A beautiful selection by A.R. Hieneman of Milton was just one of the many entries in the sixth annual rhododendron show sponsored by the Tacoma Chapter, American Rhododendron Society in May, 1954. The more than 100 varieties of rhododendrons displayed in the Bank of California lobby on Pacific Avenue attracted thousands of interested flower aficionados. There were also azaleas and a waterfall in the natural woodland setting. Carl P. Skoog was listed as the staging chairman. (TNT 5-12-54, B-1, TNT 5-16-54, A-2)

American Rhododendron Society, Tacoma Chapter (Tacoma); Rhododendrons; Flowers--Tacoma;

May was a prime month for rhododendrons. The Tacoma Chapter, American Rhododendron Society held their sixth annual flower show on May 15-16, 1954, in the Bank of California lobby. Exhibitors were concerned that an early May 1st frost had damaged the supply of rhododendrons but the more than 100 varieties entered eased their fears. As in previous years, the bank lobby was landscaped with specimen plants as the background for entry exhibits; view of lobby filled with rhododendrons. This year it was decided that the flower show would be noncompetitive and no prizes awarded. (TNT 5-12-54, B-1, TNT 5-16-54, A-2)

American Rhododendron Society, Tacoma Chapter (Tacoma); Rhododendrons; Flowers--Tacoma; Bank of California National Association (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Rhododendron Society held their sixth annual flower show May 8-9, 1954, in Normanna Hall. The public was invited to attend at no charge. The University of Washington Arboretum sent plants to display as well as the U.S. government's Ballard Canal Locks. The offerings from Tacoma growers included those plants grown specially in greenhouses. View taken of stage at Normanna Hall; stage is covered with rhodys with Maypole in center. Example of rockery with flowering plants can also be seen facing stage. (TNT 5-6-54, A-7)

Tacoma Rhododendron Society (Tacoma); Rhododendrons; Normanna Hall (Tacoma); Flowers--Tacoma;

University students pose for group portrait. The Delta Delta Delta sorority from the College of Puget Sound honored all senior women on campus with a special tea. A Pansy Ring was created, using fresh flowers, and placed at the location of the tea. In 1954, the tea was held at the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club. The large circle of flowers made a perfect picture frame which could hold several people. (1954 Tamanawas, p. 138, TNT 5-2-54, D-4))

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Group portraits;

Members of Delta Delta Delta sorority of the College of Puget Sound had almost finished creating the Pansy Ring, a large circle of flowers, on May 2, 1954. Each year the sorority honored all senior women on campus with the Pansy Ring tea. The tea was held at the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club on Borough Road. The senior women would be photographed individually with the ring as a backdrop. (Tamanawas, 1954, p. 138)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma;

Each year the Delta Delta Delta sorority from the College of Puget Sound sponsored a Pansy Ring Tea to honor all senior women on campus. Also especially honored were the senior women who had become engaged or married during the past year; they were eligible to step through the Pansy Ring. Young women would dress in lovely spring outfits and pose in front of the colorful ring of flowers. Skirt lengths were apparently knee length in 1954 and hats and gloves often worn even among college students. (TNT 5-2-54, D-4)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

This young college student's floral decorated dress blends perfectly with the large ring of flowers behind her. The Delta Delta Delta sorority from the College of Puget Sound annually held a Pansy Ring Tea in the spring to honor all senior women on campus, whether Greek-affiliated or not. In 1954, the tea was held at the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club where a large ring of flowers was erected and people were able to have their photographs taken in front of it. The young woman in this picture may have been Dorcas Marshall of the Tri-Delts. (TNT 5-2-54, D-4)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club on Borough Road was the scene of the 1954 Pansy Ring Tea sponsored by the Delta Delta Delta sorority. The Tri-Delts from the College of Puget Sound annually held a spring tea which was open to all senior women on campus. All the young ladies present wore their spring finery, which often included hats, handbags, gloves and pumps, as modeled by an unidentified college student in front of the large ring of flowers. Dr. R. Franklin Thompson, president of the college, was there to present scholarships offered by the sorority. (TNT 5-2-54, D-4)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A young women holds a small bouquet of pansies as she poses in front of the Delta Delta Delta Pansy Ring on May 2, 1954. The sorority from the College of Puget Sound each year held a special tea, called the Pansy Ring Tea, for all senior women on campus. In 1954, the tea was held at the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club. The women attending were all dressed conservatively, most with hats, gloves and purses to complement their spring dresses. Both Dr. R. Franklin Thompson and Mrs. Thompson attended the tea; Dr. Thompson, president of the college, presented scholarships awarded by the sorority. (TNT 5-2-54, D-4)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Pansy Ring Tea was a Delta Delta Delta tradition at the College of Puget Sound. Each year the sorority would honor all senior women on campus with a special tea. The women did not have to be Greek-affiliated. A large ring of flowers would be erected at the site of the tea; in the spring of 1954, the tea was held at the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club. A young college student is demurely posed here in front of the Pansy Ring; she has on a small hat with veil, gloves, and a black purse to complement her black and white dress. (TNT 5-2-54, D-4)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Two carpenters are in the midst of finishing the interior of a new model home for the Tacoma Master Builders Association. They appear to be working in the living room portion of the home; a large brick fireplace has already been laid with cabinets and shelves adjacent. The Master Builders Association built model homes each year for the Parade of Homes, held in conjunction with National Home Week, and also constructed a model home for the Tacoma Home Show held in May of each year. The location of the Tacoma Home Show model was kept secret until the show opened; in 1954, S.L. Rowland Co. did the honors. (TNT 4-4-54, B-13)

Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Model houses--Tacoma;

The Tacoma Elks installed new officers in early April of 1954. Burritt B. Anderson, left, is the retiring exalted ruler. He has passed the gavel and symbol of office on to Arthur J. Emery. Both men are wearing tuxedoes and boutonnieres. Mr. Anderson was honored with a no-host party held recently at the Fircrest Golf Clubhouse with 250 people in attendance. (TNT 4-4-54, A-11, TNT 4-8-54, A-5)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Emery, Arthur J.; Anderson, Burritt B.; Tuxedoes;

Over 800 members enjoyed the seventh annual Elks club Extravaganza held on March 31, 1954. Members participated in skits, played in the Elks orchestra, sang and danced under the direction of well known vaudevillian, Max Frolic. View of "police officers" surrounding a well-dressed "lady" on stage; the Elks orchestra accompanies the skit. Pianist on left is believed to be Bert Kool, who produced and led the musical portion of the program. (TNT 4-1-54, B-11)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Elks club members dressed as policemen look on in amusement as a "can-can girl", complete with garter and bonnet, demonstrates a bit of the famous dance during the Elks club 1954 Extravaganza. The man in bow tie is believed to be Max Frolic, well-known old-time vaudevillian entertainer. Mr. Frolic directed the Elks Extravaganza for several years. The Extravaganza generally ran for two nights; the first night was for members only and always ensured a full house, while the second night was for ladies only. (TNT 4-1-54, B-11)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Elks club members participated with high spirits when requested to do so during the annual Elks Club Extravaganzas held each spring. Humorous skits, song & dance, orchestral music were all part of the program. View of two members on stage; one is dressed in Scottish kilts while the other man has a ragmop hairstyle and keeps one foot on an uprooted stool. Deliberate or not, the warped candles on top of the piano certainly would have caught the audience's eye.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A very motley crew of entertainers pose on March 31, 1954, for the annual Elks club Extravaganza. "Uncle Sam", in the center, appears to be embracing representatives of various ethnic groups. This was probably the "United Nations Beauties", a big hit with the audience. The Elks Extravaganza was always greeted with much anticipation and provided hours of hilarious entertainment for its members. (TNT 4-1-54, B-11)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Young children at Remann Hall smile as they happily accept the gift of a new television set from the Eagles. The handsome console was presented to Remann Hall on March 28, 1954. The juvenile home housed delinquent and dependent children from newborns to seventeen year olds. Many children had been placed there due to the deaths or illnesses of their parents.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Televisions--1950-1960; Detention facilities--Tacoma; Juvenile delinquents--Tacoma; Abandoned children--Tacoma; Remann Hall (Tacoma);

The beaming lass pictured is Lynn Green, the 1954 Sweetheart of Sigma Chi, Delta Phi Chapter. She has recently been selected over four other contestants to rule as Sweetheart at the Sigma Chi dance in the Crystal Ballroom of the Winthrop Hotel. Lynn Green from Redmond was a sophomore at the College of Puget Sound. She was working toward degrees in sociology and education. She belonged to the Chi Omega sorority and Spurs. (TNT 3/7/1954, pg. D-4)

Sigma Chi (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Green, Lynn;

Three women and a blonde lass model the latest fashions for the Young Mens Business Club, Womens Auxiliary. Their annual fashion show would be held March 4th at the Top of the Ocean. It would include a luncheon and style show. Pictured left to right are Ellen (Mrs. Raymond) Magnuson- co-chairman, Madeline (Mrs. Peter) Pelegruti, Merilee Marie Magnuson- both models, and Billie (Mrs. Arthur) Paulson- co-chairman. (TNT 2/21/1954, pg. D-4)

Young Mens Business Club, Womens Auxiliary (Tacoma); Fashion shows--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Magnuson, Ellen; Pelegruti, Madeline H.; Magnuson, Merilee Marie; Paulson, Billie;

In February of 1954 Frank Kellogg (seated at desk, center), the president of Tacoma Eagles Aerie 3 and the Eagles "Desperado" committee were planning their welcome for Eagles state president Ed Stanley. George Chihuly (far right) was promoting the idea of a full blown western style greeting - with pistols drawn. The state president was scheduled to visit Tacoma on February 26th to speak on "Eagledom and the rebirth of Fraternalism". The other wild west bad guys standing in the back are (left to right) Frank Powser, George Thomas, unidentified man, Dr. V. Webb and Earl Robinson. (TNT 2/21/1954, pg. A-12)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 3 (Tacoma); Kellogg, Frank M.; Chihuly, George; Robinson, Earl M.; Powser, Frank; Thomas, George; Webb, V.;

Copy of the customers' drawing. The Carpenters Union Hall, for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local #470 in Tacoma. Building designed by McGuire & Muri, Architects. Built in 1954, the building was opened in April of 1955. The contractor was Concrete Construction Co.

Carpenter's Union Local No. 470 (Tacoma); Architectural drawings;

Marilyn Keil, Mrs. Jennie B. Gregg and Ronna Mage posed for the camera with the chocolate covered mint candies sold in February of 1954 as a fund raiser for the Camp Fire Girls' organization. Marilyn was a "Bluebird" from the Washington school district, one of the younger members of the organization. Ronna Mage was a Camp Fire girl from Downing School and wore the organization's campfire logo on her beanie. More than 1,300 Camp Fire Girls and Bluebirds in the Tacoma area hit the streets for the 6th annual candy sale beginning February 5th and continuing through the 22nd. Funds raised were used to complete the purchase of a camp for the organization near Longbranch. Mrs. Gregg was the general chairman for the sale. (TNT 1-24-1954, pg. A-11) TPL-9271

Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gregg, Jennie B.; Keil, Marilyn; Mage, Ronna;

Camp Fire Girls preparing for upcoming summer fun camping out under the stars. They are practicing camping techniques right in the comfort of their home. One of the items being practiced is the proper tucking in procedure for a sleeping bag. Mrs. Ralph Anderson puts away the dinner dishes while Mary Lynn Anderson, a Camp Fire Girl from Mason School, tucks her sister Kris, a Blue Bird, into her sleeping bag. Mrs. Anderson was the sponsor for the Blue Bird group and the chairman of the booth and organizational sale of chocolate mints. The sale of the mints was intended to generate funds for the development of the Tacoma Camp Fire Girls campsite near Longbranch. (TNT 1/31/1954, pg. D-1) TPL-8618

Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Girls--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, Mary Lynn; Anderson, Kris; Camping--Tacoma--1950-1960;

National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. Barbara (Mrs. Jerry M.) Sage is holding an empty jar to be used for collecting donations during the annual Mothers March for the March of Dimes Jan. 28, 1954. Her daughter Barbara Ellen Sage watches from the doorway. The Mothers March, under the direction of Mrs. Kenneth Finfrock, will wind up the March's month long campaign. The nationwide goal for the March of Dimes campaign was $75 million dollars. The funds from the campaign supported patient care, research, education and polio prevention. One third of all 1954 contributions in the drive were designated for prevention and the mass field trials of the new polio vaccine. The Mothers March was held Jan. 28th from 7p.m.- 8p.m. During this hour volunteers went door to door in every rural area, city & town in the county. Those who wished to contribute left their porchlight on or a lamp or candle in a front window. Apartment dwellers could also tie something to their doorknob. "Operation Porchlight" was an extremely successful fundraiser for the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. (TNT 1/22/1954, pg. 5 & 1/24/1954, pg. D-1)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Poliomyelitis--Prevention; National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (Tacoma); March of Dimes (Tacoma); Sage, Barbara; Sage, Barbara Ellen;

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);

American Institute of Architects, Southwest Washington Chapter, in the Wedgewood Room at the Winthrop Hotel. Most Tacoma and Seattle architects are pictured here, some with spouses. In the foreground of the picture, left to right, are Si Nelson, Percy Ball, Rod O'Hiser, Marshall Perrow, James Wilson and future mayor Gordon Johnston. Seated on the right side of the room, directly under the palm tree wall decoration are Hubert and Betty Bisson. Mr. Bisson was an architect, and later associate, for the well-known Tacoma firm of Lea, Pearson & Richards. Mr. Bisson worked for them for over 20 years until his death in 1971. He designed many of Tacoma's banks and schools for the firm. (for more detailed name information, please see name chart accompanying picture in Richards files) (Additional information provided by a reader)

American Institute of Architects, Southwest Washington Chapter (Tacoma); Architects; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Bisson, Hubert; Bisson, Betty; Johnston, Gordon N.; Nelson, Silas E.; Ball, Percy G.; O'Hiser, Rod; Perrow, Marshall; Wilson, James;

In December, 1953 four officers of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Tacoma Aerie #3, put the finishing touches on the enormous tree that was to be the center of attention at the Eagle's annual Christmas party for children. The tree stands on a corner of the stage at the Eagle Temple at 1305-07 Fawcett Ave. Watching from the foot of the stage are (l to r) Bob West, secretary, and Frank M. Kellogg, president. On the ladder, from the bottom up, are Maurice Hume, inside guard; Frank J. Charleston, Christmas committee chairman; and Joseph Thornley and Earl Butcher, Trustees. (TNT 12/17/1953, pg. A-13)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 3 (Tacoma); Christmas decorations; West, Bob; Kellogg, Frank M.; Hume, Maurice; Charleston, Frank J.; Thornley, Joseph; Butcher, Earl;

Posed around the table laden with Christmas decorations and appetizers at the University Union Club are, left to right, Linda Ross, Eleanor Dickman, Robin Ross, Kay Kelly, Diana Davis, Jill Davis and Charlotte Rowland. Ordered by the Tacoma News Tribune. The UU Women's Christmas Tea was scheduled for December 11th, 1953 from 3-5p.m. The tea had a silver Christmas motif. The day dawned darkly, but rainy skies did not dampen the atmosphere at the candlelit tea. Mrs. Dickman and Rowland poured while the girls served. (TNT 12/9/1953, pg. B-8)

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Buffets (Cookery)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ross, Linda; Dickman, Eleanor; Ross, Robin; Kelly, Kay; Davis, Diana; Davis, Jill; Rowland, Charlotte;

Chi Omega alumnae group at the New Yorker Cafe. The national sorority of Chi Omega added a new chapter at the College of Puget Sound in October of 1953. It was the 115th chapter of the sorority, founded April 5, 1895 at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The day began with the initiation of 75 collegiate and alumnae members of the local group Delta Alpha Gamma into the Tau Epsilon chapter of Chi Omega. The initiation ceremony was held at the Tacoma Lawn & Tennis Club. The celebration concluded with a formal banquet held at the New Yorker Cafe for the initiates, alumnae and out of town members. (TNT 10/15/1953, pg. C-7, TNT 10/20/1953, pg. A-10)

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Alumni & alumnae--Tacoma; Evening gowns--Tacoma; New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Chi Omega (Tacoma); College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

Members of the Yacht Club pose with their day's catch for the Tribune's Fall Sportsman layout. Pictured with their prize salmon are, left to right, Herbert Syford, Gershom Rowland, Joseph Henderson, Charlotte Rowland (seated), Edith Henderson (seated), Joyce Syford, Mrs. Roy Dingman and Roy A. Dingman. (TNT 10/18/1953, pg. D-1)

Clubs--Tacoma; Yachts--Tacoma; Tacoma Yacht Club (Tacoma); Fishing--Washington; Salmon--Washington; Syford, Herbert; Rowland, Gershom; Henderson, Joseph; Rowland, Charlotte; Henderson, Edith; Dingman, Roy A.;