Hello from the History Department. We’re in the process of documenting interesting and notable figures who influenced the city of Tacoma, as well as the Elks itself. One shining example is Emmett Anderson. Not only was he a popular leader in the Tacoma lodge, but he become Grand Exalted Ruler, head of all Elks throughout…

Hello from the History Department. Here’s another story of a person within a small community who made a big difference – Elias Carlson only lived to be 43 years old but certainly made his mark on Kalama, WA, from fish dealer to opera house owner to logging industry innovator. **** It is said that a…

Hello from the History Department. As we move forward into the new year, looking toward new projects and properties, let’s not forget all of those who came before us — like Mrs. Jordan at the Kennedy School. **** Martha Beatrice (Ashford) Jordan taught Kindergarten at Kennedy School from the fall of 1948 until June 1962,…

Think you’re a McMenamins history buff? Identify the five properties associated with these images. Property #1 Property #2 Property #3 Property #4 Property #5                                 Answers: Property #1: Chapel Pub Property #2: Grand Lodge Property #3: St. John’s Theater & Pub…

Hello from the History Department. Here’s another example of new artwork done for the Tacoma Elks Temple, plus one of the old photos that inspired the piece. Notice anything slightly off about it? (Besides the guy wrestling the octopus, that is?) Read on… **** This colorful, fanciful work is by McMenamins artist Lillian Ripley. So,…

Hello from the History Department. Here’s a good way to impress your sporty friends at holiday parties: Q: What is the only non-winning city engraved as champions on ice hockey’s premiere trophy, the Stanley Cup? A: Portland, Oregon This cool story also has connections to four McMenamins properties – Tavern & Pool, 23rd Avenue Bottle…

Hello from the History Department — So this happened last week… ***** YES! You are correct. That’s Nirvana co-founder and bassist Krist Novoselic, signing an album for one of the Andersen Construction crew in their offices across from the Elks Temple before our tour of the property. When we posted this image on the McMenamins…

Think you’re a McMenamins history buff? Identify the five properties associated with these images. Orb #1 Orb #2 Orb #3 Orb #4 Orb #5             Answers: Orb #1: Cornelius Pass Roadhouse Orb #2: Edgefield Orb #3: Grand Lodge Orb #4: Hillsdale Orb #5: Edgefield

Hello from the History Department – and happy Thanksgiving! Lea McMillan became a Tacoma Elk at 23 years old in 1961. Why? Handball, of course! But that’s not the most interesting part of his story…. ***** McMillan became an Elk at 23 years old specifically because the building currently being renovated into our newest hotel…

Hello from the History Department. As we dig into the Tacoma Elks’ history, we continue to come across interesting stories and facts. For example, did you know that the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) has a direct connection with what has become known as Veterans’ Day? ***** Before WWII, November 11 was originally…