Dinner at New Yorker, Last Man Club American Legion, December 10, 1949. Nineteen men pose with six empty chairs draped with American flags during their annual meeting held at the New Yorker. The Last Man Club was composed of World War I veterans who were past Commanders of the Rhodes Post of the American Legion. Capt. Chester Chastek became the "Last Man" in February 1992, at the age of 92. c/o Mr. B. Busselle.

American Legion Club (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Flags--United States; New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Last Man Club (Tacoma);

Each year the Elks Club made full use of members' musical and acting talents in the Elks Extravaganza. Members were not shy in performing before other members and invited guests; their costumes often were women's clothing and wigs. View of participants in the 1958 Extravaganza before the well-known backdrop of businesses supported by the Elks. Each year the caricature in the center would change to feature another prominent Elk, in 1958, it would be "Vegas Swan." Photograph ordered by the Elks Club.

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

Scout Jamboree, ordered by Ed Richards. A pack leader poses with his group. They are garbed in Native American regalia, probably to appear in a demonstration. These boys appear to be older and are probably Boy Scouts not Cub Scouts. Scouts involved in the annual Scout Exposition at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse May 4-5, 1956 were between the ages of 10 and 16. Various troops from Pierce County would be performing demonstrations. Lincoln, Lakes and Southeast demonstrations would be on Friday and Northwest, Peninsula and Valley Mountain would perform on Saturday. Demonstrations would include knot-tying, first aid, canoe building, marksmanship and leather craft. (TNT 5/2/1956, pg. A-4)

Boy Scouts (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Costumes;

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;

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 American Legion Auxiliary unit #138; installation of new officers. Twelve women sit or stand in front of a small stage area with ceremonial wall hangings. The standing group are, left to right, Mrs. Anele Larson, Mrs. Gilbert Hougle, Mrs. Nettie Mae Grisham, Mrs. Wilmer Boyer, Mrs. Howard Zachow, Mrs. John Johnson and Mrs. Karl Thomas. The seated row, left to right: Mrs. Thomas Johnson, Mrs. William Miller, Mrs. Carl W. Kruse, Mrs. Richard Lambert and Mrs. Roy Hincliff. (TNT 7/22/1956, pg. B-3)

Clubwomen--Tacoma--1950-1960; Women--Social life--1950-1960; Veterans' organizations--Tacoma; American Legion Auxiliary Unit #138 (Tacoma);

ca. 1956. The Camp Fire Girls are gearing up for their annual sale of chocolate mint candies. The candies were manufactured by Brown and Haley in Tacoma. One girls pours the mints from an open box into the waiting hands of the other girl; mints and wrappers spill onto the floor. The girls pose in traditional Camp Fire uniforms, skirts, white shirts with kerchefs and beanies, in front of a heart decoration.

Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Candy--Tacoma;

Publicity photo for the Tacoma Junior Women's Club Christmas dinner dance. The paper mache snowman inspires one woman to break into song, possibly "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" or "Frosty."

Junior Women's Club (Tacoma); Women--Clubs--Tacoma;

The Elks Club appears packed on November 28, 1956, as members wait for promised entertainment on Old Timers Club night. The orchestra is seated, sheet music open and ready. The piano bench is empty although there is an organist at his keyboard. Elks members with 25 or more years of service were honored annually with dinner at the Elks Club plus an evening of music and skits. Photograph ordered by the Elks Club.

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

Eight Delta Delta Delta sorority sisters, some in sorority sweatshirts, worked together in May of 1955 to create nosegays for the College of Puget Sound Pansy Ring Tea ceremony. The tea was an annual fete sponsored by the Phi Zeta chapter of the Tri Deltas. The young women, now dressed casually in slacks and hair kerchiefs, would be attired formally in dresses, hats and gloves for the third annual tea. In the tradition of nearly all Tri Delta chapters across the U.S. and Canada, the tea would honor senior women of the college. Special attention would be given to engaged or recently married seniors, who would step through a seven-foot tall ring of pansies. Puget Sound president R. Franklin Thompson would award two $100 scholarships offered every year by the sorority. (TNT 5/8/1955, pg. D-6-article)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

Twelve newly capped Gray Ladies, some holding their certificates, pose for a group portrait at Red Cross headquarters on October 5, 1955. Capping ceremonies occurred several times a year; the Gray Ladies were part of the Red Cross volunteer support units. They were a vital part of community services offered at various local hospitals. Seated from left to right are: Mrs. Albert Windsor, Catherine Pentimonti, Mrs. Carl Kerklau, Mrs. Clifton Price, Mrs. Ray Manges. Standing are: Clarreen Thelan, Mrs. Herman Hunt, Judy Trojan, Bobbie Trojan, Mrs. Harold Barwick, Shirlee Allen and Mrs. H.F. Weber. Mrs. Manges and Mrs. Weber were also recipients of service awards; they had been Gray Ladies for sevearl years. These Gray Ladies would be serving at Madigan Army Hospital. (TNT 10-9-55, A-9)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1950-1960; American National Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Uniforms;

Members of the Edward Rhodes Post No. 2's Last Man Club met for their annual reunion banquet in the Rhodes Memorial Hall on November 12, 1954. Honored attendees were past commanders of the American Legion post who served in WW1. Ten flags are draped over empty chairs in front of the group of men, to honor those commanders who had passed away. A special guest from California was expected to be Frederick J. Shaw, the first commander of Post #2 in 1919, who would be attending the reunion for the first time. The post's Last Man Club was founded in 1937. (TNT 11-7-54, D-15)

American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flags--United States; Last Man Club (Tacoma);

View of Market St, taken on September 15, 1954. Across the street from the future home of United Pacific Insurance Co. was the Young Men's Christian Association. Designed by architects Bullard & Hill, it was built and completed by R.B. Teeter in 1909. It was dedicated in October, 1909, completely paid for. Neighboring businesses included Spillman Insurance, Tribune Cleaners, Tribune Barber Shop, JT's Tavern and further down the street, B & B Glass. Photograph ordered by Comfort, Davis & Blangy. TPL-8749

Young Men's Christian Association (Tacoma); Commercial streets--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A member of the Afifi Temple leads the color guard into the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on December 4, 1954, in the impressive grand entry ceremony. Behind the color guard march the Afifi Band led by a baton wielding drum major. The band is flanked by two sections of Shriners dressed in full regalia. 5000 Shriners wearing traditional red fezzes attended initiation and ceremonial meetings, including a special ceremony to honor Floyd C. Kinnear's 25 year span as recorder for the Afifi Temple. Eleven ceremonial units, such as the Afifi Temple Band, Afifi Temple Oriental Band, Gizeh Temple Patrol and Grays Harbor Shrine Club Patrol, participated in the weekend's events. (TNT 12-3-54, p. 1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Flags; Memorial Field House (Tacoma);

Many Tacoma Master Builders Association members enjoyed the Spike Banquet at the Top of the Ocean on November 16, 1954. Seated are Ed Miller, Gordon Korsmo, and Walter Witte. Standing are Robert Cowden, Leo Nelson, two unidentified women, Don Murphy and Art Manley. Del Belfoy was absent in this sepia photograph. Of interest to the membership is a large banner behind the group promoting the N.A.M.B. convention and exposition in Chicago the following January

Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Group portraits;

A packed house is on hand to view the Shriners from Afifi Temple in the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on December 4, 1954. Potentate John H. Galbraith, Jr., and his staff are to the foreground; long rows of Shriners wearing Masonic regalia extend to the fieldhouse doors. This was the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Tacoma's grand entry ceremony. 5000 Shriners from around the Northwest converged upon Tacoma to attend the semi-annual ceremonial and initiation of new members. In addition, Floyd C. Kinnear, recorder for Afifi Temple for the past twenty five years, was honored in special ceremonies. (TNT 12-3-54, p. 1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Uniforms; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Memorial Field House (Tacoma);

Annual photograph of the Last Man Club. The 21st reunion of the American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2's Last Man Club occurred in the Peter Puget room of the Olympus Hotel on November 10, 1958. Each year the club met at varying locations in Tacoma for a reunion banquet. View of members posing with flags; flags draped over empty seats signify respect for deceased commanders. There would be one more flag-draped chair in memory of A. Walter Olson who died earlier in 1958. (TNT 11-9-58, A-19)

American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); American Legion Club (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flags--United States; Last Man Club (Tacoma);

Group portrait of Daughters of the Nile. These women belong to the Daughters of the Nile, Zora Temple No. 5. In the foreground are the temple dancers dressed in Arabian gear. The women in the background are possibly the Nile patrol and chorus. Mrs. Robert Hunt was the temple's reigning queen. Photograph was taken on January 6, 1959, at the Masonic Temple as the Daughters of the Nile met to honor the Supreme Queen, Mrs. Adam T. Neen of Vancouver, B.C., during the winter ceremonial. Dinner would be held later at the Winthrop Hotel. Color photograph ordered by the Daughters of the Nile. (TNT 1-2-59, p. 11)

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits; Women--Tacoma--1950-1960;

White jacketed dance band onstage at the Puyallup Elks Club. The band members appear to play the bass, accordion and a number of different saxophones. The PE on the band stands possibly stands for Puyallup Elks.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 1450 (Puyallup); Musicians--Puyallup--1950-1960;

21 women in evening gowns pose at the USO Center on May 17, 1960, along with one military officer. These women belonged to the Navy Mothers Club, a national organization, and quite active here.

Navy Mothers Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1960-1970; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1960-1970;

A man gives an encouraging pat on the back to a boy in swimming trunks on August 22, 1960. He was probably a member of the Active Club who sponsored a Child Guidance club at Camp Seymour. These youngsters pictured above are surveying the water, perhaps deciding whether or not to take a refreshing swim. 55 children attended a special 10-day camp for emotionally disturbed youngsters, ages 7-13. The camp was the first of its kind in the nation and one of only four or five in existence in 1960. The big difference was that there was one professionally trained counselor for every two campers. Photograph ordered by the Active Club. (TNT 8-23-60, p. 4)

Tacoma Active Club (Tacoma); Camp Seymour (Glen Cove); Bathing suits;

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;

Memorial services - Tacoma Elks Lodge. A large audience is present for the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174's memorial services held on December 2, 1970. The services are believed to commemorate the passing of Elks members. Color photograph ordered by Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Elks Temple (Tacoma); Memorial rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1970-1980;

On March 8, 1967, various athletes from local high schools were honored once again at the annual "Athletes Nite" held at the Tacoma Elks Temple, 1965 So. Union Ave. Uniformed majorettes and cheerleaders from the schools were also on hand to provide entertainment and support. Banners were hung with the names of participating schools- including Lincoln, Mount Tahoma, Stadium, Bellarmine, Lakes, Laughbon (in Dupont), Wilson, Franklin Pierce, Clover Park, Curtis and Peninsula. Photograph ordered by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174.

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

Elevated view of City (now Thea Foss) Waterway and partial glimpse of Tacoma Tideflats with storage tanks of Mobil Oil and Shell Oil and Globe Machine Mfg. building on East "D." Fishermen are preparing to depart from Totem Boat Haven to participate in the Elks Lodge's 21st annual Salmon Derby on September 17, 1967. The waters of Commencement Bay and vicinity were chock full of fishermen avidly vying for the more than 150 prizes offered, including a Jeep Universal and a boat and trailer. TPL-4768

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fishing; Contests--Tacoma--1960-1970; Totem Boat Haven (Tacoma); City Waterway (Tacoma); Storage tanks--Tacoma;

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was set to celebrate its Centennial on February 12-17th, 1968. The Tacoma Elks was the largest of the order and would celebrate the centennial of the national organization with a full week's programs and activities. Gathered around the table on January 16, 1968, were eleven past and present officers and trustees of Tacoma Lodge No. 174 with publicity information. Included in the photograph were Swan Johnson, Jerry Geehan, Arthur Emery, Harry Lynch, Emmett Anderson, Leonard Rowan, Clyde Alexander, Alex Wilson, Harold Sitts and Robert Holder, who was chairman of the local celebration. Photograph ordered by Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174. (TNT 1-28-68, A-20)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Publicity; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma;

On January 27, 1968, Girl Scouts gathered outside the Eastside Multi-Service Center in Salishan to help distribute pamphlets door-to-door regarding an upcoming Town Meeting on youth and drugs. Mrs. Peggy Kopf, public health educator from the Tacoma Public Schools, is believed to be standing at extreme left. The first Town Hall meeting on problems relating to drug abuse and community resources to aid those afflicted was held at Wilson High School on January 29, 1968, to a standing-room-only crowd. The next scheduled meeting, second of four, was planned for Mount Tahoma High School on January 31, 1968. Six community agencies banded together to sponsor these meetings. Photograph ordered by Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc. (TNT 1-21-68. C-18, TNT 1-31-68, B-4)

Girl Scouts (Tacoma); Canvassing--Tacoma; Leaflets;

Dedication of new Elks Temple. Elks and their guests stand at attention, hands over hearts, as the American flag is raised on the flagpole in front of the new Elks Temple on September 3, 1965. The flag was presented to the lodge by Emmett T. Anderson. The honor guard consisted of representatives of the 35th Engineers Battalion, Fort Lewis. Boy Scouts Kerk Ristroffer and Don King also assisted in flag ceremonies. After decades in downtown Tacoma, the Elks built a new 76,000 square foot temple on the west side of Cedar, 700 feet south of So. 19th St. Ground was broken in April, 1964, on the $2,000,000 project. Nearly 50 years later, the Elks temple remains at the same location. (TNT 9-4-54, p. 1, TNT 9-3-65, p. 1)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Building dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Flag salutes--Tacoma--1960-1970; Flags--United States; Flagpoles--Tacoma;

Jubilant United Good Neighbors executives and volunteers celebrated the conclusion of its 1971 fund raising campaign with a luncheon held at the Top of the Ocean restaurant on November 12, 1971. Campaign chairman Robert P. Mallon (l) displays a painting of a ship in full sail. The painting is entitled "The Salesman Ship," and its sails marked with noble attributes - discipline, perseverance, enthusiasm, product knowledge and service, among others. This is believed to be the special award given to Mr. Mallon for his dedicated service and inspired leadership during the campaign. Director Howard Boyle assists in displaying the award. Contributions to the United Good Neighbors Fund totaled $1,351.604 to date which was 70% of the 1971 goal. Even though it had not met the $1,928,000 goal, it still exceeded the previous year's collection mark of $1.250,516. Photograph ordered by United Good Neighbors Fund of Pierce County. (TNT 11-9-71, p. 1- article; TNT 11-12-71, p. 1-article)

United Good Neighbors (Tacoma); Community service--Tacoma--1970-1980; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fund raising--Tacoma--1970-1980; Mallon, Robert P.; Boyle, Howard;