The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) held their seventh annual International Rally in Tacoma on September 4-6, 1926. The largest event of the rally was a parade with over 2,000 participants through the downtown business district that concluded at the Odd Fellows temple at Sixth & Fawcett. The Fern Hill Rebekah Lodge created a float for the parade on the back of a John Dower Lumber Company flatbed truck. The float was photographed in front of the Gansen Electric Company and C.A. Beil, General Contractors, offices at 709-13 Commerce St. The Rebekahs were the affiliated fraternal order of the Odd Fellows as well as a service organization. (TDL 9/4/26, pg. 3-article; 9/5/26, pg. 4-A-article) (filed in Argentum.)

Independent Order of Odd Fellows (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1920-1930; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1920-1930; Fern Hill Rebekah Lodge (Tacoma);

International Rally of I.O.O.F. (Independent Order of Odd Fellows), Tacoma, Washington, September 4-6, 1926. Representatives from 300 lodges in Washington and British Columbia gathered in Tacoma for the 7th annual gathering of encampments. The kick off was a parade on Sept. 4, 1926 with over 2,000 participants. The parade formed at 7th & Commerce. Pictured is a parade float with a banner reading "Both Old And Young Are Protected By The I.O.O.F. Home in Walla Walla, WA." in front of the Colonial Hotel at South 7th and Commerce. The Washington Odd Fellow home was established in 1897 in Walla Walla. It provided care for the widows and orphans of members of the fraternal organization. (TDL 9/4/1926, pg. 3; 9/5/26, pg. 4-A) (filed under Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Clubs--Tacoma; Independent Order of Odd Fellows (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1920-1930; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1920-1930;

International Rally of the I.O.O.F. (Independent Order of Odd Fellows), Tacoma, September 4-6, 1926. The rally was a convention for the 300 Odd Fellow & Rebekah lodges in Washington and British Columbia. The East Tacoma Rebekah Lodge float was photographed on the 700 block of Commerce Street. Corner of Colonial Hotel, Tacoma Electrotype Company, Washington Florists truck, Gansen Electric Company, C.A. Beil office. (filed with Argentum)

Independent Order of Odd Fellows (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1920-1930; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1920-1930; East Tacoma Rebekah Lodge (Tacoma);

Pythian Sisters Bellingham Degree Staff at Grand Lodge, October sixth, 1926. (Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Knights of Pythias (Bellingham); Pythian Sisters (Bellingham);

Knights of Pythias Drill Team from Vancouver, Troop A. Photograph taken in Tacoma in October of 1926. (Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Vancouver--1920-1930; Knights of Pythias (Vancouver); Drill teams;

ca. 1926. A full house is gathered at the Scottish Rite Cathedral to hear Harland McCoy, diet lecturer.

Scottish Rite Cathedral (Tacoma); Audiences; Crowds; Spectators;

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);

ca. 1926. Lesson in Friendship by Tacoma Knights of Pythias at the Crystal Ballroom of the Winthrop Hotel. 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. One of the main themes in the group's ceremonies is the fast friendship of Damon and Pythias. (filed with Argentum)

Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

This motley collection of characters was the entertainment at the Elks Club on March 28, 1928. "High Society, " "cooks," "hoboes" and "cops" all mixed easily together that evening. Tacoma's Elks Lodge presented seasonal "entertainment" where Elks polished their acting and musical skills for the benefit of fellow members.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Entertainers--Tacoma--1920-1930;

The Afifi Temple Band, with instruments, posed in front of the Masonic Temple, 47 Saint Helens Ave., on April 22, 1928. They are uniformly dressed complete with fezzes. G23.1-078

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

The Knights Templar drill team stood at attention on April 20, 1930, outside the Masonic Temple, 47 Saint Helens Ave. They are wearing their stately uniforms including plumed hats. G23.1-077

Knights Templar (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1930-1940; Drill teams; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

This was the A.O.U.W. drill team in 1931. The Ancient Order of United Workmen was an order that served both men and women. The man in hat and double breasted suit in the front row is possibly the Master Workman of the Tacoma Lodge. G23.1-029

Ancient Order of United Workmen Tacoma Lodge No. 6 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Drill teams;

Tacoma Elks motion picture. Man and woman holding a piece of paper and standing in front of Elks casting office. Sign in window "Now Casting Tacoma Elks Own Motion Picture." The Elks had signed the Peptimist Motion Picture Corp. of Hollywood to make a motion picture comedy drama woven around the industrial life and scenic beauties of Tacoma. The script called for a cast of 500 Tacoma men, women and children, with the two lead female roles to be salaried. The cast selection was to be announced on June 27; the picture was to be completed in about two months.(TNT 6/2/1931, pg. 16; TDL 6/14/1931, pg. 10-E; 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;

An unidentified Tacoma motorcycle patrolman operates the camera while cameraman L.A. Tatom, in white knickers and sweater, selects the best angle. Director L. Jack Sherry crouches by a 1931 Buick eight automobile directing the action, involving three motorcycle patrolmen holding two cuties aloft. In 1931, the Tacoma Elks commissioned a motion picture comedy/drama about Tacoma to be made by the Peptimist Motion Picture Corporation of Hollywood. This staged production photograph was taken in the Stadium Bowl. Patrolmen appearing in the film were officers Bill Cordell, Edwin Janassen, Bob Marshall and George Johnson. The two female stars were Hollywood actresses Helen White and Bebe Lee. (TNT 6/2/1931, PG. 16; TDL 6/14/1931, pg. 10-E; 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; Motion picture cameras--1930-1940;

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;

Odd Fellows, "Decoration of Chivalry at Tacoma," August 6, 1931. (filed with Argentum)

Independent Order of Odd Fellows (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1931. The Junior Oddfellows of Tacoma gather in front of a bus that is parked at 602-06 Fawcett Ave. This building was the home to the Oddfellows, the Inaba Gotaro Grocery, and the F & M Transfer Co.

Fraternal lodges--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;

In February of 1932, members of the Afifi Temple band posed for a group portrait as they stood on a deep stage decorated with ornate columns and Egyptian artwork. Many of the Shriners held their brass instruments or clutched their drumsticks. This was probably located at the Masonic Temple, 47 Saint Helens Ave. G23.1-096

Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Afifi Temple Band (Tacoma); Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Group of men in Afifi costumes inside the Masonic Temple; photograph taken in June of 1932. This is possibly the same group of men as images 1 & 1A. (filed with Argentum).

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Afifi Arab Patrol (Tacoma);

Afifi Temple Arab Patrol, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine. Group of men photographed in June of 1932 wearing Masonic costumes on the steps of the Masonic Temple. The "Shriners" were founded in 1872 as a fun fraternal organization for men who had completed their requirements in the Scottish or Knights Templar (York rite) Masonic organizations. (filed with Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Arab Patrol (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

This is the Afifi Temple Arab Patrol, photographed within the Masonic Temple, 47 Saint Helens Ave., in June of 1932. It is the same photograph as 411, image 9 except that part of the background has been lightened.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Afifi Arab Patrol (Tacoma);

Grand Officers of the M. W. Grand Lodge, F. & A.M. (Free and Accepted Masons) of Washington in front of the Masonic Temple. Building by Ambrose J. Russell, Architect, 1925. (filed with Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Free & Accepted Masons (Tacoma);

Afifi Temple Arab Patrol, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine. Group of men in Masonic costumes on steps of the Masonic Temple. This circa 1932 group photo has been superimposed against a background of Mount Rainier. The "Shriners" were founded in 1872 as a fun fraternal organization for men who had completed their requirements in the Scottish or Knights Templar (York rite) Masonic organizations.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Arab Patrol (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

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);

Afifi Mounted Divan. Thirteen men in Afifi capes and hats on horse back in front of Masonic Temple during a ceremonial and festival of music on July 23, 1932. Names printed by horses, left to right, Leverenz, Densmore, Hill, Allen, Carnahan, Colton, Sutter, Ford, Millard, Whitman, Callow, McKenzie and Middlesworth. (filed with Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Horses;

Afifi Shrine Temple; display advertising third oriental pilgrimage at Rhodes Brothers. Mannequin dressed in Afifi fez beside luggage and photographs of highlights of trip. (filed with Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Window displays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mannequins; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

Window display at Fisher's Department Store advertising Afifi Shrine Temple's third pilgrimage to China. The tour would be leaving Tacoma January 7, 1933. Illustrations including the Great Wall, Chinese clothing and accessories, model of sailing junk, mannequin in dress and coat beside globe.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Window displays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

ca. 1932. Masonic Temple, 47 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma. The Greek styled, with Egyptian detail, structure was designed by architect A.J. Russell. It was dedicated on December 1, 1927. The adjacent theater, right, was originally named the Heilig Theater, but the name was changed in 1932 to the Temple Theater. The building is on the City Registry. In 1992, it was renamed the Saint Helens Convention Center and renamed again in 1995, this time to the Landmark Convention Center.

Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Temple Theatre (Tacoma);