Elks Club members with 25 years of service or longer were being honored by the club on January 26, 1949. Cecil Walrath, Elks Exalted Ruler, stated the club would be honoring over 400 men. "Old Timers" would march to the lodge room and after a short business section, a two hour entertainment program would begin. The program would include a professional vaudeville show, Elks band performances and surprises. View of ten Elks Club members all of whom may be officers of the club. First row, second from left is John H. Anderson, future mayor of Tacoma; third from left is Cecil Walrath, second from right is Lloyd L. Wynans and at extreme right is Harold Duncan. At far right, standing, is Erling O. Johnson, longtime secretary. Also standing, second from left, is believed to be John S. ("Jack") Roberts. Mr. Roberts would be elected exalted ruler of the Tacoma Elks in 1952. He was then the city's public works commissioner. (T. Times, 1/24/49, p. 2).

Commemoration--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Anderson, John H.; Walrath, Cecil; Wynans, Lloyd L.; Johnson, Erling O.; Duncan, Harold;

Tacoma's Elks Club would be installing their new club officers for 1949-1950. Edwin J. Alexander, past president for the State Elks Association, would be the installing officer. View of John Anderson (center), newly appointed Grand Exalted Elk's ruler, coming out of a stage prop featuring his contracting company (T.N.T., 4/5/49, p. 20).

Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Stage props; Mascots; Inaugurations--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Anderson, John H.;

Tacoma's Elks Club's new officers included: John Anderson as their new Grand Exalted Ruler; Lloyd Wynans, Leading Knight; Harold L. Duncan, Loyal Knight; Jack Roberts, Lecturing Knight; E. O. Johnson, Secretary; Walter Liggett, Treasurer; Swan Johnson, Tiler; and Russ Michael, Trustee. View of John H. Anderson (left), newly appointed Elk's Grand Exalted Ruler (T.N.T., 4/5/49, p. 20).

Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Stage props; Mascots; Inaugurations--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Anderson, John H.;

John H. "Big John" Anderson (right) was the newly selected Exalted Ruler of the Tacoma Elks Lodge for 1949-1950. He is pictured above accepting the gravel from his predecessor, Cecil Walrath, on April 5, 1949. Mr. Anderson, a well known Tacoma building contractor, was installed in impressive ceremonies headed by Edwin J. Anderson, past president for the State Elks Association. John Anderson had a bright career ahead of him: he was elected mayor of Tacoma twice and served as school board president three times. An avid sportsman and noted civic leader, Mr. Anderson passed away in November of 1974. (TNT 4/5/49, p. 20-article; TNT 4-7-49, C-7).

Anderson, John H.; Walrath, Cecil; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Inaugurations--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Tuxedoes;

Tacoma's Elks Club was having their annual "Extravaganza" event. This year's show would include a short concert by the Elks band, ten all-Elks acts, and a minstrel show. All benefits from the show would be used to help send the local Elks Band to the Grand Lodge Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. The newly appointed Elks Exalted Ruler, John H. Anderson would give the welcome address for the "Extravaganza". Names appear in newspaper (T.N.T., 4/26/49, p. 5).

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Cross dressing--Tacoma; Female impersonators--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Tacoma's Elks Club was having their annual "Extravaganza" event in 1949. This year's show would include a short concert by the Elks Band, ten all-Elks acts, and a minstrel show. All benefits from the show would be used to help send the local Elks Band to the Grand Lodge Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. The newly appointed Elks Exalted Ruler, John H. Anderson would give the welcome address for the "Extravaganza." View of poster that was used to advertise the big event (T.N.T., 4/26/49, p. 5).

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma--1940-1950; Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Theatrical posters; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Lambda Sigma Chi and Pi Tau Omega were co-hosting the annual spring formal at the Elks Temple on May 14, 1949. Members, pledges and alumni were invited to attend "A Night in Shanghai." Betsy Ann Huhn and Herbert Wayrynen (at left) and Lorna Hill with Bill Clem (foreground) were just two of the couples dancing and enjoying the evening. (TNT 5-22-1949, D-10)

Ballroom dancing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Balls (Parties)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lambda Sigma Chi (Tacoma); Pi Tau Omega (Tacoma); Elks Temple (Tacoma); Hill, Lorna; Clem, Bill; Huhn, Betsy Ann; Wayrynen, Herbert;

John H. Anderson, Exalted Ruler of the Tacoma Elks and future Mayor, holds a big salmon for another man to measure in front of the Elks Temple on Broadway. Third man holds some smaller fish. ALBUM 14.

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

The Elks Club was ready for their third annual salmon derby in September of 1949 and the public was invited to register for the big fishing event. Prizes would be awarded to the fishermen with the largest salmon. View of publicity photo used to promote the Elks' salmon derby; left to right: Andy Johnson with a 35 pound salmon, George J. McCarthy and Fran Skinner (T.N.T., 9/8/49, p. 24).

Salmon; Fishing; Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Johnson, Andy; McCarthy, George J.; Skinner, Fran;

Tacoma Elks Club was welcoming their past exalted ruler, Emmett T. Anderson, back home in late September of 1949. The club members had many activities planned for the national leader; Anderson had just visited lodges in the East and South, and was visiting the Tacoma lodge on official business. View of Elks members welcoming their past exalted ruler, Emmett T. Anderson (left), back to his home lodge; names appear in newspaper. Among those present were future Tacoma mayor John H. Anderson and Public Safety Commissioner Robert S. Temme. (T.N.T., 10/2/49, p. A-12).

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Social life--1940-1950; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Anderson, Emmett T.; Anderson, John H.; Temme, Robert S.; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Elks Club. Members of the Elks are starting work on their 1949 Elks Stocking Fillers' annual Christmas benefit for Tacoma's under-privileged children. Three men review a long list of names of those Elks who have already signed up to work on the project.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950;

John H. Anderson, on right, presents the gavel to Lloyd L. Wynans, the newly elected Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174. The installation ceremony for the new officers was one of the biggest nights on the organization's calendar. For the first time in sixty years, the ceremony was officiated by the Grand Exalted Ruler of the B.P.O.E., Emmett T. Anderson. ALBUM 14.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Wynans, Lloyd L.; Anderson, John H.; Gavels;

New officers for 1950-1951 are shown at the Elks Temple. Emmett T. Anderson, Grand Exalted Ruler, is hanging an insignia around the neck of Lloyd L. Wynans as he was installed as the new exalted ruler of Tacoma lodge. Others installed were Harold L. Duncan, leading knight; John S. Roberts, loyal knight; Burritt B. Anderson, lecturing knight; Erling O. Johnson, secretary; Walter E. Liggett, treasurer; Swan Johnson, tiler; Sterling Carmichael, trustee. Ordered by Erling Johnson. (TNT, 4/5/1950, p.4)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Anderson, Emmett T.; Wynans, Lloyd L.; Johnson, Erling O.; Duncan, Harold; Anderson, Burritt B.;

The Community Chest "Kick-off" dinner was held at the Elks Ballroom on October 1, 1950. The annual dinner preceded the official start of the volunteer campaign; the Community Chest wanted to raise funds for the support of 21 Red Feather agencies. Over 1200 workers were involved in the Community Chest campaign; many of whom attended the event. View of several guests at the dinner; Brig. Gen. LeRoy H. Watson, commanding general of Fort Lewis, is believed to be on the far right. Governor Arthur B. Langlie delivered the main address. The goal of the Community Chest was to raise $372,142 by October 23rd. (TNT 10-1-50, p. 1, TNT 10-4-50, p. C-2)

Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A crowd of excited children gather around a member of the Tacoma Elks dressed as a clown during the 1950 Children's Christmas party at the Elks Temple sponsored by the Elks Stocking Fillers. 750 children attended the annual party in Tacoma where they received gifts purchased with donations. Five children from the Hall family are to the right of the clown: Joann, Ronnie, Connie, Gary and at far right, Nora. Free bus transportation was provided. A large contingent of Korean War veterans were also present. (TNT 12-23-50, p. 3-article) (Additional identification provided by a reader) TPL-10156

Community service--Tacoma--1950-1960; Christmas--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Children--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clowns; Hall, Joann; Hall, Ronnie; Hall, Connie; Hall, Gary; Hall, Nora;

New officers were installed at the Tacoma Lodge of Elks for 1951-1952 May 5, 1951, at an impressive ceremony under the direction of the past exalted rulers. The new exalted ruler was Harold L. (Bud) Duncan. Other officers were John S. Roberts, leading knight; Arthur J. Emery, lecturing knight; E.O. Johnson, secretary; Walter E. Leggett, treasurer; Arthur Stolen, trustee; and Swan Johnson, tiler. (TNT, 4/6/1951, p.C-7)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Inaugurations--Tacoma;

In honor of Flag Day 1951, the Tacoma Elks held special services at their Lodge at 565 Broadway. Preparing for the rites were, L-R, Erling O. Johnson, secretary and speaker for the occasion; Harold L Duncan, exalted ruler; and Burritt B. Anderson, Loyal Knight and Flag Day chairman. The centerpiece for the ceremony was a replica based on Joe Rosenthal's famous photograph of the flag raising on Iwo Jima during World War II. The observance of Flag Day originated with the Elks organization in 1907. In 1949, President Woodrow Wilson, himself a member of the Elks, made June 14th a day of national observance for that symbol of our country. Photograph ordered by the Elks. (TNT, 6/13/1951, p.9; www.elks.org)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Anderson, Burritt B.; Johnson, Erling O.; Duncan, Harold;

The Fairyland and Christmas Parade for children, November 29, 1935. Stadium High School's Marching band on Broadway in front of the Elks' Temple, 565 Broadway. Union Club of Tacoma, 539 Broadway, in the background. The Stadium marching band led the third quadrant of the parade, followed by the Humpty Dumpty float, the Old Lady who lived in a shoe and clowns and the paraders wearing grotesque heads. (T. Times 11/28/1935, pg.1; 11/29/1935, pg.1; 11/30/1935, pg. 9)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Marching bands; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Elks Temple (Tacoma);

1935 Fairyland and Christmas Parade. Float carrying Humpty Dumpty and all the Kings Men (soldiers) on Broadway in front of the Elks' Temple. Parade officials run alongside the float. The parade was sponsored by the Broadway and Pacific merchants to kick off the Christmas Shopping season. This was the second annual parade, held the day after Thanksgiving. (T. Times 11/28/1935, pg.1; 11/29/1935, pg.1; 11/30/1935, pg. 9)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Elks Temple (Tacoma); Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940;

The Tacoma merchants on Broadway and Pacific Avenues sponsored the second annual Fairyland and Christmas Parade for Children which was held on the day after Thanksgiving, 1935. The first float in the parade carried Santa in a well packed sleigh pulled by two snow white reindeer. Starting near the Elks Temple at 565 South Broadway, the parade traveled down Broadway, turned east at South 13th Street and then proceeded north on Pacific. The parade signalled the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. (T. Times 11/28/1935, pg.1; 11/29/1935, pg.1; 11/30/1935, pg. 9)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940; Reindeer; Elks Temple (Tacoma);

Fairyland and Christmas parade, November 29, 1935. Marching band in front of the Elks' Temple on Broadway. Three marching bands were scheduled in the parade, the Musicians' Union band, Stadium High School and Lincoln High School. This is most probably the Musicians' Union Band that was scheduled to start off the parade, accompanying Santa Claus. The Mother Goose float can be seen behind the band, followed by another marching band. (T. Times 11/28/1935, pg.1; 11/29/1935, pg.1; 11/30/1935, pg. 9)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Marching bands; Elks Temple (Tacoma);

The Elks Club staff Christmas party was held on Christmas Eve in 1951. The women wore gardenia corsages and many of the people held presents. A tiny Christmas tree has been decorated and placed on the carpet before the group.

Fraternal lodges--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clubhouses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Christmas trees--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The faces of three girls can be seen through the valentines that decorate the stage at the Elks Temple for the annual Father and Daughter Valentines party. Cutouts of butterflies decorate the draperies and swags of tinsel hang over the stage.

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

Max Frolic, owner of a popular roadside cafe on Pacific Highway in Lakewood, plays violin in March of 1952 at the Elks Temple despite the complaining antics of five club members.

Frolic, Max; Violins; Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960; Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

The Elks held their annual "Extravaganza" in March 1952. The stage is filled with men, men dressed as women, and women for the event directed by old-time vaudeville star Max Frolic. There were 15 attractions, including singers, dancers, dramatic acts and a 15-piece orchestra under the direction of Bert Kool. (TNT, 3/23/1952, p.A-14)

Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Stage props; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

A large screen announced the Elks annual "Extravaganza" for 1952. Thirty-four members are shown in caricature with information about their businesses.

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

A group of musicians who will perform for the 1952 Elks Extravaganza are dressed in absurd costumes waiting backstage for their entrance. One of them is playing dead at the feet of the others and one of the musicians is playing an old toilet seat with strings for the occasion. Note: Lines in print due to diacetate film deterioration. (TNT, 3/23/1952, p.A-14)

Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Stage props; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

The Elks held their annual "Extravaganza" in March 1952. The stage sets show a western-style street scene with a "Keystone Cop" character and a gentleman wearing a top hat and carrying a cane on the street level and another character looking out from an upper window. Names of local businesses have been used for the store fronts. Another man can be seen behind the stage props, possibly making his entrance.

Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Stage props; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Publicity photo of a group of 5 for Elks Extravaganza, Elks Auditorium. The 5th annual Tacoma Elks Extravaganza, under the direction of old time vaudeville star Max Frolic, was presented March 25-26, 1952. The Wednesday performance was exclusively for local lodge members and the Thursday performance was open to all Elks, their ladies and friends. The show featured 15 attractions: singers, dancers, dramatic acts and a 15 piece orchestra under the direction of Bert Kool. Pictured, left to right, are Mike J. LaVelle, Ballet Director, Max Frolic, with violin, E.J. "Bud" Weller, hero in the drama "Never Weigh the Hand," Joe Gorman, Irish Tenor and Rinaldo Keasal, First Assistant. (TNT 3/23/1952, pg A-14)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Frolic, Max; LaVelle, Mike J.; Weller, E.J.; Gorman, Joe; Keasal, Rinaldo;

950 fishermen took part in the Elks 1952 salmon derby in Commencement Bay. A prize board was completed for the winning fish with fifty-four prizes. First prize, a 14-foot boat motor, was awarded for a 26 pound, 8 ounce salmon brought in by Frank Lippincott. H.H. Mounsey was runner-up with a 21 pound, 6 ounce salmon. (TNT, 9/9/1952, p.18)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Awards; Fishing;