The Afifi Temple Band, with instruments, posed in front of the Masonic Temple, 47 Saint Helens Ave., on April 22, 1928. They are uniformly dressed complete with fezzes. G23.1-078

Afifi Temple Band (Tacoma); Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

The Knights Templar drill team stood at attention on April 20, 1930, outside the Masonic Temple, 47 Saint Helens Ave. They are wearing their stately uniforms including plumed hats. G23.1-077

Knights Templar (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1930-1940; Drill teams; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

The Daughters of the Nile, Zora Temple held their winter ceremonial in the Gothic Room of the Masonic Temple on December 9, 1931. The women were members of an international fraternal order of women either married to or related to Shriners. 300 women were in attendance at the ceremonial that honored the Supreme Queen, Mrs. Lulu Ramage Phelps of Seattle. The Supreme Queen is the national head of the organization. Mrs. Glen Darling presided over the ceremonies. (TNT 12-10-31, p. 12-article)

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Women--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1932. Masonic Temple, 47 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma. The Greek styled, with Egyptian detail, structure was designed by architect A.J. Russell. It was dedicated on December 1, 1927. The adjacent theater, right, was originally named the Heilig Theater, but the name was changed in 1932 to the Temple Theater. The building is on the City Registry. In 1992, it was renamed the Saint Helens Convention Center and renamed again in 1995, this time to the Landmark Convention Center.

Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Group of men in Afifi costumes inside the Masonic Temple; photograph taken in June of 1932. This is possibly the same group of men as images 1 & 1A. (filed with Argentum).

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

Grand Officers of the M. W. Grand Lodge, F. & A.M. (Free and Accepted Masons) of Washington in front of the Masonic Temple. Building by Ambrose J. Russell, Architect, 1925. (filed with Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Free & Accepted Masons (Tacoma);

Afifi Temple Arab Patrol, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine. Group of men in Masonic costumes on steps of the Masonic Temple. This circa 1932 group photo has been superimposed against a background of Mount Rainier. 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.

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

Afifi Mounted Divan. Thirteen men in Afifi capes and hats on horse back in front of Masonic Temple during a ceremonial and festival of music on July 23, 1932. Names printed by horses, left to right, Leverenz, Densmore, Hill, Allen, Carnahan, Colton, Sutter, Ford, Millard, Whitman, Callow, McKenzie and Middlesworth. (filed with Argentum)

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

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;

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.;

Eight hundred Masons from all parts of the state gathered in Tacoma June 16-17th, 1942 for the 85th annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Washington. The newly installed officers are pictured on the steps of the Masonic Temple. They are, left to right, Horace W. Tyler of Tacoma, J.W.J. Stedman of Tacoma- the newly elected Grand Master, John A. Emigh of Walla Walla- retiring Grand Master, Don F. Kizer of Spokane and Ford Q. Elvidge of Seattle. (T. Times 6/18/1942, pg. 7-picture; 6/17/42, pg. 10; 6/13/1942, pg. 1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Free & Accepted Masons (Tacoma); Tyler, Horace W.; Stedman, J.W.J.; Elvidge, Ford Q.;

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;

Grand Officers of the Eastern Star on stage in June of 1942. Flags of several nations, including the United States, and silhouettes of Presidents Lincoln and Washington serve as decorations. 1500 Eastern Star members attended the organization's 59th annual meeting held at the Masonic Temple. Mayme Harmony was elected worthy grand matron and Irwin Jones, worthy grand patron. (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;

Scottish Rite. Scottish Rite degrees were conferred at the 78th annual spring reunion at Masonic Temple May 15, 1945, according to J. Earl Horton, Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection. (T.Times, 5/14/1945, p.9)

Group portraits--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Horton, J. Earl; Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

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);

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);

Royal Arch Masons. A gathering of members wearing various costumes. York Rite delegates attended the annual state convention during May 11 through May 16, 1947. Meetings of the three grand bodies, Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar and the Council were held during this time. (T.Times, 5/9/1947, p.1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Royal Arch Masons (Tacoma);

Rainbow Convention. Seven Rainbow girls are seated in the middle of the auditorium with older persons standing behind them waiting for the ceremony to continue. A large audience is seated around the edges of the auditorium and in the balcony. The installation of newly elected 1948 grand officers marked the end of the Rainbow Girls' 21st session. (T.Times, 6/24/1947, p.1)

Rainbow Girls (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Teenagers--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Rainbow Convention. The 21st State Assembly was held in Tacoma in June of 1947. Eleven people stand on the stage. An older couple are in the middle, the woman holding long-stemmed flowers. Miss Margaret Arnold of Renton was Grand Worthy Advisor of the Grand Assembly of the Order of Rainbow for Girls in Washington, Idaho and Alaska. She presided over this assembly. She had been elected in August 1946. (T.Times, 6/20/1947, p.18)

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

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;

Rainbow Convention. Rainbow girls kneel wearing smocks and holding candles for a candle-light ceremony. The honorary degree, Grand Cross of Color, which is conferred on those who have given outstanding service to Rainbow was given to 125 Rainbow girls, Masons and Eastern Stars the last day of the session. The ceremony was performed by the Past Grand Worthy Advisors. (T.Times, 6/24/1947, p.1)

Rainbow Girls (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Teenagers--1940-1950; Candles; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Forty Women at Masonic Temple, Daughters of the Nile, Mrs. Shotwell. The Zora Temple No. 5, Daughters of the Nile, were honored by the official visit of the supreme queen, Mrs. Ray Hoble of Rockford, Illinois. The decorating committee chose an oriental theme. The program included an exhibition drill by the Egyptian patrol and the dancing girls presented an Egyptian number. These women are wearing a variety of costumes and stand on the stage at the Masonic Temple. The formation of the Daughters of the Nile originated in the home of Mrs. Mable R. Krows, Seattle, Washington. She and a number of other Shriners' wives on February 20, 1913, formed the Ladies of the Nile Club. The first local unit (temple) was named "Hatosu" in honor of an Egyptian queen. (TNT, 2/29/1948, p.B-5; Fraternal Organizations, Alvin J. Schmidt, 1980)

Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes--Egyptian; Costumes--Russian; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits; Headdresses; Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma);

Forty Women at Masonic Temple, Daughters of the Nile, Mrs. Shotwell. These women are wearing a variety of costumes. In the very front five women are dressed as belly dancers with sheer skirts, midriff exposed and egyptian head pieces. Women in the middle are wearing white cossack-style costumes with blouson pants, cumberbund and high-necked, long, full sleeved blouses. They also wear matching head pieces.The women around the edges and back row are wearing evening gowns.

Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes--Egyptian; Costumes--Russian; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits; Headdresses; Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Girl Scouts held a Fashion Revue at the Temple Theater on March 20, 1948. The proceeds would benefit the St. Alban's Girl Scout Camp. The Girl Scouts showed traditional and new scouting clothes as well as sports outfits and fashion clothes furnished by Rhodes Brothers Department Store. Background music was provided by Arnold Levenenze at the organ. Four young girls and boys wearing their Sunday best and two teenage girls wearing two-piece bathing suits wait in the sidelines, with four women organizers, for their turn on the runway. Ordered by Jerry Hurley, Rhodes Brothers. (T.Times, 3/12/1948, p.6; 3/23/1948, p.5)

Girl Scouts (Tacoma); Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bathing suits; Coats; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children & adults--Tacoma; Teenagers;

Daughters of the Nile, Mrs. Shotwell installation at Fellowship Hall, Don Shotwell. The Daughters of the Nile held their annual installation of officers of the Zora Temple No. 5 March 26, 1948, in Fellowship Hall of the Masonic Temple. These thirteen women wear evening gowns, above-the-elbow lace, fingerless gloves, and floral headpieces. The purpose of the order is to pursue "a philosophy of living which will enable them (the members), when shadows lengthen, to look back on a life well spent." The order also assists the Shriners in their work pertaining to crippled children. (T.Times, 3/20/1948, p.9; Fraternal Organizations, Alvin J. Schmidt, 1980)

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Lillian M. (Mrs. J.Donald) Shotwell was installed as Queen of the Zora Temple No. 5 of the Daughters of the Nile in a ceremony held at Fellowship Masonic Hall on March 26, 1948. The room had been transformed into a scene of Oriental splendor with the river Nile flowing in the background. The Egyptian chorus and Egyptian dancers performed. Queen Lillian Shotwell carried a shower bouquet of baby orchids for the installation. Mrs. Shotwell is shown seated on the throne, which is covered with oriental carpets. She is wearing an evening gown, robe with a long train and a crown. Ordered by Don Shotwell. (T.Times, 3/20/1948, p.9) TPL-6478

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Crowns; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Shotwell, Lilian M.; Stage props; Fellowship Hall (Tacoma);

Installation of officers, White Shrine Masonic Temple, studio spec. The White Shrine of Jerusalem was founded as a Christian auxiliary to Freemasons in the United States. There were 69,000 members in 1995. Until 1953 members of the White Shrine of Jerusalem were required to be members of the Eastern Star. The original White Shrine of Jerusalem was founded by Charles D. Magee in Chicago on October 23, 1894. Membership is open to Master Masons as well as their wives, mothers, daughters, widows, and sisters. Members are known as Sojourners; the head of the organization is the Supreme Worthy High Priestess. (International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders, by Alan Axelrod, 1997)

White Shrine of Jerusalem (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Inaugurations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Several groups at Masonic Temple, Ivanhoe Commandry, Lorenzo Mansfield. A group of 20 members of the Knights Templar are wearing their handsome uniforms and plumed hats. The Knight Templar is the 10th degree and the highest rank of the York Rite. The (Masons) Knights Templar was founded in 1816 as a fraternal service organization for Master Masons. The order flourishes in the Unites States, where there were 300,000 members in 1994. Lodges are called Commanderies; states with three or more lodges form Grand Commanderies. Since "none but Christians can be admitted, consequently it cannot be considered strictly as a Masonic body." (International Encyclopedia of Secret Societies and Fraternal Orders, by Alan Axelrod, 1997; Fraternal Organizations, by Alvin J. Schmide, 1980)

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