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.;

Central Labor Council presentation of chair. An unidentified member of the labor council shakes hands with a young woman on October 5, 1953 while a young man stands next to her. The names of the couple were not listed. The Tacoma Central Labor Council was chartered by the A.F. of L. in 1907. It listed 100 affiliated organizations.

Central Labor Council (Tacoma); Chairs; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

Members of Tacoma Lodge 435, Loyal Order of Moose ride on a float entered in Tacoma's parade to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Washington Territory. The Tacoma Moose lodge was chartered in 1911 with the initiation of 800 members. In 1917, the group moved to new quarters at 737 Commerce Street to accommodate their growing membership. With a focus on youth, the organization, in 1953, supports Mooseheart, Illinois, the world-famous child city of the Loyal Order of Moose whose principal citizens are children ranging from babies through high school age.

Fraternal organizations; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anniversaries--Washington Territory; Loyal Order of Moose, Tacoma Lodge 435 (Tacoma); Centennial celebrations--Tacoma;

In September of 1953, Tacoma's board of business representatives for AFL unions was photographed in front of the doors of the Labor Temple, 1355 Market Street. The labor group, which met every Wednesday for a luncheon gathering, was one of the only organizations of its kind for exchanging information and the promotion of common interests of union workers. The man seated in the front row, third from the left, is Harry S. McIlvaigh, the long time secretary-treasurer of the Tacoma Labor Council for whom McIlvaigh Middle School is named. (T.N.T. 9/4/1953, p. C5- see picture for names & C-3)

Labor unions--Tacoma; Group portraits; Labor Temple (Tacoma);

Group of 7 under A.F. of L. banner. Hodcarriers & building laborers.

Labor unions--Tacoma--1950-1960; American Federation of Labor (Tacoma); Group portraits--1950-1960; Building Laborers & Hod Carriers Union Local No. 252 (Tacoma);

Moose Lodge, 3 musicians. Ordered by Bill Miller

Loyal Order of Moose, Tacoma Lodge 435 (Tacoma); Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960; Stringed instruments; Pianos;

John Rudy, member of the Young Men's Business Club and longtime head pro at Fircrest Golf Course, is apparently giving a lesson to a young lady on May 29, 1953. He is carefully positioning the head of the club directly behind the ball. She appears to be getting ready to putt the ball so the correct placement of the club and a proper stance would be necessary. The upper putting green just outside the clubhouse was said to be one of the best practice putting greens in the Pacific Northwest. It was eliminated when the current clubhouse was built in 1995. (Additional identification and information provided by a reader)

Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Golf--Fircrest--1950-1960; Golfers--Fircrest--1950-1960; Rudy, John; Clubhouses--Fircrest--1950-1960;

The Tacoma Master Builders Association was a group of area contractors and others in the building industry whose members were proud of their quality workmanship. As the sign in their 1953 Tacoma Home Show booth indicated, if a home was built by a Master Builder, it was "The Sign of Good Construction." Each year they sponsored the Greater Tacoma Home Show, held at the College of Puget Sound's Fieldhouse, to demonstrate to the growing homeowner public new styles in construction, landscaping and furnishings. In 1953, over 100 exhibitors took part in the Home Show, held on May 20-24th. The Master Builders also built a home annually whose location was kept secret until just before the show opened. Del Belfoy was the 1953 president of the association. View of Tacoma Master Builders Association booth; includes star bunting surrounding booth with architectural models of homes and photographs of members' construction above.

Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

A large gathering of the Pierce County Practical Nurses Association met at the Woman's Club House on May 14, 1953. The Woman's Club House was located at 426 Broadway and was the former residence of Isaac Anderson; it had previously been occupied by the University Club. The practical nurses listened to a speech by Dr. Scott Jones. The superintendents of nurses for several hospitals, including Northern Pacific, Washington Minor, Pierce County, and Mountain View Sanatorium, and the president of the State Association of Practical Nurses were among the dignitaries present. Mrs. Justine Palmer, president of the local association, was the mistress of ceremonies. Photograph ordered by Louise McMillan. (TNT 5-10-53, D-10)

Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Nurses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Woman's Club House (Tacoma);

The Pierce County Practical Nurses Association met at the Woman's Club House on May 14, 1953, and enjoyed a delicious banquet. Spring flowers and lighted blue tapers decorated the tables. Dr. Scott Jones was the principal speaker that evening. Honored guests included the superintendents of nurses for several local hospitals and the president of the State Association of Practical Nurses. The gathering occurred in the historic former residence of Isaac Anderson, built in 1890, and formerly occupied by the University Club. Photograph ordered by Louise McMillan. (TNT 5-10-53, D-10)

Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Nurses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Woman's Club House (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Annie D. Bucsko Orthopedic Guild met at the home of member Judith Messenger on May 14, 1953. Judith was the daughter of Ernest A. Messenger, vice president of Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association and resided at 611 No. Starr. The girls in this picture probably belonged to the Junior Guild which would have been composed of high school students in the area. All Junior Guilds had a parent guild to guide them and together would work to raise money for charitable causes. The Annie D. Bucsko Orthopedic Guide was a part of the Tacoma Orthopedic Association; the Tacoma Orthopedic Association was formed in 1921 and proved to be instrumental in establishing the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in 1955.

Tacoma Orthopedic Association (Tacoma); Annie D. Bucsko Orthopedic Guild (Tacoma); Group portraits; Messenger, Ernest A.--Homes & haunts;

Tacoma Rhododendron Society display at Winthrop Motor Company. May was a prime month for rhododendrons. The Winthrop Motor Company, Plymouth and DeSoto dealers, graciously allowed their showroom to be filled with rhododendron displays courtesy of the Tacoma Rhododendron Society. Rhodys, of various colors and sizes, were planted in a natural setting with a wood fence and borders. 1953 DeSoto advertising displays remained hanging from the showroom's ceiling.

Tacoma Rhododendron Society (Tacoma); Rhododendrons; Flower shows--Tacoma--1950-1960; Winthrop Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Tacoma Rhododendron Society, Winthrop Motors display. Three men admire two rhododendron, burlap-wrapped shrubs in the DeSoto - Plymouth automobile dealership's showroom.

A few Spinster Club members and guests pose at the club's annual Dixie Ball held in the Greenwood Manor on May 2, 1953. The ladies are dressed in long evening gowns while the men have traditional suits and ties. Magnolia blossoms, cotton trees and rustic dolls were used as decorations for the gala event. (TNT 5-8-1953, B-4-other photos of guests at dance)

Spinster Club (Tacoma); Dances--Tacoma--1950-1960; Evening gowns--Lakewood--1950-1960;

Elks Club installation of new Exalted Ruler. Group of men seated at banquet tables in this photograph dated April 1, 1953. Among those officials standing at rear is Burr (Burritt B.) Anderson who had been elected as the club's new exalted ruler. He is second to the left, next to his father Emmett T. Anderson (third from left) who was a past Grand Exalted Ruler and served as Lt. Governor of the State of Washington 1953-57. According to the News Tribune, Lt. Gov. Anderson was the installing officer, making it the first time in history that a national officer of the Elks had installed his son in the presiding position of a local organization. About 600 Elks members saw the induction. Burritt Anderson succeeded John S. Roberts (standing, third from right) as head of the Tacoma Elks Lodge No. 174. (TNT 4-2-1953, C-4, photograph of the two Andersons)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Men--Clubs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, Burritt B.; Anderson, Emmett T.; Roberts, John S.;

The Tacoma Elks Club held their annual Extravaganza in the spring of 1953. Elks members owned many businesses in Tacoma; view of billboard with signs listing individual member-owned businesses, many signs have caricatures. The largest sign is that of Jack Roberts, co-owner of Narrows Marina.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Signs (Notices); Caricatures;

Members of the Afifi Shrine examine a book of tickets to sell for the Shrine "All Star" Circus, to be held at the College of Puget Sound fieldhouse April 9-12, 1953. They are all wearing fezzes with the Afifi logo imprinted on them. Second man to the right is believed to be Mayor John H. Anderson who was persuaded to buy the first book of tickets. Behind the men is a large cutout of a Afifi clown holding a sign filled with circus information. The eighth annual Shrine Circus would have Jerry Colonna, famed comic, as master of ceremonies. There would be six performances held over four days and would be open to the general public. Colonna was expected to ride atop the Shrine's circus calliope in the Daffodil Parade on April 11th. (TNT 3-22-53, A-4, TNT 3-28-53, p. 1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

A member of the Young Men's Business Club auxiliary, believed to be Nancy Hubbert, gestures gracefully as she prepares to model in the March, 1953, YMBC luncheon and style show held at the Lakewood Terrace. She is dressed in a taffeta-style calf length dress, with formal gloves and open toe shoes. A small hat with large net bow and veil along with a cloth flower completes her ensemble. A fur coat is lying on the couch nearby. (TNT 3-10-53, p. 12)

Young Mens Business Club, Womens Auxiliary (Tacoma); Fashion shows--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fashion models--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Posing;

An installation ceremony was held at the Masonic Temple in late January, 1953, for the Tacoma Assembly, Social Order of Beauceant. The sixteen women shown here in this sepia photograph are dressed in ankle length white gowns with large sleeves. They are all wearing small gold crosses and have large tilted black crosses placed on their shoulders. The Social Order of Beauceant is composed of the wives and widows of Sir Knights, of Ivanhoe Commandery (Knights Templar). The national order was founded in 1890 with the purpose of aiding the Knights Templar. (Clipping file, NWR)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Masonic buildings--Tacoma; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma;

A large group of teenagers pose in front of a small stage as they prepare for a Co-Ed youth dance in January, 1953. Letters spelling out "Co-Eds" are dangling in back of the group. The theme of the January 31, 1953, dance would be the "Bums' Rush", when Co-Ed Junior Federated Club members and invited guests would dress as hobos in rags and casual clothing. Photograph ordered by Mrs. Pat Browne. (TNT 1-31--53, p. 5)

Co-Ed Junior Federated Club (Tacoma); Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits--1950-1960;

A Great Dane extends a paw to hotel personnel as she accompanies Police Chief Jack Elich during the 1953 March of Dimes campaign. Diane Katherine O'Donnell, a pedigreed Great Dane, has a March of Dimes coin bank strapped to her side for donations. The coin banks are in the shape of miniature iron lungs. Diane is the official mascot of the Tacoma Police Department. The March of Dimes was an annual fundraiser by the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis to provide the means for polio research and treatment. Photograph ordered by the Loyal Order of Moose, Tacoma Lodge 435.

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Poliomyelitis--Prevention; March of Dimes (Tacoma); National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (Tacoma); Dogs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Elich, Jack; Coin banks;

A smiling Frank Freese, bartender at the Moose Club, prepares to donate a dollar bill to the March of Dimes' canine representative in January, 1953. The pedigreed Great Dane, Diane Katherine O' Donnell, has one paw on the bartender's hand as she focuses her attention on the dollar. There are two March of Dimes coin banks in the shape of iron lungs strapped on either side of the dog's body. She is accompanied by Police Chief Jack Elich. Diane was the official mascot of the Tacoma Police Department. The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis sponsored the March of Dimes campaign annually to raise funds for polio research and treatment. Photograph ordered by the Loyal Order of Moose, Tacoma Lodge 435. (TNT 1-16-53, p. 7)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; March of Dimes (Tacoma); National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (Tacoma); Dogs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Coin banks; Freese, Frank; Elich, Jack; Bars--Tacoma;

Master of Foxhounds, Earl Craig, his wife Leona, (at left) and a second couple kick up their heels at the annual Woodbrook New Year's Day hunt on January 1, 1953. Both couples are dressed in riding gear, including breeches and boots. The Woodbrook Hunt Club was founded in 1926 and is the oldest hunting club in the Northwest. (TNT 1-4-53, D-1)

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Craig, Earl; Craig, Leona; Dancers--Lakewood; Clothing & dress--Lakewood--1950-1960;

Master of Foxhounds Earl Craig addresses the mounted members of the Woodbrook Hunt Club on the New Year's Day hunt held in 1953. The hunt club's pack of foxhounds surround Craig. Woodbrook is one of the few clubs in the country that maintains their own pack of hounds. The Woodbrook Hunt Club is still active, and they remain associated with the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America. They also still enjoy the sport of riding to hounds, but they do not hunt a live fox. They "drag hunt". The dogs follow a trail created by dragging a scent impregnated gunny sack along the ground. They use synthetic scent; the dogs follow a synthetic fox.

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Horseback riding--Lakewood--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Lakewood--1950-1960; Dogs--Lakewood; Craig, Earl;

ca. 1952. Installation of officers, White Shrine of Jerusalem, for Mrs. A.B. Burnett. The White Shrine is a Christian auxiliary of the Freemasons. It is open to men who have achieved the rank of Master Mason and women related to Master Masons who profess "Belief in the defense of the Christian religion." It was organized in 1894 in Chicago by Charles Magee, a Freemason. Members must be adults, white and non-Jewish. Prior to 1953, members also had to belong to the Order of the Eastern Star.

White Shrine of Jerusalem (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1950-1960; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

ca. 1952. Three drum and bugle corps from area American Legion Posts pose in humorous costumes for this picture taken on the 700 block of Broadway in downtown Tacoma. Represented are the Auburn Post No.78, Seattle's University Post No. 11 and West Seattle's Post #160. The American Legion held its 1952 state convention in Tacoma in August. The convention was highlighted by two downtown parades. The Voyageurs of La Societie des Forty Hommes et Eight Chevaux (40 et 8) staged their "Goof" parade from So. 7th and Pacific Ave, to Jefferson, to Broadway and back to the Elks Temple. More than 22 units participated. The costumes range from cross dressing, to dressing like children, to a couple of men dressed like babies in diapers and bibs. The American Legion is a patriotic society formed of veterans dedicated to preserving the rights of those who have served in the military and volunteering time and raising money for charities. (T. Reporter, 8/11/1952, pg. 2)

American Legion; Patriotic societies--Tacoma; Drum majorettes--Tacoma; Drums; Marching bands; Bugles; Costumes--American;

ca. 1952. In August of 1952, the American Legion held its annual state convention in Tacoma. It was highlighted by afternoon downtown parades with drill teams, drum and bugle corps and floats. This marching group, representing the American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post #2 of Tacoma, wore a wide variety of clothing, including uniforms from all the branches of the US military and what appears to be Scottish regalia. The drum majorette wore a costume covered with the flags of many countries. The group posed in front of the Colonial Hotel, 701-05 Commerce St. The Rhodes Post #2 was incorporated on May 28, 1920 with 15 names on the charter; the second charter granted in the state of Washington and the first in Pierce county. The Post was located at 407 So. G St. The present day Post is formed of veterans of all the conflicts and continues to battle for the rights of veterans. (T. Reporter, 8/11/1952, pg. 2)

American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma; Drum majorettes--Tacoma; Drums; Marching bands; Bugles;

Nineteen members of the Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 gathered at the Masonic Temple in December, 1952. They were there to honor Mrs. Thomas Luke of Portland, Supreme Queen of the Supreme Temple, who was visiting temples and Shriner hospitals across the nation. Mrs. Luke is believed to be the woman in the dark evening gown with corsage. The Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 are dressed in a variety of costumes ranging from Egyptian belly dancers to white "Russian" cossack-style outfits. (TNT 11-30-52, D-7)

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Group portraits; Women--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Costumes--Egyptian;

The men of Theta Chi fraternity pose on November 7, 1952, in their chapter room at the College of Puget Sound. Twenty five members are pictured with their fraternity crest which indicates the fraternity was first established nationally in 1856. Theta Chi's fall president was Norm Huber; his name, along with others, is listed in the 1953 Tamanawas yearbook. The fraternity had quite a successful year at C.P.S.; they placed first in the Homecoming Parade and also captured first place in the comic division of the Daffodil Parade. Academically, they were listed as first among Greek men. (1953 Tamanawas, p. 68-69)

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Theta Chi Fraternity (Tacoma); Group portraits--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Maruta Versemnicks, from Latvia, admires the doll and wardrobe which was sold to benefit the Tacoma-Pierce County School for Crippled Children. This was one of the benefit projects the Chi chapter, Beta Sigma Phi, had scheduled for the year. Sylvia (Mrs. Lloyd J.) Sass was chairman of the committee handling the project. Maruta is wearing a leg brace. From 1949-50, the School for Crippled Children was housed in the basement of the First Congregational Church at 211 So. J St. In 1953, the school moved to its new home at 5030 E. Roosevelt Ave. in Salishan. It would remain there for approximately ten years. (TNT, 11/2/1952, p.D-10)

Beta Sigma Phi (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Girls--Tacoma--1950-1960; Children playing with dolls--Tacoma--1950-1960; Dolls; Orthopedic braces; Versemnicks, Maruta; Crippled Childrens School (Tacoma);