On June 9, 1939, the unidentified University-Union Club doorman opened the automobile door for E. F. Cardin, Jr. and Lorain Cousins, in formal attire, to enter the Club under the canvas-covered awning. The doorman's elegant white uniform added glamour to the evening event, attended by 500 guests, celebrating the clubs' merger. By 1938, the Union Club had been located in the elegant building at 539 Broadway for 50 years. In 1939, a decision was reached by the Union Club and the University Club to merge into one, the University-Union Club, at this location. The membership for the joint club was full at 450 members. Mr. Cardin was a trustee for the new organization. (T. Times 6/7/1939, pg. 11; 6/3/1939, pg. 5- articles only)

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Cardin, E.F.; Cousins, Lorain;

Union Club and University Club charter members hang a new charter over the 1888 fireplace for the merger of the two clubs into the University Union Club. L. to r: Dr. Charles McCreery, Dr. William McCreery, Melville Pugh, John S. Baker, and George P. Fishburne. (T. Times, 6/71939, p. 20).

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); McCreery, Charles; Pugh, Melville; Baker, John S.; Fishburne, George P.; Charters; McCreery, William B.;

On August 9, 1939, Emory Reagan Sr., a flagpole painter, used a "bos'n's chair" to ascend the 150 foot flagpole at the University Union Club at 539 Broadway. The pole took 5 1/2 hours to paint, during which time Reagan remained aloft. His young sons Duane, 8, and Emory, Jr., 11, kept him supplied with paint and brushes, sent up by a rope and pulley. Mr. Reagan was 35 at the time of this picture and lived with his wife and family at 5020 6th Ave. (T.Times 8/10/1939 p.1)

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Painting; Reagan, Emory; Flagpoles;

The small sons of Emory Reagan Sr. take a break from helping Dad paint the flagpole at the University Union Club. Emory Jr., 11, holds on to the rope that sends supplies up to Dad, eliminating the need for him to go up and down the pole repeatedly. Duane, 8, holds a paintbrush and Mickey, the family's two month old terrier. The senior Mr. Reagan remained aloft on the flagpole for 5 1/2 hours completing his paint job. The boys resided with their mom and dad at 5020 6th Ave. (T. Times 8/10/1939, pg. 1)

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Painting; Reagan, Emory; Reagan, Duane;

March, 1942, publicity for St. Patrick's Stag Night at University-Union Club. L to R: Back; H.L. Blangy, Ed Richards, Warren Hull, Mayor Harry P. Cain, Fred Hansen, A.L. Lee. Seated: J. Corning Todd, Joseph Gordon, John Schlarb, Jr., William A. Johnson, William Buchanan, P.Scheibler, Irving Thomas and E.M. Wetherell. All the men are wearing chef's hats, obviously practicing for preparing their own meal at the annual St. Pat's steak fry. ALBUM 13. (T. Times 3/16/42, pg. 12)

Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hats--1940-1950; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Richards, Ed;

In a time honored tradition, the men of the University Union Club prepared their own steaks at the Stag Dinner held on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1942, . From the look of their butchering methods, the dinner was in some danger of being delayed by a trip to the emergency room. Seven club members watched as Ed Richards held a large chuck of beef and J. Corning Todd maneuvered a large carving knife. After dinner, the club members participated in games and watched seven acts of vaudeville.

Hats--1940-1950; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Meat cutting--Tacoma; Butchers--Tacoma; Holidays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Richards, Ed;

Dinner honoring Nancy Hewitt at University Union Club on June 26, 1939. Party was probably in honor of her upcoming marriage on June 28, 1939. (filed with Argentum)

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Hewitt, Nancy;

Annual Judges Banquet at University-Union Club. Seated are Govenor-elect Arthur B. Langlie (center), Mayor Harry P. Cain (perched on arm of chair) and U.S. District Court Judge Lloyd T. Black. Others in the November 21, 1940, photograph include State Supreme Court justices William J. Steinert, C.G. Jeffers, Samuel R. Driver, George B. Simpson, John T. Robinson and retired justice William D. Askew. The 33rd annual dinner for state supreme court judges was held on Thanksgiving Eve, November 20, 1940, with 271 men in attendance. Mayor Cain acted as Toastmaster. Mr. Langlie had been involved in a very close gubernatorial race with Spokane Democrat and former U.S. Senator C.C. Dill who refused to concede weeks after the election. Mr. Langlie would be the only GOP candidate to win a major office in Washington State in 1940. TPL-4586. (T.Times, 11-21-40, p. 9, 11-22-40, p. 18) ALBUM 10, ALBUM 12.

Governors; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Judges; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

Saint Patrick's Day Dinner and Stag Night at University - Union Club. Club members pose in chef's hats and aprons. Traditionally for this annual event, members would prepare their own meal.

Saint Patrick's Day--Tacoma; Cooks; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Aprons--Tacoma; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

It was the tradition of the old University Club (newly reformed in 1939 as the University-Union Club) to entertain the Justices of the State Supreme Court at an annual dinner and entertainment. The 33rd annual event was held November 20, 1940 at the club with Mayor Harry P. Cain as toastmaster. The "entertainment" portion was turned over to the Tacoma Drama League. They are pictured portraying the Justices in rapt interest over the finer points of a divorce case. The "judges" are, left to right, J. Walley Showman (reading the Police Gazette), William L. Brown, E.E. "Bud" Bare Jr., J.K. "Jock" Gordon and Irving W. Thomas. (T. Times 11/20/1940, pg. 3)

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Tacoma Drama League (Tacoma); Impersonation;

Birthday party at Union-University Club. Mrs. Charles Eckstrom. Eleven girls gathered for Carolyn Eckstrom's 10th birthday: L-R, seated; Suzanne Baker, Eileen Eckstrom (floor), Carolyn Eckstrom, Mary Rowland, Patty Reed, Margaret Graham (floor); standing; Joan Hansen, Anne Rowland, Joanne Treichel (arm of sofa), Patty Lynam and Elizabeth McAllister (seated in arm chair). (T.Times, 6/21/1947, p.12)

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children's parties; Birthday parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Eckstrom, Carolyn; Baker, Suzanne; Eckstrom, Eileen; Rowland, Mary; Reed, Patty; Graham, Margaret; Treichel, Joanne; Lynam, Patty;

This lovely orchid is from Hilo, Hawaii. The orchids were ordered by the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce, during the recent visit to Hawaii as part of the Goodwill Tour. Stadium High School girls who attend the upcoming Orchid luncheon will receive orchid corsages. The hostesses' mothers will also be guests and receive beautiful larger orchid corsages (T. Times, 6/12/48, p. 9).

Orchids--Tacoma; Banquets--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Stadium High School (Tacoma); University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

University-Union Club was celebrating their Ninth Anniversary, in 1939 the Union Club and University Club merged their organizations together and became the University-Union Club. University-Union Club officers and trustees are in charge of organizing the event. The event will include a cocktail hour, dinner and dancing, all club members are invited to attend. View of club members enjoying their formal dance (T.N.T., 6/5/48, p. 5).

Tuxedoes; Ball dresses; Commemoration--Tacoma; Couples--Tacoma; Balls (Parties)--Tacoma--1940-1950; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

University-Union Club members and a chef admire the buffet of Scandinavian delicacies on display in late January of 1947 at the annual "Stag and Doe" party. A complete roasted pig was the highlight of the dinner. Club members above have been tentatively identified (from left) as Art Gunderson and Tony Hull at far right.

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Buffets (Cookery)--Tacoma; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pork; Cooks;

Ten year old Judith Turner greets guests at the door of the University Union Club at the Tea being given for her mother, Mrs. Bettina Turner, on January 6, 1951. Two hundred guests were invited to the Club Tea given in honor of Mrs. Turner's upcoming marriage to Benjamin Moore of Olympia at Immanuel Presbyterian Church. Being greeted by the young girl are, left to right, Mrs. Stanberry Foster, Mrs. Zen Albertz, Mrs. Doane Brodie and Mrs. Dale Sweeney, all of Olympia. Centerpieces of gardenias and violets adorned by figures of nesting doves highlighted the decorations of green and pink. (TNT 1/9/1951, pg. 8)

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Hats--1950-1960; Fur coats; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Turner, Judith;

Mr. Pirrett. The Tacoma Chamber of Commerce officials invited local business men to participate in the Pacific Northwest Advisory Board. This board would meet on a monthly basis with Governor Langlie. View of nine Tacoma business men, James E. Morris, Vice President of Weyerhauser Sales Co., is in the back row second from left. Photo ordered by Mr. Harrold R. Pirret, Sales Manager at Sperry Flour Co.

Tacoma Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma); Morris, James E.; Pirret, Harrold R.; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

Smorgasbord at University Union Club. The University Union Club of Tacoma is hosting a traditional Swedish dinner, smorgasbord style. View of staff dressed in Swedish attire and anxiously awaiting a fun filled evening.

Buffets (Cookery)--Tacoma; Costumes--Sweden; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

The 11th annual President's Anniversary Ball of the University-Union Club drew a large crowd on May 5, 1950. Two men, one older and one younger, wearing white dinner jackets and bow ties, stand behind the candy counter and in front of the cigarette and cigar display in the lobby of the club's building. Ordered by the Tribune, Barbara Dana. (TNT, 5/14/1950, p.D-5)

Clubs--Tacoma; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Dinner parties--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Practicing Christmas carols for their upcoming performance at the University-Union Club, 539 Broadway, are (l to r) Charlie and Kathleen Thomas, Peggy Ann and Brick Hodge, George Teats, Jan Le Veque, and Bruce Teats. Under the direction of Delwen Jones, the seven children sang at the family Christmas party for the members of the University-Union Club.(T. Times, 12/12/48, p. 13).

Children singing--Tacoma; Caroling--Tacoma; Christmas carols; Christmas decorations; Holidays--Tacoma; Clubs--Tacoma; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

Farewell banquet for Harry A. Lehnhardt, Union Club, Jan. 14, 1931, given by the Tacoma Agency Sales Force. 1953 copy of a customer's print.

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Lehnhardt, Harry A.;

Posed around the table laden with Christmas decorations and appetizers at the University Union Club are, left to right, Linda Ross, Eleanor Dickman, Robin Ross, Kay Kelly, Diana Davis, Jill Davis and Charlotte Rowland. Ordered by the Tacoma News Tribune. The UU Women's Christmas Tea was scheduled for December 11th, 1953 from 3-5p.m. The tea had a silver Christmas motif. The day dawned darkly, but rainy skies did not dampen the atmosphere at the candlelit tea. Mrs. Dickman and Rowland poured while the girls served. (TNT 12/9/1953, pg. B-8)

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Buffets (Cookery)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ross, Linda; Dickman, Eleanor; Ross, Robin; Kelly, Kay; Davis, Diana; Davis, Jill; Rowland, Charlotte;

ca. 1891. The Union Club, home away from home for prominent Tacoma businessmen, offered their members an extensive selection of wines and other alcoholic beverages. Its basement contained a wine cellar, managed by a steward hired with the stipulation that he not drink. The bar itself, however, was on one of the upper floors, possibly on the third floor near the main entrance. Mention was made in the Tacoma Daily Ledger's June 6, 1890, edition of a "steward's apartment" on that level which had a "large sideboard for the accommodation of members." Since there was no obvious mention of a bar, this may have clued readers to the availability of liquor in the clubhouse. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Bars--Tacoma--1890-1900; Alcoholic beverages;

ca. 1891. "Office Union Club" Various descriptions of the new Union Club, built in 1888, do not specifically mention an office as one of the many rooms in the Greco-colonial building. This photograph could possibly be that of the directors' room which was located on the fourth floor in the southwest corner of the building directly above the reception room. Ledgers are displayed on stands and tables where members dues and business expenses associated with the club were probably noted. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article; Morning Globe 11-4-1889, p. 8-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1891. The Union Club, 539 Broadway, had two dining rooms on the third floor. It is not certain which of the two is pictured above but is possibly the larger of the two, measuring 16 x 25 feet, furnished in oak, and containing a fireplace and sideboard. It fronted the east end of the third floor. The second dining area was a small private banquet hall adjoining the dining room on the north. The space, measuring 12 x 14 feet, was connected to the larger dining room by arched, folding doors. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article; Morning Globe 11-4-1889, p. 8-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Dining rooms--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1891. This circa 1891 photograph by LaRoche & French was labeled "Front Hall 2nd Floor Union Club." Because the massive building had five stories which included in order a sub-basement, basement, two floors and an attic, this particular scene was probably not a basement view but is possibly the floor that contained the directors' room, bath room, billiard parlor and card rooms. This floor, which was accessible by ascending the grand staircase, was actually the second of the two main floors that members would be most interested in. Newspapers of the day called it the "fourth floor" which also had a main hallway. Heavy oak furnishings, a brick fireplace, oil painting and gas fixtures were on display. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article; Morning Globe 11-4-1889, p. 8-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Passageways--Tacoma--1890-1900; Fireplaces--Tacoma--1890-1900;