A large crowd of people, including young children, have gathered in Steilacoom in April of 1932. All seemed to be well-dressed for the occasion with even the boys wearing suits and ties. This is believed to be the informal reception hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Charles E. Taylor of Fort Steilacoom on April 9th in the large dining room of Western Washington Hospital. Dr. and Mrs. Taylor had resided in the area for forty years. G73.1-126 (TNT 4-8-32, p. 14-article)

Crowds--Steilacoom; Receptions--Steilacoom;

As an added attraction at the 1931 Home Products Show, a public wedding was held on May 22, 1931. Grace McCollum and Noel Carreau were the first couple to volunteer to wed in front of a large attentive audience at the State Armory. The Independent Merchants Association, sponsors of the exhibition, paid for the wedding expenses including the marriage license, wedding clothing, flowers, and gifts. C.F. Mason, president of the association, even gave the bride away. The new Mrs. Carreau was dressed in an early summer gown of white chiffon and white hat and was attended by Mrs. Flora Niccoli. Cecilia Coleman was the flower girl with Albert Morris as best man. The marriage was solemnized by Justice Blanche Funk Miller. G32.1-014 (TDL 5-23-31, p. 12-article)

Weddings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Brides--1930-1940; Grooms (Weddings); McCollum, Grace; Carreau, Noel; Niccoli, Flora; Coleman, Cecilia; Morris, Albert; Wedding attendants--Tacoma; Wedding clothing & dress--1930-1940; State Armory (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;

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);

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);

Soldiers from the 148th Field Artillery, Fort Lewis on horseback in the 1931 Tacoma 4th of July Parade. The parade is heading south on Pacific Ave. Stores and shops on the west side of Pacific in the 1100 block can be seen in the background. TPL-7091

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Soldiers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

On March 1, 1933 at around 12 noon, a convoy of trucks and automobiles carried unemployed demonstrators through Tacoma on their way to Olympia. Here they are pictured passing on Tacoma Ave. South in front of the Tacoma Public Library (now known as the TPL Carnegie Building.) The Seattle planners of the march planned to descend on the Capital and present their demands for jobless insurance and a cash dole to the State Legislature. The main section of around 150 vehicles passed through Tacoma without trouble or disturbance, but they were met outside Olympia by police and state patrol and denied access to the city. The protestors, estimated at 2,000, camped at Priest Point Park on the outskirts of Olympia. They were denied a permit for a demonstration at the Capital. A committee of 20 met with Governor Clarence D. Martin who declined their demands. They were then asked to return home, which they did peacefully. (TNT 3/1/33, pg.1; 3/2/33, pg. 1; 3/3/33, pg. 5; TDL 3/2/33, pg. 1; 3/3/33, pg. 1)

Demonstrations--1930-1940; Activists; Protest movements--1930-1940; Unemployment--Wash.--1930-1940; Unemployed--Wash.--1930-1940; Depressions--1929;

On March 1, 1933 at around noon, a convoy of unemployed demonstrators, under the banner of the "United Front," passed through Tacoma on their way to Olympia. The Seattle leaders of the group planned the march to Olympia to present the problems of the unemployed to the State Legislature. The groups of marchers, in trucks and automobiles, were met at the Tacoma city limits by motorcycle officers who escorted them through the city. Once in Olympia the group, estimated to contain 2,000 persons, was denied entrance to the city. They camped in the rain at Priest Point Park on the outskirts of Olympia. They were denied the permit for a demonstration at the Capital, but a group of 20 was allowed to meet with Governor Clarence D. Martin and present their demands for jobless insurance and a cash dole. Governor Martin gave them an audience but declined their demands. The group peacefully returned to their homes. (TNT 3/1/33, pg. 1; 3/2/33, pg.1; 3/3/33, pg. 5; TDL 3/2/33, pg. 1; 3/3/33, pg. 1)

Demonstrations--1930-1940; Activists; Protest movements--1930-1940; Unemployment--Wash.--1930-1940; Unemployed--Wash.--1930-1940; Depressions--1929;

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;

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;

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;

1926 Western Washington Fair. This view, taken on September 19, the last day of the 1926 fair, is of an Acme Transfer & Storage Co. truck in the foreground with the fair's Grandstand and barns in the rear. Acme Transfer & Storage was a local Tacoma firm headquartered at 901 Tacoma Avenue South that was operated by Fred L. Sheldon. The truck is plastered at least on the one side showing with signage indicating the types of jobs accepted. G74.1-073; TPL-6343

Fairs--Puyallup--1930-1940; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Grandstands--Puyallup; Barns--Puyallup; Trucks--Puyallup--1920-1930; Acme Transfer & Storage Co. (Tacoma);

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;

Gig Harbor Fair. This is a sample of the garden exhibits at the 1925 Gig Harbor Fair (Peninsula Fair). Flowers, fruits and vegetables were neatly displayed as well as an exhibit of chickens. Signs posted at the rear indicated that the Puyallup Fair was soon to be held from September 21-27th. TPL-193; G72.1-160; G72.1-128

Gig Harbor Fair (Gig Harbor); Fairs--Gig Harbor--1920-1930; Agricultural exhibits--Gig Harbor--1920-1930; Signs (Notices);

Gig Harbor Fair. The Warren Improvement Club had an impressive assortment of fruits, vegetables and canned items on display at the 1925 Gig Harbor Fair (Peninsula Fair) . Long shelves were filled with exhibited produce. TPL-692; G72.1-131

Gig Harbor Fair (Gig Harbor); Fairs--Gig Harbor--1920-1930; Agricultural exhibits--Gig Harbor--1920-1930;

4th annual Gig Harbor Fair. The Rosedale community had created a display packed with a variety of fruits and vegetables for the 1925 Gig Harbor Fair (Peninsula Fair). It reminded all that the friendly community of "Rosedale Always Has A Welcome." Rosedale, on Lay Inlet off Henderson Bay west of Gig Harbor, had been named in 1883 by W.E. White for the many roses that grew around the inlet. G72.1-148

Gig Harbor Fair (Gig Harbor); Fairs--Gig Harbor--1920-1930; Agricultural exhibits--Gig Harbor--1920-1930;

Egg exhibit. Oscar H. Swanson and an unidentified man are posed beside the egg exhibit at the 1925 Gig Harbor (Peninsula) Fair. Mr. Swanson (at left) was the founder of the Gig Harbor Washington Co-operative Association. Cartons and boxes of eggs are on display as well as two posters filled with information regarding the exacting standards these eggs are held to. The exhibit was sponsored by the Washington Cooperative Egg & Poultry Association. The poultry division attracted great attention during the three day fair which ran from September 11-13, 1925. The area shipped several carloads of eggs and chickens each month, making it one of the largest industries in the mostly rural community. (TNT 9-10-25, p. 26-article)

Gig Harbor Fair (Gig Harbor); Fairs--Gig Harbor--1920-1930; Eggs; Signs (Notices); Swanson, Oscar H.;

Gig Harbor Fair. An exhibit of caged poultry is highlighted by a painting or drawing of a chicken ranch set on grassy lawns with neighboring pond. These chickens were on display at the Gig Harbor Fair (Peninsula Fair) held from September 11-13, 1925. The poultry division attracted great attention as poultry raising was one of the largest industries in the peninsula. Signs placed nearby advertise the upcoming Western Washington Fair starting on September 21st. TPL-689; G72.1-128; G72.1-160 (TNT 9-10-25, p. 26-article)

Gig Harbor Fair (Gig Harbor); Fairs--Gig Harbor--1920-1930; Chickens--Gig Harbor; Poultry--Gig Harbor;

The Federated Improvement Clubs were "United for a Bigger and Better Tacoma" according to their entry in the 1925 Fourth of July parade. These clubs sought to not only improve their own neighborhoods but to boost the city as a whole. Clubs included the Union & 6th Ave. Club, Clement Ave. Club, Portland Ave. Club, and others throughout the city. Their vehicle, accompanied by a large wheel listing 32 clubs, was parked outside the Tacoma Hotel Annex.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1920-1930; Automobiles--Tacoma--1920-1930; Federated Improvement Clubs (Tacoma);

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;

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;

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;

The Washington State Department of Health, Division of Child Hygiene, sponsored a booth at the 1923 Western Washington Fair that was crowded with posters, baby clothing and other supplies. Posters seem to advocate for parental health as well as for babies. G74.1-052

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

The Republican Headquarters booth at the 1923 Western Washington Fair was manned by four unidentified matrons. Several U.S. flags made for a patriotic display, enhanced by the portraits of famous Republicans, including Presidents Lincoln and the recently deceased Warren G. Harding. The portrait of Calvin Coolidge, current President, was on display front and center. Republican fairgoers were able to register to vote at the booth and also take with them copies of the National Republican publication. G42.1-077; TPL-3207

Exhibit booths--Puyallup; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Fairs--Puyallup; Political parties--Puyallup; Signs (Notices); Flags--United States; Portrait photographs; Women--Clothing & dress--1920-1930;

Honey display. Cans and jars of honey were neatly displayed at the Superb Apiaries booth located at the 1923 Western Washington Fair. The company was based in Elma and the unidentified man standing next to the rows of honey was perhaps its owner. G74.1-046

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

Wool Native American blankets, wall coverings and clothing were on display at the 1923 Western Washington Fair in Puyallup. All items shown above were produced by Pendleton Woolen Mills. The Oregon firm is still in business to this day. G74.1-054

Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Fairs--Puyallup--1920-1930; Exhibit booths--Puyallup; Blankets; Wool industry;

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);