Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Item
Title
D8272-A
Date(s)
- 1939-05-10 (Creation)
Extent
Name of creator
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
Walter J. Thompson, left, Tacoma banker and philanthropist, poses with John S. Baker at the dedication of the new Clover Park Athletic Field. Mr. Thompson came to Tacoma late in the 1880's. He purchased the Bank of New Tacoma, renamed it the Merchants National Bank and ran it until it failed in the panic of 1893. Mr. Thompson soon became known as a great philanthropist, donating money and time to the fight for women's suffrage, the establishment of vocational training in Tacoma public schools and the Unitarian Church. He was approached many times to run for mayor of Tacoma & always declined, but he did serve our community on both the Territorial legislature in 1886 and on the Territorial Senate.
Thompson, Walter J.; Baker, John S.; Bankers--Tacoma;