In January of 1956 Joan Oliver, Janet Shull and Esther Gerald (far right) were already calculating how many boxes of chocolates they could sell during the 8th annual Tacoma Camp Fire and Blue Bird Girls "Candy Mint Sale". The sale ran to February 22, and proceeds went to the development and operations fund for Camp Wakoma. Prizes were awarded to the Camp Fire Girls who sold the most boxes, including an all-expense overnight stay at Camp Wakoma. It is still a tradition for Camp Fire Girls to sell mints. Photograph ordered by the Camp Fire Girls. (TNT 1-29-56, D-6)

Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Children--Clubs--Tacoma; Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gerald, Esther; Oliver, Joan; Shull, Janet; Blackboards;

The remodeled chapel of the Tacoma Rescue Mission. The Mission was founded in 1912 as a result of an evangelistic campaign by Gypsy Smith. It provided emergency aid, shelter and Christian fellowship to transient men. This building consisted of the Keown Building at 1512 Pacific Ave., acquired in 1940, and the Grays Harbor Hotel Building at 1510 Pacific Ave., acquired in 1946. The Keown Building was built in 1907 and designed by C.A. Darmer, architect. The Grays Harbor Hotel building was built in 1901 and designed by the same architect. The 1956 remodel made the two buildings appear as one, including a resurface with Quikbrik the plastered brick veneer. The interior chapel was completely redone with new walls and ceilings as well as new offices and pews. The beams were of knotty pine, the walls of mahogany, the pews of fir; indirect lighting and air conditioning would also greet nightly worshipers. The chapel occupied the main floor of the mission. (TNT 1/1/1956)

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Chapels--Tacoma;

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;

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;

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;

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;

The downtown streets of 9th and Pacific are blocked off so that spectators can enjoy the three hour long June, 1957, Pacific Northwest Shrine Association parade. Marching in formation is the large El Katif Shrine Band from Spokane with general membership to the rear. Fourteen temples sent representatives and bands to the three-day convention; they came from across the Pacific Northwest as well as two provinces in Canada. Photograph ordered by Pacific Northwest Shrine Association.

Pacific Northwest Shrine Association (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Spokane; Marching bands; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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;

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 Afifi Arab Patrol, headed by Glen F. Perkins, Capt., posed for a group picture on the steps outside the Masonic Temple, 47 Saint Helens Ave., on April 2, 1966. Four Arab Patrol leaders kneel in the front row: Ben Beuche, Glen F. Perkins, Gordon M. Korsmo and Harold W. Baird. Behind them stand members of the 1966 Patrol; all are wearing Masonic regalia. Names of the Shriners are printed on the bottom of the photograph. Photograph ordered by the Afifi Temple.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Arab Patrol (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Uniforms; Beuche, Ben; Perkins, Glen F.; Korsmo, Gordon M.; Baird, Harold W.;

A motley crew of entertainers made up the Tacoma Eagles Aerie 3 band on October 12, 1963. The all-male band members would certainly turn heads in their startling costumes, including grass skirts, dresses, oversized glasses, wigs and fake mustaches, and variety of headgear. Photograph ordered by Mountain View Memorial Park.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 3 (Tacoma); Entertainers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Musical ensembles--Tacoma;

Properly equipped with floatation devices, these four Girl Scouts were photographed on June 10, 1969, while aboard the rowboat, "Jon-Jon." The girls had set up their camping gear along the shores of the unidentified lake. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc.

Girl Scouts; Rowboats; Safety equipment;

In September, 1967, the Tacoma Elks Club sponsored their annual Salmon Derby, inviting members to participate for a chance to win valuable prizes. Three men are pictured preparing their boat for entry into the waters of Commencement Bay. They were part of the 1820 contestants who vied for over 150 prizes. 186 fish were caught that day, most at the mouth of the Puyallup River. (TNT 9-18-67, p. 16)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fishing; Contests--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boats--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Elks Club members ready their boats in preparation for the 21st annual Salmon Derby sponsored by the Tacoma Elks Lodge on Sunday, September 17, 1967. 1820 contestants would take their chances to win valuable prizes including a boat, trailer and motor. Al Marano, fishing alone at Point Defiance, would come in first with a catch weighing in at 22 lb. 4 oz. He would drive away in a 1967 Jeep Universal, the grand prize. (TNT 9-18-67, p. 16, TNT 9-19-67, p. 14)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fishing; Contests--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boats--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Santa had plenty of helping hands at the American Legion Edward B. Rhodes No. 2 Memorial Hall on December 23, 1967. Commander Wallace Walker, Sr. (far left), of the American Legion Post #222 was chairman of the event. Tacoma Mayor A.L. "Slim" Rasmussen (in glasses & hat) assisted Santa in making sure these small children had plenty to eat and drink, including pumpkin pie and milk. George W. Johnson, acting executive director of the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc., is believed to be standing right of Mayor Rasmussen. 500 children enjoyed the hot dinner, music from Lincoln and Stadium High School, and received gifts. Santa arrived, not by reindeer, but with help from the Tacoma Fire Department. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc. (, TNT 12-10-67, A-4-article; TNT 12-22-67, p. 14-article)

American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1960-1970; Christmas--Tacoma; Children--Tacoma--1960-1970; Rasmussen, Albert Lawrence; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Walker, Wallace; Santa Claus--Tacoma;

Children pour out of the American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 Memorial Hall on December 23, 1967, at the conclusion of the post and Opportunity & Development, Inc., joint-Christmas celebration for the underprivileged. Turkey and ham with all the fixings and a visit from Santa brought smiles to the faces of the estimated 500 children in attendance. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc. (TNT 12-10-67, A-4-article)

American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1960-1970; School children--Tacoma--1960-1970; Christmas--Tacoma;

New officers of Job's Daughters. Job's Daughters is an international fraternal organization for young women between the ages of 11-20 who are related to Master Masons. Photograph ordered by Ben Robertson, Federal Way.

International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Fraternal organizations;

Navy Mothers Club. The Tahoma chapter of the Navy Mothers Club met on Tuesday, May 6, 1969, at the Odd Fellows Temple for installation of new officers. Invitations were issued to the Puyallup and Sumner Navy Mothers Clubs and the general public was also invited to attend. Lt. Frank Thomas was the guest speaker for the event. Mrs. T.R. Baker was installed as the new commander by installing officer Mrs. Frank Parks. View of club members; each woman is wearing a corsage of daisies. Many of the women are wearing special volunteer service pins and bars presented by the club. A framed copy of the club's charter is on the wall behind the women. Photograph ordered by the Navy Mothers Club. (TNT 5-4-69, D-15)

Navy Mothers Club (Tacoma); Women--Clubs--Tacoma--1960-1970;

ca. 1937. Group of eight Grand Chiefs, Improved Order of Redmen, ca. 1937. Group of men in suits, some wearing Indian headdresses. The Order of Red Men trace their origins to certain secret Patriotic Societies founded before the American Revolution. It is the nation's oldest patriotic fraternal organization of American, not European, origin. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Times. (filed with Argentum)

Improved Order of Redmen (Tacoma);

ca. 1934. Junior League Committee. Five women reviewing planned activity in a living room. Two are sitting on a grill-covered steam heater located under a window. (For Mrs. Brady, T. Times Society) (WSHS)

Junior League (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Tacoma Mailer's Union #54, 15th Annual Banquet held at "The Firs". Union members and their spouses look up at the camera from long banquet tables. Elaborate decorations hang from the ceiling. The Firs was located two miles south of the Roy "Y" on Mountain Highway in the Loveland area. It was built in 1922 by Irv and Lacy Ball of vertical log construction, and served as an inn, restaurant and cabaret. It catered primarily to banquets and private parties. It was destroyed in 1974 by fire and never rebuilt.

Tacoma Mailer's Union #54 (Tacoma); Banquets--Spanaway--1930-1940; Firs (Spanaway); Labor unions--Tacoma--1930-1940;

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);

Tacoma Little Theater, Drama League, production of "Engaged". Directed by Ann Gordon. Harry P. Cain, future Tacoma Mayor and U.S. Senator, at far right, appeared in the stage play. From 1933 through 1939 the Tacoma Little Theater productions were presented on the stage of the Slavonian Hall at 2306 No. 30th St. In 1940 they moved to their current home at 210-12 No. I St.

Drama Clubs -- Tacoma; Tacoma Little Theatre (Tacoma); Tacoma Drama League (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979;

Tacoma Little Theater, Drama League members. Harry P. Cain, future Mayor of Tacoma and U.S. Senator, is at right.

Drama Clubs -- Tacoma; Tacoma Little Theatre (Tacoma); Tacoma Drama League (Tacoma); Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In June of 1936, members of the Afifi Patrol and Band line up on a residential street in Tacoma prior to a parade. Three motorcycles lead the procession and a streetcar is seen in the distance at the end of the parade. Several late 1800s houses in background. (filed with Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Arab Patrol (Tacoma); Afifi Temple Band (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Motorcycles--Tacoma--1930-1940;

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);

ca. 1932. Memorial building for the American Legion, Edward B. Rhodes Post. The building was constructed in 1930 from a design by Heath, Gove & Bell, architects. Since 1991, it has been home to the Karpeles Manuscript Library.

Clubhouses--Tacoma; Sports & recreation facilities--Tacoma; Patriotic societies--Tacoma; Clubs--Tacoma; American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma);

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;

Interior of the "Lounging Room" of the new Tacoma Club on the 17th Floor of the Washington Building. The Tacoma Club was the city's newest and most exclusive social club, catering to local business tycoons. Corner lounge with heavy, upholstered furniture, tables, lamps, and console radio. (WSHS)

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940;