Tacoma Elks motion picture crew beside an automobile at Stadium Bowl. The Elks had signed the Peptimist Motion Picture Corporation of Hollywood to create a motion picture comedy drama woven around the industrial life and scenic attractions of Tacoma. The completed picture would be shown a gala frolic June 27, 1931 at the Elks Convention. A casting call went out for 500 men, women and children to be in the picture with the two main female starring roles receiving a salary. Cameraman L. A. Tatom, dressed in bright white knickers and sweater with plaid socks, operates a motion picture camera capturing the scene of motorcycle patrolmen and two women in suits and pumps posed on a 1931 model Buick eight automobile labeled the "official motion picture car" and supplied courtesy of Mueller-Harkins Buick. Posed on the vehicle are director L. Jack Sherry, officers Bill Cordell, Bob Marshall, George Johnson and Edwin Janassen, and actresses Helen White and Bebe Lee. Miss White was an established Hollywood star while Miss Lee was a Tacoma native starting out in the talkies. (TDL 6/14/1931, pg. E-10)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Motion picture production & direction--Tacoma--1930-1940; Tatom, L.A.; Sherry, L. Jack; Cordell, Bill; Mashall, Bob; Johnson, George; Janassen, Edwin; White, Helen; Lee, Bebe;

Tacoma Elks Motion Picture. Four men in police uniforms with motorcycles at Stadium Bowl, two with women on them. Sign in front "Now Casting Tacoma Elks Own Motion Picture." The Elks were casting a motion picture comedy drama about Tacoma, to be filmed by the Peptimist Motion Picture Corp. and shown at the Elks Convention at the end of June. Officers in the picture are Bill Cordell, Edwin Janassen, Bob Marshall and George Johnson. Actresses are Helen White and Bebe Lee. (TDL 6/14/1931, pg. 10-E; TNT 6/2/1931, pg. 16; TNT 6/4/1931, pg. 13)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Motion picture production & direction--Tacoma--1930-1940; Motion picture industry--1930-1940; Motorcycles--1930-1940; Police--Tacoma--1930-1940;

A generous donation from Tacoma businessman William W. Seymour in 1907 made possible the opening of the Tacoma YMCA's Camp Seymour at Glen Cove. By 1931, when this group of boys attended summer camp, many improvements had been added. Nestled along Puget Sound, Camp Seymour is still operated today by the YMCA. Its benefactor also donated funds for Seymour Conservatory in Wright Park and served as mayor of Tacoma. TPL-6263

Two cooks at Camp Seymour are prepared to serve hordes of hungry boys at the YMCA camp in August of 1931. It looks like oyster stew is on the menu for the day accompanied by small salted oyster crackers. Thanks to the generosity of former Tacoma mayor and businessman William W. Seymour, a YMCA summer camp at Glen Cove (then called Balch's Cove) was established in 1907 on Mr. Seymour's rural property. Mr. Seymour would eventually deed 150 acres to the Tacoma YMCA for the sole purpose of summer camping for boys. The camp would be officially named Camp Seymour in 1926 as a recognition of Mr. Seymour's generosity. (campseymour.org-article on camp)

YMCA boys at Camp Seymour. Enjoying the sun on an August day in 1931 were several teenage boys and staff at the YMCA camp on Glen Cove. Thanks to benefactor William W. Seymour, a Tacoma businessman, youngsters had been coming to the camp since 1907. There they would be partaking in lots of fresh air, nourishing meals and sports including rowing and swimming.

Rowing at Camp Seymour on Glen Cove. This August 5, 1931 photograph depicts a small flotilla of rowboats on calm waters at the YMCA summer camp for boys. Many of these youngsters had probably never rowed before or attended an outdoor camp. Camp Seymour was named in honor of benefactor William W. Seymour who had graciously donated 150 acres of land for the purpose of allowing boys to enjoy camping.

Odd Fellows, "Decoration of Chivalry at Tacoma," August 6, 1931. (filed with Argentum)

Independent Order of Odd Fellows (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940;

The Daughters of the Nile, Zora Temple held their winter ceremonial in the Gothic Room of the Masonic Temple on December 9, 1931. The women were members of an international fraternal order of women either married to or related to Shriners. 300 women were in attendance at the ceremonial that honored the Supreme Queen, Mrs. Lulu Ramage Phelps of Seattle. The Supreme Queen is the national head of the organization. Mrs. Glen Darling presided over the ceremonies. (TNT 12-10-31, p. 12-article)

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Women--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1932. Masonic Temple, 47 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma. The Greek styled, with Egyptian detail, structure was designed by architect A.J. Russell. It was dedicated on December 1, 1927. The adjacent theater, right, was originally named the Heilig Theater, but the name was changed in 1932 to the Temple Theater. The building is on the City Registry. In 1992, it was renamed the Saint Helens Convention Center and renamed again in 1995, this time to the Landmark Convention Center.

Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

ca. 1932. Memorial building for the American Legion, Edward B. Rhodes Post. The building was constructed in 1930 from a design by Heath, Gove & Bell, architects. Since 1991, it has been home to the Karpeles Manuscript Library.

Clubhouses--Tacoma; Sports & recreation facilities--Tacoma; Patriotic societies--Tacoma; Clubs--Tacoma; American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma);

This photograph, taken on January 30, 1932 at what is believed to be the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 5 So. "G" St., is thought to be of the newly installed officers of Daughters of the Nile, Zora Temple No. 5. The women are all dressed in long evening gowns and are clutching large bouquets of flowers. Mrs. C. D. Magenheimer was installed as the new head of Zora Temple before 1000 guests. (TNT 2-1-32, p. 6-article)

Daughters of the Nile, Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Women--Tacoma--1930-1940; Bouquets; Evening gowns--Tacoma;

In February of 1932, members of the Afifi Temple band posed for a group portrait as they stood on a deep stage decorated with ornate columns and Egyptian artwork. Many of the Shriners held their brass instruments or clutched their drumsticks. This was probably located at the Masonic Temple, 47 Saint Helens Ave. G23.1-096

Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Afifi Temple Band (Tacoma); Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Tacoma Mailer's Union #54, 15th Annual Banquet held at "The Firs". Union members and their spouses look up at the camera from long banquet tables. Elaborate decorations hang from the ceiling. The Firs was located two miles south of the Roy "Y" on Mountain Highway in the Loveland area. It was built in 1922 by Irv and Lacy Ball of vertical log construction, and served as an inn, restaurant and cabaret. It catered primarily to banquets and private parties. It was destroyed in 1974 by fire and never rebuilt.

Tacoma Mailer's Union #54 (Tacoma); Banquets--Spanaway--1930-1940; Firs (Spanaway); Labor unions--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Group of men in Afifi costumes inside the Masonic Temple; photograph taken in June of 1932. This is possibly the same group of men as images 1 & 1A. (filed with Argentum).

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Afifi Arab Patrol (Tacoma);

Afifi Temple Arab Patrol, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine. Group of men photographed in June of 1932 wearing Masonic costumes on the steps of the Masonic Temple. The "Shriners" were founded in 1872 as a fun fraternal organization for men who had completed their requirements in the Scottish or Knights Templar (York rite) Masonic organizations. (filed with Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Arab Patrol (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

This is the Afifi Temple Arab Patrol, photographed within the Masonic Temple, 47 Saint Helens Ave., in June of 1932. It is the same photograph as 411, image 9 except that part of the background has been lightened.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Afifi Arab Patrol (Tacoma);

Grand Officers of the M. W. Grand Lodge, F. & A.M. (Free and Accepted Masons) of Washington in front of the Masonic Temple. Building by Ambrose J. Russell, Architect, 1925. (filed with Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Free & Accepted Masons (Tacoma);

Afifi Temple Arab Patrol, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine. Group of men in Masonic costumes on steps of the Masonic Temple. This circa 1932 group photo has been superimposed against a background of Mount Rainier. The "Shriners" were founded in 1872 as a fun fraternal organization for men who had completed their requirements in the Scottish or Knights Templar (York rite) Masonic organizations.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Arab Patrol (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

The First Annual Liberty Party Picnic was held at Spanaway Park in June of 1932. Party members from Tacoma and other communities turned out in full force for the picnic as can be seen in the lower portion of the montage of photographs. The Liberty Party was an American political party in the early 1930's. It was founded on the economic theories of W.H. "Coin" Harvey. Harvey, at the age of 80, was its presidential candidate in 1932 and received 53,000 votes. Harvey was a wealthy, influential businessman and ran on the platform of monetary reform. There were 140 Liberty Party clubs organized in Washington State. Other views included Mount Rainier (called Mount Tacoma by locals), members with the American flag and participants of a Liberty Party float in a parade. G42.1-070

Liberty Party (Tacoma); Political parties--United States; Banners; Picnics--Spanaway--1930-1940; Montages;

Afifi Shrine Temple; display advertising third oriental pilgrimage at Rhodes Brothers. Mannequin dressed in Afifi fez beside luggage and photographs of highlights of trip. (filed with Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Window displays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mannequins; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

Window display at Fisher's Department Store advertising Afifi Shrine Temple's third pilgrimage to China. The tour would be leaving Tacoma January 7, 1933. Illustrations including the Great Wall, Chinese clothing and accessories, model of sailing junk, mannequin in dress and coat beside globe.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Window displays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

On July 23, 1932 Shriners from throughout the Pacific Northwest, wearing their colorful and distinctive uniforms, marched in formation up Broadway and through the business district of Tacoma. Bands from the Afifi Shriners of Tacoma and the Gizeh Shriners of Victoria, B.C. took part. After a full day of activities in Tacoma, including a band concert in the Stadium Bowl, a large contingent boarded a chartered train at Union Station. They left at 12:30 in the morning on Sunday July 24th for the imperial council to be held in San Francisco the following week. (The tall, twelve story building at the top, center of the photograph is the Fidelity Building, 949-55 Broadway; it was torn down to build the Woolworth Building). TPL-3687

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

Afifi Mounted Divan. Thirteen men in Afifi capes and hats on horse back in front of Masonic Temple during a ceremonial and festival of music on July 23, 1932. Names printed by horses, left to right, Leverenz, Densmore, Hill, Allen, Carnahan, Colton, Sutter, Ford, Millard, Whitman, Callow, McKenzie and Middlesworth. (filed with Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Horses;

ca. 1933. Afifi Temple window display featuring 100 dolls made by Chinese women in the American Board Mission at Tientsin, China. The dolls were donated to the Afifi Temple in Tacoma by the Dragons Oasis Shriner Club of Tientsin, China for distribution to crippled children in Shriner Hospitals. Exhibit illuminated by two ornate Chinese-style hanging lights.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Dolls; Window displays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Chinese lanterns;

ca. 1934. Junior League Committee. Five women reviewing planned activity in a living room. Two are sitting on a grill-covered steam heater located under a window. (For Mrs. Brady, T. Times Society) (WSHS)

Junior League (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1934. Afifi Shrine Parade circa 1934. The Shriners are shown marching in procession up So. 13th Street to Broadway. At the back of the picture is the Tacoma Railway & Power Co. at 1301 A St., built in 1899. The cable car tracks run down the center of So. 13th Street. A streetcar can be seen crossing 13th on Pacific Ave. The Shriners in their traditional garb appear to be marching up Pacific Ave to turn on 13th & proceed to Broadway. The Mecca Restaurant can be seen on the left at 1150-54 Commerce. Across the street from the Mecca is the tailoring business of John Davis with signage jutting out of the building. Mr. Davis was also in law enforcement. The sign for Knapp's Modern Business College (located at 1151 1/2 Broadway) can be seen at the roofline of the far left building. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Tacoma Railway & Power Co. (Tacoma); Mecca Restaurant (Tacoma); Knapp College (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1934. Rotary Club Convention held in Tacoma circa 1934. Men and women waiting in line at desk with "Rainier National Park Company" sign on curtain backdrop. Woman at desk ready to type on standard typewriter. (T.N.T)

Rotary Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Typewriters;

ca. 1934. Mrs Blakesly's Garden Club. Women in garden next to rock pond. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma News Tribune. (filed with Argentum)

Clubwomen--Tacoma--1930-1940; Gardens;

ca. 1934. Rotary Club Convention. Stage set, on balcony of room, with five women at wheel of steamship. Life preservers are marked "American Mail Line" and "Dollar Steamship Line." Double door below balcony has "Purser" sign overhead. (T. Times)

Rotary Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

Tacoma Little Theater, Drama League, production of "Engaged". Directed by Ann Gordon. Harry P. Cain, future Tacoma Mayor and U.S. Senator, at far right, appeared in the stage play. From 1933 through 1939 the Tacoma Little Theater productions were presented on the stage of the Slavonian Hall at 2306 No. 30th St. In 1940 they moved to their current home at 210-12 No. I St.

Drama Clubs -- Tacoma; Tacoma Little Theatre (Tacoma); Tacoma Drama League (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979;