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);

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);

President Roosevelt addresses a large crowd from his train at Union Depot. On the car platform with the President are his granddaughter Anna Eleanor (nicknamed Sistie) Dall, 29 year old son James, daughter Anna (Mrs. John Boettiger), his bodyguard, and grandson Curtis (Buzzie) Dall. (T. Times, 10/2/1937, p. 9).

Presidents; Roosevelt, Franklin Delano, 1882-1945; Boettiger, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt Dall, 1906-1975; Dall, Anna Eleanor; Roosevelt, James; Dall, Curtis; Visits of state--Tacoma--Roosevelt, Franklin Delano, 1882-1945;

A radioman stretches his microphone toward President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, center in profile, who looks over the large crowd gathered at the Union Depot. He was preparing to leave on the Great Northern Railway for a tour of the Grand Coulee Dam project site. The small children behind the railing are his grandchildren, Anna Eleanor (nicknamed Sistie) and Curtis (Buzzie) Dall. The men are believed to be, left to right, Senator Homer T. Bone, Harold Allen, the President's son James, Tacoma Mayor George Smitley (waving to the crowd) and the President's bodyguard (in hat.) ALBUM 1.

Presidents; Roosevelt, Franklin Delano, 1882-1945; Union Station (Tacoma); Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Visits of state--Tacoma--Roosevelt, Franklin Delano, 1882-1945; Dall, Anna Eleanor; Dall, Curtis;

On October 1, 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt made an early evening speech from the back of his train at Union Depot. The train made a 15 minute stop to allow the President to board. Roosevelt was being picked up after an automobile trip around the Olympic Peninsula and a motorcade from Olympia to Tacoma. It was estimated that over 50,000 Tacomans lined the street and crowded Union Station to catch a glimpse of the popular President. The President's next destination was the site of the Grand Coulee Dam project. Visible behind the President on the train car deck are believed to be Tacoman Harold Allen, the President's son James Roosevelt, Tacoma Mayor George Smitley and the President's grandson Curtis (Buzzie) Dall. At the time of this photograph, he was in his second term as President. He died April 12, 1945, during his fourth term, of a cerebral hemorrhage. (T. Times 10/02/1937, pg. 9) TPL-1999 ALBUM 1

Presidents; Roosevelt, Franklin Delano, 1882-1945; Union Station (Tacoma); Visits of state--Tacoma--Roosevelt, Franklin Delano, 1882-1945;

African-American porter or waiter beside President Roosevelt's train upon arrival at Union Depot at 7:35 PM for a 15 minute whistle stop. (T. Times, 10/2/1937, p.9).

Visits of state--Tacoma--Roosevelt, Franklin Delano, 1882-1945; Union Station (Tacoma); Railroad employees;

Sepia photograph of Governor Clarence D. Martin and other dignitaries at the head table at the Community Achievement Dinner held at the Masonic Temple on December 28, 1937. A large poster of President Roosevelt is the only decoration on the wall. City and political leaders packed the head table, including Puget Sound National Bank's Reno Odlin, Congressman John Coffee, U.S. Senator Homer T. Bone, and Mayor George Smitley. The dinner combined the annual Tacoma Chamber of Commerce banquet and the city's achievement dinner. Governor Martin spoke of a brighter future for our state and its inhabitants. (T. Times, 12-29-37, p. 1) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; Coffee, John; Bone, Homer Truett, 1883-1970; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Banquets--Tacoma--1930-1940; Posters;

Governor Clarence D. Martin shakes hands with F. Rodman Titcomb of Weyerhaeuser Company, in front of a large poster of President Roosevelt, at a Community Achievement Dinner at the Masonic Temple. Mr. Titcomb was the former General Manager of Weyerhaeuser Timber Co. and was married to Elizabeth Weyerhaeuser, oldest child of John Philip Weyerhaeuser. He was announced to the 1000+ diners as the 1938 president of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. The chamber's usual banquet was combined with the community dinner, hence the large crowd in attendance. (T. Times, 12-29-37, p. 1). ALBUM 10.

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Titcomb, F. Rodman; Posters;

Tacoma City Council at (Old) City Hall. Mayor George Smitley at right center, by window. Portrait of Mayor A.V. Fawcett on wall, now hangs in Rare Book Room of Tacoma Public Library. (T.Times)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956;

Girl representing the Disabled American Veterans pins a Forget-Me-Not or "Buddy Poppy" on Mayor George A. Smitley at his office in (Old) City Hall. Miss Viola Wilson is holding a handful of paper poppies as she fastens the Forget-Me-Not to Mr. Smitley's lapel. Mr. Smitley helped to kick off the annual Forget-Me-Not sale by purchasing the first flower from Miss Wilson, who is the daughter of state disabled veterans commander Virgil Wilson. It was noted in the Tacoma Times article attached to the sepia September 25, 1935, photograph, that Mr. Wilson was seriously ill in a Seattle hospital suffering from the effects of wounds received in the war. ALBUM 11. (T. Times, 9-26-35, p. 5)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Fund raising--Tacoma--1930-1940; Patriotic societies--Tacoma; Veterans' organizations--Tacoma; Wilson, Viola;

Sepia 1937 photograph of Tacoma City Officials at (Old) City Hall. L to R: Frank Callender - public safety commissioner, C. Val Fawcett - finance commissioner, Tom Swayze - city controller, Mayor George Smitley, Genevieve Martin - city clerk, Abner Bergersen - public works commissioner, Ira Davisson - public utilities commissioner, and Howard Carothers- corporation counsel. Group is seated at a glass-top table with two spittoons on floor. Furnishings, including wood floor, appear plain and utilitarian. ALBUM 11.

Municipal government--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Callender, Frank T.; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Swayze, Tom; Martin, Genevieve; Bergersen, Abner R.; Davisson, Ira; Carothers, Howard;

Tacoma City Council at (Old) City Hall. Photographed in April of 1937 for the Tacoma Times but apparently not used. (T. Times)

Municipal officials--Tacoma--1930-1940; Meetings--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;

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;

Arrival of army transport U.S. Grant bringing 808 officers and men of the 15th Infantry Division home from Tientsin, China. Pictured left to right are Col. Joseph A. McAndrew, commander of the 15th Infantry, unidentified officer, Governor Clarence D. Martin, an unidentified officer and Tacoma Mayor George Smitley. (T.Times, 3/24/1938, p.1),

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Troop movements--1930-1940; McAndrew, Joseph A.;

Publicity portrait of new Pierce County Prosecutor Thor Tollefson making a point, appearently from the City Directory! Mr. Tollefson served as county prosecutor from 1938-1946, at which time he made a successful bid for a Congressional seat. He was to remain as the 6th District representative for nine terms, until finally defeated for re-election in the 1964 elections. (T. Times, 1-9-39, p. 1) ALBUM 4.

Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Lawyers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

New Pierce County Prosecutor Thor Tollefson and his wife Eva. Mr. Tollefson was the county's prosecuting attorney from 1938-1946 when he then ran for election to the U.S. House of Representatives. He defeated incumbent Democrat John Coffee and won re-election during the eight succeeding Congresses. Born in Minnesota and a Tacoma resident since 1912, Mr. Tollefson graduated from Lincoln High School and the University of Washington Law School. (T. Times 1-09-39, p. 1) ALBUM 4.

Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Tollefson, Eva; Lawyers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

During March of 1938 the Tacoma Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Eugene Linden, presented the first in a series of three concerts to be held that year at the Temple Theatre. The 60 member orchestra played the Overture from the "Magic Flute", Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony, and the Concerto for Piano and Orchestra by Mowery with Dent Mowery as soloist. The Philharmonic attracted their largest audience ever, with approximately 1,400 persons attending. The musicians in rehearsal are: seated l to r, Philip Meyer, Charles Bird & John Kolilis. Glen Dodge is standing at the far right, and Herb Jones is standing at the center under the calendar. The sign on the wall indicates that the Philharmonic Orchestra in 1938 was part of the WPA Federal Music Project. (T.Times 3/4/1938, p.3).

Works Progress Administration (Tacoma); Tacoma Philharmonic Orchestra (Tacoma); Orchestras--Tacoma--1930-1940; Brass instruments; Musicians--Tacoma--1930-1940; Meyer, Philip; Bird, Charles; Kolilis, John; Dodge, Glen; Jones, Herb;

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;

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;

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.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;

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;

In 1940, the heated election fight between former mayor Melvin G. Tennent and Harry P. Cain ended in March with Mr. Cain elected mayor of Tacoma. Mr. Cain's name had been placed on the ballot by a superior court mandamus order days before the election. "This is the dirtiest deal ever pulled in the city of Tacoma," declared a bitter Mr. Tennent after the election. The Tacoma Times journeyed to the Cain's home on Wednesday, March 13, 1940, to photograph the newly elected mayor and his family. Harry P. Cain II (Buzzy), age two, and his small dog Ricky pose for the camera the morning after his father's victory. (T.Times, 3-13-40, p. 1) ALBUM 12.

Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979--Family; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dogs--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Mayor- Elect Harry P. Cain addresses supporters on the night of his election, March 12, 1940. Successful Public Utilities Commissioner candidate Bob O'Neil is perched on a desk behind him. Mr. Cain defeated former mayor Melvin G. Tennent in a highly contested race. Harry P. Cain's name was placed on the ballot by the courts as a replacement for Dr. Bert Kertsetter who had died just days before the general election. Mr. Cain had finished third in the primary, behind leading vote getter Kertsetter and Mr. Tennent. He assumed office in June. ALBUM 12.

Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pointing fingers;

A sense of humor saves the day as Wavie (Mrs. J.J.) Kaufman, wife of the Mayor, prepares to cut a makeshift ribbon opening the new, and long awaited, 38th Street bridge on December 19, 1939. Some thrill seeking youngsters had dissected the original ribbon and carried it off as souvenirs. A replacement was formed from pieces of cloth. It is held by Mayor Kaufman, left, and Commissioner A.R. Bergersen. Representative H. N. (Barney) Jackson, center, and Senator G.B. Kerstetter, far right, look on. The 38th street bridge was a modern concrete affair costing $37,000 and intended to bring the McKinley Hill area "back into the city." The construction of the bridge had been sought for several years by Hill residents. (T. Times 12/20/1939, pg. 20)

Kaufman, Joseph J.; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Dedications--Tacoma--1930-1940; Bridges--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Wavie; Bergersen, Abner R.; Jackson, H.N.; Kerstetter, G.B.;

Crowded reviewing stand on Pacific Avenue for Golden Jubilee parade on July 22, 1939. Dignitaries are saluting the color guard as it passes by. Queen Amy Lou Murray and Mayor J. J. Kaufman at center, high ranking military personnel flank them. The reviewing stand at 12th and Pacific was occupied by 200 dignitaries who viewed the 14 mile long parade.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Murray, Amy Lou; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Reviewing stands--Tacoma;

Reviewing stand for Golden Jubilee parade on July 22, 1939. Left to Right: Public Utilities Commissioner Ira Davisson, Queen Amy Lou Murray, Mayor J. J. Kaufman, Miss Pierce County Margaret Franich, Princess Elizabeth Johnson. As Tacoma's frantic week of Jubilee festivities drew to a close, Tacomans could feel very proud. Attendance for the major events was very high, with the 100,000 persons lining the parade route topping the attendance charts.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Davisson, Ira; Murray, Amy Lou; Franich, Margaret; Johnson, Elizabeth;

Golden Jubilee "Tally Ho" being driven down Pacific Ave. near 11th St. Queen Amy Lou Murray (below "nd" in "Brand"sign), Mayor J.J. Kaufman (center, in light top hat), Miss Pierce Co. Margaret Franich (waving), Jubilee director Harry P. Cain, on running board of old-fashioned carriage in July, 1939. The men, with the exception of Harry Cain, all wear hats as part of the celebration. ALBUM 12.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Franich, Margaret; Murray, Amy Lou; Horses--Tacoma; Carriages & coaches--Tacoma;