Standing outside the Tacoma armory are Comrade David L. Crossen (left) and Commander L.A. Wilcox. Both in their 90s when this picture was taken in 1937, they were officers in the G.A.R. and two of the last civil war veterans living in Tacoma. Mr. Crossen fought with the 11th Pennsylvania volunteers at Bull Run and Antietum. Mr. Wilcox was in Company F of the 4th Wisconsin Infantry. (T. Times, 5/29/1937, p.1)

Civil War, U.S., 1861-1865--Veterans--Tacoma; Veterans' organizations--Tacoma; Grand Army of the Republic (Tacoma); Crossen, David L.; Wilcox, L.A.; Flags--United States;

The 1938 graduation exercises for Stadium High School at the Armory. The 1938 graduating class was the largest in the school's history, 667 students. The photograph is taken from the viewpoint of parents and spectators seated in the mezzanine on either side of the graduates. (T. Times 6/10/1938, pg. 24)

Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1930-1940; State Armory (Tacoma); Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940;

1938 Stadium High School graduation at the Armory. The Class of '38 was the largest in the school's history, made up of 667 graduating seniors. Close up of graduates seated on the ground floor of the Armory; piano and floral display in front of them, backdrop on wall behind them. The girls are dressed in long formal dresses with flower corsages and the boys are dressed in suits. Parents and spectators sit on the mezzanine level on the sides, above the graduates. (T. Times 6/10/1938, pg. 24)

Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1930-1940; State Armory (Tacoma); Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940;

On June 8, 1938, Lincoln High School bestowed 709 diplomas on its graduating class. The graduates sit on a raised platform; the orchestra sits on the floor. Relatives here to see the ceremony sat on either side.

Students--Tacoma--1930-1940; Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); State Armory (Tacoma);

On June 8, 1938, Lincoln High School graduated a record class of 709 at the Armory. The building was filled to capacity, with only parents and relatives of graduates allowed to attend. 1938 was the school's 24th annual graduation. After the graduation exercise, the Armory floor was cleared of chairs to provide room for dancing. (T. Times 6/8/1938, pg. 5; 6/9/1938, pg. 2)

Students--Tacoma--1930-1940; Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); State Armory (Tacoma);

Lincoln High School Class of 1938 graduation at the Armory. A girl is standing at the microphone in front of graduates delivering a speech. (filed with Argentum)

Students--Tacoma--1930-1940; Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); State Armory (Tacoma);

Lincoln High School Class of 1938 graduation at the Armory. Audience, band and graduates seated under Lincoln banner. (filed with Argentum)

Students--Tacoma--1930-1940; Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); State Armory (Tacoma);

Norwegian Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Martha at the Tacoma Armory. During his May 23, 1939 address, he spoke of their visit to the U.S., stating that it was well known that "a large number of our countrymen have found Tacoma a pleasant place in which to live and work" and he "was not surprised that you should have chosen this place." The prince spoke in English but concluded his speech in Norwegian, in deference to the mostly Scandinavian audience. The royals' trip encompassed two days, including time for a review of Fort Lewis, visit to Pacific Lutheran College, and some private time at Mount Rainier. (TNT 5-24-39, p. 2, p. 6)

Olav V, 1903-1991; Martha, Crown Princess of Norway; Rulers--Norway; Visits of state--Tacoma--1930-1940

An addition to the State Armory, South 11th & Yakima, was under construction in August of 1939 with scaffolding surrounding the new barrel-shaped, nine-ton steel roof truss structure. A sign indicates that this is a P.W.A. (Public Works Administration) federal project. The addition would supply the National Guard with an expanded drill hall and the city with a much needed Public Auditorium with room for 5,000. $47,000 was being spent to complete the remodeling program that had a total cost of approximately $163,000. The Pierce County Courthouse with its distinctive clock tower is in the background. (T. Times 8/3/1939, pg. 1)

Progress photographs; State Armory (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1930-1940; Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma);

The new Civic Auditorium addition was being added to the Armory in August of 1939. The new construction, funded by the state and the Public Works Administration, added a 20,000 sq. ft. National Guard drill hall, that would also serve as a public auditorium that could seat 3,500 on the main floor, and 1,500 in the side balconies. The new auditorium would be 100 x 200 feet with a covered ceiling 30 feet above the floor. The rounded steel trusses would replace the current pillars and provide unobstructed view all the way down the hall. In regular use, the Armory housed units of the 148th Field Artillery, the Headquarters Troop, 24th Calvary division, the federal instructor and various veterans organizations. The turrets of the old Pierce County Courthouse can be seen in the background. (T. Times 8/3/1939, pg. 1)

State Armory (Tacoma); Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1930-1940;

The new Civic Auditorium addition was being added to the Armory in August of 1939. The new construction added a 20,000 sq. ft. National Guard drill hall, that could serve as a public auditorium seating 3,500 on the main floor, and 1,500 in the side balconies. This photograph clearly shows the 9-ton rounded steel trusses that support the new roof, replacing the pillars and providing an unobstructed view the entire length of the hall. The remodel and addition, which cost a total of $163,000, was a P.W.A. project. (T. Times 8/3/1939, pg. 1)

State Armory (Tacoma); Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1930-1940;

May, 1939, visit of Norwegian Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Martha. Interior of Armory showing large crowd, band and choir in front. Stage decorated with Norwegian and U.S. Flags, bunting on balcony and hanging from rafters.

Olav V, 1903-1991; Martha, Crown Princess of Norway; Rulers--Norway; Visits of state--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Stadium High School's 56th annual graduation exercises, held June 8th at the Armory for the Class of 1939. Students at the back of the photograph, audience in foreground. The graduating class totalled 653 students and the ceremony was estimated to be attended by over 2500 persons. The sign "Education for What?" states the theme of the four student commencement speakers. Betty Binns, Helen Phill, and Robert Elliott tied for valedictory honors, each completing 3 years of study with straight A's. Class president Maynard Miller joined them as a speaker. (T.Times 6/7/1939, pg. 5; 6/9/39, pg. 1; 6/10/39, pg. 1)

Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1930-1940; State Armory (Tacoma); Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1939. Exterior of Armory, 715 So. 11th St., for I.F. Lauckes Inc., Seattle, Wa. The Armory was constructed in 1908 as a home for the local National Guard. The gothic Pierce County Courthouse, 1012 So. G St., can be seen in the right background. This structure was demolished in 1959 after the construction of the current County City building. Its site is now a parking lot. (filed with Argentum)

State Armory (Tacoma); Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma);

Interior of new addition to National Guard Armory showing soldiers in formation with twelve wheeled artillery guns. The new addition was constructed in August of 1939 with funds supplied by the state and the PWA. It was 100 by 200 sq. feet with a 30 foot ceiling. Its curved roof replaced the former pillars, providing an unobstructed view. After the extensive remodel, the size of the space had increased by 1/3, with vast improvements also in lighting, ventilation and acoustics. (T. Times 10/7/1939, pg. 1) (filed with Argentum)

State Armory (Tacoma); Washington National Guard (Tacoma); Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940; Uniforms--Washington National Guard--1930-1940; Artillery (Weaponry);

Photograph taken October 3, 1939 of the interior of the new addition to the National Guard Armory, 715 So. 11th St., showing soldiers in formation with a small band on the right. The new addition was constructed in August of 1939 with funds supplied by the state and the PWA. It was 100 by 200 sq. feet with a 30 foot ceiling. Its curved roof replaced the former pillars, providing an unobstructed view. After the extensive remodel, the size of the space had increased by 1/3, with vast improvements also in lighting, ventilation and acoustics. (T. Times 10/7/1939, pg. 1) (filed with Argentum)

State Armory (Tacoma); Washington National Guard (Tacoma); Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940; Uniforms--Washington National Guard--1930-1940;

Lincoln High School Class of 1939 graduation at the Armory, held June 9th, 1939. Girl and boy at microphone, students seated, audience in foreground. Lincoln graduated 707 seniors, who listened to a total of 26 speakers at the ceremony. For Leonard Langlow, Tacoma Times. (T. Times 6/10/1939, pg. 11)

Students--Tacoma--1930-1940; Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); State Armory (Tacoma);

Lincoln High School Class of 1939 graduation at the Armory, held June 9, 1939. The 707 graduating seniors are seated at the rear of the photograph, audience in the foreground. (T. Times 6/10/1939, pg. 11) (filed with Argentum)

Students--Tacoma--1930-1940; Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); State Armory (Tacoma);

Music Conference - 600 piece Symphony Orchestra at the Armory - orchestra on raised wooden platform. Photograph ordered by Mr. Short at the Tacoma Times. (filed with Argentum)

Youth orchestras--Tacoma;

Award winners at Lincoln High School 1940 Graduation at the Armory. Four men and three girls with flowers. There were 666 graduates in the Class of '40 who received diplomas on June 5, 1940. Several were honored with scholarships and medals including (in no particular order) John Krutilla, Reed College scholarship winner and valedictorian; Bonnie Busch, American Association of University Women honorary award; Norma Johnson, Marylhurst College scholarship winner; Jack Godfrey, Richard Graff honorary award; Rose M. Pesacreta, College of Puget Sound scholarship award; and Carl Dial, Rotary Club winner. (T. Times, 6-4-1940, p. 3-article; T. Times 6-6-1940, p. 20, photographs of four winners; TNT 6-6-1940, p. 1, p. 11-photographs of winners)

Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); State Armory (Tacoma); Awards; Busch, Bonnie; Godfrey, Jack; Pesacreta, Rose M.; Dial, Carl; Krutilla, John; Johnson, Norma;

Federal Old Line Life Insurance dinner at the Armory. People seated at three long tables. (filed with Argentum)

Federal Old Line Life Insurance Co. (Tacoma); State Armory (Tacoma);

Stadium High School Class of 1940 graduation at the Armory. 649 students (318 boys and 331 girls) received their diplomas on June 6, 1940 as the third largest Stadium High School graduating class. It was the school's 57th graduation exercises. Graduates marched in to the tune of "Pomp and Circumstance" while proud family members and friends cheered and applauded. Shirley Nyman was the school's valedictorian and Mills College scholarship winner and four students shared the honor of being salutatorians: Dorothy Selden, David Glenn, Jr., Ruthi Crain and Patricia Russell. (TNT 6-7-1940, p. 1, p. 15-article & photographs of winners)

Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1940-1950; State Armory (Tacoma); Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Exterior view of Washington National Guard Armory. (filed w/Argentum)

State Armory (Tacoma); Washington National Guard (Tacoma);

Outside view of National Guard Armory; old Pierce County Courthouse in the background. (filed with Argentum)

State Armory (Tacoma); Washington National Guard (Tacoma);

Lincoln High School Class of 1940 graduation at armory.

Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); State Armory (Tacoma);

Miss Eilene Kezele lights the cigaret of Tommie Attleson, 146th FA National Guard, at the enlisted men's dance on November 13, 1940. The call had gone out for 25,000 young Tacoma girls to serve as dance partners. All enlisted men from McChord, Fort Lewis and Camp Murray were invited to attend. This was the second in a series of dances held at the Armory. (T. Times 11/14/1940, pg. 1 +, 11/8/1940, pg. 17)

Dance parties; Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; State Armory (Tacoma); Kezele, Eilene; Attleson, Tommie;

On November 13, 1940, David Larson (left) and George Tucker, two saxophone players from the 146th Field Artillery Band, tried to blow away the unidentified listeners attending the Enlisted Men's Dance at the Tacoma Armory. All three saxophone players in the band, including Dean Curtiss who was not pictured, were former members of leading dance bands. The 146th FA Band was supplying the music for the dance, the second in a series of dances. All men in uniform from McChord Field, Fort Lewis and Camp Murray were invited for the evening's entertainment; all area young women were invited to act as dance partners. TPL-1755 (T. Times 11/14/1940, pg. 13)

Dance parties; Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; State Armory (Tacoma); Saxophones; Tucker, George; Larson, David;

An unidentified couple sip bottles of soda on the sidelines of the enlisted men's dance on November 13, 1940 at the Armory. The dance was the second in a series of dances. Soldiers from McChord, Ft. Lewis and Camp Murray were invited. They came from the local area and from across the country. Young ladies from Tacoma were asked to attend and serve as dance partners for the men, some of whom were far from home. (T. Times 11/14/1940, pg. 1)

Dancers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dance parties; Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; State Armory (Tacoma);

An unidentified couple shares a quick drink of water from the fountain at the enlisted men's dance held November 13, 1940 at the Armory. All of the military men from McChord, Ft. Lewis and Camp Murray were invited to attend and a hurried call went out for 25,000 of Tacoma's fairest to serve as dance partners. (T. Times 11/14/1940, pg. 1+)

Dancers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dance parties; Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; State Armory (Tacoma);

Miss Helen Johnson and Pvt. 1st Class Warren Daley jitterbug at the Tacoma Armory on Wednesday night, November 13, 1940 while a second unidentified couple watch. All men in uniform from McChord Field, Fort Lewis and Camp Murray were invited to the second in a series of enlisted men's dances. The 148th Field Artillery Orchestra provided the music. A plea was published in the November 8th Tacoma Times for 25,000 girls to serve as dance partners. (T. Times)

Dancers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dance parties; Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; State Armory (Tacoma); Johnson, Helen; Daley, Warren;