Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Item
Title
D101285-1
Date(s)
- 1956-09-01 (Creation)
Extent
Name of creator
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
In August of 1959, Tacoma Mayor Ben Hanson had the Tacoma Totem Pole repainted in reds, blacks, greens, rustic browns and whites. During the late fifties, the totem pole had been painted a strange combination of interior design pastel pinks and blues. This raised the curiosity of 10 year old Wendy Barde who wrote a letter to the Mayor opening a controversy. Seattle clam farmer Ivar Haglund suggested that the pole be repainted and moved to the Seattle waterfront where it would be appreciated. Officials of the two cities fired letters back and forth, including a "build your own totem pole kit" sent by Mayor Hanson. The totem pole is located in a park area at 9th & A; oil refineries on the Tideflats can be seen in the background. The Totem Pole was presented to the city in 1903, carved by two Alaskan carvers under the commission of W. F. Sheard, a fur dealer, & Chester Thorne, a lumberman. (TNT 8/16/959, pg. 1)
Tacoma Totem Pole (Tacoma); Totem poles--Tacoma;