Exterior cleaning of the Roxy Theatre. The Boedecker Co., in business since 1919, was in the process of cleaning the venerable Roxy Theatre in early February of 1974. According to Richards Studio notes, the 9th St. side of the theatre had yet to be cleaned. A Boedecker C. truck is parked under the theatre's canopy. Color photograph ordered by the Boedecker Co., Inc.

Cleaning--Tacoma--1970-1980; Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Boedecker Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Exterior cleaning of the Roxy Theatre. The Roxy Theatre's side facing Broadway has had its exterior cleaned by the Boedecker Co. in February of 1974. According to Richards Studio notes, the building's 9th St. side has yet to be cleaned. The Roxy would anchor one end of the new Broadway Plaza pedestrian mall which had its groundbreaking on May 8, 1973. In an effort to attract more customers to the downtown business district, the Broadway Plaza was created between South 9th and 13th Sts. as a pedestrian-friendly area with limited traffic access. Color photograph ordered by the Boedecker Co., Inc.

Cleaning--Tacoma--1970-1980; Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Boedecker Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Broadway Plaza (Tacoma);

ca. 1931. Photograph, circa 1931, taken from the Medical Arts Building looking down on the buildings on the east side of Broadway beginning at 9th after dark. A good view of the RKO Orpheum lit up at night. Rust and Washington Buildings in background.

Streets--Tacoma--1930-1940; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1930-1940; Pantages Theater (Tacoma); Business districts--Tacoma--1930-1940;

On August 22, 1934, several men standing on the roof of the Jones Building (now known as the Pantages) craned their necks to watch the airship Macon fly over the downtown skyline. Thousands lined the streets and rooftops of buildings to watch the dirigible make a wide circle over the city around 8 a.m. Construction of the dirigible cost the US two and a half million dollars. Tacoma was also visited by airships Shenandoah in 1924 and Akron in 1932. The Macon was lost over the Pacific Ocean offshore of Point Sur Feb. 12, 1935. (T. Times 8/22/1934, pg. 1)

Airships--Tacoma; Jones Building (Tacoma); Historic buildings--Tacoma;

Ronald Reagan and unidentified man during broadcast outside Roxy (Pantages) Theater for"Tugboat Annie Sails Again" premiere on October 18, 1940. The future President and his co-stars, Marjorie Rambeau and Alan Hale, Sr., had journeyed to Tacoma for their motion picture premiere. Also accompanying them were actor Donald Crisp and Hollywood columnist Hedda Hopper. For star-struck Tacomans, it was a chance to see actual movie stars in person as the celebrities made appearances not only at the three theaters premiering the film but at a water carnival and massive banquet as well.

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reagan, Ronald Wilson, 1911-;

On October 18, 1940, (l to r) Donald Crisp, Ronald Reagan, Marjorie Rambeau (nearly hidden), columnist Hedda Hopper, and Alan Hale, Sr. helped lay a commemorative plaque in front of the Roxy Theater, 901 Broadway. They were in Tacoma for the world premiere of the movie "Tugboat Annie Sails Again." The lettering on the plaque reads "Dedicated to Tugboat Annie - 1940 - Pioneer Spirit of Puget Sound." The plaque later was moved to the south wall of the theater. It was removed when the theater was being remodeled to become the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts (Pantages Theater), and is currently in storage. ALBUM 1;

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reagan, Ronald Wilson, 1911-; Hale, Alan; Rambeau, Marjorie; Crisp, Donald; Hopper, Hedda; Plaques--Tacoma;

October 18, 1940, sepia photograph of actors laying commemorative plaque in front of Roxy (Pantages) Theater before premiere of "Tugboat Annie Sails Again." L to R: Donald Crisp, Ronald Reagan, Marjorie Rambeau , Hedda Hopper (partly hidden), Alan Hale, Sr. The plaque later was moved to the south wall. Miss Rambeau and Mr. Hale played rivals in the tugboat business while Mr. Reagan portrayed Eddie Kent, a poor sailor who falls in love with rich socialite Jane Wyman. ALBUM 1

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reagan, Ronald Wilson, 1911-; Hale, Alan; Rambeau, Marjorie; Crisp, Donald; Hopper, Hedda; Plaques--Tacoma;

Tom Breneman's "Breakfast in Hollywood Show" at Tacoma's Roxy (Pantages) Theater on August 20, 1946. Masters of Ceremonies, Al Priddy and Bill Gunning (with microphone) from KJR Radio giving a prize to Mrs. Bernice Busick, a participant in the Goofy Hat contest. She would eventually carry home top honors in this category. Her vegetation-bedecked bonnet would consist of a candy Easter Bunny clutching a carrot complete with greens and small matches, tied on with a big bow. (T.Times, 8-21-46, p. 1) ALBUM 7.

Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hats--1940-1950; Awards; Priddy, Al; Gunning, Bill; Busick, Bernice;

Opening night of Tom Breneman's "Breakfast in Hollywood Show" at Tacoma's Roxy (Pantages) Theater, August 20, 1946. KJR Radio's Masters of Ceremonies with a contestant in the Goofy Hat contest. Al Priddy and Bill Gunning, KJR announcers, stand with the eventual Goofy Hat winning contestant, Mrs. Bernice Busick of Puyallup. Her unique hat sported dainty matches, carrot and greens, lace curtain veil and a tiny candy Easter Bunny. ALBUM 7. (T.Times, 8-21-46, p. 1)

Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hats--1940-1950; Priddy, Al; Gunning, Bill; Busick, Bernice;

Tom Breneman's "Breakfast in Hollywood Show" at Tacoma's Roxy (Pantages) Theater on August 20, 1946. Masters of Ceremonies, Al Priddy and Bill Gunning, from KJR Radio giving a prize to a fan. This is possibly Mrs. T.A. Page who won an orchid for being the youngest bride present; she had only been married two weeks. It appears that the theater management sponsored many contests to promote interest in the opening of the new motion picture, including "goofy hat," "oldest mother," and the above "youngest bride." A young man on a mule, both wearing hats, advertised the movie on downtown streets. The popular radio program of the same name had been transferred onto the big screen and attracted a large crowd on opening night. (T.Times, 8-21-46, p. 1) ALBUM 7.

Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Orchids--Tacoma; Priddy, Al; Gunning, Bill;

Roxy Theater. A tall young man wearing a wide-brimmed black hat and black cape stands outside the theater on November 19, 1946 announcing the movie now showing, "Cloak and Dagger" starring Gary Cooper.

Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Marquees--Tacoma--1940-1950; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Advertising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Motion pictures;

Crowd for radio personality Tom Breneman's "Breakfast in Hollywood Show" at Tacoma's Roxy (Pantages) Theater on opening night, August 20, 1946. Roxy Theater neon sign and marquee are very prominent in background. The popular radio program has been transferred to the big screen starring Mr. Breneman, Bonita Granville, singer Andy Russell, Zasu Pitts, Hedda Hopper, and Spike Jones & his City Slickers. Tacomans of all ages, some in the Armed Forces, queue up beneath the marquee. KJR radio would re-broadcast Mr. Breneman's radio program that same night at the theater. Director Harold Shuster's film provided an extra attraction for families of those involved in the film: nearly 100 extras and minor characters, some of whom had never had screen credit before, got the chance to call out their own names and hometowns on camera. ALBUM 7. (T.Times, 8-20-46, p. 6)

Marquees--Tacoma--1940-1950; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Queues--Tacoma; Theaters--Tacoma--1940-1950; Roxy Theatre (Tacoma);

In September of 1950, an unidentified young officer questions a small boy in front of the Roxy Theater. The boy, who seems to have made a lunch of chocolate at a matinee and retains most of it on his face and hands, may be looking for his mother. Ordered by the Tribune city desk. TPL-7116

Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Military Parade, Times, Sandegren. A brass band is about to turn the corner from Broadway onto South 9th Street during the Washington Birthday parade held in Tacoma in 1949. Men are playing trombones, sousaphones, tubas and drums. The crowd along the sides of Broadway are holding umbrellas and the streets are wet from rain.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Municipal officials--Tacoma--1940-1950; Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Brass instruments; Marching bands;

The old switchboard at the Jones Building, also known as the Pantages Theater, at 909 Broadway. Ordered by Westinghouse Electric Supply Company, Van Hodgins.

Jones Building (Tacoma); Switchboards--Tacoma; Historic buildings--Tacoma; Westinghouse Electric Supply Co. (Tacoma);

Architects in the firm of Jensen & Mills examine a small display of Douglas Fir Plywood Association promotional material in their Jones Building office on November 19, 1954. The plywood association always stressed the stringent quality controls utilized in approving plywood for numerous uses. The DFPA label on plywood meant that customers could count on the association standing behind its product. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.

Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Advertising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Jensen & Mills (Tacoma);

The rear and north side of the Jones Building which was built in 1917 as one of the Pantages Theaters featuring vaudeville. The back of the building shows beautiful detail in the brickwork creating lines and arches reminiscent of the architecture found on the north and west sides of the building as well as the interior. The north side has architectural details with arches and balconies built into the stone facade. Terra cotta details are seen as ornaments against the stone. Lanes Grill is seen at 904 Commerce Street and Tryfon Hatters is at 908 Commerce Street. TPL-9064

Jones Building (Tacoma); Historic buildings--Tacoma; Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Lanes Grill (Tacoma); Tryfon Hatters (Tacoma);

July 12, 1974 was the grand reopening of the Roxy Theatre located at 901 Broadway. A family film, Disney's "Herbie Rides Again," was the first-run feature in the newly remodeled and refurbished motion picture theater. The Roxy had been closed since May of 1973. It was one of the five theaters owned by Will Conner recently sold to the Mullendore family of Auburn. In 1975 the Tacoma Community Development Department began to explore the idea of taking over the building to create a showcase for the performing arts. The City purchased the building in 1979 and it, once again known as the Pantages, opened as a performing arts center in February of 1983. Also in this photograph is the Winthrop Hotel, across the street from the Roxy. The Deli, a new restaurant located on the site's ground floor, was scheduled to open in July of 1974. Color photograph ordered by the North Pacific Trade Center, Inc. BU -11178 (TNT 7-9-74, A-5 article on reopening; Kipp: Tacoma Rediviva, p. 74-article )

Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1970-1980; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

The Knights Templar band in their traditional plumed hats marched past the Roxy Theatre (later known again as the Pantages) on May 9, 1938. Tacoma was treated to a colorful afternoon parade when Knights Templar from all over the state gathered here for the 51st Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Washington. This parade of bands followed the marching companies. (T. Times 5/9/1938, pg. 1-article; TNT 5-9-38, p. 1-article on conclave)

Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Knights Templar (Tacoma); Marching bands--Tacoma--1930-1940; Meetings--Tacoma--1930-1940;

The ghostly USS Macon, a dirigible, flew over the Jones Building (now known as the Pantages) in downtown Tacoma on August 22, 1934. The eerie airship was almost disguised by the clouds. Thousands of spectators lined the streets and rooftops of buildings to watch the dirigible make a wide circle over the city around 8 a.m. The Daily Ledger called the airship "a great silver fish of the skies." The Macon was lost over the waters of the Pacific Ocean offshore from Point Sur on February 12, 1935. (T. Times 8/22/1934, pg. 1)

Airships--Tacoma; Jones Building (Tacoma); Historic buildings--Tacoma;

In May of 1941, Pfc. Kenneth E. Wilkinson counted his cash in his wallet, hoping to take in a matinee performance at the Roxy of Charlie Chaplin in "The Great Dictator." Stationed with Company E, 186th Infantry at Fort Lewis, Pfc. Wilkinson was the Army's most devoted movie fan. He had seen 245 full length feature pictures since he enlisted on October 4, 1940 at a cost he estimated to be about $65. The "Great Dictator" was making a second run around the country in general release at regular prices, 30 cents til 5p.m. and 45 cents at night. The national UP wire picked up the story on Wilkinson and Hollywood fell in love with the shy star struck private. The motion picture industry flew him to Hollywood for a week to meet and be entertained by noted producers, directors and actors. (T. Times 4/29/194, pg. 5; 7/24/41, pg. 1) TPL-1989

Wilkinson, Kenneth E.; Motion pictures; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma;

An unidentified couple won the dog shown in this photograph in a special drawing held at the Roxy Theater on August 1, 1947. The dog was borrowed from the Tacoma pound for a publicity stunt. It was used to help advertise the film "The Sea Hawk" starring Errol Flynn. When the publicity was finished the dog was to be returned to the pound. Rather then return the dog to the pound, where it would probably be "put to sleep", the theater management called on the citizens of Tacoma to give the dog a home. (T.Times, 7/30/1947) Dog being awarded to winner at Roxy Theater, O'Connell Ragan Company, Beverly Balster.

Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dogs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Publicity;

Roxy Theater, advertising for "The Spider Woman Strikes Back" and "The She Wolf of London", someone with a large mask pulls a gurney with a woman who "couldn't take it" from the lobby while two other women scream at the sight of her.

Publicity; Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Motion picture posters;

Henry Foss (far left) of the Foss Launch and Tug Company was one of the invited guests who spoke at the world premiere of "Tugboat Annie Sails Again" on October 18, 1940. Standing in front of the Roxy (now Pantages) Theater are five of the Hollywood celebrities who came to Tacoma for the premiere: (l to r) Ronald Reagan, Marjorie Rambeau, columnist Hedda Hopper, Alan Hale, Sr. and Donald Crisp. Foss tugs were used in the making of the movie. As part of the ceremony a brass plaque reading "Dedicated to Tugboat Annie - 1940 - Pioneer Spirit of Puget Sound" was affixed in the sidewalk in front of the theater. The plaque is currently in storage. ALBUM 1 TPL-2664

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reagan, Ronald Wilson, 1911-; Hale, Alan; Rambeau, Marjorie; Crisp, Donald; Hopper, Hedda; Foss, Henry O., 1891-1986;

Ronald Reagan at the microphone in front of the Roxy (Pantages) Theater during ceremonies before the premiere of "Tugboat Annie Sails Again" on October 18, 1940. Mr. Reagan was spokesperson for the film at each of the three theaters where it was shown, the Roxy, Blue Mouse and Music Box. Beside him are Marjorie Rambeau, Alan Hale, Sr., and Hedda Hopper. Ground has already been prepared for the placing of the commemorative plaque which is dedicated to Tugboat Annie.

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reagan, Ronald Wilson, 1911-; Hale, Alan; Rambeau, Marjorie; Hopper, Hedda; Plaques--Tacoma;

Publicity for new Cavalier Cigarettes, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Mr. G.J. Friend. The publicity procession passes the Roxy Theater where Frank Sinatra, Esther Williams and Gene Kelly star in the technicolor musical "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."

Publicity; Cigarettes; Cigarette industry; R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Marquees--Tacoma--1940-1950; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Roxy Theatre (Tacoma);

Five infantry battalions marched in a military parade on Washington's Birthday in 1949. The one and one-half hour parade included over 4,000 troops. This view shows the battalions marching north along Broadway. Soldiers marching at the front are just turning the corner in front of the Roxy Theater onto South 9th Street. Several spectators are standing on the awning over the sidewalk in front of the Roxy. Photo taken for Sandegren, Tacoma Times. (T.Times, 2/23/1949, p.1) TPL-9062

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Municipal officials--Tacoma--1940-1950; Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

KIRO crowd at Roxy for Sears style show. More than 2,000 women lined up outside the Roxy Theatre hoping to get in to see the Charmode Corsetry Style Show, sponsored by KIRO Radio and Sears. All women who got in received a card entitling them to purchase nylon hosiery at Sears. The show featured a wide array of post war undergarments (T. Times, 4/25/46, p. 7).

Audiences--Tacoma; Lingerie; Fashion shows--Tacoma; Sears, Roebuck & Co. (Tacoma); Women--Social life--Tacoma;

Tom Breneman's "Breakfast in Hollywood " film at Tacoma's Roxy (Pantages) Theater in August, 1946. Masters of Ceremonies Bill Gunning and Al Priddy of Radio Station KJR advertising Kellogg's "All Bran" and "Pep" cereals. They hold up industrial-sized boxes of breakfast cereal. A cardboard cutout, perhaps of star Tom Breneman, is propped up between the men. KJR would rebroadcast Mr. Breneman's program the day of the movie opening, August 20, 1946. (T.Times, Ad, 8-18-46, p. 6) TPL-1396 ALBUM 7.

Advertisements--Tacoma; Advertising--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Prepared cereals--Tacoma; Priddy, Al; Gunning, Bill;

Tom Breneman's "Breakfast in Hollywood Show" at Tacoma's Roxy (Pantages) Theater on August 20, 1946. KJR Radio Masters of Ceremonies giving a prize to a fan. Al Priddy (L) and Bill Gunning present Mrs. May Matson a beautiful orchid for being the oldest mother, age 81, present at the opening of "Breakfast in Hollywood." Mrs. Matson indicated that it was only the second orchid she had ever received; the first was when she got married. The "oldest mother" was just one of the many contests held during the course of the movie's run to celebrate the transfer of the popular radio program onto the big screen; others included goofiest hat, youngest bride and oldest lady. (T.Times, 8-21-46, p. 1) ALBUM 7.

Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Orchids--Tacoma; Priddy, Al; Gunning, Bill; Matson, May;