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;

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;

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);

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);

Reunion class, Scottish Rite, at the Masonic Temple.

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

Reunion of Scottish Rite. The 91st reunion of the Scottish Rite concluded on November 24, 1951, with the exemplification of the 30th degree of Knight Kadosh. The Scottish Rite choir performed musical rituals for the degrees. View of members of the Scottish Rite; those seated have on Masonic regalia. (TNT 11-23-51, p. 13)

Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Reunions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Scottish Rite group in the Corinthian room of the Masonic Temple. A branch of the Freemasons, this group has its roots not in Scotland, but in France. Its title is in honor of Scottish Masons who fled to France after the Jacobite Rebellion failed in 1715. The group was organized in the U.S. in 1801 and membership is available to those obtaining the rank of Master Mason. The rite consists on 32 degrees plus an honorary 33rd degree & each degree costs about $150 (in 1978.) The Scottish Rite is one of the paths to becoming a Shriner. ("Fraternal Organizations" by Alvin J. Schmidt & "Handbook of Secret Organizations" by William J. Whalen)

Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Mrs. Reuben Golliet of Olympia was installated as the new queen of the Daughters of the Nile in a setting of oriental splendor depicting the throne room of an ancient temple at Masonic Temple in March 1952. She was escorted to the temple by the patrol and attendants for installation. She was preceded by the officers attired in pastel gowns and carrying arm bouquets of complementing colors. (TNT, 3/23/1952, p.D-7)

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1950-1960; Crowns; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Stages (Platforms);

Twelve members of the Chapter of Rose Croix, Scottish Rite are shown at the Masonic Temple. They are wearing their traditional membership caps, tuxedoes, and bow ties.

Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Group of approximately 50 people for Zora Temple #5, Daughters of the Nile. Queens and officers of neighboring temples attended a ceremonial on March 1, 1951 at which Mrs. Merle Heitzman, of Salt Lake City, Supreme Queen of the Daughters of the Nile, made an official visit to Zora Temple #5. At the Masonic Temple, amid a setting of oriental rugs and palms, Mrs. Heitzman regaled the group with her adventures visiting the 100 Nile temples in the U.S., Canada and Hawaii. Entertainment was provided: an exhibition drill by the Egyptian Patrols, special music by the Egyptian chorus and a performance by the temple dancers. (TNT 2/25/1951, pg. D-9)

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Women--Tacoma--1950-1960; Costumes--Egyptian; Costumes--Russian; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits; Headdresses; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Retail Clerks Union 2nd Annual Christmas Party at Fellowship Hall. The large audience is seated facing the stage. Members of the union members' families have joined them for the December 15, 1951 festivities. (TNT 12-13-1951, C-11-article only)

Retail Clerks Union, Local 367 (Tacoma); Fellowship Hall (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Christmas--Tacoma; Audiences--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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;

On October 2, 1944, hundreds of Tacomas packed the Temple Theater, 47 Saint Helens Avenue, to salute their mayor, Lt. Col. Harry P. Cain who was serving overseas. The affair was sponsored by a citizen's committee following pleas of Tacoma residents who wished to show their appreciation to their absent mayor for the fame and betterment he had brought to Tacoma. The rally was also used to help kick off Cain's campaign to become Washington state's next U.S. Senator. Although he was defeated by Warren G. Magnuson in a close election, he ran again in 1946 and beat Senator Hugh Mitchell to become the first Republican senator from Washington since 1933. (T. Times, 10-3-44, p. 1) ALBUM 13.

Political parades & rallies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Crowds--Tacoma; Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Marquees--Tacoma--1940-1950;

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);

White Shrine installation 1950. A newly installed officer of the White Shrine of Jerusalem holds a banner of the Mizpah Shrine, Order of the White Shrine, connected to a white shepherd's hook while she raises her left arm. Ordered by Mr. A.R. Emerson.

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);

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 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);

Job's Daughters installation. Participants and guests at the 35th installation of the Bethel #8, International Order of Job's Daughters on December 8, 1956, place hands over hearts while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. All eyes are focused on the flag to the foreground which is being held by a member of Tacoma Chapter, Order of DeMolay. Sepia photograph ordered by Mrs. Carl Berglund. (TNT 12-5-56, C-11)

International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flags--United States;

ca. 1956. The Temple Theater. The Theater was built in 1927 from a design by A.J. Russell, Architect. The building is Greek in style with interior Egyptian detail. It is listed on the City Registry. The building served as both a Masonic temple and a theater. The theater had a seating capacity of 1800 and the widest proscenium arch of any theater on the Pacific Coast. In 1954, Cinemascope was installed at the theater. TPL-5455

Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Daughters of the Nile, group of 24 plus 6 dancers. The Zora Temple of the Daughters of the Nile had scheduled their winter ceremonial for Jan. 9th, Saturday afternoon, at 2:00p.m. It was held in the Gothic Room of the Masonic Temple. The room was decorated with oriental lamps and rugs, furnished by Harry Kirishian for the event. A large class of candidates was initiated. Oriental dancers presented a ceremonial dance with the patrol as escort and the Nile Chorus furnished music. The event was followed by a banquet in the Crystal Ballroom of the Winthrop Hotel. (TNT 1/4/1954)

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Women--Tacoma--1950-1960; Costumes--Egyptian; Costumes--Russian; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits; Headdresses; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Approximately 1000 Northern Pacific Railroad Veterans were treated to a scrumptious banquet at the Masonic Temple on June 29, 1957, during the group's 33rd annual convention. There is a large banner welcoming the 1957 Veterans posted on pillars. Special Pullmans and coaches left St. Paul on June 25th to bring members from Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho and Washington to the two-day convention. There are approximately 3500 members of the Veterans group, consisting of employees and former employees with a minimum of 30 years of service. Dean Eastman of Seattle, Northern Pacific vice-president, was scheduled to speak at the banquet. Photograph ordered by Northern Pacific Railway. (TNT 6-19-57, C-9)

Northern Pacific Railway Co. (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The South Tacoma Shops of the Northern Pacific Railroad received an impressive plaque from the company in honor of their achieving the best safety record for 1953. It was apparently the fourth time the South Tacoma Shops had won this award; previous years noted on the plaque included 1943, 1944, and 1945. Northern Pacific employees and guests enjoyed a special banquet in the Fellowship Hall at the Masonic Temple on May 27, 1954, where awards were presented. Seated in the photograph are: R.H. Spellmeyer and H.J. McLain. Standing left to right are: J.J. Schmidt, A.J. Cecchi, F.L. Steinbright, F.G. Moody, G.L. Ernstrom, and C.T.DeWitt. (TNT 5-27-54, A-10, TNT 5-28-54, p.14)

Northern Pacific Railway Co. (Tacoma)--People; Awards;

Employees of the Northern Pacific Railroad enjoy a safety awards banquet on May 27, 1954, in the Fellowship Hall at the Masonic Temple. Those seated at the head tables on the stage are presumably dignitaries. A five piece orchestra and singers provided music while 900 employees and guests dined on turkey dinners. The banquet was to honor the South Tacoma Shops for their near perfect accident record in the Northern Pacific Railroad's national safety competition. There was only one reportable accident among 800 employees in over a year's time. George L. Ernstrom, general mechanical superintendent of Northern Pacific, was chosen to give the award to R.H. Spellmeyer, shop superintendent at the South Tacoma Shops. (TNT 5-27-54, A-10, TNT 5-28-54, p. 14)

Northern Pacific Railway Co. (Tacoma)--People; Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Guitars; Saxophones;

Members of the Washington Cooperative Farmers Association display Lynden Broadbreast Turkeys during their luncheon at the Masonic Temple's Fellowship Hall on December 8, 1954. The Lynden firm is part of the Cooperative and provided ready to roast turkeys. This group is standing in front of a large poster demonstrating how the Co-op's eggs "go to market"; egg production was just one of the many enterprises they supported. 1600 Co-op members from District #6 attended the annual meeting and dined on turkey. At the meeting, Roy McChord was congratulated as the new manager of the Tacoma Station, replacing Dale Smith, who assumed management duties at the Co-op's credit division in Seattle. (TNT 12-12-54, F-8)

Washington Cooperative Farmers Association (Tacoma); Turkeys; Posters;

Hundreds fill the Masonic Temple's Fellowship Hall on December 8, 1954, at the Washington Cooperative Farmers Association's luncheon and meeting. The group had begun decades ago as an egg and poultry cooperative but had expanded into the feed and grain business. Farmers found that they were able to get better prices and new markets for their products if they participated in a cooperative.

Washington Cooperative Farmers Association (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);