Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Item
Title
D7788-2
Date(s)
- 1939-01-03 (Creation)
Extent
Name of creator
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
William F. Barker, left, is the first to register in Tacoma for unemployment insurance benefits, the first contributory phase of Social Security. With 4900 eligible unemployed in Pierce County, Washington Employment Office staff anticipated a stampede. The office opened at 8 a.m. and handled 200 claims in the first hour and 1,067 in the first two days. By the end of two weeks, they had received 3,000 applications and never experienced the expected rush. Registering Mr. Barker is Tom Rathbone, manager of the Tacoma district State Unemployment Service. Mr. Barker was a gardener by profession and lived at 5006 So. Oakes St. (T.Times, 1/3/1939, p. 1; 1/16/1939, pg. 12)
Unemployed--Tacoma--1930-1940; Depressions--1929; Washington State Employment Security Dept. (Tacoma); Offices--Tacoma--1930-1940; Barker, William F.;