1940 Republican Presidential candidate Wendell Willkie addressing a crowd in the Roof Garden of the Masonic Temple, including members of Stadium and Lincoln High School Bands, during the Pierce County Republican Club's 1944 Lincoln Day dinner. His main address took place in the Temple's Fellowship Hall; however, he made time to have informal conversations with these young people. (T.Times, 2-12-44, p. 1)

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Public speaking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Guests--Tacoma--1940-1950;

1940 Republican Presidential candidate and titular head of the party Wendell Willkie autographs a photo for Washington First Lady Evelyn Langlie. Mr. Willkie gave the main address at the Pierce County Republican Club's 1944 Lincoln Day dinner held at the Masonic Temple. Mrs. Willkie accompanied her husband on his swing through the Pacific Northwest; she was seated close by next to Governor Arthur Langlie. (T.Times, 2-10-44, p. 1, T.Times, 2-12-44, p. 1))

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Langlie, Evelyn; Autographing--Tacoma;

Wendell Willkie, 1940 Republican Presidential candidate, chats with Washington First Lady Evelyn Langlie during the Pierce County Republican Club's Lincoln Day Dinner at the Masonic Temple. Governor Arthur Langlie would have the privilege of introducing Mr. Willkie to the thousands in attendance on February 11, 1944. Approximately 1700 had obtained tickets for the banquet in the Fellowship Hall while another 350 ate in the roof garden area with an additional 2000 in the theatre. All would be able to hear Mr. Willkie speaking through the use of the public address system. (T.Times 2-10-44, p. 1, T.Times 2-12-44, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Langlie, Evelyn;

Wendell Willkie, 1940 Republican Presidential nominee and titular head of the party, addresses the Pierce County Republican Club 1944 Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple. Governor Arthur Langlie is to Willkie's right in photo; next to him is Edith Willkie, wife of the guest speaker. After the Lincoln Day dinner had concluded, Mr. Willkie would speak to the American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post #2, then journey onto Portland. Next on his agenda would be a flight to California. (T. Times, 2-10-44, p. 1, T. Times, 2-12-44, p. 1))

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Willkie, Edith; Public speaking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Guests--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Wendell Willkie, 1940 Republican Presidential nominee and titular head of the party, listens to Governor Arthur Langlie speak at Pierce County Republican Club 1944 Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple, where Mr. Willkie gave the main address. Governor Langlie had campaigned together with Mr. Willkie during the Indiana attorney's presidential run as he had sought the gubernatorial post. Mr. Willkie's speech was carried nationally over CBS. To accommodate the overwhelming demand for banquet tickets, extra tables were placed behind the head table. The Tacoma Times noted that Republicans were surprised at the large number of Democrats who attended the function. (T. Times, 2-12-44, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors; Public speaking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Guests--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On February 11, 1944, Ralph Chaplin (far left), the editor of the Tacoma Labor Advocate and author of the labor anthem "Solidarity Forever," was the Master of Ceremonies at the Pierce County Republican Club's Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple. Wendell Willkie, the 1940 Republican candidate for President, was the keynote speaker at the event. Seated are: (l to r) Governor Arthur Langlie and Mr. Willkie. Thousands flocked to hear Mr. Willkie including, to the surprise of the Republicans, many Democrats. Although Mr. Wilkie had campaigned against the New Deal, he was a former Democrat and held liberal progressive views that put him at odds with the leadership of the Republican Party. The Republicans backed Thomas Dewey against Roosevelt in the 1944 general election. Having survived several heart attacks, Mr. Wilkie died on October 8, 1944 at the age of 52. (T.Times, 2-12-44, p. 1)

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors; Chaplin, Ralph; Public speaking--Tacoma;

Wendell Willkie, 1940 Republican Presidential nominee and titular head of the party, and Governor Arthur Langlie are present at the Pierce County Republican Club 1944 Lincoln Day dinner. It was held at the Masonic Temple where Mr. Willkie gave the main address. Governor Langlie formally introduced Mr. Willkie to the large gathering. Mr. Willkie had arrived that day via automobile from Seattle and was to travel onto Portland that night at the conclusion of his Tacoma visit. (T. Times, 2-10-44, p. 1, T. Times, 2-12-44, p. 1))

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors;

1940 Republican Presidential candidate Wendell Willkie addresses Pierce County Republican Club's Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple on February 11, 1944. Governor Arthur Langlie looks on. This was not Mr. Willkie's first trip to Tacoma; he made a brief stop here in 1940 while on a campaign swing through the Pacific Northwest. At that time he was only able to stay approximately an hour. (T .Times, 2-12-44, p. 1)

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Guests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Public speaking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors;

Wendell Willkie is flanked by Ralph Chaplin (L), editor of the Tacoma Labor Advocate, and Governor Arthur B. Langlie (R) on February 11, 1944, at the Masonic Temple. Mr. Willkie, the 1940 Republican presidential candidate, and his wife had motored down to Tacoma from Seattle to attend the Pierce County Republican Club's Lincoln Day dinner where he spoke to thousands in attendance. His main speech was broadcast nationally over the Columbia network and he also spoke informally for a short time; all speeches were heard simultaneously via the public address system to all locations in the Temple. Mr. Chapin served as master of ceremonies; Governor Langlie had the honor of introducing Mr. Wilkie. (T.Times, 2-10-44, p. 1, T. Times, 2-12-44, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Chaplin, Ralph; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors;