Elks Salmon Bake and water show. A long queue of people await their turns at the buffet table. The table is set up on a beach. The highlight of the 1956 Elks annual state convention, held in Tacoma, was the Saturday salmon bake. Ten native Americans, headed by Mrs. Mattie Matheson, baked 1,000 pounds of salmon over a beach fire. Five Indian dancers, led by Chief Rainbow aka Bill Young, performed. The Tacoma Outboard Association provided the water show with boats in intricate formations and water skiing maneuvers. The climax of the show was when all of the pleasure boats roared up onto the beach at 35 miles per hour. (TNT 6/10/1956, pg. 1)

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

ca. 1956. Back view of a skit performed for the Elks Banquet. The Elk members appear in long johns, sailor hats, black socks and shoes; dancing with feather fans. The backs of their union suits are emblazoned with numbers or the words city and lake. They are using the fans as a modest covering for their, or others, privates. For the first time in 30 years, 3,000 Washington state Elks and their wives descended on Tacoma for the 54th annual state convention June 14-16. Lots of social and business activities, plus some high-jinks were planned for their three day stay. Although the Elks were noted for their ability to have a good time, they also funded much needed social projects, such as mobile cerebral palsy treatment and training, the blood banks, traffic safety and civil defense. (TNT 6/10/1956, pg. 1)

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

In June of 1956 six unidentified Elks members wearing sailors' hats, union suits and garters performed a 1950s version of the "Full Monty" as part of the entertainment at the Elks convention banquet. Over 3,000 Elks and their wives were in Tacoma for the 54th annual state convention held June 14- 16, 1956. The convention host, Tacoma's Lodge #174, was the third largest in the nation with 5,600 members. Statewide, the fraternal organization had 56,000 members. (TNT 6/10/1956, pg. 1)

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

National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. Barbara (Mrs. Jerry M.) Sage is holding an empty jar to be used for collecting donations during the annual Mothers March for the March of Dimes Jan. 28, 1954. Her daughter Barbara Ellen Sage watches from the doorway. The Mothers March, under the direction of Mrs. Kenneth Finfrock, will wind up the March's month long campaign. The nationwide goal for the March of Dimes campaign was $75 million dollars. The funds from the campaign supported patient care, research, education and polio prevention. One third of all 1954 contributions in the drive were designated for prevention and the mass field trials of the new polio vaccine. The Mothers March was held Jan. 28th from 7p.m.- 8p.m. During this hour volunteers went door to door in every rural area, city & town in the county. Those who wished to contribute left their porchlight on or a lamp or candle in a front window. Apartment dwellers could also tie something to their doorknob. "Operation Porchlight" was an extremely successful fundraiser for the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. (TNT 1/22/1954, pg. 5 & 1/24/1954, pg. D-1)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Poliomyelitis--Prevention; National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (Tacoma); March of Dimes (Tacoma); Sage, Barbara; Sage, Barbara Ellen;

Copy of the customers' drawing. The Carpenters Union Hall, for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local #470 in Tacoma. Building designed by McGuire & Muri, Architects. Built in 1954, the building was opened in April of 1955. The contractor was Concrete Construction Co.

Carpenter's Union Local No. 470 (Tacoma); Architectural drawings;

Young children at Remann Hall smile as they happily accept the gift of a new television set from the Eagles. The handsome console was presented to Remann Hall on March 28, 1954. The juvenile home housed delinquent and dependent children from newborns to seventeen year olds. Many children had been placed there due to the deaths or illnesses of their parents.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Televisions--1950-1960; Detention facilities--Tacoma; Juvenile delinquents--Tacoma; Abandoned children--Tacoma; Remann Hall (Tacoma);

The Pansy Ring Tea was a Delta Delta Delta tradition at the College of Puget Sound. Each year the sorority would honor all senior women on campus with a special tea. The women did not have to be Greek-affiliated. A large ring of flowers would be erected at the site of the tea; in the spring of 1954, the tea was held at the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club. A young college student is demurely posed here in front of the Pansy Ring; she has on a small hat with veil, gloves, and a black purse to complement her black and white dress. (TNT 5-2-54, D-4)

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

A beautiful selection by A.R. Hieneman of Milton was just one of the many entries in the sixth annual rhododendron show sponsored by the Tacoma Chapter, American Rhododendron Society in May, 1954. The more than 100 varieties of rhododendrons displayed in the Bank of California lobby on Pacific Avenue attracted thousands of interested flower aficionados. There were also azaleas and a waterfall in the natural woodland setting. Carl P. Skoog was listed as the staging chairman. (TNT 5-12-54, B-1, TNT 5-16-54, A-2)

American Rhododendron Society, Tacoma Chapter (Tacoma); Rhododendrons; Flowers--Tacoma;

In September of 1956, the Tacoma Elks held their 10th Anniversary Salmon Derby. Over 1,000 Elks competed for $2,500 in prizes. At the awards ceremony Exalted Ruler Norbert E. Grove (far left) posed with the derby winners: (l to r) Dave Martin, 1st prize; Earl Blodgett, 2nd prize; and Ray Parker, 3rd prize. The man holding the small salmon at the far right is Emmett T. Anderson, Grand Exalted Ruler of the Elks. Mr. Martin caught his prize 21 lb. 10 oz. fish at the mouth of the Puyallup River. His prize was a new 16 ft. boat with trailer and insurance. Mr. Blodgett caught his 18 lb. 7 oz. fish trolling off the claybank and won a new television set. Mr. Parker had recently changed his fishing tackle and technique on the advice of a friend; he caught his winning salmon trolling off Crab Point in the Point Defiance area. Parker won a new 5 1/2 horsepower outboard motor. (TNT 9/4/1956 pg. 11, 9/7/1956 pg. 23, 9/10/1956, pg. 19) TPL-9849

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Salmon; Fishing; Grove, Norbert; Martin, Dave; Blodgett, Earl; Parker, Ray; Tottler, Parker H.;

An unidentified beaming little girl clutched a reindeer made of balloons at the Elks Club 1956 Christmas Day party for children. Another balloon creature, a dog, faced the child from a chair. Each year the Elks Club sponsored a Christmas party for children; in 1956, 800 children were sent invitations to attend the party at the Elks Lodge at 565 Broadway. A Christmas tree, candy, nuts and fruit plus entertainment were provided. The girl in the photograph is wearing a pretty flowered dress and her hair is neatly parted and held back with a shell clasp. Photograph ordered by the Elks Club. (TNT 12-18-56, p. 9)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1950-1960; Balloons--Tacoma;

The Washington Federation of State Employees, AFL-CIO, held their 16th annual convention at the Winthrop Hotel on May 18, 1957. Members listened to speakers discussing pertinent issues of adequate wages, a state merit system, and how a state employees union meets the problems of a changing administration. View of speaker and extended microphone at podium; there is a large circular logo "American Federation State County Municipal Employees AFL-CIO" on the back of the podium. A can of Walla Walla green peas is next to a pitcher of water. Photograph ordered by Washington Federation of State Employees. (TNT 5-18-57, p. 4)

Washington Federation of State Employees (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Members of the Afifi Shrine examine a book of tickets to sell for the Shrine "All Star" Circus, to be held at the College of Puget Sound fieldhouse April 9-12, 1953. They are all wearing fezzes with the Afifi logo imprinted on them. Second man to the right is believed to be Mayor John H. Anderson who was persuaded to buy the first book of tickets. Behind the men is a large cutout of a Afifi clown holding a sign filled with circus information. The eighth annual Shrine Circus would have Jerry Colonna, famed comic, as master of ceremonies. There would be six performances held over four days and would be open to the general public. Colonna was expected to ride atop the Shrine's circus calliope in the Daffodil Parade on April 11th. (TNT 3-22-53, A-4, TNT 3-28-53, p. 1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

The Annie D. Bucsko Orthopedic Guild met at the home of member Judith Messenger on May 14, 1953. Judith was the daughter of Ernest A. Messenger, vice president of Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association and resided at 611 No. Starr. The girls in this picture probably belonged to the Junior Guild which would have been composed of high school students in the area. All Junior Guilds had a parent guild to guide them and together would work to raise money for charitable causes. The Annie D. Bucsko Orthopedic Guide was a part of the Tacoma Orthopedic Association; the Tacoma Orthopedic Association was formed in 1921 and proved to be instrumental in establishing the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in 1955.

Tacoma Orthopedic Association (Tacoma); Annie D. Bucsko Orthopedic Guild (Tacoma); Group portraits; Messenger, Ernest A.--Homes & haunts;

Tacoma Rhododendron Society, Winthrop Motors display. Three men admire two rhododendron, burlap-wrapped shrubs in the DeSoto - Plymouth automobile dealership's showroom.

1967 Richards stock file. The venerable Elks Temple, 565 Broadway, stands empty in 1967. The membership of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174, had moved to a brand new temple at 1965 So. Union two years before. The building's famous Spanish steps are to the right of this August 2, 1967, photograph. A large monkey puzzle tree, next to the steps, reaches toward the building's roofline.

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Trees--Tacoma;

Zora Temple No. 5 members of the Daughters of the Nile organization posed with a wigged mannequin between them on October 7, 1967. Virginia Morgan and Darlyne Mazza were publicizing an upcoming Daughters of the Nile luncheon to be held at the Top of the Ocean on October 27, 1967. The wig was one of many wig fashions to be shown at Zora Temple's annual fall orthopedic luncheon. Proceeds from the luncheon were designated for materials which Nile sewing clubs used for articles to be sent to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children. Photograph ordered by Zora Temple No. 5, Daughters of the Nile. (TNT 10-22-67, D-14)

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Wigs; Mannequins; Morgan, Virginia; Mazza, Darlyne;

Two cute little girls, names not given, look very happy to be hugged by a jolly Santa at the American Legion's Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 and Opportunity & Development, Inc. Christmas celebration in December of 1967. Santa joined hundreds of children at the party which included a turkey and ham dinner, musical entertainment by the Stadium High School Band and Lincoln High School Chorale, and gifts and toys for all. Santa had made his arrival via one of Tacoma's fire engines. Originally scheduled at the Normanna Hall, the venue was changed to the Rhodes Post's 407 South G Street address when the guest list grew to 500 youngsters. 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; Santa Claus--Tacoma;

Daughters of Norway drill team. The 14-member Daughters of Norway drill team stand proudly in uniform on June 6, 1968, at Normanna Hall. They may have been part of the Embla Lodge No. 2, Daughters of Norway, which had a long tradition of drill teams. TPL-4454

Daughters of Norway (Tacoma); Drill teams; Uniforms;

Formal portrait of Benine Robertson in Job's Daughters regalia. Color photograph ordered by Ben Robertson, Federal Way.

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

Shriners from various clubs enjoyed a cruise on Commencement Bay as part of scheduled activities during the June, 1957, Pacific Northwest Shrine Association convention. The boat is packed with Algeria, Korein, Afifi, and Tehaha members plus spouses, all set to take advantage of the gorgeous weather. The well-dressed crowd all kept their hats on, including fezzes. Photograph ordered by Pacific Northwest Shrine Association.

Pacific Northwest Shrine Association (Tacoma); Tourists--Tacoma; Boats--Tacoma;

Mrs. Donald McLean and Mrs. Frank James, Jr., react with apparent surprise to Kenneth Fleming, who is holding two hand-puppets. The trio, part of the Boulevard Players, may have been rehearsing for a performance at the Unitarian Church at So. 12th & Bantz Blvd. on January 28, 1958. They will be presenting "The Toymaker" for the Saturday Explorers at Jones Hall on the campus of College of Puget Sound on February 8, 1958. The fantasy concerns two clowns who discover they are not exactly alike. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Art League. (TNT 2-2-58, D-11)

Tacoma Art League (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fleming, Kenneth;

The Labor Temple on Market St. was home to a variety of unions with each union having a designated room. Among the many unions were the Butcher Workmen Union Local #554, the Bakers Union Local #126, Bricklayers Union Local #1 and the Motor Coach Employees Union Local #758, in addition to the Pierce County Central Labor Council AFL-CIO and United Labor Advisory Committee of Pierce County. Formerly the Hiroshimaya Hotel, the Labor Temple was purchased in 1941 by the Labor Council and completely paid for by 1943. View of members of the Plumbers and Fitters Union Local #82 who met in Room 201 of the Labor Temple; on the wall near the men are signs from other unions. Photograph ordered by the Plumbers Union.

Labor unions--Tacoma; Plumbers & Fitters Union Local No. 82 (Tacoma); Labor Temple (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

Corsages are worn by the incoming and outgoing officers of the American Legion Auxiliary on August 2, 1958, as they posed for a group portrait in the Elks Temple. The woman seated to the extreme right lacks a corsage but wears a ribbon and name tag labeled "Greetings from Tacoma." All the women are dressed in white and wear dark narrow sashes. Mrs. Everett Eaton of Battleground, was elected as new department president, succeeding Mrs. Frank S. Evans of Sedro Woolley. In addition, twelve new district auxiliary presidents were chosen. $74,000, the amount earned through the sale of veteran made paper poppies, was spent by the auxiliary for rehabilitation of the veterans. Photograph ordered by the American Legion Auxiliary. (TNT 8-3-58, A-11)

American Legion Auxiliary (Tacoma); Veterans' organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Job's Daughters installation, ordered by Ellen Abbott. Family and friends look on as Queen Ellen Abbott, kneeling with flowers before her, participates in Job's Daughters ceremonies held at the Masonic Temple. She, along with an attendant, make up the foot of a living cross. Other young women, dressed in white ceremonial robes, clapse their hands in prayer. Sepia photograph was taken on December 13, 1958.

International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Abbott, Ellen;

Members of the Tacoma Ad Club show off their awards during luncheon at the Elks Club on October 21, 1964. Man seated in the center of the group holds a certificate given to the Cole Weber Advertising agency. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Ad Club.

Tacoma Advertising Club (Tacoma); Awards;

Orpheus Club. Director of the male chorus was Paul B. Oncley. The sole female is Vivian Venables, accompanist. The chorus was founded in 1903 in Tacoma. In the 1930's, membership in the chorus reached a high of 72 active participants. (History of Pierce County Washington, Vol. 1, p. 27- article)

Orpheus Club (Tacoma); Choirs (Music); Oncley, Paul B.; Venables, Vivian;

New Elks Temple dedication. An extremely large pair of shears, bedecked with ribbon, awaits ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the new Elks Temple dedication on September 3, 1965. (L-R) Grand Exalted Ruler R. Leonard Bush of Inglewood, California, Harry Potter, Tacoma Elks member, and H.A. Wollen, Exalted Ruler are posed, along with the scissors, behind the purple satin ribbon. They are standing beneath the cursive Elks signage. Mr. Potter, age 87, was a 42-year member of the Lodge No. 174 and had purchased the first building bond. When handed the scissors, he deftly snipped the ribbon so quickly that most photographers did not manage to catch him in action. Tacoma May Harold Tollefson, who was in attendance and had performed a number of ribbon cuttings himself, was reportedly green with envy at the speed and smoothness exhibited by Mr. Potter. (TNT 9-3-65, p. 1, TNT 9-4-65, p. 1)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Building dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Bush, R. Leonard; Potter, Harry; Wollen, H.A.; Scissors & shears; Signs (Notices);

Over 50 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha attended the luncheon held in the Capri Room of the Americana Motor Hotel at 242 Saint Helens Avenue on September 4, 1965. They were in Tacoma to attend the 36th Far Western Regional Conference of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority held on September 3 & 4, 1965. Sorority members from Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington attended the two day event. Mrs. Frank Russell, past president of the local Zeta Omega Omega Chapter was mistress of ceremonies. The Rev. Dr. John Adams, pastor at Seattle's First African Methodist Episcopal Church spoke on the theme "Advancement through Knowledge and Action". Founded in 1908 by women of Howard University, this national sorority endeavored to uplift the African-American community through leadership, service and scholarship. (TNT 9/1/1965 p.B-8) TPL-9152

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1960-1970; Group portraits;

Cheerleaders and yell kings from eleven local high schools, public and private, were among those represented at the Elks Club, 1965 So. Union Ave., on March 30, 1966. Many are wearing their school's uniforms. Also in attendance at the Elks weekly meeting were representatives from the schools' wrestling, baseball and track teams and coaches. Photograph ordered by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174. (TNT 3-31-66, C-8)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Cheerleading--Tacoma--1960-1970; Students--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Banners acknowledging the various public and private high schools in the Tacoma area are hung above a large group of students, including cheerleaders and yell kings, at the Elks Temple on March 30, 1966. Flanking the students are many prominent Elks including H.A. Wollen, Exalted Ruler. Athletes and pep squads from eleven Tacoma-area schools held an "old-fashioned pep rally" before 1000+ Elks at their weekly meeting. Photograph ordered by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174. (TNT 3-31-66, C-8)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Cheerleading--Tacoma--1960-1970; Students--Tacoma--1960-1970; Banners--Tacoma;