Octavius Valentine Catto was a 19th century educator and activist. He was killed on October 10, 1871, Election Day, when he tried to exercise his right to vote guaranteed by the 15th Amendment.
Located at 16th and Fitzwater streets, the O.V. Catto Elks Lodge was a hub of community life for 30 years. In addition to its large meeting space and recreation facilities (including a full boxing ring and a basketball court), the building boasted a large roof garden for formal gatherings.
The lodge’s Two Bit Club was also a draw. In Whisper Not: The Autobiography of Benny Golson, the NEA Jazz Master recounted that for two years he played with the Mickey Collins Orchestra every Sunday at this South Philly landmark. This photo was taken in 1946 when Golson was 17.
Published by Temple University Press, Golson’s autobiography is available for purchase here.
The O.V. Catto Elks Lodge 1903 banner has been conserved by the Philadelphia History Museum.
All That Philly Jazz 
Awesome I am from this neighborhood grew up going to the O.V and never knew much about it
I would like to know if their was an organization that was linked to American Woodman. As a child I remember being a participant along with my mother, who is now deceased.