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;

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 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. View of member of Tacoma's Scottish Rite, this unidentified man is wearing the traditional cap and medals.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Social life--1940-1950; Insignia--Tacoma; Medals; Tuxedoes; Portraits; Portrait photographs; Scottish Rite (Tacoma);

Group of approximately 30, White Clover Chapter, Eastern Star, Mrs. H.J. O'Connor. The White Clover chapter of O.E.S. was honored by the official visit of Mrs. Clinton R. Kerr at their November 1949 meeting. Mrs. Kerr was the current grand worthy matron of the grand chapter of the state of Washington and she was visiting all the local chapters of O.E.S. this week.Mrs. H.J. O'Connor, worthy matron, and Thomas Bennet, worthy patron, presided at the meeting held at the Masonic Temple at 56th and South Tacoma Way. (TNT, 11/27/1949, p.D-8)

Order of Eastern Star White Clover Chapter No. 31 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Women--Tacoma--1940-1950;

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;

Four students are reading in the living room at the Sigma Chi fraternity house. The home has dark woodwork and exposed ceiling beams. The walls are painted a dark color. The fireplace and mantel are placed at an angle against the far wall. This had formerly been the home of Judge Miles L. Clifford. Ordered by The Magazine of Sigma Chi, Merrill E. Pritchard.

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sigma Chi (Tacoma); Living rooms--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960;

More than 200 men attended the installation ceremonies creating the new Delta Phi chapter of Sigma Chi, college social fraternity, at the College of Puget Sound. National officers attended from Chicago, Seattle and Tacoma for the event. Ordered by the Magazine of Sigma Chi, Merrill E. Pritchard.

Sigma Chi (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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);

The outreach activity program sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Eagles for persons over 60 years of age met at the Eagles Lodge. The center opened once a week around 11 a.m. for informal games such as cards and chess. Coffee or tea was served at noon, participants could bring their own sandwiches. In the afternoon, there was community singing, a business meeting, educational classes, hobby classes, dancing or more cards. The programs were designed around the interests of the persons attending, with the Eagle lodge providing all neccessary equipment. The only charge was a nominal one for refreshments.

Fraternal Order of Eagles (Tacoma); Aged persons--Tacoma--1950-1960;

ca. 1950. Interior photograph of club. It is five minutes to one and the dance floor is empty. The piano, drums and jukebox are silent at the Tacoma Aerie No. 3 chapter of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. The grand opening of new club rooms at 13th and Fawcett Avenue was on October 4, 1940. Barely a year later, the Eagles celebrated the opening of the club's completely remodeled lounge and basement quarters. It was necessary to have additional space due to the large increase of members who would be able to enjoy the new furnishings and modernistic furniture. (TNT 10-4-40, Tacoma Progress edition, p. 15-20; TNT 12-20-41, p.11)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 3 (Tacoma); Jukeboxes;

A large contingent of Royal Arch Masons gathered at the sandstone quarry in Tenino for Masonic ceremonies on August 5, 1950. The men are posed in front of the massive quarry walls. Masonic chapters from Washington and Oregon attended the members-only event which was sponsored by the Centralia Chapter #44. A block of Tenino stone can be found in the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. (TNT 8-1-50, p. 26)

Royal Arch Masons; Fraternal organizations; Sandstone quarrying--Tenino;

Group of approximately 50 people for Zora Temple #5, Daughters of the Nile. Queens and officers of neighboring temples attended a ceremonial on March 1, 1951 at which Mrs. Merle Heitzman, of Salt Lake City, Supreme Queen of the Daughters of the Nile, made an official visit to Zora Temple #5. At the Masonic Temple, amid a setting of oriental rugs and palms, Mrs. Heitzman regaled the group with her adventures visiting the 100 Nile temples in the U.S., Canada and Hawaii. Entertainment was provided: an exhibition drill by the Egyptian Patrols, special music by the Egyptian chorus and a performance by the temple dancers. (TNT 2/25/1951, pg. D-9)

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Women--Tacoma--1950-1960; Costumes--Egyptian; Costumes--Russian; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits; Headdresses; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

The Amity chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star held its 26th annual installation of officers March 21, 1951 in the Gothic room of the Masonic Temple. The installation was followed by a reception in the roof garden. (for a list of new officers, see TNT 3/18/1951, pg D-11)

Order of Eastern Star Amity Chapter No. 219 (Tacoma); Evening gowns--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Scottish Rite group in the Corinthian room of the Masonic Temple. A branch of the Freemasons, this group has its roots not in Scotland, but in France. Its title is in honor of Scottish Masons who fled to France after the Jacobite Rebellion failed in 1715. The group was organized in the U.S. in 1801 and membership is available to those obtaining the rank of Master Mason. The rite consists on 32 degrees plus an honorary 33rd degree & each degree costs about $150 (in 1978.) The Scottish Rite is one of the paths to becoming a Shriner. ("Fraternal Organizations" by Alvin J. Schmidt & "Handbook of Secret Organizations" by William J. Whalen)

Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Reunion class, Scottish Rite, at the Masonic Temple.

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

Scottish Rite group of fourteen men in the Corinthian room of the Masonic Temple.

Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Reunion of Scottish Rite. The 91st reunion of the Scottish Rite concluded on November 24, 1951, with the exemplification of the 30th degree of Knight Kadosh. The Scottish Rite choir performed musical rituals for the degrees. View of members of the Scottish Rite; those seated have on Masonic regalia. (TNT 11-23-51, p. 13)

Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Reunions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The White Clover Chapter of Eastern Star held their 59th installation of new officers at the South Tacoma Masonic Temple in March 1952. Dora E. (Mrs. H.J.) O'Connor, past matron, gave the welcome and Mrs. Lloyd Dorfner and Marley Parker, retiring worth matron and patron, presided. Names of those elected for the coming year and assisting in the ceremonies are listed in the newspaper. (TNT, 3/23/1952, p.D-8)

Order of Eastern Star White Clover Chapter No. 31 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A large crowd of girls fills the auditorium and the balcony at the Elks Temple for the annual Father and Daughter Valentine's party. TPL-8451

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Children's parties; Crowds--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Two clowns perform on the floor of the auditorium at the Elks Temple for the Elk's annual Father and Daughter Valentines party. Several of the girls stretch their arms hoping to be chosen for one of the evening's surprises.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Children's parties; Clowns;

Scottish Rite officers.

Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

The class of new members at the Elks. Four smiling men were photographed on March 13, 1952.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Men--Clubs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Members of the Delta, Delta, Delta sorority and their parents attended a banquet at "The Farm" on March 31, 1952. The Tri-Deltas and their guests fill the tables in the dining room. Several of them are wearing large bibs with ruffles around the edges.

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Families--1950-1960; Banquets--1950-1960;

ca. 1952. Installation of officers, White Shrine of Jerusalem, for Mrs. A.B. Burnett. The White Shrine is a Christian auxiliary of the Freemasons. It is open to men who have achieved the rank of Master Mason and women related to Master Masons who profess "Belief in the defense of the Christian religion." It was organized in 1894 in Chicago by Charles Magee, a Freemason. Members must be adults, white and non-Jewish. Prior to 1953, members also had to belong to the Order of the Eastern Star.

White Shrine of Jerusalem (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1950-1960; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Tacoma Elks lodge band on the Spanish Steps, with two drum majorettes .

Organizations - Fraternal Organizations - Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Music Ensembles - Bands - Marching Bands

Five of the oldest members of the Tacoma Elks Club gather to discuss the Good Old Days on Old Timers' night held in January of 1938. They are, left to right, S.J. Maxwell, member #2, whose career was in shipping; George L. Palmer, in the printing business and served once as Deputy Sheriff; S.A. Perkins, member #3, newspaper publishing; Major Charles O. Bates, law; and Calvin S. Heilig, member #1, theater owner in Tacoma and Portland. "Sam" Perkins served as master of ceremonies at the meeting where many memories were shared and enjoyed. (T. Times 1/20/1938, pg. 8) (filed with Argentum)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Perkins, S.A.; Maxwell, S.J.; Palmer, George L.; Bates, Charles O.; Heilig, Calvin S.; Older people--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Nineteen members of the Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 gathered at the Masonic Temple in December, 1952. They were there to honor Mrs. Thomas Luke of Portland, Supreme Queen of the Supreme Temple, who was visiting temples and Shriner hospitals across the nation. Mrs. Luke is believed to be the woman in the dark evening gown with corsage. The Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 are dressed in a variety of costumes ranging from Egyptian belly dancers to white "Russian" cossack-style outfits. (TNT 11-30-52, D-7)

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Group portraits; Women--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Costumes--Egyptian;

Meeting of a group of committee members planning the annual benefit bridge tea of the Chi Omega Sorority. The photograph was taken on April 20, 1938 at the home of Mrs. Richard Jones, alumnae president. Pictured are, left to right, Ruth (Mrs. T.J.) Green, Miss Helen Glans, Mrs. Percy McCormick and Mildred (Mrs. A.D.) Myers. (T. Times 4/23/1938, pg. 8)

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1930-1940; Alumni & alumnae--Tacoma; Chi Omega (Tacoma); Glans, Helen; Green, Ruth; Myers, Mildred;

Shriner's Convention; Afifi Yakima Patrol, circa June of 1938. Group of 24 Shriners in costume. Shriners from around the state gathered in Tacoma to board a special train headed to Los Angeles for the Golden Jubilee convention, June 6-9, 1938. Several of the patrols posed for pictures while in Tacoma. (filed with Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma);

Ceremonial portraits from the Daughters of the Nile convention. The female accompaniment to the Shriners, the Nile daughters traditions hark back to ancient days. The annual session of the Supreme Temple of the Daughters of the Nile was held in Tacoma June 6-10, 1938. It was the first convention of this group to be held in Tacoma since 1925. Members from all parts of the United States would be attending. (photograph also numbered Series 7247, image 11)

Daughters of the Nile (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940;