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;
Two Bluebirds stand inside a cutout heart, advertising the February finish for the sale of their traditional chocolate covered mint candies, being offered by another Bluebird member in the photograph. The Bluebirds are a junior branch of the Camp Fire Girls. Their insignia shows on their caps and on their vests. Camp Fire Girls would be selling candy from the end of January through February 13th. 1960 was the Golden Jubilee of the Camp Fire Organization; the first group formed in March of 1910. Proceeds from the sale were used to help defray costs incurred in maintaining their residential camp Camp Wakoma and their day camp sessions. Money was also retained at the local level to help benefit local groups, providing revenue for field trips, supplies and functions. (TNT 1/24/1960, pg. D-5)
Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1960-1970; Candy--Tacoma--1960-1970;
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)
21 women in evening gowns pose at the USO Center on May 17, 1960, along with one military officer. These women belonged to the Navy Mothers Club, a national organization, and quite active here.
Navy Mothers Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1960-1970; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1960-1970;
A man gives an encouraging pat on the back to a boy in swimming trunks on August 22, 1960. He was probably a member of the Active Club who sponsored a Child Guidance club at Camp Seymour. These youngsters pictured above are surveying the water, perhaps deciding whether or not to take a refreshing swim. 55 children attended a special 10-day camp for emotionally disturbed youngsters, ages 7-13. The camp was the first of its kind in the nation and one of only four or five in existence in 1960. The big difference was that there was one professionally trained counselor for every two campers. Photograph ordered by the Active Club. (TNT 8-23-60, p. 4)
Tacoma Active Club (Tacoma); Camp Seymour (Glen Cove); Bathing suits;
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;
Robert Hall, Kenneth Johnson, and C. M. Wienker present gifts on behalf of the Young Men's Business Club to young children at the Tacoma Indian Hospital. The Y.M.B.C. was a civics organization that performed many charitable works including supporting the Jessie Dyslin Boys Ranch. Just prior to Christmas, 1958, they traveled to the Tacoma Indian Hospital with gifts for the young patients. Many of the children came to Tacoma from out-of-state and would not be able to return home for the holidays, including Keith Pocatilla of Fort Hall, Idaho, and Thelma Jones of Poplar, Montana. Photograph ordered by the Young Men's Business Club. (TNT 12-23-58, p. 11)
Young Mens Business Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Community service--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hall, Robert; Johnson, Kenneth; Wienker, C. M.; Pocatilla, Keith; Jones, Thelma;
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;
ca. 1959. Barbara Heil points out the circled March 17 on a 1959 calendar as a reminder of the opening day of the 11th annual Greater Tacoma Home Show. Three area contractors assist her in this promotional photograph. The show was to be held at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse from March 17-22, 1959. Backing Miss Heil are, from left to right, R.L. Johnson - president of the Masonry Contractors Association, Robert J. Sproul - president of the Tacoma Master Builders and Roger Trolson - President of Unit Masonry Company. (TNT 3/12/1959, pg. C-5, TNT 3/15/1959, pg. B-2, TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 27+, TNT 3/2/1959, pg. 11) Ordered by the Tacoma Master Builders Association.
Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Heil, Barbara; Johnson, R.L.; Sproul, Robert J.; Trolson, Roger; Calendars;
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;
The Labor Temple on Market St. was home to a variety of unions with each union having a designated room. Among the many unions were the Butcher Workmen Union Local #554, the Bakers Union Local #126, Bricklayers Union Local #1 and the Motor Coach Employees Union Local #758, in addition to the Pierce County Central Labor Council AFL-CIO and United Labor Advisory Committee of Pierce County. Formerly the Hiroshimaya Hotel, the Labor Temple was purchased in 1941 by the Labor Council and completely paid for by 1943. View of members of the Plumbers and Fitters Union Local #82 who met in Room 201 of the Labor Temple; on the wall near the men are signs from other unions. Photograph ordered by the Plumbers Union.
Labor unions--Tacoma; Plumbers & Fitters Union Local No. 82 (Tacoma); Labor Temple (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);
Corsages are worn by the incoming and outgoing officers of the American Legion Auxiliary on August 2, 1958, as they posed for a group portrait in the Elks Temple. The woman seated to the extreme right lacks a corsage but wears a ribbon and name tag labeled "Greetings from Tacoma." All the women are dressed in white and wear dark narrow sashes. Mrs. Everett Eaton of Battleground, was elected as new department president, succeeding Mrs. Frank S. Evans of Sedro Woolley. In addition, twelve new district auxiliary presidents were chosen. $74,000, the amount earned through the sale of veteran made paper poppies, was spent by the auxiliary for rehabilitation of the veterans. Photograph ordered by the American Legion Auxiliary. (TNT 8-3-58, A-11)
American Legion Auxiliary (Tacoma); Veterans' organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960;
These six ladies would be manning the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital booth at the Puyallup Fair in September, 1958. They represented three Valley District guilds belonging to the Tacoma Orthopedic Association. The women are posed with a large bulletin board. On the board are calendars, one for each month of the year, and each calendar has various tray favors pinned on it. The favors were made by junior volunteers, presumably belonging to the junior guilds sponsored by the Orthopedic Assocation. Seated from left to right are: Mrs. Everett Dickinson and Mrs. James Peterson, association president. Standing from left to right are: Mrs. George Eade, Mrs. R.A. Cross, Mrs. Howard Thomas and Mrs. Everett Peake. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Orthopedic Association. (TNT 9-5-58, A-6)
Tacoma Orthopedic Association (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Calendars;
Annual photograph of the Last Man Club. The 21st reunion of the American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2's Last Man Club occurred in the Peter Puget room of the Olympus Hotel on November 10, 1958. Each year the club met at varying locations in Tacoma for a reunion banquet. View of members posing with flags; flags draped over empty seats signify respect for deceased commanders. There would be one more flag-draped chair in memory of A. Walter Olson who died earlier in 1958. (TNT 11-9-58, A-19)
American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); American Legion Club (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flags--United States; Last Man Club (Tacoma);
Tacoma Art League reproduction. Two women prepare for the Tacoma Art League show in Jones Hall on the campus of the College of Puget Sound in late September, 1957. One woman holds up a drawing of an Asian multi-tiered building; a similar, or perhaps the same, architectural model is adjacent on the table. Also on the table is a landscaping design with small rocks placed among the geometric shapes. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Art League.
Tacoma Art League (Tacoma); Art exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Mrs. Donald McLean and Mrs. Frank James, Jr., react with apparent surprise to Kenneth Fleming, who is holding two hand-puppets. The trio, part of the Boulevard Players, may have been rehearsing for a performance at the Unitarian Church at So. 12th & Bantz Blvd. on January 28, 1958. They will be presenting "The Toymaker" for the Saturday Explorers at Jones Hall on the campus of College of Puget Sound on February 8, 1958. The fantasy concerns two clowns who discover they are not exactly alike. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Art League. (TNT 2-2-58, D-11)
Tacoma Art League (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fleming, Kenneth;
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;
When January, 1957, rolled around, it was time to prepare for the 9th annual Camp Fire Girls candy sale. Thousands of Tacoma homes would be visited by Camp Fire Girls and Blue Birds in a door-to-door campaign extending to February 23rd. Three unidentified girls stopped by the Brown & Haley Co. on January 22nd to pick up boxes of the chocolate mint wafers packed in new slim cases. It was the first time that wafer-thin chocolate-covered mints were offered. Proceeds of the sales went to support the Camp Fire Girls Camp Wakoma. Photograph ordered by the Camp Fire Girls. (TNT 1-27-57, B-15-article)
Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Candy--Tacoma;
Two members of the Tacoma Orthopedic Association are shown with papers in hand at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital on February 11, 1957. One woman has her hand on the cover of a recording machine. The walls of the room are painted with a circus motif, including elephants, giraffe, and circus wagon. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Orthopedic Association.
Tacoma Orthopedic Association (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mary Bridge Childrens Hospital (Tacoma); Hospitals--Tacoma--1950-1960;
The Normanna Male Chorus, led by Gunnar Malmin of Pacific Lutheran College, posed for a group picture on March 7, 1957. Professor Malmin, dressed in a dark tuxedo, is seated in the front row. Normanna Male Chorus was the oldest Norwegian singing organization in the west. It was formed in 1888 by Tacoma and Parkland men, and held its first Sangerfest in Tacoma in 1906. The first director was Professor Carlo Sperati; the present conductor Malmin has held the title since 1947. Normanna Male Chorus has approximately 50 members. Photograph ordered by Normanna Male Chorus. (TNT 2-25-57, p.5)
Normanna Male Chorus (Tacoma); Choirs (Music); Singers; Malmin, Gunnar J.;
The Tacoma Art League sponsored the 17th annual South & West art exhibit in the College of Puget Sound's Jones Hall beginning on April 3, 1957. 64 entries were accepted out of the 204 submitted. Robert Feasley, C.P.S. art instructor, won "Best of Show" for his oil "City Night." First prize in watercolors went to Ruth Babbit for her "Riot." Three men and a woman with corsage are pictured gazing at a framed painting at the art show preview. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Art League. (TT 3-31-57, D-14, TNT 4-7-57, D-14)
Tacoma Art League (Tacoma); Art exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960;
The Washington Federation of State Employees, AFL-CIO, held their 16th annual convention at the Winthrop Hotel on May 18, 1957. Members listened to speakers discussing pertinent issues of adequate wages, a state merit system, and how a state employees union meets the problems of a changing administration. View of speaker and extended microphone at podium; there is a large circular logo "American Federation State County Municipal Employees AFL-CIO" on the back of the podium. A can of Walla Walla green peas is next to a pitcher of water. Photograph ordered by Washington Federation of State Employees. (TNT 5-18-57, p. 4)
Washington Federation of State Employees (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);
