The African American Social Club-76 2nd Street, Somerville NJ

 My childhood home, 76 Second Street, Somerville NJ. (1980s)

Ever wonder about the history of your home? I did..the research revealed a rich bit of local African American history.  I wondered if the stories I heard as a child were true. Had 76 Second Street, Somerville NJ once been the location of a restaurant? No…not a restaurant but, it once was the home of the African American social club the Pride of Somerset Lodge, 388, Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks!

As a practice, Somerville’s social clubs, local organizations, and churches were separate. These clubs existed for African American, German, and white residents. The Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, (IBPOE) a multi-state  organization, was established when the by-laws of the Benevolent  Protective Order of Elks prohibited African American membership. 

Pride of Somerset Lodge, 388 I.B.P.O.Elks

The New Age and, occasionally, Somerville’s local newspapers chronicled the African American community’s happenings. These records included the outings and social gatherings sponsored by Pride of Somerset Lodge, 388 I.B.P.O.Elks between the 1920s and 1940. 

Records beyond 1940 were not found. It is unknown if the Pride of Somerset Lodge, 388 I.B.P.O.Elks was reorganized under another name, absorbed into another organization, or dissolved.
Explore those old papers in the attic and share the family stories. They hold our history and confirm our connections.

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