The Castle Hall at the Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7. Members of the fraternal organization are posed wearing Romanesque regalia. The robes illustrate the story of Damon and Pythias, on which the beliefs of the order are based. The order was founded on the principles of friendship, charity and benevolence. Built in 1906-1907 and carefully preserved, the Pythian Lodge is one of the most beautiful in the nation. The Lodge is currently on the city and national historical registry. TPL-1682, BU-12215, Boland #B3765

Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Photo-collage by Marvin Boland of photographs that he took at the First Annual Rotary Fair held on October 31, 1919. This industrial fair for Rotary Club members and friends featured 150 exhibits promoting local professions and businesses. It was held in Stadium High School's gymnasium where the slogan of the fair was "Rotarians, Buy at Home." Because the fair was so successful, mention was made that a larger exhibition might be held later for the general public. Dr. H. J. Whitacre was the Rotary president at that time. (TDL 10-17-19, p. 3-article; TDL 10-31-19, p. 1-article)

Rotary Fair (Tacoma); Exhibits--Tacoma--1910-1920;

Lumber & Sawmill Workers Local 2633 won union recognition and an increase in wages to 50 cents an hour in the Northwest lumber strike of 1935. The bitter battle in the spring and summer of 1935 led to confrontations between striking mill workers and National Guard troops in the streets of Tacoma. Union members, family and friends gathered in May 1936 to celebrate the first anniversary of the victory. The First Anniversary Revue & Dance was held in the Coliseum Building at Thirteenth and Market streets. TPL-2443

Labor unions--Tacoma; Lumber & Sawmill Workers Local 2633 (Tacoma); Dance parties--Tacoma--1930-1940; Musical revues & comedies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Coliseum Building (Tacoma); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1930-1940;

In June of 1936, members of the Lumber and Sawmill Workers Union collected food for their striking brothers in Omak, Wa. The first load of food was being loaded into a truck and shipped from the District Council's headquarters at 748 Market St. It would be followed by two more truck loads dispatched on June 27th. The local union had emerged from their own bitter and extended battle in 1935 victorious. The workers in Omak had been on strike since early May. The strike was dangerous with the plant heavily guarded and guards and strike breakers armed. The plant had the support of Omak area merchants and the strikers were suffering greatly. TPL-2452 (Tacoma Labor Advocate 6/12/1936, pg 4; 6/26/1936, pg. 1- picture & pg. 2 story)

Labor unions--Tacoma; Lumber & Sawmill Workers Local 2633 (Tacoma); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1930-1940;

The Red Cross Salvage Department headquarters at 1123 A Street was built in one day on April 7, 1918, with materials donated by local businesses and labor donated by local unions. Over 75 union carpenters worked from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to erect the structure, with the finishers, electricians and plumbers to report later in the week. The Salvage Department was an auxiliary of the Red Cross and this building served as its warehouse and office. The community was asked to donate to the Department any waste items of value that could be salvaged for cash. The money raised went to the Red Cross for their work at the front overseas. The motto of the Department was "Ask for no money, Pay no money." TPL-742, BU 13188, Boland #B1151. (TDN 4/5/1918, pg. 1; 4/8/1918, pg. 14)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Salvage; World War, 1914-1918--Scrap drives--Tacoma;

In February of 1922, several boys were pictured playing billiards at the Tacoma YMCA located at 714 Market St. Other boys gathered in pairs at small tables for a game of checkers, backlit by large uncovered windows. The Tacoma YMCA was organized on April 6, 1883 and has had continuous service since that date. It is the oldest social service agency in Tacoma. By the 1920's, work with boys was considered the most vital element of its outreach program. Activities and associations were offered to develop the Christian characters of the boys. They included gymnasium workouts, swimming, outdoor activities, Bible classes and the opportunity to serve others. This structure was built in 1909 for the YMCA from a design by Bullard & Hill, architects. The building is now located on the city and national registry. TPL-8754.

Young Men's Christian Association (Tacoma); Billiards--Tacoma--1920-1930; Checkers; Board games; Boys--Tacoma--1920-1930;

In August of 1924 the Tacoma Rotary Club sponsored 60 boys from Tacoma so that they could spend a week at Camp Seymour, the Y.M.C.A. camp at Glen Cove. This group of unidentified boys was photographed in front of the Y.M.C.A. building at 714 Market Street. Through gymnasium games, swimming, camping and Bible study, the Y worked to develop young men healthy in both body and spirit. The "bus" provided transportation to the Y.M.C.A. for many groups of boys, such as those from the Oakland Industrial Home. The Tacoma YMCA was organized in 1883 and has provided continuous service since that time. TPL-8753

Young Mens Christian Association (Tacoma);

ca. 1922. YWCA residence located at 610 Broadway. This structure was built in 1889 from a design by Pickles & Sutton, architects, for Theodore Hosmer. It was used as a residence for the YWCA from 1922-1928. In 1946, the home was razed to construct a parking lot. Boland B3466, BU-13177, TPL-1780

Young Womens Christian Association (Tacoma);

Acacia Fraternity members and guests enjoy an outing at Benbow Inn (Benbow Lakes Resort) on May 18, 1924. The national fraternity had been founded in 1904 by 14 Master Masons at the University of Michigan. Initially, membership in the Masonic Fraternity was required of all Acacia members and this would have been true at the time of this 1924 photograph. The national Acacia Fraternity still exists today but membership in the Masons is voluntary. (www.acacia.org) (print has been damaged)

Acacia Fraternity; Fraternal organizations; Benbow Lakes Resort (Kapowsin);

A large group of Acacia Fraternity members and their guests congregate in front of Benbow Inn (Benbow Lakes Resort) on May 18, 1924. The fraternity was then relatively new as it had been founded by Masons attending the University of Michigan in 1904. Local chapters quickly spread nationwide as men were attracted by the fraternity's scholastic and moral appeal. (print has been damaged)

Acacia Fraternity; Fraternal organizations; Benbow Lakes Resort (Kapowsin);

A labor convention was held in Olympia in mid-July of 1924. This unidentified man from Tacoma was a delegate representing the state Culinary Workers. He is wearing several badges/ribbons pinned to his three-piece suit. G38.1-002

Meetings--Olympia--1920-1930; Labor unions;

Delegation of carpenters to a labor convention held in Olympia. The ten men who posed for a group picture on July 16, 1924, were not identified. G38.1-020

Meetings--Olympia--1920-1930; Labor unions; Carpenters; Carpenters' union;

Delegates to the Washington State Federation of Labor convention in Olympia posed for a group portrait on July 16, 1924. Many wear campaign endorsements for Edward Clifford as Republican Governor of Washington. Lumber magnate Roland Hartley would go on to win the Republican candidacy that year and capture the governor's race. G76.1-039

Meetings--Olympia--1920-1930; Labor unions; Political campaigns;

The Y.M.C.A. provided a comfortable setting in their lobby for reading and tinkling the keyboards. Four unidentified men are pictured on September 2, 1924, enjoying some free time by perusing the latest newspapers and books and performing a duet on the organ and piano. The $5000 pipe organ was donated to the Young Men's Christian Association's convalescent ward at the Camp Lewis base hospital by Mrs. W.R. Rust of Tacoma. When the building was dismantled in 1919, the organ was moved to the lobby of the Market St. Y.M.C.A. building. The organ was made by the Estey Organ Co. of Brattleboro, Vt., and was equipped with a mechanism similar to one on a "player piano" that made it possible for anyone to play it. TPL-8755; G68.1-136

Young Mens Christian Association (Tacoma); Lobbies--Tacoma--1920-1930; Reading--Tacoma; Pianos; Organs;

Tahmamaiwis, a Native American drama, was presented under the auspices of Tacoma Temple No. 58, Pythian Sisters, at Castle Hall on September 25, 1924. Castle Hall was located in the Knights of Pythias Commencement Lodge #7, 924-26 Broadway. The play was written by Mrs. Laura B. Downey Bartlett of Tacoma in what the Daily Ledger called the "inter-tribal" language. Examples of tribal baskets are also on display. G23.1-069 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 9-28-24, 6B)

Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Tacoma Temple No. 58, Pythian Sisters (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Frances and Violet (last names unknown) from the Childrens' Industrial Home appeared on the front page of the January 29, 1925 Tacoma News Tribune, along with a copy of their handwritten thank you letter and appeal for funds addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Tacoma." They were thankful for their happy home and asked for financial support for the upcoming Community Chest campaign, February 2-14. The Children's Industrial Home, located at 3000 So. Washington St., was supported by the Community Chest, a forerunner of the United Way. The home housed 70 youngsters, ages infant through 14; some were orphans and others were placed there when parents were unable to make a living and take care of the child. They had around 28 applications each month for only 2-3 vacancies. (TNT 1/29/1925, pg. 1)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Children's Industrial Home (Tacoma); Foster home care--Tacoma; Orphanages--Tacoma; Orphans--Tacoma; Abandoned children;

A long row of Shriners from Afifi Temple was photographed on January 24, 1925, alongside the (old) Governor's Mansion in Olympia. Heading the line are leading officials, including the Potentate, Scott Z. Henderson. 32 car loads of Shriners had arrived in Olympia on Saturday, January 24th, to pick up Governor Roland Hartley and his staff on their way to Vancouver (Washington) and Portland. The Shriners had first stopped at the (old) Governor's Mansion but soon found out that Gov. Hartley had already left for his executive office in the Insurance Building. A photograph was taken anyway of members lined up outside the mansion; the woman is believed to be Mrs. Hartley. G23.1-076 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 1-25-25, p. 1, 4A-article)

Fraternal organizations; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Henderson, Scott Z.; Mansions--Olympia; Capitols--Olympia; Houses--Olympia--1920-1930;

The 6th Avenue Business Men's Improvement Club enjoyed a banquet on March 3, 1925. Group portrait also included dining room staff. Among matters being discussed, arrangements were made for a big parade, celebration and dance to mark the opening of the new Central Bank at 6th & Pine. The business district between Sprague and Cedar has grown extensively in just a few years. G31.1-095 (TNT 3-4-25, p. 13-article; TNT 3-5-25, p. 6)

6th Avenue Business Men's Club (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1920-1930; Clubs--Tacoma--1920-1930; Commercial organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Afifi Shrine Patrol. The Affifi Patrol posed in front of the Masonic Temple on April 2, 1925, in full regalia. Among its members were C. Val Fawcett, future Mayor of Tacoma, and Al Whitman, future vice-president of Puget Sound National Bank. Later in May the patrol plus a 40-piece band would journey on a special train to Los Angeles for the 51st annual conclave of the Imperial Council of the Mystic Shrine. G23.1-074 (TNT 5-28-25, p. 17)

Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Ivanhoe Commandery, Knights Templar, band and marching unit in full regalia pauses on the bricked roadway of South 7th at Market St. looking west on April 12, 1925. Small groups of children have secured good viewing spots in order to watch the men parade by. April 12th was Easter Sunday and the members had attended special services that afternoon at the Masonic Temple downtown. Twice a year, on Christmas and Easter, the commandery would attend service as a group. G23.1-097 (TDL 4-13-25, p. 2)

Knights Templar (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Marching bands--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Visiting Elks. The Everett Elks Band pose on the famous Spanish Steps next to the Elks Lodge, 565 Broadway, on August 16, 1918. A service flag with "In God We Trust" is lofted up high in the background. There was one gold star included which signified the loss of an Elks member in war. The Everett band was one of several in town for the 14th annual Washington State Elks convention which had opened on August 15th. The highlight of the convention was the massive downtown parade in which the bands and thousands of Elks marched. ( TNT 8-16-18, p. 1-article; TNT 8-17-18, p.2-article)

Stairways--Tacoma--1910-1920; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1910-1920; Bands--Tacoma--1910-1920; Marching bands--Tacoma--1910-1920; Guests--Tacoma--1910-1920;

Seven soldier members of the Salt Lake No. 85 Elks Lodge pose in front of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 on August 16, 1918. They are wearing military uniforms with most carrying flags. A large sign is held by two Elks "warning" others to "Watch Your Girls We're From Salt Lake No. 85." The soldiers represented their lodge during the 14th annual Washington State Elks convention held in Tacoma during August of 1918. They would march in the massive downtown parade along with Elks from lodges across the state and including several Montana Elks stationed at Camp Lewis. G68.1-109 (TDL 8-17-18, p. 7-article)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Salt Lake Lodge No. 85; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1910-1920; Signs (Notices); Guests--Tacoma--1910-1920;

Elks Temple. June, 1926, view of the Elks Temple as seen from Commerce Street. At this time, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174, had been at this location for 10 years. The elegant structure was one of Tacoma's showcases and its 64 Spanish steps, built to serve as a fire escape, were designed after the Scala di Spagna of Rome, steps that once led to the Spanish Embassy. The Tacoma Elks Lodge and Puyallup Lodge would be hosting the 1926 state Elks convention in Tacoma later in June. TPL-635; G17.1-046; BU-10,638 (TNT 6-17-26, 1-C)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Elks Temple (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Riding aboard the Aberdeen Elks stage were its "Pajama Saxophonists" on top and fellow Elks inside the vehicle, all in tune for the 1926 state Elks convention held in Tacoma during late June. The small band was lauded by the Daily Ledger for playing with enthusiasm and winning a "big hand all the way." The bus was an actual working stage which made normal stops in Hoquiam, Aberdeen, Centralia and Portland. (TDL 6-26-26, p. 3-article & alternate photograph of band)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Aberdeen Lodge No. 593 (Aberdeen); Buses--Tacoma--1920-1930; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Initiating officers of the Knights of Pythias posed at Cushman Dam on August 8, 1926. From L-R: Ben Lunan, Charles Rohrs, Ed Beamer, George Ball, R. Ray, Arthur Rowen and Ralph Towne. They had brought several candidates including Tacoma mayor M.G. Tennent and Winthrop Hotel manager Ray Clark to the new dam. The Knights of Pythias had established a custom of initiating candidates in unusual places, including on a high peak adjacent to Mount Tacoma (Rainier). The initiating officers are standing next to Mr. Ball's Chrysler and by a bronze marker which lists the name of the project, chief engineers and contractors, and also proclaims "Built by the Light Department City of Tacoma 1925." Cushman Dam was officially opened on Monday, May 24, 1926 when President Calvin Coolidge pressed a telegraph key manufactured by Lincoln High School and brought to Washington D.C. by high school baseball star James Mosolf. G24.1-150 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 8-15-26, 14-G-article & alternate photograph)

Knights of Pythias; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Chrysler automobile; Cushman Dam #1 (Lake Cushman); Dams--Lake Cushman; Historical markers;

ca. 1919. Knights of Columbus /Camp Lewis. The Knights of Columbus are a Catholic fraternal benefits organization that was incorporated in 1882. They had been involved in providing both spiritual and physical assistance to servicemen and women since before the Great War. This photograph, taken in the spring of 1919, shows a mixture of soldiers and civilian members at Camp Lewis. It may have been taken for the February 28, 1919, visit of Supreme Knight, James A. Flaherty. G70.1-003 (www.kofc.org- information on organization; TDL 2-26-19-, p. 2-article on Supreme Knight)

Knights of Columbus (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1910-1920; Camp Lewis (Wash.);

30 members of the Young Business Women's Club and accompanying Tacoma businessmen pose with Governor Roland H. Hartley (front row, dark suit with no overcoat) and Secretary of State J. Grant Hinkle on their visit to the new Legislative Building in Olympia in March of 1927. The young businesswomen were given a tour of the new state capitol building which was not quite completed at this time. Copy of this photograph was made on April 9, 1927. TPL-5014; G72.1-028 (TNT 3-21-27, p. 4)

Young Business Women's Club (Tacoma); Governors; Hartley, Roland H.; Legislative Building (Olympia); Hinkle, J. Grant;

In May of 1927, the leaders in the Y.W.C.A. building campaign posed around a poster advertising the fund raising drive that would kick off on May 23rd. The women are, front row (l to r); Daisy (Mrs. A.R.) Warren, Mabelle (Mrs. F.A.) Leach, and Mrs. George G. Wagner. Back row (l to r); Nora (Mrs. J.G.) Parkhurst, Mrs. E.A. White, and Mabel (Mrs. Edgar F.) Dodds. In its 21 years of existence, the Y.W.C.A. had moved six times to progressively larger quarters. In 1927, a building campaign was proposed to raise $300,000 to build a new, larger structure and to pay off the mortgage on its current home, the Blackwell mansion at 401 Broadway. The mansion had been purchased by the organization in 1923 and would be connected with the new structure, which would house the first pool and gymnasium for girls in Tacoma. The new structure was built at 405 Broadway and dedicated in December of 1928. It still houses the YWCA. (Tacoma Sunday Ledger 5/22/1927, pg A-7) G68.1-160

Young Women's Christian Association (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1920-1930; Warren, Daisy; Leach, Mabelle; Parkhurst, Nora; Dodds, Mabel; Wagner, George G.--Family; White, E.A.--Family; Posters; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1920-1930;

This motley collection of characters was the entertainment at the Elks Club on March 28, 1928. "High Society, " "cooks," "hoboes" and "cops" all mixed easily together that evening. Tacoma's Elks Lodge presented seasonal "entertainment" where Elks polished their acting and musical skills for the benefit of fellow members.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Entertainers--Tacoma--1920-1930;

The Afifi Temple Band, with instruments, posed in front of the Masonic Temple, 47 Saint Helens Ave., on April 22, 1928. They are uniformly dressed complete with fezzes. G23.1-078

Afifi Temple Band (Tacoma); Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);