A member of the Young Men's Business Club auxiliary, believed to be Nancy Hubbert, gestures gracefully as she prepares to model in the March, 1953, YMBC luncheon and style show held at the Lakewood Terrace. She is dressed in a taffeta-style calf length dress, with formal gloves and open toe shoes. A small hat with large net bow and veil along with a cloth flower completes her ensemble. A fur coat is lying on the couch nearby. (TNT 3-10-53, p. 12)

Young Mens Business Club, Womens Auxiliary (Tacoma); Fashion shows--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fashion models--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Posing;

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 Tacoma Elks Club held their annual Extravaganza in the spring of 1953. Elks members owned many businesses in Tacoma; view of billboard with signs listing individual member-owned businesses, many signs have caricatures. The largest sign is that of Jack Roberts, co-owner of Narrows Marina.

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

Elks Club installation of new Exalted Ruler. Group of men seated at banquet tables in this photograph dated April 1, 1953. Among those officials standing at rear is Burr (Burritt B.) Anderson who had been elected as the club's new exalted ruler. He is second to the left, next to his father Emmett T. Anderson (third from left) who was a past Grand Exalted Ruler and served as Lt. Governor of the State of Washington 1953-57. According to the News Tribune, Lt. Gov. Anderson was the installing officer, making it the first time in history that a national officer of the Elks had installed his son in the presiding position of a local organization. About 600 Elks members saw the induction. Burritt Anderson succeeded John S. Roberts (standing, third from right) as head of the Tacoma Elks Lodge No. 174. (TNT 4-2-1953, C-4, photograph of the two Andersons)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Men--Clubs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, Burritt B.; Anderson, Emmett T.; Roberts, John S.;

A few Spinster Club members and guests pose at the club's annual Dixie Ball held in the Greenwood Manor on May 2, 1953. The ladies are dressed in long evening gowns while the men have traditional suits and ties. Magnolia blossoms, cotton trees and rustic dolls were used as decorations for the gala event. (TNT 5-8-1953, B-4-other photos of guests at dance)

Spinster Club (Tacoma); Dances--Tacoma--1950-1960; Evening gowns--Lakewood--1950-1960;

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

Tacoma Rhododendron Society display at Winthrop Motor Company. May was a prime month for rhododendrons. The Winthrop Motor Company, Plymouth and DeSoto dealers, graciously allowed their showroom to be filled with rhododendron displays courtesy of the Tacoma Rhododendron Society. Rhodys, of various colors and sizes, were planted in a natural setting with a wood fence and borders. 1953 DeSoto advertising displays remained hanging from the showroom's ceiling.

Tacoma Rhododendron Society (Tacoma); Rhododendrons; Flower shows--Tacoma--1950-1960; Winthrop Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A large gathering of the Pierce County Practical Nurses Association met at the Woman's Club House on May 14, 1953. The Woman's Club House was located at 426 Broadway and was the former residence of Isaac Anderson; it had previously been occupied by the University Club. The practical nurses listened to a speech by Dr. Scott Jones. The superintendents of nurses for several hospitals, including Northern Pacific, Washington Minor, Pierce County, and Mountain View Sanatorium, and the president of the State Association of Practical Nurses were among the dignitaries present. Mrs. Justine Palmer, president of the local association, was the mistress of ceremonies. Photograph ordered by Louise McMillan. (TNT 5-10-53, D-10)

Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Nurses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Woman's Club House (Tacoma);

The Pierce County Practical Nurses Association met at the Woman's Club House on May 14, 1953, and enjoyed a delicious banquet. Spring flowers and lighted blue tapers decorated the tables. Dr. Scott Jones was the principal speaker that evening. Honored guests included the superintendents of nurses for several local hospitals and the president of the State Association of Practical Nurses. The gathering occurred in the historic former residence of Isaac Anderson, built in 1890, and formerly occupied by the University Club. Photograph ordered by Louise McMillan. (TNT 5-10-53, D-10)

Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Nurses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Woman's Club House (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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;

The Tacoma Master Builders Association was a group of area contractors and others in the building industry whose members were proud of their quality workmanship. As the sign in their 1953 Tacoma Home Show booth indicated, if a home was built by a Master Builder, it was "The Sign of Good Construction." Each year they sponsored the Greater Tacoma Home Show, held at the College of Puget Sound's Fieldhouse, to demonstrate to the growing homeowner public new styles in construction, landscaping and furnishings. In 1953, over 100 exhibitors took part in the Home Show, held on May 20-24th. The Master Builders also built a home annually whose location was kept secret until just before the show opened. Del Belfoy was the 1953 president of the association. View of Tacoma Master Builders Association booth; includes star bunting surrounding booth with architectural models of homes and photographs of members' construction above.

Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

John Rudy, member of the Young Men's Business Club and longtime head pro at Fircrest Golf Course, is apparently giving a lesson to a young lady on May 29, 1953. He is carefully positioning the head of the club directly behind the ball. She appears to be getting ready to putt the ball so the correct placement of the club and a proper stance would be necessary. The upper putting green just outside the clubhouse was said to be one of the best practice putting greens in the Pacific Northwest. It was eliminated when the current clubhouse was built in 1995. (Additional identification and information provided by a reader)

Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Golf--Fircrest--1950-1960; Golfers--Fircrest--1950-1960; Rudy, John; Clubhouses--Fircrest--1950-1960;

Moose Lodge, 3 musicians. Ordered by Bill Miller

Loyal Order of Moose, Tacoma Lodge 435 (Tacoma); Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960; Stringed instruments; Pianos;

Group of 7 under A.F. of L. banner. Hodcarriers & building laborers.

Labor unions--Tacoma--1950-1960; American Federation of Labor (Tacoma); Group portraits--1950-1960; Building Laborers & Hod Carriers Union Local No. 252 (Tacoma);

In September of 1953, Tacoma's board of business representatives for AFL unions was photographed in front of the doors of the Labor Temple, 1355 Market Street. The labor group, which met every Wednesday for a luncheon gathering, was one of the only organizations of its kind for exchanging information and the promotion of common interests of union workers. The man seated in the front row, third from the left, is Harry S. McIlvaigh, the long time secretary-treasurer of the Tacoma Labor Council for whom McIlvaigh Middle School is named. (T.N.T. 9/4/1953, p. C5- see picture for names & C-3)

Labor unions--Tacoma; Group portraits; Labor Temple (Tacoma);

Members of Tacoma Lodge 435, Loyal Order of Moose ride on a float entered in Tacoma's parade to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Washington Territory. The Tacoma Moose lodge was chartered in 1911 with the initiation of 800 members. In 1917, the group moved to new quarters at 737 Commerce Street to accommodate their growing membership. With a focus on youth, the organization, in 1953, supports Mooseheart, Illinois, the world-famous child city of the Loyal Order of Moose whose principal citizens are children ranging from babies through high school age.

Fraternal organizations; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anniversaries--Washington Territory; Loyal Order of Moose, Tacoma Lodge 435 (Tacoma); Centennial celebrations--Tacoma;

Central Labor Council presentation of chair. An unidentified member of the labor council shakes hands with a young woman on October 5, 1953 while a young man stands next to her. The names of the couple were not listed. The Tacoma Central Labor Council was chartered by the A.F. of L. in 1907. It listed 100 affiliated organizations.

Central Labor Council (Tacoma); Chairs; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

Members of the Yacht Club pose with their day's catch for the Tribune's Fall Sportsman layout. Pictured with their prize salmon are, left to right, Herbert Syford, Gershom Rowland, Joseph Henderson, Charlotte Rowland (seated), Edith Henderson (seated), Joyce Syford, Mrs. Roy Dingman and Roy A. Dingman. (TNT 10/18/1953, pg. D-1)

Clubs--Tacoma; Yachts--Tacoma; Tacoma Yacht Club (Tacoma); Fishing--Washington; Salmon--Washington; Syford, Herbert; Rowland, Gershom; Henderson, Joseph; Rowland, Charlotte; Henderson, Edith; Dingman, Roy A.;

Chi Omega alumnae group at the New Yorker Cafe. The national sorority of Chi Omega added a new chapter at the College of Puget Sound in October of 1953. It was the 115th chapter of the sorority, founded April 5, 1895 at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The day began with the initiation of 75 collegiate and alumnae members of the local group Delta Alpha Gamma into the Tau Epsilon chapter of Chi Omega. The initiation ceremony was held at the Tacoma Lawn & Tennis Club. The celebration concluded with a formal banquet held at the New Yorker Cafe for the initiates, alumnae and out of town members. (TNT 10/15/1953, pg. C-7, TNT 10/20/1953, pg. A-10)

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Alumni & alumnae--Tacoma; Evening gowns--Tacoma; New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Chi Omega (Tacoma); College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

Posed around the table laden with Christmas decorations and appetizers at the University Union Club are, left to right, Linda Ross, Eleanor Dickman, Robin Ross, Kay Kelly, Diana Davis, Jill Davis and Charlotte Rowland. Ordered by the Tacoma News Tribune. The UU Women's Christmas Tea was scheduled for December 11th, 1953 from 3-5p.m. The tea had a silver Christmas motif. The day dawned darkly, but rainy skies did not dampen the atmosphere at the candlelit tea. Mrs. Dickman and Rowland poured while the girls served. (TNT 12/9/1953, pg. B-8)

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Buffets (Cookery)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ross, Linda; Dickman, Eleanor; Ross, Robin; Kelly, Kay; Davis, Diana; Davis, Jill; Rowland, Charlotte;

In December, 1953 four officers of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Tacoma Aerie #3, put the finishing touches on the enormous tree that was to be the center of attention at the Eagle's annual Christmas party for children. The tree stands on a corner of the stage at the Eagle Temple at 1305-07 Fawcett Ave. Watching from the foot of the stage are (l to r) Bob West, secretary, and Frank M. Kellogg, president. On the ladder, from the bottom up, are Maurice Hume, inside guard; Frank J. Charleston, Christmas committee chairman; and Joseph Thornley and Earl Butcher, Trustees. (TNT 12/17/1953, pg. A-13)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 3 (Tacoma); Christmas decorations; West, Bob; Kellogg, Frank M.; Hume, Maurice; Charleston, Frank J.; Thornley, Joseph; Butcher, Earl;

American Institute of Architects, Southwest Washington Chapter, in the Wedgewood Room at the Winthrop Hotel. Most Tacoma and Seattle architects are pictured here, some with spouses. In the foreground of the picture, left to right, are Si Nelson, Percy Ball, Rod O'Hiser, Marshall Perrow, James Wilson and future mayor Gordon Johnston. Seated on the right side of the room, directly under the palm tree wall decoration are Hubert and Betty Bisson. Mr. Bisson was an architect, and later associate, for the well-known Tacoma firm of Lea, Pearson & Richards. Mr. Bisson worked for them for over 20 years until his death in 1971. He designed many of Tacoma's banks and schools for the firm. (for more detailed name information, please see name chart accompanying picture in Richards files) (Additional information provided by a reader)

American Institute of Architects, Southwest Washington Chapter (Tacoma); Architects; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Bisson, Hubert; Bisson, Betty; Johnston, Gordon N.; Nelson, Silas E.; Ball, Percy G.; O'Hiser, Rod; Perrow, Marshall; Wilson, James;

ca. 1953. Group of men, a branch of Freemasons. No background information is available on this group portrait. Regalia most closely resembles that of the Royal Arch Masons. However, the Scottish Rite would be honoring 11 members at the Masonic Temple during November of 1953. The event was the Ceremonial of Investiture for new Knight Commanders of the Court of Honor of the Scottish Rite. The ceremony was only held every second year. All 32nd degree Masons were invited to witness the ceremony. (TNT 11-29-1953, A-9)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Daughters of the Nile, group of 24 plus 6 dancers. The Zora Temple of the Daughters of the Nile had scheduled their winter ceremonial for Jan. 9th, Saturday afternoon, at 2:00p.m. It was held in the Gothic Room of the Masonic Temple. The room was decorated with oriental lamps and rugs, furnished by Harry Kirishian for the event. A large class of candidates was initiated. Oriental dancers presented a ceremonial dance with the patrol as escort and the Nile Chorus furnished music. The event was followed by a banquet in the Crystal Ballroom of the Winthrop Hotel. (TNT 1/4/1954)

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);

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;

Camp Fire Girls preparing for upcoming summer fun camping out under the stars. They are practicing camping techniques right in the comfort of their home. One of the items being practiced is the proper tucking in procedure for a sleeping bag. Mrs. Ralph Anderson puts away the dinner dishes while Mary Lynn Anderson, a Camp Fire Girl from Mason School, tucks her sister Kris, a Blue Bird, into her sleeping bag. Mrs. Anderson was the sponsor for the Blue Bird group and the chairman of the booth and organizational sale of chocolate mints. The sale of the mints was intended to generate funds for the development of the Tacoma Camp Fire Girls campsite near Longbranch. (TNT 1/31/1954, pg. D-1) TPL-8618

Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Girls--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, Mary Lynn; Anderson, Kris; Camping--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Marilyn Keil, Mrs. Jennie B. Gregg and Ronna Mage posed for the camera with the chocolate covered mint candies sold in February of 1954 as a fund raiser for the Camp Fire Girls' organization. Marilyn was a "Bluebird" from the Washington school district, one of the younger members of the organization. Ronna Mage was a Camp Fire girl from Downing School and wore the organization's campfire logo on her beanie. More than 1,300 Camp Fire Girls and Bluebirds in the Tacoma area hit the streets for the 6th annual candy sale beginning February 5th and continuing through the 22nd. Funds raised were used to complete the purchase of a camp for the organization near Longbranch. Mrs. Gregg was the general chairman for the sale. (TNT 1-24-1954, pg. A-11) TPL-9271

Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gregg, Jennie B.; Keil, Marilyn; Mage, Ronna;

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;

In February of 1954 Frank Kellogg (seated at desk, center), the president of Tacoma Eagles Aerie 3 and the Eagles "Desperado" committee were planning their welcome for Eagles state president Ed Stanley. George Chihuly (far right) was promoting the idea of a full blown western style greeting - with pistols drawn. The state president was scheduled to visit Tacoma on February 26th to speak on "Eagledom and the rebirth of Fraternalism". The other wild west bad guys standing in the back are (left to right) Frank Powser, George Thomas, unidentified man, Dr. V. Webb and Earl Robinson. (TNT 2/21/1954, pg. A-12)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 3 (Tacoma); Kellogg, Frank M.; Chihuly, George; Robinson, Earl M.; Powser, Frank; Thomas, George; Webb, V.;

Three women and a blonde lass model the latest fashions for the Young Mens Business Club, Womens Auxiliary. Their annual fashion show would be held March 4th at the Top of the Ocean. It would include a luncheon and style show. Pictured left to right are Ellen (Mrs. Raymond) Magnuson- co-chairman, Madeline (Mrs. Peter) Pelegruti, Merilee Marie Magnuson- both models, and Billie (Mrs. Arthur) Paulson- co-chairman. (TNT 2/21/1954, pg. D-4)

Young Mens Business Club, Womens Auxiliary (Tacoma); Fashion shows--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Magnuson, Ellen; Pelegruti, Madeline H.; Magnuson, Merilee Marie; Paulson, Billie;