ca. 1925. A float cruises in front of the Elks Lodge. The truck chassis has been covered with straw-like material and sports a straw skimmer hat and carries a Dixieland band, also wearing straw hats. A banner on the float reads "Park your new straw- under a seat at the Colonial and see 'A Kiss in the Dark'." "A Kiss in the Dark" was a silent film adaptation of the comic play "Aren't We All." It was released April 6, 1925 and starred Adolphe Menjou, Lillian Rich and Aileen Pringle, with a cameo appearance by Herbert (Zeppo) Marx. The float was possibly intended for the Straw Hat Day celebrations. Straw Hat Day in Tacoma was the date that gentlemen officially put away their heavy winter hats and donned straw ones for the warmer weather. (WSHS- negative A845-0)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1920-1930; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1920-1930; Celebrations--Tacoma; Straw Hat Day (Tacoma); Hats--Tacoma--1920-1930;

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.;

On January 9, 1940 the Tacoma Elks handball team took on the men from the Washington Athletic Club of Seattle in the first Puget Sound Handball League match of the season. Tacoma's team had already been proclaimed the "greatest Tacoma has ever known." The team was comprised of (kneeling, left to right) Bill Boudwin, manager; Orville Stewart and Art Ziegler. Standing are (left to right) Harry Westbrook, Al Howe, Bob Holder and Fred Osmers. The popularity of handball among the Elks had increased with the addition of two courts at the Elks Club. The courts proved popular as a way to keep fit. They were 44 feet long by 22 feet wide and 22 feet high, with a gallery that could seat 100; they were said to have the best lighting of any courts on the Pacific coast. (T. Times 1/9/1940, pg. 10)

Elks Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Handball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sports & recreation facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sport clothes; Athletes--Tacoma;

Group of people, including children, on stage at the Elks Temple. This photograph was taken on July 1, 1940.

Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Elks Temple (Tacoma); Stages (Platforms);

Loyal Order of Railroad Conductors Women's Auxiliary. 30 members of the women's auxiliary posed for a group portrait on September 25, 1940.

Loyal Order of Railroad Conductors Women's Auxiliary;

The Order of AHEPA held their meetings at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. They participated in the annual bazaar held for the "Athenian Holiday", where you could find authentic Greek foods, pastries and handicrafts, all prepared by the Daughters of Penelope of the Order of AHEPA, the women's auxiliary group. The music and decorations helped create the atmosphere. View of members of the Order of AHEPA wearing fezzes with tassels and some are wearing medals.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Greek Americans--Tacoma; Order of AHEPA (Tacoma); Hats--1940-1950; St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (Tacoma);

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. 600 Rainbow girls are seated at tables and some stand along the side and back of the room for the banquet held at the New Yorker shere the initiation of the order was put on with Miss Margaret Arnold, Grand Worthy Advisor presided. The Grand Cross of Color degrees were conferred by the past grand worthy advisors. (T.Times, 6/23/1947, p.1 & p.6)

Rainbow Girls (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns; Teenagers--1940-1950; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Banquet halls--Tacoma--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;

Emmett T. Anderson, ex-Grand Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks No. 174, is visiting Tacoma, and will deliver the eulogy at their annual memorial services. View of Elks members standing with Emmett Anderson, who is visiting from California, they are standing behind their shield and floral arrangements (T. Times, 12/2/47, p. 18).

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Visiting; Memorial rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Commemoration--Tacoma; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Anderson, Emmett T.;

College of Puget Sound students were helping place nine brass plaques bearing the name of one of the fraternities and sororities, which have been active for the past twenty five years. The plaques are being placed by the Student Union Building. The students and college administrators participated in a special dedication just prior to the cement being poured. Construction materials were donated to College of Puget Sound by the George Scofield Company. View of students helping lay the cement (T.N.T., 5/21/48, p. 4).

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cement--Tacoma; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Universities & colleges--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; George Scofield Co., Inc. (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);

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);

A large gathering of Royal Arch Masons met for the second year in a row at the Tenino sandstone quarry to confer the degree of Mark Masters to qualified members in an outdoor ceremony. Royal Arch Masons from throughout the state attended the August, 1951, gathering which was sponsored by the Centralia Chapter #44. Ceremonies were opened by the officers of the Sunset chapter #23, Chehalis, with Donald C. Rogers, state head of the order, and his officials in attendance. The Mark Masters degree is built upon a legendary incident which took place during the quarrying of stone for the building of King Solomon's temple. (TNT 8-9-51, B-5)

Royal Arch Masons; Fraternal organizations; Sandstone quarrying--Tenino;

Fourteen new pledges to the Pi Beta Phi sorority pose for a group portrait at the home of Mrs. Addison Forrester in September, 1951. The Pi Phi Mothers Club sponsored a reception honoring the new members. Pi Beta Phi was the first national sorority at the College of Puget Sound; it absorbed local sorority Kappa Sigma Theta in September, 1948. The C.P.S. chapter was the 94th in the nation and born the title of Washington Gamma. Pi Beta Phi was one of the oldest national women's social sororities and actively participated in a settlement school in Tennessee. Photograph commissioned by Pi Phi Mothers Club. (Tamanawas, 1950, p. 168)

Pi Beta Phi (Tacoma); Group portraits--1950-1960; Women--Tacoma--1950-1960; Pi Phi Mothers Club (Tacoma); Students--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Pi Phi Mothers Club hosted a reception for new pledges at the home of Mrs. Addison Forrester in September, 1951. View of large group of pledges and current sorority members in living room of the Forrester residence on North Washington. The College of Puget Sound welcomed Pi Beta Phi in September, 1948, as the campus' first national sorority. Pi Beta Phi had a long tradition as one of the oldest national women's social sororities and participated in many philanthropic deeds, including active participation in a settlement school in Tennessee. The Pi Phi chapter at C.P.S. is the 94th in the nation and bears the title Washington Gamma. Photograph commissioned by Pi Phi Mothers Club. (Tamanawas, 1950, p. 168)

Pi Beta Phi (Tacoma); Group portraits--1950-1960; Women--Tacoma--1950-1960; Pi Phi Mothers Club (Tacoma); Students--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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);

Two clowns perform on the floor of the auditorium at the Elks Temple for the Elk's annual Father and Daughter Valentines party. Several of the girls stretch their arms hoping to be chosen for one of the evening's surprises.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Children's parties; Clowns;

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);

A large screen announced the Elks annual "Extravaganza" for 1952. Thirty-four members are shown in caricature with information about their businesses.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

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);

Members of the Delta, Delta, Delta sorority and their parents attended a banquet at "The Farm" on March 31, 1952. The Tri-Deltas and their guests fill the tables in the dining room. Several of them are wearing large bibs with ruffles around the edges.

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

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);

Moose lodge officials at Temple

Loyal Order of Moose, Tacoma Lodge 435 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Men--Social life--1950-1960; Moose Temple (Tacoma);

Moose Troop 435, Boy Scouts of America, was organized in September, 1950. It was sponsored by Tacoma Lodge 435, Loyal Order of Moose, as part of their civic affairs program. Scoutmaster J. F. (Lucky) Wahl shares the troop application form with Joseph Ryan, the first member of the troop. The young Scout with his hand across Scoutmaster Wahl's shoulders is believed to be Stanley Blattner. Wayne Ruoff, holding the sign identifying the troop, stands next to Douglas Ruoff. (TNT 9-17-50, p. A-9)

Loyal Order of Moose, Tacoma Lodge 435 (Tacoma); Boy Scouts (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Boys--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Thirty-eight Tri Delta sorority women fill one end of this living room wearing floor length formals in this photograph from October of 1951. According to the 1952 College of Puget Sound yearbook, the Tamanawas, the Betas affiliated with the Tri Delts. During fall term they held a barn dance, a banquet for founders' day and a formal with the Sigma Nu's. (Tamanawas, 1952)

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Evening gowns--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

A bathing beauty of times past steps lightly from the family album, blowing up a pair of water wings. She is a model in the Pi Beta Phi style show and tea, held at the Masonic Temple roof garden on September 6, 1940. (T. Times 9/5/1940, pg. 10)

Pi Beta Phi (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bathing suits--1910-1920;

More than 200 men attended the installation ceremonies creating the new Delta Phi chapter of Sigma Chi, college social fraternity, at the College of Puget Sound. National officers attended from Chicago, Seattle and Tacoma for the event. Ordered by the Magazine of Sigma Chi, Merrill E. Pritchard.

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

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);