In June of 1956 six unidentified Elks members wearing sailors' hats, union suits and garters performed a 1950s version of the "Full Monty" as part of the entertainment at the Elks convention banquet. Over 3,000 Elks and their wives were in Tacoma for the 54th annual state convention held June 14- 16, 1956. The convention host, Tacoma's Lodge #174, was the third largest in the nation with 5,600 members. Statewide, the fraternal organization had 56,000 members. (TNT 6/10/1956, pg. 1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Burlesque shows--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Young children at Remann Hall smile as they happily accept the gift of a new television set from the Eagles. The handsome console was presented to Remann Hall on March 28, 1954. The juvenile home housed delinquent and dependent children from newborns to seventeen year olds. Many children had been placed there due to the deaths or illnesses of their parents.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Televisions--1950-1960; Detention facilities--Tacoma; Juvenile delinquents--Tacoma; Abandoned children--Tacoma; Remann Hall (Tacoma);

The Pansy Ring Tea was a Delta Delta Delta tradition at the College of Puget Sound. Each year the sorority would honor all senior women on campus with a special tea. The women did not have to be Greek-affiliated. A large ring of flowers would be erected at the site of the tea; in the spring of 1954, the tea was held at the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club. A young college student is demurely posed here in front of the Pansy Ring; she has on a small hat with veil, gloves, and a black purse to complement her black and white dress. (TNT 5-2-54, D-4)

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

In September of 1956, the Tacoma Elks held their 10th Anniversary Salmon Derby. Over 1,000 Elks competed for $2,500 in prizes. At the awards ceremony Exalted Ruler Norbert E. Grove (far left) posed with the derby winners: (l to r) Dave Martin, 1st prize; Earl Blodgett, 2nd prize; and Ray Parker, 3rd prize. The man holding the small salmon at the far right is Emmett T. Anderson, Grand Exalted Ruler of the Elks. Mr. Martin caught his prize 21 lb. 10 oz. fish at the mouth of the Puyallup River. His prize was a new 16 ft. boat with trailer and insurance. Mr. Blodgett caught his 18 lb. 7 oz. fish trolling off the claybank and won a new television set. Mr. Parker had recently changed his fishing tackle and technique on the advice of a friend; he caught his winning salmon trolling off Crab Point in the Point Defiance area. Parker won a new 5 1/2 horsepower outboard motor. (TNT 9/4/1956 pg. 11, 9/7/1956 pg. 23, 9/10/1956, pg. 19) TPL-9849

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Salmon; Fishing; Grove, Norbert; Martin, Dave; Blodgett, Earl; Parker, Ray; Tottler, Parker H.;

An unidentified beaming little girl clutched a reindeer made of balloons at the Elks Club 1956 Christmas Day party for children. Another balloon creature, a dog, faced the child from a chair. Each year the Elks Club sponsored a Christmas party for children; in 1956, 800 children were sent invitations to attend the party at the Elks Lodge at 565 Broadway. A Christmas tree, candy, nuts and fruit plus entertainment were provided. The girl in the photograph is wearing a pretty flowered dress and her hair is neatly parted and held back with a shell clasp. Photograph ordered by the Elks Club. (TNT 12-18-56, p. 9)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1950-1960; Balloons--Tacoma;

Members of the Afifi Shrine examine a book of tickets to sell for the Shrine "All Star" Circus, to be held at the College of Puget Sound fieldhouse April 9-12, 1953. They are all wearing fezzes with the Afifi logo imprinted on them. Second man to the right is believed to be Mayor John H. Anderson who was persuaded to buy the first book of tickets. Behind the men is a large cutout of a Afifi clown holding a sign filled with circus information. The eighth annual Shrine Circus would have Jerry Colonna, famed comic, as master of ceremonies. There would be six performances held over four days and would be open to the general public. Colonna was expected to ride atop the Shrine's circus calliope in the Daffodil Parade on April 11th. (TNT 3-22-53, A-4, TNT 3-28-53, p. 1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

1967 Richards stock file. The venerable Elks Temple, 565 Broadway, stands empty in 1967. The membership of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174, had moved to a brand new temple at 1965 So. Union two years before. The building's famous Spanish steps are to the right of this August 2, 1967, photograph. A large monkey puzzle tree, next to the steps, reaches toward the building's roofline.

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

Zora Temple No. 5 members of the Daughters of the Nile organization posed with a wigged mannequin between them on October 7, 1967. Virginia Morgan and Darlyne Mazza were publicizing an upcoming Daughters of the Nile luncheon to be held at the Top of the Ocean on October 27, 1967. The wig was one of many wig fashions to be shown at Zora Temple's annual fall orthopedic luncheon. Proceeds from the luncheon were designated for materials which Nile sewing clubs used for articles to be sent to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children. Photograph ordered by Zora Temple No. 5, Daughters of the Nile. (TNT 10-22-67, D-14)

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Wigs; Mannequins; Morgan, Virginia; Mazza, Darlyne;

Daughters of Norway drill team. The 14-member Daughters of Norway drill team stand proudly in uniform on June 6, 1968, at Normanna Hall. They may have been part of the Embla Lodge No. 2, Daughters of Norway, which had a long tradition of drill teams. TPL-4454

Daughters of Norway (Tacoma); Drill teams; Uniforms;

Formal portrait of Benine Robertson in Job's Daughters regalia. Color photograph ordered by Ben Robertson, Federal Way.

International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Fraternal organizations;

Shriners from various clubs enjoyed a cruise on Commencement Bay as part of scheduled activities during the June, 1957, Pacific Northwest Shrine Association convention. The boat is packed with Algeria, Korein, Afifi, and Tehaha members plus spouses, all set to take advantage of the gorgeous weather. The well-dressed crowd all kept their hats on, including fezzes. Photograph ordered by Pacific Northwest Shrine Association.

Pacific Northwest Shrine Association (Tacoma); Tourists--Tacoma; Boats--Tacoma;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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. 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);

ca. 1937. Puyallup Drill Team, Degree of Pocahontas, circa 1937. Group of women, all are wearing corsages. The Degree of Pocahontas was authorized by the Improved Order of the Red Men in 1885 in Elmira, New York. (filed with Argentum)

Improved Order of Redmen, Degree of Pocahontas (Puyallup);

ca. 1926. East Tacoma, IOOF (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) #89. "Degree Staff," lodge members in regalia, some holding shields. (filed with Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Clubs--Tacoma--1920-1930; Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 89 (Tacoma);