St. Patrick’s Day in Tacoma
The Ancient Order of Hibernians held high mass and a benefit drama to celebrate their patron saint, while surprisingly weighing in on international affairs.
Every man, woman and child of Irish birth are doing honor today to St. Patrick. The members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians met this morning in Parker hall and under the direction of Marshal Jerry O'Connor, marched to St. Leo's church, on the corner of Thirteenth street and Yakima avenue. High mass was celebrated and a sermon delivered by Father Mahoney of Seattle. This evening members of the order will present the Irish comedy drama, 'Peep o' Day,' at the Tacoma theater. The proceeds will be given to the Aquinas academy. Before going to the church, the local lodge of Hibernians held a session in Parker hall and passed resolutions of sympathy with Russia in her struggle with Japan. A copy of the resolutions will be sent to the Russian minister at Washington, D. C. At 1 o'clock a dinner was given at the Tacoma hotel.
“Wearers of the green are everywhere in evidence and the emerald hue predominates in the color scheme in store window decorations.”
The intersection of Yakima and 13th remains a central part of Tacoma’s religious and civic landscape. The Hibernians' surprising decision to express sympathy for Russia in the Russo-Japanese War highlights how local ethnic societies in 1904 often viewed global conflicts through the lens of their own political allegiances.
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