Pierce County Democratic Party banquet. State Senator Martin Durkan of Issaquah at podium; Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston is third from right in photo; State Insurance Commissioner Karl Hermann, fifth from right. Large photos on wall of US Senator Warren G. Magnuson (L) and Congressman Floyd V. Hicks (R). Nearly 700 people attended the $12.50 plate fundraiser for the annual Jefferson-Jackson Day at the Fellowship Hall on April 10, 1970. Commissioner Hermann, featured speaker, indicated that price controls and rationing were better methods to control inflation than the Nixon course of unemployment. (TNT 4-10-70, A-2-article; TNT 4-11-70, p.3-article) ALBUM 14.

Johnston, Gordon N.; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Durkan, Martin; Hermann, Karl; Banquets--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Governor Clarence D. Martin looks unsmilingly into the camera at December 28, 1937's Community Achievement Dinner. He is seated directly under a large poster of FDR entitled "Our President." Joining him at the head table are Sixth District Congressman John Coffee, Puget Sound Bank's Reno Odlin, and U.S. Senator Homer T. Bone. Governor Martin would later address the 1000+ diners on the reawakening of the industrial spirit in our state. He would also advocate a renewed push for vocational education for the state's children. (T.Times, 12-29-37, p. 1) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Coffee, John; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; Bone, Homer Truett, 1883-1970; Legislators--Washington--1930-1940; Banquets--Tacoma--1930-1940; Posters;

Civic and political leaders join in song at the Community Achievement Dinner held at the Masonic Temple. L-R are Sixth District Congressman John Coffee, Governor Clarence D. Martin, Puget Sound National Bank president Reno Odlin, U.S. Senator Homer T. Bone and Tacoma Mayor George Smitley. Over one thousand people attended the achievement dinner which was combined with the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet. Governor Martin predicted a brighter future for our state with the initiation of a million dollar advertising campaign to bring more people, industry and payrolls to this area. (T. Times, 12-29-37, p. 1) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Coffee, John; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; Bone, Homer Truett, 1883-1970; Legislators--Washington--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Posters; Banquets--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Tacoma Mayor George A.Smitley (L) shaking hands with Harold A. Allen, retiring president of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Allen had held the post for two years. The Chamber of Commerce combined their usual banquet with the city's Community Achievement Dinner on December 28, 1937, in the Masonic Temple's Fellowship Hall. Governor Clarence D. Martin and a host of political and civic leaders attended the dinner, as did approximately 1000 residents. Toastmaster Reno Odlin presented Mr. Allen with a framed check for $2 as a humorous gesture for his years of service. (T.Times, 12-29-37, p. 1) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Allen, Harold A.; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

Afifi Temple Arab Patrol, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine. Group of men photographed in June of 1932 wearing Masonic costumes on the steps of the Masonic Temple. The "Shriners" were founded in 1872 as a fun fraternal organization for men who had completed their requirements in the Scottish or Knights Templar (York rite) Masonic organizations. (filed with Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Arab Patrol (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

This is the Afifi Temple Arab Patrol, photographed within the Masonic Temple, 47 Saint Helens Ave., in June of 1932. It is the same photograph as 411, image 9 except that part of the background has been lightened.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Afifi Arab Patrol (Tacoma);

Miss Mercer; Children's Party. Large group of children standing on steps of the theater at the Masonic Temple in June of 1934. (filed with Argentum)

Temple Theatre (Tacoma); School children--Tacoma--1930-1940; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

ca. 1935. Masonic Temple at 2nd and St. Helens, with the adjoining Temple Theatre. The Temple opened in 1927. It was designed by A.J. Russell, architect, and is on the City Registry. The interior is Greek with Egyptian detail. The theatre was originally known as the Heilig Theatre, but became Hamrick's Temple Theatre in 1931. It could seat 1800. At the time of the photograph, the theatre is showing Charlie Chan's Greatest Case plus Myrt & Marge. The Kernel Mosely big white popcorn wagon is parked across the street from the theatre. A sign on the wagon advises lovers of good popcorn that they will be popping corn at night. On the ground floor of the Masonic Temple, left to right, is the Harter Dance of Dance and the Clark Cafe, serving lunch and dinner and Clark's Tobaccos, selling Kools and cigars. TPL-822

Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Shriners of the Afifi temple. Floyd Kinnear, Robert P. Allen, W.H.Mierow, Walter Sutter, Clinton Hull, and E.M. Densmore are on the committee in charge of Tacoma's Temple's Golden Jubilee ceremony and ball. Framed photographs show Tacoma in 1888 including a view of Pacific Avenue looking north and cargo ships docked near a lumber company. (T.Times, 12/1/1938, p. 18).

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Kinnear, Floyd; Allen, Robert P.; Mierow, W.H.; Sutter, Walter H.; Hull, Clinton C.; Densmore, E.M.;

Tacoma Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Eugene Linden playing concert on stage at Temple Theatre. The orchestra disbanded from 1938-1939 due to financial losses incurred in the movement of the concert series from the Jason Lee auditorium to the Temple Theatre. Late in 1939, the orchestra was once again rehearsing for a concert series, this time in the Jason Lee auditorium. (filed with Argentum)

Tacoma Philharmonic Orchestra (Tacoma); Orchestras--Tacoma--1930-1940; Concerts--Tacoma--1930-1940; Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

The Grand Chapter of the State of Washington, Order of the Eastern Star, opened their "Victory Session" at Fellowship Hall in the Masonic Temple on June 18, 1942. The Grand Officers posed for a group portrait for the 59th annual meeting. Hanging above them are flags from many nations. Since America was at war then the flags shown are from some of their allies, including Great Britain and the USSR. Silhouettes of Presidents Washington and Lincoln flank the officials on stage. 1500 Eastern Star members attended the meeting. Mayme Harmony of Seattle and Irwin Jones were selected as worthy grand matron and worthy grand patron, respectively. (T.Times 6-17-42, p. 8-article; T.Times 6-19-42, p. 9-article)

Order of the Eastern Star (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Flags--United States; Flags; Silhouettes; Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4 was the local chapter of the Knights Templar of Washington. View of Ivanhoe club members gathered together for their April, 1946, meeting at the Masonic Temple. Man in front row, second from left is wearing the grand commander cloak, cap and sash.

Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar (Tacoma);

The Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine were joining many other Northwest Temple Shriners for a Shrine parade in Tacoma. Groups from Tacoma, Seattle, Spokane, Portland and many others were going to participate in the Northwest Temples March. The Afifi Temple will host the event. View of Shriners lined up and ready for their parade.

Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Flags; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Temple (Tacoma);

VIP table at the Pierce County Republican Club's 1944 Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple where Wendell Willkie, 1940 Republican Presidential candidate and titular head of the party, gave the main address. Mr. Willkie is seated towards the center, wearing a dark suit; next to him is Evelyn Langlie, wife of Governor Arthur Langlie. Two seats away is Gov. Langlie along with Edith Willkie, wife of the guest speaker. There were so many requests for banquet tickets that additional tables had to be inserted behind the head table; approximately 1700 people dined in the Fellowship Hall with additional hundreds in the roof garden. (T.Times, 2-12-44, p. 1)

Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Willkie, Edith; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Langlie, Evelyn; Governors;

Three uniformed majorettes from Lincoln High School in front of the Masonic Temple during the visit to Tacoma of 1940 Republican Presidential candidate Wendell Willkie. Mr. Willkie was invited to address the Pierce County Republican Club Lincoln Day Dinner on February 11, 1944. Shirley Williams, Evalu Clevenger and Joyce Atkins are standing in front of the bunting-draped open automobile in which Mr. and Mrs. Willkie were passengers. Bands from both Lincoln and Stadium High Schools performed at the dinner.

Drum majorettes--Tacoma--1940-1950; Williams, Shirley; Clevenger, Evalu; Atkins, Joyce; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lincoln High School (Tacoma);

Pierce County Prosecutor Thor Tollefson, on left in photo, shakes hands with Eric A. Johnston of Spokane, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, during a Republican banquet in Tacoma. 1500 Republicans attended the gigantic banquet at the Masonic Temple Fellowship Hall which opened the 1944 campaign for Pierce County Republicans. Prosecuting Attorney Tollefson had the honor of introducing Mr. Johnston who gave a rousing speech. Mr. Tollefson would run for a Congressional seat in 1946, defeating incumbent Democrat John Coffee, and hold that seat for the following eight Congresses. Mr. Johnston would serve four terms as head of the C & C and later hold the office of president of the Motion Picture Association of America for 18 years. (TNT 11-13-43, p. 1) ALBUM 4.

Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Johnston, Eric A.;

Wendell Willkie, 1940 Republican Presidential nominee and titular head of the party, listens to Governor Arthur Langlie speak at Pierce County Republican Club 1944 Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple, where Mr. Willkie gave the main address. Governor Langlie had campaigned together with Mr. Willkie during the Indiana attorney's presidential run as he had sought the gubernatorial post. Mr. Willkie's speech was carried nationally over CBS. To accommodate the overwhelming demand for banquet tickets, extra tables were placed behind the head table. The Tacoma Times noted that Republicans were surprised at the large number of Democrats who attended the function. (T. Times, 2-12-44, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors; Public speaking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Guests--Tacoma--1940-1950;

1940 Republican Presidential candidate Wendell Willkie addressing a crowd in the Roof Garden of the Masonic Temple, including members of Stadium and Lincoln High School Bands, during the Pierce County Republican Club's 1944 Lincoln Day dinner. His main address took place in the Temple's Fellowship Hall; however, he made time to have informal conversations with these young people. (T.Times, 2-12-44, p. 1)

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Public speaking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Guests--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Mrs. Harry (Marjorie) Cain and Harry Jr. (Buzzie) stand to generous applause from a packed house at a tribute to Mayor Cain at the Temple Theatre on October 2, 1944. Ex-Mayor J.J. Kaufman and wife are at extreme left in photo. Mayor Cain, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, served in the European theater from 1943-1945. He was not present at this tribute but hundreds of his supporters attended the free two-hour variety show which honored Tacoma's "fighting mayor." Harry P. Cain would make a successful run for the U.S. Senate in 1946. (TNT 10-3-44, p. 1, T.Times 10-3-44, p. 1) ALBUM 13.

Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979--Family; Cain, Marjorie Dils, 1908-1994; Cain, Harry P.; Kaufman, Joseph J.;

Sorority program at Masonic Temple. Roomful of mostly women watch intently the proceedings in front of them in this photograph from March of 1950. Two men and two women are on a small stage. The event occurred at the Masonic Temple, probably the one at 47 Saint Helens Ave. in Tacoma.

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

The original Black Hills Passion Play was said to one of the most colorful ever presented on a Tacoma stage. The show was sold for most of the matinee and evening performances. The play takes us through the last supper, the crucifixion, the resurrection and the ascension. View of one of the actors in full costume, possibly Pontius Pilate; he was part of the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Joseph Meier came from Germany during the 1930's, he has been a part of biblical plays for many years, and has won the reputation of being the world's outstanding "Christus" portrayer. View of actor, Joseph Meier, portraying Christ; he is fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Meier, Joseph;

Tacoma News Tribune newspaper carriers were honored at the 13th annual banquet, held at the Fellowship Hall. More than 400 boys and girls enjoyed a turkey dinner, ice cream and apple pie. The newspaper carriers were thanked for their hard work and dedication to their jobs. View of newspaper carriers sitting at their district tables (T.N.T., 10/29/49, p. 10).

Newspapers--Tacoma; Newspaper carriers--Tacoma; Delivery boys--Tacoma; Children--Employment--Tacoma--1940-1950; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma News Tribune Publishing Co. (Tacoma); Fellowship Hall (Tacoma);

Group portrait of Swiss singers. The United Swiss Singing Societies of the Pacific Coast met in formal concert at the Temple Theater on Friday, July 21, 1950. It was the start of a three day festival of singing and yodeling. Seven cities, including Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Modesto, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, and Tacoma sent delegations to the festival. Tacoma's Edelweiss Swiss Singing Society, under the direction of Erich Koker, hosted. (TNT 7-22-50, p.3)

United Swiss Singing Societies of the Pacific Coast; Edelweiss Swiss Singing Society (Tacoma); Tuxedoes; Evening gowns;

Daughters of the Nile. Five members of the Zora Temple are wearing matching evening gowns of shimmering satin and carry bouquets of carnations.

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Carnations--Tacoma; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bouquets;

Mrs. Emma Love, Masonic Temple, at request of Mrs. Love. Mrs. Herbert F. Love was one of the past Queens of Zora Temple No. 5. She and the other past queens assisted during the ceremonial dinner where the Zora Temple honored Supreme Queen Mattie E. Watson from Phoenix, Arizona, at the Masonic Temple. Mrs. Love stands in front of chairs draped with oriental rugs with sparkling fabric hung decoratively behind. She is wearing a crown and a long white robe with a sparkling, stand-up collar and she holds a bouquet of flowers. (TNT, 2/6/1949, p.D-6)

Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Love, Emma; Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma);

Tacoma's Temple Theatre advertised they had the "widest proscenium arch of any theater or hall on Pacific Coast". Throughout the years the Temple Theatre had a number of movie stars making special appearances, including Tallulah Bankhead and Lucille Ball. The Temple Theatre was later renamed the Saint Helens Convention Center in 1992 and the Landmark Convention Center in 1995. View of unidentified man backstage at the Temple Theatre, by the curtain and props control area.

Theaters--Tacoma; Theatrical producers & directors--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Stage props; Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Ivanhoe Commandery of the Knights Templar. Members of the Knights Templar are dressed in decorated robes, uniforms, hats and crowns in front of a stage hung with a large cross at the Masonic Temple. York Rites delegates to the annual state convention arrived Saturday, May 10, 1947, for meetings of the three grand bodies. The meetings of the twenty-eight commanderies of the Knights Templar was highlighted by a parade from the Masonic Temple to the First Christian Church on May 11th, 1947. This was the 60th conclave of grand commandery of Knights Templar of Washington (T.Times, 5/9/1947, p.1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Knights Templar (Tacoma); Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar (Tacoma);

Rainbow Convention. Pierce County Rainbow Girls hosted the 21st annual session of the Grand Assembly of the Order of the Rainbow for Girls June 22, 23 and 24, 1947. 1,500 girls from Washington, Idaho and Alaska met for the 25th anniversary of Rainbow in Washington State. Fifteen young women wearing floor length gowns and heart-shaped hats. A piano and flower decorations can be seen on the stage behind them. (T.Times, 6/19/1947)

Rainbow Girls (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns; Hats--1940-1950; Teenagers--1940-1950;

The "1947 Follies" by Tacoma's Junior League was said to be an outstanding show. The Temple Theatre was filled up both nights and all contributions were donated to the Occupational Therapy Workshop. View of Junior League members performing "Squaws in Hollywood," which was one of the audiences' all time favorites. Performers are wearing full head dress, matching dresses and no shoes. (T. Times, 11/12/47, p. 15).

Actresses; Feathers; Head-gear--Tacoma; Costumes; Musical revues & comedies--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Junior League (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);