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;

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);

On February 3, 1924, Eagles who were also employed by the McCormack Bros. department store posed for a group portrait in what is believed to be Eagles Hall, 1305-07 Fawcett Ave. The men, part of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, may have participated in a minstrels show.

Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 3 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Clubs--Tacoma--1920-1930; McCormack Bros.--Employees;

United Daughters of the Confederacy, Dixie Chapter, met at the Gammon residence in Tacoma's North End on January 19, 1924. While many of Tacoma's early settlers were from the Midwest and East Coast, Southerners were also drawn to the area. Dr. Clarence P. Gammon's father, William Gammon, was a partner of Daniel Boone in Kentucky. Mrs. Clarence P. (Mary) Gammon's father, John Winder, served on the staff of General Robert E. Lee during the Civil War. TPL-6347; G29.1-035

Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1920-1930; United Daughters of the Confederacy, Daughters of Dixie Chapter (Tacoma); Gammon, Clarence P.--Homes & haunts; Gammon, Clarence P.; Gammon, Mary;

On January 19, 1924, Tacomans of a Southern persuasion gathered at 2706 No. Junett, at the home of Dr. and Mrs. C.P. Gammon, to celebrate the birthday of Civil War luminary General Robert E. Lee. These young ladies, whose mothers were members of the Daughters of Dixie chapter of the United Daughters of Confederacy, posed for the camera in Southern belle attire. Pictured left to right are Doris Steele, Sarah Elizabeth Boland (daughter of photographer Marvin D. Boland), Betty Schluss and Vergie Leckenby. (TNT 1/21/1924, pg. 7) G24.1-005

United Daughters of the Confederacy, Daughters of Dixie Chapter (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1920-1930; Gammon, Clarence P.--Homes & haunts; Costumes; Steele, Doris; Boland, Sarah Elizabeth; Schluss, Betty; Leckenby, Vergie;

Some Tacoma youngsters celebrated their Southern heritage by attending a birthday party honoring Confederate General Robert E. Lee on January 19, 1924 at the home of the C.P. Gammons, 2706 No. Junett. The party was hosted by the Daughters of Dixie chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The children are dressed in their Sunday best with the two girls in the middle sporting costumes complete with lace pantaloons. The girls are, left to right, Janet Baldwin, Madeline Kirk, Eleanor White and "Billy" Austin; the boys are unidentified. (TNT 1/21/1924, pg. 7) G24.1-003

Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1920-1930; United Daughters of the Confederacy, Daughters of Dixie Chapter (Tacoma); Costumes; Baldwin, Janet; Kirk, Madeline; White, Eleanor; Gammon, Clarence P.--Homes & haunts;

Rotary club members presented two productions of "Deestrik Skule," the first at Immanual Presbyterian Church on November 23, 1923, and another performance at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on December 6th. G23.1-137; G64.1-036

Rotary Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Comedies; Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1920-1930; Clubs--Tacoma--1920-1930;

American Legion members joined in a flagpole raising in Yelm on Armistice Day, November 11, 1923. The American Legion was chartered by the U.S. Congress on September 16, 1919, as a patriotic war-time veterans organization. The Yelm community, Yelm Legioneers, neighboring posts and volunteer workers from Olympia's building trades unions all came together to erect a $15,000 home for the Yelm post in one single day. It appears that the raising of the flagpole was the first business of the day. This would be the permanent home of the Joseph Redberg Post No. 164, American Legion, Yelm. G23.1-043A (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 11-11-23, 8-E-article; TDL 11-12-23, p. 1-article)

American Legion (Yelm); Patriotic societies--Yelm; Veterans organizations--Yelm; Flagpoles--Yelm;

The 6th Engineers band from Camp Lewis plays as the American flag flies on the new American Legion flagpole successfully raised in Yelm on November 11, 1923. Legion members and members of the community had worked together to raise and anchor the flagpole and build a new home for the Yelm Legioneers. The Yelm post did not have a permanent home until the one-day erection of their American Legion building on Armistice Day in 1923. The small group, numbering only 27 active members, was supplemented with help from other local American Legion posts, members of the Yelm community, and 150 members of the building trades union from Olympia in constructing their new home. The building was worth approximately $15,000 but just about all costs were covered with the donation of land from McKenna Mill Co. and architectural design by Tacoma architects Shaw & Shaw. Labor was also donated and supervised by skilled workmen from the Hurley-Mason Co. of Tacoma. Elmer Fristo was the commander of the Joseph Redberg Post No. 164, American Legion, Yelm. G23.1-043B (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 11-11-23, 8-E-article; TDL 11-12-23, p. 1-article)

American Legion (Yelm); Patriotic societies--Yelm; Veterans organizations--Yelm; Flagpoles--Yelm; Flags--United States; Military bands--United States;

This assembled crew helped to build the new American Legion hall in Yelm in November of 1923. American Legion members had raised the flag on the new flagpole planted on the building site. (see B8864 & B8865) The American Legion was then a fairly new veterans organization as it was founded in Paris in March of 1919 and then chartered by the U.S. Congress in September of the same year. The Yelm post had 27 active members situated in this small town of about 600 people. Their new hall was built in a single day (foundation being prepared the week before) with help from other American Legion posts and the Yelm community. The hall was on three acres of donated land from the McKenna Mill Co. There was virtually no cost to legion members as various companies donated their time and expertise to this veterans organization. More than 500 workers participated in the event, including 150 members of the building trades union from Olympia. G23.1-049 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 11-11-23, 8-E-article; TDL 11-12-23, p. 1-article)

American Legion (Yelm); Patriotic societies--Yelm; Veterans organizations--Yelm; Building construction--Yelm;

Informal portrait of Wesley Stone, Grand Commander of the Knights Templar of Washington. Grand Commander Stone was in Tacoma for the 1923 conclave of the Masonic group. Walter E. Carter of Vancouver, Washington, was chosen to succeed Mr. Stone as Grand Commander. Mr. Stone hailed from Spokane. (TDL 5-12-23, p. 3-article) (Although print is labeled "B7824," photographer Boland's notes indicate that the actual number is B7924)

Stone, Wesley; Knights Templar (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Men following the example of instructor at Y.M.C.A. gym class. Arms spread wide, knees bent, 19 men proceed to vigorously exercise at the Y.M.C.A. , 714 Market St., in early February of 1923. G68.1-139

Young Men's Christian Association (Tacoma); Physical fitness--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Posed in front of the Carnegie Building (then the Tacoma Free Public Library) on October 18, 1922, are members of the Guard Team from Everett of the Women's Benefit Association of the Maccabees. This was the ladies' auxiliary of the fraternal insurance group. The Everett team was part of the 17 lodges who had sent some 300 delegates to the Women's Benefit Association of the Maccabees of Western Washington's one-day convention. The gathering was held at Fraternity Hall, 1111-17 Tacoma Avenue South, which was near the library. G24.1-010 (TNT 10-18-22, p. 1-article on convention)

Women's Benefit Association of the Maccabees; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Flags--United States; Meetings--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Five sailors from the USS Tennessee pose with four men in suits on October 13, 1922. Photograph is inscribed "Class #33" and "32 degree members." Photographer Boland's notes indicate that this is pertaining to the Scottish Rite. It is not clear whether the sailors are also members of the Masonic group or just the four other men. The Scottish Rite had been holding their fall reunion in Tacoma from October 10-13 to culminate in the conferring of the 32nd degree. 71.1-038

Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Sailors--1920-1930;

George C. Cabell, Supreme Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, raised the American flag on Alta Vista in Mount Tacoma's Rainier National Park on August 30, 1922. Founded in 1864, the Knights of Pythias was the first fraternal organization to receive a charter from the United States Congress. Col. Cabell, of Norfolk, Virginia, was the national head of the organization. He had been making a tour of the West and was the guest of the Tacoma Pythians on August 29-30th. The Tacoma Lodge held their annual sunrise services on Alta Vista where 25 Pythians plus Col. Cabell were present. Col. Cabell also officiated at the dedication of a permanent steel flagpole and flag raising at that time. (TDL 8-29-22, p. 3-article; TDL 8-30-22, p. 5-article)

Cabell, George C.; Knights of Pythias; Flags--United States; Flagpoles; Rainier, Mount (Wash.);

Members of the 13th Minnesota Society of Puget Sound are pictured at the new Duenwald's Delicatessen & Bakery, 915-17 Broadway, on August 13, 1922. They met to make arrangements for the reception of the Minnesota veterans of foreign wars who were expected in Tacoma on August 14th, on their way to Seattle for the national Veterans of Foreign Wars convention. The local group is composed of former members of the 13th Minnesota regiment of the Spanish-American War. G23.1-026 (TNT 8-12-22, p. 5-article)

13th Minnesota Society of Puget Sound (Tacoma); Veterans' organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

The National Convention of the Order of Runeberg was held in Tacoma from August 10-12, 1922. Some of the officers and delegates, plus a small boy, posed for a group portrait in front of the First Church of the Evangelical Assocation, 1224 Martin Luther King Jr. Way (then "K" St.). There were 750 delegates and visiting members in attendance at the three-day convention. Alex Keoll of Seattle was elected the new president succeeding John Forsman of Duluth. The convention would reconvene in Superior, Wisconsin in 1926. The Order of Runeberg is an organization of Swedish-Finns and is named after Johan Ludvig Runeberg, a noted Finnish poet. His work was based on Swedish culture. (TDL 8-11-22, p. 8-article; Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 8-13-22, A-11)

Order of Runeberg (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Members of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine posed for a group portrait on April 30, 1922. Better known as the Shriners from Afifi Temple, they were dressed in traditional uniform. A total of 139 uniformed nobles would be journeying to San Francisco by special train in June for the 48th annual imperial council session. That was expected to be one of the largest delegations in attendance. The Afifi Shriners were led by Frank D. Oakley, Tacoma attorney, who was elected in December of 1921 as the temple's leader or potentate. G23.1-081 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 6-4-22, 8-E)

Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Four members of the Afifi Shrine, wearing traditional costume and fezzes, posed outdoors on April 30, 1922. The group may have included attorney Frank D. Oakley of Tacoma, who was Afifi Shrine's potentate. G23.1-079

Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Five unidentified Boy Scouts help with the Tacoma Federation of Social Agencies' first Community Chest Drive for the needy in March of 1922; the slogan--"Tacoma Cares. Do Your Share." The boys would be distributing stacks of reminders in the way of red and white placards to be placed on windshields of every car they spotted downtown. $271,478.68 was set as the goal for the fundraising drive that would help 28 relief and social agencies. U.S. District Court Judge Edward Cushman was named chairman of the drive. United Good Neighbor Fund replaced the Community Chest in 1952, and in 1972 the name was changed to United Way of Pierce County. G23.1-056; TPL-5994 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 1-29-22, p. 1-article; TNT 2-7-22, p. 1-article; Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 3-19-22, 8-E)

Boy Scouts (Tacoma)--1920-1930; Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Fund raising--Tacoma--1920-1930;

A young Boy Scout attaches a small sticker promoting the Community Chest drive onto the windshield of a parked vehicle in March of 1922. This photograph was used in the Tacoma Sunday Ledger, March 19, 1922, edition. The Community Chest was a precursor of the United Good Neighbor Fund and later, United Way of Pierce County. "Tacoma Cares...Do Your Share" was the slogan for the fundraising drive for various Tacoma charities and social agencies. It had opened on March 18th for ten days. $271,478.68 was needed to support 28 relief and social agencies. G23.1-057 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 1-29-22, p. 1-article; TNT 2-7-22, p. 1-article; Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 3-19-22, 1C)

Boy Scouts (Tacoma)--1920-1930; Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1920-1930; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Automobiles--Tacoma--1920-1930;

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;

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);

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;

Young women, believed to be members of the YWCA, are packed into this unidentified hall in this October, 1920, photograph. It appears that they have just finished having dessert. This may be the conclusion of the membership campaign of Stadium and Lincoln High School Reserve clubs of the YWCA which culminated in a dinner held at the YWCA on Saturday night, October 16, 1920. New membership totals were 170 members at Stadium and 220 members at Lincoln. G46.1-176 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 10-10-20, D-4-article on membership contest & upcoming dinner)

Young Women's Christian Association (Tacoma);

The Ladies Musical Club presented its regular concert on Tuesday afternoon, March 2, 1920, in the drawing room of the Tacoma Hotel. The program featured pianist George Congdon Bailey of Seattle. Mr. Bailey, who is blind, is a student at the University of Washington. Marjorie Miller, also of Seattle, entertained the club with a violin solo. Mr. Bailey may be the man seated in the front row with Miss Miller, holding a large bouquet of flowers, next to him. (TNT 2-28-20, p. 8-article)

Ladies Musical Club (Tacoma);

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;

Although the Great War was over, in 1919 the Red Cross was still actively supplying entertainment on military bases. On October 29, 1919, they sponsored a masquerade dance for Halloween at Camp Lewis. Although most of the soldiers were in uniform, many of the young women at the dance wore costumes and masks. Camp Lewis was built on 70,000 acres purchased by the citizens of Pierce County and given to the federal government for use as a military base. It was redesignated as a Fort in 1927. G70.1-012

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1910-1920; Community service--Tacoma--1910-1920; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Camp Lewis (Wash.); Fort Lewis (Wash.); Military camps--Tacoma--1910-1920;

This photograph was taken on October 20, 1919 at a Homecoming celebration in the Castle Hall of the Knights of Pythias Commencement Lodge #7, Tacoma. The upstairs balconies are ringed with men and bear a sign introducing the "Live Wires from Puyallup Lodge No. 4(7?) Knights of Pythias. Spizzerink'tum'." A Spizzerinktum is a person who possesses initiative, vim, vigor and a will to succeed. The downstairs also has a large crowd of men, sitting on the floor, in chairs and standing. The brotherhood was established in 1864, during the Civil War, and is dedicated to a peaceful existence between men. BU-13103 , TPL-9636

Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1910-1920;