Women were barred from Elks groups for nearly 120 years. In Maine, they now lead nearly half of them.

After more than a century of male dominance, women are becoming commonplace in one of the state’s oldest fraternal organizations. On April 1, Elizabeth Grant was sworn in as the newest exalted ruler for the Houlton Lodge. It marks the first time in the 119-year history of the Houlton Lodge of Elks No. 835 that a woman has been elected to its highest post.Read more.