An unidentified worker was photographed in November of 1920 in the corner of the Northern Novelty Manufacturing Co., 2909-13 So. Wilkeson, where the alder timber was sorted. Just in time for the holidays, the eight month old company was diversifying its production from tables to include wooden toys. They used the local alder to manufacture their patented specialties: the hubless and spokeless toy wheel and the "shimmy dog." (TDL 11/28/1920, pg. B6) G36.1-022 (also cataloged under G36.1 image 068)

Northern Novelty Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma); Toy industry--Tacoma--1920-1930; Cabinetmaking--Tacoma;

In November of 1920, Alice Moorefield was photographed working at the Northern Novelty Manufacturing Co., located at 2909-13 So. Wilkeson St. She was sharpening a wood chisel and was surrounded by the wood used by the eight month old company in their manufacture of wooden products. Miss Moorefield was rated as a "helper" and was able to handle any of the big machines used in finishing timber for the plant. The company, already successful in the construction of tables, was branching out into toy construction. They held patents on a hubless and spokeless wheel for mechanical toys and tea wagons and a toy called the "shimmy dog." They also held a contract to produce all the toys for the annual Tacoma Elks Christmas tree. (TDL 11/28/1920, pg. B6) TPL-1419; G32.1-011

Moorefield, Alice; Northern Novelty Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma); Toy industry--Tacoma--1920-1930; Women--Working class--1920-1930; Cabinetmaking--Tacoma;

An example of tables built by the Northern Novelty Manufacturing Co. was displayed outdoors in early November of 1920. The fold-down table was compact enough to fit in small places. Northern Novelty had opened for business in January of 1920 and by October of that year, had expanded their plant on South Wilkeson in order to manufacture wooden toys. G35.1-025

Northern Novelty Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma); Tables;