George A. Billings, the era's leading impersonator of Abraham Lincoln, posed in February of 1927 at the Narcissa Whitman memorial statue and drinking fountain in Wright Park. Mr. Billings, formerly of Tacoma, was best known for starring in the 1924 biopic "The Dramatic Life of Abraham Lincoln." It was such a success that he continued to play Lincoln on vaudeville stages for the remainder of his career. The Whitman fountain commemorated the courage and devotion of the wife of missionary Marcus Whitman. The pair were massacred by the Cayuse Indians at their settlement near Walla Walla in 1847. As for the fountain, it disappeared from the park around the mid 1960's, the victim of vandals. (TNT 2/12/1927 p.1)

Former Tacoman George A. Billings, one of the leading impersonators of Abraham Lincoln, was convinced to "make up" and pose for the Tacoma News Tribune while visiting family in February of 1927. He had resided in Tacoma from 1907-08, working in the building and loan business and had returned to Tacoma in 1919 after serving in the first World War. That time he lived in Tacoma for 2 years with his brother Orville Billings. He soon left for Los Angeles where he was involved in various film productions. In 1924, he was approached to play Lincoln, to whom he bears an uncanny resemblance, in "The Dramatic Life of Abraham Lincoln." He starred in the epic and continued to portray Lincoln in vaudeville for the remainder of his career. (TNT 2/12/1927, pg. 1)

George A. Billings, center, formerly of Tacoma, filled his later acting years with portraying Abraham Lincoln, to whom he bore an uncanny resemblance. He was in Tacoma in February of 1927 visiting family and friends and was persuaded to "make up" as Lincoln and pose for the Tacoma News Tribune. He is pictured with his niece Rhea Thompson and her husband L. L. (Lindsay) Thompson, a Tacoma attorney. Mr. Thompson had served as the Washington State Attorney General from 1919-1923. Mr. Thompson was the first Washington native to serve in that office and at 31 was one of the youngest. Mr. Billings was best known for his 1924 film depiction of Lincoln in "The Dramatic Life of Abraham Lincoln." He also toured the country's vaudeville houses portraying Lincoln. (TNT 2/12/1927, pg. 1) (Thompson identification supplied by a family member and www.atg.wa.gov)

ca. 1931. Jack Estes, a photographer for the commercial photography studio McIntire & Davenport, 315 1/2 S. 9th, takes a picture of an unidentified man posing behind a political cartoon. The cartoon shows Herbert Hoover, and the G.O.P. "On the Skid Road".

Hyde, Beulah L. (Mrs. Robert), artist. Mrs. Hyde was a well-known, award winning Tacoma area painter who exhibited her work at many shows primarily in the late 1940s to the mid-1950s. Her husband, Robert, was the founder of West Coast Grocery. She is photographed here at the preview of the December Tacoma Art League show on November 28, 1954. Mrs. Hyde, whose paintings were signed B.L. Hyde, was the guest that evening of the Delta Phi Delta, College of Puget Sound art honorary. A special exhibit of her paintings, one of which is pictured above, was shown along with other Tacoma-owned work. Mrs. Hyde, a native of Kansas, came to the Tacoma area when she was 10. She was a graduate of Annie Wright School (then Seminary) and attended Abbott Academy in Andover, Mass. Mrs. Hyde died at age 96 in January of 1983. She was a longtime patron of the Tacoma Art Museum and a member of the Tacoma Country & Golf Club. (TNT 11-28-1954; TNT 1-21-1983, obit.)

ca. 1910. McClintock's World Famous So. Tacoma Band. Men dressed in costumes for a parade. The bell of one of the horns says "So. Tacoma Tigers - Pacific Coast Champions, 1910"

ca. 1908. McClintock's World Famous So. Tacoma Band. Men in costumes in parade on So. Union Ave. The vehicles and men cover from the sidewalk into the street. C.S. (Carl S.) Enger's hardware store, 5401 So. Union Ave., in background.

During World War II, the US military was still segregated. Despite the fact that they fought side by side, servicemen of color were not allowed in the whites only USO clubs. In Tacoma, a group of prominent religious, community and civic leaders addressed this problem by opening USO #2 at 713-15 Commerce St. and dedicating it for the use of African American servicemen and women. This photograph is of an unidentified violinist and accompanist performing at USO #2.

The 70 piece Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific Northwest perform at the annual USO Music Festival, held at Point Defiance Park on July 28, 1946. The orchestra, conducted by Dr. Francis Aranyi, was photographed on the temporary bandstand erected in the natural amphitheater at the entrance to the park. The concert was attended by over 7,000 people. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2; Photo by F.L. Powell, YMCA, Tacoma)

The second annual USO Music Festival was held at Point Defiance Park on July 28, 1946. One of the featured performers was the 70 piece Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific Northwest, under the direction of Dr. Francis Aranyi. The concert took place around the temporary bandstand set up in the natural amphitheater at the entrance to the park. It was attended by over 7,000 people. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2; Photo by F.L. Powell, YMCA, Tacoma)

The Puget Sound Navy Orchestra, from Seattle, performed jazz at the second annual music festival on July 28, 1946, at Point Defiance Park. The orchestra was under the direction of Ensign William Paul Currence. Watching and waiting for their turn to play, right, was either the 448th Special Service Band or Sharps and Flats, both groups from Fort Lewis. The newspapers classified their sound as "Boogie-Woogie." The 448th was under the direction of Sgt. Benjamin W. Martin; Sharps and Flats was under the direction of Joe Jordan. The concert, held in the natural amphitheater at the entrance to the park, drew over 7,000 listeners. It was also broadcast over the Mutual Network by KMO. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2; Photo by F.L. Powell, YMCA)

The performance by the 70 piece Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific Northwest, under the direction of Dr. Francis Aranyi, was one of the highlights of the USO Music Festival held July 28, 1946 at Point Defiance. The festival was held in the natural amphitheater at the entrance to the park. The concert drew over 7,000 listeners. It was also broadcast over the Mutual Network by KMO. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2) Photo by F.L. Powell, YMCA, Tacoma)

An unidentified majorette performs with the Seattle Elks Band at the USO Music Festival at Point Defiance Park on July 28, 1946. The band was one of many performers in the concert attended by over 7,000. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2; Photo by F.L. Powell, YMCA, Tacoma)

On July 29, 1945, the USO hosted its first Music Festival at Point Defiance Park. Over 6,000 spectators were on hand to enjoy the concert. The main feature was a performance of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" by the 362nd Army Band of Fort Lewis. Cpl. William Sumner of New York City was the featured soloist. Cpl. Sumner was the solo pianist with the National Broadcasting Company before entering the Army. Other performers included the 29th Special Band directed by Sgt. Earnest Hayden and the 25 voice Naval choir from Bremerton, featuring baritone soloist Robert Brown. (TNT 7/29/1945, pg. 1; photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)

This photograph from the Helen Stafford collection is dated July 29, 1945, meaning it was taken at the first USO music festival at Point Defiance. Six thousand attendees sat on the grass to listen to the 362nd Army Band from Fort Lewis play Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Also performing were the 29th Special Service Band directed by Sgt. Earnest Hayden and the 25 voice Naval choir from Bremerton. (TNT 7/29/1945, PG. 1; Photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)

ca. 1947. Orson Welles (standing), noted performer and director of stage, screen and radio, conferred with an unidentified African American pianist in this undated photograph. Two women in hats looked on from the drawing room beyond. The occasion was possibly in March of 1947, when Mr. Welles spoke to 5,000 persons in the Armory as a guest of the Tacoma Jewish Association in observance of Brotherhood Week.

On July 28, 1946, over 7,000 people attended the second US Music Festival at Point Defiance Park. Featured performers were the Seattle Elks Band, the Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific Northwest, the Puget Sound Navy Orchestra, the 448th Special Service Band, Sharps and Flats led by Joe Jordan and the Three Dynamos. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2; Official photograph, U.S. Army Air Forces McChord Field)

The 70 piece Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific Northwest performed in front of the temporary bandstand, topped with unfurled flags, at the USO Music Festival held July 28, 1946 at Point Defiance Park. The young orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Francis Aranyi, was one of the favorites of the 7,000 concert viewers. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2; Photo by F.L. Powell, YMCA, Tacoma)

Dale Robertson, actor and singer, poses with two unidentified men at the Western Washington Fair on September 24, 1970. Mr. Robertson filled in admirably for Patti Page, who cancelled her appearance at the last minute due to illness. Mr. Robertson first made his mark in movies due to his reportedly physical and vocal resemblance to Clark Gable. He was cast mostly in Westerns; the trend also followed through in television as he appeared in "The Iron Horse," narrated "Death Valley Days," and later appeared in contemporary mode in "Dallas" and "Dynasty." ALBUM 7.

Actors; Robertson, Dale, 1923- ; Fairs--Puyallup; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup);

Actor Dale Robertson performs with the Doodletown Pipers at the Grandstand Show of the Western Washington Fair in Puyallup, September 24, 1970. Mr. Robertson was a well-known motion picture and television actor who had just concluded his narrative role in "Death Valley Days." He also possessed a fine singing voice which he had previously exhibited in hosting episodes of "Hollywood Palace," a hourlong variety program. He was accompanied in his three-day appearance by the Doodletown Pipers, a popular recording group which had already had six television specials. ALBUM 7.

Actors; Robertson, Dale, 1923- ; Singers; Doodletown Pipers; Singing; Fairs--Puyallup; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Concerts; Celebrities;

Actor Dale Robertson belted out a song with backing from the Doodletown Pipers during a September 24, 1970, afternoon Grandstand Show at the Western Washington Fair. The group performed six shows in three days from September 22 through the 24th. Mr. Robertson, best known for his television and motion picture acting roles as a cowboy, was also a country western singer. He was booked as a last minute replacement for singer Patti Page, of "Tennessee Waltz" fame, who cancelled because of illness. ALBUM 7.

Actors; Robertson, Dale, 1923- ; Singers; Doodletown Pipers; Singing; Fairs--Puyallup; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Concerts; Celebrities;

Actor Dale Robertson performs with the Doodletown Pipers at the Grandstand show of the Western Washington Fair in Puyallup, September 24, 1970. He holds a microphone in one hand and a pistol in the other. Mr. Robertson performed two shows a day for three days at the Fair, concluding the evening of the 24th. He stepped in as a replacement for singer Patti Page who cancelled because of illness. Better known as a motion picture and television actor, Mr. Robertson also sang country-western. He had hosted television's "Hollywood Palace" variety show three times before his appearance at the Fair and performed "I've Been Working on the Railroad" and "Turkey in the Straw." ALBUM 7.

Actors; Robertson, Dale, 1923- ; Singers; Doodletown Pipers; Singing; Fairs--Puyallup; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Concerts; Celebrities;

Celebrities arriving for the May 16, 1968, grand opening of the $1 million dollar Tacoma Mall Theater. Actresses Tippi Hedren, left, and Diane McBain, are escorted past waiting throngs lined up before the theater. Both are prepared for an enjoyable evening viewing "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," as they stroll down the red carpet, carrying in their refreshments. The women had spent the afternoon on a goodwill tour of Madigan Army Hospital, where many of the patients were Vietnam veterans. Miss McBain, along with actor Arthur O'Connell, had recently entertained troops in Vietnam. TPL-6524

Actresses; Hedren, Tippi; McBain, Diane; Premieres--Tacoma; Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma);

Celebrities in town for the grand opening of the Tacoma Mall Theater pose at the Lakewood Motor Inn. Left to right: John Russell, Arthur O'Connell, Tippi Hedren, Jody McCrea. John Russell was the star of television's The Lawman. Arthur O'Connell and Tippi Hedren were well-known Hollywood actors. Jody McCrea, the son of actor Joel McCrea, first started out in a string of westerns; he later became a staple in the American International beach party movies. Troy Donahue and Diane McBain would also join this group for the Tacoma Mall Theater opening. The actors were staying overnight at the Lakewood Motor Inn. ALBUM 5.

Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Russell, John; O'Connell, Arthur; McCrea, Jody; Hedren, Tippi; Actresses; Celebrity touring;

Actors John Russell (TV series "The Lawman"), and Arthur O'Connell (TV series "The Second Hundred Years") flank actress Tippi Hedren ("The Birds") outside the Lakewood Terrace Restaurant while in Tacoma for the Tacoma Mall Theater's grand opening. In addition, Jody McCrea, Madlyn Rhue, Diane McBain and Troy Donahue also appeared at the theater's premiere. The stars were quartered overnight at the Lakewood Motor Inn. They had spent a busy day visiting the sick and wounded at Madigan Army Hospital prior to the 8:00 p.m. start of festivities. (TNT 5-16-68, C-6) ALBUM 5.

Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Russell, John; O'Connell, Arthur; Hedren, Tippi; Actresses; Celebrity touring; Lakewood Terrace (Lakewood);

John Russell, one of the stars of the TV series "The Lawman;" Tippi Hedren, memorable in Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds," and Arthur O'Connell, who was in the TV series "The Second Hundred Years," dined in Lakewood at the Terrace Restaurant, 6114 Motor Ave. S.W., on May 16, 1968. They were visiting Tacoma for the grand opening of the Tacoma Mall Theater. While in Tacoma they made a special trip to Madigan Army Hospital to visit with injured soldiers. Other actors in Tacoma for the theater's premiere were Jody McCrea, Troy Donahue, Madlyn Rhue , Tony Young, and Diane McBain. (TNT 5-16-68, C-6) ALBUM 5.

Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Russell, John; O'Connell, Arthur; Actresses; Hedren, Tippi; Fur garments;

Celebrities in town for the grand opening of the Tacoma Mall Theater pose with courtesy car from Russ Dunmire Oldsmobile at the Lakewood Colonial Center. Actor John Russell, TV's "Lawman," is at right. Mr. Russell, as well as fellow actors Arthur O'Connell, Troy Donahue and Tippi Hedren, was staying at the Lakewood Motor Inn nearby. They, and other stars, would be motoring to Tacoma for the opening of the new 1200 seat theater later that evening. The 8 o'clock showing of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" was completely sold out; the Hollywood stars would only be appearing on stage at that time. There were apparently tickets available for the later 11 o'clock viewing. (TNT 5-16-68, C-6) ALBUM 5.

Russell, John; Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Celebrity touring; Oldsmobile automobile;

A two-act musical melodrama was performed three days a week for the enjoyment of patrons of Steve's Gay '90s from March 19th to April 24, 1969. Entitled "No! No! A Thousand Times No!," it was directed by Dorothy Jean Heffernan. The acting and singing troupe involved, the Opera House Players, was basically composed of entertainers from Steve's Gay '90s restaurant. Bill Thurmon, above clutching a rifle, portrayed the aptly named Noble Hart. Mr. Thurmon was a member of the barbershop quartet, the "Most Happy Fellows." His wide-eyed companion is not identified. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Melodramas; Thurmon, Bill; Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Actresses; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma);

The cast of "No! No! A Thousand Times No!" posed for a variety of photographs on March 10, 1969. They were preparing for the opening of the two-act musical melodrama on March 19th. One actor, straddling a wooden chair above, gapes in astonishment at the exhortations of an aproned actress. All performances would be held at Steve's Gay '90s, 5238-40 South Tacoma Way, and include twelve big musical numbers. Members of the audience were invited to a community singalong prior to the 8:00 p.m. opening curtain. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 3-16-69, D-17)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Melodramas; Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Actresses; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma);

In case Jack Richardson's handlebar mustache, sinister black cape and dented black derby didn't give away the right clues, Rory Ogburn, a member of the Opera House Players, gently reminds the audience that they should reward the "villain" with appropriate greetings. Mr. Richardson portrayed the city slicker, Stafford Blackman, in the 1890's musical melodrama, "No! No! A Thousand Times No!," at Steve's Gay '90s during the spring of 1969. He had also appeared in another villainous role in a previous Opera House Players production of "The Drunkard" in 1967. Mr. Richardson was known as the "King of MCs" in his regular entertainment role at Steve's. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 3-16-69, D-17)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Melodramas; Richardson, Jack; Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Actresses; Ogburn, Rory; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);