In April of 1925, members of the Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan (DOKK) were planning an initiation in which hapless new members would be fed to their voracious tiger mascot (pictured.) The DOKK was a side degree of the Knights of Pythias committed to fun and revelry. On his knees, chained to the tiger, and being prepared for slaughter was E.A. Dexter, chancellor commander of the Commencement Lodge of Tacoma. Surrounding him, left to right, were J.A. Falconer, A.N. Bostwick, Ted Strong and Ben Haverkamp. The grand initiation and ceremony was held at the Swiss Hall, 1902-04 Jefferson Avenue. Over three hundred members from across Southwest Washington were expected to attend. More than 50 initiates were being prepared for lunch. At this time, the DOKK had no temple of their own in Tacoma, so the Kuh-Ala-Dagh Temple of Seattle served as host at the initiation. (TNT 4/24/1925, pg. 11) (WSHS)
Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Play (Recreation)--1920-1930; Knights of Pythias (Tacoma); Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan (Tacoma); Dexter, E.A.; Falconer, J.A.; Bostwick, A.N.; Strong, Ted; Haverkamp, Ben;