The WPA (Works Progress Administration), a federal work relief program enacted in 1935, put millions of unemployed on the federal payroll with public work jobs. In Tacoma in 1936, streets such as South Tyler were extended and work conducted at Point Defiance Park. This February, 1936, picture shows a number of laborers hard at work shoveling dirt from a hillside at Point Defiance into wheelbarrows. To employ as many men as possible, much of the work was done by hand instead of machine.

Works Progress Administration (Tacoma); Laborers--Tacoma; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Depressions--1929;

In February of 1936 the section of South Tyler that stretches from Snake Lake to South 66th Street was being built by hand by WPA workers. The new section of road was designed to open a large area west of South Tacoma. When finished the road would be 30 feet wide with a gravel surface. (T. Times 3/7/1936 p.9).

Works Progress Administration (Tacoma); Road construction--Tacoma--1930-1940; Laborers--Tacoma;

ca. 1926. Mayor Melvin G. Tennent presents a key to the city to an unidentified military man. (WSHS)

Mayors--Tacoma--1920-1930; Tennent, Melvin Green; Keys (Hardware);

1935 Armistice Day Navy vs. Army football game at Stadium Bowl. Tacoma Mayor George Smitley (center) with Rear Admiral T. T. Craven and Brig. General C.H. Conrad Jr., commanding officer at Fort Lewis. (Bremerton Sun)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Football--Tacoma--1930-1940; Craven, T.T.; Admirals--Tacoma; Conrad, C.H.;

ca. 1925. Large group of men in business suits outside of the Mayor's office in the (Old) City Hall at 625 Commerce St. The men are unidentified in this circa 1925 photograph with the exception of the man seated second to the right who is thought to be Dr. Hinton Jonez, prominent Tacoma physician.

Municipal government--Tacoma--1930-1940; Old City Hall (Tacoma);

Dedication day for Fort Nisqually reconstruction at Point Defiance. L-R are Tacoma Mayor George Smitley, Governor Clarence D. Martin, Mrs. Smitley and an unidentified man. Photograph was probably taken in the morning of September 3, 1934, at the time of the historical pageant which occurred on downtown streets. Dedication of the old fort later that day would be the feature of the Labor Day celebration. (TNT 9-4-34, p. 1) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Fort Nisqually (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Dedication day for Fort Nisqually reconstruction at Point Defiance. Tacoma Mayor George Smitley, far left, his wife and Governor Clarence D. Martin, second from left in photo, and an unidentified man stand in an open automobile during the historical pageant held in downtown Tacoma on Labor Day. The man to the far right is possibly a Tacoma city councilman. Later that day, throngs would attend the formal dedication of Fort Nisqually's restoration. The Young Men's Business Club was instrumental in pursuing restoration of the historic fort. It provided the funds for the materials necessary for the project. Much of the labor was done through the CWA. (TNT 9-4-34, p. 1) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Fort Nisqually (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Army Day at Fort Lewis, 1935. Governor Martin shaking army officer's hand, another officer standing beside the first one. On Saturday, April 6th, 1935, Ft. Lewis, under the command of Brig. Gen. Ortho B. Rosenbaum, threw open the gates of the fort to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the US's entry into WWI. Thousands attended, double the attendance of the previous year, and were treated to exhibitions, drills and demonstrations. (T. Times 4/8/1935, pg. 1)

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Fort Lewis (Wash.);

ca. 1935. Mayor George A. Smitley with Ethlynne "Skit" Smith (later Babson) and Ellis-Ayr Smith at his office in (Old) City Hall circa 1935. The Smith sisters were noted local skiers, Ellis-Ayr being a U.S. team member for the 1936 Winter Olympic Games at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Skiers; Babson, Ethlynne; Smith, Ethlynne; Smith, Ellis-Ayr; Families--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1927. Group of men standing in front of a brick or stucco building. In the very back are believed to be, left to right, Commissioners Jessie Silver (Public Works) and H. Dyer Dyment (Public Safety.) An unidentified man pours into a glass held by Mayor Melvin Tennent (right.) (WSHS)

Mayors--Tacoma--1920-1930; Tennent, Melvin Green; Silver, Jesse; Dyment, Dyer; Municipal officials--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1937. Two-term mayor of Tacoma, Melvin G. Tennent, poses outside Globe Machine Works in 1937. The older man standing next to him is not identified. By 1937, Mr. Tennent was out of politics; he was the vice-president of Atlas Foundry. He had served as mayor during the mid-1920's and later in 1930. He would later seek a third term as mayor in 1940 but was defeated by Harry P. Cain. ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1920-1930; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Tennent, Melvin Green;

ca. 1937. In 1937 former Tacoma mayor Melvin G. Tennent (far left) was photographed while visiting the Globe Machine Manufacturing Company at 301 East 11th Street. Melvin Green Tennent was twice elected mayor of Tacoma; first when he defeated four-term incumbent Angelo Fawcett in March, 1926, by 4000+ votes, and again in 1930. Born in 1885 in Marietta, Georgia, Mr. Tennent went to work in an iron foundry when only 10 years old. He moved to Washington state in 1920 and became the president of Tennent Steel Casting Co. with branches in three cities. In 1937 the City Directory listed him as the vice-president of the Atlas Foundry. Mr. Tennent, who claimed to have tried to retire three times, died in 1969 at the age of 84, still active in real estate. ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1920-1930; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Tennent, Melvin Green;

ca. 1937. Former Mayor Melvin G. Tennent, left in photo, at Globe Machine Works. He and an unidentified older man are glancing off to the side. By 1937, Mr. Tennent was the vice-president of Atlas Foundry. Mr. Tennent was mayor of Tacoma twice, in 1926, and 1930. He was a native of Marietta, Georgia, who had left school at an early age to help support the family. He arrived in Tacoma in 1920 and in a mere six years of residency, defeated longtime mayor Angelo Vance Fawcett in the 1926 elections. Later in 1940, Mr. Tennent lost a bitterly contested race with Harry P. Cain for the mayor's office. ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1920-1930; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Tennent, Melvin Green;

Harry P. Cain, future Mayor of Tacoma and U.S. Senator, appeared in the Tacoma Little Theater production of "The Animal Kingdom" under the direction of his wife, Marjorie Dils Cain. Mr. Cain, who starred as Tom Collier, is pictured in this March, 1937, print speaking to the woman on the stairs. He portrayed a small-time publisher with a genuine sense of humor. Other cast members included Mrs. Salem Nourse, Salem Nourse, Uwarda Egley, Claude Brennan, Mrs. Galvin Hopper, Gordon Tuell, Mrs. Thomas Turner and Merle Benedict. The well-received play completed its 3-day run on March 14, 1937. (T.Times 3-3-37, p. 11, 3-12-37, p. 8) ALBUM 12.

Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Actors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Tacoma Little Theatre (Tacoma); Tacoma Drama League (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950;

ca. 1937. A young John Anderson, future Mayor of Tacoma, works a saw during the construction of a home. Photo ordered by Al Gehri for "Better Homes and Gardens" but did not appear in the magazine. Prior to becoming mayor, Mr. Anderson had a successful career as a contractor. He served from 1950-54 as mayor and again from 1956-58.

Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.; Carpentry; Construction; Construction industry--Tacoma--1930-1940;

C. Val Fawcett, re-elected Commissioner of Finance in the 1938 Primary Election. (T.Times, 2/22/1938, p.1)

Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965;

C. Val Fawcett, after his reelection as Commissioner of Finance in the 1938 Primary Election. Val Fawcett was a native son of Tacoma and attended schools in Tacoma and Long Beach, Ca., where his family spent the winters. His first taste of public life was serving from 1921- 1926 as secretary to his father, Tacoma's "Fighting Mayor" Angelo V. Fawcett. The elder Fawcett served 5 tumultuous terms as Mayor of Tacoma. In 1926, Val Fawcett was employed by the State Labor & Industries Department as auditor in the Tacoma office. He rose to assistant superintendent. He resigned in 1930 to successfully campaign for the position of Commissioner of Finance. In 1943, as vice president of the City Council, he became acting Mayor when Mayor Harry P. Cain was called to active military duty. He ran on his own right in 1946, was elected and served until 1950. He died in 1965 at the age of 65 of a heart attack at this home at 3416 No. 19th Street. (T.Times, 2/22/1938, p.1)

Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965;

Newly elected Mayor Val Fawcett takes the oath of office from city clerk Genevieve Martin at (Old) City Hall on June 3, 1946. In May of 1943, Val Fawcett had assumed the office of Acting Mayor to allow Mayor Harry P. Cain to serve in the Army. Val Fawcett was elected mayor in 1946 and served until 1950. He had previously served several terms as Tacoma's Finance Commissioner. No stranger to politics, he was the son of A.V. ("Fighting") Fawcett, controversial four time Mayor of Tacoma. Miss Martin was a long term municipal employee who administered the oath to several of Tacoma's Mayors. TPL-4909. ALBUM 14. (T. Times 6-3-46, p. 1)

Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Oaths--Tacoma; Martin, Genevieve; Municipal government--Tacoma;

C. Val Fawcett takes the oath as City Finance Commissioner for the third time from Clerk Genevieve Martin at (old) City Hall on June 6, 1938. Newly installed Mayor John C. Siegle looks on smilingly. Mr. Fawcett would serve multiple terms as finance commissioner for the city. He would go on to become acting mayor during Mayor Harry P. Cain's absence during WWII and then be elected mayor in March, 1946. In 1938, Ms. Martin had already held the position of City Clerk for 16 years. (T.Times, 6-6-38, p. 14)

Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Oaths--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Martin, Genevieve;

C.M.T.C. awards ceremonies. Governor Clarence D. Martin with a group of Army officers observe the Citizens Military Training Camp awards program at Fort Lewis. Awards for civil, military and athletic excellence were presented at the conclusion of the annual encampment of citizen soldiers. The awards were presented on Visitors Day and the ceremony observed by Gov. Martin, mayors of nearby cities and families and friends of participants. (T.Times, 8/4/1938, p.1).

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Fort Lewis (Wash.); Citizens Military Training Camp--Fort Lewis;

On Wednesday, August 3, 1938, Gerald K. Kelley of Seattle received the Order of the Rose medal. He was judged to be the most patriotic, soldierly and meritorious participant at the Citizens Military Camp held at Fort Lewis. During July of 1938, 250 young men from Washington state participated in a program of military training at Fort Lewis. The man shaking Mr. Kelley's hand is Governor Clarence D. Martin. Sepia photograph of Governor Martin and Gerald Kelley taken on August 3, 1938; note the chestful of medals displayed by Mr. Kelley. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Kelley, Gerald K.; Awards; Citizens Military Training Camp (Fort Lewis);

Mrs. Kate Stevens Bates, youngest daughter of Washington Territory's first governor, Isaac Stevens, sits in her home in Olympia reading "Readers Digest." Home was built by her brother Hazard Stevens and is filled with antiques, art, and photographs.(T. Times 3/14/1939, p.1)

Governors; Stevens, Isaac Ingalls--Family; Bates, Kate Stevens; Bates, Kate Stevens--Homes & haunts;

Mrs. Kate Stevens Bates, youngest daughter and only survivor of Washington Territory's first governor, Isaac Stevens, sits at the piano at her home in Olympia on March 14, 1939. She was only a few months old when the family arrived in Olympia. Brother Hazard Stevens built Bates' home. She is the wife of James H.S. Bates. (T. Times 3/14/1939, p. 1)

Governors; Stevens, Isaac Ingalls--Family; Bates, Kate Stevens; Pianos;

Tacoma Mayor John Siegle, standing, in the grandstand for the "Mayor's Handicap Race" during Tacoma Day at the Western Washington Fair, Puyallup. Public Safety Commissioner Holmes Eastwood is seated center, with tobacco tin. (T. Times, 9/22/38, p. 1)

Mayors - Tacoma - 1938-39 - Dr. John C. Siegle (1885-1939) - Washington StateEvents - Fairs - Washington State - Puyallup - Western Washington Fair

Public Safety Commissioner Holmes Eastwood, Finance Commissioner Val Fawcett, Mayor John C. Siegle, Public Works Commissioner Abner R. Bergersen and Utilities Commissioner Ira S. Davisson following swearing in ceremony at (Old) City Hall on June 6, 1938. Flowers offering congratulations fill the tables to the rear of the city council. ALBUM 11. (T.Times 6-6-38, p. 14)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Municipal government--Tacoma; Eastwood, Holmes; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Bergersen, Abner R.; Davisson, Ira; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939;

Tacoma Mayor John C. Siegle presents an award at the "Grand Champion Dog Show" on December 11, 1938, at the Greenwich Colliseum. Standing across from Mayor Siegle is possibly the judge of the speciality show, the Very Rev. William S. Walsh of Gervais, Oregon. The mayor is holding a handful of ribbons. There is an American Kennel Club (AKC) trophy on the table next to a black and white spaniel. It is believed that this dog was judged best-of-breed in the first annual cocker spaniel speciality show sponsored by the Tacoma Cocker Spaniel Club. Willett's To-Tone Toni, a 17-month black and white particolor, bested the nearly 70 entries. The dog is owned by Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Willett of Salem, Oregon. ALBUM 11. (TNT 12-12-38, p. 12)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Dogs--Tacoma; Dog shows--Tacoma; Awards;

Tacoma Mayor John C. Siegle presents an award at the "Grand Champion Dog Show" on December 11, 1938, at Greenwich Coliseum. The show was apparently licensed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as the trophy and ribbons are inscribed with its name. The alert cocker spaniel being petted may have also been the Canadian champion. A 17-month particolor, Willett's To-Tone Toni, won the best-of-breed top prize. Judging was conducted by the Very Rev. William S. Walsh who may be the man pictured on the right. 69 out of the 71 entries were benched at the first annual cocker spaniel speciality show. (TNT 12-12-38, p. 12) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Dogs--Tacoma; Dog shows--Tacoma; Awards;

Newly installed Mayor John C. Siegle, center, stands with his fellow city councilmen on June 6, 1938, in (Old) City Hall. From L-R, Val Fawcett - Finance Commissioner, Holmes Eastwood - Safety Commissioner, Dr. Siegle, Ira Davisson - Public Utilities Commissioner and Abner Bergersen - Public Works Commissioner. Dr. Siegle, a leading dentist in Tacoma, was the city's first native-born mayor. The death of his father when the mayor was only ten caused him to drop out of Tacoma public schools; he later studied privately while becoming a card carrying member of the Machinists Union. He worked his way through Northwestern University and obtained his DDS. Mayor Siegle held many leadership titles in the community including being the Past Exalted Ruler of Tacoma Lodge No. 174, BPOE, past president of the Kiwanis Club, past president of the North End community club and past commander of the Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 of the American Legion. His platform urged civic improvement to make Tacoma an ever better city and campaigned for new industry and economic development, especially in the Tideflats. Dr. Siegle passed away on April 12, 1939, of cancer, having served as mayor for less than a year. ALBUM 11. (T.Times 6-6-38, p. 1)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Eastwood, Holmes; Davisson, Ira; Bergersen, Abner R.; Municipal government--Tacoma;

Posting big grins, Mayor John C. Siegle (center) and two associates pose next to an impressive array of flowers sent to congratulate the newly sworn-in mayor. Standing next to the new mayor are William J. Ganz and C. Amos Booth, Dr. Siegle's nominees for Secretary to the Mayor and Superintendent, Refuse Collection Division. Both nominees would be approved by the new council. Mr. Ganz, age 32, was active in Dr. Siegle's campaign. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1925. Mr. Booth, age 31, graduated from both Lincoln High School and the College of Puget Sound. He was a past president of the city civil service commission. John Charles Siegle, a dentist by profession, was Tacoma's first native-born mayor. Illness cut short his only term of office; he died in April 12, 1939, ten months after his installation date. (T.Times 6-6-38, p. 14) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Ganz, William J.; Booth, C. Amos; Flower arrangements;

A wide variety of flower arrangements were sent to City Hall when Mayor John C. Siegle was installed as the city's chief executive on June 6, 1938. The mayor appears to be leaning forward, perhaps in response to a question, when photographed between his two nominees for city posts, William J. Ganz and C. Amos Booth. The floral pieces were transferred from council chambers to Mayor Siegle's private office. Dr. John Charles Siegle was a well-known civic leader and leading dentist before becoming mayor. He was a prime supporter of the city and sought to develop tourism and industry. ALBUM 11. (T.Times 6-6-38, 1, 14).

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Ganz, William J.; Booth, C. Amos; Flower arrangements;