History of the Opera House: The Elk’s Tooth
By Kathy King Johnson, Executive Director Cheboygan Opera House
Special to the Tribune
On Jan. 24 and 25, 1907, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a prominent benefit society, produced the play “The Elk’s Tooth” at the Cheboygan Opera House. A huge cast of 50 Cheboygan people performed before sell-out crowds.
Fraternal orders, benevolent clubs and secret societies like the Elks offered a place for like-minded groups of philanthropists to give back to their community. They raised money for their favorite causes. Actors, entertainers and those in the theater business formed The Elks organization in1868 in New York City. It quickly grew to include many other professions.