Five of the oldest members of the Tacoma Elks Club gather to discuss the Good Old Days on Old Timers' night held in January of 1938. They are, left to right, S.J. Maxwell, member #2, whose career was in shipping; George L. Palmer, in the printing business and served once as Deputy Sheriff; S.A. Perkins, member #3, newspaper publishing; Major Charles O. Bates, law; and Calvin S. Heilig, member #1, theater owner in Tacoma and Portland. "Sam" Perkins served as master of ceremonies at the meeting where many memories were shared and enjoyed. (T. Times 1/20/1938, pg. 8) (filed with Argentum)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Perkins, S.A.; Maxwell, S.J.; Palmer, George L.; Bates, Charles O.; Heilig, Calvin S.; Older people--Tacoma--1930-1940;

January 18, 1938, saw the installation of new officers of the Tacoma Lodge of B'nai B'rith, worldwide Jewish community service organization. From left to right were: Lester Seinfeld, president; Ben Schwartz, assistant monitor and Morris Elyn, vice president. Ceremonies were held in the Talmud Torah synagogue. (T.Times 1-19-38, p. 7-alt. photograph)

B'nai B'rith (Tacoma); Community service--Tacoma--1930-1940; Seinfeld, Lester; Schwartz, Ben; Elyn, Morris;

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;

Meeting of a group of committee members planning the annual benefit bridge tea of the Chi Omega Sorority. The photograph was taken on April 20, 1938 at the home of Mrs. Richard Jones, alumnae president. Pictured are, left to right, Ruth (Mrs. T.J.) Green, Miss Helen Glans, Mrs. Percy McCormick and Mildred (Mrs. A.D.) Myers. (T. Times 4/23/1938, pg. 8)

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1930-1940; Alumni & alumnae--Tacoma; Chi Omega (Tacoma); Glans, Helen; Green, Ruth; Myers, Mildred;

Dinner at Tacoma Club for 73rd birthday of Sydney Albert "Sam" Perkins, local tycoon and former newspaper editor. The dinner was attended by over 100 of Mr. Perkins's friends and business associates. During his 50 years in Tacoma, he had served as the partner of W.P. Bonney in a wholesale and retail drug business, in Washington D.C. as the secretary of Mark Hanna and as owner of the Tacoma Daily Ledger and the News.

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Perkins, S.A.--Commemoration; Birthday parties--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Sam Perkins, right, receives a toast from an unidentified friend on his 73rd birthday at a party given in his honor at the Tacoma Club.

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Perkins, S.A.--Commemoration; Birthday parties--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Shriner's Convention; Afifi Yakima Patrol, circa June of 1938. Group of 24 Shriners in costume. Shriners from around the state gathered in Tacoma to board a special train headed to Los Angeles for the Golden Jubilee convention, June 6-9, 1938. Several of the patrols posed for pictures while in Tacoma. (filed with Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma);

Ceremonial portraits from the Daughters of the Nile convention. The female accompaniment to the Shriners, the Nile daughters traditions hark back to ancient days. The annual session of the Supreme Temple of the Daughters of the Nile was held in Tacoma June 6-10, 1938. It was the first convention of this group to be held in Tacoma since 1925. Members from all parts of the United States would be attending. (photograph also numbered Series 7247, image 11)

Daughters of the Nile (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Hatasu Dancers, June of 1938. Large group of women in hall, attired in matching costumes. The Hatasu Temple was a group name used by Daughters of the Nile. Queen Hatasu was an Egyptian monarch. The Daughters of the Nile are the female offshoot of the Shriners, or Masons. The group was founded in 1913 in Seattle. The Hatasu #1 Temple still meets in Seattle. The annual session of the Supreme Temple of the Daughters of the Nile was held in Tacoma June 6-10, 1938. It was the first convention of this group to be held in Tacoma since 1925. (filed with Argentum)

Daughters of the Nile (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Daughters of the Nile-Seattle division, circa June of 1938. 3 rows of women in Nile costumes with center front in formal dress. The annual session of the Supreme Temple of the Daughters of the Nile was held in Tacoma June 6-10, 1938. (filed with Argentum)

Daughters of the Nile (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940;

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;

Over 1,000 members of the Sons of Norway and the Daughters of Norway, representing lodges in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Alaska, and British Columbia, attended the four day convention in Tacoma from June 23 - 28, 1938. These sixteen men in uniform with their leader were probably a visiting chorus. Group performances were part of the activities of the four day convention held in Tacoma. This particular group is attired in jaunty nautical costumes with brass buttons, bow ties and service bars, or stripes, on their sleeves.

Sons of Norway (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma;

The unidentified young women in this photograph from June, 1938 are probably the drill team from the Knute Rockne Lodge, Daughters of Norway. Over 1,000 members of the Sons of Norway and the Daughters of Norway, representing lodges in Washington, Oregon,California, Idaho, Alaska, and British Columbia, attended the four day convention in Tacoma from June 23 - 28. The drill team members, and their little "mascot," are attired in jodhpurs and holding what appear to be polo mallets. The male team leader in the center is wearing a United States Marines uniform. (T. Times 6/23/1938, pg. 9)

Daughters of Norway (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma;

Twenty-one members of the Normanna Male Chorus, wearing the group's distinctive white pants, dark blazers and nautical hats, posed for a formal portrait on the steps of the Masonic Temple in 1938. The Chorus was to be very busy in September of 1938 as they were celebrating their Golden Jubilee. Norwegian singing societies from across the Northwest were coming to Tacoma to help the group celebrate their 50th anniversary at Normanna Hall, 47 Saint Helens Avenue, on September 10-11th. The singing society had organized in 1888 with John Soquest as the director. They originally met in the old school house between I and J streets; their publicity was handled by the publishers of the Norwegian newspaper "Tacoma Tidende." The group reorganized in 1895 and has been active since that date. The singers were led by Carlo A. Sperati, churchman and musician, until 1904; he was succeeded by George Johnson, still the director in 1938. (T. Times 9/9/1938, pg. 3) TPL-9519

Normanna Male Chorus (Tacoma); Choirs (Music); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ethnic groups--Tacoma; Sons of Norway (Tacoma); Music ensembles--Tacoma; Singers;

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;

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 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);

ca. 1938. Dinner at the Elks Temple, circa 1938. Men being served by waitress, fireplace with head of an elk above it. (filed with Argentum)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Dining rooms--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma;

ca. 1938. Dinner at the Elks Temple circa 1938. Men being seated in dining room. (filed with Argentum) (photo damage upper left corner?)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Dining rooms--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma;

Photograph caption reads "Northwest Grotto Association Ceremonial. Tacobat Grotto Hosts- Tacoma, Nov. 5, 1938. Wm. B. Nicoll, Secy.- B.P. Eckler, Monarch, 1938." (filed with Argentum)

Tacobat Grotto (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Banquets--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Daughters of the Nile in ceremonial dress, photograph taken November 26, 1938. Photograph ordered by Mrs. George Piper. (filed with Argentum)

Daughters of the Nile (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1939. Photograph taken at the Elks Temple, 565 Broadway, showing attendance. (filed with Argentum)

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

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);

ca. 1939. The Normanna Male Chorus attired in their distinctive dark blazers, white slacks and captain's hats posed for a group portrait circa 1939. The men's chorus would be performing in a concert with the Tacoma Swiss Singing Society at Normanna Hall. (T. Times 3/31/1939, pg. 11) (filed with Argentum)

Normanna Male Chorus (Tacoma); Choirs (Music)--1930-1940; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ethnic groups--Tacoma; Sons of Norway (Tacoma); Music ensembles--Tacoma; Singers; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Group portrait taken at the Sportsmen's Club of Tacoma for the Tacoma Times, circa April of 1939. The club was located in the Wright Building at 902-04 Pacific Ave. The Sportsmen's Association purchased the entire building in 1942. (filed with Argentum)

Sportsmens Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

Group portrait taken at the Sportsmen's Club of Tacoma for the Tacoma Times, circa April of 1939. The club was located in the Wright Building at 902-04 Pacific Ave. The Sportsmen's Association purchased the entire building in 1942. (filed with Argentum)

Sportsmens Club of Tacoma (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;

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);