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;

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);

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.;

ca. 1953. Group of men, a branch of Freemasons. No background information is available on this group portrait. Regalia most closely resembles that of the Royal Arch Masons. However, the Scottish Rite would be honoring 11 members at the Masonic Temple during November of 1953. The event was the Ceremonial of Investiture for new Knight Commanders of the Court of Honor of the Scottish Rite. The ceremony was only held every second year. All 32nd degree Masons were invited to witness the ceremony. (TNT 11-29-1953, A-9)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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;

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;

College of Puget Sound's National Professional Music Fraternity, the Beta Delta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, had recently installed new members for the coming school year. Mary Jo Frlan (left) and Alda Heath (right) were returning to Tacoma in late June of 1948 after having represented their fraternity in a national meeting. View of Alpha Iota fraternity girls leaving Union Depot after returning from their summer travel.

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Frlan, Mary Jo; Heath, Alda; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sigma Alpha Iota (Tacoma); College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Union Station (Tacoma); Railroad travel--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);

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;

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);

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);

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);

Exalted Ruler and trustee at Elks Club, Jack Brouillard, Elks Club. Two men are playing handball at the Elks Club. They are both wearing tee shirts, shorts, court shoes, and special gloves. The walls of the handball court show the marks of the ball hitting the surface over and over again.

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

Exalted Ruler and trustee at Elks Club, Jack Brouillard, Elks Club. Two men are working out at the Elks Club playing handball. They are wearing gloves on both hands to be able to hit the ball with either hand.

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

Lillian M. (Mrs. J.Donald) Shotwell was installed as Queen of the Zora Temple No. 5 of the Daughters of the Nile in a ceremony held at Fellowship Masonic Hall on March 26, 1948. The room had been transformed into a scene of Oriental splendor with the river Nile flowing in the background. The Egyptian chorus and Egyptian dancers performed. Queen Lillian Shotwell carried a shower bouquet of baby orchids for the installation. Mrs. Shotwell is shown seated on the throne, which is covered with oriental carpets. She is wearing an evening gown, robe with a long train and a crown. Ordered by Don Shotwell. (T.Times, 3/20/1948, p.9) TPL-6478

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Crowns; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Shotwell, Lilian M.; Stage props; Fellowship Hall (Tacoma);

Daughters of the Nile, Mrs. Shotwell installation at Fellowship Hall, Don Shotwell. The Daughters of the Nile held their annual installation of officers of the Zora Temple No. 5 March 26, 1948, in Fellowship Hall of the Masonic Temple. These thirteen women wear evening gowns, above-the-elbow lace, fingerless gloves, and floral headpieces. The purpose of the order is to pursue "a philosophy of living which will enable them (the members), when shadows lengthen, to look back on a life well spent." The order also assists the Shriners in their work pertaining to crippled children. (T.Times, 3/20/1948, p.9; Fraternal Organizations, Alvin J. Schmidt, 1980)

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Elks, Father and daughter night. Several girls pose with the carousel used to decorate the Elks club along with hearts for Father and Daughter night.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Merry-go-rounds--Tacoma; Decorations--Tacoma; Parties; Children's parties;

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);

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.;

Emmett Anderson, the past Grand Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks No. 174, is visiting Tacoma and will be delivering the eulogy at the annual Elk's memorial services. The public is invited to attend the memorial services. Max Frolic is the event's chairman and the ritual will be conducted by Jerry Geehan, the current Grand Exalted Ruler. View of Emmett T. Anderson standing in front of his caricature, other Elks members are standing by him (T. Times, 12/2/47, p. 18).

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

Three two-man crews of painters work from platforms suspended on the south wall of the Elks Temple, 565 Broadway, in August of 1947. The temple, dedicated on February 22, 1916, was designed by E. Frere Champney. The staircase next to the building, that connects Broadway with Commerce St., is known as the Spanish steps, and were intended to serve as a fire escape for the building. The Elks Temple has fallen into disrepair, and its future is in question. TPL-8446

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Historic buildings--Tacoma; Stairways--Tacoma--1940-1950; Streets--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Eastern Star Convention at the New Yorker Cafe, Margaret Kinnich. The Grand Chapter of Washington Order of Eastern Star held its session in Tacoma June 19 - 21, 1947. More than 2,000 members and guests were expected from Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and British Columbia. A banquet was held at the New Yorker for past grand matrons and past grand patrons at the New Yorker. (T.Times, 6/12/1947, p.10) Format 6" x 10".

Order of Eastern Star (Tacoma); New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Eastern Star Convention at the New Yorker Cafe, Margaret Kinnich. These are five of the men and women who attended the banquet for past grand matrons and past grand patrons from the Order of Eastern Star during the session held in Tacoma June 19 - 21, 1947. (T.Times, 6/12/1947, p.10)

Order of Eastern Star (Tacoma); New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Eastern Star Convention at Armory. Mrs. Eva Holland Hamilton of Chicago is on the right. She was the Most Worthy Grand Matron of the General Grand Chapter and was a visitor throughout the 59th annual session of Order of the Eastern Star held in Tacoma in June 1947. Mrs. Stephen J. Chadwick of Olympia, a past Most Worthy Matron of the General Grand Chapter, was affectionately known as "the First Lady" in Washington Eastern Star. She is wearing an overblouse of lace and crochet. Both women wear corsages. (T.Times, 6/28/1947, p.12)

Order of Eastern Star (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hamilton, Eva Holland; Chadwick, Stephen J.--Family;

Eastern Star Convention at Armory. Mrs. Arthur W. Slayer, fifth from the left in the front row, is Grand Matron of the Order of Eastern Star for 1947. She presided over the 3-day state convention. (T.Times, 6/19/1947, p.11)

Order of Eastern Star (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Eastern Star at the Armory. This session was the Order of Eastern Star's 59th annual session. They expected 2,000 to attend representing 45,000 in the state from 225 chapters. (T.Times, 6/17/1947, p.6)

Order of Eastern Star (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Royal Arch Masons. A gathering of members wearing various costumes. York Rite delegates attended the annual state convention during May 11 through May 16, 1947. Meetings of the three grand bodies, Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar and the Council were held during this time. (T.Times, 5/9/1947, p.1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Royal Arch Masons (Tacoma);

Rainbow Convention. Seven Rainbow girls are seated in the middle of the auditorium with older persons standing behind them waiting for the ceremony to continue. A large audience is seated around the edges of the auditorium and in the balcony. The installation of newly elected 1948 grand officers marked the end of the Rainbow Girls' 21st session. (T.Times, 6/24/1947, p.1)

Rainbow Girls (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Teenagers--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--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;

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;