Photo-collage by Marvin Boland of photographs that he took at the First Annual Rotary Fair held on October 31, 1919. This industrial fair for Rotary Club members and friends featured 150 exhibits promoting local professions and businesses. It was held in Stadium High School's gymnasium where the slogan of the fair was "Rotarians, Buy at Home." Because the fair was so successful, mention was made that a larger exhibition might be held later for the general public. Dr. H. J. Whitacre was the Rotary president at that time. (TDL 10-17-19, p. 3-article; TDL 10-31-19, p. 1-article)

Rotary Fair (Tacoma); Exhibits--Tacoma--1910-1920;

Bellingham Elks on parade. Bellingham Lodge #194 sent a large contingent, including former state president H.H. Griggs, to the 14th annual Elks statewide convention held in Tacoma in mid-August, 1918. They participated in the Grand Parade held on Friday afternoon, August 16th. With thousands of Elks and several bands participating, the News Tribune stated that it was the largest fraternal parade ever held in Tacoma. Many of the lodges carried service flags indicating the large numbers of their members now fighting in the Great War. The parade marched downtown past the Tacoma Elks Lodge No. 174 on Broadway. TPL-7168 (TNT 8-16-18, p. 1) G20.1-028

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1910-1920; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Bellingham Lodge No. 194 (Bellingham); Marching bands--Tacoma--1910-1920; Guests--Tacoma--1910-1920;

An impressive parade took place in Tacoma on the first Memorial Day following the end of the Great War, May 30, 1919. Veterans from the Civil, Spanish American and Great War (WWI) were represented with local Boy Scouts marching as the fourth generation. Bringing up the rear of the parade was the pictured decorated automobile entered by the War Camp Community Service. It was covered with frilled crepe paper and topped with a parasol. The War Camp Community Service was formed in 1917 at the request of the War Department. Its primary responsibility was to organize recreational and social activities in communities where servicemen and women might spend off duty time. G20.1-029 (TDL 5/31/1919, pg. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1910-1920; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1910-1920; Memorial Day; Commemoration--Tacoma; Memorial rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; War Camp Community Service (Tacoma);

At 10 a.m. on a clear July 4th morning in 1919, the most elaborate Independence Day parade in years got underway. Thousands watched the 45 minute spectacle, part of the Northwest Peace Jubilee celebration. In the fourth division, industrial, was this pictured float entered by the Walker Cut Stone Co. of Tacoma. A General Motors 5 ton chassis carried a 6 1/2 block of carved Wilkeson Sandstone. The stone was elaborately carved and designed for the "Temple of Justice" in Olympia, Wa. The float banner stated that 142 carloads were used in the construction of the Temple, at Cherry Lane and 12th Ave. in Olympia, which houses the State Supreme Court. The structure was completed in 1920. The GMC truck was loaned by Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. to Bob Walker, at the wheel of the vehicle. Wilkeson Sandstone is named for the small mountain town of Wilkeson, in the Cascade range, where it is quarried. The 1919 City Directory lists A.J. Griesemer as President, Robert Walker as Sec-treas., and 1008 Puyallup Ave as the location of the office and yard of Walker Cut Stone. (TDL 7/5/1919, pg. 1; TDL 7/13/1919, pg. 6C- picture) G33.1-114, TPL-2244

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1910-1920; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1910-1920; Walker Cut Stone Co. (Tacoma); Holidays--Tacoma--1910-1920; General Motors trucks;

Waiting for the "Ship by Truck" parade to begin on August 16, 1919, was this float composed of a (now rare) Cole Eight automobile being carried on a Bethlehem truck. The truck was furnished by Wever Motor Car Co., 725 Broadway, and had a large flag draped over its hood. Wever Motor also sold new Coles. Tacoma truck dealers would be participating in the nationwide campaign fathered by Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. called "Ship by Truck," promoting the various uses of motor trucks in shipping and hauling. A grand parade involving some 500 trucks was held on Saturday, August 16th. Nearly every truck offered for sale in Tacoma was represented in the parade that traveled through Tacoma's business streets. G11.1-007 (TDL 8-14-19, p. 2-article; TDL 8-15-19, p. 2-article)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1910-1920; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1910-1920; Cole automobile; Bethlehem truck;

Yelm vegetable exhibit. A fine display of vegetables from Yelm was one of the exhibits at the 1923 Western Washington Fair in Puyallup. Long shelves were crowded with potatoes, gourds, carrots, cabbages and more. G74.1-048

Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Fairs--Puyallup--1920-1930; Exhibit booths--Puyallup; Vegetables;

A group of young ladies "pop" out of a large "egg" as they await entry into the Western Washington Fair on September 18, 1930. The similarly dressed women are representing the Washington Co-op Egg & Poultry Association. The "egg," being hauled by a heavy duty truck, is a symbol of the Co-op's claim of their eggs being "Bigger & Better." TPL-523; G6.1-102

Floats (Parades); Washington Co-op Egg & Poultry Association (Tacoma);

On September 18, 1924, Nalley's showcased a variety of products at the South Tacoma Fair. Their exhibition booth with large sign "If It's Nalley's It's Good" offered samples of the large Nalley's menu. Nalley's manufactured mayonaise, salad dressing, sandwich spreads, honey, syrups, and their well known potato chips. The third annual South Tacoma (Community) Fair was held from September 15-20 in the DeLuxe Motor Building, 5622-26 Union Ave. (later known as South Tacoma Way) 25,000 people were expected to attend to view the more than 65 booths featuring local products and businesses. The fair was held to advertise the community of South Tacoma and its merchants and products. TPL-2798 (TNT 9-10-24, p. 14-15-article)

Exhibit booths--Tacoma; South Tacoma Fair (Tacoma); Nalley's, Inc. (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

One of the large exhibits at the 1929 Western Washington Fair in Puyallup was the sixth International Egg Show. Four unidentified men in business attire stand next to rows of egg-filled cartons. Helpful hints for the consumer regarding egg freshness and cleanliness were posted as well as other information on a chalkboard. G74.1-060

Exhibitions--Puyallup--1920-1930; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Eggs;

One of the special attractions of the 20th annual Western Washington Fair in Puyallup was the arrival on October 2nd, 1919 of a two seater, passenger carrying airplane from Victoria, B.C. Canadian ace pilot Lt. W.H. Brown made the flight in a miraculous 1 hour and 15 minutes, dropping 100 season passes and leaflets on the way. On October 4th, fare paying passengers donned goggles and a fur trimmed cap to take to the air for 15 minute flights; swooping, circling and passing as low as 75 feet over the grandstands. Here spectators stare open mouthed as the plane (out of the picture frame) buzzes the grandstand. Pilot Brown flew lower than any aviator in the West. The 1919 fair ran from September 30- October 5th and was an outstanding success. (TDL 10/5/1919, pg. A-12) G74.1-087, TPL-6346

Fairs--Puyallup--1910-1920; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Spectators--Puyallup; Grandstands--Puyallup;

Parade marching north on Broadway. Group of U. S. Army soldiers, in uniform, are at the corner of 9th and Broadway. They are being followed by group of men from the U. S. Navy in their dress whites. Buildings include: Pantages Theater, Illington Hotel. Sign hangs from corner building for Malstom's Drugs. TPL-7060

Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1920-1930; Pantages Theater (Tacoma)

Young band members sit in a long truck that is decorated with bunting and an American flag. There is a streetcar next to the truck. Photograph was taken on Pacific Ave. Shaw Supply Co. sign in background. TPL-7061

Floats (parades)--Tacoma--1920-1930;

When the Olympic Ice Cream Co. scheduled the Grand Opening of their new plant on May 26, 1924 with "everybody welcome," they didn't expect everybody to show up. The May 27, 1924 News Tribune carried an apology to the "thousands" who were unable to get into the building and the "thousands" admitted to the plant at 613-17 E. 25th St. who were unable to tour the modern sanitary plant due to the crowds. The plant would be jointly occupied by Olympic and the Velvet Kind Ice Cream Co. The Grand Opening promised souvenirs and refreshments. The building has since been demolished. (TNT 5/27/1924, pg. 4) G34.1-139

Crowds--Tacoma--1920-1930; Olympic Ice Cream Co. (Tacoma); Factories--Tacoma--1920-1930; Dairy products industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Copy of customer print. A parade of trucks filled with alder products paused on an unidentified street in this Marvin D. Boland photograph. They participated in the American Legion patriotic parade in 1920. "Save Alder Timber" signs were prominently displayed on top of the trucks and cars. Buffelen Lumber & Mfg. Co., established in Tacoma in the early 20th century, wanted to demonstrate how valuable alder timber was and how many ways the wood could be used. Rather than buying hardwood out-of-state, it would benefit companies to purchase the useful alder within the state's borders, thereby helping out the local economy. Buffelen announced plans in July of 1920 to build a $100,000 plant on the Hylebos for the purpose of making hardwood finish from alder logs. Photograph ordered by Paxport Mills on March 8, 1979. ( D169349-1) (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 7-11-20, B-6)

Parades--Tacoma--1920-1930; Lumber industry--Tacoma--1920-1930; Signs (Notices); Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Exterior of two barns located at the Western Washington Fair in September of 1921. They received their annual coat of white paint in earlier in July. Fair dates in 1921 were October 3-9th. Tacoma Day was held on Friday, October 7th. G74.1-076, TPL-6344

Fairs--Puyallup--1920-1930; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Barns--Puyallup;

This was the Keystone Printing Co.'s booth at the 1922 Western Washington Fair. A large piece of machinery used in the printing business was on exhibit as well as samples of Keystone's products including cards and stationery. In addition, a desk was located on the left side of the booth, perhaps to take orders from inquiring customers. Keystone Printing was located at 1009 1/2 Pacific Avenue, per the 1922 City Directory.

Exhibit booths--Puyallup; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Fairs--Puyallup; Machinery; Desks; Keystone Printing Co. (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

In 1922 a day at the Western Washington Fair meant that adults dressed up in suits, ties, and hats for the men and women wore somber long-length suits and small hats. Enjoying respite from the excitement of the Fair are many elderly people who are pictured at the Peoples Store "Rest Room." Comfortable wicker and wooden chairs were provided in the outdoor pavilion and even postage-paid postcards were available. The store also indulged in a bit of advertising with several signs promoting the "Household Club" payment plan. G74.1-064 (Photographer Boland's notes indicated that the picture was listed as B6708 although B6707 is written on the print)

Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Lounges--Puyallup;

On October 2, 1923, a group of Pierce County mothers, and several fathers, patiently posed with their unclothed babies, while waiting to have their children examined by a health specialist as part of the 1923 Better Baby Contest at the Western Washington Fair. An annual event, the 1923 contest brought forth a bumper crop of over 700 contestants, between the ages of 6 and 48 months. Forty doctors and nurses, all child specialists, conducted exams and scored the infants. Sixty one received medals and certificates. Alice Rose McKinnon of Enumclaw, who turned one year old a week after the contest, was selected the winner with the only perfect score of 100. (TNT 10/3/1923, pg. 9- picture, TDL 10/4/23 and 10/5/23, pg. 1) TPL-5711 & 9392; G27.1-126

Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Mothers & children; Infants; Contests--Puyallup--1920-1930;

The Republican Party hosted a booth at the 1923 Western Washington Fair to promote voter registration and remembrance of the importance of the party in American politics. The booth is festooned with flags and portraits of famous members of the Republican Party, including Presidents Lincoln and Harding. The current President was also a Republican, Calvin Coolidge, who succeeded to the office upon the untimely death of President Harding just two months prior. President Coolidge's framed portrait is on the center pillar. Copies of the National Republican were also stacked for distribution to fairgoers. This is the same photograph as Boland B8703 without the four women manning the booth. G74.1-067

Exhibit booths--Puyallup; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Fairs--Puyallup; Political parties--Puyallup; Flags--United States; Portrait photographs;

Ezra Meeker, with long white beard and cane, at the Western Washington Fair on September 17, 1926. Mr. Meeker was taking part in the celebration of Pioneer Day at the Western Washington Fairgrounds. Earlier that day, a bronze statue was dedicated in his honor at Pioneer Park in Puyallup. The Northwest pioneer had platted Puyallup in 1877 and established hop fields that would bring the hops trade to world prominence. TPL-7086

Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Meeker, Ezra, 1830-1928; Fairs--Puyallup--1920-1930;

The American Barred Plymouth Rock Club held a banquet at the Tacoma Hotel, 913 A Street, on December 5, 1925. Barred Plymouth Rocks were excellent producers of eggs and meat. The breed was generally known as good general farm chickens and their owners, like those pictured above, could be assured of docility, hardiness and broodiness in their flocks. Members of the club had participated in the annual Tacoma poultry show put on by the Tacoma Poultry Association and held December 1-6, 1925, the same time as the national Barred Plymouth Rock exhibition. This was the first time that the national meet had been staged west of Omaha. Attendance at the poultry show had broken previous local records with the News Tribune reporting daily on activities and awards. Cleve Stout of Anglum, Missouri, was elected president of the American Barred Plymouth Rock Assn. in a business meeting held after the banquet. G6.1-097; G31.1-001 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 10-18-25, G-10-article; TNT 12-5-25, p. 5-article; TNT 12-7-25, p. 4-article)

Banquets--Tacoma--1920-1930; American Barred Plymouth Rock Club (Tacoma); Poultry industry--Tacoma;

1926 Western Washington Fair. The Washington Egg & Poultry Co-operative Assn. sponsored a large exhibit at the 1926 Western Washington Fair in Puyallup. Staffed by association members, the booth was filed with information charts and posters, pamplets and even boxes of eggs. G6.1-098

Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Fairs--Puyallup--1920-1930; Exhibit booths--Puyallup; Washington Co-op Egg & Poultry Association (Tacoma);

This view of the grandstand at the Western Washington Fair was taken from across the track on September 19, 1926. The stands are packed with spectators including those lucky enough to have track-side seating. The Puyallup Fair in 1926 ran from September 13-19th. G74.1-074

Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Fairs--Puyallup--1920-1930; Grandstands--Puyallup; Spectators--Puyallup;

Minstrels on stage. On February 9, 1928, local poultry co-ops entertained its members with a minstrel show at American Lake. Entitled "Good Will Minstrels," most of the group wore the traditional blackened faces and colorful clothing. Entertainers were equipped with guitars, mandolins, while the non-costumed band supplied the brass. Identified on stage were President C.C. Davis and Secretary McDrum of the American Lake Poultry Local (on left) and Mrs. E.W. Rau, secretary, and President A.F. Visell of the Parkland Poultry Local (on far right). G64.1-049

Minstrel shows--Tacoma--1920-1930; Musical revues & comedies--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1919. Farmers, fruit growers and breeders of the Puyallup valley held an enthusiastic meeting on June 2, 1900, and formed the Valley Fair Association. Members changed the name to the Western Washington Fair Association on January 13, 1913. The purpose of the fair was to promote agricultural, horticultural, dairying, stock-raising and manufacturing industries of the valley. In this 1919 photograph, people in the small hamlets of Dieringer, Rhodes Lake, Connell's Prairie, and Milton exhibit their wares at the fair. Boland #B2321,

Fairs; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Exhibitions; Home food processing; Sewing--Puyallup; Art exhibitions;

This truck, adorned with large American flags, was believed to have participated in the 1918 Labor Day parade that swung through Tacoma's downtown streets on September 2nd. It carried an unidentified well-dressed man holding what may have been sheets of paper containing stamps. Signs urged people to buy US savings stamps to support the war. 18,000 workmen carried American flags, allied banners and union banners in what organizers believed was the largest Labor Day parade to date. (TDL 9-2-18, p. 1-article; TDL 9-3-18, p. 1-article)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1910-1920; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1910-1920; Signs (Notices); Flags--United States;

This is the empty new grandstand at the Western Washington Fair as photographed in September of 1921. The first beams were lifted on July 15th in the construction of a new 40 x 120 grandstand with seating for 2,200 fairgoers. The new section of seating brought the total number of seats to 5,700. TPL-6345; G74.1-075. (TNT 7-15-21, p. 19-article)

Fairs--Puyallup--1920-1930; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Grandstands--Puyallup;

Members of the First Regiment, U.S. Engineers, enjoyed a reunion banquet at the Tacoma Hotel on September 13, 1930. G24.1-017

Banquets--Tacoma--1930-1940; Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); First Regiment, U.S. Engineers (Tacoma);

The annual Western Washington Fair was a time when communities in the area could display with pride fine examples of produce, sewing, and artwork made and grown locally. Dieringer, Rhodes Lake, Connell's Prairie and Milton products are pictured above in this October, 1919, photograph. The 20th annual Puyallup Fair ran from September 30 to October 5th. G74.1-070

Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Fairs--Puyallup--1910-1920; Exhibitions--Puyallup--1910-1920; Agricultural exhibits--Puyallup--1910-1920; Signs (Notices);

We Stood Behind Our Boys read the sign hung between corn stalks aboard a small float pulled by a dog while at the 1919 Western Washington Fair. The float was patriotically decorated with a flag and star-filled bunting. It contained foliage and pumpkins. This was probably an entry from the Fife community as two young ladies at the foreground wear sashes with that city's name. Two boys in newsboys caps carry prime specimens of farm produce under their arms. G74.1-083

Fairs--Puyallup--1910-1920; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Dogs--Puyallup;