The Labor Temple on Market St. was home to a variety of unions with each union having a designated room. Among the many unions were the Butcher Workmen Union Local #554, the Bakers Union Local #126, Bricklayers Union Local #1 and the Motor Coach Employees Union Local #758, in addition to the Pierce County Central Labor Council AFL-CIO and United Labor Advisory Committee of Pierce County. Formerly the Hiroshimaya Hotel, the Labor Temple was purchased in 1941 by the Labor Council and completely paid for by 1943. View of members of the Plumbers and Fitters Union Local #82 who met in Room 201 of the Labor Temple; on the wall near the men are signs from other unions. Photograph ordered by the Plumbers Union.

Labor unions--Tacoma; Plumbers & Fitters Union Local No. 82 (Tacoma); Labor Temple (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

Corsages are worn by the incoming and outgoing officers of the American Legion Auxiliary on August 2, 1958, as they posed for a group portrait in the Elks Temple. The woman seated to the extreme right lacks a corsage but wears a ribbon and name tag labeled "Greetings from Tacoma." All the women are dressed in white and wear dark narrow sashes. Mrs. Everett Eaton of Battleground, was elected as new department president, succeeding Mrs. Frank S. Evans of Sedro Woolley. In addition, twelve new district auxiliary presidents were chosen. $74,000, the amount earned through the sale of veteran made paper poppies, was spent by the auxiliary for rehabilitation of the veterans. Photograph ordered by the American Legion Auxiliary. (TNT 8-3-58, A-11)

American Legion Auxiliary (Tacoma); Veterans' organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Job's Daughters installation, ordered by Ellen Abbott. Family and friends look on as Queen Ellen Abbott, kneeling with flowers before her, participates in Job's Daughters ceremonies held at the Masonic Temple. She, along with an attendant, make up the foot of a living cross. Other young women, dressed in white ceremonial robes, clapse their hands in prayer. Sepia photograph was taken on December 13, 1958.

International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Abbott, Ellen;

Members of the Tacoma Ad Club show off their awards during luncheon at the Elks Club on October 21, 1964. Man seated in the center of the group holds a certificate given to the Cole Weber Advertising agency. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Ad Club.

Tacoma Advertising Club (Tacoma); Awards;

Orpheus Club. Director of the male chorus was Paul B. Oncley. The sole female is Vivian Venables, accompanist. The chorus was founded in 1903 in Tacoma. In the 1930's, membership in the chorus reached a high of 72 active participants. (History of Pierce County Washington, Vol. 1, p. 27- article)

Orpheus Club (Tacoma); Choirs (Music); Oncley, Paul B.; Venables, Vivian;

New Elks Temple dedication. An extremely large pair of shears, bedecked with ribbon, awaits ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the new Elks Temple dedication on September 3, 1965. (L-R) Grand Exalted Ruler R. Leonard Bush of Inglewood, California, Harry Potter, Tacoma Elks member, and H.A. Wollen, Exalted Ruler are posed, along with the scissors, behind the purple satin ribbon. They are standing beneath the cursive Elks signage. Mr. Potter, age 87, was a 42-year member of the Lodge No. 174 and had purchased the first building bond. When handed the scissors, he deftly snipped the ribbon so quickly that most photographers did not manage to catch him in action. Tacoma May Harold Tollefson, who was in attendance and had performed a number of ribbon cuttings himself, was reportedly green with envy at the speed and smoothness exhibited by Mr. Potter. (TNT 9-3-65, p. 1, TNT 9-4-65, p. 1)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Building dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Bush, R. Leonard; Potter, Harry; Wollen, H.A.; Scissors & shears; Signs (Notices);

Over 50 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha attended the luncheon held in the Capri Room of the Americana Motor Hotel at 242 Saint Helens Avenue on September 4, 1965. They were in Tacoma to attend the 36th Far Western Regional Conference of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority held on September 3 & 4, 1965. Sorority members from Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington attended the two day event. Mrs. Frank Russell, past president of the local Zeta Omega Omega Chapter was mistress of ceremonies. The Rev. Dr. John Adams, pastor at Seattle's First African Methodist Episcopal Church spoke on the theme "Advancement through Knowledge and Action". Founded in 1908 by women of Howard University, this national sorority endeavored to uplift the African-American community through leadership, service and scholarship. (TNT 9/1/1965 p.B-8) TPL-9152

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1960-1970; Group portraits;

Cheerleaders and yell kings from eleven local high schools, public and private, were among those represented at the Elks Club, 1965 So. Union Ave., on March 30, 1966. Many are wearing their school's uniforms. Also in attendance at the Elks weekly meeting were representatives from the schools' wrestling, baseball and track teams and coaches. Photograph ordered by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174. (TNT 3-31-66, C-8)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Cheerleading--Tacoma--1960-1970; Students--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Banners acknowledging the various public and private high schools in the Tacoma area are hung above a large group of students, including cheerleaders and yell kings, at the Elks Temple on March 30, 1966. Flanking the students are many prominent Elks including H.A. Wollen, Exalted Ruler. Athletes and pep squads from eleven Tacoma-area schools held an "old-fashioned pep rally" before 1000+ Elks at their weekly meeting. Photograph ordered by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174. (TNT 3-31-66, C-8)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Cheerleading--Tacoma--1960-1970; Students--Tacoma--1960-1970; Banners--Tacoma;

The Tacoma Advertising Club met at the Elks Club on January 10, 1962. Two men are photographed with a television set; they are watching themselves on camera. Max Bice, general manager of KTNT-TV, is on the left; Larry Roberts on the right.

Tacoma Advertising Club (Tacoma); Televisions; Bice, Max; Roberts, Larry;

On a wet May evening in 1962, members of the Chamber of Commerce publicity and visitors committee posed with a Japanese delegation at the Totem Boat Haven. The Japanese women are wearing traditional kimonos, tabi and getas. All six women represented the Japanese village at the Seattle World's Fair. Two of them were professional pearl divers and the other four, beauty queens who had acted as hostesses in the village. The guests were to visit the County-City Building, downtown banks, Ft Lewis and McChord AFB, among other stops. Photograph ordered by Puget Sound National Bank. (TNT 5-24-62, D-1, 5-25-62, p. 8)

Tacoma Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma); Kimonos; Guests--Tacoma;

These eight Tacoma Elks Lodge members were planners of the 13th annual Elks Salmon Derby held on September 20, 1959. Displayed around them are the generous prizes awarded to the top fishermen. First prize was the 16-foot Starlet boat and trailer valued at $1,500, second, the 35 HP Mercury outboard and third, the hunting rifle. Various other prizes are displayed hung on the fishing net, mostly lures and rods and reels. The 1959 Derby drew 894 entrants who caught 101 fish. First prize was won by Morris Clausen. His 12 lb. 3 oz. salmon, caught at the mouth of the Puyallup River, was lured with some herring left over from a Westport fishing jaunt the week before and preserved in the freezer. Chuck Horjes, football player from Stadium High, University of Washington and the College of Puget Sound, took second place with a 12-pounder and Emil Tietje was third. (TNT 9/13/1959, pg. D-18; 9/21/1959, pg. 17)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Salmon; Fishing; Contests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Awards; Boats--Tacoma; Rifles;

Ribbon cutting. Snipping a ribbon believed to be decorated with stamps was a gentleman dressed in turn-of-the-century clothing in celebration of Tacoma's centennial week. Assisting him is a woman in that era's full length skirts, long shawl and bonnet. The Tacoma Stamp Club was meeting at the Winthrop Hotel on Memorial Day weekend; a banquet would be held there the following evening. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Stamp Club.

Tacoma Stamp Club (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Officials of the Afifi Shrine participated in groundbreaking ceremonies for their new temple at 815 So. Vassault Street on August 9, 1973. All the men were wearing the familiar fez which included the member's rank within the Shrine. The new headquarters would be located on a 24-acre tract north of Tacoma Community College. The mosque and surrounding parking lot occupied five acres. The $200,000 project was designed by Shelton architect Harold Dalke and built by Neeley Construction of Puyallup. The 11,200 sq. ft. facility was expected to be completed in January of 1974. (Same as D163693-10C only B&W.) (TNT 8-12-73, D-4-article; TNT 8-19-73, D-10-article & sketch)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1970-1980; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma--1970-1980;

The Tacoma Chamber of Commerce recently honored three community leaders at their board meeting held at the Tacoma Club. Richard C. Boyles, currently the president of the Chamber of Commerce, is standing behind the honorees: (l-r) Robert G. Anderson, E.L. Perry and Alexander Sergienko. Mr. Anderson is the newly appointed director of Tacoma Public Works. Mr. Perry is the general manager of the Port of Tacoma and Dr. Sergienko is the new superintendent of Tacoma Public Schools. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. TNT (A) 029b (TNT 7-14-74, D-7)

Tacoma Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma); Chambers of commerce--Tacoma; Boyles, Richard C.; Anderson, Robert G.; Perry, E.L.; Sergienko, Alexander;

43 members of the Scottish Rite 142nd Reunion Class gathered for a group portrait on November 20, 1976. The Scottish Rite is a Masonic organization that continues a Master Mason's education of the first three degrees. Color photograph ordered by the Tacoma Scottish Rite.

Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1970-1980; Reunions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1970-1980; Group portraits;

Several members of the Jean McKenzie Orthopedic Guild were models in the guild's September, 1970, fall fashion show. Mrs. G.G. Gray, Mrs. Eugene Riggs and Mrs. Ernest Whatley (from left) posed in the latest in American fashions--a midi-length coat, sleeveless evening gown and pants suit respectively, before show chairman Mrs. Aaron Gregory and Mrs. Wilbur Heiden at the Oakbrook Clubhouse. All proceeds from the style show and accompanying brunch went toward support of the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Photograph ordered by the Jean McKenzie Orthopedic Guild. (TNT 9-20-70, E-6)

Tacoma Orthopedic Association, Jean McKenzie Orthopedic Guild (Tacoma); Women--Clubs--1970-1980; Fashion models; Fashion shows; Gray, G.G.--Family; Riggs, Eugene--Family; Whatley, Ernest--Family; Gregory, Aaron--Family; Heiden, Wilbur--Family;

Labor Center. View of massive Labor Center which had been dedicated on March 10, 1972. The three story building housed the Pierce County Labor Council, Tacoma Labor Advocate newspaper, and more than 30 unions. Photograph ordered by Dunham & Bush, Seattle.

Labor Center (Tacoma);

The above men and women, representing the cooks & assistants, waiters, waitresses and bartenders of Local No. 61, posed for a group portrait on November 26, 1971, at union headquaters, 805 Pacific Ave. Photograph ordered by the Hotel-Motel Restaurant Employees International Union, Local No. 61.

Labor unions--Tacoma--1970-1980;

ca. 1979. The neon flying eagle identifies the home of the F.O.E. (Fraternal Order of Eagles,) Tacoma Aerie #3, 1305-07 Fawcett Ave., circa 1979. The structure was built in 1908 and the roof collapsed in 2007, prompting its demolition.

Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 3 (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma;

Odd Fellows, "Decoration of Chivalry at Tacoma," August 6, 1931. (filed with Argentum)

Independent Order of Odd Fellows (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Afifi parade in June of 1936. Men lined-up in lodge regalia on old Tacoma street. Streetcar tracks in foreground, motorcycle at end of line, numerous late 1800s houses in background. (filed with Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1934. Afifi Shrine Parade circa 1934. The Shriners are shown marching in procession up So. 13th Street to Broadway. At the back of the picture is the Tacoma Railway & Power Co. at 1301 A St., built in 1899. The cable car tracks run down the center of So. 13th Street. A streetcar can be seen crossing 13th on Pacific Ave. The Shriners in their traditional garb appear to be marching up Pacific Ave to turn on 13th & proceed to Broadway. The Mecca Restaurant can be seen on the left at 1150-54 Commerce. Across the street from the Mecca is the tailoring business of John Davis with signage jutting out of the building. Mr. Davis was also in law enforcement. The sign for Knapp's Modern Business College (located at 1151 1/2 Broadway) can be seen at the roofline of the far left building. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Tacoma Railway & Power Co. (Tacoma); Mecca Restaurant (Tacoma); Knapp College (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1931. Several men stand outside the door of the Tacoma Elks (BPOE- Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks) Temple admiring the Elks Magazine Studebaker President 8. Tom Truly has been identified as the young man in the cap at the far left of the photograph. He was one of the drivers on this Studebaker/Elks tour. The automobile according to lettering on its side was travelling from New York to Seattle for the Elks National Convention, July 6-9th. The automobile is believed to be a 1931 Studebaker President 8 Roadster convertible. At the wheel is thought to be W.C. O'Donnell, Studebaker advertising manager from NYC. The Elks National Grand Lodge Convention site was Seattle in 1931. (filed with Argentum) (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Elks Temple (Tacoma); Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Studebaker automobile; Truly, Tom;

On July 23, 1932 Shriners from throughout the Pacific Northwest, wearing their colorful and distinctive uniforms, marched in formation up Broadway and through the business district of Tacoma. Bands from the Afifi Shriners of Tacoma and the Gizeh Shriners of Victoria, B.C. took part. After a full day of activities in Tacoma, including a band concert in the Stadium Bowl, a large contingent boarded a chartered train at Union Station. They left at 12:30 in the morning on Sunday July 24th for the imperial council to be held in San Francisco the following week. (The tall, twelve story building at the top, center of the photograph is the Fidelity Building, 949-55 Broadway; it was torn down to build the Woolworth Building). TPL-3687

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

Tacoma Elks motion picture crew beside an automobile at Stadium Bowl. The Elks had signed the Peptimist Motion Picture Corporation of Hollywood to create a motion picture comedy drama woven around the industrial life and scenic attractions of Tacoma. The completed picture would be shown a gala frolic June 27, 1931 at the Elks Convention. A casting call went out for 500 men, women and children to be in the picture with the two main female starring roles receiving a salary. Cameraman L. A. Tatom, dressed in bright white knickers and sweater with plaid socks, operates a motion picture camera capturing the scene of motorcycle patrolmen and two women in suits and pumps posed on a 1931 model Buick eight automobile labeled the "official motion picture car" and supplied courtesy of Mueller-Harkins Buick. Posed on the vehicle are director L. Jack Sherry, officers Bill Cordell, Bob Marshall, George Johnson and Edwin Janassen, and actresses Helen White and Bebe Lee. Miss White was an established Hollywood star while Miss Lee was a Tacoma native starting out in the talkies. (TDL 6/14/1931, pg. E-10)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Motion picture production & direction--Tacoma--1930-1940; Tatom, L.A.; Sherry, L. Jack; Cordell, Bill; Mashall, Bob; Johnson, George; Janassen, Edwin; White, Helen; Lee, Bebe;

Tacoma Elks Motion Picture. Four men in police uniforms with motorcycles at Stadium Bowl, two with women on them. Sign in front "Now Casting Tacoma Elks Own Motion Picture." The Elks were casting a motion picture comedy drama about Tacoma, to be filmed by the Peptimist Motion Picture Corp. and shown at the Elks Convention at the end of June. Officers in the picture are Bill Cordell, Edwin Janassen, Bob Marshall and George Johnson. Actresses are Helen White and Bebe Lee. (TDL 6/14/1931, pg. 10-E; TNT 6/2/1931, pg. 16; TNT 6/4/1931, pg. 13)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Motion picture production & direction--Tacoma--1930-1940; Motion picture industry--1930-1940; Motorcycles--1930-1940; Police--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1934. Rotary Club Convention held in Tacoma circa 1934. Men and women waiting in line at desk with "Rainier National Park Company" sign on curtain backdrop. Woman at desk ready to type on standard typewriter. (T.N.T)

Rotary Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Typewriters;

ca. 1934. Mrs Blakesly's Garden Club. Women in garden next to rock pond. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma News Tribune. (filed with Argentum)

Clubwomen--Tacoma--1930-1940; Gardens;

ca. 1937. Group of two men in suits and one woman - Grand chiefs of the Redmen. The group is tentatively identified as Mr. and Mrs. Eamans and Mr. Conner. (T. Times)

Improved Order of Redmen (Tacoma);