred Hare Jones began working with his father, Fred L. Jones, in the mortuary/funeral business.  The son, Fred Hare Jones, continued his father's business upon the death of his parents, and he retired from that business in 1947.