ca. 1925. A group of law officers, dressed in uniforms with badges and topped off with straw skimmers, pose in front of the B.P.O.E. (Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks) lodge. The man to the left is possibly Pierce County Sheriff John Bjorklund. The picture is probably related to the celebration of Straw Hat Day circa 1925. (WSHS- negative A844-0)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Straw Hat Day (Tacoma); Hats--1920-1930; Law enforcement officers--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1925. A float cruises in front of the Elks Lodge. The truck chassis has been covered with straw-like material and sports a straw skimmer hat and carries a Dixieland band, also wearing straw hats. A banner on the float reads "Park your new straw- under a seat at the Colonial and see 'A Kiss in the Dark'." "A Kiss in the Dark" was a silent film adaptation of the comic play "Aren't We All." It was released April 6, 1925 and starred Adolphe Menjou, Lillian Rich and Aileen Pringle, with a cameo appearance by Herbert (Zeppo) Marx. The float was possibly intended for the Straw Hat Day celebrations. Straw Hat Day in Tacoma was the date that gentlemen officially put away their heavy winter hats and donned straw ones for the warmer weather. (WSHS- negative A845-0)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1920-1930; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1920-1930; Celebrations--Tacoma; Straw Hat Day (Tacoma); Hats--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1931. Several men stand outside the door of the Tacoma Elks (BPOE- Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks) Temple admiring the Elks Magazine Studebaker President 8. Tom Truly has been identified as the young man in the cap at the far left of the photograph. He was one of the drivers on this Studebaker/Elks tour. The automobile according to lettering on its side was travelling from New York to Seattle for the Elks National Convention, July 6-9th. The automobile is believed to be a 1931 Studebaker President 8 Roadster convertible. At the wheel is thought to be W.C. O'Donnell, Studebaker advertising manager from NYC. The Elks National Grand Lodge Convention site was Seattle in 1931. (filed with Argentum) (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Elks Temple (Tacoma); Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Studebaker automobile; Truly, Tom;

ca. 1934. Three men on horseback appear to be participating in a parade. Elk's Temple and early mansion on Broadway in background. (WSHS)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Elks Temple (Tacoma); Horseback riding; Horses;

ca. 1934. Portrait of the 148th Field Artillery band on the famous Spanish Steps of the Elks Temple in Tacoma. The 148th was attached to the Washington National Guard. (WSHS)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Stairways--Tacoma--1930-1940; Washington National Guard, 148th F.A. Band (Tacoma); Military uniforms; Military bands;

1935 Fairyland and Christmas Parade. Float carrying Humpty Dumpty and all the Kings Men (soldiers) on Broadway in front of the Elks' Temple. Parade officials run alongside the float. The parade was sponsored by the Broadway and Pacific merchants to kick off the Christmas Shopping season. This was the second annual parade, held the day after Thanksgiving. (T. Times 11/28/1935, pg.1; 11/29/1935, pg.1; 11/30/1935, pg. 9)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Elks Temple (Tacoma); Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Fairyland and Christmas parade, November 29, 1935. Marching band in front of the Elks' Temple on Broadway. Three marching bands were scheduled in the parade, the Musicians' Union band, Stadium High School and Lincoln High School. This is most probably the Musicians' Union Band that was scheduled to start off the parade, accompanying Santa Claus. The Mother Goose float can be seen behind the band, followed by another marching band. (T. Times 11/28/1935, pg.1; 11/29/1935, pg.1; 11/30/1935, pg. 9)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Marching bands; Elks Temple (Tacoma);

The Tacoma merchants on Broadway and Pacific Avenues sponsored the second annual Fairyland and Christmas Parade for Children which was held on the day after Thanksgiving, 1935. The first float in the parade carried Santa in a well packed sleigh pulled by two snow white reindeer. Starting near the Elks Temple at 565 South Broadway, the parade traveled down Broadway, turned east at South 13th Street and then proceeded north on Pacific. The parade signalled the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. (T. Times 11/28/1935, pg.1; 11/29/1935, pg.1; 11/30/1935, pg. 9)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940; Reindeer; Elks Temple (Tacoma);

The Fairyland and Christmas Parade for children, November 29, 1935. Stadium High School's Marching band on Broadway in front of the Elks' Temple, 565 Broadway. Union Club of Tacoma, 539 Broadway, in the background. The Stadium marching band led the third quadrant of the parade, followed by the Humpty Dumpty float, the Old Lady who lived in a shoe and clowns and the paraders wearing grotesque heads. (T. Times 11/28/1935, pg.1; 11/29/1935, pg.1; 11/30/1935, pg. 9)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Marching bands; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Elks Temple (Tacoma);

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;

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;

Old time American Legion leaders of the state are feted at the Edward B. Rhodes Post No.2 dinner and meeting on January 1, 1938. Photograph was taken at the Elks Club. Seated in the front are, left to right, Dr. Hinton D. Jonez, Tacoma, Department Commander 1924; Reno Odlin, Tacoma, Commander 1931; Murray W. McCarthy, Tacoma, Department Commander of Utah 1920-21 and National Executive Commander 1920-22. Standing, left to right, Lee Carter, Tacoma, last Department Vice Commander serving the state at large; Homer Jones, Bremerton, Department Commander 1934; Claude Snyder, Vancouver, Commander 1936; L.L. Thompson, Tacoma, Permanent Chairman of state legion convention at Seattle 1919. Their were 27 members present at the preceding dinner. (T. Times 2/1/1938, pg. 14)

Jonez, Hinton D.; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; American Legion Club (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Mayor John Siegle pretends to light fuse of giant advertising fire-cracker for a Junior Chamber of Commerce "big bang" publicity for July 4th fireworks at Stadium Bowl. Spanish steps from Commerce to Broadway and (Old) Elks Temple in background.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Firecrackers; Tacoma Junior Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma);

Mayor John Siegle pretends to light the fuse on a giant fire-cracker held by three members of the Junior Chamber of Commerce . They are all part of the "big bang" publicity campaign for the 1938 July 4th fireworks show at Stadium Bowl. Mayor Siegle was a dentist by trade, and the first native Tacoman to be elected as mayor to Tacoma. He was born in Tacoma in 1885. The Elks Temple and Spanish steps are in the background. Mayor Siegle died in April of 1939 after just 19 months in office. He was only 53 years old.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Firecrackers; Tacoma Junior Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma);

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);

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);

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);

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);

Group of people, including children, on stage at the Elks Temple. This photograph was taken on July 1, 1940.

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

Tacoma's Own Quiz Kids pose on the Spanish steps at the Elks Lodge in October of 1942. The ninth graders from Mason Intermediate School had written and prepared a script that discussed the various agencies and functions of the War Chest of Tacoma. With the upcoming War Chest fund raiser, the students were available to speak at public functions. Pictured left to right are Jack Brouwer, Claire Duerfeldt, Jean McCrae, Janet Hufford, Marshall Day, David Curtis and Pat McCarthy, holding the script. The Quiz Kids was a popular radio program that originated in June of 1940 on NBC radio from Chicago. On the program children chosen for their high IQs were asked "general knowledge" questions covering all manner of subjects. (TTimes 10/8/1942 p.2 - alt. photograph)

Mason Junior High School (Tacoma); Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Brouwer, Jack; Duerfeldt, Claire; McCrae, Jean; Hufford, Janet; Day, Marshall; Curtis, David; McCarthy, Pat; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma's Own Quiz Kids had all the answers as they posed at the top of the Spanish steps near the Elks Lodge at 565 Broadway in October of 1942. The ninth graders from Mason Intermediate School had written a script that explored the various agencies and functions of the War Chest. As the Agency prepared to enter its annual fund raising blitz, the group of students were available to attend functions and answer any questions. Pictured are, left to right, Jack Brouwer, Pat McCarthy, Marshall Day, Janet Hufford, Claire Duerfeldt, Jean McCrae and David Curtis. (T. Times 10/8/1942, pg.2)

Mason Junior High School (Tacoma); Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Brouwer, Jack; Duerfeldt, Claire; McCrae, Jean; Hufford, Janet; Day, Marshall; Curtis, David; McCarthy, Pat; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma);

A group of six teenagers posed on the Spanish steps at the downtown Elks Temple. These young people have been chosen by the War Chest, a branch of the Community Chest, to represent their schools and to speak at fund raising functions throughout the community. Pictured left to right are Jack Brouwer (Mason), Bud Cairns (Gault), Gloria Swanberg (Jason Lee), Kathryn Hultgren (Stadium), Bud Berland (Stewart) and Frank Rossiter (McCarver). (TNT 10/14/1942, pg. 14; T. Times 10/14/1942, pg. 1)

World War, 1939-1945--Students--Tacoma; Hultgren, Kathryn; Cairns, Bud; Rossiter, Frank; Swanberg, Gloria; Berland, Bud; Brouwer, Jack; Elks Temple (Tacoma);

This group of churchwomen standing at the foot of the Spanish steps, near the Elks Lodge, have volunteered to prepare and serve lunches to workers in the War Chest fundraising campaign. They are standing on the steps at the entrance to the Elks Ballroom where the daily campaign report lunches will be served. The campaign is scheduled to begin October 19th. The women represent a variety of churches. (T. Times 10/9/1942, pg. 13- names in caption)

Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma);

V for Home and World Victory was the slogan of the War Chest of Tacoma, a branch of the Community Chest in 1942, during WWII. These boys and girls gave a spirited victory sign as they stood on the Spanish steps next to the Elks Club at 565 Broadway. Their spirit helped to get them chosen to represent their schools as speakers at community functions such as P.T.A. meetings and civic group luncheons. Left to right are: Kathryn Hultgren, Stadium High School; Bud Cairns, Gault Intermediate; Frank Rossiter, McCarver; Gloria Swanberg, Jason Lee; Bud Berland, Stewart; and Jack Brouwer, Mason. (T. Times 10/14/1942, pg. 1)

World War, 1939-1945--Students--Tacoma; Hultgren, Kathryn; Cairns, Bud; Rossiter, Frank; Swanberg, Gloria; Berland, Bud; Brouwer, Jack;

On October 20, 1942, a "pay your own way" report lunch was held in the ballroom of the Elks Lodge at 565 Broadway. The purpose of the lunch was for workers in the fund raising campaign to report back with how much money they had raised.

Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Frank Taylor, center, one of the leaders in the payroll division of Tacoma's War Chest Campaign cheerfully accepts $66,000 worth of pledges collected at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard. They were collected by John Wyckoff, right, and Homer "Chips" Ferris, left, and presented to Mr. Taylor at the October 22, 1942 "report luncheon" at the Elks Lodge. Mr. Wyckoff was an engineer in the hull department but he also served as the editor of the yard's paper "The Rudder" and the recreational director at the yard. Mr. Ferris was a foreman in the maintenance department. (TNT 10/23/1942, pg. 1)

Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma)--People; Taylor, Frank; Wyckoff, John; Ferris, Homer;