A crowd of excited children gather around a member of the Tacoma Elks dressed as a clown during the 1950 Children's Christmas party at the Elks Temple sponsored by the Elks Stocking Fillers. 750 children attended the annual party in Tacoma where they received gifts purchased with donations. Five children from the Hall family are to the right of the clown: Joann, Ronnie, Connie, Gary and at far right, Nora. Free bus transportation was provided. A large contingent of Korean War veterans were also present. (TNT 12-23-50, p. 3-article) (Additional identification provided by a reader) TPL-10156

Community service--Tacoma--1950-1960; Christmas--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Children--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clowns; Hall, Joann; Hall, Ronnie; Hall, Connie; Hall, Gary; Hall, Nora;

The Community Chest "Kick-off" dinner was held at the Elks Ballroom on October 1, 1950. The annual dinner preceded the official start of the volunteer campaign; the Community Chest wanted to raise funds for the support of 21 Red Feather agencies. Over 1200 workers were involved in the Community Chest campaign; many of whom attended the event. View of several guests at the dinner; Brig. Gen. LeRoy H. Watson, commanding general of Fort Lewis, is believed to be on the far right. Governor Arthur B. Langlie delivered the main address. The goal of the Community Chest was to raise $372,142 by October 23rd. (TNT 10-1-50, p. 1, TNT 10-4-50, p. C-2)

Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960;

New officers for 1950-1951 are shown at the Elks Temple. Emmett T. Anderson, Grand Exalted Ruler, is hanging an insignia around the neck of Lloyd L. Wynans as he was installed as the new exalted ruler of Tacoma lodge. Others installed were Harold L. Duncan, leading knight; John S. Roberts, loyal knight; Burritt B. Anderson, lecturing knight; Erling O. Johnson, secretary; Walter E. Liggett, treasurer; Swan Johnson, tiler; Sterling Carmichael, trustee. Ordered by Erling Johnson. (TNT, 4/5/1950, p.4)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Anderson, Emmett T.; Wynans, Lloyd L.; Johnson, Erling O.; Duncan, Harold; Anderson, Burritt B.;

John H. Anderson, on right, presents the gavel to Lloyd L. Wynans, the newly elected Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174. The installation ceremony for the new officers was one of the biggest nights on the organization's calendar. For the first time in sixty years, the ceremony was officiated by the Grand Exalted Ruler of the B.P.O.E., Emmett T. Anderson. ALBUM 14.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Wynans, Lloyd L.; Anderson, John H.; Gavels;

A large crowd is in attendance at the Elks Temple. Members of the orchestra are seated at the front of the auditorium near the stage. Murals decorate the walls above large panels. A statue of an elk is seen on the far side of the room. Several people are seen standing in the balcony at the back of the room. TPL-8448

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Orchestras--Tacoma--1950-1960; Audiences--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Elks Club. Members of the Elks are starting work on their 1949 Elks Stocking Fillers' annual Christmas benefit for Tacoma's under-privileged children. Three men review a long list of names of those Elks who have already signed up to work on the project.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Elks Club was welcoming their past exalted ruler, Emmett T. Anderson, back home in late September of 1949. The club members had many activities planned for the national leader; Anderson had just visited lodges in the East and South, and was visiting the Tacoma lodge on official business. View of Elks members welcoming their past exalted ruler, Emmett T. Anderson (left), back to his home lodge; names appear in newspaper. Among those present were future Tacoma mayor John H. Anderson and Public Safety Commissioner Robert S. Temme. (T.N.T., 10/2/49, p. A-12).

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Social life--1940-1950; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Anderson, Emmett T.; Anderson, John H.; Temme, Robert S.; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

The Elks Club was ready for their third annual salmon derby in September of 1949 and the public was invited to register for the big fishing event. Prizes would be awarded to the fishermen with the largest salmon. View of publicity photo used to promote the Elks' salmon derby; left to right: Andy Johnson with a 35 pound salmon, George J. McCarthy and Fran Skinner (T.N.T., 9/8/49, p. 24).

Salmon; Fishing; Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Johnson, Andy; McCarthy, George J.; Skinner, Fran;

John H. Anderson, Exalted Ruler of the Tacoma Elks and future Mayor, holds a big salmon for another man to measure in front of the Elks Temple on Broadway. Third man holds some smaller fish. ALBUM 14.

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

New tile floor at Elks Club kitchen, Stebner's Inc., Ed Keenan. Interior view of the new kitchen, Head Chef Mitchell Pentel will be preparing meals for the Elks; everything has been remodeled and all the appliances are new, including an automatic dishwasher, sterilizers and a walk-in quick freeze storage room (T.N.T., 12/30/48, p. 4-7).

Fraternal organizations'--Tacoma; Kitchens--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma; Elks Club (Tacoma);

The Elks Club Band and their majorette, Gloria Ellexson, posed next to the Elks Temple before leaving for Cleveland, Ohio, in July of 1949 for the Elks National Convention. The band, under the direction of L.R. Grass, had been the 1948 state champions and Miss Ellexson was the state champion majorette. The band performed at the convention in Ohio, and Gloria, a student at the College of Puget Sound, was named the 1949 National Champion Drum Majorette. (TNT, 7/6/1949, p.10)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Marching bands; Bands--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ellexson, Gloria; Drum majorettes--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Lambda Sigma Chi and Pi Tau Omega were co-hosting the annual spring formal at the Elks Temple on May 14, 1949. Members, pledges and alumni were invited to attend "A Night in Shanghai." Betsy Ann Huhn and Herbert Wayrynen (at left) and Lorna Hill with Bill Clem (foreground) were just two of the couples dancing and enjoying the evening. (TNT 5-22-1949, D-10)

Ballroom dancing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Balls (Parties)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lambda Sigma Chi (Tacoma); Pi Tau Omega (Tacoma); Elks Temple (Tacoma); Hill, Lorna; Clem, Bill; Huhn, Betsy Ann; Wayrynen, Herbert;

Tacoma's Elks Club would be installing their new club officers for 1949-1950. Edwin J. Alexander, past president for the State Elks Association, would be the installing officer. View of John Anderson (center), newly appointed Grand Exalted Elk's ruler, coming out of a stage prop featuring his contracting company (T.N.T., 4/5/49, p. 20).

Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Stage props; Mascots; Inaugurations--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Anderson, John H.;

John H. "Big John" Anderson (right) was the newly selected Exalted Ruler of the Tacoma Elks Lodge for 1949-1950. He is pictured above accepting the gravel from his predecessor, Cecil Walrath, on April 5, 1949. Mr. Anderson, a well known Tacoma building contractor, was installed in impressive ceremonies headed by Edwin J. Anderson, past president for the State Elks Association. John Anderson had a bright career ahead of him: he was elected mayor of Tacoma twice and served as school board president three times. An avid sportsman and noted civic leader, Mr. Anderson passed away in November of 1974. (TNT 4/5/49, p. 20-article; TNT 4-7-49, C-7).

Anderson, John H.; Walrath, Cecil; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Inaugurations--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Tuxedoes;

Tacoma's Elks Club's new officers included: John Anderson as their new Grand Exalted Ruler; Lloyd Wynans, Leading Knight; Harold L. Duncan, Loyal Knight; Jack Roberts, Lecturing Knight; E. O. Johnson, Secretary; Walter Liggett, Treasurer; Swan Johnson, Tiler; and Russ Michael, Trustee. View of John H. Anderson (left), newly appointed Elk's Grand Exalted Ruler (T.N.T., 4/5/49, p. 20).

Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Stage props; Mascots; Inaugurations--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Anderson, John H.;

Tacoma's Elks Club was having their annual "Extravaganza" event in 1949. 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." View of poster that was used to advertise the big event (T.N.T., 4/26/49, p. 5).

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma--1940-1950; Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Theatrical posters; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

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);

Old Timers nite at Elks Club, Harry Lynch. All members of the Elks with 25 years or more service were honored with dinner at the Elks Club on January 26, 1949. After dinner the Old Timers marched to the lodge room and, after a short business session, they were treated to a two-hour professional vaudeville show and surprises. More than 400 members and their guests were expected. A band sits at the edge of the floor for the performance. A stuffed elk stands by one of the exits and a mounted elk head is over one of the doors at the rear on the room. Murals decorate the walls. (T.Times, 1/24/1949, p.2)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Old Timers nite at Elks Club, Times, Buzz. All members of the Elks with 25 years or more of service were honored at a reunion at the Elks Temple January 26, 1949. The Tacoma Lodge received its charter from the grand lodge in 1890. Thirty-two of the men who were honored at the event have posed in front of the stage. Names are listed in the newspaper. (T.Times, 1/30/1949, p.7)

Elks Temple (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);;

On December 30, 1948, the Elks Temple at 565 Broadway opened its doors to members, wives and ladies to see the newly renovated building. The club room, very popular with the majority of the membership, was just one of the rooms that was completely redone. Everything - chairs, tables, floor coverings, light fixtures - was new and modernized. Even the billiard tables were completely overhauled. All the funiture was custom made in Tacoma. (T.N.T., 12/30/48, p. 4-7).

Fraternal organizations'--Tacoma; Christmas decorations; Billiard parlors--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Clubhouses--Tacoma; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma; Elks Club (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Elks were celebrating the completion of their new building with an open house; all members and their wives were invited to attend. Interior view of the Elks Temple dining room, the dining room offers the members a spacious and redecorated are to enjoy lunch and dinners. The famed Stag table is on the left side; this room is predominantly decorated in green tones (T.N.T., 12/30/48, p. 4-7).

Fraternal organizations'--Tacoma; Dining rooms--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Clubhouses--Tacoma; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma; Elks Club (Tacoma);

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is not just a club, it is a national fraternal organization with over 1,500 lodges in the United States. Interior view of the new kitchen, Head Chef Mitchell Pentel will be preparing wonderful meals for the Elks; everything has been remodeled and all the appliances are new, including an automatic dishwasher, sterilizers and a walk-in quick freeze storage room (T.N.T., 12/30/48, p. 4-7).

Fraternal organizations'--Tacoma; Kitchens--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Clubhouses--Tacoma; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma; Elks Club (Tacoma);

The Elks were organized to inculcate the principles of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity; the club promotes members' welfare and enhances the happiness of its members. The Elks believe they can increase American Patriotism and cultivate good fellowship. Interior view of Tacoma's Elks Lodge No. 174's clubroom, the clubroom is near the Secretary's office, the room has new billiard tables and Christmas decorations (T.N.T., 12/30/48, p. 4-7).

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Christmas decorations; Billiard parlors--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Clubhouses--Tacoma--1940-1950; Elks Club (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

The newly remodeled Elks Temple was celebrating their new facilities with an open house for members and their wives. The Tacoma Elks Club was organized in 1890, the Tacoma Charter was presented by Deputy Exalted Ruler C. W. Niving. View of spacious and redecorated dining room of the Tacoma Elks Lodge; the Elks famed Stag table is in the background, this table seats fifteen members who have their daily lunch at the club (T.N.T., 12/30/48, p. 4-7).

Fraternal organizations'--Tacoma; Dining rooms--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Clubhouses--Tacoma; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma; Elks Club (Tacoma);

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);

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);

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);