The outreach activity program sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Eagles for persons over 60 years of age met at the Eagles Lodge. The center opened once a week around 11 a.m. for informal games such as cards and chess. Coffee or tea was served at noon, participants could bring their own sandwiches. In the afternoon, there was community singing, a business meeting, educational classes, hobby classes, dancing or more cards. The programs were designed around the interests of the persons attending, with the Eagle lodge providing all neccessary equipment. The only charge was a nominal one for refreshments.

Fraternal Order of Eagles (Tacoma); Aged persons--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Sorority program at Masonic Temple. Roomful of mostly women watch intently the proceedings in front of them in this photograph from March of 1950. Two men and two women are on a small stage. The event occurred at the Masonic Temple, probably the one at 47 Saint Helens Ave. in Tacoma.

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Ada E. Rolstad has just been appointed the new director of the Gray Lady service department for the Pierce County Chapter of the American National Red Cross. Mrs. Rolstad will be in charge of all of the Gray Lady's activities. Mrs. Rolstad has been a Gray Lady at Madigan General Hospital for more than five years, and was the corps chairman during most of World War II (T.N.T., 10/30/49, p. D-9).

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Uniforms; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; American National Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Rolstad, Ada E.;

Tacoma's Opti-Mrs. Club members invited their husbands to one of their club meetings. Left to right: Eleanor J. Perkins, Dr. C. Russell Perkins, Hilda E. Wells, Elizabeth F. and Arthur L. Crippen, are listening to a recording of a discussion regarding the Optimist Boys' Camp, which was broadcast on the Burt McMurtrie program (T.N.T., 9/29/49, p. 24).

Clubs--Tacoma; Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Equipment; Living rooms--Tacoma; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Murtland, Helen S.--Homes & haunts; Opti-Mrs. Club (Tacoma);

John H. Anderson, Exalted Ruler of the Tacoma Elks and future Mayor (right), shakes hands with his Spokane counterpart in front of the Lilac City's Great Northern Station during a Spokane visit by the Tacoma Elks (T.N.T., 10/20/49, p. 13). ALBUM 14

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Events--Spokane--1940-1950; Men--Social life--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Great Northern Railway Co. (Spokane); Anderson, John H.; Shaking hands--Spokane

John H. Anderson, Exalted Ruler of the Tacoma Elks and future Mayor, feels the effects of too much good cheer on a private rail car equipped as a bar during a club trip to Spokane (T.N.T., 10/20/49, p. 13). ALBUM 14.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternal lodges--Spokane; Events--Spokane--1940-1950; Elks Club (Spokane); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Anderson, John H.;

Tacoma Elks Club was welcoming their past exalted ruler, Emmett T. Anderson, back home in late September of 1949. The club members had many activities planned for the national leader; Anderson had just visited lodges in the East and South, and was visiting the Tacoma lodge on official business. View of Elks members welcoming their past exalted ruler, Emmett T. Anderson (left), back to his home lodge; names appear in newspaper. Among those present were future Tacoma mayor John H. Anderson and Public Safety Commissioner Robert S. Temme. (T.N.T., 10/2/49, p. A-12).

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Social life--1940-1950; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Anderson, Emmett T.; Anderson, John H.; Temme, Robert S.; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

John H. Anderson, in cap with cigar, Exalted Ruler of the Tacoma Elks and future Mayor, gambles with fellow Elks on a private rail car during a club trip to Spokane (T.N.T., 10/20/49, p. 13). ALBUM 14.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Railroad passenger cars--Tacoma; Events--Spokane--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Anderson, John H.;

John H. Anderson, in cap with cigar, Exalted Ruler of the Tacoma Elks and future Mayor, watches fellow Elks play cards on a private rail car during a club trip to Spokane (T.N.T., 10/20/49, p. 13). ALBUM 14.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Railroad passenger cars--Tacoma; Events--Spokane--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Anderson, John H.; Card games;

Interior view of the Elks Club in Spokane, Washington; members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge Number 174 visited the Spokane lodge during the latter part of October 1949 (T.N.T., 10/20/49, p. 13).

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Spokane; Events--Spokane--1940-1950; Clubhouses--Spokane; Elks Club (Spokane); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Elks were visiting the Spokane Elks' Club; the visiting delegation arrived on October 19, 1949 and would be staying for about a week. View of unidentified woman holding a "Welcome Tacoma" sign, she is likely at the train station waiting to greet the Tacoma Elks members (T.N.T., 10/20/49, p. 13).

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Spokane; Events--Spokane--1940-1950; Clubhouses--Spokane; Elks Club (Spokane); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

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);

Two members of the Royal Arch Masons help a third member register outside the sandstone quarry in Tenino on August 5, 1950. Masons from Washington and Oregon gathered to confer the Mark Masters degree.

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

In December of 1950, Mikel Ann Thomas was dressed as the New Year wearing a tall party hat and a ribbon across her chest. She was helping with the promotion of the Elks New Year's Eve dance. Mikel was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Thomas. The Elks promised a festive evening with many favors and surprises. Ordered by the Elks. (TNT, 12/27/1950, p.23)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Girls--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hats--1950-1960; Thomas, Mikel Ann; Holidays--Tacoma;

Thirty one members of Delta Kapa Phi at the College of Puget Sound pose for their group portrait on their porch with Santa Claus. The fraternity held a Christmas Party for underpriviledged children in 1950. The fraternity had 58 active members this year. A sign hanging from the porch has the Greek letters painted on it . (1951 Tamanawas)

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Delta Kappa Phi (Tacoma); Santa Claus--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);

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);

Chldren who will distribute Red Cross supplies, American Red Cross, Mrs. Thomson. March was Red Cross Month and posters calling attention to the 1949 fund raising campaign were distributed to Tacoma businesses by members of the Junior Red Cross. Names listed in newspaper. (T.Times, 3/1/1949, p.1)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Teenagers;

Two members of the Rhodes Post No. 2, American Legion demonstrated the proper way to fold the flag of the United States to the boys of Boy Scout Troop 55. In February of 1949, to celebrate National Boy Scout Week, the Legion presented three flags to the Salishan Boy Scout troop on behalf of the management of the Salishan housing project. In 1949 the Mt. Rainier Council, BSA contained 89 troops of scouts and 55 cub scout packs. (Names listed in the newspaper.) (T.Times, 2/6/1949, p.6) TPL-8219

Boy Scouts (Tacoma)--1940-1950; American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Teenagers--1940-1950; Flags--United States; Uniforms;

Daughters of the Nile. Five members of the Zora Temple are wearing matching evening gowns of shimmering satin and carry bouquets of carnations.

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Carnations--Tacoma; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bouquets;

Group taking life saving instruction at YWCA, Times, Dick Lyall. Thirty-two representatives of civic and community organizations took advanced courses in life saving under the direction of "Red" Tatum at the YWCA pool each week. Names listed in the newspaper account. (T.Times, 2/7/1949, p.11)

Young Women's Christian Association (Tacoma); Swimming--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bathing suits; Swimmers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Teachers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

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);

Red Cross Motor Service department transported volunteer nurses and Gray Ladies to various hospitals and medical centers throughout Pierce County. This program also transported patients to their medical appointments, sightseeing trips and errands. View of Red Cross Volunteers in March of 1949 transporting a child to receive occupational therapy at the Occupational Therapy Workshop maintained by Tacoma's Junior League.

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sick children; Children & adults--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Occupational Therapy Workshop (Tacoma); American National Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Tacoma's Elks Club was having their annual "Extravaganza" event in 1949. This year's show would include a short concert by the Elks Band, ten all-Elks acts, and a minstrel show. All benefits from the show would be used to help send the local Elks Band to the Grand Lodge Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. The newly appointed Elks Exalted Ruler, John H. Anderson would give the welcome address for the "Extravaganza." View of poster that was used to advertise the big event (T.N.T., 4/26/49, p. 5).

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma--1940-1950; Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Theatrical posters; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

View of five unidentified Townsend Club members standing outside of Tacoma's Music Box Theatre in November of 1948. They are proudly wearing "Townsend" hats and displaying their club banner with the theater movie ticket window in background. The Townsend Plan called for a $200 a month pension for every retired person over 60. The Club's slogan was "work for youth and age for leisure." Support for the Townsend Plan fueled President Franklin D. Roosevelt's support for the Social Security Act. Townsend Clubs continued to be popular until 1950 when social security benefits finally overtook welfare payments.

Clubs--Tacoma; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma; Banners--Tacoma; Meetings--Tacoma; Motion picture posters; Music Box Theatre (Tacoma); Townsend Clubs of America (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Chapter of Townsend Clubs of America had its State Headquarters located in the Bernice Building in downtown Tacoma at 1108 Pacific Avenue, room 506. View of Townsend Club members standing outside of Tacoma's Music Box Theatre, "When My Baby Smiles At Me" movie poster is hanging above group, the club members are wearing hats the read "Townsend", and their club banner is proudly displayed. In 1933, Dr. Francis E. Townsend proposed a government sponsored old age pension plan. During the Depression, his plan was supported by five thousand Townsend Clubs across the country, boasting five million members. Although never enacted, the support for his plan coerced Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt into supporting the Social Security Act in 1935. The Clubs were still thriving until 1950, when Social Security benefits finally exceeded welfare payments.

Clubs--Tacoma; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma; Meetings--Tacoma; Motion picture posters; Banners--Tacoma; Music Box Theatre (Tacoma); Townsend Clubs of America (Tacoma);

Tacoma's ten Junior Orthopedic Guilds were planning their 2nd annual semi-formal dance in January of 1949. The theme was "Stormy Weather," with music by Iverson Cosort's Band. All proceeds would go to help maintain clinics and towards the children's general hospital building fund. View of officers from the Junior Orthopedic Guilds at the "Stormy Weather" dance being held at the New Yorker Cafe (T. Times, 1/16/49, p. 22). From left to right: Ann Cleland, Mary Niethammer, Donna Hatcher, Charlene Boutine, Barbara Gustafson, Barbara Combs, Burtine Beal and Sue Backer. (TNT 1-30-1949, D-1)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clubs--Tacoma; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Tacoma Orthopedic Association, Junior Guild (Tacoma);

In January of 1949, Tacoma's "March of Dimes" campaign was beginning their annual solicitation for funds for the nationwide fight against infantile paralysis. View of Tacoma Fire Department's new 100 foot ladder giving access to the Winthrop Hotel's seventh floor, where Scotty Miles, member of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, will accept one of the first donations for the "March of Dimes" campaign (T. Times, 1/15/49, p. 1).

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Poliomyelitis--Prevention; National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (Tacoma); March of Dimes (Tacoma); Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma);

Dr. Millard J. Nelson Guild of the Tacoma Orthopedic Association. Mrs. A.O. (Mathilda H.) Burmeister was the social chairman of the silver tea held May 27, 1947, at the home of Paul B. and Genevieve M. Smith, by the newly formed Dr. Millard J. Nelson Guild of the Tacoma Orthopedic Association. 400 guests were invited to the event. Mrs. Smith, in a floor length, floral print dress and white jacket stands outside in a garden setting. She holds white gloves and a dark handbag. (T.Times, 5/23/1947, p.12)

Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Burmeister, Mathilda H.; Tacoma Orthopedic Association, Dr. Millard J. Nelson Guild (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Ivanhoe Commandery of the Knights Templar. Members of the Knights Templar are dressed in decorated robes, uniforms, hats and crowns in front of a stage hung with a large cross at the Masonic Temple. York Rites delegates to the annual state convention arrived Saturday, May 10, 1947, for meetings of the three grand bodies. The meetings of the twenty-eight commanderies of the Knights Templar was highlighted by a parade from the Masonic Temple to the First Christian Church on May 11th, 1947. This was the 60th conclave of grand commandery of Knights Templar of Washington (T.Times, 5/9/1947, p.1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Knights Templar (Tacoma); Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar (Tacoma);