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;

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;

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;

ca. 1959. Apparently in 1959, Las Vegas was still viewed as a "cowboy" town by the women of Tacoma. This photograph, which ran in the News Tribune in October of that year shows (l to r) Mrs. Warren Peterson, Lucille (Mrs. Maurice) Finnigan, Mrs. Robert Holder, Dorothy (Mrs. Norbert) Knecht, Jean (Mrs. William) Jepsen and Patricia (Mrs. Jay) Dahl. They were all dressed in Western attire to help promote the two "Las Vegas Comes to Elks" parties that were being held at the Elks Club on October 23 and 24. (TNT 10/18/1959, pg. D-4)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Finnigan, Lucille; Knecht, Dorothy; Jepsen, Jean; Dahl, Patricia;

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;

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;

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;

Ellen Abbott was crowned honored queen at a Job's Daughters ceremony on December 13, 1958. She, along with the other women in the group, were dressed in ceremonial regalia. Ellen Abbott, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Abbott, is seated in the center of the five women. The letters of her name and title were hanging on the curtains behind the group. "Charity," the theme of the public installation ceremony of Bethel 8, International Order of Job's Daughters, took place in the Gothic Room on the third floor of the Masonic Temple. A dance and informal reception followed. A list of officers installed was mentioned in a News Tribune article dated December 12, 1958. Photograph ordered by Ellen Abbott. (TNT 12-12-58, p. 14)

International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Abbott, Ellen;

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;

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;

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;

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;

Jobs Daughters installation. Participants in the 35th installation of Bethel 8, Job's Daughters on December 8, 1956, clasp their hands in prayer. Those kneeling in white garments have positioned themselves in the shape of a cross. Three of the young girls are wearing tiaras; Queen Carol Berglund at the foot of the "cross" is carrying long stem flowers. "Winter Fantasie" was the theme of the public installation ceremonies held in the Gothic Room, Masonic Temple. Sepia photograph ordered by Mrs. Carl Berglund. (TNT 12-5-56, C-11)

International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Berglund, Carol;

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;

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);

Job's Daughters installation. Carol Berglund, center with roses, was crowned honored Queen at the 35th installation of the Bethel #8, International Order of Job's Daughters on December 8, 1956. She was wearing a lovely satin floor length gown, a ceremonial wrap, and a tiara. Carol is the daughter of Carl and Ellen Berglund. Sepia photograph ordered by Mrs. Carl Berglund. (TNT 12-5-56, C-11)

International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Berglund, Carol;

Job's Daughters installation. Participants and guests at the 35th installation of the Bethel #8, International Order of Job's Daughters on December 8, 1956, place hands over hearts while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. All eyes are focused on the flag to the foreground which is being held by a member of Tacoma Chapter, Order of DeMolay. Sepia photograph ordered by Mrs. Carl Berglund. (TNT 12-5-56, C-11)

International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flags--United States;

The downtown streets of 9th and Pacific are blocked off so that spectators can enjoy the three hour long June, 1957, Pacific Northwest Shrine Association parade. Marching in formation is the large El Katif Shrine Band from Spokane with general membership to the rear. Fourteen temples sent representatives and bands to the three-day convention; they came from across the Pacific Northwest as well as two provinces in Canada. Photograph ordered by Pacific Northwest Shrine Association.

Pacific Northwest Shrine Association (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Spokane; Marching bands; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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;

Patrol members of the El Katif Temple from Spokane pause during the Pacific Northwest Shrine parade in downtown Tacoma on June 8, 1957. Thousands of Shriners from across the Pacific Northwest plus Canada arrived in Tacoma for a three-day convention. These men pictured have insignia on their uniforms identifying their club. The woman in the photograph may have been the spouse of one of the Shriners; many members brought families with them to enjoy the festivities. Photograph ordered by Pacific Northwest Shrine Association.

Pacific Northwest Shrine Association (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Spokane;

Elks Salmon Bake and water show. A long queue of people await their turns at the buffet table. The table is set up on a beach. The highlight of the 1956 Elks annual state convention, held in Tacoma, was the Saturday salmon bake. Ten native Americans, headed by Mrs. Mattie Matheson, baked 1,000 pounds of salmon over a beach fire. Five Indian dancers, led by Chief Rainbow aka Bill Young, performed. The Tacoma Outboard Association provided the water show with boats in intricate formations and water skiing maneuvers. The climax of the show was when all of the pleasure boats roared up onto the beach at 35 miles per hour. (TNT 6/10/1956, pg. 1)

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

ca. 1956. Back view of a skit performed for the Elks Banquet. The Elk members appear in long johns, sailor hats, black socks and shoes; dancing with feather fans. The backs of their union suits are emblazoned with numbers or the words city and lake. They are using the fans as a modest covering for their, or others, privates. For the first time in 30 years, 3,000 Washington state Elks and their wives descended on Tacoma for the 54th annual state convention June 14-16. Lots of social and business activities, plus some high-jinks were planned for their three day stay. Although the Elks were noted for their ability to have a good time, they also funded much needed social projects, such as mobile cerebral palsy treatment and training, the blood banks, traffic safety and civil defense. (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;

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;

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.;

Five women, dressed in Hawaiian attire with fresh flower leis, pose before a Polynesian backdrop in late October of 1955. Mrs. Swan Johnson, Mrs. Norbert E. Grove, Mrs. Ray Magnuson, Jeanne (Mrs. Jack) Walters and Grace (Mrs. William E.) Bysegger (from left) were preparing for the Tacoma Elks Lodge's annual luau. Native dishes of poi and kalua pig would be served on November 10 and 11th, accompanied by Hawaiian music and decorations. Their spouses were officials of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. William Bysegger was the exalted ruler of the Tacoma Lodge No. 174. (TNT 11-6-55, D-3)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Leis; Johnson, Swan--Family; Grove, Norbert--Family; Magnuson, Ray--Family; Walters, Jeanne; Bysegger, Grace;

Pi Beta Phi alumnae pose for a publicity picture on October 26, 1955, at the home of Audrey (Mrs. Stanley) King. Mrs. Dean Hackett, Mrs. King, and Mrs. Robert Pauley, members of the Inez Smith Soule Alumnae Club, display handicrafts of a handmade broom, baby clothing, basket, toy, ceramic doll and place mat. These items were made in the Appalachian region and would be sold at the annual Settlement School tea and proceeds then forwarded to the Gatlinburg, Tennessee school, to help maintain the school in that remote region. (TNT 10-30-55, D-3)

Pi Beta Phi (Tacoma); Alumni & alumnae--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Handicraft--Tacoma; King, Audrey--Homes & haunts; King, Audrey; Hackett, Dean--Family; Pauley, Robert--Family;

Sigma Chi sweethearts group. The "Sweetheart of Sigma Chi" would be announced at the Delta Phi Chapter's annual formal Sweetheart Ball at the Lake Wilderness Lodge. Sigma Chi was a men's social fraternity at the College of Puget Sound. The sweetheart candidates were, left to right, Roberta Elson, from Kirkland, of Chi Omega, Alayne Fletcher, from Olympia, of Alpha Phi, Joyce Tyler, of Marysville, of Delta Delta Delta, Diane Colwell, of Seattle, of Pi Beta Phi and Marilyn Lyons, of Auburn, Independents. Roberta Elson, the blonde blue-eyed freshman coed, was crowned the Sweetheart of 1955. (TNT 02-20-1955, pg. D-6, 2-26-1955, pg. 1)

Sigma Chi (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Elson, Roberta; Fletcher, Alayne; Tyler, Joyce; Colwell, Diane; Lyons, Marilyn;

Elks; ritualistic team on stage. The Tacoma Elks Lodge Ritualistic team won top honors at the state contest in Pasco in 1955. They would be competing at the national convention in July in Philadelphia. The trophy is for Washington State Elks Association championship ritualistic team (for 1949-1950, not yet engraved for the current year.) Team members wear tuxedos with ornamental neckpieces. Team members were as follows (listed in no particular order) : A.J. Emery, Exalted Ruler, W.E. Bysegger, leading knight, Norbert Grove, loyal knight, Swan Johnson, lecturing knight, Dr. Ray Magnusson, esquire, Frank F. Smith, inner guard, and Wesley Holmberg, chaplain. E.O. Johnson, lodge secretary, was the coach of the team. The man in the photograph standing fourth from the left has been identified as W.E. Bysegger. (TNT 1/22/1955, pg. 2)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Grove, Norbert; Johnson, Swan;

Sigma Alpha Epsilon banquet. On March 11, 1955, over 100 members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon from Tacoma and Southwest Washington gathered for a dinner at the University Union Club to celebrate the 99th anniversary of the fraternity's founding. Albert Balch, member of the Master Builders and community designer, was the guest speaker. His topic was "Building for Tomorrow." During his speech, Balch predicted a population boom for the Northwest. (TNT 3/2/1955, pg. A-11)

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (Tacoma); University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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;