A 317 foot radio tower has been erected on top of the Tacoma Vocational School's building; the tower should be completed within the next week. The school will have a small broadcasting system directly below the tower. Rudy Elsner is the steel superintendent, the prefabricated steel is being supplied by Star Iron and Steel Company. View of Rudy Elsner climbing up Tacoma Vocational School's radio tower (T. Times, 1/2/49, p. 37).

Vocational education--Tacoma; Radio antennas--Tacoma; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma; Radio stations--Tacoma; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma);

Basting an enormous roast in the kitchens of the Tacoma Vocational-Technical Institute in December of 1967 are (from l to r) Herman Walker of Hilltop, George Johnson, Mrs. Alice Dunn of Eastside and Carl Munsen of the Tri-Mart Multi-Service Center, four of the directors of the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc. They are practicing their cooking techniques for the St. Nick Christmas party for the underprivileged which will occur on December 23rd at the American Legion Edward B. Rhodes, Post. No. 2. The three men are wearing traditional tall chef's hats while the woman has on a smaller "nurses" version. George Johnson, the acting executive director of the O.D.I. and the event's head chef, cannot resist sampling a crispy french fry. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc. (TNT 12-15-67, B-8)

Cooks; Cookery--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hats--1960-1970; Walker, Herman; Johnson, George W.; Dunn, Alice; Munsen, Carl;

The Restaurant Association of the State of Washington in conjunction with the Washington State Culinary Council awarded certificates of training to about 30 individuals on April 29, 1969, at Tacoma Vocational-Technical Institute, 1101 Yakima Ave. So. An unidentified woman is shown receiving her large certificate noting that she has completed a "personalized dining service course, " a wallet-sized certificate, and a special pin. Photograph ordered by the Restaurant Association of the State of Washington, Seattle.

Awards; Vocational education--Tacoma--1960-1970; Students--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma);

A dentist works on a young patient while his assistant offers the next tool. Llewellyn Advertising Agency commissioned a series of photographs to promote school millage; this September 22, 1966, photograph was taken at Tacoma Vocational-Technical Institute where local dentists offered their services to selected pupils of the Tacoma School District.

Dentistry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Dental equipment & supplies; Dental hygiene--Tacoma;

In December of 1967, Joey Evans (4) and Deanna Stokes (3) helped Chef James R. Osenton of the Tacoma Vocational - Technical Institute bast one of the turkeys that were being cooked for the Tacoma - Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc. Christmas dinner. The big bird was just one of 50 turkeys prepared for the December 23rd party co-sponsored by the American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2. (Photograph ordered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc.) (TNT 12-19-67, D-1)

Cooks; Cookery--Tacoma; Osenton, James R.; Stokes, Deanna; Evans, Joey;

Tacoma Vocational-Technical with large radio tower. Tacoma Vocational-Technical was located at the corner of So. 11th & Yakima Avenue across from the State Armory. Its first building was constructed in 1941 on the east side of the campus, with additions in 1949, 1965 and 1970. This photo on February 26, 1962, shows a momentary pause in usually busy Yakima Avenue traffic. A few people appear to be waiting to enter the school, perhaps members of the Citizens Committee for Schools, who were scheduled to visit and later make recommendations to the school board. Tacoma Vocational Technical School was later renamed the L.H. Bates Vocational-Technical Institute in 1969 to honor training director L.H. "Vern" Bates. It is still at the same location in 2004. Photograph ordered by the Citizens Committee for Schools. TPL-6459

Tacoma Vocational-Technical Institute (Tacoma); Vocational education--Tacoma;

Clad in white, several rows of newly minted LPNs (licensed practical nurses) clutch their beribboned diplomas and certificates during Tacoma Vocational-Technical School's graduation ceremonies on November 14, 1957. Over a thousand hours of training was necessary to graduate and often included years of employment. Friends and family filled the seats in the school's auditorium to watch the 6th annual graduation exercises for the 49 recipients. Names of the new practical nurses are listed in the November 17, 1957, News Tribune. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Vocational-Technical School. (TNT 11-17-57, B-11) TPL-10124

Nursing--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); Vocational education--Tacoma;

Tacoma Vocational School; practical nurse graduation. The new nurses sit in auditorium chairs; they are attired in white nurses garb and clutching their diplomas. In the back stand the teaching and administrative staff. A total of 47 practical nurses had completed their academic work at Tacoma Vocational School. (TNT 11/11/1956, pg. A-13 see caption for names) TPL-6461

Nursing--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); Vocational education--Tacoma;

Rows of practical nurses, garbed in traditional white uniforms, pose with their new diplomas at the Tacoma Vocational School evening graduation services on November 2, 1955. A total of 64 women received their graduation certificates. Their happy families are seated behind them in the school's auditorium. Names of the recipients are listed in the November 4, 1955, News Tribune. (TNT 11-4-55, A-5)

Nursing--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); Vocational education--Tacoma;

In August of 1942, Tacoma's new Vocational School at 1101 Yakima Avenue South was looking for a few good women to learn the trade of aircraft construction. Evelyn Keeney (center) and Norma Lavorini were shown a section of plane fuselage by Jay Gould, one of the instructors at the school. When enrollees graduated from the special, free course they were fully conversant in the "fouth R" - riveting. Graduates could move right onto the Boeing assembly line. Mothers attending classes found it convenient to leave their children at the Tacoma Day Nursery located just two blocks from the school. (TTimes 9/1/1942 p.3)

Gould, Jay; Lavorini, Norma; Keeney, Evelyn; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); Aircraft industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Two Tacoma girls learn the 4th "R," riveting, in aircraft construction classes at the Tacoma Vocational School (now known as Bates.) The free classes were being offered in August of 1942 to anyone over the age of 18, in order to fill job vacancies at Boeing. The classes took place in the new brick building opposite the Courthouse at 11th and "G" St. Pictured, left to right, are instructor Jay Gould, Norma Lavorini and Evelyn Keeney. (T. Times 9/1/1942, pg. 3)

Gould, Jay; Lavorini, Norma; Keeney, Evelyn; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); Aircraft industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Vocational School was offering free classes in aircraft construction in August of 1942. Applicants had to be over the age of 18 and graduates would be placed in positions with Boeing. Evelyn Keeney and Norma Lavorini practice their lessons on a mock up of an airplane.

Lavorini, Norma; Keeney, Evelyn; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); Aircraft industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

These women pose at their last sheet metal work class at the Tacoma Vocational School. Beginning tomorrow, these "Rosie the Riveters' will be employed at the Seattle Tacoma Shipyards, helping to support the war effort.

Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Vocational education--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma;

As more men joined the ranks of the military in 1943, women flocked to vocational schools to learn trades needed in the production end of the war effort. These "Rosie the Riveters, " pictured above on March 8, 1943, have completed their courses in sheet metal work at the Tacoma Vocational School and will report to work tomorrow at the Seattle Tacoma shipyard. The women attending their final class before graduation are, front row left to right, Adella Sulkoski, Lucile Taylor, Nona Deegan, Julia LaFavor, Lillian Clark and Laura Martinson. Back row- Marjorie Dunn, Sally Harmon, Theola Peterson and Dorothy Ramstad. During the war years, over six million women nationwide were hired in factories to bolster the work force. (T. Times 3/9/1943, pg. 1)

Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Vocational education--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma;

In February of 1943 many Tacoma women were taking classes at Tacoma Vocational School, 1101 Yakima Avenue South (later re-named L.H. Bates Vocational-Technical Institute) to prepare for jobs in war production work. Learning to use calipers to make measurements on a blueprint are: (l to r) Ethel Belding, Helen M. Cone, Ann Wright and Frances Hale.(T. Times 2/20/1943 p.1)

Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); Belding, Ethel; Cone, Helen; Wright, Ann; Hale, Frances; World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma;

In February of 1943 many Tacoma women were taking classes at Tacoma Vocational School, 1101 Yakima Avenue South (later re-named L.H. Bates Vocational-Technical Institute) to prepare for jobs in war production work. These women are preparing for a job in the airplane industry by studying the blueprints of a bomber. Pictured, left to right, are Ethel Belding, Helen M. Cone, Ann Wright and Frances Hale. (T. Times 2/20/1943 p.1)

Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); Belding, Ethel; Cone, Helen; Wright, Ann; Hale, Frances; World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma;

Mrs. Winnifred Sigafoos (far right) and her three daughters all took a three-week course on airplane construction at Tacoma Vocational School, now known as H.L. Bates Vocational-Technical Institute, in March and April of 1943. Upon graduation they, and other women in the course, hoped to get jobs in the war time aviation industry. Mrs. Sigafoos' daughters are (l to r) Mrs. Hattie Gordon, Beatrice "Peachiee" Mauch and Reggie Sigafoos. The old Pierce County Court House, 1012 So. G St., can be seen in the background. (T. Times 4/2/1943, p.1) TPL-2002

Vocational education--Tacoma; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma;

Special order for special edition, Studio, by Tacoma Times, George Beckingham. Another new building under construction at the Tacoma Vocational School. The first building for the Tacoma Vocational School was built in 1941 on the east side of the campus. Earnest T. Mock, architect, and Dolph Jones, contractor. Tacoma Vocational School was renamed in 1969 to honor vocational training director, L.H. "Vern" Bates. Address in 1948: 710 So. 11th St.

Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); Vocational education--Tacoma--1940-1950; Building construction--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Special order for special edition, Studio, by Tacoma Times, George Beckingham. A view of the new building under construction at the Tacoma Vocational School including the building already existing at 710 So. 11th St. The first building was built in 1941 on the east side of the campus. Earnest T. Mock, architect, and Dolph Jones, contractor. TPL-6456

Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); Vocational education--Tacoma--1940-1950; Building construction--Tacoma--1940-1950;

National Blower and Sheet Metal Company was doing the roofing, providing all the sheet metal work, installing the ventilation system and furnishing all structural and miscellaneous iron for the Tacoma Vocational School. The company was established in 1889 and currently employs fifty workers. View of men reviewing building plans for the new vocational school, photo ordered by National Blower and Sheet Metal Company (T. Times, 6/7/48, p. 7).

Building construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Roofs--Tacoma; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); National Blower & Sheet Metal Co. (Tacoma);

Group picture Tacoma Vocational School: class of RN teachers. Tacoma Vocational-Technical School held a workshop conference for directors and instructors of practical nursing schools in the state of Washington Nov. 10-13, 1953. More than 50 representatives from the field of practical nurse education participated. Speakers were Miss Adelaide Mayo, MA and Miss Ella Thompson, BS, from the National Association for Practical Nurse Education in New York. (TNT 11/8/1953, pg. C-14) TPL-6458

Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); Vocational education--Tacoma; Nursing--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Tacoma Vocational-Technical School's graduation of practical nurses in the school's auditorium. 53 nurses graduated in the ceremony. They had completed 1,660 hours of training and in some cases up to 2 years of employment. A reception followed the ceremony. (TNT 12/12/01, pg. B-10 names published under the picture in the paper)

Nurses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); Vocational education--Tacoma;

The 1951 graduation class from Tacoma-Vocational Technical school. The apprentices, who studied courses ranging from bookbinding to sign painting, were awarded certificates indicating they had completed a course in their particular field. The Master of Ceremonies was Al Bradley and the principal speaker was Dr. Alden H. Blankenship, superintendent of Tacoma Public Schools. Ordered by Winthrop Motors, Arvold Reading. (TNT, 6/3/1951, p.C-11)

Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960;

American Federation of Teachers. Portrait of six unidentified men aound a table with blackboard on right. The Washington State Federation of Teachers was holding its 17th annual convention in Tacoma on December 1, 1951. The event, held on a Saturday, drew some 200 delegates and members to Tacoma Vocational School. (TNT 12-1-1951, p. 3-article only)

American Federation of Teachers Association; Washington State Federation of Teachers (Tacoma); Teachers--Tacoma--1950-1960; People associated with education and communication; Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960;

An unidentified speaker addresses a large group of men and women at the 17th annual convention of the Washington State Federation of Teachers on December 1, 1951. Some 200 delegates and members registered at the Tacoma Vocational School for the one-day event. Dr. Hugh A. Bone, University of Washington professor, would be the guest speaker at the concluding dinner session held at the Tropics restaurant that evening. (TNT 12-1-1951, p. 3-article only)

American Federation of Teachers Association; Washington State Federation of Teachers (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Teachers--Tacoma--1950-1960; People associated with education and communication;

American Federation of Teachers. Portrait of two women and two men. On December 1, 1951 some 200 delegates and members of the Washington State Federation of Teachers met in Tacoma at the Tacoma Vocational School for a one-day session. These unidentified foursome most likely participated in the event. (TNT 12-1-1951, p. 3-article only)

American Federation of Teachers Association; Washington State Federation of Teachers (Tacoma); Teachers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; People associated with education and communication;

Tacoma Vocational School presented diplomas to 123 graduates from apprenticeship into the journeymen classification in 1950. The graduates were in 21 crafts. Each man had completed related instruction through facilities of Tacoma Vocational-Technical School as well as the required number of hours of on-the-job training. The apprenticeship periods of the graduates in the many crafts range between three and six years. Names were listed in the newspaper. Ordered by the Tribune, Mr. Knight. (TNT, 6/2/1950, p.A-9)

Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Vocational education--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma);

1950 graduation class from Tacoma Vocational School. Tacoma's Vocational-Technical school held an open house that was highlighted by the graduation exercises. The facilities of the school including the distributive education class, the radio broadcast studio for KTOY, the restaurant trades department and the business education department. Visitors were also able to bid on a new pleasure cruiser built by students in the boat-building class. Ordered by the Tribune, Mr. Knight. (TNT, 5/31/1950, p.4)

Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Vocational education--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma);

Tacoma Vocational-Technical School offered training for all types of trades. In 1949 there were 500 students in attendance with 1,400 more as apprentices. Here six men are learning to install and repair utility lines in the electrical lineman trade, one of 50 trades offered. The three students at left are identified as (in no particular order) Ed Sorger, Jr., George Blanc and Tom Padden. Strapped securely by lineman's belts, some are working on transformers on genuine, although shortened, poles. The Tacoma Vocational-Technical School was operated by the Tacoma public school system in compliance with the state plan for vocational education. (T.Times 2-13-49, p. 30-article; TNT 5-1-49, B section -alt. photograph)

Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); Vocational education--Tacoma--1940-1950; Classrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Utility poles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Linemen--Tacoma; Sorger, Ed; Blanc, George; Padden, Tom;

Tacoma Vocational School, Times, George Prescott. Two students are at work in a mechanics workshop with their instructor. Tacoma Vocational School provided classes in diesel motor repair, boat building , electrical and cosmetology. Certificates were awarded in Day Trades, Trade Extension and Apprentice Extension. (T.Times, 2/13/1949, p.30)

Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma); Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Vocational education--Tacoma--1940-1950;