In October of 1941, Charles F.T. (Chen) Rowe stands next to Sanka, one of the horses that he boarded at the Point Defiance Riding Academy stables. Using the old barn and pasture that had been the home for the park's herd of buffalo, the riding academy was founded in 1933. The 50 year old stables were destroyed by fire in August of 1969 and never rebuilt. The 33 year old thoroughbred mare Sanka was a direct descendent of racing legend Man O'War. Sanka raced as a filly on the West Coast before being bought by Rowe at the age of five. The pair spent the next 28 years covering hundreds of miles together on the woody trails of Point Defiance, including remote areas patrolled only Rowe and his horse. Rowe also held a commission with the Pierce County Sheriffs Department. Sanka died of old age in October of 1964 and was laid to rest by her loving owner. (TNT 10/4/1964, pg B-10)

Horses--Tacoma--1940-1950; Point Defiance Riding Academy (Tacoma); Rowe, Charles Frederick Trendall;

Charles F.T. (Chen) Rowe with Sanka, one of the horses that he boarded at the Point Defiance Riding Academy stables. Using the old barn and pasture that had been the home for the park's herd of buffalo, the riding academy was founded in 1933. There were more then 12 miles of beautiful bridle paths within the park. "Chen" Rowe was the owner of the Tacoma Seed Company, which was started by his father in 1919. The Point Defiance Riding Academy was destroyed by a fire in August of 1964 in which two horses were killed. Twelve other horses were led to safety by the 33 year old thoroughbred Sanka. The Academy was never rebuilt.

Horses--Tacoma--1940-1950; Point Defiance Riding Academy (Tacoma); Rowe, Charles Frederick Trendall;

In October of 1941, Charles F.T. (Chen) Rowe runs toward the camera with Sanka, one of the horses that he boarded at the Point Defiance Riding Academy stables (pictured in background.) Using the old barn and pasture that had been the home for the park's herd of buffalo, the riding academy was founded in 1933. The Point Defiance Riding Academy was destroyed by a fire at 10 p.m. on August 20, 1964. Albert Schramm, stable operator, tried to chase the 15 boarded horses out of the flaming structure. The frightened horses stood huddled in a knot, when Sanka leapt forward and broke through a narrow Dutch door to safety. Twelve horses followed and two perished in the fire. Sanka was proclaimed a hero. She died in October of 1964 at the ripe old age of 33. (TNT 10/4/1964, pg. B-10 for the story of Sanka)

Horses--Tacoma--1940-1950; Point Defiance Riding Academy (Tacoma); Rowe, Charles Frederick Trendall;

After wandering the streets of the northend for ten days in 1942, this juvenile bear appeared in downtown Tacoma and paid dearly for that mistake with his life. After many sightings on the northend, the bear proved elusive and grew fat on gleanings from garbage cans.The first time that he left the northend, the bear was tracked by Police Officer Bert Barber to the alley at the rear of 1619 So. "J" St., where he was shot and killed at 5a.m. on June 5, 1942. He was about 18 months old, weighed 180-200 pounds and had made his way to Tacoma from the vicinity of Steilacoom. (T. Times 6/5/1942, pg. 1)

Bears;

Tennessee Walking Horse being exhibited at the Woodbrook Hunt Club in May of 1941. The rider is guiding his horse through a jump over three barrels as the horse knocks over the top barrel.

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses; Jumping (Horsemanship);

Tennessee Walking Horses being exhibited at Woodbrook Hunt Club.

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses; Jumping (Horsemanship);

On May 21, 1941, an unidentified rider at the Woodbrook Hunt Club tested the jumping skills of a "Tennessee Walking Horse" by having it jump a human barrier. The unidentified human "cross bar" apparently survived the risky stunt. Mrs. Thomas Overland of Seattle brought the horse to Lakewood so that the club members could get a chance to see and ride the distinctive breed.

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses; Jumping (Horsemanship);

Members of the Woodbrook Hunt Club, wearing English riding habits, set out in spring of 1941 on a hunt. The Club had hosted two fellow clubs from neighboring cities to a joint hunt during the spring. This image was captured by the Richards Studio photographer during one of those hunts. Their hunting grounds, located on the current Fort Lewis grounds, were highly prized.

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses--Tacoma;

Members of the Woodbrook Hunt Club were photographed on March 29, 1941 against a background of prairie and (faintly) Mount Rainier. The Club had played host to two other groups of riders, from other cities, twice during the Spring. The group was captured by the Richards photographer while setting out on a hunt. (T. Times 4/5/1941, pg. 5)

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses--Tacoma;

Members of the Woodbrook Hunt Club, wearing traditional hunt clothing, were photographed in the Spring of 1941 riding across the prairie with their hounds. The "Huntsman" was the gentleman in the top hat. Woodbrook still practices the tradition of riding to the hounds and is one of 170 member hunts of the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America. They keep a group of pedigree American Foxhounds in their kennels. (www.woodbrookhunt.com)

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses--Tacoma;

On March 29-30, 1941, the Woodbrook Hunt Club hosted a joint spring hunt with the Columbia Hunt Club from Portland. Thirty five riders and their mounts journeyed to the Lakewood Club to participate. Riders, horses and hunting dogs loiter, waiting for the hunt to begin. (T. Times 3/19/1941, pg. 10)

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses--Tacoma;

Tennessee Walking Horse on display at Woodbrook Hunt Club. The woman posing with the horse is believed to be Mrs. Arthur Hannum, wife of the manager of the Club. The horses were being introduced in Tacoma by their owner, Mrs. Thomas Overland of Seattle. The class of horses had only been recognized and registered two years prior.

Horses; Horseback riding; Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood);

The "Huntsman," in the top hat, and his fellow riders prepare for the beginning of a joint hunt sponsored by the Woodbrook Hunt Club. Woodbrook was playing host to 35 riders and their mounts from the Columbia Hunt Club in Portland. Pictured with their hunting dogs are, left to right, Arthur Hannum, Don Cameron, Iris Bryan and Burwood Kennedy. (T. Times 3/19/1941, pg. 10; picture T. Times 4/5/1941, pg. 5)

Horses--Lakewood--1940-1950; Horseback riding--Lakewood--1940-1950; Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood);

Club members stand at the ready, waiting for the joint hunt of the Woodbrook and the Columbia Hunt Club to begin. Woodbrook Hunt Club was the host for the event on March 29-30, 1941. Their guests were 35 riders and their mounts from the Portland Club. (T. Times 3/19/1941, pg. 10)

Horses--Lakewood--1940-1950; Horseback riding--Lakewood--1940-1950; Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood);

Elmer Carlson and horse jumping an obstacle at Woodbrook Hunt Club.

Animals - Livestock - Horses Organizations - Clubs - Sports Clubs - Hunt Clubs - Lakewood - Woodbrook Hunt Club

Don Cameron is driving a roadster with Pactolius Silk past the Woodbrook Hunt Club's new clubhouse in November of 1940. The horse pulling the roadster is in a trot with its diagonal legs moving in unison. The trot is the working gait for a horse. Mr. Cameron and Pactolius Silk were preparing for the annual Woodbrook Hunt Club Horse Show, scheduled for November 15-16, 1940. Equestrians and their mounts, including for the first time in Washington State the appearance of a Tennessee Walking Horse, were registering for the event. (T.Times 11-9-40, p. 5)

Horses--Lakewood--1940-1950; Woodbrook Stables (Lakewood); Show horses; Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Cameron, Don;

Woodbrook [of Tacoma] and Clearbrook of Seattle joint hunt at Woodbrook Academy. Horseman pictured is believed to be Don Cameron.

Horses--Lakewood--1940-1950; Horseback riding--Lakewood--1940-1950; Woodbrook Stables (Lakewood); Show horses; Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood);

The Woodbrook Hunt Club invited the Clearbrook Hunt Club of Seattle to a joint hunt on Sunday March 2, 1941, to be held at Woodbrook. Pictured, left to right, were Woodbrook members Don Cameron, Mrs. Helen Keho Woods, Barbara Hufford, Bibbitts Strong, Fred Kenworthy, Burwood Kennedy and and unidentified girl. For the hunt, the manager of the stables Arthur Hannum would be filling in as Huntsman. Donald Cameron and Walter Green would be the "whippers in." Mrs. Joseph Gilpin was president of the local Hunt Club. In 2008, Woodbrook is still conducting traditional "riding to hounds." It is one of 170 member hunts of the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America. (T. Times 3/1/1941, pg. 5; picture in T. Times 4/5/1941, pg. 5; www.woodbrookhunt.com)

Horses--Lakewood--1940-1950; Horseback riding--Lakewood--1940-1950; Woodbrook Stables (Lakewood); Show horses; Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood);

Publicity photograph taken for the Woodbrook Hunt Club Horse Show, scheduled for November 15-16, 1940. Pictured left to right are Lee Doud (on Joe Bingen), Lt. J.J. Mellinger (Commander of the mounted troop, Home Guard), Alta Ryan, Mrs. Arthur Hannum (wife of manager of the stables), Helen Keho, Dr. David M. Landon of Puyallup and Mrs. Joseph Gilpin, president of the Hunt Club, on Flashlight. Pictured station wagon has "Woodbrook Riding Academy, Lak. 2829" painted on rear mounted spare tire cover. License plate reads: "Private Bus,, WA., 1940, 351". Photograph was taken in front of the Woodbrook Stables. (T. Times 11/9/1940, pg. 5)

Horses--Lakewood--1940-1950; Horseback riding--Lakewood--1940-1950; Woodbrook Stables (Lakewood); Show horses; Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood);

Pictured in November of 1940 in front of the Woodbrook Stables were, left to right, Lt. J.J. Mellinger, Lee Doud, Marion (Mrs. Joseph) Gilpin and Alta Ryan.

Horses--Lakewood--1940-1950; Horseback riding--Lakewood--1940-1950; Woodbrook Stables (Lakewood); Show horses; Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood);

Publicity photograph taken for the Woodbrook Hunt Club Horse Show, scheduled for November 15-16, 1940. Pictured left to right are Lee Doud (on Joe Bingen), Lt. J.J. Mellinger (Commander of the mounted troop, Home Guard), Alta Ryan, Mrs. Arthur Hannum (wife of manager of the stables), Helen Keho, Dr. David M. Landon of Puyallup and Mrs. Joseph Gilpin, president of the Hunt Club, on Flashlight. Pictured station wagon has "Woodbrook Riding Academy, Lak. 2829" painted on rear mounted spare tire cover. License plate reads: "Private Bus,, WA., 1940, 351". Photograph was taken in front of the Woodbrook Stables. (T. Times 11/9/1940, pg. 5)

Horses--Lakewood--1940-1950; Horseback riding--Lakewood--1940-1950; Woodbrook Stables (Lakewood); Show horses; Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood);

Publicity photograph taken for the Woodbrook Hunt Club Horse Show, scheduled for November 15-16, 1940. Pictured left to right are Lee Doud (on Joe Bingen), Lt. J.J. Mellinger (Commander of the mounted troop, Home Guard), Alta Ryan, Mrs. Arthur Hannum (wife of manager of the stables), Helen Keho, Dr. David M. Landon of Puyallup and Mrs. Joseph Gilpin, president of the Hunt Club, on Flashlight. Pictured station wagon has "Woodbrook Riding Academy, Lak. 2829" painted on rear mounted spare tire cover. License plate reads: "Private Bus,, WA., 1940, 351." Photograph was taken in front of the Woodbrook Stables. (T. Times 11/9/1940, pg. 5)

Horses--Lakewood--1940-1950; Horseback riding--Lakewood--1940-1950; Woodbrook Stables (Lakewood); Show horses; Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood);

An unidentified rider in a publicity photograph taken for the annual Woodbrook Horse Show, scheduled for November 15 & 16, 1940. The 1940 show would be notable because a Tennessee Walking horse would be shown for the first time in the state of Washington. The rider and horse were photographed in front of the Woodbrook Stables. (T. Times 11/9/1940, pg. 5)

Horses--Lakewood--1940-1950; Horseback riding--Lakewood--1940-1950; Woodbrook Stables (Lakewood); Show horses; Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood);

Three riders were pictured in November of 1940 in front of the Woodbrook Hunt Club clubhouse. They are believed to be, left to right, Catherine Strong, Marion Gilpin and J.J. Mellinger.

Horses--Lakewood--1940-1950; Horseback riding--Lakewood--1940-1950; Show horses; Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood);

Studio portrait of scotty dog "Lady McTavish."

Dogs;

In this photograph from October 25, 1940, Dale Merry Wosnuk, 220 East 96th, is hand feeding a newborn cocker spaniel pup while its brothers and sisters sleep in a simple wooden crib. Dale was caring for the pups born to Geraldine, a cocker spaniel owned by Mr. & Mrs. Myron Beidler. (T. Times 10-25-1940 p.14)

Dogs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pets; Cocker Spaniels

Cocker Spaniel puppies of Mr. Beidler. Geraldine, a jet black cocker spaniel owned by Mr. and Mrs. Myron Beidler, 5438 South "J" St., gave birth to eleven pups of various hues, in October of 1940. Ten of the puppies survived, with their eyes still closed when this series of photographs were taken. Mr. Beidler is pictured above feeding one of the pups with a small bottle and nipple as the tiny puppies were on a special diet. The young girl holding a tin measuring cup was not identified. The tired mother, Geraldine, is believed to be lying on a blanket next to Mr. Beidler. (T.Times 10-25-40, p. 14-picture of puppies)

Dogs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pets; Children & animals--Tacoma; Beidler, Myron--Homes & haunts; Beidler, Myron;

Big Jake, a one-year-old Saint Bernard, was to have been shot in October of 1940. Jake had gotten into a playful tussle with a pet goat and unfortunately killed it. His owner, 84, called the Sheriff's Dept. to have deputies be dispatched to kill Jake as he feared for Jake's future after the owner passed on. Deputies McLean and Bunce arrived at the home only to be met by a gentle Jake who promptly licked their hands. That persuaded the officers to take Jake to the dog pound instead and an alert was put on the air by sportsman Ray Grummel asking for a new home for Jake. Mr. Grummel had found homes for countless dogs in the past. Within a very short time, George Nygren of Spanaway was chosen as Jake's new owner. From left to right in this happy picture are: poundmaster A.T. Sabutis holding Lyle Nygren, Ray Grummel, Deputy Sheriff Frank McLean, George Nygren, city stockman Frank Oathout and Deputy Sheriff Lawrence Bunce. (T.Times 10-31-1940, p. 25)

Dogs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Grummel, Ray; Nygren, George; Nygren, Lyle; McLean, Frank; Sabutis, A.T.; Oathout, Frank; Bunce, Lawrence; Pierce County Sheriffs (Tacoma);

Two riders, believed to be Celia Grace Scofield and Donalda Mahon, (from left) at the Woodbrook Hunt Club in November of 1939.

Horses--Lakewood--1930-1940; Horseback riding--Lakewood--1930-1940; Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood);

Rider in mid-leap over obstacle course at the Woodbrook Hunt Club. She is believed to be Iris Bryan, noted equestrienne and future Master of Foxhounds, a position formerly held by her father. Photograph taken as part of a series for the Tacoma Times on November 5, 1939.

Horses--Lakewood--1930-1940; Horseback riding--Lakewood--1930-1940; Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood);