Lodge 878 originally had a kitchen behind the main building, measuring 21.67 by 60 feet (7 by 18 m).
The Elks planned to eventually add a four-story structure behind the main building, connected to it via passageway, but this did not happen.
Sidney L. Strauss, a lodge member, was instead hired to design the three-story rear addition, replacing the single-story kitchen.
Babor-Comeau and Company constructed the addition, which was finished in 1930.

During the mid-20th century, Lodge 878 was influential in Queens politics, with members of Lodge 878 representing both the Democratic and Republican parties.
The New York Times said that "If you wanted a job in 1960's Queens, you came to the Elks."
By the 1960s, Lodge 878 had 6,600 members and 26 staff, with between 300 and 400 members attending the weekly meetings.
Lodge 878 members were highly involved in charity; every year, Lodge 878 held a six-day Elks Bazaar in which it gave away up to 24 new cars.
In addition, it was involved in arranging the funerals of its members.

The lodge was reported in 1970 to have a membership of 4,093, making it New York state's largest Elks lodge.
A Times reporter, visiting two years later, said that the lodge was among the largest in the United States, with 3,500 members according to the lodge's executive secretary.
However, Lodge 878 and the Elks as a whole suffered a major decline in membership in the late 20th century.
Lodge 878 lost about 90% of its members between 1975 and 2001.
This was despite the fact that people of other races were allowed to join the Elks in 1973, and women were able to gain membership in 1995.
Lodge 878 originally had a kitchen behind the main building, measuring 21.67 by 60 feet (7 by 18 m). The Elks planned to eventually add a four-story structure behind the main building, connected to it via passageway, but this did not happen. Sidney L. Strauss, a lodge member, was instead hired to design the three-story rear addition, replacing the single-story kitchen. Babor-Comeau and Company constructed the addition, which was finished in 1930.
During the mid-20th century, Lodge 878 was influential in Queens politics, with members of Lodge 878 representing both the Democratic and Republican parties. The New York Times said that "If you wanted a job in 1960's Queens, you came to the Elks." By the 1960s, Lodge 878 had 6,600 members and 26 staff, with between 300 and 400 members attending the weekly meetings. Lodge 878 members were highly involved in charity; every year, Lodge 878 held a six-day Elks Bazaar in which it gave away up to 24 new cars. In addition, it was involved in arranging the funerals of its members. 
The lodge was reported in 1970 to have a membership of 4,093, making it New York state's largest Elks lodge. A Times reporter, visiting two years later, said that the lodge was among the largest in the United States, with 3,500 members according to the lodge's executive secretary. However, Lodge 878 and the Elks as a whole suffered a major decline in membership in the late 20th century. Lodge 878 lost about 90% of its members between 1975 and 2001. This was despite the fact that people of other races were allowed to join the Elks in 1973, and women were able to gain membership in 1995.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge Number 878