Raymond Farr and John Anderson at desk for Elks Magazine, Elks Club, Jack Brouillard. Both men are reviewing the list of names of people registering for the Christmas Committee from 1946. Raymond Farr and John Anderson are helping make the 1948 Elks Stocking Fillers' annual Christmas benefit for Tacoma's under-privileged children a success. The activities this year include dinner for the blind and the annual Christmas morning party for children at the Elks Temple. (T.Times, 12/8/1948, p.2)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Farr, Raymond; Anderson, John H.;

The goal of the Stocking Fillers project of the Tacoma Elks Club in 1948 was to insure that every child in Tacoma would be remembered on Christmas day. To help reach their goal, the Elks worked closely with Tacoma's 1,900 Girl Scouts. The scouts made sure that each of the 120 dolls that were given as gifts came with a full wardrobe of handmade clothes. Sitting with a selection of the dolls that were given away are: (l to r) Mirth Geiselman of Troop 14, Horace Mann school; Kay Mernaugh of Troop 63, St. Patrick's school; and Sharon Hodges of Troop 14. The adults behind them are: (l to r) Lloyd Wynans, loyal knight of the Elks and member of the Elks Christmas committee; Sheila Lamar, district director of the Tacoma Girl Scout staff; and Andy Johnson, member of the Elks Christmas committee. (TNT 12/22/1948 p.23).

Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dolls; Christmas presents; Girl Scouts (Tacoma); Christmas--Tacoma; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

The Elks Club had more than 100 members working on the upcoming Christmas benefit. The children would attend the annual Christmas Day party in the morning at the Elks Temple and receive their Christmas gifts. The Elks would also have a Christmas dinner for the blind at the Towers restaurant. View of Elks Club members standing in front of a "1948 Stocking Fillers 1948" banner (T. Times, 12/8/48, p. 2).

Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Banners--Tacoma; Christmas presents; Christmas--Tacoma; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

The Elks Club annual Christmas benefit for Tacoma's under-privileged children was approaching. The Elks Club has several children's club assist them with the gifts and other activities. View of boys who helped make toys for the 1948 Elks Christmas Stocking Fillers program, some boys are wearing Boy Scout uniforms, Elks Club members in background (T. Times, 12/8/48, p. 2).

Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Toys; Boys--Tacoma; Christmas presents; Christmas--Tacoma; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Elks Club members, Raymond Tarr and John H. Anderson, were planning and the activities for the annual Christmas Stocking Fillers program, they had a chart indicating when the events were scheduled. View of boys who volunteered for Christmas program, some boys are wearing Boy Scout uniforms, making toys, the children on the right side appear to be adding wheels to carts and ducks (T. Times, 12/8/48, p. 2).

Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Toys; Boys--Tacoma; Christmas presents; Christmas--Tacoma; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Elks Club members with 25 years of service or longer were being honored by the club on January 26, 1949. Cecil Walrath, Elks Exalted Ruler, stated the club would be honoring over 400 men. "Old Timers" would march to the lodge room and after a short business section, a two hour entertainment program would begin. The program would include a professional vaudeville show, Elks band performances and surprises. View of ten Elks Club members all of whom may be officers of the club. First row, second from left is John H. Anderson, future mayor of Tacoma; third from left is Cecil Walrath, second from right is Lloyd L. Wynans and at extreme right is Harold Duncan. At far right, standing, is Erling O. Johnson, longtime secretary. Also standing, second from left, is believed to be John S. ("Jack") Roberts. Mr. Roberts would be elected exalted ruler of the Tacoma Elks in 1952. He was then the city's public works commissioner. (T. Times, 1/24/49, p. 2).

Commemoration--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Anderson, John H.; Walrath, Cecil; Wynans, Lloyd L.; Johnson, Erling O.; Duncan, Harold;

More than 150 boys were sworn in as School Patrol Officers, taking their oaths and joining the 600 other student officers in Tacoma. The Tacoma School District initiated the student safety program 20 years ago and since that time there have been about 10,000 patrol officers. View of boys standing on the Spanish Steps next to the Elks Temple after they took their oaths, Bob Hager (second row, right side) received a certificate of appreciation from the Automobile Association of Washington for 20 years of service to the patrol. The uniformed officer on the left is Don Davies, coordinator of the School Safety Patrol. (T. Times, 2/6/49, p. 28).

School children--Tacoma; Oaths--Tacoma; Guards--Tacoma; Elks Temple (Tacoma); Boys--Tacoma; Tacoma School Patrol (Tacoma);;

1935 Fairyland and Christmas Parade. Float carrying Humpty Dumpty and all the Kings Men (soldiers) on Broadway in front of the Elks' Temple. Parade officials run alongside the float. The parade was sponsored by the Broadway and Pacific merchants to kick off the Christmas Shopping season. This was the second annual parade, held the day after Thanksgiving. (T. Times 11/28/1935, pg.1; 11/29/1935, pg.1; 11/30/1935, pg. 9)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Elks Temple (Tacoma); Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940;

The Tacoma merchants on Broadway and Pacific Avenues sponsored the second annual Fairyland and Christmas Parade for Children which was held on the day after Thanksgiving, 1935. The first float in the parade carried Santa in a well packed sleigh pulled by two snow white reindeer. Starting near the Elks Temple at 565 South Broadway, the parade traveled down Broadway, turned east at South 13th Street and then proceeded north on Pacific. The parade signalled the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. (T. Times 11/28/1935, pg.1; 11/29/1935, pg.1; 11/30/1935, pg. 9)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940; Reindeer; Elks Temple (Tacoma);

Fairyland and Christmas parade, November 29, 1935. Marching band in front of the Elks' Temple on Broadway. Three marching bands were scheduled in the parade, the Musicians' Union band, Stadium High School and Lincoln High School. This is most probably the Musicians' Union Band that was scheduled to start off the parade, accompanying Santa Claus. The Mother Goose float can be seen behind the band, followed by another marching band. (T. Times 11/28/1935, pg.1; 11/29/1935, pg.1; 11/30/1935, pg. 9)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Marching bands; Elks Temple (Tacoma);

The Fairyland and Christmas Parade for children, November 29, 1935. Stadium High School's Marching band on Broadway in front of the Elks' Temple, 565 Broadway. Union Club of Tacoma, 539 Broadway, in the background. The Stadium marching band led the third quadrant of the parade, followed by the Humpty Dumpty float, the Old Lady who lived in a shoe and clowns and the paraders wearing grotesque heads. (T. Times 11/28/1935, pg.1; 11/29/1935, pg.1; 11/30/1935, pg. 9)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Marching bands; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Elks Temple (Tacoma);

ca. 1925. A group of law officers, dressed in uniforms with badges and topped off with straw skimmers, pose in front of the B.P.O.E. (Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks) lodge. The man to the left is possibly Pierce County Sheriff John Bjorklund. The picture is probably related to the celebration of Straw Hat Day circa 1925. (WSHS- negative A844-0)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Straw Hat Day (Tacoma); Hats--1920-1930; Law enforcement officers--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1925. A float cruises in front of the Elks Lodge. The truck chassis has been covered with straw-like material and sports a straw skimmer hat and carries a Dixieland band, also wearing straw hats. A banner on the float reads "Park your new straw- under a seat at the Colonial and see 'A Kiss in the Dark'." "A Kiss in the Dark" was a silent film adaptation of the comic play "Aren't We All." It was released April 6, 1925 and starred Adolphe Menjou, Lillian Rich and Aileen Pringle, with a cameo appearance by Herbert (Zeppo) Marx. The float was possibly intended for the Straw Hat Day celebrations. Straw Hat Day in Tacoma was the date that gentlemen officially put away their heavy winter hats and donned straw ones for the warmer weather. (WSHS- negative A845-0)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1920-1930; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1920-1930; Celebrations--Tacoma; Straw Hat Day (Tacoma); Hats--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1934. Portrait of the 148th Field Artillery band on the famous Spanish Steps of the Elks Temple in Tacoma. The 148th was attached to the Washington National Guard. (WSHS)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Stairways--Tacoma--1930-1940; Washington National Guard, 148th F.A. Band (Tacoma); Military uniforms; Military bands;

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;

ca. 1934. Three men on horseback appear to be participating in a parade. Elk's Temple and early mansion on Broadway in background. (WSHS)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Elks Temple (Tacoma); Horseback riding; Horses;

Mayor John Siegle pretends to light the fuse on a giant fire-cracker held by three members of the Junior Chamber of Commerce . They are all part of the "big bang" publicity campaign for the 1938 July 4th fireworks show at Stadium Bowl. Mayor Siegle was a dentist by trade, and the first native Tacoman to be elected as mayor to Tacoma. He was born in Tacoma in 1885. The Elks Temple and Spanish steps are in the background. Mayor Siegle died in April of 1939 after just 19 months in office. He was only 53 years old.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Firecrackers; Tacoma Junior Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma);

Mayor John Siegle pretends to light fuse of giant advertising fire-cracker for a Junior Chamber of Commerce "big bang" publicity for July 4th fireworks at Stadium Bowl. Spanish steps from Commerce to Broadway and (Old) Elks Temple in background.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Firecrackers; Tacoma Junior Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma);

Five of the oldest members of the Tacoma Elks Club gather to discuss the Good Old Days on Old Timers' night held in January of 1938. They are, left to right, S.J. Maxwell, member #2, whose career was in shipping; George L. Palmer, in the printing business and served once as Deputy Sheriff; S.A. Perkins, member #3, newspaper publishing; Major Charles O. Bates, law; and Calvin S. Heilig, member #1, theater owner in Tacoma and Portland. "Sam" Perkins served as master of ceremonies at the meeting where many memories were shared and enjoyed. (T. Times 1/20/1938, pg. 8) (filed with Argentum)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Perkins, S.A.; Maxwell, S.J.; Palmer, George L.; Bates, Charles O.; Heilig, Calvin S.; Older people--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1939. Photograph taken at the Elks Temple, 565 Broadway, showing attendance. (filed with Argentum)

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

ca. 1938. Dinner at the Elks Temple circa 1938. Men being seated in dining room. (filed with Argentum) (photo damage upper left corner?)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Dining rooms--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma;

ca. 1938. Dinner at the Elks Temple, circa 1938. Men being served by waitress, fireplace with head of an elk above it. (filed with Argentum)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Dining rooms--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma;

Old time American Legion leaders of the state are feted at the Edward B. Rhodes Post No.2 dinner and meeting on January 1, 1938. Photograph was taken at the Elks Club. Seated in the front are, left to right, Dr. Hinton D. Jonez, Tacoma, Department Commander 1924; Reno Odlin, Tacoma, Commander 1931; Murray W. McCarthy, Tacoma, Department Commander of Utah 1920-21 and National Executive Commander 1920-22. Standing, left to right, Lee Carter, Tacoma, last Department Vice Commander serving the state at large; Homer Jones, Bremerton, Department Commander 1934; Claude Snyder, Vancouver, Commander 1936; L.L. Thompson, Tacoma, Permanent Chairman of state legion convention at Seattle 1919. Their were 27 members present at the preceding dinner. (T. Times 2/1/1938, pg. 14)

Jonez, Hinton D.; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; American Legion Club (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Rehearsal of "Saga of the West" for the Golden Jubilee. View from above of large group of women in choreographed formation on wooden floor of the Elks Temple. Grand piano on stage in background. Rehearsals were held at the Elks Temple, Armory and finally at the performance venue, the Stadium Bowl.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Historical pageants--Tacoma; Elks Temple (Tacoma);

Rehearsal of "Saga of the West" for the Golden Jubilee. Several groups of performers form circles in the auditorium of the Elks Temple. Pianist on stage in background. The rehearsals were held at the Elks Temple, then the Armory and finally at the Stadium Bowl itself. The production would have a cast of 2,000.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Historical pageants--Tacoma; Elks Temple (Tacoma);

Two men in top hats and tails hold an animated conversation in front of a bemused woman in an off the shoulder ball gown in this publicity photograph for the "Saga of the West." The theatrical presentation is planned for the Golden Jubilee celebration. She is seated, possibly on a railing, between two stone pillars supporting stone urns planted with nasturtiums.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Historical pageants--Tacoma; Elks Temple (Tacoma);

A young man in formal wear, with a shiny stripe down the sides of the pants and shiny lapels, bow tie askew, brings his hat to his heart in the presence of these two elegantly attired young ladies. The publicity photograph is for the "Saga of the West" historical pageant planned for the Golden Jubilee. The trio are posed on July 3, 1939 outside the Elks Temple. The young man who's gone a courtin' is Herman Huesby; the 1860's belles are, left to right, Floralla Milleson and Leva Atkins. (T. Times 7/14/1939, pg. 10)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Historical pageants--Tacoma; Elks Temple (Tacoma); Huesby, Herman; Milleson, Floralla; Atkins, Leva;

Publicity photograph for the "Saga of the West" theatrical presentation planned for the Golden Jubilee celebration. Man dressed in tails with top hat "courts" two 1860's belles wearing elaborate costume gowns next to the Elks Temple. They are posed next to a pillar capped with a floral container planted with nasturtiums. They are, left to right, Herman Huesby, Floralla Milleson and Leva Atkins. The pageant would be produced July 20,21 & 22, 1939. A chorus of six men and two women would speak all the parts while the actors and actresses go through the motions eliminating the need for moving microphones. The extravaganza boasted a cast of over 2,000. (T. Times 6/13/1939, pg. 2)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Historical pageants--Tacoma; Elks Temple (Tacoma); Huesby, Herman; Milleson, Floralla; Atkins, Leva;

Costumed publicity photographs for the "Saga of the West" presentation for the Golden Jubilee. Six young women wearing satin gowns and headdresses with stars pose for the portrait, sitting on the ornate railing of the Spanish Steps outside the Elks Temple. They are part of the "one hundred glorious girls" who will act as the Jubilee Queen's princesses in the finale of the pageant. The girls are, left to right, Anita Sherman, Bettianne Wasserman, Pat Brandt, Betty Anger, Thelma Dean Swift and Lucille Clark. (T. Times 7/18/1939, pg. 1)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Historical pageants--Tacoma; Elks Temple (Tacoma); Sherman, Anita; Wasserman, Bettianne; Brandt, Pat; Anger, Betty; Swift, Thelma Dean; Clark, Lucille;

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);