The Tacoma Boys' Club Rovers were the winners of the first annual Boys' Club basketball tournament hosted by Tacoma in April of 1949. Boys' Club teams from Ballard, Bellingham, Everett, Spokane and Tacoma faced off against each other in the two-day meet. The Rovers defeated Bellingham 62 to 47 in the tournament finals. Center Jerry Harding led the scoring for the Rovers with 17 points. Back row, (l to r): Joe Karpach, Ray Boen, Director E. S. Ostberg, Charles Miller, Benny Barker, and Manager Jerry Mulscher. Front row, (l to r): Larry Olson, Jerry Harding, Team Captain Johnny Bartenetti, Dick Schermerhorn, and Joe Seaberger (T.N.T., 4/13/49, p. 28).

Sports & recreation facilities--Tacoma; Organizations' facilities--Tacoma; Basketball--Tacoma; Basketball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children--Clubs--Tacoma; Tacoma Boys' Club (Tacoma);

The country club was starting their annual week for juniors, with sailboat races as the first event. Juniors would be participating in tennis, golf, swimming, picnics and dances. Geoff Reif, President of the Juniors was carrying out the details in the comprehensive program, Leon E. Titus was helping plan Junior events. View of Junior members participating in the golf tournament during Junior week at Tacoma Country Club, the girls are checking the score cards (T. Times, 7/20/48, p. 6).

Golf--Tacoma--1940-1950; Golfers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Young adults--Tacoma; Recording & registration--Tacoma; Country clubs--Tacoma; Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma);

On Sunday afternoon, August 29, 1948, a few spectators returned to their automobiles, holding tight to their small children, after watching part of the two hour water show in Commencement Bay. The show was held in the waters of the Bay in front of the Top of the Ocean restaurant and club and was sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission, which had its headquarters at the Top. People crowded the decks of the Top, as well as the Old Town Dock. The show featured the talents of the Seattle Skiquatics Follies.

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Old Town Dock (Tacoma); Events--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts;

Cars lined the intersection of Ruston Way and McCarver St. as spectators flooded Old Tacoma on August 29, 1948 to see the second annual water show sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Club. Water skiing entertainment would be provided by the Seattle Skiquatic Follies in the waters in front of the Top of the Ocean, which housed the TAC headquarters.

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Old Town Dock (Tacoma); Events--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts;

Tacoma was hosting the 25th Annual Northwest Lumbermen's Golf Tournament at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club. Paul Johns was Chairman of the big event, 150 lumbermen participated in the tournament. View of the trophies and prizes, which will be awarded to the winners of the 25th Annual Northwest Lumbermen's Golf Tournament (West Coast Lumbermen, 9/48, p. 88).

Tournaments--Tacoma; Awards; Golf--Tacoma--1940-1950; Country clubs--Tacoma; Sports & recreation facilities--Tacoma; Lumber industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Paul Johns (right) from City Lumber Company was the perennial Chairman of the mid summer golf competition for the lumber fraternity. Johns helped plan and host the big event in Tacoma. Left to right, Chuck Congdon, Dave Doud, Champion of the Northwest Lumbermen Tournament receiving the perpetual trophy from Paul Johns (West Coast Lumbermen, 9/48, p. 88).

Tournaments--Tacoma; Awards; Golfers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Golf--Tacoma--1940-1950; Country clubs--Tacoma; Lumber industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma); Congdon, Chuck; Johns, Paul; Doud, Dave;

Interior of new bowling alley, West Seattle Bowl. The curved roof with lighting running with the curve of the building, hanging score boards and overhead projectors give this interior a look of the future. The bowling alley advertised 14 lanes, an instructor, service and a lunch counter. Balls are lined up at the return machines.

West Seattle Bowl (Seattle); Bowling alleys--Seattle--1940-1950; Bowling balls; Scoreboards--Seattle--1940-1950; Barrel ceilings--Seattle; Lighting--Seattle;

College of Puget Sound. The Loggers are ready to travel to San Jose, California, to play the San Jose Spartans October 1, 1948. L-R, Co-Captain Dick Hermsen, Yell Queen Cynthia Harris, Yell Duke Ed Hager, Coach John Heinrick, and Co-Captain Dick Brown are standing on the platform at Union Depot along with other people waiting for the train. The entire team would make the trip to get plenty of practice before the start of the Evergreen Conference season starting the next week. (T.Times, 10/1/1948, p.10)

College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Universities & colleges--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Heinrick, John; Railroad travel--Tacoma--1940-1950; Football players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Railroad stations--Tacoma; Union Station (Tacoma);

Tacoma Open Golf Tournament at Fircrest, Tacoma Athletic Commission, Bob Sanders. Entrants in the Tacoma Open Golf Tournament are seen on the green with the gallery of spectators surrounding the green. Five pros tied for the top spot in the sensational Tacoma Open. Scores of 274 for the 72 holes were held by Ed Oliver of Seattle, Gary Middlecoff of Memphis, Chuck Congdon of Tacoma, Fred Hass of New Orleans and Vic Ghezzi of Englewood, New Jersey. This tied score was one stroke below the record of 275 set by Jimmy Hines in 1945. (T.Times, 9/20/1948, p.11)

Golf--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fircrest Golf Club (Fircrest); Golfers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Spectators--Tacoma; Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Open Golf Tournament at Fircrest, Tacoma Athletic Commission, Bob Sanders. Spectators surround the green watching two of the golfers entered in the four-day Tacoma Open Golf Tournament. The Fircrest course had a 480 yard first hole. At the end of the first day of play Freddie Hass Jr. was in first position with a score of 65, Chuck Congdon in second with 66 and Vic Ghezzi was in third with 67. A new course record was set this day for the long 9. (TNT, 9/17/1948, p.14)

Golf--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fircrest Golf Club (Fircrest); Golfers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Spectators--Tacoma; Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In October of 1947, "Irish Bob" Kelly of Seattle admired his fighting stance as he prepared at Amundsen's Gym for his upcoming welterweight battle with Tacoma's Charley Johnston. The fight on October 16th at the Tacoma Ice Palace was the third meeting for the happy-go-lucky, debonair Kelly and the stoic, nordic looking Johnston. The first bout was a 6 round near draw awarded to Johnston and the second ended in the second round when Johnston landed a technical knock-out, opening a severe gash over Kelly's left eye. In front of 2100 fans, Johnston knocked out Kelly in the 4th round of the Oct. 16th fight. Johnston went on to have a career total of 17 wins, 6 losses and 2 draws. (T. Times, 10/14/47, p. 6; also 10/16, 10/17 sports section; www.boxrec.com).

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma; Boxing--Tacoma; Sporting goods; Amundsen's Gymnasium (Tacoma); Kelly, Bob;

PLC football players, Metcalf, Times. Jack Carbone played guard on the Pacific Lutheran College football team in 1947.

Football players--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1940-1950; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1940-1950; Carbone, Jack;

PLC football players, Metcalf, Times. Gene Strandress and Lowell Knutson jump to throw a long pass. Coach Marv (Thommy) Tommervik observes while the team practices at Pacific Lutheran College on September 10, 1947. They are preparing for their opening game in Tacoma Stadium September 20, 1947, against St. Olaf of Northfield, Minnesota, champions of their league in 1946. (T.Times, 9/16/1947, p.11)

Strandress, Gene; Knutson, Lowell; Tommervik, Marv; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1940-1950; Football--Parkland--1940-1950; Football players--Parkland; Coaches (Athletics)--Parkland--1940-1950;

Tacoma's Pacific Coast League profession basketball team, the Mountaineers, were ready for their first game in December 1947. There were six northwest teams in the league, including Seattle and Portland. Tacoma played their home games in the State Armory. Left to right, Helen Hayes, team's leader and half time show performer, J. Katica, H. Vallee, S. Sigurdson, B. Graf, Ernie Endress, B. Voelker, J. Voelker, T. Werner, Coach, and Milton Bay, Co-owner and Club President (T. Times, 12/2/47, p. 8; Endress identified by an acquaintance). TPL-8550

Basketball--Tacoma; Basketball players--Tacoma; Drum majorettes--Tacoma; Coast League (Tacoma); Mountaineers (Basketball Team); State Armory (Tacoma);

In December of 1947, three Alpha Chi Nu sorority sisters chatted with Joe Manley, 155 pounds, at Amundsen's Gym, 719 1/2 Commerce, as he trained for his fight with Dick Elmore. The College of Puget Sound was hosting a "Logger Glove Show" for the first time in many years. College boxers from western Washington met at the CPS gym. There were eight, three round bouts, sponsored by the CPS Lettermen's Club. Joe Manley was trained by Frankie "Chi-Chi" Britt, ex-featherweight of the pro-ring. (T.Times 12/11/47 p.10) View of Alpha Chi Nu sorority girls with Joe Manley at Amundsen's Gym. TPL-8091

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma; Boxing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Manley, Joe; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Alpha Chi Nu (Tacoma); College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Amundsen's Gymnasium (Tacoma);

Bellarmine High School football team is celebrating a victory after playing on a wet and muddy field. Their victory brings them closer to the state title and championship. In spite of the heavy downpour the game was fairly well attended and Bellarmine did not let down their fans. View of muddy football players leaving the field after winning the game.

Football--Tacoma; Football players--Tacoma; Mud--Tacoma; Victory celebrations--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma; Private schools--Tacoma; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma);

The College of Puget Sound basketball team played against Pacific Lutheran College to determine the city's champions in December of 1947. College of Puget Sound beat Pacific Lutheran College with a score of 45 to 38. The game was well attended and was played at the State Armory. View of basketball teams in action, names appear in newspaper (T. Times, 12/18/47, p. 11).

Basketball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Basketball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1940-1950; State Armory (Tacoma);

This was Bellarmine High School's varsity basketball team as photographed in the school's gym in December of 1947. The team was coached by Andy Slatt. Team members included Pat Olsen, Dick Jensen, Don Hermsen, Norm Smith and Otto Fink. The month of December would prove to be a successful one for the Lions as they would record victories on the road against Gonzaga (Prep), Shelton and defending state champs, Pasco. (T.Times 12-19-47, p. 10-article only)

Basketball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Basketball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gymnasiums--Tacoma; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma);

First Anniversary party for both papers, TAC, Bob Sanders. The Tacoma Athletic Commission held its Anniversary Party January 19, 1948. Plans for the evening included cocktails, buffet dinner, entertainment and dancing. This was the first anniversary of this popular club at its location at the Top of the Ocean. Howard R. Smith, president of the Tacoma Athletic Association at this time, and his wife, Ethyl A. Smith were among those receiving guests at the event. (T.Times, 1/19/1948, p.9, TNT, 1/21/1948, p.6)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Athletic clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Couples--Tacoma--1940-1950; Smith, Howard R.; Smith, Ethyl A.;

Mayor C. Val Fawcett escorts Gretchen Kunigk Fraser under crossed ski poles held by a Honor Guard during the April 5, 1948, Tacoma Athletic Commission reception celebrating her victories at the 1948 Winter Olympics. Members of the Tacoma Ski Club smile as they cross poles. Tacoma residents, 600 strong, welcomed back their hometown girl at the T.A.C. reception held at the Top of the Ocean. Also in attendance was Mrs. Fraser's husband, Don, who was a member of the 1936 Winter Olympic team. ALBUM 9. (TNT 4-6-48, p. 1)

Athletes; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Tacoma Ski Club (Tacoma);

Olympic skier and medalist from Tacoma, Gretchen Kunigk Fraser, was honored with a reception sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission on April 5, 1948. She is shown seated at the daffodil-covered head table with Mayor C. Val Fawcett, T.A.C. ski committee chair Jerry Geehan, and Howard R. Smith, T.A.C. president. A gift of silver candelabras was presented to Mrs. Fraser by Mr. Smith and Mr. Geehan. Mrs. Fraser in the same busy weekend also rode in the 15th annual Daffodil Parade and attended the Tacoma Ski Club's first annual Daffodil races. ALBUM 9.

Athletes; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Smith, Howard R.; Geehan, Jerry; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Commission reception in April, 1948, in honor of Gretchen Kunigk Fraser's victory in the 1948 Winter Olympics. Husband Don Fraser is to her left in photo, Mayor C. Val Fawcett is in background at far left. Olympic rings are hung over a winter backdrop. Mrs. Fraser captured the gold medal in women's slalom. Howard R. Smith, president of the T.A.C., and Jerry Geehan, chairman of the ski committee, present Mrs. Fraser with a pair of silver candelabras. The woman to the rear of the Frasers is believed to be Mrs. Fraser's mother, Clara (Mrs. W.A.) Kunigk. ALBUM 9. (TNT 4-6-48, p. 1)

Athletes; Skiers; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fraser, Don, 1914-1994; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Smith, Howard R.; Geehan, Jerry; Candelabras;

The Tacoma Athletic Commission celebrates the victory of Olympic Gold and Silver Medal winner Gretchen Kunigk Fraser by holding a dinner in her honor at the Top of The Ocean restaurant on April 5, 1948. Mayor Val Fawcett escorts Mrs. Fraser under a salute of crossed ski poles held by an Honor Guard representing the Tacoma Ski Team. Tacoma-raised Gretchen Fraser won in the Alpine skiing races at the 1948 Winter Olympics held in St. Moritz, placing first in the Slalom for a Gold Medal and second in the Alpine Combined race for a Silver Medal. TPL-5699, TPL-5049. ALBUM 9.

Athletes; Skiers; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Tacoma Ski Club (Tacoma);

Bowling team in studio, Tug Boat Annie bowling team, Bill Herdman. The Tug Boat Annie bowling team, sponsored by Henry Foss of the Foss Tug and Boat Company, were champions of the Tacoma Major league two successive years. They were such strong competitors, somewhat feared throughout the Northwest bowling circles, that they went on to take first place in the Northwest Pin Classic - the NIBC (Northwestern International Bowling Congress). The champion bowlers were: L-R, seated, Red Wakefield, Frank McGee and Len Thomas; standing, Kelcy Allen and Ted Wakefield. (T.Times, 5/6/1948, p.16; 5/12/1948, p.11)

Bowlers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tug Boat Annie Bowling Team (Tacoma); Wakefield, Red; McGee, Frank; Thomas, Len; Allen, Kelcy; Wakefield, Ted; Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma);

Permanente Metals had now been operating in Tacoma for a little over six months. The company produced Kaiser Aluminum products and was a growing industry throughout the Pacific Northwest. The Tacoma subsidiary was an aluminum reduction plant, which helped increase the amount of aluminum produced throughout the nation. View of Permanente Metals Corporation's bowling team at Play-Mor Bowling Alley, the league appears happy with their bowling scores.

Bowlers--Tacoma; Bowling--Tacoma; Bowling alleys--Tacoma; Bowling Balls; Play-Mor Bowling Alleys (Tacoma); Permanente Metals Corp. (Tacoma)--Employees;

View of Permanente Corporation's bowling team receiving their prizes, from Charles P. Love (left), General Superintendent of the company. Permanente's bowlers are being congratulated for a job well done. Permanente is a subsidiary of Kaiser Aluminum, they are an aluminum reduction plant that recently opened in Tacoma and have many other branches throughout the United States.

Bowlers--Tacoma; Bowling--Tacoma; Shaking hands--Tacoma; Awards; Aluminum industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Permanente Metals Corp. (Tacoma)--Employees; Love, Charles P.;

32-year-old "Newsboy" Millich, a seasoned heavyweight from Sacramento, California was ready to take on Tacoman Roy Hawkins in 1948. Their July 1st fight would be the main event in a Raleigh Sligar Card sponsored event at the Tacoma Armory. View of "Newsboy" Millich's promo photograph for the upcoming fight; the 200-pounder is working out at Kelly's Gymnasium, formerly Amundsen's Gymnasium. Hawkins would end up knocking out Millich in the third round. (T. Times, 6/23/48, p. 12; TNT 6-30-1948, p. 20; TNT 7-2-1948, p. 16-results of match).

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma; Boxing--Tacoma; Gymnasiums--Tacoma; Kelly's Gymnasium (Tacoma);

Brunswick, Balker, Collender Company. The interior of a ten-lane bowling alley. The Broadway Alleys will reopen August 28, 1946, after being closed all summer for a huge modernization program. Heading the improvements is the installation of ten of the latest Brunswick alleys for league play. (T.Times, 8/27/1946, p.11)

Bowling alleys--Tacoma--1940-1950; Broadway Bowling Center (Tacoma);

Wearing the latest in stylish glasses, these women bowled for Green's Optometrists, 254 So. 11th, in November of 1946 at the Broadway Bowling Center. The women are wearing matching bowling shirts with their names above the left pocket: Marlys, Jean, Helen, Jona and Peggy. Several women's leagues competed at the Broadway Alleys, 739 1/2 Broadway, including the Broadway Ladies and the Eagles Auxiliary.

Bowlers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Green's Optometrists (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Broadway Bowling Center (Tacoma); Bowling alleys--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Having spent a busy night on December 24, 1946 visiting every good little girl and boy in Tacoma/Pierce County, on Christmas Day Santa took in a baseball game. On December 25, 1946 the unidentified players on the 3 and 0 Club helped prove that it is never too late in the season for a good baseball game. This photograph was taken by Walde Krauklis, the husband of Genevieve Louise Richards Krauklis, when he worked as a photographer for the Richards Studio.

Baseball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Baseball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Santa Claus--Tacoma; Athletic fields--Tacoma; 3 and O' Club (Tacoma);