Formal photograph of Normanna Male Chorus at Normanna Hall. The Hall was the home of the Norway Club. The Chorus's costume carries out a nautical theme with blazers and Captain's hats. The Chorus, organized in 1888, was the oldest Norwegian singing organization in the west. The Chorus held its first sangerfest in Tacoma in 1906. The first director was Professor Carlo Sperati. George S. Johnson served as director for 30 years. The current conductor is Gunnar J. Malmin, center of the front row in the tuxedo, composer and director of PLC Choir of the West. (TNT 3/9/1956, pg. 7)

Normanna Male Chorus (Tacoma); Singers; Normanna Hall (Tacoma); Malmin, Gunnar J.;

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);

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);

Approximately 50 members of the Lions Club met in front of Washington Hardware on the Commerce Street side on May 10, 1950, to pick up tools they would need during Tacoma's Clean-Up, Paint-Up, Fix-Up week. The Lions' committee, headed by acting postmaster John McMonagle, had been working with the Painting and Decorating Contractors, Paint Salesmen's Club and the Lincoln Lions on a program to bring every civic, fraternal and garden club together on this year's clean-up. Ordered by the Tribune, Mr. Lynch. (TNT, 5/14/1950, p.C-15)

Lions Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Washington Hardware Co. (Tacoma);

Members of the graduating classes of Tacoma and vicinity schools were guests of honor at tea Saturday afternoon, April 15, 1950, at the Great Hall at Annie Wright Seminary given by Tacoma Panhellenic members. Ordered by the Tribune, Barbara Dana. (TNT, 4/19/1950, p.8)

Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Panhellenic Committee (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tea parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Private schools--Tacoma; Teenagers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

New officers for 1950-1951 are shown at the Elks Temple. Emmett T. Anderson, Grand Exalted Ruler, is hanging an insignia around the neck of Lloyd L. Wynans as he was installed as the new exalted ruler of Tacoma lodge. Others installed were Harold L. Duncan, leading knight; John S. Roberts, loyal knight; Burritt B. Anderson, lecturing knight; Erling O. Johnson, secretary; Walter E. Liggett, treasurer; Swan Johnson, tiler; Sterling Carmichael, trustee. Ordered by Erling Johnson. (TNT, 4/5/1950, p.4)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Anderson, Emmett T.; Wynans, Lloyd L.; Johnson, Erling O.; Duncan, Harold; Anderson, Burritt B.;

The 11th annual President's Anniversary Ball of the University-Union Club drew a large crowd on May 5, 1950. Two men, one older and one younger, wearing white dinner jackets and bow ties, stand behind the candy counter and in front of the cigarette and cigar display in the lobby of the club's building. Ordered by the Tribune, Barbara Dana. (TNT, 5/14/1950, p.D-5)

Clubs--Tacoma; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Dinner parties--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The outreach activity program sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Eagles for persons over 60 years of age met at the Eagles Lodge. The center opened once a week around 11 a.m. for informal games such as cards and chess. Coffee or tea was served at noon, participants could bring their own sandwiches. In the afternoon, there was community singing, a business meeting, educational classes, hobby classes, dancing or more cards. The programs were designed around the interests of the persons attending, with the Eagle lodge providing all neccessary equipment. The only charge was a nominal one for refreshments.

Fraternal Order of Eagles (Tacoma); Aged persons--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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);

Layout on style show at Lakewood Terrace, Young Mens Business Club, Women's Auxiliary. Admiring auxiliary members, dressed in afternoon suits and hats, eye the latest in evening wear modeled by other members. The six models are dressed in floor length formal attire and posed in the aisle between the banquet tables. The photograph records the chandeliers and large fireplace in the Terrace banquet room. (TNT 4/10/1950, pg. 8)

Young Mens Business Club, Womens Auxiliary (Tacoma); Eating & drinking facilities--Lakewood; Fashion shows--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fashion models--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

John H. Anderson, on right, presents the gavel to Lloyd L. Wynans, the newly elected Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174. The installation ceremony for the new officers was one of the biggest nights on the organization's calendar. For the first time in sixty years, the ceremony was officiated by the Grand Exalted Ruler of the B.P.O.E., Emmett T. Anderson. ALBUM 14.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Wynans, Lloyd L.; Anderson, John H.; Gavels;

The dance committee plans the first formal installation dance of the Lady of Lincoln Lions at the Country House. The dance was to honor and install new officers of the club. Pictured left to right are Mrs. Charles Newschwander, Vice President, Mrs. Harold Dabroe, Secretary, Mrs. Tom Lumsder Jr., past President, Mrs. Ernest Estes, President, Mrs. Michael Sterbick, Treasurer, and Mrs. Woodrow Blair, dance program chairman and past Secretary. (TNT 2-24-1950 pg. 13)

Clubs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lady of Lincoln Lions (Tacoma); Events--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Out of town swimming class at the American Red Cross. The Red Cross health and safety services program offered a broad range of instruction and consultation without cost, including first aid, accident prevention and swimming and life saving. The pair of swimmers in the water demonstrate standard lifeguard rescue procedure. The other girls wear a wide variety of fifties swimsuits, both one and two pieces, and standard bathing caps with chin straps.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Children swimming--Tacoma--1950-1960; Swimming pools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bathing suits; Teenagers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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);

Bakers Union Banquet at the New Yorker. The banquet on March 31, 1951 celebrated the Golden Anniversary, 50 years from 1901-1951, of the BCWIU of America, Local 126 Tacoma. The evening began with a cocktail hour, followed by dinner, a program and dancing. Several members with over 30 years of union membership were recognized, including the oldest living member John Moeller, who joined in 1902. (TNT 3/30/1951, pg. 16)

BCWIU of America, Local 126 (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anniversaries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Labor unions--Tacoma--1950-1960; New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma);

Patricia Ann Harrington crashes a bottle of champagne against a brick planter christening "The Northwesterner", the model display home for the third annual Home Show. Members of the Tacoma Master Builders, sponsors of the show, look on. The design for the home was an adaptation of Spokane architect Bruce Walker's design that won first award in a recent home design competition. Names are listed in the newspaper. (TNT, 4/22/1951, p.C-15)

Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Model houses--Tacoma; Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Winners and officials of the yo-yo Contest sponsored by the youth guidance committee of the Tacoma Eagles Lodge in 1951. The tall boy in the center of the standing row is Alan Michener.

Fraternal Order of Eagles (Tacoma); Yo-yos; Children playing with toys--Tacoma--1950-1960; Contests--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Dr. Wilmot D. Read is wearing a traditional Scottish Rite cap in this studio portrait. Dr. Read was born in Iowa in 1880 and came to Tacoma in 1889. He attended grade and high school in Tacoma. He graduated from Cooper- Medical College (Stanford University) in 1903 and returned to Tacoma to begin his medical practice. In 1904 he served as assistant superintendent of Western State Hospital. In 1922 he organized Tacoma's first Public Health League. He was also a leader in the prepaid medical service field. Dr. Read served overseas with the Medical Corps during World War I. He was married to Kathryn Mae Read and had two sons, Dr. Jess W. Read, surgeon, and Dr. Robert D. Read, dentist, both of Tacoma. Dr. Read died April 1958 at age 78. Ordered by Scottish Rite. (TNT, 4/3/1958)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Social life--1940-1950; Insignia--Tacoma; Portrait photographs; Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Read, Wilmot D., 1880-1958; Physicians--Tacoma;

Two local-area boys smile broadly on April 16, 1951, after winning the Yo-yo contest sponsored by the youth guidance committee of the Tacoma Eagles Lodge and Duncan Yo-yos. The boy on the right is Alan Michener. In 1928, Donald F. Duncan, an entrepreneur who also introduced Good Humour Ice Cream, Eskimo Pies and the parking meter, bought the Flores Yo-yo factory and the rights to the name Yo-yo. During the thirties and forties, the wily businessman promoted his product through professional demonstrators, who could "Walk the Dog," "Shoot the Moon" and "Rock the Cradle." Generations of kids competed in Duncan-sponsored contests, showing off the latest tricks. The two young winners above, wearing embossed vests proclaiming them to be Duncan Yo-yo champions, may have used the the new plastic models of yo-yos first introduced in 1950. By the 1950's, the Baby Boomers promoted America's Favorite Toy to the position of Cultural Craze; every kid in the playground had to have one. (www.yo-yos.net) TPL-8832

Fraternal Order of Eagles (Tacoma); Yo-yos; Children playing with toys--Tacoma--1950-1960; Contests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Michener, Alan;

Moose lodge officials at Temple

Loyal Order of Moose, Tacoma Lodge 435 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Men--Social life--1950-1960; Moose Temple (Tacoma);

New officers were installed at the Tacoma Lodge of Elks for 1951-1952 May 5, 1951, at an impressive ceremony under the direction of the past exalted rulers. The new exalted ruler was Harold L. (Bud) Duncan. Other officers were John S. Roberts, leading knight; Arthur J. Emery, lecturing knight; E.O. Johnson, secretary; Walter E. Leggett, treasurer; Arthur Stolen, trustee; and Swan Johnson, tiler. (TNT, 4/6/1951, p.C-7)

Elks Temple (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Inaugurations--Tacoma;

Exposure of Elks sponsored handball team. This Tacoma handball team competed in the Pacific Northwest AAU Championships in Spokane March 30-31, 1951. The team was sponsored by the Tacoma Elks Lodge, No. 174. Pictured on the front row, left to right, are George Baydo, Swan Johnson, and Bill Reel. The back row, left to right, is comprised of Pete Sabutis, Bill Faraone, Ernie Johnson, Jack Baty and Bob Holder. Faraone was the Tacoma city singles champion and he also held the doubles title with partner Ernie Johnson. Faraone, a Tacoma police officer, won the singles title in Spokane. (TNT 3/27/1951, pg. 21) TPL-10516

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Handball--Tacoma--1950-1960; Athletes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Baydo, George; Johnson, Swan; Reel, Bill; Sabutis, Pete; Faraone, Bill; Johnson, Ernie; Baty, Jack; Holder, Bob;

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);

Seven members of the Young Mens Business Club Auxiliary posed for a photograph to promote the "Spring Enchantress" fashion and beauty show in March 1951. The fashion show was presented at a luncheon held on April 5, 1951 at The Tropics, 735 Commerce. The show included a hair stylist who demonstrated new styles of hair dressing, with emphasis on pleated and folded styles, on models adorned in evening gowns, jewels, flowers and perfume. Enchantress model Dawn (Mrs. Paul A.) Olson is surrounded by fellow models or committee members, left to right, Vivian (Mrs. Jack L.) Coefield, Marilyn (Mrs. Sam) Andrews Jr., Dorothy (Mrs. Edward) Zanuzoski, Avonelle (Mrs. Wilfred) Brown, Madeline (Mrs. Peter) Pelegruti Jr. and Mrs. Earl Jones. At the luncheon table displays of floral bouquets and miniature models with hats completed the decorations. (TNT 4/3/1951, pg. 9)

Young Mens Business Club, Womens Auxiliary (Tacoma); Fashion shows--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Olson, Dawn; Coefield, Vivian; Andrews, Marilyn; Zanuzoski, Dorothy; Brown, Avonelle; Pelegruti, Madeline H.;

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);

Elizabeth Kordich, George Cuculich and George and Geraldine Franko make plans for the third annual spaghetti dinner dance of the Tacoma Actives of the English Speaking Lodge Saturday evening February 24, 1951. The dinner featuring the Italian dish was held at the American Legion Hall on So. G St. with dinner served 6-8 p.m., followed by dancing from 9 p.m. to 12 midnight. The dance decorations had a Spring motif with daffodils and greens. (TNT 2/21/1951, pg. 10)

Tacoma Actives of the English Speaking Lodge (Tacoma); Kordich, Elizabeth; Cuculich, George; Franko, George; Franko, Geraldine;

Bellarmine boys, members of the Junior Red Cross, gather to deliver posters for the American Red Cross. The boys delivered posters and other advertising material for the 3/1/1951 national fund raising campaign kick off. The 1951 Red Cross poster, painted by Norman Rockwell and gifted to the Red Cross, featured Tacoma native Coe Norton holding a first aid kit. The poster illustrated American workers moving against worldwide threats to liberty and peace. Kneeling, left to right, are George Dibert, Larry Rowley, Patrick Chapman and Peter Henriot. Standing, left to right, are Pete Walker, Jim Healey, Terry Griffith, Don Hutt, Gene Longen and Bob Thaden. Standing on the car roof top are Bob Girard and Don Bucako. (TNT 2/25/1951, pg. 1)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; American National Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Teenagers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960;