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;

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;

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;

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.;

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;

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);

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;

Officers Training School Banquet at Commercial Club. The young officers may have been celebrating the conclusion of their training at this banquet held in August of 1918 at the Tacoma Commercial Club. 243 had graduated from the 4th officers training camp on August 24th at Camp Lewis. The officers had come from nearly every western state, with California having the largest number of graduates. G70.1-011 (TNT 8-24-18, p. 3-article)

Banquets--Tacoma--1910-1920; Military officers--Tacoma--1910-1920;

1919 Labor Day parade. Five uniformed motorcycle policemen lead the 1919 Labor Day parade down Pacific Avenue before waiting crowds. Grand marshal of the parade, Charles Richmond, secretary of the Building Trades Council, rode on horseback. Bands and marching units follow. Streetcars move along adjacent to the parade activity. Businesses along this stretch of Pacific were thickly bundled together including banks, hotels, dentists, and drugstores. G38.1-019

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1910-1920; Business districts--Tacoma--1910-1920; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1910-1920;

More than 6,000 Tacoma union men took part in the Labor Day Parade down Pacific Ave. in September of 1919. The parade of Tacoma organized labor through downtown began at the City Hall, 625 Commerce, and proceeded south on Pacific Ave. Charles Richmond, a labor leader, led the parade as marshall mounted on a horse; he was followed by the Railway Brotherhood, policemen and firemen. Next came this float from the Teamsters, an old-time coach mounted on a horse drawn wagon. It was decorated with a banner reading, "Does the man who delivers your goods belong to the Teamsters Chauffeurs Union #313." Union 313 consisted of Tacoma drivers from many industries. Many union members followed the float carrying American flags. One of the goals of the Labor Day celebration was to reach the $30,000 goal set for the Labor Temple building fund. Labor Temple buttons were being sold to raise the funds. (T. Times 9/1/1919, pg. 1) G38.1-018 TPL-10094

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1910-1920; Labor unions; International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 313 (Tacoma); Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1910-1920;

Keystone Printing Co. exhibit. Their booth at the Western Washington Fair in 1922 provided fairgoers with samples of the printing company's products including cards and stationery and a large piece of machinery. The placard on display stated that although Keystone was not the oldest printing company in town, it did have modern facilities allowing the company to produce "high class printing at popular prices." The two men in the exhibit booth were not identified; however, they may have been E. I. Richardson and L.D. Waters, owners of the firm. Keystone Printing, according to the 1922 City Directory, was located at 1009 1/2 Pacific Avenue. G74.1-053

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

The Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. sponsored an outdoor exhibit of horsepower at the Western Washington Fair in 1922. A GMC two-ton truck, using a two-range transmission, is shown climbing to the top of a frame while hauling a 5,250-lb. load. C.A. Flanary, mechanic at the GMC truck service department of Mueller-Harkins, demonstrated the traction power of the truck as it easily managed the 90 degree incline. G32.1-001 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 10-22-22, C-5)

Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Fairs--Puyallup; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Trucks--Puyallup--1920-1930; Flanary, C.A.;

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;