Newly-elected Mayor A.L. "Slim" Rasmussen shares a plaque with an unidentified woman; there is a large metal key mounted on the wooden plaque with a description beneath, "Tacoma All America All Electric City." Rasmussen defeated 3-term mayor Harold Tollefson in the November general elections. At that time he was a machinist-inspector at the Northern Pacific Railroad roundhouse and had served 22 years in the state legislature. Photograph ordered by Tacoma-Pierce County Economic Opportunity.

Rasmussen, Albert Lawrence; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Plaques--Tacoma; Keys (Hardware);

Newly-elected Mayor A.L. "Slim" Rasmussen poses with two women at the County-City Building on November 29, 1967. Rasmussen had defeated incumbent Harold Tollefson in the recent general election. Photograph ordered by Tacoma-Pierce County Economic Opportunity.

Rasmussen, Albert Lawrence; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970;

ca. 1965. 1965 Stock footage. The County-City Building's law enforcement section looks quite a bit different in 2004 than it did in 1965. The four-story wing that housed the Tacoma Police Department and Pierce County Sheriff's Department was completed last after the twelve story central structure and court wing. Each police department had its own jail capable of holding 140 prisoners. Designed for maximum security, the new building also was a more comfortable and spacious environment for the city, county and federal prisoners it housed. This 1965 photograph was taken from about So. 9th & Tacoma Ave. So., looking southwesterly.

County-City Building (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma; Jails--Tacoma;

Governor Albert D. Rosellini with author Reverend David Wilkerson, at left in photo, and Rev. Wilkerson's book "The Cross and the Switchblade." The book entailed the events leading up to the founding of Teen Challenge, a faith-based intervention program for gang members by a simple country preacher. The best-seller was translated into 30 different languages and read by 50 million people since 1963. A motion picture of the same title was released in 1969. In 1986 Reverend Wilkerson opened the Times Square Church in NYC. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Wilkerson, David; Clergy--Tacoma; Religious books--Tacoma;

Governor Albert D. Rosellini and his three daughters (l to r) Lynn, Janey, and Sue Ann were all ready in July of 1964 to go doorbell ringing with other Democratic candidates in the 29th District. He was seeking a third term as governor. Despite Lyndon Johnson's national landslide, the Republicans captured Washington's governor's office when Dan Evans, an engineer and Republican State House Leader, ran a strong campaign to unseat the incumbent. Mr. Rosellini entered the King County Executive race in 1969 and challenged Mr. Evans' bid for an unprecedented third consecutive term in 1972, but he was unsuccessful in both attempts. After his retirement from politics, Governor Rosellini resumed his former occupation of attorney. ALBUM 10. (TNT 7-19-64, p. 2)

Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Rosellini, Albert D.--Family; Rosellini, Lynn; Rosellini, Sue Ann; Rosellini, Janey; Fathers & children--Tacoma; Political campaigns;

Snip! Governor Albert Rosellini and Angela Nicholson, Miss Tacoma, cut the bright yellow ribbon for the new Tacoma Mall Bon Marche store on August 3, 1964. The Bon Marche was the first store to open in the new mall; the mall didn't have its official opening until October, 1965. The new Bon Marche was a massive four-story building with 256,000 square feet. The closing of the store's longtime downtown location was deemed necessary because of the antiquated conditions of the building and the lack of suitable parking. The downtown store, formerly the Fisher's Department Store, closed at 5:30 p.m. on July 25, 1964. Dignitaries present at the ribbon cutting included Dr. Arnold Herrmann, deputy mayor, David Rowlands, city manager, county commissioners Harry Sprinker, Fritz Geiger and Pat Gallagher, and city councilmen Maurice Finnigan and Hal Murtland, and Darrel E. Vannice, managing director of the Bon. (TNT 7-19-64, p. 1, TNT 8-4-64, p. 18) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Nicholson, Angela; Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Vannice, Darrel E.;

Governor Albert D. Rosellini and Miss Tacoma, Angela Nicholson, cut the ribbon for the new Tacoma Mall Bon Marche store. The governor and assorted dignitaries, including Bon Marche managing director Darrel E. Vannice, are facing the new store. A crowd of eager shoppers look poised to storm the doors of the Bon Marche which had moved its presence from its longtime downtown location. An estimated 150,000 people visited the store on its first day of business, causing massive traffic jams. The four-story 256,000 square foot store would be the largest department store in Pierce County. The closure of the downtown store at 11th & Broadway was necessary because of the antiquated building and fixtures and the shortage of parking. J.C. Penney's and Thriftway supermarkets had already signed leases for the new shopping center which would open officially in October, 1965, with an additional 53 stores and 900,000 square feet of selling space. ALBUM 10. TPL-454 (TNT 7-19-64, p. 1, TNT 8-4-64, p. 18)

Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Nicholson, Angela; Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Vannice, Darrel E.;

Governor Albert D. Rosellini was the guest speaker at the Tacoma Ad Club's luncheon at the Elks Club on September 9, 1964. Governor Rosellini was attempting to secure a third term as the state's chief executive. Club member Richard Wilkins (center) and club president Michael Rourke (left) stand near the governor. The Tacoma Ad Club was a civic organization for persons involved in the advertising profession. The advertising club dated back to the 1920s.

Rosellini, Albert D.; Governors; Public speaking--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Advertising Club (Tacoma); Wilkins, Richard; Rourke, Michael;

Group of five men in suits, ordered by the University of Puget Sound. In the center of the back row is former Tacoma Mayor and City Councilman John Anderson. Puget Sound adopted the designator of University in 1960.

Anderson, John H.; University of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1960-1970;

Mayor Ben Hanson, in catcher's crouch, posed with Tacoma Giants general manager W.D. "Rosy" Ryan (wearing mitt) and officials of the Harmony Chapter #18, Disabled American Veterans, on February 4, 1960. Ernie Roberts, Western Washington chief of staff for the DAV, was clutching a Mickey Mantle Louisville slugger. Baseball memorabilia, including a Giants uniform, was on display in cases behind the men. Mayor Hanson and Mr. Ryan pledged their support for the Disabled American Veterans convention coming to Tacoma in July of 1960, while Robert Stelzer and Loyd E. Ireland looked on. Mr. Ryan also indicated that veterans would receive every consideration for jobs at the new Ben Cheney Stadium and concessions. Photograph ordered by Ernie Roberts. (TNT 2-8-60, p. 3)

Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hanson, Ben; Ryan, W.D.; Roberts, Ernie; Stelzer, Robert; Ireland, Loyd E.; Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Disabled veterans; Veterans;

ca. 1960. 1960 Richards stock footage- the County-City Building, taken from Tacoma Avenue South. This twelve story central structure towers 167 feet above the street level. The court wing sits to the left and the law enforcement wing to the right. The glass and aluminum building was dedicated in April of 1959 and built from a design by architect A. Gordon Lumm. The building is still in use and the central structure looks much the same, however the side wings have been remodeled and greatly expanded.

County-City Building (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma;

ca. 1960. 1960 Richards stock footage- the County-City Building from the intersection of 11th and Tacoma Avenue South. In the background to the left can be seen the Armory. This view shows the two story court wing next to the twelve story central structure. The very controversial joint building took over 7 years from voter approval to finished structure, with skirmishes over location, architect, cost (it finished 3 1/2 million over original budget) and division between city and county. The building, however, has served Tacoma and Pierce County well and still meets the needs of the community. The wings have been extensively remodeled and added on to and now stretch almost to Tacoma Ave. So.

County-City Building (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma;

ca. 1960. The County-City Building, dedicated in April of 1959, over 7 years after the voters' approval, and designed by A. Gordon Lumm. The building stretches over 2 city blocks and was built at a cost of 9 1/2 million dollars; 3 1/2 million over the original amount approved by the voters. Shown is the four story law enforcement wing that was completed and occupied last. It housed both the Pierce County Sheriffs and the Tacoma Police Department. It is connected to the twelve story central structure. The photograph is taken from the intersection of 9th and Tacoma Ave. South with the structure facing onto Tacoma Ave. So. Photograph from the 1960 Richards stock files.

County-City Building (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma;

Electrical contractor Carl T. Madsen and Mort Anderson study blueprints in front of the new County-City Building on March 21, 1959. The building was designed by A. Gordon Lumm. architect, and the general contractor was the Macdonald Building Co.

County-City Building (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Madsen, Carl T.; Anderson, Mort; Blueprints;

Nine men pose outside the newly completed County-City Building on March 21, 1959. Two of the men are believed to be electrical contractor Carl T. Madsen and Mort Anderson. The County-City Building would be dedicated on April 10, 1959, nearly seven years after voters approved its construction.

County-City Building (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma;

Seven years after its initial approval by voters, the new County-City Building was dedicated April 10, 1959. The interim years had been filled with political wrangling and budget and design problems. The aluminum and glass building was designed by A. Gordon Lumm and build by Macdonald construction for a price tag of 9 1/2 million dollars. Tacoma Mayor Ben Hanson stands on the platform speaking at the dedication. After the keys for the building were presented to Mayor Hanson (someone had forgotten to bring the actual keys and a set of house keys were substituted); he turned and presented them to ex-Mayor John Anderson, who was instrumental in the construction of the building. (TNT 4/9/1959, pg. 1 4/10/1959, pg. 1)

County-City Building (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hanson, Ben;

ca. 1959. Imposing entrance of the new County-City building, an soaring glass and aluminum structure designed by A. Gordon Lumm. Lumm was the controversial selection of the County Commissioners as architect. His selection raised the ire of the local architects as he was the only one who did not participate in the free preliminary work performed by the architects' society. Bids for the construction of the original design came in 3 1/2 million higher than available funds. Voters approved an additional $3,700,00 in a bond issue to make up the difference. The building was finally constructed according to the original design and dedicated on April 10, 1959. (TNT 4/7/1959, pg. B1+)

County-City Building (Tacoma);

ca. 1959. The new County-City building from the intersection of 9th and Tacoma Ave. So. In April of 1959, Macdonald Building Co. had finally finished construction on the building that almost did not get built. In November of 1952, after a previous bond issue defeat, voters approved 6 million dollars to finance a joint county and city building. Over 20 sites were proposed, each with its own adamant supporters. The County Commissioners overrode all, including their own advisory committee that recommended the area bounded by So. 13th, 15th, Market and Tacoma Ave, to choose its present site. A Gordon Lumm was the controversial selection as architect. In midstream, 1953, Tacoma changed its form of government and the new council wanted the city to have its own wing, a demand that Lumm could not accomodate. In 1956, things went from bad to worse, as construction bids came in at 3 1/2 million over available funds. Voters voted in another bond issue to cover the shortfall. The council agreed on a lease agreement, after stormy negotiations, whereby the city would pay the county $80,000 a year for 20 years. The building was finally completed and dedicated on April 10, 1959, after much political blood letting. (TNT 4/7/1959, pg B1+) TPL-8169

County-City Building (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma;

Interior and exterior shots of the new County-City building; jail cells in the new law enforcement wing. The combined facility for the county sheriff and the Tacoma police departments was jokingly referred to as the "joint joint." The jail was designed for maximum security and to be a more comfortable and spacious environment for the city, county and federal prisoners. It had air conditioning, a chapel, infirmary, delousing room and even a fenced rooftop exercise area called the "patio." The city jail was located on the third floor and the county jail on the fourth floor of the north wing. Jointly there were 8-9 tanks capable of holding 10-50 prisoners each. The city and county jails each had space for 140 prisoners. The day cells were equipped with showers, but the shower booths had no controls. A jailer yards away controlled both the temperature and the volume of the spray. (TNT 4/7/1959, pg. B-10)

County-City Building (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma; Jails--Tacoma;

ca. 1959. A rare view of the modern fifties architecture of the County City Building (dedicated April of 1959) and the Romanesque building that it was replacing, the Pierce County Courthouse. The County Courthouse was built in 1892 and although beautiful, by the fifties it had deteriorated, had sagging floors and was a fire hazard. The building was demolished the summer of 1959 and the area used as additional parking for the County-City Building. With this added parking area, the County-City Building would have available parking for 604 cars. The increased need for parking reflected the increase in personal automobile ownership in the fifties. TPL-9929

County-City Building (Tacoma); Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma);

ca. 1959. The gothic spires of the old Pierce County Courthouse overlook the new glass and aluminum County-City building in this photograph from April or May of 1959. The old Courthouse was scheduled to be demolished as soon as all offices were relocated to the the new building. Of special interest was the movement of thousands of paper records, required by law for the county to store. Four trucking firms were hired to move 5,000 beer cartons of public records to the new building. Approximately 9 additional truck loads of records that were over 10 years old were ordered destroyed. Demolition of the Old Courthouse began in June, 1959. It was replaced with a parking lot.

County-City Building (Tacoma); Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma;

Governor Albert D. Rosellini (far right) was one of many civic and political leaders who lent a hand at the first annual Fort Steilacoom Old Fashioned Threshin' Bee on August 30, 1959, held on Western State Hospital grounds. Although he did wear a straw hat, his white shirt, tie and dress slacks made him a little overdressed for much real work. Crowds estimated at 13,000 attended the Bee and enjoyed watching the steam powered threshers in action, devoured pancakes at the special breakfast, and rode Steve Pease's cable car around the 825-acre hospital. 196 bushels of oats and mountains of straw were harvested. The event was sponsored by the Western Steam Friends Association, the South Tacoma Kiwanis Club, and Western State. ALBUM 10. (TNT 8-30-59, p. 1, 8-31-59, p. 1)

Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Pitchforks; Hay; Haystacks; Threshing machines; Threshing--Lakewood;

Governor Albert D. Rosellini with a group of Pierce County Democrats at a testimonial dinner for the governor. Ethel Rosellini, the governor's wife, is flanked by her husband (R) and State Attorney General John J. O'Connell. Standing are P.C. Democratic party chairman George Sheridan and John McCutcheon, county prosecutor and the evening's master of ceremonies. The Fellowship Hall dinner replaced the usual Jefferson-Jackson day fund raiser and was planned so that the governor could make a direct report to Pierce County residents regarding the progress of his administration. Albert Rosellini was born to immigrant parents in Tacoma in 1910. An attorney, he was elected to the State Senate in 1938 and championed liberal causes including juvenile justice reform and transportation improvements. His first term as governor saw the modernization of the mental health system, increased aid to colleges and universities, creation of a separate justice and prison system for juveniles, merit system for state employees and establishment of the Department of Commerce and Economic Development. He made effective use of the state's first televised debates between gubernatorial candidates and defeated State Supt. of Public Instruction Lloyd Andrews in his re-election bid. Attempting a third consecutive term, he lost the 1964 elections to Republican State House leader, Dan Evans. Subsequent tries for the King County Executive and governor were not successful. In 1988, the state renamed the Evergreen Floating Bridge, the world's longest floating bridge, for the governor who pushed its construction. ALBUM 10. (Seattle/King Co. HistoryLink.org; TNT 5-4-58, A-7, TNT 5-10-58, p. 1)

Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Rosellini, Ethel; O'Connell, John J.; Sheridan, George; McCutcheon, John;

National Transportation Week was around the corner when Col. Harry T. Meyers, post transportation officer at Fort Lewis and Harry D. Smith, western division traffic manager for Weyerhaeuser Sales Co., pointed out various modes of transportation to Mayor John Anderson in May of 1958. Models of a United Airlines airplane, Pacific Intermountain Express (PIE) semi-truck and trailer, and Milwaukee Road train are displayed before the mayor. Publicity for Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. ALBUM 14. (TNT 5-11-58, B-4)

Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.; Meyers, Harry T.; Military officers; Smith, Harry D.; Model airplanes; Model vehicles; Model railroads;

Governor Albert D. Rosellini with a group of Pierce County Democrats. Seated next to the governor and Mrs. Rosellini is former Pierce County prosecutor and current State Attorney General, John J. O'Connell. Standing are George Sheridan, Democratic party county chairman and John McCutcheon, current county prosecutor. The group was captured in a photograph taken on May 9, 1958, at a testimonial dinner given in honor of Governor Rosellini at the Fellowship Hall. The governor spoke about the 30 million dollar deficit he inherited from Republican Arthur B. Langlie and stated that he had saved the state 20 million, due to cutbacks in operating costs of state offices and vigorous collection of taxes from out-of-state corporations dba in Washington. Governor Rosellini was then in his first term as chief executive. The son of immigrants, he studied law at the University of Washington and became a well-known Seattle attorney. After employment in Warren G. Magnuson's King County Prosecutor's office, Mr. Rosellini won election to the State Senate in 1938 where he remained until his assumption of the governor's seat in 1956. Under his leadership, the legislature passed enabling legislation for the Municipality of Metropolitan Seattle (Metro, now part of King County) and the Seattle's "Century 21" world's fair. In addition, he was able to create a separate justice and prison system for juveniles, accelerate road construction and modernize the mental health system. He was the legislative father of the University of Washington's medical/dental schools and a supporter of higher education. Albert Rosellini was the first Italian-American and first Catholic governor west of the Mississippi. A portrait of Mr. Rosellini's early life and active career in politics was captured in Payton Smith's 1997 work, "Rosellini: Immigrants' Son and Progressive Governor." (Seattle/King Co. HistoryLink.org; TNT 5-4-58, A-7, TNT 5-10-58, p. 1) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Rosellini, Ethel; O'Connell, John; Sheridan, George; McCutcheon, John;

On April 10, 1959, the new 9 1/2 million dollar County-City Building was dedicated. The raised square stand in front of the building was seating for dignitaries and speakers such as County Commissioner Harry Sprinker, Tacoma Mayor Ben Hanson and Washington State Governor Albert Rosellini, as well as others. The sidewalks and street in front of the building were thronged with people and office workers watched out the windows. The Pacific Lutheran College Choir of the West, under the direction of Gunnar J. Malmin, sang for the ceremony. The eleven story glass and aluminum edifice was designed by A. Gordon Lumm. It stretched over two city blocks. It replaced the old City Hall, old County Courthouse, old Police Station and the old County City Health Department. (TNT 4/9/1959, pg. 1 & 4/10/1959, pg. 1) TPL-3848

County-City Building (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1950-1960; Building dedications--Tacoma--1950-1960; Crowds--Tacoma; Choirs (Music);

April 10, 1959, saw the dedication of the new County-City Building, 930 Tacoma Avenue South. The 9 1/2 million dollar project was finally completed after years of delay. Although voters had approved its construction in November of 1952, it took until July of 1956 for building to start. A large number of business people, politicians, civic leaders and everyday Tacomans attended the ceremony. In the background, the doomed old Pierce County Courthouse awaited its demolition. It would make way for parking for the new facility.

County-City Building (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1950-1960; Building dedications--Tacoma--1950-1960; Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma); Crowds--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Governor Albert D. Rosellini addresses his audience outside the new County-City Building during dedication ceremonies in April, 1959. Seated in the group behind the governor are members of the police, service organizations, and councilmen, including Mayor Ben Hanson, in the second row, and John Anderson, third row. Wearing a crown in the front row is Pat Baldwin, the Queen of Anchorage Alaska's Fur Rendevoux, in Tacoma for the Daffodil Festival's Salute to Alaska. To her right is the 1959 Daffodil Queen Carol Mills.

Rosellini, Albert D.; Governors; County-City Building (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hanson, Ben; Anderson, John H.; Baldwin, Pat; Mills, Carol;

View of County-City Building ordered by Fentron Industries, Seattle. The modern County-City Building stands nearly completed on September 19, 1958, a stark contrast to the Old City Hall that it will be replacing. The main tower would be twelve stories high: ten for office space, basement storage and a penthouse used for mechanical equipment and a lunchroom. This particular shot was taken by a Richards Studio photographer who apparently climbed to the third floor of the Old Courthouse located to the rear of the new facility.

County-City Building (Tacoma);

Building construction continues slowly on the new County-City Building at 930 Tacoma Avenue South in April, 1957. After many years of argument and delay, construction finally began in July, 1956. It would not be completed until 1959, and dedicated in April of that year. View of concrete slip at the building site; forms are in place. The building would eventually be 12 stories high. A glimpse of the old County Court House can be seen; the Romanesque building of grey freestone would be used until the new building was complete and then torn down for a parking lot. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.

County-City Building (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);