The Tacoma Chapter of Townsend Clubs of America had its State Headquarters located in the Bernice Building in downtown Tacoma at 1108 Pacific Avenue, room 506. View of Townsend Club members standing outside of Tacoma's Music Box Theatre, "When My Baby Smiles At Me" movie poster is hanging above group, the club members are wearing hats the read "Townsend", and their club banner is proudly displayed. In 1933, Dr. Francis E. Townsend proposed a government sponsored old age pension plan. During the Depression, his plan was supported by five thousand Townsend Clubs across the country, boasting five million members. Although never enacted, the support for his plan coerced Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt into supporting the Social Security Act in 1935. The Clubs were still thriving until 1950, when Social Security benefits finally exceeded welfare payments.

Clubs--Tacoma; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma; Meetings--Tacoma; Motion picture posters; Banners--Tacoma; Music Box Theatre (Tacoma); Townsend Clubs of America (Tacoma);

View of five unidentified Townsend Club members standing outside of Tacoma's Music Box Theatre in November of 1948. They are proudly wearing "Townsend" hats and displaying their club banner with the theater movie ticket window in background. The Townsend Plan called for a $200 a month pension for every retired person over 60. The Club's slogan was "work for youth and age for leisure." Support for the Townsend Plan fueled President Franklin D. Roosevelt's support for the Social Security Act. Townsend Clubs continued to be popular until 1950 when social security benefits finally overtook welfare payments.

Clubs--Tacoma; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma; Banners--Tacoma; Meetings--Tacoma; Motion picture posters; Music Box Theatre (Tacoma); Townsend Clubs of America (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);

Raymond Farr and John Anderson at desk for Elks Magazine, Elks Club, Jack Brouillard. Both men are reviewing the list of names of people registering for the Christmas Committee from 1946. Raymond Farr and John Anderson are helping make the 1948 Elks Stocking Fillers' annual Christmas benefit for Tacoma's under-privileged children a success. The activities this year include dinner for the blind and the annual Christmas morning party for children at the Elks Temple. (T.Times, 12/8/1948, p.2)

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

A trio of riders from the Woodbrook Hunt Club halted mid-ride on October 16, 1948 to pose for the Richards Studio photographer. The equestriennes were Miss Estelle Parsons on Honey, Ida (Mrs. B.M.) Antonsen on Bridget and Ruth (Mrs. H.A.) Briggs on Bombadier. (TNT 10/24/1948, pg. D-1)

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses; Horseback riding; Parsons, Estelle; Antonsen, Antonsen, Ida; Briggs, Ruth;

A quintet of riders, attired in English riding habits, were photographed on October 16, 1948 setting off for a ride from the clubhouse of the Woodbrook Hunt Club. The riders were, left to right, Mrs. J.C. Duryea on Super McKinney, Mary (Mrs. E.M.) Nyman on Highland June, Dr. Darrell H. Running on Tarra, Miss Marguerite Bonnell on Jeep and Mrs. William A. Ryan on Lady. (TNT 10/24/1948, pg. D1)

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses; Horseback riding; Nyman, Mary; Running, Darrell; Bonnell, Marguerite;

Lee L. Doud, one of the founders and the first president of the Woodbrook Hunt Club, posed in front of the clubhouse on October 16, 1948 with his palomino Bourbon Blue Dare. The Club originated in 1925 through the efforts of Mr. Doud and J.E. Mathews. In 1948, the Club divided its time between the summer rides, picnics and gymkhanas and the winter drag hunt. (TNT 10/24/1948, pg. D1)

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses; Horseback riding--Tacoma; Doud, Lee L.;

Men on horseback jumping hurdles during the Woodbrook Hunt Club's winter drag hunt. A. Burwood Kennedy is on the right riding "Jeep." Unseen is Cyrus Happy III, riding "Kay Boy," on the left. Both riders are wearing traditional riding garb and are riding English saddles. A drag hunt is where the riders follow behind the hounds; the animals following a scent that has been literally dragged along the ground. The hunt requires that the hunters and their mounts be able to follow at a good clip and jump. (TNT, 10/24/1948, p.D-1)

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses--Tacoma; Jumping (Horsemanship)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Saddles;

A. Burwood Kennedy (left) on "Jeep" and Cyrus Happy, III, on "Kay Boy" were photographed in October of 1948 while going over the jumps at the Woodbrook Hunt Club in Lakewood. Co-founded in May of 1926 by Thomas H. Bryan and Major J.E. Mathews, the club divides its year between the informality of summer rides, picnics and gymkannas and the winter "drag hunts," where riders stream across the prairies behind the club's hounds. Both Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Happy are wearing traditional riding garb and are riding English saddles. (TNT, 10/24/1948, p.D-1, 6/6/1976 p.D-1)

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses--Tacoma; Jumping (Horsemanship)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The Rudder Club held their first annual Football Formal on Saturday, October 2, 1948 in the Surf Room at the club, 735 Commerce St. The dance was limited to 100 persons. Members of the planning committee were, (l to r) Elizabeth L. (Mrs. Wendell) Duncan, Dorothy R. (Mrs. Larry) Huseby, F. Louise (Mrs. Victor) Vine, Mary E. (Mrs. Robert) Goodrich, and Everilda P. Shinn. The decorations for the dance followed a "football motif" with college pennants, goal posts, and "line markers". (TNT, 9/28/1948, p.5)

Rudder Club, Inc. (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Committees--Tacoma--1940-1950; Huseby, Dorothy R.; Vine, F. Louise; Duncan, Elizabeth L.; Goodrich, Mary E.; Shinn, Kay;

Committee for formal dance, Rudder Club, Keith Draper. The Rudder Club held their first annual Football Formal October 2, 1948, in the surf room of the club. Members of the planning committee are, left to right, Dorothy R. (Mrs. Larry) Huseby, F. Louise (Mrs. Victor) Vine, Elizabeth L. (Mrs. Wendell) Duncan, Mary E. (Mrs. Robert) Goodrich, and Kay W. Shinn. (T.Times, 9/28/1948, p.5)

Rudder Club, Inc. (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Committees--Tacoma--1940-1950; Huseby, Dorothy R.; Vine, F. Louise; Duncan, Elizabeth L.; Goodrich, Mary E.; Shinn, Kay;

Richards' Building. Known as 734-36 Pacific Avenue on the Pacific Avenue side of the building and 735 Commerce Street on the upper side of the building which housed the Rudder Club in 1948. The surface of the lower story is highly reflective surrounding corrugated metal. A neon sign hangs over the doorway. The upper level of the building has arched windows and an ornamented cornice.

Rudder Club, Inc. (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Buildings--Tacoma;

Several of the membership are taking an oath at an Eagles meeting in Olympia. Members hold up their right arms with their palms open. An older man in the front row holds his right arm with his left hand. Governor Mon C. Wallgren attended the meeting this evening.

Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia); Meetings--Olympia--1940-1950;

Several of the membership are taking an oath at an Eagles meeting in Olympia. Governor Mon C. Wallgren attended the meeting this evening.

Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia); Meetings--Olympia--1940-1950;

Governor Mon C. Wallgren visits the Olympia Eagles Lodge. Three members of the Eagles are seen with a book standing open on a stand between a American flag and a statue of an eagle holding scales in his beak.

Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia); Books; Flags--United States; Sculpture--Olympia;

25 girls attending banquet at Crawford's Delta Rho Gamma, Phyllis Brynestad. The Delta Rho Gamma sorority of Pacific Lutheran College held several reunions in the first week of September 1948 and on September 11th, Crawford's Sea Grill was the scene of a reunion banquet. Several of the young women would be going to different colleges in the fall and this was the last reunion before their departure. Miss Beulah Heidahl, new dean of women at PLC, was also introduced. The sorority women are seen here watching home movies. (TNT, 9/12/1948, p.D-1)

Delta Rho Gamma (Parkland); Fraternities & sororities--Parkland--1940-1950; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1940-1950; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1940-1950; Students--Parkland--1940-1950; Group portraits; Motion pictures;

Post #138, auxiliary and men in joint installation, American Legion Post #138. 14 women from the auxiliary pose in front of the stage at the American Legion Hall. Bessie Potter, in the center of the front row wearing a dark dress, was the new auxiliary president and Ann Dale, third from the right, was the first vice president. Each of them wears a corsage. They wear pretty dresses of the longer street length with necklaces, a brooch or earrings.

American Legion (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jewelry; Necklaces; Earrings; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Flowers--Tacoma; American Legion Auxiliary (Tacoma); Potter, Bessie; Dale, Ann;

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;

The first annual Poggie Club Izaak Walton League dog fish derby was held at Point Defiance on August 15, 1948. 24 boys and girls fished in the Father-Mother-Son-Daughter dog fish derby. They brought in 60 dog fish. Clyde Thornley, far left, caught the smallest fish, a 9" dog fish. Bill Schneider, second from the left had the largest catch with 14 fish. David Scott, in the Cub Scout uniform on the right, holds up his prize winning, largest fish caught a 35" dog fish. The boy on the stripped shirt is probably Bobby Scott Jr. He caught a 33" dog fish and won second prize. (T.Times, 8/16/1948, p.9; TNT, 8/16/1948, p.9)

Poggie Club (Tacoma); Children fishing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fish; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Beaches--Tacoma--1940-1950; Schneider, Bill; Scott, David; Thornley, Clyde;

Poggie Derby at Pt. Defiance Picnic Beach, Isaah Walton League, Erling Bergerson. 24 boys and girls fished in the Father-Mother-Son-Daughter dog fish derby held August 15, 1948, at Point Defiance Park. They brought in 60 dog fish. The Erling Bergerson and Bob Foz trophy and 1st prize went to David Scott with a 35" dog fish. Bobby Scott took 2nd place with a 33" dog fish. 3rd place went to Bill Schneider, 4th place to Raymond Cox and 5th place to Buzzy Cain. Two boys in the back row are holding up a ray as well as some of their dog fish. (T.Times, 8/16/1948, p.9) TPL-586

Poggie Club (Tacoma); Children fishing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fish; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Beaches--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Many Tacoma Master Builders Association members enjoyed the Spike Banquet at the Top of the Ocean on November 16, 1954. Seated are Ed Miller, Gordon Korsmo, and Walter Witte. Standing are Robert Cowden, Leo Nelson, two unidentified women, Don Murphy and Art Manley. Del Belfoy was absent in this sepia photograph. Of interest to the membership is a large banner behind the group promoting the N.A.M.B. convention and exposition in Chicago the following January

Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Group portraits;

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);

Newly elected officers for 1955 of the Tacoma Master Builders Association pose at the Tacoma Athletic Commission's headquarters on December 3, 1954. Art Manley, president, is shown pounding his beribboned gavel, the Master Builders hammer. Smiling broadly with Manley are Bob Good and Walter Witte. Also enjoying the camaraderie are (standing) Ralph Peltier, Howard Wilson, Gordon Korsmo, and Del Belfoy. Sepia photograph ordered by Tacoma Master Builders Association. (TNT 12-8-54, C-5)

Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma);

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);

Seventeen members, most of them women, of the Cooks, Waiters, Waitresses & Bartenders Local #61 posed for a November 21, 1954, photograph, at union headquarters. The union had purchased the building at 1130 Commerce St. several years ago so that members might have a comfortable place to conduct meetings and enjoy social interaction.

Labor unions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cooks, Waiters, Waitresses & Bartenders Union Local No. 61 (Tacoma); Group portraits;

Members of the Tacoma chapter, Washington Association for Retarded Children attach a "Help Mentally Retarded Children" nametag on Emmett Anderson of Anderson Printing Co. on November 11, 1954. November 14-23 was designated as National Retarded Children's Week and it is possible that Anderson Printing was responsible for printing the brochures and posters. The Tacoma chapter was sponsoring the eighth annual carnival in support of the Washington Association for Retarded Children to be held on November 20th at the Laborer's Hall. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Dyer and Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow Burford were co-chairmen. Funds raised at the carnival would be used for holiday treats and birthday parties for the Rainier State School children, many of them orphans who would not be able to enjoy such entertainment without the Association's support. Photograph ordered by Washington Association of Retarded Children, Tacoma Chapter. (TNT 10-6-54, A-4)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, Emmett T.; Washington Association for Retarded Children, Tacoma chapter (Tacoma);

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);

View of Market St, taken on September 15, 1954. Across the street from the future home of United Pacific Insurance Co. was the Young Men's Christian Association. Designed by architects Bullard & Hill, it was built and completed by R.B. Teeter in 1909. It was dedicated in October, 1909, completely paid for. Neighboring businesses included Spillman Insurance, Tribune Cleaners, Tribune Barber Shop, JT's Tavern and further down the street, B & B Glass. Photograph ordered by Comfort, Davis & Blangy. TPL-8749

Young Men's Christian Association (Tacoma); Commercial streets--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A member, believed to be Harold Lent, of the Woodbrook Hunt Club holds onto the reins of his horse on October 10, 1954. He is wearing hunting habit with a long jacket and cap. Woodbrook was one of the few hunting clubs in the country that maintained its own pack of hounds. This photograph would have been taken prior to the first hunt of the season. Bob Seney, huntsman, would be leading the pack. Harold Lent, president of the club, will lead the field as field master. (TNT 10-9-54, p. 5)

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Lakewood--1950-1960;

Members of the Edward Rhodes Post No. 2's Last Man Club met for their annual reunion banquet in the Rhodes Memorial Hall on November 12, 1954. Honored attendees were past commanders of the American Legion post who served in WW1. Ten flags are draped over empty chairs in front of the group of men, to honor those commanders who had passed away. A special guest from California was expected to be Frederick J. Shaw, the first commander of Post #2 in 1919, who would be attending the reunion for the first time. The post's Last Man Club was founded in 1937. (TNT 11-7-54, D-15)

American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flags--United States; Last Man Club (Tacoma);