The Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Tacoma, better known as Shriners from the Afifi Temple, just had a parade with the Shriners from Seattle. View of Afifi Captain dressed in elaborate Afifi wear, including the traditional Shriner's hat, in this photograph from January of 1947.

Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Uniforms; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Temple (Tacoma);

Ivanhoe Commandery of the Knights Templar. Members of the Knights Templar are dressed in decorated robes, uniforms, hats and crowns in front of a stage hung with a large cross at the Masonic Temple. York Rites delegates to the annual state convention arrived Saturday, May 10, 1947, for meetings of the three grand bodies. The meetings of the twenty-eight commanderies of the Knights Templar was highlighted by a parade from the Masonic Temple to the First Christian Church on May 11th, 1947. This was the 60th conclave of grand commandery of Knights Templar of Washington (T.Times, 5/9/1947, p.1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Knights Templar (Tacoma); Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar (Tacoma);

Rainbow Convention. Pierce County Rainbow Girls hosted the 21st annual session of the Grand Assembly of the Order of the Rainbow for Girls June 22, 23 and 24, 1947. 1,500 girls from Washington, Idaho and Alaska met for the 25th anniversary of Rainbow in Washington State. Fifteen young women wearing floor length gowns and heart-shaped hats. A piano and flower decorations can be seen on the stage behind them. (T.Times, 6/19/1947)

Rainbow Girls (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns; Hats--1940-1950; Teenagers--1940-1950;

Rainbow Convention. The 21st State Assembly was held in Tacoma in June of 1947. Eleven people stand on the stage. An older couple are in the middle, the woman holding long-stemmed flowers. Miss Margaret Arnold of Renton was Grand Worthy Advisor of the Grand Assembly of the Order of Rainbow for Girls in Washington, Idaho and Alaska. She presided over this assembly. She had been elected in August 1946. (T.Times, 6/20/1947, p.18)

Rainbow Girls (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns; Teenagers--1940-1950;

Rainbow Convention. Rainbow girls kneel wearing smocks and holding candles for a candle-light ceremony. The honorary degree, Grand Cross of Color, which is conferred on those who have given outstanding service to Rainbow was given to 125 Rainbow girls, Masons and Eastern Stars the last day of the session. The ceremony was performed by the Past Grand Worthy Advisors. (T.Times, 6/24/1947, p.1)

Rainbow Girls (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Teenagers--1940-1950; Candles; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Rainbow Convention. Seven Rainbow girls are seated in the middle of the auditorium with older persons standing behind them waiting for the ceremony to continue. A large audience is seated around the edges of the auditorium and in the balcony. The installation of newly elected 1948 grand officers marked the end of the Rainbow Girls' 21st session. (T.Times, 6/24/1947, p.1)

Rainbow Girls (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Teenagers--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Royal Arch Masons. A gathering of members wearing various costumes. York Rite delegates attended the annual state convention during May 11 through May 16, 1947. Meetings of the three grand bodies, Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar and the Council were held during this time. (T.Times, 5/9/1947, p.1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Royal Arch Masons (Tacoma);

Senator Robert A. Taft, Ohio Republican and three-time presidential candidate, visits Tacoma to address the Tacoma World Affairs Council on the subject of foreign policy at the Temple Theater. Smelter Worker's Union members and Communist sympathizers picket during Taft's speech in which he charged the Truman administration with taking a "soft policy" towards Russia. The Cold War between the United States and Russia would escalate and give rise to the McCarthy era of the 1950s when the mere mention of communism was scrutinized. In contrast with a more volatile greeting in Seattle, the sixty picketers, many of them teenagers, demonstrated quietly outside the theater. They missed the senator who had entered the building through the back door. When they found out the senator was already on stage addressing the crowd of 1600, the group peacefully dispersed. (TNT 9-26-47, p. 1, T.Times, 9-26-47, p. 5) ALBUM 2.

Taft, Robert A., 1889-1953; Pickets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Demonstrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Labor Unions--Tacoma; Signs (Notices);

Tacoma's Junior League was planning a "Follies" show at the Temple Theatre. The show would include a variety of performances. Tacoma artist Peggy Strong, designed the cover for the show's program. Backstage view of Temple Theatre, a Junior League club member and an unidentified man are looking at an Egyptian backdrop panel. The show was scheduled for November 12th and 13th.

Stage props; Studio props; Women--Clubs--Tacoma; Egyptian drama--Tacoma; Gods, Egyptian; Junior League (Tacoma); Art, Egyptian; Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Pat Billing was photographed with an unidentified accompanist as she rehearsed the song "My Bill" for the Junior League Follies of 1947. The show, scheduled for November 12th and 13th at the Temple Theatre, was produced to raise money for the Junior League's occupational therapy workshop. Several women in one of the shows dance routines can be seen practicing in the background. (T. Times, 10/25/47, p. 9).

Rehearsals--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Pianos; Singing--Tacoma; Junior League (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Billings, Pat;

Tacoma's Junior League had their first "Follies" show in 20 years. The "1947 Follies" show would benefit the Occupational Therapy Workshop, which was sponsored by the Tacoma Junior League Chapter. Performances were open to the public and the show proved to be a great hit. View of Junior League members and other volunteers performing "South America, Take It Away" (T. Times, 11/12/47, p. 15). TPL-10524

Actors--Tacoma; Costumes; Musical revues & comedies--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Choreography; Junior League (Tacoma);

The "1947 Follies" by Tacoma's Junior League was said to be an outstanding show. The Temple Theatre was filled up both nights and all contributions were donated to the Occupational Therapy Workshop. View of Junior League members performing "Squaws in Hollywood," which was one of the audiences' all time favorites. Performers are wearing full head dress, matching dresses and no shoes. (T. Times, 11/12/47, p. 15).

Actresses; Feathers; Head-gear--Tacoma; Costumes; Musical revues & comedies--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Junior League (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Children's program at Temple Theater, Tacoma Philharmonic Association, Mrs. Ross Wright. Children are coming off special runs of the Tacoma Transit Company buses to attend the Tacoma Philharmonic presentation of the Pacific Northwest Symphony at Temple Theater. This was the last of four musical performances for school children for the school year held February 18, 1948.

School children--Tacoma--1940-1950; School field trips--Tacoma--1940-1950; Music education--Tacoma--1940-1950; Buses--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Philharmonic Association (Tacoma); Pacific Northwest Symphony (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Girl Scouts held a Fashion Revue at the Temple Theater on March 20, 1948. The proceeds would benefit the St. Alban's Girl Scout Camp. The Girl Scouts showed traditional and new scouting clothes as well as sports outfits and fashion clothes furnished by Rhodes Brothers Department Store. Background music was provided by Arnold Levenenze at the organ. Four young girls and boys wearing their Sunday best and two teenage girls wearing two-piece bathing suits wait in the sidelines, with four women organizers, for their turn on the runway. Ordered by Jerry Hurley, Rhodes Brothers. (T.Times, 3/12/1948, p.6; 3/23/1948, p.5)

Girl Scouts (Tacoma); Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bathing suits; Coats; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children & adults--Tacoma; Teenagers;

Daughters of the Nile, Mrs. Shotwell installation at Fellowship Hall, Don Shotwell. The Daughters of the Nile held their annual installation of officers of the Zora Temple No. 5 March 26, 1948, in Fellowship Hall of the Masonic Temple. These thirteen women wear evening gowns, above-the-elbow lace, fingerless gloves, and floral headpieces. The purpose of the order is to pursue "a philosophy of living which will enable them (the members), when shadows lengthen, to look back on a life well spent." The order also assists the Shriners in their work pertaining to crippled children. (T.Times, 3/20/1948, p.9; Fraternal Organizations, Alvin J. Schmidt, 1980)

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Lillian M. (Mrs. J.Donald) Shotwell was installed as Queen of the Zora Temple No. 5 of the Daughters of the Nile in a ceremony held at Fellowship Masonic Hall on March 26, 1948. The room had been transformed into a scene of Oriental splendor with the river Nile flowing in the background. The Egyptian chorus and Egyptian dancers performed. Queen Lillian Shotwell carried a shower bouquet of baby orchids for the installation. Mrs. Shotwell is shown seated on the throne, which is covered with oriental carpets. She is wearing an evening gown, robe with a long train and a crown. Ordered by Don Shotwell. (T.Times, 3/20/1948, p.9) TPL-6478

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Crowns; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Shotwell, Lilian M.; Stage props; Fellowship Hall (Tacoma);

Sunrise service, Ivanhoe Commandry, Lorenzo Mansfield. This Easter Sunrise Service was sponsored by the Knights Templar and the Council of Churches. The Jason Lee school choir is seated on the stage at Temple Theater. Dignitaries are seated in front of them. A piano sits to the left side of the stage. Rev. Francis Kinch, pastor of Epworth Methodist Church spoke. Members of the Ivanhoe Commandry, Knights Templar, are seen seated in the first several rows of the theater. These people have gathered before dawn to celebrate Easter. There were three other sunrise services in Tacoma this year. (TNT, 3/27/1948, p.1)

Choirs (Music)--1940-1950; Teenagers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Religious services--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar (Tacoma); Conductors--Tacoma; Theaters--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Sigma Nu Fraternity. The 101st Sigma Nu fraternity chapter was installed April 24, 1948. It was the Zeta Alpha chapter on the College of Puget Sound campus. On the left is Arthur A. Barlow, First Vice Regent of Sigma Nu. The local chapter president, Clarence Nelson, is in the middle. The man on the right may be Malcolm C. Sewell, General Secretary of the national organization, who arrived April 23rd from Indianapolis for the ceremony at the Corinthian Room, Masonic Temple. A dinner and dance was held at the Top of the Ocean April 22nd to open the two days of activities that were planned. (T.Times, 4/23/1948, p.16; TNT, 4/26/1948, p.4)

College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Universities & colleges--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sigma Nu (Tacoma); Nelson, Clarence; Barlow, Arthur A.; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Daughters of the Nile. Five members of the Zora Temple are wearing matching evening gowns of shimmering satin and carry bouquets of carnations.

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Carnations--Tacoma; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bouquets;

Tacoma's Temple Theatre was built in 1926, designed by architect A. J. Russell, the contractors were Biehn and Chalmers; the theater officially opened in October 1927. Upon the theater's opening the "Temple of Minerva" backdrop from the Tacoma Theater was presented to the new theater. This theater was originally known as the Heilig Theatre and was renamed the Temple Theatre in 1931. Temple Theatre had a seating capacity of 1,800 people. View of three unidentified men backstage at the Temple Theatre, by the curtain and props control area.

Theaters--Tacoma; Theatrical producers & directors--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Stage props; Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

The Temple Theatre at 47 Saint Helens Ave. was built in 1926. For its official opening in October 1927 it was given the stage backdrop known as "Temple of Mionerva" by the owners of the Tacoma Theatre. The backdrop was painted by artist Thomas G. Moses in 1889 and had hung in the Tacoma Theatre for 37 years.Thomas Moses was a well known scenery painter; he died in Chicago, Illinois in 1934. The Temple Theatre is now the Landmark Convention Center. TPL-3683

Theaters--Tacoma; Theatrical producers & directors--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Stage props; Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Moses, Thomas G., 1857-1934;

Tacoma's Temple Theatre advertised they had the "widest proscenium arch of any theater or hall on Pacific Coast". Throughout the years the Temple Theatre had a number of movie stars making special appearances, including Tallulah Bankhead and Lucille Ball. The Temple Theatre was later renamed the Saint Helens Convention Center in 1992 and the Landmark Convention Center in 1995. View of unidentified man backstage at the Temple Theatre, by the curtain and props control area.

Theaters--Tacoma; Theatrical producers & directors--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Stage props; Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

The original Black Hills Passion Play was said to one of the most colorful ever presented on a Tacoma stage. The show was sold for most of the matinee and evening performances. The play takes us through the last supper, the crucifixion, the resurrection and the ascension. View of one of the actors in full costume, possibly Pontius Pilate; he was part of the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

The play has 30 experienced professional actors travelling with the production throughout the United States. More than 75 actors were local talent, including students from Lincoln High School and Stadium High School. Music is provided by 18 chorus members from Tacoma, under the direction of Clayton Johnson, music director at Stadium High School. View of actor, fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

The play is said to have offered their audiences wonderful acting by actors with a great deal of experience and beautiful costumes and scenery. View of actress, Mrs. Joseph Meier, she is portraying Mary the Mother of Christ; she is fully dressed in her costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actresses--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Meier, Joseph--Family;

The original Black Hills Passion Play was playing at Tacoma's Temple Theatre for four days, the performances were being sponsored by the tacoma Council of Churches. View of actress portraying one of the characters from the Black Hills Passion Play, she is fully dressed in her costume (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actresses--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Stages (Platforms); Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

The play has 30 experienced professional actors travelling with the production throughout the United States. More than 75 actors were local talent, including students from Lincoln High School and Stadium High School. Music is provided by 18 chorus members from Tacoma, under the direction of Clayton Johnson, music director at Stadium High School. View of actor, fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Joseph Meier came from Germany during the 1930's, he has been a part of biblical plays for many years, and has won the reputation of being the world's outstanding "Christus" portrayer. View of actor, Joseph Meier, portraying Christ; he is fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Meier, Joseph;

Tacoma Council of Churches was the sponsoring organization for the original Black Hills Passion Play, this play would be showing four matinees and four evening shows at Tacoma's Temple Theatre. View of one of the actors in full costume, possibly King Herod; he was part of the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Black Hills Passion Play was a great success in Tacoma, this famous play offered a wonderful story with beautiful costumes and talented actors. All performances at the Temple Theatre were very well attended. View of actor, Joseph Meier, portraying Christ; he is fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Meier, Joseph;