1940 Y.M.B.C. Water Carnival at Point Defiance. Committee officials and award winners with plaques on Richfield wharf. Among the many winners were participants in the Sea Scout 12-man cutter race, Seine skiff 4-man race, inboard motor race and Seattle-Tacoma outboard utility marathon. (T.Times, 7-1-40, p. 12)

Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Awards;

1940 Y.M.B.C. Water Carnival at Point Defiance Park. Group of boats tied together offshore. A very modern water craft is anchored next to "Key West." The "Wanderer" and "Del Mar" are to the right of "Key West" and tugboats to left. (T. Times)

Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tugboats--Tacoma--1940-1950;

1940 Y.M.B.C. Water Carnival at Point Defiance. Top hatted man in costume standing next to a CBS microphone is believed to be Arnold Andreason, Carnival chairman. Over 50,000 spectators were expected at the Saturday afternoon carnival, which promised a four hour program of races, water skiing, thrills and spills. (T.Times, 7-1-40, p. 12)

Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Point Defiance Boat House (Tacoma);

Y.M.B.C. (Young Men's Business Club) Water Carnival at Point Defiance. Looking down at boats in the bay. Tugs, in the distance, broadcast water sprays. A large yacht is moored in the foreground. (T.Times, 4/25/1938, p.1).

Festivals--Tacoma--1930-1940; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Piers & wharves--Tacoma; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Boats--Tacoma;

Y.M.B.C. (Young Men's Business Club) Water Carnvial at Point Defiance. Spectators enjoy watching boats participating in the event: sail boats, tugboats, fishing craft, power boats, and the large Coast Guard cutter "Atalanta." (T.Times, 4/25/38, p.1).

Festivals--Tacoma--1930-1940; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Piers & wharves--Tacoma; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Boats--Tacoma;

Y.M.B.C. (Young Men's Business Club) Water Carnival at Point Defiance. The water is teeming with commercial tugs, row boats and yachts. Races were held for each catagory of vessel. Row boats maneuver near the Andrew Foss, Henrietta Foss, Theodora Foss, Peter Foss and Foss Tug No. 10 and 15. " Mathilda Foss" placed first in the Tugboat Annie Race, for boats 50 HP or better. (T. Times 4/25/1938, pg. 1)

Festivals--Tacoma--1930-1940; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Piers & wharves--Tacoma; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Boats--Tacoma; Tugboats--Tacoma; Boat racing; Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma);

On Sunday April 24, 1938 a crowd estimated at 25,000 filled the deck, boat ramp and parking lot at Point Defiance to watch the Water Carnival sponsored by Tacoma's Young Men's Business Club. A handful of young spectators even climbed out onto the roof of the old Point Defiance Pavilion (far right) for a better view. The carnival which featured tug boat and row boat races and a salmon derby was held in part to celebrate the departure of the Tacoma-built "Western Explorer". It was hoped that coverage of the event by photographers, radio broadcasters, and newsreel companies would serve to publicize Tacoma. (T.Times, 4/25/1938, p.1).

Festivals--Tacoma--1930-1940; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Piers & wharves--Tacoma; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Point Defiance Boat House (Tacoma);

This was just a fraction of the crowds estimated at 25,000 that attended the Y.M.B.C. (Young Men's Business Club) Water Carnival at Point Defiance on April 24, 1938. A full exterior view of the Russel and Babcock-designed concrete waterfront pavilion shows it packed with crowds of people on all three levels. Spectators were treated to a colorful pageant of marine craft ranging from tugs and fishing boats to the Tacoma Yacht Club fleet. Tug and rowboat races entertained all. The 85-foot fishing vessel, the "Western Explorer" bid a fond farewell as she left Tacoma for her long voyage down the coast and on to Gloucester, Mass., via the Panama Canal. The water carnival was so popular that for many years it was an annual event. (T.Times, 4/25/1938, p. 1+-article).

Festivals--Tacoma--1930-1940; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Piers & wharves--Tacoma; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Point Defiance Pavilion (Tacoma); Crowds--Tacoma--1930-1940; Spectators--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Y.M.B.C. (Young Men's Business Club) Water Carnival at Point Defiance. Two amateur divers, Stadium High School students Bud Likins, left, and Bob Wilhemi pose with diving gear designed and made by Wilhemi. This was the second set of diving gear that Wilhemi had built. (T.Times, 4/25/1938, p.1).

Festivals--Tacoma--1930-1940; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Piers & wharves--Tacoma; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Skin diving--Tacoma; Oxygen masks; Likins, Bud; Wilhemi, Bob;

The Puget Sound Navy Orchestra, from Seattle, performed jazz at the second annual music festival on July 28, 1946, at Point Defiance Park. The orchestra was under the direction of Ensign William Paul Currence. Watching and waiting for their turn to play, right, was either the 448th Special Service Band or Sharps and Flats, both groups from Fort Lewis. The newspapers classified their sound as "Boogie-Woogie." The 448th was under the direction of Sgt. Benjamin W. Martin; Sharps and Flats was under the direction of Joe Jordan. The concert, held in the natural amphitheater at the entrance to the park, drew over 7,000 listeners. It was also broadcast over the Mutual Network by KMO. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2; Photo by F.L. Powell, YMCA)

This photograph from the Helen Stafford collection is dated July 29, 1945, meaning it was taken at the first USO music festival at Point Defiance. Six thousand attendees sat on the grass to listen to the 362nd Army Band from Fort Lewis play Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Also performing were the 29th Special Service Band directed by Sgt. Earnest Hayden and the 25 voice Naval choir from Bremerton. (TNT 7/29/1945, PG. 1; Photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)

Tacoma's Rudder Club was located at 735 Commerce Street in Tacoma's business district; the club manager was Walter Geehan. Throughout the year the Rudder Club hosted and sponsored many events, including dinners, luncheons and style shows. View of unidentified little boy on a pony ride, likely at a Rudder Club sponsored event; pin-up girl in background.

Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Glamour photographs; Boys--Tacoma--1940-1950; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children riding horses--Tacoma; Ponies; Rudder Club, Inc. (Tacoma);

Carol Glenn of Bethel High School was crowned the 1977 Daffodil Festival Queen in ceremonies held at Pacific Lutheran University on March 9, 1977. Miss Glenn, a senior, was the first top royalty selected from her school and the first African-American to receive that honor. There were a total of 18 princesses, each representing a public school in Pierce County. Miss Glenn, the daughter of retired Staff Sergeant and Mrs. Robert Glenn of Spanaway, was one of nine children. She planned to use the $1000 college scholarship awarded to the queen to further her studies at Pacific Lutheran University. (TNT 3-10-77, A-1, 3)

Glenn, Carol; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1977 : Tacoma); African American women--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1979 Daffodil Festival Queen. Curtis High School princess Paula Nelson had the honor of being her school's first representative to be selected Daffodil Festival Queen. Miss Nelson, 18, bore the title "Paula ll" as she was the second Paula named queen. At her March 12, 1979, coronation, she was draped with a royal cloak of velvet traced with sequins and a heavy gold crown mixed with amethysts and other semi-precious jewels was placed on her head by Pierce County Commissioner Joe Stortini. A scepter, a symbol of her reign, would be inscribed with her name. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Nelson, Miss Nelson was chosen on the basis of her appearance, poise and speaking ability. (TNT 3-13-79, A-1, A-10)

Nelson, Paula; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1979 : Tacoma); Crowns; Scepters; Daffodils;

Y.M.B.C. (Young Men's Business Club) Water Carnival at Point Defiance. On April 24, 1938, the first water carnival was held as a farewell ceremony for the Tacoma- built fishing vessel "Western Explorer" (pictured center.) The event was planned by the Y.M.B.C. to promote Tacoma's shipbuilding industry, but it was so immensely popular that it became an annual event. View of the "Western Explorer" in front of the Point Defiance Pavilion. Crowds of people lined the railings of the Pavilion. (T.Times, 4/25/1938, p. 1).

Festivals--Tacoma--1930-1940; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Piers & wharves--Tacoma; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Point Defiance Boat House (Tacoma); Fishing boats--Tacoma--1930-1940;

A woman and two boys put the finishing touches on home-made "soap box derby" cars to advertise the 12th annual Dash Point Dock Dinner. The Saturday event attracted 600 people who watched rowboat races and swimming, diving, log rolling, and greased pole contents. An evening dance followed the Dock Dinner. (T. Times, 7/21/1938, p. 3).

Festivals--Dash Point; Dance parties--Dash Point; Coaster cars--Tacoma; Publicity;

Y.M.B.C.(Young Men's Business Club) Water Carnival at Point Defiance. At the center of numerous vessels anchored in the bay are: New Ambassador, Commodore, and Westland. (T.Times, 4/25/1938, p.1).

Festivals--Tacoma--1930-1940; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Piers & wharves--Tacoma; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Boats--Tacoma;

Y.M.B.C. (Young Men's Business Club) Water Carnival at Point Defiance. Spectators line the wharf and wait in row boats for the boat races to begin. Sailors from the U.S. Navy attended the annual festival. (T.Times, 4/25/1938, p.1).

Festivals--Tacoma--1930-1940; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Piers & wharves--Tacoma; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Sailors--Tacoma;

Bud Likins (left) and Bob Wilhelmi hold the shallow water divers helmet that they brought with them to the Y.M.B.C. (Young Men's Business Club) Water Carnival held at Point Defiance in April of 1938. Bob Wilhelmi, a student at Stadium High School, built the helmet. He is holding one of the starfish that he brought up from the bottom of Puget Sound while demonstrating his creation. (T.Times, 4/25/1938, p.1).

Festivals--Tacoma--1930-1940; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Piers & wharves--Tacoma; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Skin diving--Tacoma; Oxygen masks; Likins, Bud; Wilhelmi, Bob; Starfishes--Tacoma;

1940 YMBC Water Carnival at Point Defiance. Race winners show off their plaques. (T.Times, 7-1-40, p. 12)

Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma);

1940 Y.M.B.C. Water Carnival at Point Defiance. View from water of 1920s and 1940 boathouses crowded with spectators. Thousands came out to watch the various boat races and air show at the annual Young Men's Business Club water carnival. The city fireboat was also summoned by Public Safety Commissioner Holmes Eastwood via car radio to stage an exhibition of water power. (T.Times, 7-1-40, p. 12)

Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Point Defiance Pavilion (Tacoma); Point Defiance Boat House (Tacoma);

1940 Y.M.B.C. Water Carnival at Point Defiance. "Key West" of Seattle, winner of deep sea fishing boat race. "New Washington," fishing boat, on right. City fireboat in background with display of water power. (T.Times, 7/1/1940, p. 12).

Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fireboats--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The Honolulu Conservatory of Music's float from the 1951 Daffodil Parade is seen as it progresses along the street.

Festivals--Tacoma; Spectators--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1950 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Honolulu Conservatory of Music (Tacoma); Guitars; Accordions;

The second annual USO Music Festival was held at Point Defiance Park on July 28, 1946. One of the featured performers was the 70 piece Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific Northwest, under the direction of Dr. Francis Aranyi. The concert took place around the temporary bandstand set up in the natural amphitheater at the entrance to the park. It was attended by over 7,000 people. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2; Photo by F.L. Powell, YMCA, Tacoma)

On July 29, 1945, the USO hosted its first Music Festival at Point Defiance Park. Over 6,000 spectators were on hand to enjoy the concert. The main feature was a performance of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" by the 362nd Army Band of Fort Lewis. Cpl. William Sumner of New York City was the featured soloist. Cpl. Sumner was the solo pianist with the National Broadcasting Company before entering the Army. Other performers included the 29th Special Band directed by Sgt. Earnest Hayden and the 25 voice Naval choir from Bremerton, featuring baritone soloist Robert Brown. (TNT 7/29/1945, pg. 1; photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)

On July 28, 1946, over 7,000 people attended the second US Music Festival at Point Defiance Park. Featured performers were the Seattle Elks Band, the Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific Northwest, the Puget Sound Navy Orchestra, the 448th Special Service Band, Sharps and Flats led by Joe Jordan and the Three Dynamos. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2; Official photograph, U.S. Army Air Forces McChord Field)

1960 Daffodil Festival Queen in regalia. Succeeding Queen Carol Mills as Daffodil Festival Queen was 17-year-old Lincoln High School senior Diane Harkness. She was chosen from a field of 12 representing high schools in Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, Orting and Fife. Miss Harkness is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James G. Harkness. She is the president of Aqua Maids water ballet team, a member of the honor society, and associate editor of the Lincoln News. The new Daffodil Festival Queen was crowned on April 4, 1960, by Governor Albert D. Rosellini during impressive ceremonies at Sumner's Spartan Hall. (TNT 4-4-60, p. 1; TNT 4-5-60, p. 1)

Harkness, Diane; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1960 : Tacoma); Daffodils; Crowns; Scepters;

1967 Daffodil Festival Queen. Carol Parcheta, 17, of Franklin Pierce High School became the 1967 Daffodil Festival Queen as she was crowned by Lt. Gov. John Cherberg on April 3, 1967 in Spartan Hall, Sumner. She was Carol II as there was a previous Queen Carol, 1959's Carol Mills also of Franklin Pierce. Miss Parcheta, shown above holding the symbols of her new office, was a song leader at her high school. She would continue her education at the University of Puget Sound. (TNT 4-4-67, p. 1)

Parcheta, Carol; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1967 : Tacoma); Daffodils; Crowns; Scepters;

1970 Daffodil Festival Queen. Shelley Grobey of Mount Tahoma High School was selected as the 1970 Daffodil Festival Queen. She is posed with a jeweled crown of old gold in her blond hair and holding a scepter and bouquet of daffodils. Miss Grobey is wearing the white velvet royal robe with a embroidered daffodil motif. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Grobey, Jr., she is the youngest of five children. One of the few golden haired queens selected in the festival's first 37 years, the blue-eyed high school senior is president of Mount Tahoma's choir, and member of the studio choir, Cleophas, Pep Club and Senior Girls Trio. Miss Grobey, 17, received her crown at Pacific Lutheran University's Olson Auditorium from Governor Dan Evans on April 6, 1970. (TNT 4-7-70, p. 1)

Grobey, Shelley; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1970 : Tacoma); Daffodils; Crowns; Scepters;

1973 Daffodil Festival Queen. Sherri Murrey posed for her formal portrait as 1973 Daffodil Festival Queen holding her royal scepter in one hand and a beribboned bouquet of daffodils in the other. She is wearing the queen's heavy crown. Queen Sherri I is the first queen from Fife High School. The 17-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Murrey was crowned by Lt. Gov. John Cherberg on April 9, 1973, in Olson Auditorium. She was chosen as queen from a field of 16 princesses. Miss Murrey was also voted co-winner of the "Miss Congeniality" award. (TNT 4-10-73, p. 1) {photograph scratched at bottom}

Murrey, Sherri; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1973 : Tacoma); Daffodils; Crowns; Scepters;