American Red Cross Training Center, American Red Cross, Mrs. Thomson. A group photograph of the staff for the Junior Red Cross training session at Benbow Lakes July 1947.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Benbow Lakes Resort (Kapowsin); Group portraits; Lakes & ponds--Kapowsin; Benbow Lakes (Kapowsin);

American Red Cross Training Center, American Red Cross, Mrs. Thomson. High school students attending the July 1947 Junior Red Cross session learned safety and lifesaving techniques such as artificial respiration at Benbow Lakes.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Benbow Lakes Resort (Kapowsin); Lifesaving--Kapowsin--1940-1950; Artificial respiration;

Lifesaving and water safety were among the many skills taught at the special Benbow Lake Red Cross Training Center at Kapowsin in July of 1947. 112 high school students from 45 Red Cross chapters in Canada, Utah, Idaho, Oregon and Washington were sent for the special 12 day training session, including Nancy Hobbs from Tacoma and Harry Butts from Sumner. The young people sent to the camp were chosen for their known fidelity to Red Cross service and fitness for leadership. (Young people and instructor in photo not identified.) (T.Times 7/15/1947 p.3)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Benbow Lakes Resort (Kapowsin); Lifesaving--Kapowsin--1940-1950; Students; Bathing suits; Lakes & ponds--Kapowsin; Benbow Lakes (Kapowsin);

American Red Cross Training Center, American Red Cross, Mrs. Thomson. High school students attending the July 1947 Junior Red Cross session also studied about the youth for youth program for Junior Red Cross at Benbow Lakes.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Benbow Lakes Resort (Kapowsin); Group portraits;

International Gyro Club members at Point Defiance park. Howard Crothers, Gyro Club. The Northwest District of Gyro International opened their annual four-day convention in Seattle August 14, 1947. More than 900 delegates representing clubs from the United States and Canada were scheduled to visit Tacoma on August 15, 1947. (T.Times, 8/15/1947, p.1)

Gyro Club (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits--1940-1950;

International Gyro Club members at Point Defiance park. Howard Crothers, Gyro Club. The international convention came to Tacoma for one day of their four-day convention from Seattle on August 15, 1947. The Gyro Club delegates arrived in Tacoma by boat, toured Point Defiance Five Mile Drive, enjoyed a water carnival staged at Point Defiance pavilion and had salmon dinner before returning to Seattle. (T.Times, 8/15/1947, p.1)

Gyro Club (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits--1940-1950; Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Piers & wharves--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The Tacoma Club had just elected new officers for 1948, Bert Sweeting was retiring as President and B. E. Buckmaster had just been elected new President. The new club officers would hold their meetings and club activities in the newly remodeled and carpeted facilities located in the Washington Building. Interior view of the Tacoma Club with new carpeting from Selden's.

Banquet halls--Tacoma; Table settings & decorations; Floor coverings; Selden's, Inc. (Tacoma); Tacoma Club (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Club had just elected new officers for 1948, Bert Sweeting was retiring as President and B. E. Buckmaster had just been elected new President. The new club officers would hold their meetings and club activities in the newly remodeled and carpeted facilities located in the Washington Building. Interior view of the Tacoma Club with new carpeting from Selden's.

Banquet halls--Tacoma; Table settings & decorations; Murals--Tacoma; Floor coverings; Selden's, Inc. (Tacoma); Tacoma Club (Tacoma);

Exterior view of Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174. The Elks building had just been painted and repaired, additional remodeling would also be done on the interior of the building. Elks members chose this site in 1914 and it was officially opened in 1916. The stairs are spanish style and have a decorative balustrade between Broadway and Commerce Street. The style of the building could be classified as part of the Beaux-Arts movement with many classical and renaissance features including the symmetrical facade, grand arched openings, medallions and decorative swags. The Elks relocated to a new temple on So. Union Ave. in 1965.

Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Organizations' facilities--Tacoma; Balustrades--Tacoma; Balusters; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Elk's Temple (Tacoma);

Forty Women at Masonic Temple, Daughters of the Nile, Mrs. Shotwell. These women are wearing a variety of costumes. In the very front five women are dressed as belly dancers with sheer skirts, midriff exposed and egyptian head pieces. Women in the middle are wearing white cossack-style costumes with blouson pants, cumberbund and high-necked, long, full sleeved blouses. They also wear matching head pieces.The women around the edges and back row are wearing evening gowns.

Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes--Egyptian; Costumes--Russian; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits; Headdresses; Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma);

Forty Women at Masonic Temple, Daughters of the Nile, Mrs. Shotwell. The Zora Temple No. 5, Daughters of the Nile, were honored by the official visit of the supreme queen, Mrs. Ray Hoble of Rockford, Illinois. The decorating committee chose an oriental theme. The program included an exhibition drill by the Egyptian patrol and the dancing girls presented an Egyptian number. These women are wearing a variety of costumes and stand on the stage at the Masonic Temple. The formation of the Daughters of the Nile originated in the home of Mrs. Mable R. Krows, Seattle, Washington. She and a number of other Shriners' wives on February 20, 1913, formed the Ladies of the Nile Club. The first local unit (temple) was named "Hatosu" in honor of an Egyptian queen. (TNT, 2/29/1948, p.B-5; Fraternal Organizations, Alvin J. Schmidt, 1980)

Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes--Egyptian; Costumes--Russian; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits; Headdresses; Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma);

Scottish Rite reunion, Mr. Farnsworth. Scottish Rite bodies of Freemasonry in the Tacoma district held their 84th semi-annual reunion the week of May 16, 1948, and dedicated it to the memory of the late Felix Robinson, 33rd degree, in appreciation for his 27 years of activity in the Masonic order. Over 100 petitioners were expected to form the reunion class for the ritualistic induction. The Scottish Rite of the Freemasons appears to have been organized in the United States in 1801. It offers higher Degrees to a Master Mason (the third and highest of the traditional degrees, and as far as he can go in his Blue Lodge). The Scottish Rite is open to Jews and others. (T.Times, 5/14/1948, p.9 and International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders, by Alan Axelrod, 1997)

Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reunions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Installation of officers, White Shrine Masonic Temple, studio spec. The White Shrine of Jerusalem was founded as a Christian auxiliary to Freemasons in the United States. There were 69,000 members in 1995. Until 1953 members of the White Shrine of Jerusalem were required to be members of the Eastern Star. The original White Shrine of Jerusalem was founded by Charles D. Magee in Chicago on October 23, 1894. Membership is open to Master Masons as well as their wives, mothers, daughters, widows, and sisters. Members are known as Sojourners; the head of the organization is the Supreme Worthy High Priestess. (International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders, by Alan Axelrod, 1997)

White Shrine of Jerusalem (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Inaugurations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Several groups at Masonic Temple, Ivanhoe Commandry, Lorenzo Mansfield. A group of 20 members of the Knights Templar are wearing their handsome uniforms and plumed hats. The Knight Templar is the 10th degree and the highest rank of the York Rite. The (Masons) Knights Templar was founded in 1816 as a fraternal service organization for Master Masons. The order flourishes in the Unites States, where there were 300,000 members in 1994. Lodges are called Commanderies; states with three or more lodges form Grand Commanderies. Since "none but Christians can be admitted, consequently it cannot be considered strictly as a Masonic body." (International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders, by Alan Axelrod, 1997; Fraternal Organizations, by Alvin J. Schmide, 1980)

Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Members of Beta Delta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, the National Professional Music Fraternity, were installing new officers. The College of Puget Sound fraternity was having a banquet on Saturday evening at the New Yorker Cafe. View of fraternity members after the installation ceremonies, the ladies are wearing lovely evening gowns (T.N.T., 5/24/48, p. 12).

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Alumni & alumnae--Tacoma; Evening gowns--Tacoma; Dresses--Tacoma; Banquets--Tacoma; New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Bellingham American Legion Drum Corp at Elks Temple, Ed F. Herrman, Business Manager, Bellingham. The American Legion held their 30th annual convention in Tacoma August 25 - 28th, 1948. Approximately 5,000 members of the Legion, its auxilliary, the 40 et 8 and its auxiliary, the 8 et 40, were expected at the convention. The grand parade of the convention was held August 27th followed by the drum and bugle corps in the stadium. This view of the Bellingham drum and bugle corps including their drum majors is taken by the Masonic Temple. Farther in the background are Commencement Bay and the tideflats.

American Legion (Bellingham); Veterans' organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Drum majors--Bellingham; Marching bands; Band uniforms--Bellingham; Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Regional Banquet at First Baptist Church, Camp Fire Girls, Miss Bently. Leaders in Camp Fire Girls activities attended a regional training institute for Washington and Oregon leaders. More than 200 leaders met November 8, 1948, at the First Baptist Church. The assembled leaders are shown attending a banquet and several Camp Fire Girls model uniforms on the stage. (T.Times, 11/9/1948, p.1: TNT, 11/9/1948, p.7)

Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The newly remodeled Elks Temple was celebrating their new facilities with an open house for members and their wives. The Tacoma Elks Club was organized in 1890, the Tacoma Charter was presented by Deputy Exalted Ruler C. W. Niving. View of spacious and redecorated dining room of the Tacoma Elks Lodge; the Elks famed Stag table is in the background, this table seats fifteen members who have their daily lunch at the club (T.N.T., 12/30/48, p. 4-7).

Fraternal organizations'--Tacoma; Dining rooms--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Clubhouses--Tacoma; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma; Elks Club (Tacoma);

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is not just a club, it is a national fraternal organization with over 1,500 lodges in the United States. Interior view of the new kitchen, Head Chef Mitchell Pentel will be preparing wonderful 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; Events--Tacoma; Clubhouses--Tacoma; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma; Elks Club (Tacoma);

The Elks were organized to inculcate the principles of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity; the club promotes members' welfare and enhances the happiness of its members. The Elks believe they can increase American Patriotism and cultivate good fellowship. Interior view of Tacoma's Elks Lodge No. 174's clubroom, the clubroom is near the Secretary's office, the room has new billiard tables and Christmas decorations (T.N.T., 12/30/48, p. 4-7).

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Christmas decorations; Billiard parlors--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Clubhouses--Tacoma--1940-1950; Elks Club (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Elks were celebrating the completion of their new building with an open house; all members and their wives were invited to attend. Interior view of the Elks Temple dining room, the dining room offers the members a spacious and redecorated are to enjoy lunch and dinners. The famed Stag table is on the left side; this room is predominantly decorated in green tones (T.N.T., 12/30/48, p. 4-7).

Fraternal organizations'--Tacoma; Dining rooms--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Clubhouses--Tacoma; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma; Elks Club (Tacoma);

On December 30, 1948, the Elks Temple at 565 Broadway opened its doors to members, wives and ladies to see the newly renovated building. The club room, very popular with the majority of the membership, was just one of the rooms that was completely redone. Everything - chairs, tables, floor coverings, light fixtures - was new and modernized. Even the billiard tables were completely overhauled. All the funiture was custom made in Tacoma. (T.N.T., 12/30/48, p. 4-7).

Fraternal organizations'--Tacoma; Christmas decorations; Billiard parlors--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Clubhouses--Tacoma; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma; Elks Club (Tacoma);

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);

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;

Lou Plante was president of the Tacoma Gun Club when it sponsored the Washington Birthday Classic held on Saturday and Sunday, February 19 & 20, 1949 at the club on Highway 99 in Lakewood. Shooters came to Tacoma for the annual shoot from all parts of the Northwest and parts of California. A keen trap man, Mr. Plante was a life member of the Tacoma Gun Club. He moved to Tacoma in 1911, and was a member of the Plaster Contractors Association. (T.Times, 2/19/1949, p.5)

Tacoma Gun Club (Tacoma); Smoking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tobacco pipes; Rifles; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Plante, Louis H.

Order of Eastern Star Vida Chapter was having their annual installation of officers in the Gothic Room in Tacoma's Masonic Temple; an informal reception would be held in the roof garden with the Starlets serving as hostesses. View of members from the Vida Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, during the ceremony for the installation of new officers (T.N.T., 4/10/49, p. D-8).

Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Masonic buildings--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Order of Eastern Star Vida Chapter No. 35 (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

More than 600 members of the Washington State Junior Chamber of Commerce attended the state convention held in Tacoma at the Winthrop Hotel. The Junior Chamber of Commerce would be electing new officers for this year; and they designated Spokane as next year's site for the state convention. The convention consisted of several meetings and programs and would wrap up with a Saturday night banquet at the Top of the Ocean restaurant. View of members of the Junior Chamber of Commerce at the Winthrop Hotel (T.N.T., 4/23/49, p. 1).

Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Conference rooms--Tacoma; Hotels--Tacoma; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Junior Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma); Hotel Winthrop (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;

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 Scottish Rite of the Freemasons appears to have been organized in the United States in 1801. It offers higher Degrees to a Master Mason (the third and highest of the traditional degrees, and as far as he can go in his Blue Lodge). The Scottish Rite is open to Jews and others. View of member of Tacoma's Scottish Rite, this unidentified man is wearing the traditional cap and medals.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Social life--1940-1950; Insignia--Tacoma; Medals; Tuxedoes; Portraits; Portrait photographs; Scottish Rite (Tacoma);