The remodeled chapel of the Tacoma Rescue Mission. The Mission was founded in 1912 as a result of an evangelistic campaign by Gypsy Smith. It provided emergency aid, shelter and Christian fellowship to transient men. This building consisted of the Keown Building at 1512 Pacific Ave., acquired in 1940, and the Grays Harbor Hotel Building at 1510 Pacific Ave., acquired in 1946. The Keown Building was built in 1907 and designed by C.A. Darmer, architect. The Grays Harbor Hotel building was built in 1901 and designed by the same architect. The 1956 remodel made the two buildings appear as one, including a resurface with Quikbrik the plastered brick veneer. The interior chapel was completely redone with new walls and ceilings as well as new offices and pews. The beams were of knotty pine, the walls of mahogany, the pews of fir; indirect lighting and air conditioning would also greet nightly worshipers. The chapel occupied the main floor of the mission. (TNT 1/1/1956)

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Chapels--Tacoma;

The remodeled chapel of the Tacoma Rescue Mission. The Mission was founded in 1912 to provide aid, spiritual counseling and shelter to transient men drawn to the area by the lumber and maritime industries. In the beginning, it consisted of a soup line and chapel services. Services were expanded over the years to include women, children and families and to provide dormitories and dining rooms for transients. The mission acquired this facility on Pacific at two different times and remodeled them in 1956 to appear as one structure. It consisted of the Keown Building, at 1512 acquired in 1940, and the Grays Harbor Hotel Building, at 1510 acquired in 1946. The site also included 1511 Commerce St. The facility included the main chapel, a prayer room, a recreation room, library, kitchen and a 67 bed dormitory. In 2002, the building was demolished to make way for the new Convention Center project site. An emergency shelter was built on South Tacoma Way and other services are spread throughout the city. The Rescue Mission has repeatedly been recognized locally and nationally for the outstanding work that they do helping people to help themselves. (TNT 1/1/1956)

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Chapels--Tacoma;

The remodeled exterior of the Tacoma Rescue Mission. The location consisted of two buildings, the Keown building at 1512 Pacific Ave. built in 1907 and the Grays Harbor Hotel Building at 1510 Pacific Ave. built in 1901. It was remodeled in 1956 to make it appear as one structure. The buildings that served as the Mission's home for 15 years were closed for four months in 1956 for a $20,000 face lift. The remodel included covering the joined exterior surface with Quikbrik. Quikbrik was finely ground brick mixed with binders and Portland cement applied by plasterers with a trowel. While still pliable, the brick was cut with patented templates and hardened to a brick like finish. The new brick facade gave the mission a bright appealing look. The dedication service for the remodeled building was held April 15, 1956. The neon sign out front read "Eternity Where Jesus Saves." The building was torn down in 2002 to make way for the Convention Center project site.

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Chapels--Tacoma;

ca. 1956. The dedication service for the remodeled Tacoma Rescue Mission was held April 15, 1956. The location consisted of two buildings, the Keown building at 1512 Pacific Avenue built in 1907 and the Grays Harbor Hotel Building at 1510 Pacific Avenue built in 1901. It was remodeled in 1956 to make it appear to be one structure. The remodel included covering the joined exterior surface with Quikbrik. The new brick facade gave the mission a bright appealing look. The building was torn down in 2002 for the Convention Center project. Pictured to the right of the Mission is the Funland Amusement Center, 1506-08 Pacific Ave.; on the left is the Grand Cafe, 1514 Pacific Ave. The Grand Cafe was in the same building as Bimbo's. TPL-9088

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Chapels--Tacoma;

The Tacoma Rescue Mission kitchen after the 1956 remodel. A large soup pot and a coffee pot occupy the huge black stove to the left. On the long counter rest more soup pots and coffee pots. On the end of the counter hang a bottle opener and the dinner bell. At 9 every evening, the kitchen was thrown open and a hot, nourishing stew prepared by chief cook Richard Reed was served to 65-85 hungry men. (TNT 1/1/1956) TPL-9086

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Kitchens--Tacoma;

The Tacoma Rescue Mission remodeled Recreation Room and library. Tables with fresh daffodils sit surrounded by chairs. Full book shelves line one wall, while a piano waits against another for someone to strike up a tune. Fluorescent lighting illuminates the walls decorated with plaques of selected scriptures. TPL-9087

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma;

Tacoma Rescue Mission's Prayer Room. Providing a quiet place for study and reflection, this room has pews on either side of the room for seating. The Rescue Mission had been at this address since 1940, gradually buying up surrounding buildings. The 1956 remodel made the combined buildings appear as one. In 1956, the mission operated on a budget of $25,000 annually plus donations. (TNT 1/1/1956)

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Chapels--Tacoma;

ca. 1940. The milkman prepares to leave a few bottles at the door of the University Union Club. He is driving a Diamond T dairy truck. The milk he's delivering is Jersey Milk, from the Grand Pre farm owned by Paul Hebb. Diamond T trucks were commercial trucks and were manufactured by the Diamond T Truck Co., 3811 South Tacoma Way. TPL-4730

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Diamond T trucks; Milkmen & milkwomen--1940-1950; Milk;

Group of people, including children, on stage at the Elks Temple. This photograph was taken on July 1, 1940.

Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Elks Temple (Tacoma); Stages (Platforms);

Back of Photo:
Seattle Mayor-elect Norm Rice, foreground left, and Tacoma Mayor-elect Karen Vialle, foreground right, answer questions and thank the black collective for the support the group has given both Rice and Vialle. The two Mayor-elects met with the Black Collective Saturday morning at 2316 S. Yakima. (12-2-89 photo by David Brandt)
Pierce & S. King County

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;