ca. 1959. The Castle Hall at the Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7. This Italian Renaissance Revival structure was built in 1906-1907 of Tenino stone from a design by architect Frederick Heath and hailed as the "most elaborate and perfectly furnished lodge building in the West." The building was constructed at a cost of $55,000. The building is on both the city and national historical directory. In accordance with design principles of the day, the main floors were built to contain commercial space with the lodge facilities on the top two floors. Carefully preserved since its dedication, Castle Hall is believed to be one of the most beautiful lodges in the country. It has mahogany walls, Ionic columns, elliptical leaded glass skylights and murals depicting the story of the fast friendship of Damon and Pythias, on which the beliefs of the order are based. Although plagued by dwindling membership, the Knights are still active. The fraternal order was founded in 1864 by Justus H. Rathbone on the principles of friendship, charity and benevolence, or "FCB" the letters inscribed on the triangles that make up the group's emblem. Secret meetings were held in the hall, where members donned robes indicating their rank in the group. They gathered to honor God, America and make friends in a celebration of brotherhood. (TNT 10/3/1989 "Lifestyles" section; "Tacoma Rediviva" by Kipp Associates, pg. 72-73)
Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960;
The White and Gold Baton Troupe. Twenty-eight girls dressed in satin costumes as drum majorettes and posed with batons in the Knights of Pythias Castle Hall in May of 1939. The head majorette, front and center, has been identified as Connie Francis Imus. Wallace Cory Imus, man on the extreme right back row, organized the White and Gold Baton Troupe along with Clara Imus. The White and Gold Baton Troupe, composed of girls 7-12 years old, would be performing at the Ray C. Roberts Hall at Sixth & Anderson Sts. on June 8, 1939. The entertainment would be free and open to the public. Beside the twirling, individual song and dance special numbers would be presented. Photograph ordered by Wallace Muir. (Additional identification provided by a reader) (TNT 6-8-1939 p. 6 -names of troupe included)
Neighbors of Woodcraft members were meeting in the Castle Hall of the Knights of Pythias Temple. The United Woodcraft Drill Team would be performing, their new dress would be discussed and planning for the annual country fair would begin. View of club members dressed in evening gowns and wearing corsages.
Evening gowns--Tacoma; Women--Clubs--Tacoma; Neighbors of Woodcraft (Tacoma); Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7 (Tacoma);
Carrier banquet, Knights of Pythias Temple, Times Circulation, Mickie Cochran. More than thirty newspaper carriers, mostly boys but two teenage girls are sitting in the back, are paying close attention to the show being put on for their benefit. They are sitting on wooden chairs. The Tacoma Times treated their carriers to banquets and trips in addition to shows for their loyalty and responsibility in delivering the newspapers.
Newspaper carriers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Times Publishing Co. (Tacoma); Teenagers; Audiences--Tacoma--1940-1950; Entertainment--Tacoma; Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7 (Tacoma);
Carrier banquet, Knights of Pythias Temple, Times Circulation, Mickie Cochran. A small band with a band leader and an entertainer in blackface perform for the Tacoma Times newspaper carriers. The band has trombone players and a piano player. The other players cannot be seen behind the band leader. The photo was taken in the small Temple room in the Knights of Pythias hall.
Newspaper carriers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Times Publishing Co. (Tacoma); Teenagers; Entertainment--Tacoma; Minstrel shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Youth bands--Tacoma--1940-1950; Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7 (Tacoma);
