In 1912 the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) held their annual national convention in Portland, Oregon. The Seattle Lodge 92 attended the event en masse, and in this image, pose together wearing matching white suits. Posing with them at the left edge of the frame and wearing dark suits are the members of Seattle's most popular band at the time, Wagner's Band, led by Theodore “Dad” H. Wagner (1860-1933).
The city streets behind the men posing are decorated with American flags, BPOE signs, and other banners, suggesting there was a parade or celebration held during the convention.
Handwritten on print: Wagner's Band with Seattle Lodge - Elks National Convention - Portland 1912. Official Photo 153 - Marcell of Portland. Signs visible in image, from left to right: Shoes; Cigars, Confectionery; Behnke-Walker Business College; Hats; Ben Selling; La Grande; 262 Yamhill St., West to Creamery; A. K. Gilman Locksmith Co.; Instituted June 10th, 1888, Seattle Lodge No. 92, B.P.O.E.; Chicago Market, Entrance, 187 3rd St., Erdner & Hochuli (Foster & Kleiser Signs); Obak, Vacuum Packed, The Only Steelcut; Cr. Winslow & Co., Inc.; Rubber Shoes; F. P. Keenan Co.; Bar; Pool; Hotel Rowland; Portland Sign Co.
Caption information source: "Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (1909): Music at the Fair," by Peter Blecha, HistoryLink.org Essay 8876. Caption information source: "Old Bandsmen Will Play for 'Dad' Wagner," The Seattle Daily Times, March 20, 1933, p. 1.
Physical Description: 1 photographic print : b&w ; 52 x 7 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
