Crowd listening to Republican Presidential candidate Wendell Willkie's address at Wheeler-Osgood Company. (T. Times)

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

When Wendell Willkie, the 1940 Republican presidential nominee stopped in Tacoma, both Frank Fletcher (left), age 5, and his brother Walt, age 3, were at the Northern Pacific Shops train yard to hear him. His September 1940 visit to Tacoma was the first campaign stop by a Republican presidential candidate in Tacoma in 24 years. The Tacoma Times misidentified Walt as Robert Fletcher when they originally published this photograph in September of 1940. TPL-8374

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Presidential elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Public speaking--Tacoma; Fletcher, Frank; Fletcher, Walt;

Republican presidential candidate Wendell Willkie at microphone on the rear platform of his special train. Mrs. Willkie and Arthur Langlie, Republican candidate for Governor, are to Willkie's left. The "Willkie Special" had traveled throughout Oregon and Washington as Mr. Willkie made several brief stops to promote his candidacy. Other Republicans also hitched a ride aboard including Paul Preus, candidate for Congress and Mr. Langlie, Mayor of Seattle. TPL-184 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; Willkie, Edith; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966;

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;

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, 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;

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;

ca. 1940. These five unidentified members of the Willkie and McNary Club of Pierce County were decked out in special semi-circular bonnets to welcome their favorite Presidential candidate to Tacoma in September of 1940. Each is also wearing a small campaign button on her dress. Presidential candidate Willkie made a whistle-stop tour of Tacoma on September 23, 1940, which included a stop at campaign headquarters. He took his campaign directly to the average voter during his one hour and 45 minute visit, greeting thousands of people along his route which stretched from South Tacoma to the business and industrial sections of the city. (T.Times, 9-23-40, p. 1, T.Times, 9-24-40, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Presidential elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hats--1940-1950;

People turned out in great numbers for the appearance of President Harry S. Truman per the crowd scene on South 9th Street at Broadway and Saint Helens Avenue near the Music Box theatre. It was Mr. Truman's first visit to Tacoma as president and he took the time to speak to the large crowd estimated at 9,000. The President led a long distance attack on the Republican-controlled Congress for its failure to go along with his pricing, housing and farm recommendations. He called it a "special interest Congress." President Truman and his entourage can barely be seen on the stand covered with bunting. ALBUM 1. (TNT 6-9-48, p. 1, TNT 6-10-48, p. 1, TNT 6-11-48, p. 1)

Presidential elections--Tacoma; Presidents--United States--Election--1948; Salutations--Tacoma; Crowds--Tacoma;

California Governor Earl Warren, Republican Vice-Presidential candidate and future Supreme Court Chief Justice, Mrs. Warren, and the Warren children Dorothy, Virginia, Nina Elizabeth, and Bobby, during a campaign appearence in Tacoma. Four of the Warren children accompanied their parents on a whirlwind tour of the Pacific Northwest. Hundreds of women had lined up as much as an hour before to meet the Warrens at a Republican reception. The reception was held in the Hotel Winthrop prior to Governor Warren's address at the State Armory. (TNT 10-15-48, p 1) ALBUM 2.

Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Warren, Earl, 1891-1974; Governors; Warren, Earl--Family; Warren, Nina; Warren, Dorothy; Warren, Virginia; Warren, Nina Elizabeth; Warren, Robert;

California Governor Earl Warren, Republican Vice-Presidential candidate and future Supreme Court Chief Justice, making a campaign appearance at Tacoma Armory. View of elaborate decorations above the platform. His evening address attracted overflowing crowds of over 5000 which filled the Armory to its rafters. It was the largest indoor crowd to greet Governor Warren on his tour of 31 states except for Chicago. The Dewey-Warren ticket unexpectedly lost in the 1948 elections to Truman-Barkley. Sepia photograph taken on October 14, 1948. (TNT 10-15-48, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Warren, Earl, 1891-1974; Public speaking--Tacoma;

California Governor Earl Warren, Republican Vice-Presidential candidate and future Supreme Court Chief Justice, and his family, with former Governor Arthur Langlie, and his family, and two drum majorettes, on platform during rally at Tacoma Armory. Governor Warren was met by an enthusiastic audience of over 5000 on October 14, 1948. He was introduced by Arthur Langlie, former governor who was running for election. Governor Warren's wife Nina and four of his children accompanied him on this tour of the Pacific Northwest. Sepia photograph was taken on October 14, 1948. (TNT 10-15-48, p. 1) TPL-183 ALBUM 2.

Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Warren, Earl, 1891-1974; Warren, Earl--Family; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966--Family; Drum majorettes--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Henry A. Wallace, center, the candidate for President of the United States in 1948 from the Progressive Party spoke on October 9th, 1948 at the Tacoma Armory. In his speech he attacked the Taft-Hartley Act and the "hot war" being waged against labor unions. While in Tacoma, he met with a group of local Progressive Party candidates including: (l to r) John Green Jr., Vera Keating, Russell H. Fluent, Henry Wallace, Rodney Peterson, Ernest T. Olson, Thomas C. Rabbit. (T.Times, 10/11/1948, p.9)

Wallace, Henry A.; Presidential elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Green, John; Keating, Vera; Fluent, Russell H.; Peterson, Rodney; Olson, Ernest T.; Rabbitt, Thomas C.;

Former Presidential nominee Wendell Willkie (near right at rear in dark suit) delivered two speeches in Tacoma on February 11, 1944, to the Republican faithful and to the American Legion. Dr. Hinton D. Jonez is the man in pin stripes (foreground.) Dr. Jonez, a well-known physician, was a past commander of the American Legion for the State of Washington as well as headed the local Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2.

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Guests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jonez, Hinton D.;

Pacific Avenue is crammed with people on September 23, 1940, all eager to catch a glimpse of Republican Presidential candidate Wendell Willkie on his brief stopover. The candidate's open car can barely squeeze through the waiting throngs as police and others attempt to make room. Mr. Willkie has his arms extended wide in an exuberant greeting to his many supporters.

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

President Harry S. Truman, along with First Lady Truman, and their daughter Margaret were visiting the Pacific Northwest in June of 1948. The president would be making an aerial tour of the Oregon and Washington flood areas. President Truman spoke out against Congress and Private Power interests during his visit. View of President Harry S.Truman riding in 1948 Cadillac convertible automobile on 11th Street between Pacific Avenue and Commerce Street in downtown Tacoma. Approximately 9,000 lined the presidential route and another 9,000 gathered to hear Mr. Truman speak at the intersection of 9th & Broadway. (T. Times, 6/11/48, p. 1).

Presidential elections--Tacoma; Presidents--United States--Election--1948; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cadillac automobile; Salutations--Tacoma;

On Thursday June 10, 1948, President Harry S. Truman stopped off in Tacoma long enough to address a crowd of several thousand Tacomans from a platform built on the corner of South 9th and Broadway. In an address carried live over KMO radio, he blasted the congress for doing nothing to curb inflation and control prices. He also attacked their tax reduction program which he called "a rich man's tax law - for the relief of the rich." While in Bremerton he addressed an enthusiastic crowd emphasizing the need for a strong defense during times of peace. Seattle greeted him with downtown crowds estimated at 100,000. ALBUM 1. (TNT 6-9-48, p. 1, TNT 6-10-48, p. 1, TNT 6-11-48, p. 11) TPL-9675

Presidential elections--Tacoma; Presidents--United States--Election--1948; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma;

President Harry S.Truman delivers a rousing speech to thousands at 9th Street near Broadway and Saint Helens Avenue in downtown Tacoma. Washington Governor Mon Wallgren at far right, Winthrop Hotel in background. President Truman's wife Bess and daughter Margaret accompanied him during his cross-country tour. The President's speech was apparently being carried by radio station KMO; it was his first official visit to Tacoma as President. ALBUM 1. (TNT 6-9-48, p. 1, TNT 6-10-48, p. 1, TNT 6-11-48, p. 1)

Presidential elections--Tacoma; Presidents--United States--Election--1948; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Public speaking--Tacoma;

President Harry S.Truman greeting Tacoma Police Department motorcycle officers on 9th Street near Broadway and Saint Helens Avenue in downtown Tacoma. It was Mr. Truman's first visit to Tacoma as president. To assist local police,Tacoma's own anti-aircraft unit, the 530th AAA Automatic Weapons battalion was chosen to furnish the guard of honor for the President's visit. 50 guardsmen would be on duty. The outdoor location of Mr. Truman's speech was changed from 10th & A Streets to 9th & Broadway for security reasons. ALBUM 1. (TNT 6-9-48, p. 1, TNT 6-10-48, p. 1, TNT 6-11-48, p. 1) TPL-8687

Presidential elections--Tacoma; Presidents--United States--Election--1948; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Tacoma Police Department (Tacoma);

Henry A. Wallace with supporters during a Democratic campaign visit to Tacoma. He appears to be making his point clear as everyone is smiling broadly. Mr. Wallace grew up in a Republican household where his father was Secretary of Agriculture from 1921-1924. Mr. Wallace, himself, became a Democrat and helped to bring his native Iowa into the Roosevelt camp in 1932. Although he was asked to resign from his Secretary of Commerce post by President Truman, Mr. Wallace still considered himself a Democrat and asked Democrats to continue to support progressive representatives in the upcoming election. He warned against complacency and urged party members to get to the polls and settle any differences within the party later. Mr. Wallace was the US Vice-President from 1941-45 and later was the (Third) Progressive Party's candidate for the 1948 presidential elections. This sepia photograph was taken on October 28, 1946. (T. Times, 10-29-46, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Wallace, Henry A., 1888-1965; Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Stumping for his fellow Democrats, Henry A. Wallace tells a crowd of 3000 and a radio audience that a Communist "is a Democrat with a job a Republican wants" at a campaign rally held at the Armory on October 28, 1946. Wallace, Vice President 1941-45, went on to become the Progressive Party's candidate for President in 1948. He was a plant geneticist, agricultural leader, editor, cabinet member, as well as serving as Roosevelt's vice-president in his third term as president. He was asked to resign as Secretary of Commerce by President Truman due to his public criticism of the administration's hard-line policy toward the Soviet Union. Mr. Wallace was to make a run for the presidency in 1948 as the Progressive Party nominee, representing a newly organized third party with a pro-Soviet stance. He received only 2.4% of the vote and left the party in 1950 after disagreeing with its non-support of the Korean War. He withdrew from politics and resumed activity in the agricultural field. (T. Times, 10-29-46, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Wallace, Henry A., 1888-1965; Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Public speaking--Tacoma;

An overflowing crowd of over 5000 filled the State Armory to the rafters to hear California Governor Earl Warren, Republican Vice-Presidential candidate and future Supreme Court Chief Justice. Local Republicans had anticipated large crowds to hear the popular governor; an additional 1000 seats were borrowed from the College of Puget Sound and the Seattle Armory. Oversized posters of Governor Warren and Presidential candidate Thomas E. Dewey decorated the Armory walls. According to the clock wall, this sepia photograph was taken at 9:50 p.m. on October 14, 1948. (TNT 10-14-48, p. 1, TNT 10-15-48, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Political Elections - Presidential Elections - Vice Presidential Candidates (Republican) - United States - 1948 - Earl Warren (1891-1974) - Washington (State) - Tacoma

California Governor Earl Warren, Republican Vice-Presidential candidate and future Supreme Court Chief Justice, and wife Nina blow out candles on their 23rd anniversary cake during a campaign appearance on October 14, 1948 in Tacoma . Four of the Warren children, Dorothy, Virginia, Nina Elizabeth and Bobby, smilingly look on. Acting Mayor C.A. Erdahl presented the cake to the Warrens following the conclusion of Governor Warren's address at the State Armory. It came as a complete surprise to the Warrens, causing Governor Warren to make an inadvertent slip of the tongue when he stated " I'm not quite as nervous as I was 14 years ago," before his family and the crowd's hearty laughter caused him to correct himself. (T.Times 10-15-1948 p.1. TNT 10-15-48, p. 1) TPL-4751 ALBUM 2.

Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Warren, Earl, 1891-1974; Warren, Earl--Family; Warren, Nina; Warren, Dorothy; Warren, Virginia; Warren, Nina Elizabeth; Warren, Robert; Governors; Erdahl, C.A.; Cakes--Tacoma--1940-1950;

California Governor Earl Warren, Republican Vice-Presidential candidate and future Supreme Court Chief Justice, greets an unidentified young supporter on October 14, 1948 during a campaign appearance in Tacoma. Prior to his selection as Thomas E. Dewey's running mate in the 1948 elections, Mr. Warren had been both a California district attorney and that state's Attorney General. He was the only person in California history to be elected to three successive terms as Governor; in 1946 he was unopposed in the general election, as he had won the nomination of the Democratic, the Republican, and the Progressive parties. The 1948 presidential election was the only election he ever lost. He resigned during his third term as Governor when he was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court by President Eisenhower in 1953. ALBUM 2.

Presidential elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Warren, Earl, 1891-1974; Governors;

California Governor Earl Warren, Republican Vice-Presidential candidate and future Supreme Court Chief Justice, and Mrs. Warren with former Governor and Mrs. Arthur Langlie during a campaign appearence in Tacoma. The Warrens were met by Mr. Langlie at the Idaho-Washington border en route to Spokane. He was scheduled to give an address at the State Armory on October 14, 1948. Mr. Langlie would be introducing Governor Warren to the expected large crowds. Sepia photograph taken on October 14, 1948. (TNT 10-14-48, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Warren, Earl, 1891-1974; Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Langlie, Evelyn; Warren, Nina; Governors;

California Governor Earl Warren, Republican Vice-Presidential candidate and future Supreme Court Chief Justice, stands on the platform, below his name in heroic sized letters, during rally at Tacoma Armory. Congressman Thor Tollefson on the extreme right. As Election Day drew near, both parties were making concentrated efforts in an attempt to sway voters. Governor Warren had already visited 31 states during speaking engagements and he was to make quick stops in northwest cities of Everett, Seattle, Spokane, Centralia, Kelso, Vancouver, Portland and Eugene before finally heading home to the governor's mansion in Sacramento. (TNT 10-15-48, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Warren, Earl, 1891-1974; Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Governors; Political elections--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);

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;