ca. 1927. Legislative Building. The stately Legislative (Capitol) Building in Olympia looks complete in the above photograph taken about 1927. The building had Doric-colonnaded wings to the north and south and central colonnaded and pedimented entrance porticoes between. Its walls were thick, 12 inches of stone facing together with brick or concrete backing with an overall thickness of 2 feet, 5 inches. The large oval in front of the massive steps appears to be a lush grass lawn. (Johnston: Washington's Audacious State Capitol and Its Builders)

Legislative Building (Olympia);

ca. 1924. Progress photograph - State Legislative (Capitol) Building. Although construction on the Legislative Building in Olympia had begun in 1923, it was not the first attempt at the creation of a new state capitol building. Ernest Flagg of New York City had won a national competition in 1894 to become the project's architect. His design called for a compact structure facing south with "rusticated" ground floor, two main floors and an attic. The dome would have a "Gilded Age" appearance. Excavation and construction of foundations and basement, of brick and exterior gray Tenino stone, followed. However, a change of administration delayed the construction of a permanent state capitol building and the legislature instead moved into the Thurston County Courthouse in downtown Olympia until 1927. The lack of space in the courthouse instigated a call for the resumption of plans to build a new state capitol building. A richer, larger scale plan was sought which would include the Temple of Justice and future buildings grouped as necessary. Only 30 entries were submitted in 1911 with another New York City twosome, Walter Robb Wilder and Harry Keith White, emerging as the winners. The Temple of Justice and Insurance Building would be completed first, in 1920 and 1921 respectively. The Legislative Building would be constructed on the site of the Flagg foundations. Pictured above ca. 1924 are the foundations and monumental steps. The stone facing is of Wilkeson stone from quarries in Pierce County; lighter in color than Tenino or Chuckanut stone, it was felt that the off-white tones with cream and pink hints would provide a warmer appearance on cold, rainy days. Durable, Wilkeson stone was available in vast quantities and would be used during the years of construction. (Johnston: Washington's Audacious State Capitol and Its Builders)

Building construction--Olympia--1920-1930; Legislative Building (Olympia);

ca. 1927. View of State Capitol buildings after 1925. L-R are the Insurance Building, Legislative (Capitol) Building, and the Temple of Justice. All buildings utilized Wilkeson stone, a durable sandstone, from the quarries of Pierce County. The Temple of Justice was accepted by the state in August of 1920 at a total cost of $942,230. Located east of the Legislative Building, the Insurance Building was constructed in response to the increasing office space needs of the state government. Using elements of the Roman Doric order, the Insurance Building was occupied in 1921 by a variety of state offices including the governor's office. The Insurance Building cost more than the Temple of Justice - at slightly over a million dollars. ($1,032,000.) The Legislative Building was the last of the three to be officially completed in 1928 with its total cost $7,385,768.21, including nearly $600,000 in furnishings. Landscaping of the complex would follow. (Johnston: Washington's Audacious State Capitol and Its Builders)

Legislative Building (Olympia); Insurance Building (Olympia); Temple of Justice (Olympia);

ca. 1927. Legislative Building. The most complex structural element was the building's dome. Possibly the fourth highest dome in the world, the dome was one of the last great self-supporting masonry domes built. New York City architects Walter Wilder and Harry White envisioned the creation of three domes, blending them into a structure 176 feet above a base 102 feet above the ground. The overall height of the dome would be 278 feet, resting on a 130-foot monolith foundation of concrete and steel which supported four massive corner piers. Topping-out ceremonies, in which the final stone was set into place on the lantern, occurred on October 13, 1926. (Johnston: Washington's Audacious State Capitol and Its Builders)

Legislative Building (Olympia);

ca. 1927. Interior of rotunda - Legislative Building. This view of the rotunda's interior was believed to have been taken shortly after its completion. The rotunda was located directly beneath the Legislative Building's dome. After much discussion, it was decided not to use all marble in the interior of the rotunda but to use plaster as the interior finish. Besides the cost, it was felt that the presence of too much marble would make it too austere. The marble that was used in the rotunda was from Alaska with its light gray tones; the same was used in entrances, staircases and corridors. Richer, more expensive imported marble would be utilized in the legislative chambers and in the state reception room. (Johnston: Washington's Audacious State Capitol and Its Builders)

Legislative Building (Olympia); Rotundas--Olympia;

Mayor C. Val Fawcett received an official invitation to Hawaii's Aloha Week in October of 1948 from Lura Keller, Tacoma counter agent for United Air Lines. A lei of orchids, flown to Tacoma by the airlines, accompanied the invitation. Mayor Fawcett had traveled to Hawaii earlier that year with Tacoma's goodwill ambassadors. Aloha Week was to have been November 14 - 21, 1948. Photograph ordered by United Air Lines. (TNT 10/13/1948, p.6)

Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Keller, Lura; United Airlines (Tacoma); Orchids--Tacoma; Leis; Invitations;

Portrait of Governor Mon C. Wallgren while he was attending a meeting of the Olympia Eagles. Mr. Wallgren, a Democrat, served as Washington State's governor for one term from 1945-49. A member of the National Guard during WWI, Mr. Wallgren was engaged in the retail jewelry and optical business from 1915-1932. He was subsequently elected to represent the 2nd District in Congress from 1933-40 and then the U.S. Senate from 1940-45. A longtime acquaintance of Harry S. Truman, he stumped the state with the president in the 1940's, appearing with the president in Tacoma in June, 1948. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961;

Cigarette in hand, Governor Mon C. Wallgren sits among Eagles Club members during a visit to the Olympia Eagles Lodge #21 on October 1, 1948. He is in the center of the photograph, third from the left. He was present to watch the induction of new members and also gave a speech to fellow Eagles. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia);

Governor Mon C. Wallgren rides in a 1929 Packard Touring automobile in a parade on Olympia's East 4th Avenue. Residents line both sides of the street on this drizzly day. Olympia F.O.E. (Eagles) Lodge is in center background. Governor Wallgren subsequently attended an Eagles meeting where he addressed fellow members. Series ordered, but not used, by Life Magazine. ALBUM 10. Patrons report the upside-down "Mark's Used Cars" sign was intentional--and one of many unusual ploys by the business to get customers into the lot.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Automobiles--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia); Parades & processions--Olympia--1940-1950;

Governor Mon C. Wallgren rides in a 1929 Packard Touring convertible in a parade on Olympia's East 4th Avenue. Olympia F.O.E. (Eagles) held a parade in honor of Governor Wallgren's visit. He is seated to the extreme left along with two other dignitaries and is wearing a heavy topcoat to counteract the chill. Governor Wallgren was running for re-election; however, his bid to remain in the governor's chair would be defeated by Republican Arthur B. Langlie. Series ordered by Life Magazine but not published. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Automobiles--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia); Parades & processions--Olympia--1940-1950;

Governor Mon C. Wallgren gives a standing ovation to a baton twirler during a parade in Olympia. He is riding in a 1929 Packard convertible with other dignitaries as part of a parade given in his honor during his visit to the Olympia Eagles. The majorette has her two batons in rapid motion as she gives a huge smile. The parade had momentarily stopped in front of a Texaco gas station so the majorette could perform. Series ordered, but not used, by Life Magazine. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Baton twirling--Olympia--1940-1950; Drum majorettes--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia); Parades & processions--Olympia--1940-1950; Automobiles--Olympia--1940-1950;

Governor Mon C. Wallgren admires a baton twirler while riding in a 1929 Packard Touring convertible during a parade in Olympia. He is seated in the back of the vehicle closest to the majorette. Governor Wallgren took part in the parade and attended a meeting of the Olympia Eagles. The majorette wears a uniform with a sparkling skirt and top with midriff exposed, boots and a tall helmet with a plume. The young brunette has her baton in motion. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Baton twirling--Olympia--1940-1950; Drum majorettes--Olympia--1940-1950; Parades & processions--Olympia--1940-1950; Automobiles--Olympia--1940-1950;

Governor Mon C. Wallgren rides in a 1929 Packard Touring convertible in a parade on Olympia's East 4th Avenue. He would be attending a meeting held at the Olympia Eagles Lodge #21 on 4th Avenue E. Governor Wallgren's vehicle is behind one of the Eagles' drill teams. The women wear dark uniforms with white visored caps, white gloves and white shoes. Standing at attention, they are led by a man in Eagles uniform, carrying a saber. GallenKamp's and Williams stores are seen on the opposite side of the street. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Drill teams; Parades & processions--Olympia--1940-1950; Automobiles--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia);

Governor Mon C. Wallgren with members of the drill team at the Olympia Eagles Lodge. The female drill team members from the F.O.E. #21 wear uniforms of dark jackets with three rows of brass buttons, white skirts and plumed helmets. One woman has her white gloves draped over her belt. At least two women have braids attached to one shoulder; they may be officers in the group. Photograph was taken on October 1, 1948, on behalf of Life Magazine, but apparently not run in the publication. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Drill teams; Uniforms; Women--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia);

Governor Mon C. Wallgren bangs the drum with members of the F.O.E. Band at the Olympia Eagles Lodge in October of 1948. Two band members play fiddle and guitar. The man playing the guitar has Eagles insignia on his dark jacket and on his visored cap. A piano is shown to the right on the stage. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Drums (Musical instruments)--Olympia; Guitars; Violins; Pianos; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia); Stages (Platforms);

Governor Mon C. Wallgren seems to be keeping a pretty good beat as he pounds along with members of the Olympia Eagles Lodge band. F.O.E. members on guitar and violin accompany Governor Wallgren on October 1, 1948. He was also a card-carrying member of the Eagles fraternal order. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Drums; Guitars; Violins; Pianos;Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia); Stages (Platforms);

Governor Mon C. Wallgren enjoys a bite to eat at the Olympia Eagles Lodge on October 1, 1948. He had participated in a parade organized by the Eagles club which had proceeded down 4th Avenue E. Here he is seated next to a drum majorette, whistle around her neck and baton in hand, and other Eagles members. Governor Wallgren also belonged to the Eagles order as well as several other military and civic organizations. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Eating & drinking--Olympia; Drum majorettes--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia);

Governor Mon C. Wallgren took part in a parade on Olympia's East 4th Avenue. The Color Guard is seen in front of the Olympia FOE (Eagles) Lodge.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Flag bearers--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia); Parades & processions--Olympia--1940-1950; Uniforms;

Governor Mon C. Wallgren participates in a flag ceremony with the Olympia Eagles at their Lodge. Governor Wallgren, center with silver hair and dark suit, was also a member of the Eagles. His re-election campaign was coming to a close in the few weeks remaining before the November elections. Series ordered, but not used, by Life Magazine. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Flag salutes--Olympia--1940-1950; Pledges of allegiance--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia);

Governor Mon C. Wallgren watches entry of white-gloved men in uniforms at the Olympia Eagles Lodge. Standing with the silver-haired executive are probably members of the Eagles club. Before them are emblems of the Eagles: podium with "F.O.E." engraved on the sides, a metal eagle sculpture with scales hanging on its beak, and an open book, possibly a Bible, on the wooden stand. This picture was one of several in a series shot for Life Magazine but never run. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Flag salutes--Olympia--1940-1950; Pledges of allegiance--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia);

Governor Mon C. Wallgren addresses the Olympia Eagles at their Lodge. He, reportedly, was also a member of the Eagles, as well as the Elks, Rotary, American Legion, Freemasons and Knights Templar. Mr. Wallgren served as Washington state governor from 1945-1949. Previously he had been both a U.S. Senator and Congressman. He was one of the few that had held three different high political offices. Series ordered, but not used, by Life Magazine. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia);

Governor Mon C. Wallgren visited the Olympia Eagles at their Lodge. He is seen here talking with two members of the Eagles on October 1, 1948. He may have been calling on fellow Eagles for support in the upcoming general elections where he was in a tight contest with former governor Arthur B. Langlie. Mr. Wallgren would go on to lose his bid for re-election by approximately 28,000 votes. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia);

Governor Mon C. Wallgren meets and greets members of the Olympia Eagles Lodge #21 on October 1, 1948. Governor Wallgren was running for re-election that year and the visit to the Olympia Eagles was preceded by a parade on East 4th Avenue. He was a card-carrying member of the Eagles as well as many other civic and military organizations. Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Mr. Wallgren served as U.S. Congressman from the 2nd District and U.S. Senator before being elected to the governor's office in late 1944. He was to serve one term before being defeated in his re-election bid by Arthur B. Langlie. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia);

Governor Mon C. Wallgren shows his membership card upon entering the Olympia Eagles Lodge. He was reportedly also a member of the American Legion, Forty and Eight, Freemasons, Knights Templar, Elks and Rotary organizations. Governor Wallgren was concluding his re-election campaign; he did not retain the governor's chair, as he was defeated by his predecessor, Arthur B. Langlie. Series ordered, but not used, by Life Magazine. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Membership cards; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia);

Portrait of Governor Mon C. Wallgren while he was attending a meeting of the Olympia Eagles. Governor Wallgren was in the midst of a re-election campaign in late 1948; as a member of the Eagles, he may have been asking for their support in the upcoming November elections. A very experienced legislator, Mr. Wallgren was to lose the election to Arthur B. Langlie, Republican. In later years, Mr. Wallgren was to serve on the Federal Power Commission, engage in citrus growing and the development of uranium claims in California. He died in Olympia on September 18, 1961, due to injuries suffered in an automobile accident. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Portraits;

Portrait of Governor Mon C. Wallgren while he was attending a meeting of the Olympia Eagles. Governor Wallgren, dapper in striped tie and dark suit, was photographed on October 1, 1948. He was nearing the end of his term in office; although he ran for re-election, he was defeated by former governor, Arthur B. Langlie. His old friend, President Harry S. Truman, nominated him for chairman of the National Security Resources Board in 1949. Because the Senate Armed Services Committee rejected this nomination, Mr. Wallgren asked that President Truman withdraw his name, and the president regretfully complied. Governor Wallgren did serve on the Federal Power Commission 1950-51 and later was involved in citrus growing and the development of uranium claims in California. ALBUM 10. TPL-5055

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Portraits;

Governor Mon C. Wallgren at Olympia Eagles Lodge. Governor Wallgren paid a visit to the Olympia Eagles on October 1, 1948. He was engaged in a re-election campaign but would be defeated by his predecessor, Arthur B. Langlie. Following the elections, he would nominated by President Harry S. Truman as chairman of the National Security Resources Board in 1949 but the nomination was subsequently withdrawn. He did serve as a member of the Federal Power Commission from 1950-51. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Portraits; Paintings; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia);

Governor Mon C. Wallgren at the Olympia Eagles Lodge. Governor Wallgren stands near a painting of an eagle with an open Bible. The word, "Truth," is painted below the eagle. Mon (Monrad) C. Wallgren was governor of Washington State from 1945-1949. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, he served in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate prior to becoming governor. A Democrat, he lost to Arthur B. Langlie in the 1948 gubernatorial elections; he had previously defeated Langlie in 1944. TPL-5056. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Portraits; Paintings; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia);

Close-up of Governor Mon C. Wallgren at the Olympia Eagles Lodge. He is posed in front of a painting of an eagle whose talons are resting on an open Bible. The word, "Truth," is painted on the rock below the eagle. Mon C. Wallgren was governor of Washington from 1945 to 1949. Although born in Des Moines, Iowa, he attended public schools and business college in Everett and graduated from the Washington State School of Optometry in Spokane. His military service in WWI was in the Coast Artillery Corps of the Washington National Guard; he later was the adjutant of the Third Battalion of the Guard. Governor Wallgren represented the 2nd District in Congress from 1933-40 and then was elected in 1940 to the U.S. Senate. His bid for re-election to the governor's office was rejected by voters who returned his predecessor, Arthur B. Langlie, to the executive's office. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Portraits; Paintings; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia);

Governor Mon C. Wallgren addresses the Olympia Eagles at their Lodge. A Democrat, he was nearing the end of his re-election campaign. He lost to his predecessor, Arthur B. Langlie, in the November, 1948, elections, by approximately 28,000 votes. Series ordered, but not used, by Life Magazine.

Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Public speaking--Olympia; Fraternal organizations--Olympia--1940-1950; Fraternal Order of Eagles (Olympia);