In February of 1922, several boys were pictured playing billiards at the Tacoma YMCA located at 714 Market St. Other boys gathered in pairs at small tables for a game of checkers, backlit by large uncovered windows. The Tacoma YMCA was organized on April 6, 1883 and has had continuous service since that date. It is the oldest social service agency in Tacoma. By the 1920's, work with boys was considered the most vital element of its outreach program. Activities and associations were offered to develop the Christian characters of the boys. They included gymnasium workouts, swimming, outdoor activities, Bible classes and the opportunity to serve others. This structure was built in 1909 for the YMCA from a design by Bullard & Hill, architects. The building is now located on the city and national registry. TPL-8754.

Young Men's Christian Association (Tacoma); Billiards--Tacoma--1920-1930; Checkers; Board games; Boys--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1922. YWCA residence located at 610 Broadway. This structure was built in 1889 from a design by Pickles & Sutton, architects, for Theodore Hosmer. It was used as a residence for the YWCA from 1922-1928. In 1946, the home was razed to construct a parking lot. Boland B3466, BU-13177, TPL-1780

Young Womens Christian Association (Tacoma);

The Castle Hall at the Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7. Members of the fraternal organization are posed wearing Romanesque regalia. The robes illustrate the story of Damon and Pythias, on which the beliefs of the order are based. The order was founded on the principles of friendship, charity and benevolence. Built in 1906-1907 and carefully preserved, the Pythian Lodge is one of the most beautiful in the nation. The Lodge is currently on the city and national historical registry. TPL-1682, BU-12215, Boland #B3765

Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Young women, believed to be members of the YWCA, are packed into this unidentified hall in this October, 1920, photograph. It appears that they have just finished having dessert. This may be the conclusion of the membership campaign of Stadium and Lincoln High School Reserve clubs of the YWCA which culminated in a dinner held at the YWCA on Saturday night, October 16, 1920. New membership totals were 170 members at Stadium and 220 members at Lincoln. G46.1-176 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 10-10-20, D-4-article on membership contest & upcoming dinner)

Young Women's Christian Association (Tacoma);

The Ladies Musical Club presented its regular concert on Tuesday afternoon, March 2, 1920, in the drawing room of the Tacoma Hotel. The program featured pianist George Congdon Bailey of Seattle. Mr. Bailey, who is blind, is a student at the University of Washington. Marjorie Miller, also of Seattle, entertained the club with a violin solo. Mr. Bailey may be the man seated in the front row with Miss Miller, holding a large bouquet of flowers, next to him. (TNT 2-28-20, p. 8-article)

Ladies Musical Club (Tacoma);

Photo-collage by Marvin Boland of photographs that he took at the First Annual Rotary Fair held on October 31, 1919. This industrial fair for Rotary Club members and friends featured 150 exhibits promoting local professions and businesses. It was held in Stadium High School's gymnasium where the slogan of the fair was "Rotarians, Buy at Home." Because the fair was so successful, mention was made that a larger exhibition might be held later for the general public. Dr. H. J. Whitacre was the Rotary president at that time. (TDL 10-17-19, p. 3-article; TDL 10-31-19, p. 1-article)

Rotary Fair (Tacoma); Exhibits--Tacoma--1910-1920;

Although the Great War was over, in 1919 the Red Cross was still actively supplying entertainment on military bases. On October 29, 1919, they sponsored a masquerade dance for Halloween at Camp Lewis. Although most of the soldiers were in uniform, many of the young women at the dance wore costumes and masks. Camp Lewis was built on 70,000 acres purchased by the citizens of Pierce County and given to the federal government for use as a military base. It was redesignated as a Fort in 1927. G70.1-012

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1910-1920; Community service--Tacoma--1910-1920; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Camp Lewis (Wash.); Fort Lewis (Wash.); Military camps--Tacoma--1910-1920;

This photograph was taken on October 20, 1919 at a Homecoming celebration in the Castle Hall of the Knights of Pythias Commencement Lodge #7, Tacoma. The upstairs balconies are ringed with men and bear a sign introducing the "Live Wires from Puyallup Lodge No. 4(7?) Knights of Pythias. Spizzerink'tum'." A Spizzerinktum is a person who possesses initiative, vim, vigor and a will to succeed. The downstairs also has a large crowd of men, sitting on the floor, in chairs and standing. The brotherhood was established in 1864, during the Civil War, and is dedicated to a peaceful existence between men. BU-13103 , TPL-9636

Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1910-1920;

More than 6,000 Tacoma union men took part in the Labor Day Parade down Pacific Ave. in September of 1919. The parade of Tacoma organized labor through downtown began at the City Hall, 625 Commerce, and proceeded south on Pacific Ave. Charles Richmond, a labor leader, led the parade as marshall mounted on a horse; he was followed by the Railway Brotherhood, policemen and firemen. Next came this float from the Teamsters, an old-time coach mounted on a horse drawn wagon. It was decorated with a banner reading, "Does the man who delivers your goods belong to the Teamsters Chauffeurs Union #313." Union 313 consisted of Tacoma drivers from many industries. Many union members followed the float carrying American flags. One of the goals of the Labor Day celebration was to reach the $30,000 goal set for the Labor Temple building fund. Labor Temple buttons were being sold to raise the funds. (T. Times 9/1/1919, pg. 1) G38.1-018 TPL-10094

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1910-1920; Labor unions; International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 313 (Tacoma); Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1910-1920;

ca. 1919. Knights of Columbus /Camp Lewis. The Knights of Columbus are a Catholic fraternal benefits organization that was incorporated in 1882. They had been involved in providing both spiritual and physical assistance to servicemen and women since before the Great War. This photograph, taken in the spring of 1919, shows a mixture of soldiers and civilian members at Camp Lewis. It may have been taken for the February 28, 1919, visit of Supreme Knight, James A. Flaherty. G70.1-003 (www.kofc.org- information on organization; TDL 2-26-19-, p. 2-article on Supreme Knight)

Knights of Columbus (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1910-1920; Camp Lewis (Wash.);

Seven soldier members of the Salt Lake No. 85 Elks Lodge pose in front of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 on August 16, 1918. They are wearing military uniforms with most carrying flags. A large sign is held by two Elks "warning" others to "Watch Your Girls We're From Salt Lake No. 85." The soldiers represented their lodge during the 14th annual Washington State Elks convention held in Tacoma during August of 1918. They would march in the massive downtown parade along with Elks from lodges across the state and including several Montana Elks stationed at Camp Lewis. G68.1-109 (TDL 8-17-18, p. 7-article)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Salt Lake Lodge No. 85; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1910-1920; Signs (Notices); Guests--Tacoma--1910-1920;

Visiting Elks. The Everett Elks Band pose on the famous Spanish Steps next to the Elks Lodge, 565 Broadway, on August 16, 1918. A service flag with "In God We Trust" is lofted up high in the background. There was one gold star included which signified the loss of an Elks member in war. The Everett band was one of several in town for the 14th annual Washington State Elks convention which had opened on August 15th. The highlight of the convention was the massive downtown parade in which the bands and thousands of Elks marched. ( TNT 8-16-18, p. 1-article; TNT 8-17-18, p.2-article)

Stairways--Tacoma--1910-1920; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1910-1920; Bands--Tacoma--1910-1920; Marching bands--Tacoma--1910-1920; Guests--Tacoma--1910-1920;

The Red Cross Salvage Department headquarters at 1123 A Street was built in one day on April 7, 1918, with materials donated by local businesses and labor donated by local unions. Over 75 union carpenters worked from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to erect the structure, with the finishers, electricians and plumbers to report later in the week. The Salvage Department was an auxiliary of the Red Cross and this building served as its warehouse and office. The community was asked to donate to the Department any waste items of value that could be salvaged for cash. The money raised went to the Red Cross for their work at the front overseas. The motto of the Department was "Ask for no money, Pay no money." TPL-742, BU 13188, Boland #B1151. (TDN 4/5/1918, pg. 1; 4/8/1918, pg. 14)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Salvage; World War, 1914-1918--Scrap drives--Tacoma;

Brewery Workers Union No. 328 gathered en masse on Pacific Avenue, north of City Hall, on September 6, 1915 to proudly march in the big Labor Day parade. This was the last hurrah for brewery workers before Prohibition began in Washington State in January of 1916. Tacoma had basically shut down with city, county, major businesses and industrial plants closed for the day. Union workers of all sorts - blacksmiths, machinists, boilermakers, cooks, bridge workers, pressmen, painters, carpenters and longshoremen, to name just a few, would be participating in the march that led from Pacific Ave., Broadway and Sixth Ave. to conclude at Wright Park. Thousands of spectators were anticipated. (TDL 9-6-1915)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1910-1920; Labor unions--Tacoma--1910-1920; Brewery Workers Union No. 328 (Tacoma);

ca. 1911. This large group of men and women attended the 42nd annual session of the Grand Lodge of Washington I.O.G.T. Chautauqua on Vashon Island circa 1911. I.O.G.T. stood for the Independent (now International) Order of Good Templars. Several in the group above are wearing the I.O.G.T. regalia. The organization promoted temperance and brotherhood.

Independent Order of Good Templars (Wash.); Meetings--Vashon Island;

ca. 1910. Members of the A.S.M.W.I. A. (Amalgamated Sheet Metal Workers International Association), Local #99 of Seattle posed outside the Fisher Flouring Mills Co. circa 1910. Nearly all are dressed in overalls. Although the photographer, J.J. Kneisle has labeled the picture "A.S.M.W.I.A., " the union's name had changed to the Sheet Metal Workers International Alliance in 1903. The union movement was growing with membership of over 100 local unions and over 5000 people at the turn of the century. In 1924 the union's name would change again to the Sheet Metal Workers International Association. (www.smwia.org)

Labor unions--Seattle; Sheet Metal Workers (Seattle);

ca. 1910. The 41st annual session of the Grand Lodge of Washington I.O.G.T. Chautaugua was held on Vashon Island in 1910. Many of the men and women are wearing I.O.G.T. regalia. Included in the group are Bertha Penberthy (front row, 4th from left) and Effie and Merton Brewer (front row, 9th & 10th from left) I.O.G.T. stood for the Independent (now International) Order (now Organization) of Good Templars which promoted the ideals of temperance, peace and brotherhood. It was one of the first organizations with no distinction between race, color, creed and sex. The Grand Lodge of Washington would hold the 1911 annual session again on Vashon Island. (www.iogt.us-article on organization)

Independent Order of Good Templars (Wash.); Meetings--Vashon Island;

ca. 1909. Delegates to the first annual convention of the Washington State Humane Society posed for a group portrait in 1909. The eleven women and twenty-two men were photographed outside the Lou Johnson Co. store, 940-42 South C (now Broadway), in downtown Tacoma.

Undated photograph of the Matrons Club. The woman seated front left is Helen Beck Stafford, one of the founders of the group. Dr. Stafford moved to Tacoma in 1926 to marry Wendell P. Stafford on New Years Eve. Even though she had taught for a few years in Kansas schools, Tacoma school personnel directors refused to hire a black teacher. She stayed at home and cared for her husband and daughter. She and several other women who stayed home to rear their children would get together for a social outlet. In 1927, they formally organized the Matrons Club. The women who attended the meetings often brought their children along and the children would play together. (TNT 2/22/1982- NWR clipping file) (photograph by Liberal Engraving Co., 907 1/2 Commerce)

Panorama of 39th Convention of Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs.

Panorama of the Sons and Daughters of Norway Convention, Trip to Mt. Tacoma (Rainier)

Panorama of 85th Annual Communication Most Worshipful Grand Lodge F.&A.M of Tacoma WA. Masonic group standing outside of lodge in uniform with group members occupying stairwell and balcony.

Tacoma Scottish Rite Class Spring Reunion featuring consistories Clarence D. Martin, R.E. Gallot, E.L. Tarnsworth and Albert Rasmussen.

Group of masonic members posing against a rock backdrop.

Ivy covered Fire Station #6 located at 823 A St. before being destroyed by a fire in 1974.

This undated photograph featuring the Corner Club Girls rolling down Broadway at 9th Street is most probably of the historical pageant parade presented Labor Day 1934. The costumed lovelies are from Pioneer Days and are festooned in ruffles, bonnets and parasols. The Tacoma Corner Club was formed by Mrs. Percy C. Smith who served as advisor and was fondly referred to as "Mother Smith." The women of the Tacoma Corner Club hosted dinners, dances, plays, took classes in bookkeeping, first aid, shorthand, the Bible, among others, and supported one another. They presented a flag to the State Historical Society in 1933. The original club was formed in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1917. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Three men holding a beer stein in the meeting room of an unidentified fraternal organization while a seated man looks at the camera. Three of the four men are wearing lapel pins.

Kay-Long wedding reception at the Woman's Club.