Yes, this building was originally built in 1915 as a drill hall. The design likely came out of a government office in Victoria or Ottawa as it appears to be a "cookie cutter" building which has at least one twin that we know of, that one being in Enderby, BC. The Enderby Drill Hall, at least in the exterior design and dimensions, is nearly identical to that of the Merritt Drill Hall. It was built in 1914, a year prior to this one. The building has been designated a City of Merritt Heritage Site.
We have no information as to when the Elks moved into the building, but we do know that Lodge #441 was instituted on June 21, 1959 and continues as an active lodge today. It is possible that the Elks first used this building in 1970.
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