Tacoma Police Department graveyard shift on the Spanish Steps at the Elks lodge. Police officers display beards and mustaches in keeping with the request for Tacoma men not to shave during the month of August. The city sponsored a beard contest as a part of the ceremonies celebrating the Northwest Territory Centennial. TPL-8748

Police--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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;

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;

A large crowd of girls fills the auditorium and the balcony at the Elks Temple for the annual Father and Daughter Valentine's party. TPL-8451

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Children's parties; Crowds--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Two clowns perform on the floor of the auditorium at the Elks Temple for the Elk's annual Father and Daughter Valentines party. Several of the girls stretch their arms hoping to be chosen for one of the evening's surprises.

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

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);

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;

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);

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 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);

Tacoma Elks lodge band on the Spanish Steps, with two drum majorettes .

Organizations - Fraternal Organizations - Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Music Ensembles - Bands - Marching Bands

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 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;

Civil Defense Night, sponsored by Elks Lodge 174, at the Elks Club. Lloyd Wynans, Exalted Ruler, appointed Harold Duncan, Leading Knight, to preside at the meeting intended to help coordinate civil defense divisions and further the Elks aim to support, uphold, and defend the American way of life. Wynans stated that adequate civil defense requires thousands of residents volunteering time and energy to minimize death and casualties in the event of a disaster. The film "Pattern for Survival" was shown. Civil defense officials, headed by Mayor John Anderson and Civil Defense Director Frank S. Evans, were in attendance. The Elks Temple underwent a $80,000 remodel the previous Fall, with over half of it going to renovations on this hall. One of the changes was the new wall to wall Saxony Wilson broadloom carpet in green and ivory. (TNT 1-22-1951, pg. 5) TPL-8450

Korean War, 1950-1953--Civil defense--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

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;

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.;

New tile floor at Elks Club kitchen, Stebner's Inc., Ed Keenan. Interior view of the new kitchen, Head Chef Mitchell Pentel will be preparing meals for the Elks; everything has been remodeled and all the appliances are new, including an automatic dishwasher, sterilizers and a walk-in quick freeze storage room (T.N.T., 12/30/48, p. 4-7).

Fraternal organizations'--Tacoma; Kitchens--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma; Elks Club (Tacoma);

The Elks Club Band and their majorette, Gloria Ellexson, posed next to the Elks Temple before leaving for Cleveland, Ohio, in July of 1949 for the Elks National Convention. The band, under the direction of L.R. Grass, had been the 1948 state champions and Miss Ellexson was the state champion majorette. The band performed at the convention in Ohio, and Gloria, a student at the College of Puget Sound, was named the 1949 National Champion Drum Majorette. (TNT, 7/6/1949, p.10)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Marching bands; Bands--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ellexson, Gloria; Drum majorettes--Tacoma--1940-1950;

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;

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;

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);

A large crowd is in attendance at the Elks Temple. Members of the orchestra are seated at the front of the auditorium near the stage. Murals decorate the walls above large panels. A statue of an elk is seen on the far side of the room. Several people are seen standing in the balcony at the back of the room. TPL-8448

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Orchestras--Tacoma--1950-1960; Audiences--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Old Timers nite at Elks Club, Harry Lynch. All members of the Elks with 25 years or more service were honored with dinner at the Elks Club on January 26, 1949. After dinner the Old Timers marched to the lodge room and, after a short business session, they were treated to a two-hour professional vaudeville show and surprises. More than 400 members and their guests were expected. A band sits at the edge of the floor for the performance. A stuffed elk stands by one of the exits and a mounted elk head is over one of the doors at the rear on the room. Murals decorate the walls. (T.Times, 1/24/1949, p.2)

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

Old Timers nite at Elks Club, Times, Buzz. All members of the Elks with 25 years or more of service were honored at a reunion at the Elks Temple January 26, 1949. The Tacoma Lodge received its charter from the grand lodge in 1890. Thirty-two of the men who were honored at the event have posed in front of the stage. Names are listed in the newspaper. (T.Times, 1/30/1949, p.7)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

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;