Order of Eastern Star Vida Chapter was having their annual installation of officers in the Gothic Room in Tacoma's Masonic Temple; an informal reception would be held in the roof garden with the Starlets serving as hostesses. View of members from the Vida Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, during the ceremony for the installation of new officers (T.N.T., 4/10/49, p. D-8).

Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Masonic buildings--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Order of Eastern Star Vida Chapter No. 35 (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Tacoma's Temple Theatre was built in 1926, designed by architect A. J. Russell, the contractors were Biehn and Chalmers; the theater officially opened in October 1927. Upon the theater's opening the "Temple of Minerva" backdrop from the Tacoma Theater was presented to the new theater. This theater was originally known as the Heilig Theatre and was renamed the Temple Theatre in 1931. Temple Theatre had a seating capacity of 1,800 people. View of three unidentified men 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);

The Temple Theatre at 47 Saint Helens Ave. was built in 1926. For its official opening in October 1927 it was given the stage backdrop known as "Temple of Mionerva" by the owners of the Tacoma Theatre. The backdrop was painted by artist Thomas G. Moses in 1889 and had hung in the Tacoma Theatre for 37 years.Thomas Moses was a well known scenery painter; he died in Chicago, Illinois in 1934. The Temple Theatre is now the Landmark Convention Center. TPL-3683

Theaters--Tacoma; Theatrical producers & directors--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Stage props; Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Moses, Thomas G., 1857-1934;

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);

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);

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;

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);

The play has 30 experienced professional actors travelling with the production throughout the United States. More than 75 actors were local talent, including students from Lincoln High School and Stadium High School. Music is provided by 18 chorus members from Tacoma, under the direction of Clayton Johnson, music director at Stadium High School. View of actor, 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);

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 Council of Churches was the sponsoring organization for the original Black Hills Passion Play, this play would be showing four matinees and four evening shows at Tacoma's Temple Theatre. View of one of the actors in full costume, possibly King Herod; 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);

Black Hills Passion Play was a great success in Tacoma, this famous play offered a wonderful story with beautiful costumes and talented actors. All performances at the Temple Theatre were very well attended. 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;

The play is said to have offered their audiences wonderful acting by actors with a great deal of experience and beautiful costumes and scenery. View of actress, Mrs. Joseph Meier, she is portraying Mary the Mother of Christ; she is fully dressed in her costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

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

The play has 30 experienced professional actors travelling with the production throughout the United States. More than 75 actors were local talent, including students from Lincoln High School and Stadium High School. Music is provided by 18 chorus members from Tacoma, under the direction of Clayton Johnson, music director at Stadium High School. View of actor, 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);

The original Black Hills Passion Play was playing at Tacoma's Temple Theatre for four days, the performances were being sponsored by the tacoma Council of Churches. View of actress portraying one of the characters from the Black Hills Passion Play, she is fully dressed in her costume (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

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

White Shrine installation 1950. Retiring worthy high priestess, Stella (Mrs. Lee) Whitney, and watchman of shepherds, Fred Ballou, presided at the opening and gave the address of welcome at the installation of the White Shrine of Jerusalem's installation of officers at the Masonic Temple, April 15, 1950. Mabel E. (Mrs. Nels J.) Peterson would be the newly installed worthy high priestess. Ordered by Mr. A.R. Emerson. (TNT, 4/9/1950, p.D-11)

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);

White Shrine installation 1950. Nadine E. (Mrs. O.H.) Ridgeway was the installing officer. Assisting her were Ed Bever, worthy chaplain; Mrs. William Jones Rogers, worthy scribe; Stella F. (Mrs. Thurman) Givens, worthy herald; Marie C. (Mrs. LeRoy R.) Vaughn, worthy organist; Emma L. (Mrs. H.F.) Love, worthy guardian and Mrs. May Williams, inviting worthy herald. Ordered by Mr. A.R. Emerson. (TNT, 4/9/1950, p.D-11)

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);

White Shrine installation 1950. New officers who were installed at the White Shrine of Jerusalem's meeting April 15, 1950, were: Mabel E. (Mrs. Nels J.) Peterson, worthy high priestess; Alonzo R. Emerson, watchman of shepherds; Mrs. Wallace Morrisette, noble prophetess; Fred R. Stockbridge, associate-watchman of shepherds; Avis G. (Mrs. Warren) Gilman, worthy scribe; Mrs. Olive I. Hibbard, worthy treasurer; Jessie M. (Mrs. Alvie) Burnett, worthy chaplain; Rosemary B. (Mrs. Lorenzo) Mansfield, worthy shepherdess; and Stella F. (Mrs. Thurman) Givens, worthy guide. Ordered by Mr. A.R. Emerson. (TNT, 4/9/1950, p.D-11)

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);

1,200 delegates were expected at the 37th annual Washington Congress of the Parents and Teachers Association. A banquet at Fellowship Hall at the Masonic Temple highlighted the three-day conference. Mrs. John E. Hayes of Twin Falls, Idaho, president of the National Congress of P.T.A., was the national representative and the featured speaker at the convention. Music was supplied by the Puyallup High School Band and the Lincoln High School a cappella choir. (TNT, 5/4/1950, p.12)

Fellowship Hall (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Educational organizations--Tacoma; People associated with education & communication; Tacoma Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (Tacoma);

White Shrine installation 1950. Those chosen to fill the appointive positions were Sally M. (Mrs. Alonzo R.) Emerson, worthy herald; LeRoy R. Vaughn, first wise man; Lorenzo Mansfield, second wise man; Michael Drosethes, third wise man; Chester A. Burg, king; Mrs. Amy F. Wells, queen; Lola H. (Mrs. Floyd D.) Crane, first handmaid; Bertha H. (Mrs. I.D.) Daniels, second handmaid; Mrs. Maude Hulbert, third handmaid; Marie E. (Mrs. LeRoy R.) Vaughn, worthy organist; Mrs. Octavia Gergory, worthy guardian; and George Sweeny, worthy guard. Ordered by Mr. A.R. Emerson. (TNT, 4/9/1950, p.D-11)

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);

White Shrine installation 1950. A newly installed officer of the White Shrine of Jerusalem holds a banner of the Mizpah Shrine, Order of the White Shrine, connected to a white shepherd's hook while she raises her left arm. Ordered by Mr. A.R. Emerson.

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);

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);

Scottish Rite group in the Corinthian room of the Masonic Temple. A branch of the Freemasons, this group has its roots not in Scotland, but in France. Its title is in honor of Scottish Masons who fled to France after the Jacobite Rebellion failed in 1715. The group was organized in the U.S. in 1801 and membership is available to those obtaining the rank of Master Mason. The rite consists on 32 degrees plus an honorary 33rd degree & each degree costs about $150 (in 1978.) The Scottish Rite is one of the paths to becoming a Shriner. ("Fraternal Organizations" by Alvin J. Schmidt & "Handbook of Secret Organizations" by William J. Whalen)

Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Alice Wilson was installed as worthy adviser of the Tacoma assembly of Rainbow Girls in April of 1951. She is seen seated third from the left. The Gothic Room of the Masonic Temple was decorated with sea horses and fish. Margaret Ruff was the retiring worthy adviser. Other installing officers were Joyce Anderson, Ruth Brown, Ann Cox, Donna Moore, JoAnne Neff, Nadean Taylor, Carol Wallace and Joan Wilson. Other elected officers were: Carolyn Wahlberg, Ann Friberg, Jane Mueller, Donna Bradley, Carol Munro, and Joan Bennett. Ordered by Mrs. W.E. Wilson. (TNT, 5/26/1951, p.16)

Teenagers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Wilson, Alice; Rainbow Girls (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Evening gowns;

The Amity chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star held its 26th annual installation of officers March 21, 1951 in the Gothic room of the Masonic Temple. The installation was followed by a reception in the roof garden. (for a list of new officers, see TNT 3/18/1951, pg D-11)

Order of Eastern Star Amity Chapter No. 219 (Tacoma); Evening gowns--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Group of approximately 50 people for Zora Temple #5, Daughters of the Nile. Queens and officers of neighboring temples attended a ceremonial on March 1, 1951 at which Mrs. Merle Heitzman, of Salt Lake City, Supreme Queen of the Daughters of the Nile, made an official visit to Zora Temple #5. At the Masonic Temple, amid a setting of oriental rugs and palms, Mrs. Heitzman regaled the group with her adventures visiting the 100 Nile temples in the U.S., Canada and Hawaii. Entertainment was provided: an exhibition drill by the Egyptian Patrols, special music by the Egyptian chorus and a performance by the temple dancers. (TNT 2/25/1951, pg. D-9)

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Women--Tacoma--1950-1960; Costumes--Egyptian; Costumes--Russian; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits; Headdresses; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Reunion of Scottish Rite. The 91st reunion of the Scottish Rite concluded on November 24, 1951, with the exemplification of the 30th degree of Knight Kadosh. The Scottish Rite choir performed musical rituals for the degrees. View of members of the Scottish Rite; those seated have on Masonic regalia. (TNT 11-23-51, p. 13)

Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Reunions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Scottish Rite group of fourteen men in the Corinthian room of the Masonic Temple.

Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Reunion class, Scottish Rite, at the Masonic Temple.

Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reunions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);