Tacoma's Elks Club was having their annual "Extravaganza" event. This year's show would include a short concert by the Elks band, ten all-Elks acts, and a minstrel show. All benefits from the show would be used to help send the local Elks Band to the Grand Lodge Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. The newly appointed Elks Exalted Ruler, John H. Anderson would give the welcome address for the "Extravaganza". Names appear in newspaper (T.N.T., 4/26/49, p. 5).

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Cross dressing--Tacoma; Female impersonators--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Bellingham American Legion Drum Corp at Elks Temple, Ed F. Herrman, Business Manager, Bellingham. The American Legion held their 30th annual convention in Tacoma August 25 - 28th, 1948. Approximately 5,000 members of the Legion, its auxilliary, the 40 et 8 and its auxiliary, the 8 et 40, were expected at the convention. The grand parade of the convention was held August 27th followed by the drum and bugle corps in the stadium. This view of the Bellingham drum and bugle corps including their drum majors is taken by the Masonic Temple. Farther in the background are Commencement Bay and the tideflats.

American Legion (Bellingham); Veterans' organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Drum majors--Bellingham; Marching bands; Band uniforms--Bellingham; Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Committee for formal dance, Rudder Club, Keith Draper. The Rudder Club held their first annual Football Formal October 2, 1948, in the surf room of the club. Members of the planning committee are, left to right, Dorothy R. (Mrs. Larry) Huseby, F. Louise (Mrs. Victor) Vine, Elizabeth L. (Mrs. Wendell) Duncan, Mary E. (Mrs. Robert) Goodrich, and Kay W. Shinn. (T.Times, 9/28/1948, p.5)

Rudder Club, Inc. (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Committees--Tacoma--1940-1950; Huseby, Dorothy R.; Vine, F. Louise; Duncan, Elizabeth L.; Goodrich, Mary E.; Shinn, Kay;

Lee L. Doud, one of the founders and the first president of the Woodbrook Hunt Club, posed in front of the clubhouse on October 16, 1948 with his palomino Bourbon Blue Dare. The Club originated in 1925 through the efforts of Mr. Doud and J.E. Mathews. In 1948, the Club divided its time between the summer rides, picnics and gymkhanas and the winter drag hunt. (TNT 10/24/1948, pg. D1)

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses; Horseback riding--Tacoma; Doud, Lee L.;

A quintet of riders, attired in English riding habits, were photographed on October 16, 1948 setting off for a ride from the clubhouse of the Woodbrook Hunt Club. The riders were, left to right, Mrs. J.C. Duryea on Super McKinney, Mary (Mrs. E.M.) Nyman on Highland June, Dr. Darrell H. Running on Tarra, Miss Marguerite Bonnell on Jeep and Mrs. William A. Ryan on Lady. (TNT 10/24/1948, pg. D1)

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses; Horseback riding; Nyman, Mary; Running, Darrell; Bonnell, Marguerite;

A trio of riders from the Woodbrook Hunt Club halted mid-ride on October 16, 1948 to pose for the Richards Studio photographer. The equestriennes were Miss Estelle Parsons on Honey, Ida (Mrs. B.M.) Antonsen on Bridget and Ruth (Mrs. H.A.) Briggs on Bombadier. (TNT 10/24/1948, pg. D-1)

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses; Horseback riding; Parsons, Estelle; Antonsen, Antonsen, Ida; Briggs, Ruth;

American Red Cross training Center, American Red Cross, Mrs. Thomson. An elevated view of high school students attending the 12 day Junior Red Cross session July 1947r. Here they are swimming, rowing a boat and canoeing at Benbow Lakes. They learned water safety and recreation on land and water at the session.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Bathing suits; Canoes; Rowboats; Swimming; Benbow Lakes (Kapowsin); Lakes & ponds--Kapowsin; Benbow Lakes Resort (Kapowsin);

American Red Cross training Center, American Red Cross, Mrs. Thomson. High school students attending the 12 day Junior Red Cross session July 1947 learned water safety and recreation on land and water. Here they are swimming, rowing a boat and canoeing at Benbow Lakes.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Bathing suits; Canoes; Rowboats; Swimming; Benbow Lakes Resort (Kapowsin); Lakes & ponds--Kapowsin;

American Red Cross training Center, American Red Cross, Mrs. Thomson. 112 high school students left July 14, 1947, for a 12 day session at the Junior Red Cross training center at Benbow Lakes, Kapowsin, Washington. 45 chapters in Canada, Utah, Idaho, Oregon and Washington chose members known for their fidelity to Red Cross service and fitness for leadership. (T.Times, 7/15/1947, p.3)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Benbow Lakes Resort (Kapowsin); Group portraits;

American Red Cross Training Center, American Red Cross, Mrs. Thomson. A few of the high school students attending the July 1947 session of the Junior Red Cross at the Red Cross training center at Benbow Lakes are receiving training in nutrition looking at a poster about protein and having healthy breakfasts.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Benbow Lakes Resort (Kapowsin); Nutrition; Food;

American Red Cross training Center, American Red Cross, Mrs. Thomson. A group portrait taken by one of the buildings at Benbow Lake of a few of the high school students from Canada, Utah, Idaho, Oregon and Washington who attended the Junior Red Cross session in July of 1947.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Benbow Lakes Resort (Kapowsin); Students--1940-1950; Group portraits;

In September of 1947 Tacoma boy scouts Bob Evans (left) and LeRoy Gruver returned from the World Jamboree which was held that year near Paris, France. The two scouts were greeted with a three-way handshake by their unidentified scout master as they disembark from their train at Union depot. LeRoy Gruver advanced to Eagle Scout while he and Bob were at the Jamboree. (T.Times, 9/5/1947, p.1) TPL-10566

Boy Scouts (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Eagle Scouts (Tacoma); Travel--Tacoma--1940-1950; Railroad passenger cars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Railroad stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Railroad travel--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evans, Bob; Gruver, LeRoy;

Three two-man crews of painters work from platforms suspended on the south wall of the Elks Temple, 565 Broadway, in August of 1947. The temple, dedicated on February 22, 1916, was designed by E. Frere Champney. The staircase next to the building, that connects Broadway with Commerce St., is known as the Spanish steps, and were intended to serve as a fire escape for the building. The Elks Temple has fallen into disrepair, and its future is in question. TPL-8446

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Historic buildings--Tacoma; Stairways--Tacoma--1940-1950; Streets--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The Building and Hod Carriers union celebrated with an "Old Timers' Night". The union presented three union pioneers with honorary lifetime memberships. Seated left to right are the guests of honor, D. L. McInnis, Dan Avery and Joe Collins. Standing are the union officials, Vernie Reed, Ed Younger, Lloyd Warell and Vern Johnson (T. Times, 10/10/47, p. 12).

Labor Unions--Tacoma; Labor leaders--Tacoma; Charters--Tacoma; Aged persons--Tacoma; Building Laborers & Hod Carriers Union Local No. 252 (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Club had just elected new officers for 1948, Bert Sweeting was retiring as President and B. E. Buckmaster had just been elected new President. The new club officers would hold their meetings and club activities in the newly remodeled and carpeted facilities located in the Washington Building. Interior view of the Tacoma Club with new carpeting from Selden's.

Banquet halls--Tacoma; Table settings & decorations; Floor coverings; Selden's, Inc. (Tacoma); Tacoma Club (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Club had just elected new officers for 1948, Bert Sweeting was retiring as President and B. E. Buckmaster had just been elected new President. The new club officers would hold their meetings and club activities in the newly remodeled and carpeted facilities located in the Washington Building. Interior view of the Tacoma Club with new carpeting from Selden's.

Banquet halls--Tacoma; Table settings & decorations; Murals--Tacoma; Floor coverings; Selden's, Inc. (Tacoma); Tacoma Club (Tacoma);

International Gyro Club members at Point Defiance park. Howard Crothers, Gyro Club. The international convention came to Tacoma for one day of their four-day convention from Seattle on August 15, 1947. The Gyro Club delegates arrived in Tacoma by boat, toured Point Defiance Five Mile Drive, enjoyed a water carnival staged at Point Defiance pavilion and had salmon dinner before returning to Seattle. (T.Times, 8/15/1947, p.1)

Gyro Club (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits--1940-1950; Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Piers & wharves--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Wild West Veteran's Club was operated by the Wild West Home Corporation. John Taylor was President, Fred Brining was Vice President and Oscar J. Olson was Secretary Treasurer of the Wild West Home Corporation, which was also located at the same site. The Wild West Taxi Company was also based out of Crawford's Restaurant. View of band that will play at the Wild West Club.

Veterans' organizations--Tacoma; Music ensembles--Tacoma; Organizations' facilities--Tacoma; Wild West Veteran's Club (Tacoma); Crawford's Sea Grill (Tacoma);

Elks, Father and daughter night. Several girls pose with the carousel used to decorate the Elks club along with hearts for Father and Daughter night.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Merry-go-rounds--Tacoma; Decorations--Tacoma; Parties; Children's parties;

In June 1936 the Steel Workers Organizing Committee was formed, Phillip Murray, Vice-President of the United Mine Workers was appointed Chairman of the new committee. By the end of 1936 125,000 steel workers had joined the union. View of Permanente Metals employee working in plant, photo ordered by United Steel Workers of America.

Laborers--Tacoma; United Steel Workers of America Union Local No. 2626 (Tacoma); Aluminum industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Industrial facilities--Tacoma; Labor unions--Tacoma; Permanente Metals Corp. (Tacoma)--Employees;

Committee group of five at Top of the Ocean, Betty Lou Broz. The committee members planning the Tacoma Panhellenic luncheon and bridge party held February 7, 1948, met at the Top of the Ocean. All alumnae of national sororities were invited to attend the affair that was also held at the Top of the Ocean. L-R, they are, Wilma L. (Mrs. Arthur) Schmitz, Mary L. (Mrs. Edward I.) Broz, Beatrice R. (Mrs. Douglass C.) Welch, Marguerite B. (Mrs. Frederick L.) Clearman, and Mrs. T.G. Sutherland. (T.Times, 2/2/1948, p.11)

Tacoma Panhellenic Committee (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Schmitz, Wilma L.; Broz, Mary L.; Welch, Beatrice R.; Clearman, Marguerite B.; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Exalted Ruler and trustee at Elks Club, Jack Brouillard, Elks Club. Two men are playing handball at the Elks Club. They are both wearing tee shirts, shorts, court shoes, and special gloves. The walls of the handball court show the marks of the ball hitting the surface over and over again.

Elks Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Handball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sports & recreation facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sport clothes; Athletes--Tacoma;

Junior Red Cross volunteers can be seen working in the Production Program of the Red Cross. The Production Program made hospital garments and children's clothing for disaster and overseas needs. Junior Red Cross volunteers were receiving guidance and training from Edith Ackerman and Irma Hagen. View of group sewing for Red Cross, young children are being fitted for pajamas.

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sleepwear; Children dressing--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Junior Women's Club was organizing the seventh annual "Eyes for the Blind" carnival and bazaar. Activities, including a "Fish Pond", food booths and social events would all be part of the fun-filled weekend. Left to right view of Ruth C. Groves, Valorie C. Soares and Jeanne L. Rock with their own "King Cotton" handmade aprons, which will be sold to benefit the blind (T. Times, 3/22/47, p. 11).

Junior Women's Club (Tacoma); Women--Clubs--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Aprons--Tacoma; Carnival--Tacoma;

Rainbow Convention. A drill team performs during the 21st annual session of the Grand Assembly of the Order of the Rainbow for girls held June 22, 23, and 24, 1947 in Tacoma. Several young women cadets in a straight line formation. The young woman on the far right is wearing an all-white uniform. A woman wearing a dress, perhaps the director, is standing second from the left. (T.Times, 6/19/47, p.10)

Rainbow Girls (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Drill teams; Teenagers--1940-1950; Uniforms; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Rainbow Convention. Seven Rainbow girls are seated in the middle of the auditorium with older persons standing behind them waiting for the ceremony to continue. A large audience is seated around the edges of the auditorium and in the balcony. The installation of newly elected 1948 grand officers marked the end of the Rainbow Girls' 21st session. (T.Times, 6/24/1947, p.1)

Rainbow Girls (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Teenagers--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In June of 1947, the Pierce County Chapter of the Red Cross held a 10 day aquatic safety school with 131 men and women from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California and Montana at Benbow Lakes near Kapowsin. It was one of six such schools operated in the U.S. One of the skills covered was lifesaving. Some of the women practiced artificial respiration with other trainees on a dock at the lake. The women were wearing bathing suits and caps. (T. Times 6/24/1947, pg. 5)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Safety; Lifesaving; Bathing suits; Benbow Lakes Resort (Kapowsin); Lakes & ponds--Kapowsin;

Royal Arch Masons. A gathering of members wearing various costumes. York Rite delegates attended the annual state convention during May 11 through May 16, 1947. Meetings of the three grand bodies, Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar and the Council were held during this time. (T.Times, 5/9/1947, p.1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Royal Arch Masons (Tacoma);

Scottish Rite reunion, Mr. Farnsworth. Scottish Rite bodies of Freemasonry in the Tacoma district held their 84th semi-annual reunion the week of May 16, 1948, and dedicated it to the memory of the late Felix Robinson, 33rd degree, in appreciation for his 27 years of activity in the Masonic order. Over 100 petitioners were expected to form the reunion class for the ritualistic induction. The Scottish Rite of the Freemasons appears to have been organized in the United States in 1801. It offers higher Degrees to a Master Mason (the third and highest of the traditional degrees, and as far as he can go in his Blue Lodge). The Scottish Rite is open to Jews and others. (T.Times, 5/14/1948, p.9 and International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders, by Alan Axelrod, 1997)

Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reunions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Members of Beta Delta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, the National Professional Music Fraternity, were installing new officers. The College of Puget Sound fraternity was having a banquet on Saturday evening at the New Yorker Cafe. View of fraternity members after the installation ceremonies, the ladies are wearing lovely evening gowns (T.N.T., 5/24/48, p. 12).

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Alumni & alumnae--Tacoma; Evening gowns--Tacoma; Dresses--Tacoma; Banquets--Tacoma; New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;