Published: July 18, 2008 11:35 pm      

Elks Lodge plans move to Geistown

When members of Johnstown’s Elks lodge leave their longtime Johnstown headquarters at month’s end, they likely will migrate to another popular social spot: Geistown Country Club.

If Geistown Borough Council approves the Elks’ request for a liquor-license transfer next week, the lodge will finalize a purchase of the club at 330 Teaberry Lane.

“Once we get (council approval), then we can close on the building,” said Dave Edwards, Elks secretary.

It is not clear whether Geistown Country Club is moving to another location or closing altogether.

Owner William Frombach could not be reached for comment. He and another man still are listed as managers/stewards for the club, and they retain an active liquor license, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board records show.

The Elks move has sparked wide interest because the organization, officially dubbed the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Johnstown Lodge No. 175, has sold its 104-year-old home in downtown Johnstown to Franklin Street United Methodist Church.

Though a final decision apparently has not been made, a church trustee has said the Locust Street landmark likely will be torn down to allow for more parking for the congregation.

The church also bought an adjoining parking lot from the Elks.

Elks leaders have said they simply could not afford to maintain the three-story structure any longer.

Geistown Country Club “better suits our needs,” Edwards said. “It’s all on one floor, and there aren’t any stairs, which benefits our older members.”

The church allowed the lodge to stay downtown while members found a new home. Edwards said the Elks will vacate the building by the end of July.

The borough’s council has scheduled a special meeting for 7 p.m. Tuesday to consider allowing the Elks to shift their liquor license from Johnstown to Geistown. The session will be held in council chambers at 721 E. Oakmont Blvd.

Councilman Ed Porada said he could not predict how his colleagues would vote. But he said a previous discussion with Elks members was positive.