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;

Santa had plenty of helping hands at the American Legion Edward B. Rhodes No. 2 Memorial Hall on December 23, 1967. Commander Wallace Walker, Sr. (far left), of the American Legion Post #222 was chairman of the event. Tacoma Mayor A.L. "Slim" Rasmussen (in glasses & hat) assisted Santa in making sure these small children had plenty to eat and drink, including pumpkin pie and milk. George W. Johnson, acting executive director of the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc., is believed to be standing right of Mayor Rasmussen. 500 children enjoyed the hot dinner, music from Lincoln and Stadium High School, and received gifts. Santa arrived, not by reindeer, but with help from the Tacoma Fire Department. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc. (, TNT 12-10-67, A-4-article; TNT 12-22-67, p. 14-article)

American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1960-1970; Christmas--Tacoma; Children--Tacoma--1960-1970; Rasmussen, Albert Lawrence; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Walker, Wallace; Santa Claus--Tacoma;

Children pour out of the American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 Memorial Hall on December 23, 1967, at the conclusion of the post and Opportunity & Development, Inc., joint-Christmas celebration for the underprivileged. Turkey and ham with all the fixings and a visit from Santa brought smiles to the faces of the estimated 500 children in attendance. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc. (TNT 12-10-67, A-4-article)

American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1960-1970; School children--Tacoma--1960-1970; Christmas--Tacoma;

Two cute little girls, names not given, look very happy to be hugged by a jolly Santa at the American Legion's Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 and Opportunity & Development, Inc. Christmas celebration in December of 1967. Santa joined hundreds of children at the party which included a turkey and ham dinner, musical entertainment by the Stadium High School Band and Lincoln High School Chorale, and gifts and toys for all. Santa had made his arrival via one of Tacoma's fire engines. Originally scheduled at the Normanna Hall, the venue was changed to the Rhodes Post's 407 South G Street address when the guest list grew to 500 youngsters. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc. (TNT 12-10-67, A-4-article, TNT 12-22-67, p. 14-article)

American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1960-1970; Christmas--Tacoma; Children--Tacoma--1960-1970; Santa Claus--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;

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;

In September, 1967, the Tacoma Elks Club sponsored their annual Salmon Derby, inviting members to participate for a chance to win valuable prizes. Three men are pictured preparing their boat for entry into the waters of Commencement Bay. They were part of the 1820 contestants who vied for over 150 prizes. 186 fish were caught that day, most at the mouth of the Puyallup River. (TNT 9-18-67, p. 16)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fishing; Contests--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boats--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Elks Club members ready their boats in preparation for the 21st annual Salmon Derby sponsored by the Tacoma Elks Lodge on Sunday, September 17, 1967. 1820 contestants would take their chances to win valuable prizes including a boat, trailer and motor. Al Marano, fishing alone at Point Defiance, would come in first with a catch weighing in at 22 lb. 4 oz. He would drive away in a 1967 Jeep Universal, the grand prize. (TNT 9-18-67, p. 16, TNT 9-19-67, p. 14)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fishing; Contests--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boats--Tacoma--1960-1970;

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;

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;

The Afifi Arab Patrol, headed by Glen F. Perkins, Capt., posed for a group picture on the steps outside the Masonic Temple, 47 Saint Helens Ave., on April 2, 1966. Four Arab Patrol leaders kneel in the front row: Ben Beuche, Glen F. Perkins, Gordon M. Korsmo and Harold W. Baird. Behind them stand members of the 1966 Patrol; all are wearing Masonic regalia. Names of the Shriners are printed on the bottom of the photograph. Photograph ordered by the Afifi Temple.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Arab Patrol (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Uniforms; Beuche, Ben; Perkins, Glen F.; Korsmo, Gordon M.; Baird, Harold W.;

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;

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;

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;

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);

A crowd of over 300 Elks members and their guests gathered for the dedication of the new Elks Temple at 1965 South Union Avenue on September 3, 1965. Built on a 20.5 acre site on the west side of Cedar close to So. 19th St. at a cost of approximately $2,000,000, the temple was designed by Tacoma architects E.L. Mills & Associates and erected by Strom Construction. It took 1 1/2 years to complete the project. Constructed of reinforced concrete and structural steel, the new Elks Temple's 76,000 square feet contained a theater-style lodge room seating 1,000, administrative offices, handball courts and other athletic facilities, and dining facilities, including a cocktail lounge. During dedication ceremonies, a copper box was sealed behind the cornerstone; among items contained in the box was a copy of the Tacoma Elks Charter. (See C145725-1 for view of the charter.) (TNT 4-25-65, p. 2, TNT 9-3-65, p. 1, TNT 9-4-65, p. 1) TPL-9357

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Building dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Spectators--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Tacoma Country & Golf Club. Built using Weyerhaeuser's new engineered dry lumber, the new Tacoma Country & Golf Club stands serenely on the shores of American Lake in August, 1965. Its two-level, 26,000 square foot structure is surrounded by old and new growth landscaping. Fire destroyed its predecessor in 1961 as it did the original clubhouse in 1909. Photograph ordered by Weyerhaeuser Co.

Clubhouses--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma)--Buildings;

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;

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;

Mrs. Robert D. Chamness, Mrs. Frank E. Kelly and Mrs. Wilbur J. Larson (l-r), members of the S.A. Perkins Orthopedic Guild, display handmade gilded wall decorations for purchase as possible gifts to brighten the 1963 holiday season. These, and other Christmas gifts, would be sold at the Holiday Bazaar held on November 13, 1963, at the home of Mrs. Kelly. The S.A. Perkins Orthopedic Guild was one of many Tacoma-area guilds who raised funds for charitable purposes. All proceeds from the bazaar would be earmarked for the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. (TNT 11-10-63, D-4)

Tacoma Orthopedic Association, S.A. Perkins Orthopedic Guild (Tacoma); Women--Clubs--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chamness, Robert D.--Family; Kelly, Frank E.--Family; Larson, Wilbur J.--Family; Decorations--Tacoma; Christmas gifts;

A motley crew of entertainers made up the Tacoma Eagles Aerie 3 band on October 12, 1963. The all-male band members would certainly turn heads in their startling costumes, including grass skirts, dresses, oversized glasses, wigs and fake mustaches, and variety of headgear. Photograph ordered by Mountain View Memorial Park.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 3 (Tacoma); Entertainers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Musical ensembles--Tacoma;

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;

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;

Armed Forces Night at the Elks Club. On May 24, 1961, the Tacoma Elks Club hosted various members of the military to a formal dinner. Guests included both high ranking brass and younger uniformed men. Seated in rear of photograph are L-R John H. Anderson, former mayor of Tacoma, Major General William Train, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, and Robert Holder, Elks exalted ruler. Photograph ordered by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174. (TNT 5-25-61, A-3)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Anderson, John H.; Train, William; Holder, Robert;

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;

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;

Two Bluebirds stand inside a cutout heart, advertising the February finish for the sale of their traditional chocolate covered mint candies, being offered by another Bluebird member in the photograph. The Bluebirds are a junior branch of the Camp Fire Girls. Their insignia shows on their caps and on their vests. Camp Fire Girls would be selling candy from the end of January through February 13th. 1960 was the Golden Jubilee of the Camp Fire Organization; the first group formed in March of 1910. Proceeds from the sale were used to help defray costs incurred in maintaining their residential camp Camp Wakoma and their day camp sessions. Money was also retained at the local level to help benefit local groups, providing revenue for field trips, supplies and functions. (TNT 1/24/1960, pg. D-5)

Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1960-1970; Candy--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Corinthian Room at the Masonic Temple, 47 St. Helens. Fifteen women in the Tacoma Order, Social Order of the Beauceant. The Social Order of Beauceant is composed of the wives and widows of Sir Knights, of Ivanhoe Commandery (Knights Templar). The national order was founded in 1890 in Denver with the purpose of aiding the Knights Templar. In 1959, it had a national membership of 22, 000. Their main project was the Eye Foundation, although the local order also supported the Rainier School and Remann Hall. The women are dressed in white robes adorned with large black crosses. (TNT 11/8/1959)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Masonic buildings--Tacoma; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma;

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;