Construction is proceeding on the massive $500,000 Masonic Temple, designed by Tacoma architect A.J. Russell, located at South 2nd and Saint Helens Avenue during November of 1926. Masons from all over the state had attended the groundbreaking on January 16, 1926. The laying of the cornerstone had occurred on Saturday, June 12th, but it would take until December 1, 1927, before the building was formally dedicated. Calvin Heilig would lease a theater in the new building which would actually have its first showing in October of 1927. The Heilig Theater would later be renamed the Temple Theatre. G17.1-029; BU10,650 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 1-17-26, A-12-article on temple)

Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930;

This photograph of the new Masonic Temple, 47 Saint Helens Avenue was taken in November of 1927. The Temple Theatre (then called the Heilig Theater), built within the Masonic Temple, had celebrated its grand opening on October 18, 1927. The theater was leased by Calvin Heilig and was decorated in an Egyptian motif. Loges were installed on the lower floor. The Masonic Temple itself would be dedicated on December 1, 1927, six weeks after the theater's grand opening. The $550,000 building rose ten stories from the Broadway level. It was 124 x 170 feet in size and built of steel and concrete. The facade consisted of stone finish with brick trimmings. Sixteen Masonic bodies would utilize the structure as a meeting space. TPL-632; G65.1-136 (TNT 11-19-27, p. 1-2)

Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

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);

Theatrical performers, the Maylon Players, pose with a new Reo Flying Cloud from the Winthrop Motor Co. on June 19, 1929. The car silently appeared on the Heilig Theater stage while the actors were rehearsing and they could not resist remarking about its fine features. They are: Maurice Penborn (on car), Will Maylon at the wheel, Joyce Booth (in car), Margaret Nixon, Paul Bardsley, Caroline Edwards and Arthur Siegrist, seated. G11.1-060 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 9-23-29, 8E)

Reo automobile; Maylon Players (Tacoma); Actors--Tacoma--1920-1930; Winthrop Motor Co. (Tacoma); Penborn, Maurice; Maylon, Will; Booth, Joyce; Nixon, Margaret; Bardsley, Paul; Edwards, Caroline; Siegrist, Arthur;

Will Maylon and Margaret Nixon of the Maylon Players theatrical troupe are parked in a vintage Winthrop Motor Company car in front of the Heilig (later Temple) Theater at 47 Saint Helens Avenue in June of 1929. The theater's huge arched roofed marquee and glassed-in playbill announce the troupe's appearance in Tacoma. The automobile, a 1904 Reo, was on display at Winthrop Motors; it was still functional and could reach speeds up to 20 mph. TPL-9778; G64.1-053 (T.Times 6-22-29, p. 23)

Actors--Tacoma--1920-1930; Maylon Players (Tacoma); Maylon, Will; Nixon, Margaret; Reo automobile; Temple Theatre (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;

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;

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);

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);

Sepia photograph of Governor Clarence D. Martin and other dignitaries at the head table at the Community Achievement Dinner held at the Masonic Temple on December 28, 1937. A large poster of President Roosevelt is the only decoration on the wall. City and political leaders packed the head table, including Puget Sound National Bank's Reno Odlin, Congressman John Coffee, U.S. Senator Homer T. Bone, and Mayor George Smitley. The dinner combined the annual Tacoma Chamber of Commerce banquet and the city's achievement dinner. Governor Martin spoke of a brighter future for our state and its inhabitants. (T. Times, 12-29-37, p. 1) ALBUM 10.

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

Governor Clarence D. Martin shakes hands with F. Rodman Titcomb of Weyerhaeuser Company, in front of a large poster of President Roosevelt, at a Community Achievement Dinner at the Masonic Temple. Mr. Titcomb was the former General Manager of Weyerhaeuser Timber Co. and was married to Elizabeth Weyerhaeuser, oldest child of John Philip Weyerhaeuser. He was announced to the 1000+ diners as the 1938 president of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. The chamber's usual banquet was combined with the community dinner, hence the large crowd in attendance. (T. Times, 12-29-37, p. 1). ALBUM 10.

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Titcomb, F. Rodman; Posters;

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;

Governor Clarence Martin at Community Achievement Dinner held at the Masonic Temple on December 28, 1937. He is flanked by Congressman John Coffee and Toastmaster Reno Odlin of Puget Sound National Bank. U.S. Senator Homer T. Bone and Tacoma Mayor George Smitley are seated to the far right. A large poster of "Roosevelt, Our President" hangs on the wall. Over a thousand attended the Achievement dinner which was being held for only the second time in the city's history. (T. Times, 12-29-37, p. 1) ALBUM 10.

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

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);

Tacoma Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of conductor Eugene Linden on stage at Temple Theatre for concert. Encouraged by the success of the previous season of concerts at the Jason Lee auditorium, the 1938 season was moved to the Temple Theatre. This turned out to be a financial disaster, plunging the organization into debt even though the orchestra reached new heights in artistry and musicality. The orchestra was disbanded while efforts were made to erase the debt. Eugene Linden was called back in the fall of 1939 from Long Beach, Ca., where he was conducting their symphony to once again lead the Philharmonic. Concerts resumed at Jason Lee. (filed with Argentum)

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

Mary (Mrs. Norton) Clapp, holding a bouquet of roses, awarded the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce "Best Dog" prize to Boston terrier, Champion Playfair Rockefeller, winner of the first annual Tacoma Kennel Club show. The terrier had already been named "Best in Show" by judge Irving C. Ackerman of San Francisco. The champion dog was owned by Jack Playfair of Portland. The Kennel Club show on April 24, 1938 closed a two day exhibit at the Fellowship Hall. (T.Times 4/25/1938, p.11).

Contests--Tacoma--1930-1940; Dogs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Dog shows--Tacoma--1930-1940; Clubs--Tacoma; Tacoma Kennel Club (Tacoma); Fellowship Hall (Tacoma); Clapp, Mary;

Several trainers with their dogs at the first annual Tacoma Kennel Club show held at Fellowship Hall on April 23 and 24, 1938. Three hundred and five dogs competed for awards. The "Best in Show" winner was Boston terrier Champion Playfair Rockefeller, owned by Jack Playfair of Portland. Over 1800 persons attended the two day exhibit. (T.Times, 4/25/1938, p. 11).

Contests--Tacoma--1930-1940; Dogs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Dog shows--Tacoma--1930-1940; Clubs--Tacoma; Tacoma Kennel Club (Tacoma); Fellowship Hall (Tacoma);

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.;

Cooking School at Fellowship Hall conducted by Tacoma Times. Capacity crowd of women seated in auditorium.

Events--Tacoma--1930-1940; Audiences--Tacoma; Home economics--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hats--1930-1940; Women--Social life--1930-1940; Fellowship Hall (Tacoma);

Cooking School at Masonic Temple's Fellowship Hall conducted by Tacoma Times in mid-October of 1939. Mrs. William Schenk of 4311 Read St. accepts congratulations from City Light Appliance Department's Harold Partlow for winning a new electric range at the cooking school. It was her first electric range. A record crowd was on hand to see the second and last cookery demonstration led by Miss Cula Buker. (T.Times 10-13-1939, p.22)

Stoves--Tacoma; Cookery--Tacoma; Home economics--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hats--1930-1940; Women--Social life--1930-1940; Fellowship Hall (Tacoma); Shaking hands--Tacoma; Schenk, William--Family; Partlow, Harold;