Okoboji Institute 1940

Red text around a cross symbol on a white background

The E L placed along with the phrase "look up lift up" are signatures of the Methodist Epworth League. The Epworth League was founded in 1889 as a Methodist youth association. The organization was the result of a merger between several smaller organizations within the church. The EL focused on six main areas, Spiritual Life, Social Work, Literary Work, Correspondence, Mercy and Help, and Finance, with local chapters given the freedom to offer more. The EL existed in North America (Northern and Southern Methodist churches) and Canada. The original Epworth League lasted until 1939. After denominational mergers, the name changed to the Methodist Youth Fellowship.

Okoboji is a city in Iowa that lies along the West Okoboji Lake. It is considered one of Iowa's premiere vacation destinations. In the early 1900s through 1960s, Okoboji was favored as a resort town where people would come to spend the summer at inns and lodges.