Elks Temple at 565 Broadway, built in 1915.

Elks Temple at 565 Broadway, built in 1915.

Elks Temple at 565 Broadway, built in 1915.

Circa 1920.

Circa 1916.

Circa 1920.

• Elks Temple at 565 Broadway, built in 1915. circa 1916.
• Printed on front: Lodge No. 174, B. P. O. E. Tacoma, Wash.

• Elks Temple at 565 Broadway, built in 1915. Listed as part of the Old City Hall Historic District on the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, State Register of Historic Places, and National Register. Undergoing renovation currently after years of disrepair, this building is scheduled to reopen as a hotel, spa, brewpub and music venue in Spring 2012.
• Printed on front: Elk Club, Tacoma, Wash.

Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes gestures to diners attending the sold-out Elks Club banquet on September 5, 1941 where Secretary Ickes was the principal speaker. He had been vacationing with his wife on the Olympic Peninsula before arriving in Tacoma on Friday, the 5th. Secretary Ickes spoke on the subject of "Public Power and National Defense" before a crowd of 562. His speech was carried nationwide for the benefit of those unable to attend. Harold Ickes was to serve 13 years as Secretary of the Interior, most of which was during the Franklin Delano Roosevelt administration. While Secretary, he also served as director of the Public Works Administration. (T.Times, 9-4-41, p. 1-article)

Ickes, Harold L.; Cabinet officers--United States; Guests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Public speaking--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In June of 1956 six unidentified Elks members wearing sailors' hats, union suits and garters performed a 1950s version of the "Full Monty" as part of the entertainment at the Elks convention banquet. Over 3,000 Elks and their wives were in Tacoma for the 54th annual state convention held June 14- 16, 1956. The convention host, Tacoma's Lodge #174, was the third largest in the nation with 5,600 members. Statewide, the fraternal organization had 56,000 members. (TNT 6/10/1956, pg. 1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Burlesque shows--Tacoma--1950-1960;

ca. 1956. Back view of a skit performed for the Elks Banquet. The Elk members appear in long johns, sailor hats, black socks and shoes; dancing with feather fans. The backs of their union suits are emblazoned with numbers or the words city and lake. They are using the fans as a modest covering for their, or others, privates. For the first time in 30 years, 3,000 Washington state Elks and their wives descended on Tacoma for the 54th annual state convention June 14-16. Lots of social and business activities, plus some high-jinks were planned for their three day stay. Although the Elks were noted for their ability to have a good time, they also funded much needed social projects, such as mobile cerebral palsy treatment and training, the blood banks, traffic safety and civil defense. (TNT 6/10/1956, pg. 1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Burlesque shows--Tacoma--1950-1960;

One of the skits for the 1956 Elks Extravaganza, March 14 & 15, involved a crooning duo, backed up by the All Girl Elks Band. Some of these "girls" look quite muscular handling those instruments because they are really Elks brothers. Once a year, Elk members could doll themselves up for the amusement of fellow members, friends and families. The Wednesday show, the more risque of the two, was viewed by members only. The Thursday show was open to members, ladies and friends. In 1956, the show was once again directed by old time vaudeville star Max Frolic, who had been prevented from participating in 1955 by ill health. (TNT 3-11-1956, pg. A-3)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

The entire cast of the 1956 Elks Extravaganza. Once a year, the Elks donned costumes, many masquerading as women, and cavorted for the amazement and amusement of their fellow lodge members, friends and families. This year, the cast includes some real women, as well as the Elks. The show in 1956 was once again under the direction of vaudeville and music star Max Frolic, who was unable to direct the previous year due to ill health. The show featured 20 outstanding acts. The backdrop depicts the "Damfino Saloon" and the Union Hotel, with the drawn window shades saluting Elk member businesses. (TNT 3/11/1956, pg. A-3)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Elks Extravaganza, 1955 edition, the hand painted opening curtain for the show. The curtain features advertising from many Elk-owned businesses, with Art Emery's American Outdoor Advertising featured prominently in the center. Many of the ads have caricatures of the business owners. Rinaldo Keasal's reads simply "Out of Business. Retired to the Farm on I Street. Take your problems some where else."

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

The cast of the 8th annual Elks Extravaganza, 1955 edition. The two and one half hour event would take place at the Elks Temple March 30 & 31, 1955. The Thursday night performance would be only for Elks, their wives and friends. This year's cast is honoring Max Frolic, the director of the show in years past, who recently recovered from an illness of several months. Bert Kool served as entertainment chairman and musical director in 1955. The "Elks Dolls," the rather frumpy looking "women" in the back row opened the show. They are Mike LaVelle, Bob Morgan, Swan Johnson, C.J. (Bud) Weller and Jack Thomas. (TNT 3/27/1955, pg. B-8)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Elks Extravaganza, 1955 edition. A man in a tuxedo, most probably show director Bert Kool, interviews a well dressed "lady" in front of the curtain. The "lady" is actually a fellow Elk dressed as a woman. The one and a half hour show featured many Elks dressing as the "other half" all in good fun, for the amusement of their fellow members and guests. The annual show featured music, magic, dance and vaudeville routines. The 1955 show was dedicated to former vaudevillian and previous years' director Max Frolic, who was recovering from an illness of several months.

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Elks Extravaganza, 1955 edition. The man on the right is possibly John Hreha, who listed his occupation in the 1955 City Directory as "magician." Hreha was the husband of the former LaMoyne Barcott, of the pioneering Tacoma restaurant family. The other man and girl are unidentified. The girl is being lifted into a box "house." Perhaps Hreha intends to make her disappear. The annual talent show was put on by the Elks for their fellow members, family & guests.

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Elks; ritualistic team on stage. The Tacoma Elks Lodge Ritualistic team won top honors at the state contest in Pasco in 1955. They would be competing at the national convention in July in Philadelphia. The trophy is for Washington State Elks Association championship ritualistic team (for 1949-1950, not yet engraved for the current year.) Team members wear tuxedos with ornamental neckpieces. Team members were as follows (listed in no particular order) : A.J. Emery, Exalted Ruler, W.E. Bysegger, leading knight, Norbert Grove, loyal knight, Swan Johnson, lecturing knight, Dr. Ray Magnusson, esquire, Frank F. Smith, inner guard, and Wesley Holmberg, chaplain. E.O. Johnson, lodge secretary, was the coach of the team. The man in the photograph standing fourth from the left has been identified as W.E. Bysegger. (TNT 1/22/1955, pg. 2)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Grove, Norbert; Johnson, Swan;

Publicity photograph for the "Saga of the West" theatrical presentation planned for the Golden Jubilee celebration. Man dressed in tails with top hat "courts" two 1860's belles wearing elaborate costume gowns next to the Elks Temple. They are posed next to a pillar capped with a floral container planted with nasturtiums. They are, left to right, Herman Huesby, Floralla Milleson and Leva Atkins. The pageant would be produced July 20,21 & 22, 1939. A chorus of six men and two women would speak all the parts while the actors and actresses go through the motions eliminating the need for moving microphones. The extravaganza boasted a cast of over 2,000. (T. Times 6/13/1939, pg. 2)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Historical pageants--Tacoma; Elks Temple (Tacoma); Huesby, Herman; Milleson, Floralla; Atkins, Leva;

Costumed publicity photographs for the "Saga of the West" presentation for the Golden Jubilee. Six young women wearing satin gowns and headdresses with stars pose for the portrait, sitting on the ornate railing of the Spanish Steps outside the Elks Temple. They are part of the "one hundred glorious girls" who will act as the Jubilee Queen's princesses in the finale of the pageant. The girls are, left to right, Anita Sherman, Bettianne Wasserman, Pat Brandt, Betty Anger, Thelma Dean Swift and Lucille Clark. (T. Times 7/18/1939, pg. 1)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Historical pageants--Tacoma; Elks Temple (Tacoma); Sherman, Anita; Wasserman, Bettianne; Brandt, Pat; Anger, Betty; Swift, Thelma Dean; Clark, Lucille;

A young man in formal wear, with a shiny stripe down the sides of the pants and shiny lapels, bow tie askew, brings his hat to his heart in the presence of these two elegantly attired young ladies. The publicity photograph is for the "Saga of the West" historical pageant planned for the Golden Jubilee. The trio are posed on July 3, 1939 outside the Elks Temple. The young man who's gone a courtin' is Herman Huesby; the 1860's belles are, left to right, Floralla Milleson and Leva Atkins. (T. Times 7/14/1939, pg. 10)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Historical pageants--Tacoma; Elks Temple (Tacoma); Huesby, Herman; Milleson, Floralla; Atkins, Leva;

Two men in top hats and tails hold an animated conversation in front of a bemused woman in an off the shoulder ball gown in this publicity photograph for the "Saga of the West." The theatrical presentation is planned for the Golden Jubilee celebration. She is seated, possibly on a railing, between two stone pillars supporting stone urns planted with nasturtiums.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Historical pageants--Tacoma; Elks Temple (Tacoma);

Rehearsal of "Saga of the West" for the Golden Jubilee. Several groups of performers form circles in the auditorium of the Elks Temple. Pianist on stage in background. The rehearsals were held at the Elks Temple, then the Armory and finally at the Stadium Bowl itself. The production would have a cast of 2,000.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Historical pageants--Tacoma; Elks Temple (Tacoma);

Rehearsal of "Saga of the West" for the Golden Jubilee. View from above of large group of women in choreographed formation on wooden floor of the Elks Temple. Grand piano on stage in background. Rehearsals were held at the Elks Temple, Armory and finally at the performance venue, the Stadium Bowl.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Historical pageants--Tacoma; Elks Temple (Tacoma);

Over 800 members enjoyed the seventh annual Elks club Extravaganza held on March 31, 1954. Members participated in skits, played in the Elks orchestra, sang and danced under the direction of well known vaudevillian, Max Frolic. View of "police officers" surrounding a well-dressed "lady" on stage; the Elks orchestra accompanies the skit. Pianist on left is believed to be Bert Kool, who produced and led the musical portion of the program. (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;

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;

Elks club members participated with high spirits when requested to do so during the annual Elks Club Extravaganzas held each spring. Humorous skits, song & dance, orchestral music were all part of the program. View of two members on stage; one is dressed in Scottish kilts while the other man has a ragmop hairstyle and keeps one foot on an uprooted stool. Deliberate or not, the warped candles on top of the piano certainly would have caught the audience's eye.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Elks club members dressed as policemen look on in amusement as a "can-can girl", complete with garter and bonnet, demonstrates a bit of the famous dance during the Elks club 1954 Extravaganza. The man in bow tie is believed to be Max Frolic, well-known old-time vaudevillian entertainer. Mr. Frolic directed the Elks Extravaganza for several years. The Extravaganza generally ran for two nights; the first night was for members only and always ensured a full house, while the second night was for ladies only. (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;

The Tacoma Elks installed new officers in early April of 1954. Burritt B. Anderson, left, is the retiring exalted ruler. He has passed the gavel and symbol of office on to Arthur J. Emery. Both men are wearing tuxedoes and boutonnieres. Mr. Anderson was honored with a no-host party held recently at the Fircrest Golf Clubhouse with 250 people in attendance. (TNT 4-4-54, A-11, TNT 4-8-54, A-5)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Emery, Arthur J.; Anderson, Burritt B.; Tuxedoes;

Tacoma Police Department graveyard shift on the Spanish Steps at the Elks lodge. Police officers display beards and mustaches in keeping with the request for Tacoma men not to shave during the month of August. The city sponsored a beard contest as a part of the ceremonies celebrating the Northwest Territory Centennial. TPL-8748

Police--Tacoma--1950-1960;