White Shrine installation 1950. New officers who were installed at the White Shrine of Jerusalem's meeting April 15, 1950, were: Mabel E. (Mrs. Nels J.) Peterson, worthy high priestess; Alonzo R. Emerson, watchman of shepherds; Mrs. Wallace Morrisette, noble prophetess; Fred R. Stockbridge, associate-watchman of shepherds; Avis G. (Mrs. Warren) Gilman, worthy scribe; Mrs. Olive I. Hibbard, worthy treasurer; Jessie M. (Mrs. Alvie) Burnett, worthy chaplain; Rosemary B. (Mrs. Lorenzo) Mansfield, worthy shepherdess; and Stella F. (Mrs. Thurman) Givens, worthy guide. Ordered by Mr. A.R. Emerson. (TNT, 4/9/1950, p.D-11)

White Shrine of Jerusalem (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Inaugurations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

White Shrine installation 1950. Those chosen to fill the appointive positions were Sally M. (Mrs. Alonzo R.) Emerson, worthy herald; LeRoy R. Vaughn, first wise man; Lorenzo Mansfield, second wise man; Michael Drosethes, third wise man; Chester A. Burg, king; Mrs. Amy F. Wells, queen; Lola H. (Mrs. Floyd D.) Crane, first handmaid; Bertha H. (Mrs. I.D.) Daniels, second handmaid; Mrs. Maude Hulbert, third handmaid; Marie E. (Mrs. LeRoy R.) Vaughn, worthy organist; Mrs. Octavia Gergory, worthy guardian; and George Sweeny, worthy guard. Ordered by Mr. A.R. Emerson. (TNT, 4/9/1950, p.D-11)

White Shrine of Jerusalem (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Inaugurations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

White Shrine installation 1950. A newly installed officer of the White Shrine of Jerusalem holds a banner of the Mizpah Shrine, Order of the White Shrine, connected to a white shepherd's hook while she raises her left arm. Ordered by Mr. A.R. Emerson.

White Shrine of Jerusalem (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Inaugurations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Sorority program at Masonic Temple. Roomful of mostly women watch intently the proceedings in front of them in this photograph from March of 1950. Two men and two women are on a small stage. The event occurred at the Masonic Temple, probably the one at 47 Saint Helens Ave. in Tacoma.

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Tacoma News Tribune newspaper carriers were honored at the 13th annual banquet, held at the Fellowship Hall. More than 400 boys and girls enjoyed a turkey dinner, ice cream and apple pie. The newspaper carriers were thanked for their hard work and dedication to their jobs. View of newspaper carriers sitting at their district tables (T.N.T., 10/29/49, p. 10).

Newspapers--Tacoma; Newspaper carriers--Tacoma; Delivery boys--Tacoma; Children--Employment--Tacoma--1940-1950; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma News Tribune Publishing Co. (Tacoma); Fellowship Hall (Tacoma);

The play has 30 experienced professional actors travelling with the production throughout the United States. More than 75 actors were local talent, including students from Lincoln High School and Stadium High School. Music is provided by 18 chorus members from Tacoma, under the direction of Clayton Johnson, music director at Stadium High School. View of actor, fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

The original Black Hills Passion Play was said to one of the most colorful ever presented on a Tacoma stage. The show was sold for most of the matinee and evening performances. The play takes us through the last supper, the crucifixion, the resurrection and the ascension. View of one of the actors in full costume, possibly Pontius Pilate; he was part of the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Joseph Meier came from Germany during the 1930's, he has been a part of biblical plays for many years, and has won the reputation of being the world's outstanding "Christus" portrayer. View of actor, Joseph Meier, portraying Christ; he is fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Meier, Joseph;

Tacoma Council of Churches was the sponsoring organization for the original Black Hills Passion Play, this play would be showing four matinees and four evening shows at Tacoma's Temple Theatre. View of one of the actors in full costume, possibly King Herod; he was part of the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Black Hills Passion Play was a great success in Tacoma, this famous play offered a wonderful story with beautiful costumes and talented actors. All performances at the Temple Theatre were very well attended. View of actor, Joseph Meier, portraying Christ; he is fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Meier, Joseph;

The play is said to have offered their audiences wonderful acting by actors with a great deal of experience and beautiful costumes and scenery. View of actress, Mrs. Joseph Meier, she is portraying Mary the Mother of Christ; she is fully dressed in her costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actresses--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Meier, Joseph--Family;

The play has 30 experienced professional actors travelling with the production throughout the United States. More than 75 actors were local talent, including students from Lincoln High School and Stadium High School. Music is provided by 18 chorus members from Tacoma, under the direction of Clayton Johnson, music director at Stadium High School. View of actor, fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

The original Black Hills Passion Play was playing at Tacoma's Temple Theatre for four days, the performances were being sponsored by the tacoma Council of Churches. View of actress portraying one of the characters from the Black Hills Passion Play, she is fully dressed in her costume (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actresses--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Stages (Platforms); Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Tacoma's Temple Theatre was built in 1926, designed by architect A. J. Russell, the contractors were Biehn and Chalmers; the theater officially opened in October 1927. Upon the theater's opening the "Temple of Minerva" backdrop from the Tacoma Theater was presented to the new theater. This theater was originally known as the Heilig Theatre and was renamed the Temple Theatre in 1931. Temple Theatre had a seating capacity of 1,800 people. View of three unidentified men backstage at the Temple Theatre, by the curtain and props control area.

Theaters--Tacoma; Theatrical producers & directors--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Stage props; Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

The Temple Theatre at 47 Saint Helens Ave. was built in 1926. For its official opening in October 1927 it was given the stage backdrop known as "Temple of Mionerva" by the owners of the Tacoma Theatre. The backdrop was painted by artist Thomas G. Moses in 1889 and had hung in the Tacoma Theatre for 37 years.Thomas Moses was a well known scenery painter; he died in Chicago, Illinois in 1934. The Temple Theatre is now the Landmark Convention Center. TPL-3683

Theaters--Tacoma; Theatrical producers & directors--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Stage props; Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Moses, Thomas G., 1857-1934;

Tacoma's Temple Theatre advertised they had the "widest proscenium arch of any theater or hall on Pacific Coast". Throughout the years the Temple Theatre had a number of movie stars making special appearances, including Tallulah Bankhead and Lucille Ball. The Temple Theatre was later renamed the Saint Helens Convention Center in 1992 and the Landmark Convention Center in 1995. View of unidentified man backstage at the Temple Theatre, by the curtain and props control area.

Theaters--Tacoma; Theatrical producers & directors--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Stage props; Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Order of Eastern Star Vida Chapter was having their annual installation of officers in the Gothic Room in Tacoma's Masonic Temple; an informal reception would be held in the roof garden with the Starlets serving as hostesses. View of members from the Vida Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, during the ceremony for the installation of new officers (T.N.T., 4/10/49, p. D-8).

Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Masonic buildings--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Order of Eastern Star Vida Chapter No. 35 (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Mrs. Emma Love, Masonic Temple, at request of Mrs. Love. Mrs. Herbert F. Love was one of the past Queens of Zora Temple No. 5. She and the other past queens assisted during the ceremonial dinner where the Zora Temple honored Supreme Queen Mattie E. Watson from Phoenix, Arizona, at the Masonic Temple. Mrs. Love stands in front of chairs draped with oriental rugs with sparkling fabric hung decoratively behind. She is wearing a crown and a long white robe with a sparkling, stand-up collar and she holds a bouquet of flowers. (TNT, 2/6/1949, p.D-6)

Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Love, Emma; Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma);

Daughters of the Nile. Five members of the Zora Temple are wearing matching evening gowns of shimmering satin and carry bouquets of carnations.

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Carnations--Tacoma; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bouquets;

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;

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);

Several groups at Masonic Temple, Ivanhoe Commandry, Lorenzo Mansfield. A group of 20 members of the Knights Templar are wearing their handsome uniforms and plumed hats. The Knight Templar is the 10th degree and the highest rank of the York Rite. The (Masons) Knights Templar was founded in 1816 as a fraternal service organization for Master Masons. The order flourishes in the Unites States, where there were 300,000 members in 1994. Lodges are called Commanderies; states with three or more lodges form Grand Commanderies. Since "none but Christians can be admitted, consequently it cannot be considered strictly as a Masonic body." (International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders, by Alan Axelrod, 1997; Fraternal Organizations, by Alvin J. Schmide, 1980)

Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Sigma Nu Fraternity. The 101st Sigma Nu fraternity chapter was installed April 24, 1948. It was the Zeta Alpha chapter on the College of Puget Sound campus. On the left is Arthur A. Barlow, First Vice Regent of Sigma Nu. The local chapter president, Clarence Nelson, is in the middle. The man on the right may be Malcolm C. Sewell, General Secretary of the national organization, who arrived April 23rd from Indianapolis for the ceremony at the Corinthian Room, Masonic Temple. A dinner and dance was held at the Top of the Ocean April 22nd to open the two days of activities that were planned. (T.Times, 4/23/1948, p.16; TNT, 4/26/1948, p.4)

College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Universities & colleges--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sigma Nu (Tacoma); Nelson, Clarence; Barlow, Arthur A.; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Installation of officers, White Shrine Masonic Temple, studio spec. The White Shrine of Jerusalem was founded as a Christian auxiliary to Freemasons in the United States. There were 69,000 members in 1995. Until 1953 members of the White Shrine of Jerusalem were required to be members of the Eastern Star. The original White Shrine of Jerusalem was founded by Charles D. Magee in Chicago on October 23, 1894. Membership is open to Master Masons as well as their wives, mothers, daughters, widows, and sisters. Members are known as Sojourners; the head of the organization is the Supreme Worthy High Priestess. (International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders, by Alan Axelrod, 1997)

White Shrine of Jerusalem (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Inaugurations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Sunrise service, Ivanhoe Commandry, Lorenzo Mansfield. This Easter Sunrise Service was sponsored by the Knights Templar and the Council of Churches. The Jason Lee school choir is seated on the stage at Temple Theater. Dignitaries are seated in front of them. A piano sits to the left side of the stage. Rev. Francis Kinch, pastor of Epworth Methodist Church spoke. Members of the Ivanhoe Commandry, Knights Templar, are seen seated in the first several rows of the theater. These people have gathered before dawn to celebrate Easter. There were three other sunrise services in Tacoma this year. (TNT, 3/27/1948, p.1)

Choirs (Music)--1940-1950; Teenagers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Religious services--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar (Tacoma); Conductors--Tacoma; Theaters--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Sunrise service, Ivanhoe Commandry, Lorenzo Mansfield. The girls of the Jason Lee school chorus stand on risers on the stage at Temple Theater. The director stands at the left end of the stage. The girls wear white blouses, black bows and black skirts for the sunrise service. They took part in the Easter Sunrise Service at Temple Theater sponsored by the Knights Templar and the Council of Churches. (TNT, 3/27/1948, p.1)

Choirs (Music); Teenagers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Religious services--Tacoma--1940-1950; Conductors--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Sunrise service, Ivanhoe Commandry, Lorenzo Mansfield. The boys from the Jason Lee school choir all wear sweater vests with a note on the chest. The notes have the word "Glee" written on them. They are wearing dark bow ties. The choir conductor stands on the right and a few of the girls in the choir are seen behind her. They took part in the Easter Sunrise Servive sponsored by the Knights Templar and the Council of Churches at Temple Theater. (TNT, 3/27/1948, p.1)

Choirs (Music); Teenagers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Religious services--Tacoma--1940-1950; Conductors--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Daughters of the Nile, Mrs. Shotwell installation at Fellowship Hall, Don Shotwell. The Daughters of the Nile held their annual installation of officers of the Zora Temple No. 5 March 26, 1948, in Fellowship Hall of the Masonic Temple. These thirteen women wear evening gowns, above-the-elbow lace, fingerless gloves, and floral headpieces. The purpose of the order is to pursue "a philosophy of living which will enable them (the members), when shadows lengthen, to look back on a life well spent." The order also assists the Shriners in their work pertaining to crippled children. (T.Times, 3/20/1948, p.9; Fraternal Organizations, Alvin J. Schmidt, 1980)

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Lillian M. (Mrs. J.Donald) Shotwell was installed as Queen of the Zora Temple No. 5 of the Daughters of the Nile in a ceremony held at Fellowship Masonic Hall on March 26, 1948. The room had been transformed into a scene of Oriental splendor with the river Nile flowing in the background. The Egyptian chorus and Egyptian dancers performed. Queen Lillian Shotwell carried a shower bouquet of baby orchids for the installation. Mrs. Shotwell is shown seated on the throne, which is covered with oriental carpets. She is wearing an evening gown, robe with a long train and a crown. Ordered by Don Shotwell. (T.Times, 3/20/1948, p.9) TPL-6478

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Crowns; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Shotwell, Lilian M.; Stage props; Fellowship Hall (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Girl Scouts held a Fashion Revue at the Temple Theater on March 20, 1948. The proceeds would benefit the St. Alban's Girl Scout Camp. The Girl Scouts showed traditional and new scouting clothes as well as sports outfits and fashion clothes furnished by Rhodes Brothers Department Store. Background music was provided by Arnold Levenenze at the organ. Four young girls and boys wearing their Sunday best and two teenage girls wearing two-piece bathing suits wait in the sidelines, with four women organizers, for their turn on the runway. Ordered by Jerry Hurley, Rhodes Brothers. (T.Times, 3/12/1948, p.6; 3/23/1948, p.5)

Girl Scouts (Tacoma); Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bathing suits; Coats; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children & adults--Tacoma; Teenagers;