Elks; ritualistic team on stage. The Tacoma Elks Lodge Ritualistic team won top honors at the state contest in Pasco in 1955. They would be competing at the national convention in July in Philadelphia. The trophy is for Washington State Elks Association championship ritualistic team (for 1949-1950, not yet engraved for the current year.) Team members wear tuxedos with ornamental neckpieces. Team members were as follows (listed in no particular order) : A.J. Emery, Exalted Ruler, W.E. Bysegger, leading knight, Norbert Grove, loyal knight, Swan Johnson, lecturing knight, Dr. Ray Magnusson, esquire, Frank F. Smith, inner guard, and Wesley Holmberg, chaplain. E.O. Johnson, lodge secretary, was the coach of the team. The man in the photograph standing fourth from the left has been identified as W.E. Bysegger. (TNT 1/22/1955, pg. 2)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Grove, Norbert; Johnson, Swan;

Sigma Alpha Epsilon banquet. On March 11, 1955, over 100 members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon from Tacoma and Southwest Washington gathered for a dinner at the University Union Club to celebrate the 99th anniversary of the fraternity's founding. Albert Balch, member of the Master Builders and community designer, was the guest speaker. His topic was "Building for Tomorrow." During his speech, Balch predicted a population boom for the Northwest. (TNT 3/2/1955, pg. A-11)

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (Tacoma); University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Eight Delta Delta Delta sorority sisters, some in sorority sweatshirts, worked together in May of 1955 to create nosegays for the College of Puget Sound Pansy Ring Tea ceremony. The tea was an annual fete sponsored by the Phi Zeta chapter of the Tri Deltas. The young women, now dressed casually in slacks and hair kerchiefs, would be attired formally in dresses, hats and gloves for the third annual tea. In the tradition of nearly all Tri Delta chapters across the U.S. and Canada, the tea would honor senior women of the college. Special attention would be given to engaged or recently married seniors, who would step through a seven-foot tall ring of pansies. Puget Sound president R. Franklin Thompson would award two $100 scholarships offered every year by the sorority. (TNT 5/8/1955, pg. D-6-article)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

A young woman stands in front of the pansy ring in a strapless Spring formal, during ceremonies sponsored by the Delta Delta Delta sorority of the College of Puget Sound. The Pansy Ring Tea honored all senior women at the College, but only engaged or recently married senior women stepped through the seven foot ring of pansies. Part of the festivities was a fashion show. (TNT 5/8/1955, pg. D-6)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

A young woman stands in front of the pansy ring in a Spring suit, during ceremonies sponsored by the Delta Delta Delta sorority of the College of Puget Sound. The suit is of a gingham check with a full skirt, peplum jacket, wrist length white gloves, wide brimmed hat, opened toed shoes and square dark handbag. The Pansy Ring Tea was an annual affair honoring senior women of the College. Engaged and recently married seniors will step through the seven foot ring of pansies as part of the ceremony. (TNT 5/8/1955, pg. D-6)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

A dark haired young woman stands in front of the pansy ring in a Spring suit, during ceremonies sponsored by the Delta Delta Delta sorority of the College of Puget Sound. She wears a dark linen look suit with a straight skirt and long top belted at the waist. A sprig of lilly of the valley is pinned at the hip height pocket and a picture hat and matching dark shoes and handbag complete the look. The third annual Pansy Ring Tea was held on the College campus. The tea honored all senior women, with engaged and recently married seniors stepping through the flower ring. (TNT 5/8/1955, pg. D-6)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

Delta Delta Delta sorority sisters from the College of Puget Sound have almost completed the giant ring of flowers for the Pansy Ring Tea ceremonies. The tea honors all senior women. Engaged and recently married seniors will be further honored by stepping through the seven foot ring of pansies. The sorority sisters wear dark sweatshirts adorned with the triple triangle logo of the Tri Deltas. (TNT 5/8/1955, pg. D-6)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

Delta Delta Delta sorority sisters from the College of Puget Sound pose with completed pansy nosegays for the Pansy Ring Tea ceremonies. Rheta Hill, at the far left, was the general chairman for the tea held in 1955 on the college campus. The tea would honor all senior women at the College, with special attention paid to engaged and recently married seniors. Invited to the tea are all senior women, fiancees, husbands, Mother's Club and Tri Delta alumnae of the Phi Zeta chapter, the mayor of Tacoma, faculty and CPS Board of Trustees. (TNT 5/8/1955, pg. D-6)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

The third annual Pansy Ring Tea took place at the College of Puget Sound on May 15, 1955. It was sponsored by the active members and alumnae of the Phi Zeta chapter of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. The tea honors senior women and is a tradition of nearly all Tri Delta chapters in the United States and Canada. The tea featured a style show, climaxed by a bridal party. All engaged and recently married seniors received special recognition. (TNT 5/8/1955, pg. D-6)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

Members of the Loyal Order of Moose as Seattle Sea Fair Pirates. As part of Tacoma's Fun Fair, on the evening of July 22, 1955 the pirates would raid downtown Tacoma and battle the Indians for control of the city. The city had been returned to the tribes at the opening of the Fun Fair. Posed with the pirates is the platinum blonde "official Indian princess of the Tacoma Fun Fair," Princess Ah-Pu-Yaki, otherwise known as Reina Dougherty. Reina was the granddaughter of George J. Dougherty, the first territorial judge of Washington and the interpreter for Ezra Meeker, founder of Puyallup. The love of the judge's life was Anne Dougherty, a mute Indian girl who was well educated and loved music. He traded a portion of land, now at the heart of South Tacoma, for an organ for her to play. The B& I ad loosely translates Reina's Indian moniker as "Heap Big Smoke but No Fire." Pirate kneeling in the front row second from left has a trick dagger through his head. (TNT 7/21/1955, pg. B-6 B& I advertisement)

Loyal Order of Moose (Seattle); Dougherty, Reina; Pirates; Indians of North America--Tacoma; Daggers & swords; Costumes;

Five men, members of the "Moose Night" baseball committee of the Tacoma Moose Lodge #435, look at a Washington Cheney Stud program at the Moose Club. They are making plans for boosting attendance at the ballgame Saturday night between the Washington Studs and the Spokane Indians. All Moose members are being summoned to root for hometown baseball. Seated are Don Hughes (with program) and E.R. (Jeep) Johnson. Standing, left to right, are Charles C. Mikelson, Don Stewart and Clyde Ruoff. (TNT 8/11/1955, pg. A-15)

Loyal Order of Moose, Tacoma Lodge 435 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Baseball--Tacoma--1950-1960; Washington Cheney Studs (Tacoma); Hughes, Don; Johnson, E.R.; Mikelson, Charles; Stewart, Don; Ruoff, Clyde;

Elks Club members read one of the many books collected on behalf of servicemen during their book collection drive on November 1, 1954. A sign behind the men indicates that "good current books" were wanted. The stacks of books seem to be a good sign that the collection drive was successful. Never Die the Dream, Requiem for a Redhead, and Upton Sinclair's A World to Win (1946) were just some of the donated books. By November 8, more than 3000 books were donated by the club's 5200 members. (TNT 11-8-54, p. 9)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Books; Signs (Notices);

A member of the Afifi Temple leads the color guard into the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on December 4, 1954, in the impressive grand entry ceremony. Behind the color guard march the Afifi Band led by a baton wielding drum major. The band is flanked by two sections of Shriners dressed in full regalia. 5000 Shriners wearing traditional red fezzes attended initiation and ceremonial meetings, including a special ceremony to honor Floyd C. Kinnear's 25 year span as recorder for the Afifi Temple. Eleven ceremonial units, such as the Afifi Temple Band, Afifi Temple Oriental Band, Gizeh Temple Patrol and Grays Harbor Shrine Club Patrol, participated in the weekend's events. (TNT 12-3-54, p. 1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Flags; Memorial Field House (Tacoma);

A packed house is on hand to view the Shriners from Afifi Temple in the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on December 4, 1954. Potentate John H. Galbraith, Jr., and his staff are to the foreground; long rows of Shriners wearing Masonic regalia extend to the fieldhouse doors. This was the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Tacoma's grand entry ceremony. 5000 Shriners from around the Northwest converged upon Tacoma to attend the semi-annual ceremonial and initiation of new members. In addition, Floyd C. Kinnear, recorder for Afifi Temple for the past twenty five years, was honored in special ceremonies. (TNT 12-3-54, p. 1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Uniforms; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Memorial Field House (Tacoma);

ca. 1979. The neon flying eagle identifies the home of the F.O.E. (Fraternal Order of Eagles,) Tacoma Aerie #3, 1305-07 Fawcett Ave., circa 1979. The structure was built in 1908 and the roof collapsed in 2007, prompting its demolition.

Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 3 (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma;

ca. 1979. Image appears to be a reflection image taken through the oustide of a window at the Old City Hall. Elks Temple, 565 Broadway, with its Spanish Steps on the left bakcground, circa 1979.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Photography--1970-1980;

Seven soldier members of the Salt Lake No. 85 Elks Lodge pose in front of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 on August 16, 1918. They are wearing military uniforms with most carrying flags. A large sign is held by two Elks "warning" others to "Watch Your Girls We're From Salt Lake No. 85." The soldiers represented their lodge during the 14th annual Washington State Elks convention held in Tacoma during August of 1918. They would march in the massive downtown parade along with Elks from lodges across the state and including several Montana Elks stationed at Camp Lewis. G68.1-109 (TDL 8-17-18, p. 7-article)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Salt Lake Lodge No. 85; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1910-1920; Signs (Notices); Guests--Tacoma--1910-1920;

Visiting Elks. The Everett Elks Band pose on the famous Spanish Steps next to the Elks Lodge, 565 Broadway, on August 16, 1918. A service flag with "In God We Trust" is lofted up high in the background. There was one gold star included which signified the loss of an Elks member in war. The Everett band was one of several in town for the 14th annual Washington State Elks convention which had opened on August 15th. The highlight of the convention was the massive downtown parade in which the bands and thousands of Elks marched. ( TNT 8-16-18, p. 1-article; TNT 8-17-18, p.2-article)

Stairways--Tacoma--1910-1920; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1910-1920; Bands--Tacoma--1910-1920; Marching bands--Tacoma--1910-1920; Guests--Tacoma--1910-1920;

ca. 1919. Knights of Columbus /Camp Lewis. The Knights of Columbus are a Catholic fraternal benefits organization that was incorporated in 1882. They had been involved in providing both spiritual and physical assistance to servicemen and women since before the Great War. This photograph, taken in the spring of 1919, shows a mixture of soldiers and civilian members at Camp Lewis. It may have been taken for the February 28, 1919, visit of Supreme Knight, James A. Flaherty. G70.1-003 (www.kofc.org- information on organization; TDL 2-26-19-, p. 2-article on Supreme Knight)

Knights of Columbus (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1910-1920; Camp Lewis (Wash.);

This photograph was taken on October 20, 1919 at a Homecoming celebration in the Castle Hall of the Knights of Pythias Commencement Lodge #7, Tacoma. The upstairs balconies are ringed with men and bear a sign introducing the "Live Wires from Puyallup Lodge No. 4(7?) Knights of Pythias. Spizzerink'tum'." A Spizzerinktum is a person who possesses initiative, vim, vigor and a will to succeed. The downstairs also has a large crowd of men, sitting on the floor, in chairs and standing. The brotherhood was established in 1864, during the Civil War, and is dedicated to a peaceful existence between men. BU-13103 , TPL-9636

Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1910-1920;

The Castle Hall at the Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7. Members of the fraternal organization are posed wearing Romanesque regalia. The robes illustrate the story of Damon and Pythias, on which the beliefs of the order are based. The order was founded on the principles of friendship, charity and benevolence. Built in 1906-1907 and carefully preserved, the Pythian Lodge is one of the most beautiful in the nation. The Lodge is currently on the city and national historical registry. TPL-1682, BU-12215, Boland #B3765

Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Acacia Fraternity members and guests enjoy an outing at Benbow Inn (Benbow Lakes Resort) on May 18, 1924. The national fraternity had been founded in 1904 by 14 Master Masons at the University of Michigan. Initially, membership in the Masonic Fraternity was required of all Acacia members and this would have been true at the time of this 1924 photograph. The national Acacia Fraternity still exists today but membership in the Masons is voluntary. (www.acacia.org) (print has been damaged)

Acacia Fraternity; Fraternal organizations; Benbow Lakes Resort (Kapowsin);

A large group of Acacia Fraternity members and their guests congregate in front of Benbow Inn (Benbow Lakes Resort) on May 18, 1924. The fraternity was then relatively new as it had been founded by Masons attending the University of Michigan in 1904. Local chapters quickly spread nationwide as men were attracted by the fraternity's scholastic and moral appeal. (print has been damaged)

Acacia Fraternity; Fraternal organizations; Benbow Lakes Resort (Kapowsin);

Tahmamaiwis, a Native American drama, was presented under the auspices of Tacoma Temple No. 58, Pythian Sisters, at Castle Hall on September 25, 1924. Castle Hall was located in the Knights of Pythias Commencement Lodge #7, 924-26 Broadway. The play was written by Mrs. Laura B. Downey Bartlett of Tacoma in what the Daily Ledger called the "inter-tribal" language. Examples of tribal baskets are also on display. G23.1-069 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 9-28-24, 6B)

Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Tacoma Temple No. 58, Pythian Sisters (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Members of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine posed for a group portrait on April 30, 1922. Better known as the Shriners from Afifi Temple, they were dressed in traditional uniform. A total of 139 uniformed nobles would be journeying to San Francisco by special train in June for the 48th annual imperial council session. That was expected to be one of the largest delegations in attendance. The Afifi Shriners were led by Frank D. Oakley, Tacoma attorney, who was elected in December of 1921 as the temple's leader or potentate. G23.1-081 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 6-4-22, 8-E)

Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Four members of the Afifi Shrine, wearing traditional costume and fezzes, posed outdoors on April 30, 1922. The group may have included attorney Frank D. Oakley of Tacoma, who was Afifi Shrine's potentate. G23.1-079

Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Five sailors from the USS Tennessee pose with four men in suits on October 13, 1922. Photograph is inscribed "Class #33" and "32 degree members." Photographer Boland's notes indicate that this is pertaining to the Scottish Rite. It is not clear whether the sailors are also members of the Masonic group or just the four other men. The Scottish Rite had been holding their fall reunion in Tacoma from October 10-13 to culminate in the conferring of the 32nd degree. 71.1-038

Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Sailors--1920-1930;

Informal portrait of Wesley Stone, Grand Commander of the Knights Templar of Washington. Grand Commander Stone was in Tacoma for the 1923 conclave of the Masonic group. Walter E. Carter of Vancouver, Washington, was chosen to succeed Mr. Stone as Grand Commander. Mr. Stone hailed from Spokane. (TDL 5-12-23, p. 3-article) (Although print is labeled "B7824," photographer Boland's notes indicate that the actual number is B7924)

Stone, Wesley; Knights Templar (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

On February 3, 1924, Eagles who were also employed by the McCormack Bros. department store posed for a group portrait in what is believed to be Eagles Hall, 1305-07 Fawcett Ave. The men, part of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, may have participated in a minstrels show.

Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 3 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Clubs--Tacoma--1920-1930; McCormack Bros.--Employees;

A long row of Shriners from Afifi Temple was photographed on January 24, 1925, alongside the (old) Governor's Mansion in Olympia. Heading the line are leading officials, including the Potentate, Scott Z. Henderson. 32 car loads of Shriners had arrived in Olympia on Saturday, January 24th, to pick up Governor Roland Hartley and his staff on their way to Vancouver (Washington) and Portland. The Shriners had first stopped at the (old) Governor's Mansion but soon found out that Gov. Hartley had already left for his executive office in the Insurance Building. A photograph was taken anyway of members lined up outside the mansion; the woman is believed to be Mrs. Hartley. G23.1-076 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 1-25-25, p. 1, 4A-article)

Fraternal organizations; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Henderson, Scott Z.; Mansions--Olympia; Capitols--Olympia; Houses--Olympia--1920-1930;