1940 Republican Presidential candidate Wendell Willkie shakes hands with Tacoma Times publisher Frank W. Power at the Times office. Mr. Willkie was in Tacoma to address the Pierce County Republican Club's Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple. Mr. Power also took the time to introduce Mr. Willkie to his staff, including longtime editor, E.T. Short. (T. Times, 2-12-44, p. 1)

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Power, Frank W.; Tacoma Times Publishing Co. (Tacoma); Guests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

Wendell Willkie meets staff members at the Tacoma Times. Editor E.T. Short is at far left in photo. Mr. Willkie, the 1940 Republican Presidential nominee, was in town for the day to address the Pierce County Republican Club's Lincoln Day Dinner. In addition to the dinner and meeting with local civic leaders, Mr. Willkie also spoke to the American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post #2. (T. Times, 2-10-44, p. 1, T. Times 2-12-44, p. 1)

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Short, Edgar T.; Tacoma Times Publishing Co. (Tacoma);

In February of 1944, Wendell Willkie (far right) while visiting the Tacoma Times at their plant at 919 Market Street was photographed shaking hands with editor E.T.Short. Standing in the background center was Times publisher Frank W. Power; the other man far left is not identified. Mr. Willkie, the defeated 1940 Republican Presidential candidate, was planning another run at the nomination in 1944 and was in town to address a Lincoln Day gathering at the Masonic Temple. Veteran newsman E.T. Short was known to be critical of Mr. Willkie's political stands. Wendell Willkie did not receive the support he expected in the 1944 Republican race and withdrew early; he died suddenly of heart problems a few months later in October of 1944. (T. Times, 2-12-44, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Short, Edgar T.; Power, Frank W.;

1940 Republican Presidential candidate Wendell Willkie and Tacoma Times staff members in front of the Times office while Mr. Willkie was in Tacoma to address Pierce County Republican Club's Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple. Mr. Willkie, in glasses, is apparently examining a bound volume of the newspaper. It was not his first time in Tacoma as he had made a brief stop in 1940 while campaigning. (T. Times. 2-12-44, p. 1)

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Tacoma Times Publishing Co. (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;

1940 Republican Presidential candidate Wendell Willkie and publisher Frank W. Power in front of Tacoma Times office while Mr. Willkie was in Tacoma to address the Pierce County Republican Club's Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple. Mr. Willkie also was able to speak to other Times employees, including longtime editor E.T.Short. (T. Times, 2-12-44, p. 1)

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Power, Frank W.; Tacoma Times Publishing Co. (Tacoma);

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;

Wendell Willkie, 1940 Republican Presidential nominee and titular head of the party, chats with Gov. Arthur Langlie (R) and a past national commander of the American Legion during a Tacoma visit in February, 1944. Mr. Willkie was the guest of honor at the Lincoln Day banquet sponsored by the Pierce County Republican Club. A copy of Maxfield Parrish's "Garden of Allah" hangs somewhat lopsidedly on the wall behind the men. After the banquet, Mr. and Mrs. Willkie were escorted from the Masonic Temple by the Rhodes Post drum and bugle corps. He then addressed Legionnaires at the Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2. (T. Times, 2-10-44, p. 1, T.Times, 2-12-44, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors; Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Paintings;

Wendell Willkie, 1940 Republican Presidential candidate and titular party head, and Mrs. Willkie in an open automobile after the Pierce County Republican Club's 1944 Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple where Mr. Willkie gave the main address. Curious onlookers of all ages surround the vehicle. This was not Mr. Willkie's first time in Tacoma; in 1940 during his presidential campaign, he traveled on the "Willkie Special" train throughout Oregon and Washington and made a brief one-hour stop. During his short stay in Tacoma, he was able to speak to throngs at Lincoln High School and the depot, tour the Osgood-Wheeler plant, and stop at his downtown campaign office. (T.Times, 2-12-44, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Willkie, Edith;

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;

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;

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;

Wendell Willkie, 1940 Republican Presidential nominee and titular head of the party, with two men at the Tacoma Times office in February, 1944. Mr. Willkie was in Tacoma to address the Pierce County Republican Club's 1944 Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple. He is seated closest to the window with a cigarette in his hand. Headlines from the Seattle P-I and Tacoma Times newspapers placed on the table continue to report the latest war news indicating Rome beachheads were in peril due to Nazi attacks. (T.Times, 2-12-44, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Newspapers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Newspaper headlines;

Wendell Willkie, 1940 Republican Presidential nominee and titular head of the party, chats with Gov. Arthur Langlie and American Legion members during a Tacoma visit. Maxfield Parrish's "Garden of Allah" hangs somewhat lopsidedly on the wall. Mr. Willkie had been invited to attend the Pierce County Republican Club's Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple on February 11, 1944. The banquet was sold-out and accommodations needed to be made for the overflow crowd. After the dinner Mr. Willkie was driven to the Edward B. Rhodes Post #2, American Legion, and gave a talk there. (T. Times, 2-10-44, p. 1, T. Times, 2-12-44, p. 1))

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors; Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Paintings;

1940 Republican Presidential candidate Wendell Willkie with Mrs. Willkie in bunting-draped automobile in front of Winthrop Hotel after speaking at the Pierce County Republican Club's 1944 Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple. His speech was carried nationally by CBS. Mr. Willkie also took the time to speak informally to overflow groups in the Temple; only 1700 were able to fit in the Fellowship Hall and the rest of his supporters were dispersed elsewhere in the building. All were able to hear the main address, however, due to the public address system. (T. Times, 2-12-44, p. 1)

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Willkie, Edith;

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;

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 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;

On Friday, February 11, 1944, Sgt. Norma Oaks of the Tacoma Marine Corps recruiting office visited the offices of the News Tribune to file a story about the first anniversary of the Marine Corps Women's Reserve. While at the newspaper's headquarters she was introduced to the man who wanted to be her next "Commander in Chief", Wendell L. Willkie. Mr. Willkie was in town to deliver the keynote address at the Pierce County Republican Club's 1944 Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple as part of his campaign to be elected President. Sgt. Oaks wanted the newspaper to write a story about the Marine Corps Women's Reserve, and their need for more women between the aged of 20 and 36 to sign up. (T. Times, 2-10-44, p. 1, T. Times, 2-12-44, p. 1)

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Marines (Military personnel);

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;

Portrait of Wendell Willkie, 1940 Republican Presidential nominee and titular head of the party, at the office of the Tacoma Times newspaper. Mr. Willkie was in Tacoma to address Pierce County Republican Club's 1944 Lincoln Day dinner at the Masonic Temple. The dinner itself was sold-out but his supporters were able to obtain tickets to listen to him give the main address. Mr. Willkie, an attorney and utilities executive, was originally from Indiana. Although he lost the 1940 election to Franklin D. Roosevelt by a wide margin in electoral votes, the difference in popular votes was quite slim, only five million separating the two. He once again sought the Republican nomination in 1944 but his more liberal views failed to win him the support of his party. He apparently did not endorse the eventual Republican nominee, Thomas Dewey. Wendell Willkie died later in 1944, on October 6, at the age of 52 of heart failure. (T.Times, 2-12-44, p. 1)

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944;

Democratic congressional candidate Eugene Wiegman (L), 46, checks out blueprints on the PLU campus with two unidentified workers in May of 1976. He was a candidate for the 6th District post held by Floyd Hicks; Representative Hicks had decided not to run for re-election. Dr. Wiegman was a former president of Pacific Lutheran University, later became pastor of Luther Memorial Church, and served on several community boards. Photograph ordered by Eugene Wiegman for use in a brochure "Wiegman for Congress."

Wiegman, Eugene; Political campaigns;

In November of 1940, Pierce County Prosecutor Thor Tollefson, at far left, supervised the opening and counting of the absentee voters' ballots from the general election. A record number of absentee ballots, somewhere in the neighborhood of 2000, arrived from nearly every state in the union and Washington D.C. The ballots had to be sorted by precincts and districts and each ballot's signature on the outside had to be compared with applications on file. The 1940 election was especially tense because of the close gubernatorial race between Seattle Mayor Arthur Langlie and Democrat C.C. Dill of Spokane. Absentee ballots cemented Langlie's lead, although Dill refused to concede for several days. From L to R are: Thor Tollefson, County Republican Chairman John F. Buchanan, Frank Perry, personal representative of Arthur Langlie, Auditor S. Clifford Davis, L. G. Higgins, official counter for the Democrats and Vic Johnson, watching for C.C. Dill. (T. Times, 11-12-40, p. 1) ALBUM 4.

Ballots; Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Buchanan, John F.; Berry, Frank; Davis, S. Clifford; Higgins, L.G.; Johnson, Vic;

On November 12th, 1940, Auditor S. Clifford Davis, right, and Deputy Auditor Arthur W. Schlegel examined the railroad car seal and padlock on the last of three ballot boxes filled with absentee ballots. These ballots were particularly important because the election of Washington's Governor was hanging in the balance. Guarded from the public by a rail fence but visible to all interested parties, Pierce County Election Board members counted the absentee votes. On November 14th, the last remaining gubernatorial contest in the nation was finally decided when the absentee ballots assured Seattle Mayor Arthur Langlie's election as Governor. He defeated Democrat and former U.S. Senator C.C. Dill of Spokane. Langlie was the only Republican to win a major office in the state that year. The two candidates were separated by roughly 3,000 votes. It was several days before Dill conceded the election. (T. Times 11/12/1940, pg. 1; 11/14/1940, pg. 1-article)

Ballots; Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Davis, S. Clifford; Schlegel, Arthur W.;

On November 1, 1940, Tacoma's Republicans held a rally at Jason Lee Junior High School auditorium in support of their state and national candidates, while Tacoma's Democrats met at Lincoln High School. As a band played, signs promoting Wendell Willkie for President, Arthur Langlie for Governor and (Paul) Preus for Congress were held aloft by their supporters. The main Republican speakers would be Langlie, Stephen Chadwick, candidate for US Senate, and Preus. Trucks with mounted loudspeakers and loaded with candidate information, had driven through Tacoma's residential streets and commercial districts. Both political parties were working hard to get out the vote for the upcoming November 5th election. Although it was a wet and windy night, both rallies were well attended with approximately 1,500 people. (T. Times 11-1-40, p. 1, T. Times, 11-2-40, p. 12)

Presidential elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices); Audiences--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Republican candidates on stage at Jason Lee Jr. High School. Arthur Langlie, seated directly behind the speaker, awaits his turn at the podium during a large Republican rally held in the Jason Lee Auditorium. Several supporters cradle "Langlie for Governor" signs and there is one (Paul) "Preus for Congress" sign as well. "Uncle Sam", dressed in typical patriotic garb, has joined the group. A small band is seated below the stage, instruments at rest. The windy and rainy evening failed to keep away the party faithful as both Democrats and Republicans staged rallies at separate locations. This was the final drive for both parties before the November 5th election. ALBUM 2. (T. Times 11-1-40, p. 1, T. Times, 11-2-40, p.12)

Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Signs (Notices);

Wendell Willkie waves hat to crowd from back of open automobile at Northern Pacific Railroad shops in South Tacoma. Mrs. Willkie, beside him, is hidden by flowers. It was the first time in 24 years that a Republican presidential candidate had visited Washington state. (T. Times)

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Willkie, Edith; Political campaigns; Presidential elections;

Mrs. Karl B. Kellogg and Mrs. Bertha Taylor present a box of candy to Edith (Mrs. Wendell) Willkie at Northern Pacific Railroad shops in South Tacoma. Mrs. Russell Harrod waits to present flowers. The women were members of Republican organizations: Mrs. Kellogg, the president of Pro-America, Mrs. Taylor, secretary of the Republican County Central Comm., and Mrs. Harrod, the vice-president of United Women's Republican Club. Paul Johns leans over to assist Mrs. Willkie. Wendell Willkie was the Republican candidate for president in 1940. He, and his "Willkie Special" train, made several stops in Oregon and Washington in his campaign against Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In his short one hour stay in Tacoma, he managed to make several speeches at Lincoln High School, his campaign headquarters and the Wheeler-Osgood plant. Mr. Willkie ultimately lost the election to incumbent Roosevelt; however, his popular vote was only 5 million less than what President Roosevelt had received. ALBUM 2. (T.Times, 9-23-40, p.1, T. Times, 9-24-40, p. 1)

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Willkie, Edith; Presidential elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Johns, Paul; Taylor, Bertha; Kellogg, Karl B.--Family; Harrod, Russell--Family;

A large crowd of approximately 1500, including several hundred railroad employees, blocks the track while listening to Wendell Willkie speak on September 23, 1940, from the rear platform of the "Willkie Special" at the Northern Pacific Railroad shops in South Tacoma. Mr. Willkie, a lawyer and utilities executive, was the Republican candidate for president in 1940. He was the first Republican candidate for President to visit Washington state in 24 years. Mr. Willkie made four stops during his brief one hour stay in Tacoma which included short speeches at Lincoln High School, Willkie-McNary campaign headquarters, the Wheeler-Osgood plant and Union depot. He was enthusiastically greeted throughout the city before departing for Seattle's Sick's Stadium. Candidate Willkie was defeated by incumbent Franklin Delano Roosevelt but only lost the popular vote by 5 million. ALBUM 2. (T.Times, 9-23-40, p.1, T.Times, 9-24-40, p. 1)

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Presidential elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Public speaking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Political campaigns; Crowds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Railroads--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On September 23, 1940, Wendell Willkie shook hands with another Republican candidate for office while on the rear platform of the "Willkie Special" train. The man to the right is believed to be Paul Preus, Congressional candidate. Mr. Preus was running to represent the people in Pierce and King counties, outside of Seattle. He was from Parkland and a financial agent for Pacific Lutheran College. Mr. Willkie was joined by Mr. Preus and several other notables including Arthur B. Langlie on his brief stopover in Tacoma. (T. Times, Election Guide 8-31-40, p. 7, T.Times, 9-23-40, p. 1, T.Times, 9-24-40, p. 1)

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Political campaigns; Presidential elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Shaking hands--Tacoma;