Pierce County Republican Club 1944 Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple. Wendell Willkie, 1940 Republican Presidential nominee and titular head of the party, gave the main address. View of packed Fellowship Hall with some of the 1700 diners; Mr. Willkie is seated to the left of the large Lincoln portrait. Governor Arthur Langlie is seated to the right of the portrait along with Mrs. Willkie. An overflow crowd of 350 ate in the temple's roof garden area, which included band members from Lincoln and Stadium High Schools. 2000 more people were able to listen to Mr. Willkie's speech in the Temple theatre although no meals were included. (T. Times, 2-12-44, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966;

Joyce Atkins, Evalu Clevenger, and Shirley Williams (l to r), the drum majorettes for the Lincoln High School marching band, were photographed sitting on the handle bars of three Tacoma Police Dept. motorcycles on February 11, 1944. They are flanked by four unidentified policemen. The Lynx Majorettes and the Stadium H.S. Tigerannas led the combined Lincoln and Stadium bands when Wendell Willkie visited Tacoma to address the Pierce County Republican Club at their 1944 Lincoln Day dinner. (Lincolnian, 1944 p.72)

Tacoma Police Department (Tacoma); Police--Tacoma--1940-1950; Motorcycles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Drum majorettes--Tacoma--1940-1950; Atkins, Joyce; Clevenger, Evalu; Williams, Shirley; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Governor Arthur Langlie with Mrs. Wendell Willkie at the Pierce County Republican Club's 1944 Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple, where Willkie, 1940 Republican Presidential candidate and titular head of the party, gave the main address. Mrs. Willkie is wearing an enormous orchid corsage. Her hat appears quite striking with the use of a large cloth bow. This was Mrs. Willkie's first time back in Tacoma since her brief stop four years before when her husband was whistle-stopping through the Pacific Northwest. (T.Times, 2-12-44, p. 1)

Willkie, Edith; Willkie, Wendell--Family; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors;

On February 11, 1944, Ralph Chaplin (far left), the editor of the Tacoma Labor Advocate and author of the labor anthem "Solidarity Forever," was the Master of Ceremonies at the Pierce County Republican Club's Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple. Wendell Willkie, the 1940 Republican candidate for President, was the keynote speaker at the event. Seated are: (l to r) Governor Arthur Langlie and Mr. Willkie. Thousands flocked to hear Mr. Willkie including, to the surprise of the Republicans, many Democrats. Although Mr. Wilkie had campaigned against the New Deal, he was a former Democrat and held liberal progressive views that put him at odds with the leadership of the Republican Party. The Republicans backed Thomas Dewey against Roosevelt in the 1944 general election. Having survived several heart attacks, Mr. Wilkie died on October 8, 1944 at the age of 52. (T.Times, 2-12-44, p. 1)

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors; Chaplin, Ralph; Public speaking--Tacoma;

1940 Republican Presidential candidate and titular head of the party Wendell Willkie autographs a photo for Washington First Lady Evelyn Langlie. Mr. Willkie gave the main address at the Pierce County Republican Club's 1944 Lincoln Day dinner held at the Masonic Temple. Mrs. Willkie accompanied her husband on his swing through the Pacific Northwest; she was seated close by next to Governor Arthur Langlie. (T.Times, 2-10-44, p. 1, T.Times, 2-12-44, p. 1))

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Langlie, Evelyn; Autographing--Tacoma;

Wendell Willkie is flanked by Ralph Chaplin (L), editor of the Tacoma Labor Advocate, and Governor Arthur B. Langlie (R) on February 11, 1944, at the Masonic Temple. Mr. Willkie, the 1940 Republican presidential candidate, and his wife had motored down to Tacoma from Seattle to attend the Pierce County Republican Club's Lincoln Day dinner where he spoke to thousands in attendance. His main speech was broadcast nationally over the Columbia network and he also spoke informally for a short time; all speeches were heard simultaneously via the public address system to all locations in the Temple. Mr. Chapin served as master of ceremonies; Governor Langlie had the honor of introducing Mr. Wilkie. (T.Times, 2-10-44, p. 1, T. Times, 2-12-44, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Chaplin, Ralph; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors;

Wendell Willkie, 1940 Republican Presidential nominee and titular head of the party, and Governor Arthur Langlie are present at the Pierce County Republican Club 1944 Lincoln Day dinner. It was held at the Masonic Temple where Mr. Willkie gave the main address. Governor Langlie formally introduced Mr. Willkie to the large gathering. Mr. Willkie had arrived that day via automobile from Seattle and was to travel onto Portland that night at the conclusion of his Tacoma visit. (T. Times, 2-10-44, p. 1, T. Times, 2-12-44, p. 1))

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors;

Wendell Willkie, 1940 Republican Presidential nominee and titular head of the party, addresses the Pierce County Republican Club 1944 Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple. Governor Arthur Langlie is to Willkie's right in photo; next to him is Edith Willkie, wife of the guest speaker. After the Lincoln Day dinner had concluded, Mr. Willkie would speak to the American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post #2, then journey onto Portland. Next on his agenda would be a flight to California. (T. Times, 2-10-44, p. 1, T. Times, 2-12-44, p. 1))

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Willkie, Edith; Public speaking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Guests--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Pierce County Prosecutor Thor Tollefson, on left in photo, shakes hands with Eric A. Johnston of Spokane, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, during a Republican banquet in Tacoma. 1500 Republicans attended the gigantic banquet at the Masonic Temple Fellowship Hall which opened the 1944 campaign for Pierce County Republicans. Prosecuting Attorney Tollefson had the honor of introducing Mr. Johnston who gave a rousing speech. Mr. Tollefson would run for a Congressional seat in 1946, defeating incumbent Democrat John Coffee, and hold that seat for the following eight Congresses. Mr. Johnston would serve four terms as head of the C & C and later hold the office of president of the Motion Picture Association of America for 18 years. (TNT 11-13-43, p. 1) ALBUM 4.

Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Johnston, Eric A.;

The Grand Chapter of the State of Washington, Order of the Eastern Star, opened their "Victory Session" at Fellowship Hall in the Masonic Temple on June 18, 1942. The Grand Officers posed for a group portrait for the 59th annual meeting. Hanging above them are flags from many nations. Since America was at war then the flags shown are from some of their allies, including Great Britain and the USSR. Silhouettes of Presidents Washington and Lincoln flank the officials on stage. 1500 Eastern Star members attended the meeting. Mayme Harmony of Seattle and Irwin Jones were selected as worthy grand matron and worthy grand patron, respectively. (T.Times 6-17-42, p. 8-article; T.Times 6-19-42, p. 9-article)

Order of the Eastern Star (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Flags--United States; Flags; Silhouettes; Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Grand Officers of the Eastern Star on stage in June of 1942. Flags of several nations, including the United States, and silhouettes of Presidents Lincoln and Washington serve as decorations. 1500 Eastern Star members attended the organization's 59th annual meeting held at the Masonic Temple. Mayme Harmony was elected worthy grand matron and Irwin Jones, worthy grand patron. (T.Times 6-17-42, p. 8-article; T.Times 6-19-42, p. 9-article)

Order of the Eastern Star (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Flags--United States; Flags; Silhouettes; Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Eight hundred Masons from all parts of the state gathered in Tacoma June 16-17th, 1942 for the 85th annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Washington. The newly installed officers are pictured on the steps of the Masonic Temple. They are, left to right, Horace W. Tyler of Tacoma, J.W.J. Stedman of Tacoma- the newly elected Grand Master, John A. Emigh of Walla Walla- retiring Grand Master, Don F. Kizer of Spokane and Ford Q. Elvidge of Seattle. (T. Times 6/18/1942, pg. 7-picture; 6/17/42, pg. 10; 6/13/1942, pg. 1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Free & Accepted Masons (Tacoma); Tyler, Horace W.; Stedman, J.W.J.; Elvidge, Ford Q.;

Easter Sunrise services in 1941 of Temple Baptist Church in the Temple Theatre. Temple Baptist's congregation would hold services at the theatre until their own building was completed in 1949. (T. Times)

Temple Baptist Church (Tacoma); Easter--Tacoma; Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Cooking School at Fellowship Hall conducted by Tacoma Times. Capacity crowd of women seated in auditorium.

Events--Tacoma--1930-1940; Audiences--Tacoma; Home economics--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hats--1930-1940; Women--Social life--1930-1940; Fellowship Hall (Tacoma);

Cooking School at Masonic Temple's Fellowship Hall conducted by Tacoma Times in mid-October of 1939. Mrs. William Schenk of 4311 Read St. accepts congratulations from City Light Appliance Department's Harold Partlow for winning a new electric range at the cooking school. It was her first electric range. A record crowd was on hand to see the second and last cookery demonstration led by Miss Cula Buker. (T.Times 10-13-1939, p.22)

Stoves--Tacoma; Cookery--Tacoma; Home economics--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hats--1930-1940; Women--Social life--1930-1940; Fellowship Hall (Tacoma); Shaking hands--Tacoma; Schenk, William--Family; Partlow, Harold;

Shriners of the Afifi temple. Floyd Kinnear, Robert P. Allen, W.H.Mierow, Walter Sutter, Clinton Hull, and E.M. Densmore are on the committee in charge of Tacoma's Temple's Golden Jubilee ceremony and ball. Framed photographs show Tacoma in 1888 including a view of Pacific Avenue looking north and cargo ships docked near a lumber company. (T.Times, 12/1/1938, p. 18).

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Kinnear, Floyd; Allen, Robert P.; Mierow, W.H.; Sutter, Walter H.; Hull, Clinton C.; Densmore, E.M.;

Twenty-one members of the Normanna Male Chorus, wearing the group's distinctive white pants, dark blazers and nautical hats, posed for a formal portrait on the steps of the Masonic Temple in 1938. The Chorus was to be very busy in September of 1938 as they were celebrating their Golden Jubilee. Norwegian singing societies from across the Northwest were coming to Tacoma to help the group celebrate their 50th anniversary at Normanna Hall, 47 Saint Helens Avenue, on September 10-11th. The singing society had organized in 1888 with John Soquest as the director. They originally met in the old school house between I and J streets; their publicity was handled by the publishers of the Norwegian newspaper "Tacoma Tidende." The group reorganized in 1895 and has been active since that date. The singers were led by Carlo A. Sperati, churchman and musician, until 1904; he was succeeded by George Johnson, still the director in 1938. (T. Times 9/9/1938, pg. 3) TPL-9519

Normanna Male Chorus (Tacoma); Choirs (Music); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ethnic groups--Tacoma; Sons of Norway (Tacoma); Music ensembles--Tacoma; Singers;

Mary (Mrs. Norton) Clapp, holding a bouquet of roses, awarded the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce "Best Dog" prize to Boston terrier, Champion Playfair Rockefeller, winner of the first annual Tacoma Kennel Club show. The terrier had already been named "Best in Show" by judge Irving C. Ackerman of San Francisco. The champion dog was owned by Jack Playfair of Portland. The Kennel Club show on April 24, 1938 closed a two day exhibit at the Fellowship Hall. (T.Times 4/25/1938, p.11).

Contests--Tacoma--1930-1940; Dogs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Dog shows--Tacoma--1930-1940; Clubs--Tacoma; Tacoma Kennel Club (Tacoma); Fellowship Hall (Tacoma); Clapp, Mary;

Several trainers with their dogs at the first annual Tacoma Kennel Club show held at Fellowship Hall on April 23 and 24, 1938. Three hundred and five dogs competed for awards. The "Best in Show" winner was Boston terrier Champion Playfair Rockefeller, owned by Jack Playfair of Portland. Over 1800 persons attended the two day exhibit. (T.Times, 4/25/1938, p. 11).

Contests--Tacoma--1930-1940; Dogs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Dog shows--Tacoma--1930-1940; Clubs--Tacoma; Tacoma Kennel Club (Tacoma); Fellowship Hall (Tacoma);

Tacoma Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Eugene Linden playing concert on stage at Temple Theatre. The orchestra disbanded from 1938-1939 due to financial losses incurred in the movement of the concert series from the Jason Lee auditorium to the Temple Theatre. Late in 1939, the orchestra was once again rehearsing for a concert series, this time in the Jason Lee auditorium. (filed with Argentum)

Tacoma Philharmonic Orchestra (Tacoma); Orchestras--Tacoma--1930-1940; Concerts--Tacoma--1930-1940; Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Tacoma Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of conductor Eugene Linden on stage at Temple Theatre for concert. Encouraged by the success of the previous season of concerts at the Jason Lee auditorium, the 1938 season was moved to the Temple Theatre. This turned out to be a financial disaster, plunging the organization into debt even though the orchestra reached new heights in artistry and musicality. The orchestra was disbanded while efforts were made to erase the debt. Eugene Linden was called back in the fall of 1939 from Long Beach, Ca., where he was conducting their symphony to once again lead the Philharmonic. Concerts resumed at Jason Lee. (filed with Argentum)

Tacoma Philharmonic Orchestra (Tacoma); Orchestras--Tacoma--1930-1940; Concerts--Tacoma--1930-1940; Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Sepia photograph of Governor Clarence D. Martin and other dignitaries at the head table at the Community Achievement Dinner held at the Masonic Temple on December 28, 1937. A large poster of President Roosevelt is the only decoration on the wall. City and political leaders packed the head table, including Puget Sound National Bank's Reno Odlin, Congressman John Coffee, U.S. Senator Homer T. Bone, and Mayor George Smitley. The dinner combined the annual Tacoma Chamber of Commerce banquet and the city's achievement dinner. Governor Martin spoke of a brighter future for our state and its inhabitants. (T. Times, 12-29-37, p. 1) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; Coffee, John; Bone, Homer Truett, 1883-1970; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Banquets--Tacoma--1930-1940; Posters;

Governor Clarence D. Martin shakes hands with F. Rodman Titcomb of Weyerhaeuser Company, in front of a large poster of President Roosevelt, at a Community Achievement Dinner at the Masonic Temple. Mr. Titcomb was the former General Manager of Weyerhaeuser Timber Co. and was married to Elizabeth Weyerhaeuser, oldest child of John Philip Weyerhaeuser. He was announced to the 1000+ diners as the 1938 president of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. The chamber's usual banquet was combined with the community dinner, hence the large crowd in attendance. (T. Times, 12-29-37, p. 1). ALBUM 10.

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Titcomb, F. Rodman; Posters;

Governor Clarence D. Martin looks unsmilingly into the camera at December 28, 1937's Community Achievement Dinner. He is seated directly under a large poster of FDR entitled "Our President." Joining him at the head table are Sixth District Congressman John Coffee, Puget Sound Bank's Reno Odlin, and U.S. Senator Homer T. Bone. Governor Martin would later address the 1000+ diners on the reawakening of the industrial spirit in our state. He would also advocate a renewed push for vocational education for the state's children. (T.Times, 12-29-37, p. 1) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Coffee, John; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; Bone, Homer Truett, 1883-1970; Legislators--Washington--1930-1940; Banquets--Tacoma--1930-1940; Posters;

Civic and political leaders join in song at the Community Achievement Dinner held at the Masonic Temple. L-R are Sixth District Congressman John Coffee, Governor Clarence D. Martin, Puget Sound National Bank president Reno Odlin, U.S. Senator Homer T. Bone and Tacoma Mayor George Smitley. Over one thousand people attended the achievement dinner which was combined with the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet. Governor Martin predicted a brighter future for our state with the initiation of a million dollar advertising campaign to bring more people, industry and payrolls to this area. (T. Times, 12-29-37, p. 1) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Coffee, John; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; Bone, Homer Truett, 1883-1970; Legislators--Washington--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Posters; Banquets--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Tacoma Mayor George A.Smitley (L) shaking hands with Harold A. Allen, retiring president of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Allen had held the post for two years. The Chamber of Commerce combined their usual banquet with the city's Community Achievement Dinner on December 28, 1937, in the Masonic Temple's Fellowship Hall. Governor Clarence D. Martin and a host of political and civic leaders attended the dinner, as did approximately 1000 residents. Toastmaster Reno Odlin presented Mr. Allen with a framed check for $2 as a humorous gesture for his years of service. (T.Times, 12-29-37, p. 1) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Allen, Harold A.; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

Governor Clarence Martin at Community Achievement Dinner held at the Masonic Temple on December 28, 1937. He is flanked by Congressman John Coffee and Toastmaster Reno Odlin of Puget Sound National Bank. U.S. Senator Homer T. Bone and Tacoma Mayor George Smitley are seated to the far right. A large poster of "Roosevelt, Our President" hangs on the wall. Over a thousand attended the Achievement dinner which was being held for only the second time in the city's history. (T. Times, 12-29-37, p. 1) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; Coffee, John; Bone, Homer Truett, 1883-1970; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Banquets--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1935. Masonic Temple at 2nd and St. Helens, with the adjoining Temple Theatre. The Temple opened in 1927. It was designed by A.J. Russell, architect, and is on the City Registry. The interior is Greek with Egyptian detail. The theatre was originally known as the Heilig Theatre, but became Hamrick's Temple Theatre in 1931. It could seat 1800. At the time of the photograph, the theatre is showing Charlie Chan's Greatest Case plus Myrt & Marge. The Kernel Mosely big white popcorn wagon is parked across the street from the theatre. A sign on the wagon advises lovers of good popcorn that they will be popping corn at night. On the ground floor of the Masonic Temple, left to right, is the Harter Dance of Dance and the Clark Cafe, serving lunch and dinner and Clark's Tobaccos, selling Kools and cigars. TPL-822

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

Miss Mercer; Children's Party. Large group of children standing on steps of the theater at the Masonic Temple in June of 1934. (filed with Argentum)

Temple Theatre (Tacoma); School children--Tacoma--1930-1940; Masonic Temple (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;