Mayor John C. Siegle and two appointees admire flowers sent for the mayor's swearing in ceremony at (Old) City Hall on June 6, 1938. Blossoms of many varieties decorate the mayor's chambers. Flanking the new mayor are William J. Ganz and C. Amos Booth, the mayor's nominees for Secretary to the Mayor and Superintendent, Refuse Collection division, respectively. The mayor's first official act was to submit to the new council his appointments. They were confirmed during the first session. (T. Times, 6-6-38, p. 14) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Ganz, William J.; Booth, C. Amos; Flower arrangements;

John C. Siegle held up his right hand as he was sworn in as Mayor on June 6, 1938, by City Clerk Genevieve Martin. Standing by the wall, between them, are Holmes Eastwood, Safety Commissioner, wearing a sports jacket and light colored slacks, and C. Val Fawcett, Finance Commissioner. Dr. Siegle succeeded George A. Smitley as mayor. In Dr. Siegle's address, he pledged his efforts towards securing new industries, helping those already here, and promoting the Narrows Bridge project. Dr. Siegle, a dentist, was the first mayor of Tacoma to be born in Tacoma. He died April 12, 1939 less then one year after taking office. (T. Times, 6-6-38, p. 1, 14)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Oaths--Tacoma; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Eastwood, Holmes; Martin, Genevieve;

On May 25, 1938, Mayor George A. Smitley, in his office at (old) City Hall, bought a "Buddy Poppy" from Mary Lee Burrows (L) and Elizabeth Armstrong, the youngest members of the American Legion Rhodes Post Auxiliary. Buddy Poppies were assembled by disabled and/or needy veterans and proceeds used for veterans welfare. (T.Times).

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Patriotic societies--Tacoma; American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Burrows, Mary Lee; Armstrong, Elizabeth;

New Pierce County Prosecutor Thor Tollefson relaxes with a pipe at his desk. Mr. Tollefson served as the prosecuting attorney from 1938-1946; he then was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, defeating longtime congressman John Coffee. Mr. Tollefson, a Republican, represented the 6th District for nine terms until his defeat in November, 1964. His younger brother, Harold, was also in public office: he twice served as Tacoma's mayor. ALBUM 4. (T.Times 1/9/1939, pg. 1)

Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Lawyers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

37-year-old Pierce County Prosecutor Thor Tollefson at his desk shortly after being sworn into office on January 9, 1939. Many congratulatory bouquets were sent to Mr. Tollefson and his deputies by their admirers. He had defeated Democratic incumbent Harry H. Johnston in the November 8, 1938, elections. After eight years in office, Mr. Tollefson was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1946, and re-elected eight more times. (T. Times, 1-9-39, p. 1). ALBUM 4.

Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Lawyers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Mrs. Jess Dannen of the American Legion Auxiliary, Rhodes post, pins a "Buddy Poppy" on Tacoma Mayor J.J. Kaufman at (Old) City Hall on May 23, 1939. Mayor Kaufman was the first to buy a poppy during Tacoma's Poppy Days. These paper poppies were made by disabled veterans in a Walla Walla hospital and sold to raise funds for veterans relief. ALBUM 11, ALBUM 16. (T.Times 5-25-39, p. 4)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; American Legion Auxiliary (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Funeral of Mayor John C. Siegle at First Presbyterian Church. Police Honor Guard stands at attention between hearse and entrance. Over 2,000 people came to the church to pay their last respects to the Mayor.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939-- Funeral rites & ceremonies;

Funeral of Mayor John C. Siegle at the First Presbyterian Church. A minister stands by the hearse. Police Honor Guard stands at attention between hearse and entrance. The service was performed by Rev. Arthur Bell.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939-- Funeral rites & ceremonies;

Funeral of Mayor John C. Siegle at the First Presbyterian Church. General view of large crowd, hearse and Police Honor Guard.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939-- Funeral rites & ceremonies;

Allenmore Golf Course "Hole-In-One" contest for new 1939 Buick. Hole-in-one ace, ex-mayor M. G. Tennent, tries his 100th drive to win the contest and misses. Since taking up the game of golf, Tennent has shot eight dodos. In back of and to the right of Tennent is future Mayor John H. Anderson. (T. Times, 4/14/1939, p. 14)

Mayors--Tacoma; Tennent, Melvin Green; Anderson, John H.; Allenmore Golf Club (Tacoma); Golf--Tacoma--1930-1940; Sports & recreation facilities--Tacoma; Golfers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Ex-mayor M. G. Tennent, Tacoma's hole-in-one champ, the "King of Aces," watches the result of his swing at the indoor driving range at Allenmore Golf Course. Since taking up golf, Mr. Tennent has made eight hole-in-ones. But despite 100 tries at this hole, he has only come close. The winner will receive a new 1939 Buick. Unbeknownst at the time, John Anderson, watching in background while he puffs on a cigar, will become future Tacoma mayor. (T. Times, 4/14/39, p. 14).

Mayors--Tacoma; Tennent, Melvin Green; Anderson, John H.; Allenmore Golf Club (Tacoma); Golf--Tacoma--1930-1940; Sports & recreation facilities--Tacoma; Golfers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Four Girl Scouts selling Mayor J. J. Kaufman a copy of the Golden Jubilee Program at his office in (Old) City Hall on July 18, 1939. Mayor Kaufman is perusing the "Fifty Years of Progress Washington Golden Jubilee Celebration" book as the young girls look on. Tacoma was awarded the official statehood jubilee celebration; over 100,000 residents enjoyed a 14-mile parade and rain failed to dampen outdoor dances and pageants. ALBUM 11.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Girl Scouts (Tacoma);

Golden Jubilee Royalty and escorts and "Tally Ho" pause on Pacific Avenue in front of the Bank of California on July 10, 1939. Tuxedoed men doff their hats. Standing: Tom Carstens, Miss Pierce County Margaret Franich, Jubilee Queen Amy Lou Murray, unknown, Jubilee director Harry P. Cain.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Carstens, Tom; Franich, Margaret; Murray, Amy Lou; Horses--Tacoma; Carriages & coaches--Tacoma;

Gyro Club with Jubilee Hats on Winthrop roof on July 5, 1939. Front row: Ira Davisson (first on L), W.P. Bonney, Norton Clapp (3rd from L), Mrs. Louise S. Taylor, Mayor J.J. Kaufman (5th from L), Fred Smith, Harry P. Cain, (2nd from R and Sheriff John Bjorklund. Back row: A.A. Rankin, T.A. Stevenson, John Schlarb, Holmes Eastwood, City Controller Tom Swayze, Public Works Commissioner Abner R. Bergersen and C. Val Fawcett. These prominent members of the Gyro Club were promoting the wearing of hats of all shapes, sizes and styles, during Washington State's Golden Jubilee celebration July 16-23, 1939. Low crown derbies, top hats, skimmers, 10-gallon hats and bonnets would all be adorning the heads of Tacomans, strictly for amusement purposes. ALBUM 11. (T. Times, 7-7-39, p. 1)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Clapp, Norton, 1906-1995; Davisson, Ira; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Bonney, William P.; Hats--1930-1940; Bjorklund, John;

Gyro Club with Jubilee Hats on Winthrop Hotel roof, July 5, 1939. Prominent members of Tacoma's Gyro Club doff their hats in a salute to the Golden Jubilee celebration of Washington's statehood. Front row: T. A. Stevenson, Ira Davisson (2nd from L), W.P. Bonney, Norton Clapp (4th from L), Mrs. Louise S. Taylor, Mayor J. J. Kaufman, Fred Smith, Harry P. Cain (Jubilee Chairman and future mayor) and Sheriff John Bjorklund. Back row: A.A. Rankin, John Schlarb, Holmes Eastwood, Tom Swayze, Abner R. Bergersen and C. Val Fawcett (Finance Commissioner and future mayor). The wearing of hats was proposed by the Gyro Club to inject levity into the celebration. Hats were available for sale in all colors, shapes and sizes in Tacoma's shops at nominal prices. Residents were asked to don their hats and "chase dignity out of town." (T.Times, 7-7-39, p. 1)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Clapp, Norton, 1906-1995; Davisson, Ira; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Eastwood, Holmes;

Gyro Club with Jubilee Hats on Winthrop roof on July 5, 1939. Front row: Public Utilities Commissioner Ira Davisson (first on L), Ferry Museum director W.P. Bonney, Norton Clapp, Chamber of Commerce president, Mrs. Louise S. Taylor, county superintendent of schools, Mayor J.J. Kaufman, County Assessor Fred Smith (on chair), Harry P. Cain, Jubilee Chairman, and Sheriff John Bjorklund. Back row: County Commissioner A.A. Rankin, T.A. Stevenson, mgr. of Tacoma Chamber of Commerce, County Commissioner John Schlarb, Public Safety Commissioner Holmes Eastwood, City Controller Tom Swayze, Public Works Commissioner Abner R. Bergersen, and C. Val Fawcett, Finance Commissioner (last on R). To celebrate Washington state's Golden Jubilee, the Gyro Club decided to promote the wearing of hats during the July 16-23, 1939, activities. Club members, numbering among them some of Tacoma's most notable personalities, are shown modeling a variety of shapes, styles and questionable fashioned headgear. ALBUM 11. (T. Times, 7-7-39, p. 1)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Clapp, Norton, 1906-1995; Davisson, Ira; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Eastwood, Holmes; Bjorklund, John; Taylor, Louise S.; Hats;

Several military officials wearing overcoats salute troops at Governor's Review at National Guard camp. Governor Clarence Martin, second from left, removes his silk hat. Washington's 3000 National Guardsmen went on parade in full force on June 18, 1939, to pay annual honors to their commander-in-chief, Governor Clarence D. Martin. The Review concluded a fifteen day training period at Camp Moss (Murray). Brig. Gen. Maurice Thompson, adjutant general of the Guard, and Brig. Gen. Carlos Penington, camp commander, invited the general public to attend the impressive ceremonies. 3000 accepted the invitation. Due to inclement weather, the elaborate Governor's Concert featuring regimental bands was cancelled. (T.Times, 6-17-39, p. 1, 6-19-39, p. 1, 14) ALBUM 10

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Saluting;

National Guard review for Governor Clarence D. Martin, second from left in photo. Governor Martin is holding hat; about 10 Guard and Army officers are saluting. The governor and military officials were gathered at Camp Moss (Murray) for the annual National Guard Review to honor the state's commander-in-chief. (T.Times 6-19-39, p. 1, 14)

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Saluting;

ca. 1927. Legislative Building. The stately Legislative (Capitol) Building in Olympia looks complete in the above photograph taken about 1927. The building had Doric-colonnaded wings to the north and south and central colonnaded and pedimented entrance porticoes between. Its walls were thick, 12 inches of stone facing together with brick or concrete backing with an overall thickness of 2 feet, 5 inches. The large oval in front of the massive steps appears to be a lush grass lawn. (Johnston: Washington's Audacious State Capitol and Its Builders)

Legislative Building (Olympia);

ca. 1924. Progress photograph - State Legislative (Capitol) Building. Although construction on the Legislative Building in Olympia had begun in 1923, it was not the first attempt at the creation of a new state capitol building. Ernest Flagg of New York City had won a national competition in 1894 to become the project's architect. His design called for a compact structure facing south with "rusticated" ground floor, two main floors and an attic. The dome would have a "Gilded Age" appearance. Excavation and construction of foundations and basement, of brick and exterior gray Tenino stone, followed. However, a change of administration delayed the construction of a permanent state capitol building and the legislature instead moved into the Thurston County Courthouse in downtown Olympia until 1927. The lack of space in the courthouse instigated a call for the resumption of plans to build a new state capitol building. A richer, larger scale plan was sought which would include the Temple of Justice and future buildings grouped as necessary. Only 30 entries were submitted in 1911 with another New York City twosome, Walter Robb Wilder and Harry Keith White, emerging as the winners. The Temple of Justice and Insurance Building would be completed first, in 1920 and 1921 respectively. The Legislative Building would be constructed on the site of the Flagg foundations. Pictured above ca. 1924 are the foundations and monumental steps. The stone facing is of Wilkeson stone from quarries in Pierce County; lighter in color than Tenino or Chuckanut stone, it was felt that the off-white tones with cream and pink hints would provide a warmer appearance on cold, rainy days. Durable, Wilkeson stone was available in vast quantities and would be used during the years of construction. (Johnston: Washington's Audacious State Capitol and Its Builders)

Building construction--Olympia--1920-1930; Legislative Building (Olympia);

ca. 1927. View of State Capitol buildings after 1925. L-R are the Insurance Building, Legislative (Capitol) Building, and the Temple of Justice. All buildings utilized Wilkeson stone, a durable sandstone, from the quarries of Pierce County. The Temple of Justice was accepted by the state in August of 1920 at a total cost of $942,230. Located east of the Legislative Building, the Insurance Building was constructed in response to the increasing office space needs of the state government. Using elements of the Roman Doric order, the Insurance Building was occupied in 1921 by a variety of state offices including the governor's office. The Insurance Building cost more than the Temple of Justice - at slightly over a million dollars. ($1,032,000.) The Legislative Building was the last of the three to be officially completed in 1928 with its total cost $7,385,768.21, including nearly $600,000 in furnishings. Landscaping of the complex would follow. (Johnston: Washington's Audacious State Capitol and Its Builders)

Legislative Building (Olympia); Insurance Building (Olympia); Temple of Justice (Olympia);

ca. 1928. Melvin Green Tennent was elected to be mayor of Tacoma twice. He was elected March 9, 1926 but resigned before the end of his term. James Newbegin was chosen as his replacement in March of 1929. He was elected the second time March 13, 1930. This photograph is Boland # B18391. ALBUM 16. Also G2.1-039 and MAYOR-016

Tennent, Melvin Green; Mayors--Tacoma--1920-1930;

In front of City Hall Mayor Melvin G. Tennent, second from left, welcomed Leo, the Metro Goldwyn Mayer lion, and his entourage to Tacoma in August, 1930, during Leo's World Tour. Mayor Tennent is standing in front of Leo's ornate, and very fortified, traveling cage. The cage was 13 feet long and part of a 24 foot Reo speedwagon. Unbreakable glass three feet high and canvas drops that could be lowered in case of inclement weather assured Leo's comfort and health. MGM had trademarked Leo's very distinctive roar which appeared at the beginning of their films for decades. Leo seemingly was a cat with nine lives: while touring the globe for MGM, he survived two train wrecks, a Mississippi flood, a California earthquake, a fire and a plane crash. He died at an advanced age of 23, in 1938, and is buried in Gillette, New Jersey, on the farm owned by Volney Phifer, premier animal trainer. The uniformed man at the right is believed to be Mr. Phifer, Leo's trainer. (TDL 8-17-30, E-5)

Tennent, Melvin Green; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Cages--Tacoma; Leo (Lion)--Associated objects;

Informal portrait of President Warren G. Harding believed to have been taken in July of 1923. President Harding and his wife visited Tacoma on July 5, 1923 and were given a warm welcome at Stadium Bowl where 25,000 people stood in the drizzling rain just to greet the presidential couple. The President was on his way to Alaska via the naval transport the USS Henderson and would not return to Tacoma. He died 28 days later, at the age of 57, of a heart attack.

Harding, Warren G.; Presidents--United States; Guests--Tacoma--1920-1930; Visits of state--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Wendell Willkie, the 1940 Republican nominee for President, paid a brief visit to Tacoma in February of 1944 to deliver speeches at the Pierce County Republican Club's Lincoln Day dinner and at the Edward B. Rhodes Post #2, American Legion. Mr. Willkie is pictured seated (center) next to Republican Governor Arthur B. Langlie. Also listening to the conversation are Frank Callender (standing) and an unidentified past national commander. Mr. Willkie had lost the 1940 election to Franklin Delano Roosevelt by five million votes and although had sought to become the 1944 Republican nominee, was not chosen by his party. Wendell Willkie would pass away on October 8, 1944, just eight months after his Tacoma visit.

Willkie, Wendell, 1892-1944; Guests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors; Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Callender, Frank T.;

On April 12, 1961, former mayor "Big John" Anderson, Mayor Ben Hanson, and Chamber of Commerce president Herbert F. Syford examined the 36' totem pole which had been carved and painted as a gift to the City of Kokura, Japan, from its sister city, Tacoma. The totem pole was on display at the Narrows fire station on Sixth Avenue. The cedar log was donated by Cascade Pole Co. and hauled to the 9th & A fire station headquarters where it was carved and painted by Stadium High School English teacher, Bud Cairns. Only the lower part of the totem pole is seen in the above photograph; characters representing Tacoma's seaport and lumber industries, forest products, commercial fishing, boating, water sports, and rich agriculture in addition to a sketch of the Narrows Bridge, were all found on the totem. "Big John" Anderson led a tour group to Japan in June, 1961, where he expected to present the totem pole, however, due to shipping difficulties, the totem did not actually arrive in Kokura until August. The U.S. Marines came to the rescue by delivering the approximately 2,500 pound totem in a R4Q "Flying Box Car" to Kokura. (TNT 9-24-61, TNT 4-16-61, TNT 3-5-61)

Totem poles--Tacoma; Anderson, John H.; Hanson, Ben; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Syford, Herbert;

Mayor Harold Tollefson bows his head while shaking the hand of Mrs. Motohiko Kanai on April 22, 1964, outside the County-City Building. Her husband, the Japanese governor of Washington's sister prefecture, Hyogo, and Washington governor Albert Rosellini both smile. She is wearing an exquisite silk kimono while also carrying a modern handbag. Governor Kanai was presented with a key to the city by Mayor Tollefson. (TNT 4-22-64, C-16)

Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Rosellini, Albert D.; Governors; Kanai, Motohiko; Kanai, Motohiko--Family;

Mayor Harold Tollefson posed with about 50 beauty queens and various police units on May 15, 1962, in front of what is believed the County-City Building, 930 Tacoma Avenue South. Although this particular photograph apparently did not appear in the local newspaper, it may have been taken in conjunction with the Century 21 Exposition, better known as the Seattle World's Fair, which was already in progress. TRUEBLOOD 682

Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston and Canadian visitors. The mayor is assisting with a garter with attached tiny holster and pistol. It is possible that the visitors were in town to participate in the annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival parade which was held on Saturday, April 11th. TRUEBLOOD 1935

Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Foreign visitors--Canada;

Albert Lawrence Rasmussen was elected mayor of Tacoma in 1967. This photograph was taken in the Mayor's office on Naturalization Day, September 9, 1969. Trueblood #1870 ALBUM 16.

Rasmussen, Albert Lawrence; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970