A very motley crew of entertainers pose on March 31, 1954, for the annual Elks club Extravaganza. "Uncle Sam", in the center, appears to be embracing representatives of various ethnic groups. This was probably the "United Nations Beauties", a big hit with the audience. The Elks Extravaganza was always greeted with much anticipation and provided hours of hilarious entertainment for its members. (TNT 4-1-54, B-11)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Tacoma Elks Club held their annual Extravaganza in the spring of 1953. Elks members owned many businesses in Tacoma; view of billboard with signs listing individual member-owned businesses, many signs have caricatures. The largest sign is that of Jack Roberts, co-owner of Narrows Marina.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Signs (Notices); Caricatures;

Ben Cheney, president of Cheney Lumber Company, at Elks Club with daughter Sandra. The young girl is wearing a crisp, striped dress with matching organdy pinafore. Her father is gently holding her gloved hand.

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Cheney, Sandra; Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971--Family; Fathers & children--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Tacoma Elks Club apparently had a wide variety of entertainers and skits in their annual Extravaganza. View of group portrait of Elks members in 1953; some are heavily made up and costumed. There is even a "hula" dancer to the far left of the picture, complete with lei, strapless top, and grass skirt. Well known vaudevillian, Max Frolic, produced the two-night extravaganza, with a cast of over 50 and a 35-piece Elk band. (TNT 3-24-53, p. 14)

Group portraits; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

The unidentified dancers in this chorus line from the Elks Club Extravaganza of 1953 were not afraid to show a little leg. The Extravaganza was produced and directed by Max Frolic (far right), well known former vaudevillian and band leader. Each of the heavily made up dancers has a distinct mole painted on his face, ala Marilyn Monroe. (TNT 3-24-53, p. 14)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Frolic, Max

Four members of the Tacoma Elks Club await the call to perform in the 1953 annual Elks Extravaganza. While all four are wearing tights and skirts, apparently two are supposed to be more masculine in nature--witness the buckskin jacket and derby hat. There were a variety of skits presented during the evening's entertainment, to the amusement of the large audience. Max Frolic, former vaudevillian, produced the two-night extravaganza, with a cast of over fifty individuals and a 35-piece Elk band. One performance was for members only. (TNT 3-24-53, p. 14)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Elks Club installation of new Exalted Ruler. Group of men seated at banquet tables in this photograph dated April 1, 1953. Among those officials standing at rear is Burr (Burritt B.) Anderson who had been elected as the club's new exalted ruler. He is second to the left, next to his father Emmett T. Anderson (third from left) who was a past Grand Exalted Ruler and served as Lt. Governor of the State of Washington 1953-57. According to the News Tribune, Lt. Gov. Anderson was the installing officer, making it the first time in history that a national officer of the Elks had installed his son in the presiding position of a local organization. About 600 Elks members saw the induction. Burritt Anderson succeeded John S. Roberts (standing, third from right) as head of the Tacoma Elks Lodge No. 174. (TNT 4-2-1953, C-4, photograph of the two Andersons)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Men--Clubs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, Burritt B.; Anderson, Emmett T.; Roberts, John S.;

October of 1953 was officially designated as "Restaurant Hospitality Month." The celebration in Tacoma culminated in a luncheon for the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce and industry leaders on October 21st at the Elks Temple. 400 guests were expected to attend the banquet sponsored by the Washington State Restaurant Assn. and Culinary Local No. 61. Pictured L-R behind a display of food are E.J. Zarelli, Poodle Dog Cafe & Pres. of the Washington State Assn., Joe Carbone, a national director of the Int'l Stewards & Caterers Assn., Jimmy Osenton, chief instructor Tacoma Vocational School culinary dept., Archie Douglas, sec. Culinary Local 61, C. Vern Powell, Vern's Sandwich Shop & pres. Pierce County Assn., Wes Jensen, Louise Davelaar, John W. Swan, Medical Arts Coffee Shop & past pres. Wa. State Assn., John Honan and H.B. Crawford, sec-mgr of Pierce County unit. Excess delicacies were distributed to three childrens' homes: Childrens' Home on the Hill, Girls Club & Dyslin Boys Ranch. (TNT 10-23-53, C-4)

Washington State Restaurant Association (Tacoma); Zarelli, E.J.; Powell, Vern; Carbone, Joe; Osenton, Jimmy; Douglas, Archie; Swan, John W.; Crawford, H.B.; Jensen, Wes; Davelaar, Louise; Honan, John;

Tacoma Police Department graveyard shift on the Spanish Steps at the Elks lodge. Police officers display beards and mustaches in keeping with the request for Tacoma men not to shave during the month of August. The city sponsored a beard contest as a part of the ceremonies celebrating the Northwest Territory Centennial. TPL-8748

Police--Tacoma--1950-1960;

950 fishermen took part in the Elks 1952 salmon derby in Commencement Bay. A prize board was completed for the winning fish with fifty-four prizes. First prize, a 14-foot boat motor, was awarded for a 26 pound, 8 ounce salmon brought in by Frank Lippincott. H.H. Mounsey was runner-up with a 21 pound, 6 ounce salmon. (TNT, 9/9/1952, p.18)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Awards; Fishing;

The Elks Club staff Christmas party was held on Christmas Eve in 1951. The women wore gardenia corsages and many of the people held presents. A tiny Christmas tree has been decorated and placed on the carpet before the group.

Fraternal lodges--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clubhouses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Christmas trees--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The faces of three girls can be seen through the valentines that decorate the stage at the Elks Temple for the annual Father and Daughter Valentines party. Cutouts of butterflies decorate the draperies and swags of tinsel hang over the stage.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Children's parties; Valentines;

A large crowd of girls fills the auditorium and the balcony at the Elks Temple for the annual Father and Daughter Valentine's party. TPL-8451

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Children's parties; Crowds--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Two clowns perform on the floor of the auditorium at the Elks Temple for the Elk's annual Father and Daughter Valentines party. Several of the girls stretch their arms hoping to be chosen for one of the evening's surprises.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Children's parties; Clowns;

Max Frolic, owner of a popular roadside cafe on Pacific Highway in Lakewood, plays violin in March of 1952 at the Elks Temple despite the complaining antics of five club members.

Frolic, Max; Violins; Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960; Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Publicity photo of a group of 5 for Elks Extravaganza, Elks Auditorium. The 5th annual Tacoma Elks Extravaganza, under the direction of old time vaudeville star Max Frolic, was presented March 25-26, 1952. The Wednesday performance was exclusively for local lodge members and the Thursday performance was open to all Elks, their ladies and friends. The show featured 15 attractions: singers, dancers, dramatic acts and a 15 piece orchestra under the direction of Bert Kool. Pictured, left to right, are Mike J. LaVelle, Ballet Director, Max Frolic, with violin, E.J. "Bud" Weller, hero in the drama "Never Weigh the Hand," Joe Gorman, Irish Tenor and Rinaldo Keasal, First Assistant. (TNT 3/23/1952, pg A-14)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Frolic, Max; LaVelle, Mike J.; Weller, E.J.; Gorman, Joe; Keasal, Rinaldo;

A large screen announced the Elks annual "Extravaganza" for 1952. Thirty-four members are shown in caricature with information about their businesses.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

The Elks held their annual "Extravaganza" in March 1952. The stage is filled with men, men dressed as women, and women for the event directed by old-time vaudeville star Max Frolic. There were 15 attractions, including singers, dancers, dramatic acts and a 15-piece orchestra under the direction of Bert Kool. (TNT, 3/23/1952, p.A-14)

Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Stage props; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

A group of musicians who will perform for the 1952 Elks Extravaganza are dressed in absurd costumes waiting backstage for their entrance. One of them is playing dead at the feet of the others and one of the musicians is playing an old toilet seat with strings for the occasion. Note: Lines in print due to diacetate film deterioration. (TNT, 3/23/1952, p.A-14)

Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Stage props; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

The Elks held their annual "Extravaganza" in March 1952. The stage sets show a western-style street scene with a "Keystone Cop" character and a gentleman wearing a top hat and carrying a cane on the street level and another character looking out from an upper window. Names of local businesses have been used for the store fronts. Another man can be seen behind the stage props, possibly making his entrance.

Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Stage props; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Tacoma Elks lodge band on the Spanish Steps, with two drum majorettes .

Organizations - Fraternal Organizations - Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Music Ensembles - Bands - Marching Bands

In honor of Flag Day 1951, the Tacoma Elks held special services at their Lodge at 565 Broadway. Preparing for the rites were, L-R, Erling O. Johnson, secretary and speaker for the occasion; Harold L Duncan, exalted ruler; and Burritt B. Anderson, Loyal Knight and Flag Day chairman. The centerpiece for the ceremony was a replica based on Joe Rosenthal's famous photograph of the flag raising on Iwo Jima during World War II. The observance of Flag Day originated with the Elks organization in 1907. In 1949, President Woodrow Wilson, himself a member of the Elks, made June 14th a day of national observance for that symbol of our country. Photograph ordered by the Elks. (TNT, 6/13/1951, p.9; www.elks.org)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Anderson, Burritt B.; Johnson, Erling O.; Duncan, Harold;

The Community Chest "Kick-off" dinner was held at the Elks Ballroom on October 1, 1950. The annual dinner preceded the official start of the volunteer campaign; the Community Chest wanted to raise funds for the support of 21 Red Feather agencies. Over 1200 workers were involved in the Community Chest campaign; many of whom attended the event. View of several guests at the dinner; Brig. Gen. LeRoy H. Watson, commanding general of Fort Lewis, is believed to be on the far right. Governor Arthur B. Langlie delivered the main address. The goal of the Community Chest was to raise $372,142 by October 23rd. (TNT 10-1-50, p. 1, TNT 10-4-50, p. C-2)

Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A crowd of excited children gather around a member of the Tacoma Elks dressed as a clown during the 1950 Children's Christmas party at the Elks Temple sponsored by the Elks Stocking Fillers. 750 children attended the annual party in Tacoma where they received gifts purchased with donations. Five children from the Hall family are to the right of the clown: Joann, Ronnie, Connie, Gary and at far right, Nora. Free bus transportation was provided. A large contingent of Korean War veterans were also present. (TNT 12-23-50, p. 3-article) (Additional identification provided by a reader) TPL-10156

Community service--Tacoma--1950-1960; Christmas--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Children--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clowns; Hall, Joann; Hall, Ronnie; Hall, Connie; Hall, Gary; Hall, Nora;

Civil Defense Night, sponsored by Elks Lodge 174, at the Elks Club. Lloyd Wynans, Exalted Ruler, appointed Harold Duncan, Leading Knight, to preside at the meeting intended to help coordinate civil defense divisions and further the Elks aim to support, uphold, and defend the American way of life. Wynans stated that adequate civil defense requires thousands of residents volunteering time and energy to minimize death and casualties in the event of a disaster. The film "Pattern for Survival" was shown. Civil defense officials, headed by Mayor John Anderson and Civil Defense Director Frank S. Evans, were in attendance. The Elks Temple underwent a $80,000 remodel the previous Fall, with over half of it going to renovations on this hall. One of the changes was the new wall to wall Saxony Wilson broadloom carpet in green and ivory. (TNT 1-22-1951, pg. 5) TPL-8450

Korean War, 1950-1953--Civil defense--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

New officers were installed at the Tacoma Lodge of Elks for 1951-1952 May 5, 1951, at an impressive ceremony under the direction of the past exalted rulers. The new exalted ruler was Harold L. (Bud) Duncan. Other officers were John S. Roberts, leading knight; Arthur J. Emery, lecturing knight; E.O. Johnson, secretary; Walter E. Leggett, treasurer; Arthur Stolen, trustee; and Swan Johnson, tiler. (TNT, 4/6/1951, p.C-7)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Inaugurations--Tacoma;

John H. Anderson, on right, presents the gavel to Lloyd L. Wynans, the newly elected Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174. The installation ceremony for the new officers was one of the biggest nights on the organization's calendar. For the first time in sixty years, the ceremony was officiated by the Grand Exalted Ruler of the B.P.O.E., Emmett T. Anderson. ALBUM 14.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Wynans, Lloyd L.; Anderson, John H.; Gavels;

New officers for 1950-1951 are shown at the Elks Temple. Emmett T. Anderson, Grand Exalted Ruler, is hanging an insignia around the neck of Lloyd L. Wynans as he was installed as the new exalted ruler of Tacoma lodge. Others installed were Harold L. Duncan, leading knight; John S. Roberts, loyal knight; Burritt B. Anderson, lecturing knight; Erling O. Johnson, secretary; Walter E. Liggett, treasurer; Swan Johnson, tiler; Sterling Carmichael, trustee. Ordered by Erling Johnson. (TNT, 4/5/1950, p.4)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Anderson, Emmett T.; Wynans, Lloyd L.; Johnson, Erling O.; Duncan, Harold; Anderson, Burritt B.;

New tile floor at Elks Club kitchen, Stebner's Inc., Ed Keenan. Interior view of the new kitchen, Head Chef Mitchell Pentel will be preparing meals for the Elks; everything has been remodeled and all the appliances are new, including an automatic dishwasher, sterilizers and a walk-in quick freeze storage room (T.N.T., 12/30/48, p. 4-7).

Fraternal organizations'--Tacoma; Kitchens--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma; Elks Club (Tacoma);

The Elks Club Band and their majorette, Gloria Ellexson, posed next to the Elks Temple before leaving for Cleveland, Ohio, in July of 1949 for the Elks National Convention. The band, under the direction of L.R. Grass, had been the 1948 state champions and Miss Ellexson was the state champion majorette. The band performed at the convention in Ohio, and Gloria, a student at the College of Puget Sound, was named the 1949 National Champion Drum Majorette. (TNT, 7/6/1949, p.10)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Marching bands; Bands--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ellexson, Gloria; Drum majorettes--Tacoma--1940-1950;