Robert Hall, Kenneth Johnson, and C. M. Wienker present gifts on behalf of the Young Men's Business Club to young children at the Tacoma Indian Hospital. The Y.M.B.C. was a civics organization that performed many charitable works including supporting the Jessie Dyslin Boys Ranch. Just prior to Christmas, 1958, they traveled to the Tacoma Indian Hospital with gifts for the young patients. Many of the children came to Tacoma from out-of-state and would not be able to return home for the holidays, including Keith Pocatilla of Fort Hall, Idaho, and Thelma Jones of Poplar, Montana. Photograph ordered by the Young Men's Business Club. (TNT 12-23-58, p. 11)

Young Mens Business Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Community service--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hall, Robert; Johnson, Kenneth; Wienker, C. M.; Pocatilla, Keith; Jones, Thelma;

A crowd of over 300 Elks members and their guests gathered for the dedication of the new Elks Temple at 1965 South Union Avenue on September 3, 1965. Built on a 20.5 acre site on the west side of Cedar close to So. 19th St. at a cost of approximately $2,000,000, the temple was designed by Tacoma architects E.L. Mills & Associates and erected by Strom Construction. It took 1 1/2 years to complete the project. Constructed of reinforced concrete and structural steel, the new Elks Temple's 76,000 square feet contained a theater-style lodge room seating 1,000, administrative offices, handball courts and other athletic facilities, and dining facilities, including a cocktail lounge. During dedication ceremonies, a copper box was sealed behind the cornerstone; among items contained in the box was a copy of the Tacoma Elks Charter. (See C145725-1 for view of the charter.) (TNT 4-25-65, p. 2, TNT 9-3-65, p. 1, TNT 9-4-65, p. 1) TPL-9357

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Building dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Spectators--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Tacoma Country & Golf Club. Built using Weyerhaeuser's new engineered dry lumber, the new Tacoma Country & Golf Club stands serenely on the shores of American Lake in August, 1965. Its two-level, 26,000 square foot structure is surrounded by old and new growth landscaping. Fire destroyed its predecessor in 1961 as it did the original clubhouse in 1909. Photograph ordered by Weyerhaeuser Co.

Clubhouses--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma)--Buildings;

Corinthian Room at the Masonic Temple, 47 St. Helens. Fifteen women in the Tacoma Order, Social Order of the Beauceant. The Social Order of Beauceant is composed of the wives and widows of Sir Knights, of Ivanhoe Commandery (Knights Templar). The national order was founded in 1890 in Denver with the purpose of aiding the Knights Templar. In 1959, it had a national membership of 22, 000. Their main project was the Eye Foundation, although the local order also supported the Rainier School and Remann Hall. The women are dressed in white robes adorned with large black crosses. (TNT 11/8/1959)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Masonic buildings--Tacoma; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma;

Armed Forces Night at the Elks Club. On May 24, 1961, the Tacoma Elks Club hosted various members of the military to a formal dinner. Guests included both high ranking brass and younger uniformed men. Seated in rear of photograph are L-R John H. Anderson, former mayor of Tacoma, Major General William Train, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, and Robert Holder, Elks exalted ruler. Photograph ordered by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174. (TNT 5-25-61, A-3)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Anderson, John H.; Train, William; Holder, Robert;

Patrol members of the El Katif Temple from Spokane pause during the Pacific Northwest Shrine parade in downtown Tacoma on June 8, 1957. Thousands of Shriners from across the Pacific Northwest plus Canada arrived in Tacoma for a three-day convention. These men pictured have insignia on their uniforms identifying their club. The woman in the photograph may have been the spouse of one of the Shriners; many members brought families with them to enjoy the festivities. Photograph ordered by Pacific Northwest Shrine Association.

Pacific Northwest Shrine Association (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Spokane;

Tacoma Art League reproduction. Two women prepare for the Tacoma Art League show in Jones Hall on the campus of the College of Puget Sound in late September, 1957. One woman holds up a drawing of an Asian multi-tiered building; a similar, or perhaps the same, architectural model is adjacent on the table. Also on the table is a landscaping design with small rocks placed among the geometric shapes. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Art League.

Tacoma Art League (Tacoma); Art exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Mrs. Robert D. Chamness, Mrs. Frank E. Kelly and Mrs. Wilbur J. Larson (l-r), members of the S.A. Perkins Orthopedic Guild, display handmade gilded wall decorations for purchase as possible gifts to brighten the 1963 holiday season. These, and other Christmas gifts, would be sold at the Holiday Bazaar held on November 13, 1963, at the home of Mrs. Kelly. The S.A. Perkins Orthopedic Guild was one of many Tacoma-area guilds who raised funds for charitable purposes. All proceeds from the bazaar would be earmarked for the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. (TNT 11-10-63, D-4)

Tacoma Orthopedic Association, S.A. Perkins Orthopedic Guild (Tacoma); Women--Clubs--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chamness, Robert D.--Family; Kelly, Frank E.--Family; Larson, Wilbur J.--Family; Decorations--Tacoma; Christmas gifts;

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;

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;

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;

Five sailors from the USS Tennessee pose with four men in suits on October 13, 1922. Photograph is inscribed "Class #33" and "32 degree members." Photographer Boland's notes indicate that this is pertaining to the Scottish Rite. It is not clear whether the sailors are also members of the Masonic group or just the four other men. The Scottish Rite had been holding their fall reunion in Tacoma from October 10-13 to culminate in the conferring of the 32nd degree. 71.1-038

Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Sailors--1920-1930;

This assembled crew helped to build the new American Legion hall in Yelm in November of 1923. American Legion members had raised the flag on the new flagpole planted on the building site. (see B8864 & B8865) The American Legion was then a fairly new veterans organization as it was founded in Paris in March of 1919 and then chartered by the U.S. Congress in September of the same year. The Yelm post had 27 active members situated in this small town of about 600 people. Their new hall was built in a single day (foundation being prepared the week before) with help from other American Legion posts and the Yelm community. The hall was on three acres of donated land from the McKenna Mill Co. There was virtually no cost to legion members as various companies donated their time and expertise to this veterans organization. More than 500 workers participated in the event, including 150 members of the building trades union from Olympia. G23.1-049 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 11-11-23, 8-E-article; TDL 11-12-23, p. 1-article)

American Legion (Yelm); Patriotic societies--Yelm; Veterans organizations--Yelm; Building construction--Yelm;

Rotary club members presented two productions of "Deestrik Skule," the first at Immanual Presbyterian Church on November 23, 1923, and another performance at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on December 6th. G23.1-137; G64.1-036

Rotary Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Comedies; Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1920-1930; Clubs--Tacoma--1920-1930;

On February 3, 1924, Eagles who were also employed by the McCormack Bros. department store posed for a group portrait in what is believed to be Eagles Hall, 1305-07 Fawcett Ave. The men, part of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, may have participated in a minstrels show.

Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 3 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Clubs--Tacoma--1920-1930; McCormack Bros.--Employees;

A long row of Shriners from Afifi Temple was photographed on January 24, 1925, alongside the (old) Governor's Mansion in Olympia. Heading the line are leading officials, including the Potentate, Scott Z. Henderson. 32 car loads of Shriners had arrived in Olympia on Saturday, January 24th, to pick up Governor Roland Hartley and his staff on their way to Vancouver (Washington) and Portland. The Shriners had first stopped at the (old) Governor's Mansion but soon found out that Gov. Hartley had already left for his executive office in the Insurance Building. A photograph was taken anyway of members lined up outside the mansion; the woman is believed to be Mrs. Hartley. G23.1-076 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 1-25-25, p. 1, 4A-article)

Fraternal organizations; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Henderson, Scott Z.; Mansions--Olympia; Capitols--Olympia; Houses--Olympia--1920-1930;

The 6th Avenue Business Men's Improvement Club enjoyed a banquet on March 3, 1925. Group portrait also included dining room staff. Among matters being discussed, arrangements were made for a big parade, celebration and dance to mark the opening of the new Central Bank at 6th & Pine. The business district between Sprague and Cedar has grown extensively in just a few years. G31.1-095 (TNT 3-4-25, p. 13-article; TNT 3-5-25, p. 6)

6th Avenue Business Men's Club (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1920-1930; Clubs--Tacoma--1920-1930; Commercial organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Riding aboard the Aberdeen Elks stage were its "Pajama Saxophonists" on top and fellow Elks inside the vehicle, all in tune for the 1926 state Elks convention held in Tacoma during late June. The small band was lauded by the Daily Ledger for playing with enthusiasm and winning a "big hand all the way." The bus was an actual working stage which made normal stops in Hoquiam, Aberdeen, Centralia and Portland. (TDL 6-26-26, p. 3-article & alternate photograph of band)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Aberdeen Lodge No. 593 (Aberdeen); Buses--Tacoma--1920-1930; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1920-1930;

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;

In August of 1924 the Tacoma Rotary Club sponsored 60 boys from Tacoma so that they could spend a week at Camp Seymour, the Y.M.C.A. camp at Glen Cove. This group of unidentified boys was photographed in front of the Y.M.C.A. building at 714 Market Street. Through gymnasium games, swimming, camping and Bible study, the Y worked to develop young men healthy in both body and spirit. The "bus" provided transportation to the Y.M.C.A. for many groups of boys, such as those from the Oakland Industrial Home. The Tacoma YMCA was organized in 1883 and has provided continuous service since that time. TPL-8753

Young Mens Christian Association (Tacoma);

A large group of Acacia Fraternity members and their guests congregate in front of Benbow Inn (Benbow Lakes Resort) on May 18, 1924. The fraternity was then relatively new as it had been founded by Masons attending the University of Michigan in 1904. Local chapters quickly spread nationwide as men were attracted by the fraternity's scholastic and moral appeal. (print has been damaged)

Acacia Fraternity; Fraternal organizations; Benbow Lakes Resort (Kapowsin);

The National Convention of the Order of Runeberg was held in Tacoma from August 10-12, 1922. Some of the officers and delegates, plus a small boy, posed for a group portrait in front of the First Church of the Evangelical Assocation, 1224 Martin Luther King Jr. Way (then "K" St.). There were 750 delegates and visiting members in attendance at the three-day convention. Alex Keoll of Seattle was elected the new president succeeding John Forsman of Duluth. The convention would reconvene in Superior, Wisconsin in 1926. The Order of Runeberg is an organization of Swedish-Finns and is named after Johan Ludvig Runeberg, a noted Finnish poet. His work was based on Swedish culture. (TDL 8-11-22, p. 8-article; Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 8-13-22, A-11)

Order of Runeberg (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1920-1930;

George C. Cabell, Supreme Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, raised the American flag on Alta Vista in Mount Tacoma's Rainier National Park on August 30, 1922. Founded in 1864, the Knights of Pythias was the first fraternal organization to receive a charter from the United States Congress. Col. Cabell, of Norfolk, Virginia, was the national head of the organization. He had been making a tour of the West and was the guest of the Tacoma Pythians on August 29-30th. The Tacoma Lodge held their annual sunrise services on Alta Vista where 25 Pythians plus Col. Cabell were present. Col. Cabell also officiated at the dedication of a permanent steel flagpole and flag raising at that time. (TDL 8-29-22, p. 3-article; TDL 8-30-22, p. 5-article)

Cabell, George C.; Knights of Pythias; Flags--United States; Flagpoles; Rainier, Mount (Wash.);

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;

This motley collection of characters was the entertainment at the Elks Club on March 28, 1928. "High Society, " "cooks," "hoboes" and "cops" all mixed easily together that evening. Tacoma's Elks Lodge presented seasonal "entertainment" where Elks polished their acting and musical skills for the benefit of fellow members.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Entertainers--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Tacoma was overflowing with Elks for three days in June, 1926, as the Washington State Elks Association held its annual convention. Clemens "C.W" Van Rooy (l) and George Moore (r), exalted leaders of the Tacoma and Puyallup lodges respectively, were official hosts of the convention. 8000 Elks were expected from 22 lodges statewide. The convention was returning to Tacoma for the third time in 22 years, after an eight year absence. Delegates to the convention were greeted by Tacoma mayor, and fellow Elk, Melvin G. Tennent, and urged to enjoy themselves during their stay. (TNT 6-24-26, p. 1)

Contract bridge expert Ely Culbertson visited the Tacoma Bridge Club on May 1, 1936, at the Winthrop Hotel. Mr. Culbertson is standing directly in front of the hanging framed picture. He was nearly 45 at the time and had been a key figure in the international popularization of contract bridge in the 1920s and 1930s. Photographer Chapin Bowen was present during this visit; he is standing far left. TPL-6687

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.

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.