College of Puget Sound's Campus Playcrafters performed Thorton Wilder's "Skin of Our Teeth" as their spring production. The play depicts man's survival through the ice age, deluge and war. The play starred: Irene Fearn, Troy Strong, Helen Strong, Shirley Milstead and William O'Connell. View of the character, Maggie Anthrobus with pet dinosaur and woolly mammoth.

Actresses; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Costumes; Masks--Tacoma; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

College of Puget Sound's Campus Playcrafters performed Thorton Wilder's "Skin of Our Teeth" as their spring production. The play depicts man's survival through the ice age, deluge and war. The play starred: Irene Fearn, Troy Strong, Helen Strong, Shirley Milstead and William O'Connell. View of the Fortune Teller.

Actresses; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Benches--Tacoma; Universities & colleges--Tacoma; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Bob Hope Show at Stadium Bowl. Mr. Hope is at the microphone. Back row, L to R: unidentified, Ronnie Severson, Laura Corbay, Virginia Doffy, Valmere Barman, Bea Allen, Mavis Murray, Ella and Eileen Nelson, others unidentified. The troupe put on a 2 1/2 hour show under thankfully dry skies on behalf of the Young Men's Business Club. The Y.M.B.C. was raising funds for a Greater Tacoma Jubilee to be held later in June. The 40 entertainers included Skinnay Ennis and his 16-piece orchestra. Many of the performers had gone with Mr. Hope when he entertained GIs during WWII. (TNT 5-28-46, p. 1, TNT 6-8-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Hope, Bob; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Bob Hope Show benefiting the Young Men's Business Club at Stadium Bowl. Mr. Hope is at the microphone. Back row, left to right: unidentified, Ronnie Severson, Laura Corbay, Virginia Doffy, Valmere Barman, Bea Allen, Mavis Murray, Ella and Eileen Nelson, others unidentified. Mr. Hope and troupe join in a song and dance, just one of the many numbers performed during the 2 1/2 hour show. One of the favorites appeared to be Ronnie Severson, the "human dictaphone," who first became known for his echo act while stationed at Fort Lewis during part of the war. The 7,500 in attendance was lower than expected disappointing promoters who had hoped to have a larger crowd; profits would be used to help put on a Greater Tacoma Jubilee the latter part of June. Mr. Hope did not let the smaller crowd influence his troupe's performance; musical and comedy bits entertained the audience immensely. (TNT 5-28-46, p. 1, TNT 6-7-46, p. 1, TNT 6-8-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Hope, Bob; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Entertainers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In June of 1946, to raise money for the Tacoma Jubilee, the Young Men's Business Club brought Bob Hope to Tacoma for a special show in the Stadium Bowl. Over 7,500 Tacomans came to see Mr. Hope, a collection of local performers, a small group of Hollywood starlets, and the "Skinnay" Ennis Band. Although the Y.M.B.C. did not make much beyond expenses, a fun evening was had by all who attended. The musical troupe had arrived at Boeing Field earlier on June 7, 1946, in two chartered planes. An avid golfer, Mr. Hope had played golf with good friend Bing Crosby in Spokane the day before and had beaten him by two strokes. He managed to squeeze in a PGA sanctioned event the day of the show but lost to "two Chucks." The man sitting next to Bob Hope is Walter Geehan. At the time this photograph was taken he was the manager of The Rudder Club. (TNT 6-7-46, p. 1, TNT 6-8-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Hope, Bob; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Entertainers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Geehan, Walter;

On Friday June 7, 1946 an estimated crowd of 7,500 in the Stadium Bowl cheered and "chortled" as Bob Hope mugged, pranced and wisecracked his way through a special 2 1/2 hour performance sponsored by the Tacoma Young Men's Business Club. When two unidentified performers began playing harmonicas, Hope picked up a small stand and began playing along. Skinnay Ennis' 16-piece orchestra can be seen in the background. The show was brought to Tacoma to raise money for the Greater Tacoma Jubilee to be held later that month. The 40-member ensemble had flown into Boeing Field earlier that day from Spokane. (TNT 5-28-46, p. 1, TNT 6-7-46, p. 1, TNT 6-8-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5 TPL-1400

Hope, Bob; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Entertainers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mouth organs;

Bellarmine and St. Leo's joined together to stage "The Sunbonnet Girl," a comic operetta, in February of 1947. The show was performed on three nights at St. Leo's auditorium. It featured over 46 students in the chorus. In this photograph of the cast, Gloria Marinacci and Don d'Andrea, in the center, are surrounded by sunbonnet- wearing young women and young men in flannel shirts. (T. Times, 2/11/47, p. 3-article).

Operas & operettas--Tacoma; Stage props; Costumes; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); St. Leo's Parochial School (Tacoma); Private schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Marinacci, Gloria; d'Andrea, Don;

The "Hot Pops," (l to r) Jack Thomas, Lee Hodgert and Jack Brouillard, were one of the acts that performed at the second annual Elks Fathers and Daughters Night held on Friday March 7, 1947 at the Elks Temple, 565 Broadway. The night of fun and entertainment included local performers and three professional acts. The program's feature attraction was 6-year-old pianist, Margaret Kochendoerfer, from Portland, Oregon. (T. Times, 3/6/47, p. 13).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Staffs (Sticks); Straw hats; Hats--1940-1950; Thomas, Jack; Hodgert, Lee; Brouillard, Jack;

Bellarmine and St. Leo's together staged "The Sunbonnet Girl," a comic operetta, in February of 1947. Performances ran for three nights at St. Leo's auditorium. The show featured over 46 students in the chorus. Here a young man in white holds the hand of a girl in sunbonnet and long gown as he and the male chorus join in song. (T. Times, 2/11/47, p. 3-short article on operetta; T.Times 2-1-47, p. 2-list of chorus names; T.Times 1-25-47, p. 3-article).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Stage props; Costumes; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); St. Leo's Parochial School (Tacoma); Private schools--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On March 6, 1947, the audience at the Annual Elks Club Father-Daughter Program watched in awe as a local family of acrobats performed a series of stunts. Held in the Elks Temple, 565 Broadway, a large number of club members and their daughters and granddaughters performed in the program. The show's main attraction was a six year old pianist. (T. Times, 3/6/47, p. 13).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Acrobatics--Tacoma; Acrobats; Audiences--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

The Elks Club was having their annual Father-Daughter program at the Elks Temple in March of 1947. A large number of club members and their daughters and granddaughters would be performing. The show's main attraction was a six year old pianist. View of two Elks club members doing a dancing cow puppet show act (T. Times, 3/6/47, p. 13).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puppets; Puppet shows--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Tacoma's Junior League had their first "Follies" show in 20 years. The "1947 Follies" show would benefit the Occupational Therapy Workshop, which was sponsored by the Tacoma Junior League Chapter. Performances were open to the public and the show proved to be a great hit. View of Junior League members and other volunteers performing "South America, Take It Away" (T. Times, 11/12/47, p. 15). TPL-10524

Actors--Tacoma; Costumes; Musical revues & comedies--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Choreography; Junior League (Tacoma);

The "1947 Follies" by Tacoma's Junior League was said to be an outstanding show. The Temple Theatre was filled up both nights and all contributions were donated to the Occupational Therapy Workshop. View of Junior League members performing "Squaws in Hollywood," which was one of the audiences' all time favorites. Performers are wearing full head dress, matching dresses and no shoes. (T. Times, 11/12/47, p. 15).

Actresses; Feathers; Head-gear--Tacoma; Costumes; Musical revues & comedies--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Junior League (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Bellarmine High School's annual Bazaar offered students and their guests a wide variety of activities. The event included all types of booths, a fish pond with wonderful prizes, concession stands, games and a theatrical production put on by students. The evening included a chance to win two tickets to the Rose Bowl game in California, transportation was included. View of students in costumes on stage, park scene in background.

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Bazaars--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Costumes; Actors--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); Private schools--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Bob Dickinson (far right) and his Orchestra opened in the Wedgwood Room of the Winthrop Hotel in June of 1948. Dickinson, who could play six different instruments and sing solos, was a longtime friend of Bing Crosby. He and his orchestra had been playing in and around Tacoma for eight years including the old Crystal Ballroom from 1944 through 1946. Previously, he had been music director at both KOMO and KJR radio in Seattle. Sitting on the piano, surrounded by six orchestra members, is vocalist Margie Smith. According to the News Tribune, they are: (left to right) Jan Busbank at the piano, Dave Black, Charles Childs, drums, Francis Coe, bass, Miss Smith, Dean Christian, Tony Bye, saxophone and Bob Dickinson at far right. (T. Times, 6/18/48, p. 8; TNT 6-25-1948, p. 14).

Orchestras--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musical instruments--Tacoma; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Dickinson, Bob; Smith, Margie; Busbank, Jan; Black, Dave; Childs, Charles; Coe, Francis; Christian, Dean; Bye, Tony;

Dorothy Bernard's sixth period literature class at Mason Junior High was sponsoring an assembly for the "I Am an American" program. They were posting posters throughout the school to advertise their upcoming event. The class would be putting on a play and quiz program for the school. View of Mason Junior High students doing research for their "I Am an American" program, names appear in newspaper (T. Times, 5/21/48, p. 2).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Drama clubs--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma; Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mason Junior High School (Tacoma);

Bob Dickinson's Orchestra had just opened up at the Winthrop Hotel's Wedgwood Room. Bob was a talented musician who could play six different instruments and sing solos. Dickinson had been the musical director of KOMO and KRJ, two Seattle based radio stations. Bob was said to have a longtime friendship with Bing Crosby. View of orchestra leader, Bob Dickinson (See images D33864-1 & 5).

Orchestras--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Portrait photographs; Singing--Tacoma; Portraits; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Dickinson, Bob;

Bob Dickinson's Orchestra had just opened up at the Winthrop Hotel's Wedgwood Room. Bob was a talented musician who could play six different instruments and sing solos. Dickinson had played throughout Washington and California, he had been playing in Seattle for over ten years, and in Tacoma for the past eight. View of orchestra leader, Bob Dickinson (See images D33864-1 & 5).

Orchestras--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Portrait photographs; Singing--Tacoma; Portraits; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Dickinson, Bob;

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," poses with young patients at Cushman Indian Hospital on October 24, 1953 during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the B&I Circus Store. In between public appearances at the B & I, Mr. Renaldo was ferried by Air Force helicopter to visit ill & disadvantaged children at the Indian Hospital, Rainier Buckley School for Boys, the childrens' ward at St. Joseph Hospital and Remann Hall. Mr. Renaldo is pictured with a young patient on a type of gurney, an autographed picture of the star resting on the boy's blanket. There is already a picture of "The Cisco Kid" and his famous horse "Diablo" on a nearby shelf. The patients and nurses alike seem to be fascinated with Mr. Renaldo's appearance; he was dressed in his trademark sombrero and Western clothing. ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; Cushman Indian Hospital (Tacoma);

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," poses with a group of unidentified people during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the B&I Circus Store in October, 1953. The store had just completed a $100,000 expansion project which included a new children's department. Mr. Renaldo was asked to attend the grand opening of the newly refurbished B&I; his appearance drew 75,000 shoppers in one day. ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; Actors--Tacoma--1950-1960; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma);

Television star Duncan Renaldo seems to give a warm greeting to one of his many fans during his appearance at the B&I Circus store on October 24, 1953. Best known for his work as the "Cisco Kid" in both movies and television, Mr. Renaldo was stranded in the United States when the Brazilian ship on which he was employed burned in the early 1920's. He moved into the field of film production and then into acting, with some of his early roles in "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" (1929) and "Trader Horn" (1931). Because there was some confusion as to the legality of his entry into the United States, he was imprisoned at McNeil Island for about a year in the early 1930's. He was eventually pardoned by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-1980--Public appearances; Actors--Tacoma--1950-1960; B&I Circus Store;

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," poses with a group of unidentified women during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the B&I Circus Store. The store was celebrating its $100,000 expansion on Saturday, October 24, 1953, with the exclusive public appearance of Mr. Renaldo who had flown to Washington on a West Coast Airlines DC 6-B. A full page ad in the News Tribune on October 23rd promoted Mr. Renaldo's visit heavily and also thanked the television show's sponsors, Mission Macaroni and Sunny Jim peanut butter, for relinquishing previous claims on Mr. Renaldo's time so that he could appear at the B&I. (TNT 10-23-53, D-1, Ad) ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; Actors--Tacoma--1950-1960; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma);

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," poses with three children during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the B&I Circus Store. The actor's appearance on October 24, 1953, was in conjunction with the $100,000 expansion of the store, which included an entirely new children's department. In his exclusive public appearance, Mr. Renaldo gave free autographed pictures to all children accompanied by their parents. The pictures featured "The Cisco Kid" and his famous horse, "Diablo." Two of the children posed with Mr. Renaldo carry on his Western theme; they are dressed in (cowboy) boots, jeans, and the little girl is wearing a cowboy hat. A full page ad promoting Mr. Renaldo's visit also indicated that holster gun sets on sale at $2.98, cowboy hats at $1.17 and "Cisco" comic books at a mere dime apiece. (TNT 10-23-53, D-1, Ad) ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma);

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," spreads his arms out wide as he poses with one woman and seven children during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the B&I Circus Store on October 24, 1953. Since the B&I was publicizing the opening of a brand new children's department, a part of its $100,000 expansion, perhaps some of the children dressed in Western garb had purchased apparel there. Cowboy hats were on sale for $1.17, holster gun sets for $2.98, and cowboy boots for $3.97. Should the waiting for the promised autographed pictures of the television and movie star make the kids hungry, they could have purchased a yard long hotdog (said to be 36 inches long) for 97 cents. (TNT 10-23-53, D-1, Ad) ALBUM 7. TPL-9105

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma);

One of the B&I 's flamboyant publicity stunts brought actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," to Tacoma in October, 1953. Here he poses with B&I Circus Store owner Earl (E.L.) Irwin, his wife Constance, and children Mary Lou and Ron. Opened in 1946 by Leo Bradshaw & Earl Irwin (hence the "B&I"), the store originally offered war surplus goods and hardware. Irwin bought out Bradshaw and increased the size and offerings of the complex, publicizing it with outrageous stunts such as a circus, wild animals and a quarter of a million pounds of ice in a guessing contest. The crowds poured in. Earl Irwin died in 1973 at the age of 64 and Constance and his children continued to run the business. ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; Irwin, E.L.--Family; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma); Irwin, Constance; Irwin, Mary Lou; Irwin, Ron;

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," poses with B&I Circus Store owner E.L. Irwin, second from left, and Mr. Irwin's wife Constance during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the store in October, 1953. Mr. Irwin has donned Mr. Renaldo's trademark sombrero for this photograph. Over 75.000 adults and kids crowded the area to see the star and receive an autographed picture. ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; Irwin, E.L.; Irwin, Constance; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma);

Carl Dollina sees himself rapidly aging with the help of makeup, a wig and a false beard. Morris Summers, the drama coach at Lincoln High School uses a grease pencil to add age lines to Carl's forehead. Carl was cast as Simon Peter in the 1954 senior class production of "The Robe". Joanne Deatherage, the makeup chairman, holds hair attachments, a bottle of Stein's Sweet Gum, and part of Carl's stage beard. Fortyfive seniors took part in the production that was presented April 7-9, 1954. (TNT 3-21-54, D-11, TNT 3-28-54, D-1)

Actors--Tacoma; Theatrical makeup; Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Dollina, Carl; Summers, Morris; Deatherage, Joanne;

During a costume fitting in March of 1954, Gale Bass checked Barbara Jensen's hemline on the dress she wore in the Lincoln High School production of the play "The Robe". Forty-five Lincoln seniors took part in presenting the tale of a Roman tribune who won the robe worn by Christ as the senior class play. Miss Jensen played the part of Theodosia Eupolis. The student production, directed by Morris Summers, was only the second time the play has been performed in the Pacific Northwest. Performances were presented April 7-8-9 in the school auditorium. Photograph ordered by TNT. (TNT 3-21-54, D-11, TNT 3-28-54, D-1)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actresses; Seamstresses; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Jensen, Barbara; Bass, Gale;

Luise Rainer is shown in rehearsals for the Pacific Lutheran College production of "Joan of Lorraine", a play by Maxwell Anderson. The play was part of the third annual drama-music festival held at the school in May, 1954. Miss Rainer was a two-time Academy Award winner for The Good Earth and The Great Ziegfeld. Although she had performed the lead in "Joan of Lorraine" many times before, this would be the first time she would work with an amateur cast. (TNT 4-25-54, D-12, TNT 4-29-54, B-5)

Theatrical productions--Parkland--1950-1960; Actresses; Rainer, Luise; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

Area residents would be fortunate to be able to see Academy Award winning actress, Luise Rainer, appear in the play, "Joan of Lorraine", which was held during Pacific Lutheran College's third annual drama-music festival in May, 1954. She worked with a student cast of 22 actors; here she is gesturing during rehearsals while three young men watch intently. The play, directed by Theodore Karl, was performed once only on May 7, 1954. (TNT 4-25-54, D-12, TNT 4-29-54, B-5)

Theatrical productions--Parkland--1950-1960; Actresses; Rainer, Luise; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;