The #66 streetcar, full of passengers, was hitched up to two "nags" and driven up Pacific Avenue on June 9, 1938 at noon to plug the huge "Last Ride" celebration planned for June 11th. Tacoma's last streetcar had been taken out of service in April of 1938; the cars replaced with city buses. The June celebration, hosted by the Young Men's Business Club, marked the passing of Tacoma's street cars. Twenty five cars were auctioned off by the Tacoma Railway & Power Co. to civic organizations to decorate for the big street car parade. The parade was followed by a Gay 90's dance at the Hotel Winthrop. The last car to leave the rails at midnight, #66, was burned at a public bonfire at the Bay Street yards. During the parade and as a promotion, #66 was rigged as a horse car and driven by Tacoma Mayor John Siegle. TPL-5833 (T. Times 6/1/1938, pg. 5-article; 6/8/38, pg. 2-article)

Mass transit--Tacoma--1930-1940; Cable railroads--Tacoma; Street railroads--Tacoma--1930-1940; Horses--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1892. Early electric streetcar in Tacoma. This streetcar, photographed circa 1892, offered plenty of fresh air to its passengers as only the roof provided protection against the elements. The electric streetcar was still a new method of transportation, supplanting older steam and horse-driven trolleys, as it had only been perfected since 1888 by Frank Sprague. Tacoma Railway & Motor Co. signed a contract in 1889 with Sprague Electric for electrification of its local horsecar system of 25,000 feet of track with work completed in 1890. Streetcars also allowed people to live further outside city limits and still commute to work and shopping. Connections could be made from outlying towns such as Steilacoom to Tacoma through the Tacoma & Steilacoom Railway Co.'s electric service. Electric streetcars were used in the Tacoma area until 1938 when modern busses took their place. (National Railway Historical Society, Vol 17, Issue 8: Tacoma & Steilacoom Railway The World's First Interurban)

Mass transit--Tacoma--1890-1900; Electric railroads--1890-1900;

ca. 1892. North End real estate developer Allen C. Mason completed the Point Defiance Line trolley system in 1890, later selling it to Tacoma Railway & Power Co. The car stopped at North 45th and Orchard Streets where passengers were required to pay a second nickel to continue on to Point Defiance Park. The stop became known as "Poor Man's Corner" as many riders departed there and walked to the park to save a nickel. Today, Pierce Transit buses still follow the route of Mason's original line. (a scan of the original of this image is at TPL-1001)

Point Defiance Line (Tacoma); Street railroads--Tacoma; Mass transit--Tacoma; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1890-1900; Railroad cars--Tacoma;

Undated photograph of cable car 84. The streetcar is on 11th St. between Pacific Avenue and "A" Street in downtown Tacoma. It is next to Peoples department store. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Street railroads--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma; Business districts--Tacoma; Peoples (Tacoma);

Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes gestures to diners attending the sold-out Elks Club banquet on September 5, 1941 where Secretary Ickes was the principal speaker. He had been vacationing with his wife on the Olympic Peninsula before arriving in Tacoma on Friday, the 5th. Secretary Ickes spoke on the subject of "Public Power and National Defense" before a crowd of 562. His speech was carried nationwide for the benefit of those unable to attend. Harold Ickes was to serve 13 years as Secretary of the Interior, most of which was during the Franklin Delano Roosevelt administration. While Secretary, he also served as director of the Public Works Administration. (T.Times, 9-4-41, p. 1-article)

Ickes, Harold L.; Cabinet officers--United States; Guests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Public speaking--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Lt. Commander (later Rear Admiral) Richard E. Byrd is pictured with one hand resting on the hood of a gleaming Franklin automobile in February of 1927. Gus Ledbetter is on the extreme right of the photograph.

Byrd, Richard E., 1888-1957; Guests--Tacoma--1920-1930; Ledbetter, Gus; Franklin automobile;

ca. 1964. Informal portrait of unidentified Asian man with prayer beads (Buddhist rosary) circa 1964.

Prayer; Beads;

Football star and motion picture actor Harold "Red" Grange posed with Helen Nelsen (left) and Corinne Martin on a rainy day atop the Winthrop Hotel in late January, 1926. The ladies are holding a sign "Ice" in front of Mr. Grange; it was his nickname when he was a leading rusher at Wheaton (Illinois) High School. He had worked as an ice hauler while in school which accounted for his nickname ("Ice Man" or "Wheaton Ice Man") and developed his strong physique. Now better known as "The Galloping Ghost" for his blinding speed and elusive running style, Mr. Grange, a three-time all-American at the University of Illinois, had paid a very short visit to Tacoma a couple of days before his Chicago Bears pro team faced the Washington All-Stars in Seattle. He would run for two touchdowns and pass for a third en route to a 34-0 shellacking of the local team. (TDL 1-29-26, p. 1-article & alternate photograph; TDL 2-1-26, p. 8-article on game; www.britannica.com)

Grange, Harold; Football players; Nelsen, Helen; Martin, Corinne;

George McGovern, Democratic candidate for president, addresses a large labor gathering in Tacoma while on the 1972 campaign trail. He spoke at the new Labor Center, 950 Fawcett Ave. Mr. McGovern, a senator from South Dakota, had chosen R. Sargent Shriver, brother-in-law of the late President John F. Kennedy, as his running mate. The McGovern-Shriver ticket would go down in a landslide defeat on November 7th to incumbent Richard Nixon and his vice-president, Spiro Agnew. (TNT 9-25-72, p. 1-article)

McGovern, George S.; Political campaigns; Presidential elections; Public speaking--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Three young men exuberantly demonstrate their support for the 1972 Democratic candidate for president, George S. McGovern, while they wait for his arrival in Washington. Senator McGovern had arrived on a delayed flight at Sea-Tac Airport on September 25, 1972, for a short visit to Tacoma. The patient crowd of 700, which included some Nixon supporters, did not seem dismayed at the wait. It is not known whether the above photograph was taken at the airport or in Tacoma where the senator would speak at the new Labor Center. Although Senator McGovern was enthusiastically greeted during his brief stop over, he did not carry the state in the November 7th election. (TNT 9-25-72, p. 1-article)

Political campaigns; Presidential elections; Signs (Notices);

President Jimmy Carter is pictured accepting the Key to the City of Tacoma from Mayor Mike Parker on September 23, 1980. The plaque containing the key also may have had the city's seal. Others, including the mayor's wife, look on.

Carter, Jimmy; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1980-1990; Political campaigns; Presidential elections; Mayors--Tacoma--1980-1990; Parker, Michael; Parker, Judith; Plaques;

Closer look at the presidential aircraft, Air Force One, on the tarmac at McChord Air Force Base. Tacoma was about to receive a rare treat: the appearance of a current president. Jimmy Carter was only the ninth president to visit Tacoma while holding the country's top office. He arrived on Tuesday, September 23, 1980, for a three-hour whirlwind tour. Newsmen and cameramen are ready to record the President; other cameras are apparently pointed toward the several hundreds of people amassed to greet him. Scheduled to meet the President were Lt. Gov. John Cherberg (in place of Gov. Dixy Lee Ray), Democratic candidate for Governor and current State Senator Jim McDermott, Tacoma Mayor Mike Parker and wife Judith, and several state senators including Lorraine Wojahn. (TNT 9-21-80, A-12-article; TNT 9-23-80, A-1-article)

Presidential aircraft; Press--Washington; Journalists--Tacoma--1980-1990; Political campaigns; Presidential elections; Visits of state--Tacoma--1980-1990;

President Jimmy Carter is surrounded by newsmen and photographers during his brief stay in Tacoma. He arrived on September 23, 1980, at McChord AFB and packed in appearances at the Beacon Senior Citizen Center, Continental Grain's grain terminal, his own local campaign center on Pacific Ave. and a Democratic fundraiser at the Bicentennial Pavilion. Crowds were reported to be thick and enthusiastic and the President did a fair amount of handshaking. (TNT 9-24-80, A-1, A-17-articles)

Carter, Jimmy; Presidents--United States; Political campaigns; Presidential elections; Visits of state--Tacoma--1980-1990; Press--Washington; Journalists--Tacoma--1980-1990;

Air Force One has arrived at McChord AFB on September 23, 1980, and military and civilian leaders are awaiting the appearance of President Jimmy Carter. Near the head of the informal reception line are Tacoma Mayor Mike Parker and wife Judith who are in conversation with two unidentified women. The President would only be in Tacoma for a brief three hours as he made several campaign visits.

Presidential aircraft; Visits of state--Tacoma--1980-1990; Mayors--Tacoma--1980-1990; Parker, Michael; Parker, Judith;

President Jimmy Carter, much to the consternation of his Secret Service agents, has unexpectedly climbed onto the rooftop of his armored limousine as it stopped in downtown Tacoma. He turned and waved to the crowds lining Pacific Avenue for about 30 seconds before descending. Those stuck in the back of the 15-deep crowds were thus able to get a clear view of the President. President Carter then shook as many hands as possible outside the Carter-Mondale campaign office at 9th & Pacific. (TNT 9-24-08, p. A-3-article) TPL-1609

Carter, Jimmy; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1980-1990; Political campaigns; Presidential elections;

President Jimmy Carter in profile. President Carter was in Tacoma for a brief three-hour campaign tour on September 23, 1980. He was in the midst of a rugged re-election campaign with the elections looming in November. This photograph of the President may have been taken at the Democratic fundraiser held at the Bicentennial Pavilion at the conclusion of his stay.

Carter, Jimmy; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1980-1990; Political campaigns; Presidential elections;

President Jimmy Carter was only the ninth president to visit Tacoma while holding down the nation's top office. He paid a brief three-hour visit on September 23, 1980, while on a whirlwind tour of four West Coast states. The President was running for re-election in November and Washington was one of the states that he failed to carry in 1976. He would lose the 1980 election to Republican Ronald Reagan by a wide margin, and carry only five states. Washington was not one of them.

Carter, Jimmy; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1980-1990; Political campaigns; Presidential elections;

A smiling President Jimmy Carter on September 23, 1980, the date of his brief stopover in Tacoma. President Carter was on a whirlwind four-state tour as he campaigned not only for his own re-election but also for other Democratic incumbents and candidates. He was greeted heartily by his supporters upon his arrival on Air Force One at McChord AFB and also during his stops at Beacon Senior Citizen Center, Continental Grain terminal, the Carter-Mondale campaign office on Pacific Ave. and finally at the Bicentennial Pavilion for a Democratic Party fundraiser. The President squeezed in all these visits during a mere three hours in Tacoma.

Carter, Jimmy; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1980-1990; Political campaigns; Presidential elections;

View of President Carter, atop his armored limousine, waving to the throngs gathered at 9th & Pacific Avenue on September 23, 1980. He is facing north toward the (Old) City Hall. With Secret Service agents anxiously watching the crowds, the President unexpectedly decided to give his supporters a good view as many of them could not see beyond the 15-person-deep crowds. President Carter was in town for a mere three hours on a whirlwind campaign tour.

Carter, Jimmy; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1980-1990; Political campaigns; Presidential elections; Old City Hall (Tacoma);

The clock on the bell tower of Old City Hall said it was 5:20 when President Jimmy Carter waved to the crowds thronging 9th & Pacific Avenue on September 23, 1980. He stood on top of his armored limo, surrounded by Secret Service agents, to greet his many supporters. The President spent three hours in town making appearances at a senior citizens center, the Continental Grain terminal, his own local campaign office and finally at a fundraiser at the Bicentennial Pavilion.

Carter, Jimmy; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1980-1990; Political campaigns; Presidential elections; Old City Hall (Tacoma);

President John F. Kennedy is pictured upon his arrival via special Marine helicopter at Cheney Stadium's parking lot on September 27, 1963. He is shaking hands with Tacoma Mayor Harold Tollefson who is standing next to his brother, Congressman Thor Tollefson. Following President Kennedy in the informal reception line are Senators Henry M. Jackson and Warren G. Magnuson and Governor Albert D. Rosellini. Man in bow tie at far left is believed to be Pierce County Commissioner Harry Sprinker. The President had arrived at Sea-Tac Airport at 11:30 am from Salt Lake City and had traveled to Tacoma to deliver a speech at Cheney Stadium. It was the President's first appearance in Pierce County since becoming the Chief Executive. His last visit to Tacoma was in 1959 when he spoke about a labor bill.

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shaking hands--Tacoma; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Legislators--Washington; Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.;

ca. 1963. Tacoma Mayor Harold Tollefson gazes at a large photograph of himself shaking the hand of President John F. Kennedy upon the President's arrival in Tacoma on September 27, 1963. The two women holding the photograph were not identified. The President had been flown to Cheney Stadium's parking lot by a special Marine helicopter. With him in the informal reception line are US Senators Henry M. Jackson and Warren G. Magnuson (in light suit) followed by Governor Albert Rosellini (partially blocked). Standing next to Mayor Tollefson is his brother, Thor, a longtime Congressman and well-known to the President. The President would remark about seeing familiar faces in his opening remarks to the 25,000+ at Cheney Stadium; in referring to the Tollefsons, "I am glad to come here to see the Tollefson brothers. It makes the President feel a little better." The President had been the target of some criticism regarding the number of his relatives in politics. (TNT 9-27-63, A-1,2-articles)

Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Photographs; Shaking hands--Tacoma; Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Jackson, Henry M., 1912-1983; Magnuson, Warren G., 1905-1989; Legislators--Washington;

Governor Albert D. Rosellini at podium. The governor, along with federal, county, city and university officials, was on hand to welcome President John F. Kennedy to Tacoma on September 27, 1963. The President had applauded vigorously upon Governor Rosellini's introduction by Dr. Robert Mortvedt (in mortarboard) of Pacific Lutheran University. Governor Rosellini indicated that he was proud to issue a heartful welcome from the people of Washington State and he looked forward to working with the President on conservation issues and the development of outdoor recreation facilities in this state. Visible behind Governor Rosellini are: (left to right) Congressman Thor Tollefson, US Senator Warren G. Magnuson, Dr. R. Franklin Thompson, President Kennedy, Dr. Robert Mortvedt, US Senator Henry M. Jackson, unidentified man, and Mayor Harold Tollefson. (TNT 9-27-63, A-1,2-articles)

Rosellini, Albert D.; Governors; Public speaking--Tacoma--1960-1970; Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Jackson, Henry M., 1912-1983; Mortvedt, Robert;

Prince Bertil of Sweden admires the extensive selection of Swedish dishes at the Viking Smorgasbord, 9702 South Tacoma Way in Lakewood, on May 14, 1958. The menu included silsalat (herring salad), koldomar (meat wrapped in cabbage leaf), lax (smoke & salted salmon flakes), inlagt sil (herring) and Swedish meatballs. With the Prince is believed to be the restaurant's owner, Majalisa Benson, originally from Sweden. He devoured the food in a flat seven minutes, remarking "My only regret is that the plates are not large enough." The Prince had arrived days before in the U.S. with his primary purpose to participate in ceremonies honoring the 100th anniversary of Minnesota's admission to the Union and the infusion of Scandinavian settlers. (TNT 5-15-58, A-1-article)

Prince Bertil, Duke of Halland; Foreign visitors--Sweden; Viking Smorgasbord (Lakewood); Buffets (Cookery)--Lakewood;

Dinner held at the Tacoma Hotel on September 7, 1907, in honor of William H. Taft during his visit to Tacoma while he was Secretary of War. 300 prominent members of the Chamber of Commerce and local businessmen accorded Secretary Taft a rousing welcome. Those included Everett G. Griggs, S.A. Perkins, Francis W. Cushman, T.J. Handforth, George F. Wright, Alexander Baillie, Thomas Carstens and Dave Gross among hundreds. This was the second address of the day for Secretary Taft who had arrived in Tacoma after inspection of the maneuver grounds at American Lake. He had praised the site as ideal for a military post with the only drawback being the cost of some of the privately held property. Secretary Taft spoke to a teeming crowd of some 12,000 Tacoma citizens at Wright Park at 5 p.m. that evening prior to the banquet. They had gathered to hear the potential successor to Teddy Roosevelt. Showing that he was held in high esteem by not only the well-to-do but the average working man, an impromptu escort of about 500 men just finished with their daily endeavors marched along the automobile carrying William Taft and his party to Wright Park. 2/3rds of them bore lunch pails and working garb. (TDL 9-7-1907, p. 1-article; Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 9-8-1907, p. 1, 23-article)

Banquets--Tacoma--1900-1910; Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Taft, William H.; Government officials--United States;

Mooring mast built by the Navy in 1924 at Camp Lewis for the visit of the dirigible USS Shenandoah. The Shenandoah visited the Tacoma area October 18-19, 1924. The Shenandoah was one of four rigid airships constructed by the military during the 20's and 30's, after the design of the German Zeppelin. The Shenandoah was the first built in America. The 165 foot pole was built for the 1924 visit and dismantled 12 years later.

Mooring masts; Airships--Associated objects;