ca. 1959. The Castle Hall at the Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7. This Italian Renaissance Revival structure was built in 1906-1907 of Tenino stone from a design by architect Frederick Heath and hailed as the "most elaborate and perfectly furnished lodge building in the West." The building was constructed at a cost of $55,000. The building is on both the city and national historical directory. In accordance with design principles of the day, the main floors were built to contain commercial space with the lodge facilities on the top two floors. Carefully preserved since its dedication, Castle Hall is believed to be one of the most beautiful lodges in the country. It has mahogany walls, Ionic columns, elliptical leaded glass skylights and murals depicting the story of the fast friendship of Damon and Pythias, on which the beliefs of the order are based. Although plagued by dwindling membership, the Knights are still active. The fraternal order was founded in 1864 by Justus H. Rathbone on the principles of friendship, charity and benevolence, or "FCB" the letters inscribed on the triangles that make up the group's emblem. Secret meetings were held in the hall, where members donned robes indicating their rank in the group. They gathered to honor God, America and make friends in a celebration of brotherhood. (TNT 10/3/1989 "Lifestyles" section; "Tacoma Rediviva" by Kipp Associates, pg. 72-73)

Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The White and Gold Baton Troupe. Twenty-eight girls dressed in satin costumes as drum majorettes and posed with batons in the Knights of Pythias Castle Hall in May of 1939. The head majorette, front and center, has been identified as Connie Francis Imus. Wallace Cory Imus, man on the extreme right back row, organized the White and Gold Baton Troupe along with Clara Imus. The White and Gold Baton Troupe, composed of girls 7-12 years old, would be performing at the Ray C. Roberts Hall at Sixth & Anderson Sts. on June 8, 1939. The entertainment would be free and open to the public. Beside the twirling, individual song and dance special numbers would be presented. Photograph ordered by Wallace Muir. (Additional identification provided by a reader) (TNT 6-8-1939 p. 6 -names of troupe included)

Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Drum majorettes--Tacoma--1930-1940; Imus, Wallace Cory; Imus, Connie Francis;

Pythian Sisters Bellingham Degree Staff at Grand Lodge, October sixth, 1926. (Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Knights of Pythias (Bellingham); Pythian Sisters (Bellingham);