• Known as the Music Box from 1933 until it was destoyed by fire in 1963, the Tacoma Theater Building was built in 1889.
• Printed on front: Tacoma Theatre Building. Tacoma, Wash.

• Prominently featured in this areial view are the 17 story Medical Arts Building (now the Municipal Building) and the Music Box Theater with the distictive turrets. circa 1940.
• Printed on front: Aerial view of Broadway and St. Helens Tacoma, Wash.

Circa 1925.

• Built in 1889 at 902-14 Broadway, this was known as the Music Box Theater from February 1933 until April 1963 when it was destroyed by fire. circa 1908.
• Printed on front: Tacoma Theater Building, Tacoma, Wash.

Tacoma's grand opera house, the Tacoma Theater was built at 902 Broadway in 1889. It was converted into a motion picture theater in 1927 and renamed the Broadway Theater (or Theatre, as on its marquee). Workmen are seen preparing the new marquee in January of 1927. Over 20,000 people attended the grand opening on Feb. 4, 1927. Renamed the Music Box Theater in 1933, the building was destroyed in a spectacular fire on April 30, 1963.

Organist, Miss Esther Stayner sitting at the organ of the Broadway Theater. BU-11246

About 300 Tacoma firemen, Pierce County Civil Defense workers and volunteers fought for hours to quell the massive fire that destroyed the four-story Music Box Theatre on April 30, 1963. Originally known as the Tacoma Theater, the building at the corner of South 9th & Broadway had been a city landmark since its grand opening in 1890. The audience of about 100, there to watch an early evening show of Hitchcock's "The Birds," exited the theater without panic after smoke was discovered. The cause of the fire was determined to be a burned out bearing in a ventilating fan. There were only three reported injuries, none to the movie patrons. The theater was demolished later in the summer. (TNT 5-1-63, A-1+)

Music Box Theatre (Tacoma); Fires--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fire fighters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1960-1970; Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970;

A Naturalizer shoe display at Lloyd-Friesen, Inc. on 9th and Broadway was photographed for Family Circle magazine on September 23, 1954. Small posters advertising Naturalizer's Scottie twins are placed on and in front of the tables holding the shoes. The shoes are displayed at an angle, with some lifted as if an invisible woman were in the process of walking. Only six pairs are on display, leaving the tables relatively uncrowded, with a copy of Family Circle magazine upright in the center. Photograph ordered by Family Circle Magazine, New York.

Shoes; Shoe stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lloyd-Friesen, Inc. (Tacoma); Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Family Circle Magazine (New York);

Sarah Bernhardt appeared at the Tacoma Theatre, 902-14 Broadway, from June 14-16, 1918. Miss Bernhardt, probably the most famous actress in the world, and her company were performing the closing act of "Camille" as the closing bill of the Orpheum Vaudeville season. Also on the bill were soprano Marion Weeks, Mayo & Lynn, Madden & Ford, Albert Donnelly and Bensee & Baird. The theater was built by the Tacoma Opera House Co. and opened in 1890. It originally seated 1,300 and was advertised as having the "largest stage on the Pacific Coast." Later known as the Broadway Theater and finally as the Music Box, it was destroyed by fire on April 30, 1963. BU-11260; TPL-2112; Boland-B1193 (TDL 6/14/1918)

Tacoma Theatre (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1910-1920; Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1910-1920; Marquees; Bernhardt, Sarah--Associated objects;

Drama League rehearsals at the Tacoma Theater. "The Torch Bearers" was chosen as the designated 1924 mid-winter play of the Tacoma Drama League. Cast members included Mrs. Llewellyn J.W. Jones, Miss Catherine Hurley and Mrs. Rex Roudebush. "The Torch Bearers" was performed on December 16, 1924. G22.1-011 (TNT 12-6-24, p. 9-article)

Tacoma Drama League (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1920-1930;

H.C. Weaver Productions electrical apparatus at the opening of the Broadway Theater on February 4, 1927. Staff from the film studio were pictured along with their portable generator at 7 p.m. All of the studio's lights were on loan to light up the night for the Grand Opening of the Broadway Theater and the street party to follow. The theater had been built in 1889 as a grand opera house; it was reopened as the Broadway from 1927-33. The remodel included a new neon marquee. The theater changed names again in 1933 to the Music Box and remained the Music Box for 30 years until destroyed by fire in April, 1963. H.C. Weaver Productions made three movies in their studio on Titlow Beach in Tacoma between 1924 and 1928. G36.1-213 (TDL 2/5/1927, pg. 1- picture, 2/4/27, pg. 1 & 1/30/1927, pg. H5- story only)

Broadway Theater (Tacoma); H.C. Weaver Productions, Inc. (Tacoma); Electrical apparatus;

Broadway Theater. The grand opening of the new Broadway Theater (formerly the Tacoma Theater) on Friday, February 4, 1927, drew thousands of Tacomans who jammed the streets surrounding the downtown palace. It was officially opened at 4 p.m. with the first performance at 4:45. Crowds began gathering about 3 p.m. on the streets two blocks around the theater which had been closed to traffic. By the time of this approximately 8 p.m. photograph above, most of Tacoma seemed to have taken advantage of the free one-hour street car ride to downtown to gaze upon the bright banners, bunting and flags which decorated the buildings and were ready for the celebratory jubilee. A big street dance on Market near 9th, a songfest on 9th near Broadway, an informal ball at the Hotel Winthrop and four bands playing contributed to all the excitement. The streets were illuminated by huge lights advertised as two million candlepower. The Broadway's bill that evening promoted the first-run production of Harold Lloyd's "The Kid Brother," Fanchon & Marco's "Pyramids" revue and Oliver Wallace and his "Broadway Revelers" as musical accompaniment. Evening prices were 15 cents per child and 50 cents per adult with lower matinee prices: 10 cents a child and 35 cents for adults. (TDL 2-4-27, p. 1-article; TDL 2-5-27, p. 1 - photo & article)

Broadway Theater (Tacoma); Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1920-1930; Crowds--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Group portrait of actors and actresses at the Broadway Theater in February, 1928. It is possible that this is Fanchon & Marco's Road Show #1 from Los Angeles which appeared at the Broadway that February to help celebrate the Broadway's first birthday. The 50-person revue starred Jack North, banjo player extraordinaire (believed to be man in cap in front row) and featured the Roberts Sisters, the Rhinestone Revue, and three stage bands including Alton Redd's Pods of Pepper and the Queen's Hawaiian Band. Ticket buyers also got the chance to see Adolphe Menjou in "Serenade." The Broadway, formerly the Tacoma Theatre, celebrated its grand opening on February 4, 1927. (TNT 2-2-28, p. 8) G64.1-038

Broadway Theater (Tacoma); Actors--Tacoma; Actresses; Musicians--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Harry Kahne dazzled crowds gathered about the Broadway Theater as he hung by his heels suspended from the theater's roof on November 1, 1930. They watched with astonishment as Mr. Kahne wrote upside the latest news in legible cursive script on the large Ledger blackboard several feet above ground. Mr. Kahne was in town for Fanchon & Marco's "Rhythm-a-tic" revue. He was known as "the man with the multiple brain" for his unusual talents. (TDL 10-29-30, p. 7-article only; TDL 10-31-30, p. 4-article only)

Kahne, Harry; Broadway Theater (Tacoma); Entertainers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1930. Theater floodlights, possibly used for special effects during the stage show that often accompanied a new film. The lights are believed to be located at the Broadway Theater, 902-14 Broadway, formerly the Tacoma Theater. TPL-2812

Stage lighting; Theaters--Tacoma; Tacoma Theater (Tacoma); Broadway Theater (Tacoma);

ca. 1907. The W.D. Harney Photogravure Company of Racine, Wisconsin captured the beauty of Tacoma in a series of photographs taken in 1907, including this view looking south from the intersection of 9th and Broadway. The Tacoma Theater building (destroyed by fire in 1963) stands at right. A wall advertisement can be seen on the Pythian Temple building to the south. Horse drawn carriages and street cars still predominate over the new but increasingly popular automobile. (also Richards C164600-142 and TPL-5454)

Tacoma Theatre (Tacoma); Pythian Temple (Tacoma);

On March 10th, 1931, at around 6:30p.m., the sheet iron canopy at the Broadway Theater, 902-14 Broadway, came crashing down from the marquee to the pavement. The metal canopy over the theater entrance at So. 9th and Court C was in the process of having new electric lights installed. The weight of the lights and the workmen was just too much for the metal canopy. Luckily no one was hurt. (TNT 3/11/1931, pg. 1; TDL 3/11/1931 p.1)

Broadway Theater (Tacoma); Motion Picture Theaters--Tacoma--1930-1940; Building failures;

View of five unidentified Townsend Club members standing outside of Tacoma's Music Box Theatre in November of 1948. They are proudly wearing "Townsend" hats and displaying their club banner with the theater movie ticket window in background. The Townsend Plan called for a $200 a month pension for every retired person over 60. The Club's slogan was "work for youth and age for leisure." Support for the Townsend Plan fueled President Franklin D. Roosevelt's support for the Social Security Act. Townsend Clubs continued to be popular until 1950 when social security benefits finally overtook welfare payments.

Clubs--Tacoma; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma; Banners--Tacoma; Meetings--Tacoma; Motion picture posters; Music Box Theatre (Tacoma); Townsend Clubs of America (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Chapter of Townsend Clubs of America had its State Headquarters located in the Bernice Building in downtown Tacoma at 1108 Pacific Avenue, room 506. View of Townsend Club members standing outside of Tacoma's Music Box Theatre, "When My Baby Smiles At Me" movie poster is hanging above group, the club members are wearing hats the read "Townsend", and their club banner is proudly displayed. In 1933, Dr. Francis E. Townsend proposed a government sponsored old age pension plan. During the Depression, his plan was supported by five thousand Townsend Clubs across the country, boasting five million members. Although never enacted, the support for his plan coerced Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt into supporting the Social Security Act in 1935. The Clubs were still thriving until 1950, when Social Security benefits finally exceeded welfare payments.

Clubs--Tacoma; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma; Meetings--Tacoma; Motion picture posters; Banners--Tacoma; Music Box Theatre (Tacoma); Townsend Clubs of America (Tacoma);

ca. 1925. When the grand Tacoma Theater was built in 1889, it had the largest stage on the Pacific Coast, measuring 67 feet by 42 feet and 55 feet to the loft. The sheer size and elegance of the stage can be seen in this circa 1925 photograph with a large Baptist choir in attendance. The orchestra is seated and waiting to perform in the orchestra pit below the stage. The building at 9th & Broadway was built by the Tacoma Opera House Company to seat 1,300 (later enlarged to 1,800) and opened in January of 1890. The boards of the Tacoma Theater were trod by such greats as Sarah Bernhardt, Al Jolson and Harry Houdini. When the theater sold in December of 1925, it was the largest single realty transaction in the city's history. The theater closed down for a remodel and reopened in 1927 as the Broadway Theater. In 1933, under new management, it became the Music Box. It was destroyed by fire in April of 1963. (WSHS)

Theaters--Tacoma; Tacoma Theater (Tacoma); Broadway Theater (Tacoma); Choirs (Music)--1920-1930; Orchestras--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Fort Nisqually Dedication parade, Labor Day 1934. Motorcycles, most carrying two people, follow automobiles and trucks in the parade as it moves south on Broadway past the Tacoma Theater Building, the Pythian Temple, and Rhodes Brothers. (WSHS)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Business districts--Tacoma--1930-1940; Tacoma Theatre (Tacoma);

ca. 1928. Orchestra on stage in front of a giant "Top Hat and Moon" backdrop at the Broadway Theater. Fourteen musicians and director. (WSHS)

Broadway Theater (Tacoma); Musicians--Tacoma;

Orchestra on stage in front of a giant "Top Hat and Moon" backdrop at the Broadway Theater. Fourteen musicians and director.

Theaters - Tacoma - Tacoma Theater ( Broadway Theater, Music Box Music Ensembles - Orchestras

College of Puget Sound pep rally at Broadway Theatre, circa 1927. Crowd of students in front of box office at South 9th and Court C. Building by J.M. Wood and A.F. Heide, Associated Architects; John Galen Howard, Designer; Sydney Lovell, Interior Designer, 1889. (Argentum)

Theaters--Tacoma--1920-1930; Broadway Theater (Tacoma); College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1920-1930; Students--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1928. Oliver Wallace's farewell party at Broadway Theatre. Orchestra and people on stage, painted backdrop of stars and planets. Building by J.M. Wood and A.F. Heide, Associated Architects; John Galen Howard, Designer; Sydney Lovell, Interior Designer, 1889. (Argentum)

Theaters--Tacoma; Broadway Theater (Tacoma);

Selection of Golden Jubilee Royalty. Amy Lou Murray, 21, (R) was selected "Miss Hostess Queen" of the Golden Jubilee celebration on July 10, 1939, at the Music Box Theater. The runner-up to the title, Margaret Franich, 23, (L) won the title of "Miss Pierce County." A decision was made to send both contestants to the Miss Washington pageant the following week, instead of the winner alone, since the voting was so close. Harry P. Cain, Jubilee general chairman, is flanked by the two contest winners. ALBUM 12. (TNT 7-11-39, p. 1)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Franich, Margaret; Murray, Amy Lou; Evening gowns--Tacoma;

The royalty for Tacoma's celebration of the 1939 Washington State Golden Jubilee were selected on July 10th at the Music Box Theater. 35 girls from Pierce County entered the contest to become the celebration's "Hostess Queen." 21-year-old Gravelly Lake resident Amy Lou Murray, (at right) was chosen "Hostess Queen" and Margaret Franich, 23, was selected as "Miss Pierce County." Both winners are standing with Jubilee director (and future Mayor and Senator) Harry P. Cain. Both queens were wearing lovely evening gowns with Miss Murray's delicately covered in lace. Because the voting was so close, both women were sent to the Miss Washington competition the following week. Tacoma's Golden Jubilee celebrated 50 years of statehood with events occurring July 16-23, 1939. (TNT 7-11-39, p. 1-alt. photograph; T. Times 7-10-39, p. 1-cropped photograph) ALBUM 12.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Franich, Margaret; Murray, Amy Lou; Evening gowns--Tacoma;

Golden Jubilee Royalty, Hostess Queen, selected on July 10, 1939. Two contestants, Margaret Franich, left, and Amy Lou Murray pose with a replica of the state seal. 21-year-old Gravelly Lake resident Amy Lou Murray was crowned Miss Hostess Queen at the Music Box Theater with Margaret Franich, 23, as Miss Pierce County. Because the voting was so close, both women would be sent to the Miss Washington competition the following week. (TNT 07/11/39, p. 1)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Franich, Margaret; Murray, Amy Lou; Evening gowns--Tacoma;

Bob Newman, newcomer and clarinet player with the Brad Bannon Orchestra. The popular band played for local dances and on December 28, 1940, they would be opening the newly decorated and remodeled Century Ballroom to standing room only crowds. (T. Times 12/27/1940, pg. 4; 1/3/41, pg. 11)

Brad Bannon Orchestra (Tacoma); Music Box Theatre (Tacoma); Wind instruments; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Newman, Bob;