The remodeled chapel of the Tacoma Rescue Mission. The Mission was founded in 1912 as a result of an evangelistic campaign by Gypsy Smith. It provided emergency aid, shelter and Christian fellowship to transient men. This building consisted of the Keown Building at 1512 Pacific Ave., acquired in 1940, and the Grays Harbor Hotel Building at 1510 Pacific Ave., acquired in 1946. The Keown Building was built in 1907 and designed by C.A. Darmer, architect. The Grays Harbor Hotel building was built in 1901 and designed by the same architect. The 1956 remodel made the two buildings appear as one, including a resurface with Quikbrik the plastered brick veneer. The interior chapel was completely redone with new walls and ceilings as well as new offices and pews. The beams were of knotty pine, the walls of mahogany, the pews of fir; indirect lighting and air conditioning would also greet nightly worshipers. The chapel occupied the main floor of the mission. (TNT 1/1/1956)

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Chapels--Tacoma;

The remodeled chapel of the Tacoma Rescue Mission. The Mission was founded in 1912 to provide aid, spiritual counseling and shelter to transient men drawn to the area by the lumber and maritime industries. In the beginning, it consisted of a soup line and chapel services. Services were expanded over the years to include women, children and families and to provide dormitories and dining rooms for transients. The mission acquired this facility on Pacific at two different times and remodeled them in 1956 to appear as one structure. It consisted of the Keown Building, at 1512 acquired in 1940, and the Grays Harbor Hotel Building, at 1510 acquired in 1946. The site also included 1511 Commerce St. The facility included the main chapel, a prayer room, a recreation room, library, kitchen and a 67 bed dormitory. In 2002, the building was demolished to make way for the new Convention Center project site. An emergency shelter was built on South Tacoma Way and other services are spread throughout the city. The Rescue Mission has repeatedly been recognized locally and nationally for the outstanding work that they do helping people to help themselves. (TNT 1/1/1956)

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Chapels--Tacoma;

The remodeled exterior of the Tacoma Rescue Mission. The location consisted of two buildings, the Keown building at 1512 Pacific Ave. built in 1907 and the Grays Harbor Hotel Building at 1510 Pacific Ave. built in 1901. It was remodeled in 1956 to make it appear as one structure. The buildings that served as the Mission's home for 15 years were closed for four months in 1956 for a $20,000 face lift. The remodel included covering the joined exterior surface with Quikbrik. Quikbrik was finely ground brick mixed with binders and Portland cement applied by plasterers with a trowel. While still pliable, the brick was cut with patented templates and hardened to a brick like finish. The new brick facade gave the mission a bright appealing look. The dedication service for the remodeled building was held April 15, 1956. The neon sign out front read "Eternity Where Jesus Saves." The building was torn down in 2002 to make way for the Convention Center project site.

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Chapels--Tacoma;

ca. 1956. The dedication service for the remodeled Tacoma Rescue Mission was held April 15, 1956. The location consisted of two buildings, the Keown building at 1512 Pacific Avenue built in 1907 and the Grays Harbor Hotel Building at 1510 Pacific Avenue built in 1901. It was remodeled in 1956 to make it appear to be one structure. The remodel included covering the joined exterior surface with Quikbrik. The new brick facade gave the mission a bright appealing look. The building was torn down in 2002 for the Convention Center project. Pictured to the right of the Mission is the Funland Amusement Center, 1506-08 Pacific Ave.; on the left is the Grand Cafe, 1514 Pacific Ave. The Grand Cafe was in the same building as Bimbo's. TPL-9088

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Chapels--Tacoma;

The Tacoma Rescue Mission kitchen after the 1956 remodel. A large soup pot and a coffee pot occupy the huge black stove to the left. On the long counter rest more soup pots and coffee pots. On the end of the counter hang a bottle opener and the dinner bell. At 9 every evening, the kitchen was thrown open and a hot, nourishing stew prepared by chief cook Richard Reed was served to 65-85 hungry men. (TNT 1/1/1956) TPL-9086

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Kitchens--Tacoma;

The Tacoma Rescue Mission remodeled Recreation Room and library. Tables with fresh daffodils sit surrounded by chairs. Full book shelves line one wall, while a piano waits against another for someone to strike up a tune. Fluorescent lighting illuminates the walls decorated with plaques of selected scriptures. TPL-9087

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma;

Tacoma Rescue Mission's Prayer Room. Providing a quiet place for study and reflection, this room has pews on either side of the room for seating. The Rescue Mission had been at this address since 1940, gradually buying up surrounding buildings. The 1956 remodel made the combined buildings appear as one. In 1956, the mission operated on a budget of $25,000 annually plus donations. (TNT 1/1/1956)

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Chapels--Tacoma;

ca. 1940. The milkman prepares to leave a few bottles at the door of the University Union Club. He is driving a Diamond T dairy truck. The milk he's delivering is Jersey Milk, from the Grand Pre farm owned by Paul Hebb. Diamond T trucks were commercial trucks and were manufactured by the Diamond T Truck Co., 3811 South Tacoma Way. TPL-4730

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Diamond T trucks; Milkmen & milkwomen--1940-1950; Milk;

Group of people, including children, on stage at the Elks Temple. This photograph was taken on July 1, 1940.

Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Elks Temple (Tacoma); Stages (Platforms);

Copy of the customers' drawing. The Carpenters Union Hall, for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local #470 in Tacoma. Building designed by McGuire & Muri, Architects. Built in 1954, the building was opened in April of 1955. The contractor was Concrete Construction Co.

Carpenter's Union Local No. 470 (Tacoma); Architectural drawings;

Tacoma Sculpturing Club. Flanking instructor Karl Evers in this photograph dated July 22, 1940 are newly elected officers of the Tacoma Sculpturing Club (left to right) Mrs. Walter A. Heath, president; Mrs. Robert G. Hoffer, publicity chairman and Mrs. Merle E. Morford, librarian. Mr. Evers is displaying the life mask of Mrs. Heath's daughter, Helen, while giving pointers to his students. Club members meet five days a week for classes at Bryant School. The Tacoma Sculpturing Club was formed in late spring of 1939. (T. Times 7/25/1940 p.8- alt. photo)

Tacoma Sculpturing Club (Tacoma); Sculpture--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evers, Karl; Heath, Walter A.--Family; Hoffer, Robert G.--Family; Morford, Merle E.--Family;

The opening of the Javanese Art Exhibit, the fourth exhibit of the winter, given by the Tacoma Art Association at their gallery at the College of Puget Sound. Marietta (Mrs Hunter) Kennard, president of the Tuesday Study Club and president of the Aloha Club 1934-35, stands beside an unusual cut leather sculpture of a Javanese shadow dancer. The Aloha Club sponsored the opening. The exhibit will run until the first of March. (T.Times, 2/22/1936, p. 7).)

Tacoma Art Association (Tacoma); Aloha Club (Tacoma); Kennard, Marietta; Art objects; Art exhibitions;

Javanese Art Exhibit opening, in the Tacoma Art Association gallery at the College of Puget Sound. Ellen (Mrs. Albert H.) Hooker, Jr., member of the Junior League, standing beside a Javanese hand-made puppet. Ellen Hooker, an artist, is widely recognized for her miniature portrait paintings. (T. Times, 2/22/1936, p. 7).

Tacoma Art Association (Tacoma); Aloha Club (Tacoma); Hooker, Ellen; Art objects; Art exhibitions;

The opening of the Javanese Art Exhibit, Tacoma Art Association gallery at the College of Puget Sound. Beatrice Turrell, president of the Aloha Club, and Mrs. A. D. E. Beck, artist, standing in front of quilt/wall hanging. Mrs. Beck is a prominent Northwest artist. The Aloha Club sponsored the exhibit. (T.Times, 2/22/1936, p. 7).

Tacoma Art Association (Tacoma); Aloha Club (Tacoma); Art objects; Art exhibitions; Turrell, Beatrice;

The American Legion Auxiliary unit #138; installation of new officers. Twelve women sit or stand in front of a small stage area with ceremonial wall hangings. The standing group are, left to right, Mrs. Anele Larson, Mrs. Gilbert Hougle, Mrs. Nettie Mae Grisham, Mrs. Wilmer Boyer, Mrs. Howard Zachow, Mrs. John Johnson and Mrs. Karl Thomas. The seated row, left to right: Mrs. Thomas Johnson, Mrs. William Miller, Mrs. Carl W. Kruse, Mrs. Richard Lambert and Mrs. Roy Hincliff. (TNT 7/22/1956, pg. B-3)

Clubwomen--Tacoma--1950-1960; Women--Social life--1950-1960; Veterans' organizations--Tacoma; American Legion Auxiliary Unit #138 (Tacoma);

Members of the Hunt Club relax on the club house porch for atternoon tea on the day of the horse show: Mrs. Minot Davis, Mrs. J. Fred Kenworthy, Cecilia Schofield, Mrs. James Mathews, Mrs. Frost Snyder, and Iris Bryan. (T. Times, Society).

Organizations - Clubs - Sports Clubs - Riding and Hunt Clubs

In September of 1956, the Tacoma Elks held their 10th Anniversary Salmon Derby. Over 1,000 Elks competed for $2,500 in prizes. At the awards ceremony Exalted Ruler Norbert E. Grove (far left) posed with the derby winners: (l to r) Dave Martin, 1st prize; Earl Blodgett, 2nd prize; and Ray Parker, 3rd prize. The man holding the small salmon at the far right is Emmett T. Anderson, Grand Exalted Ruler of the Elks. Mr. Martin caught his prize 21 lb. 10 oz. fish at the mouth of the Puyallup River. His prize was a new 16 ft. boat with trailer and insurance. Mr. Blodgett caught his 18 lb. 7 oz. fish trolling off the claybank and won a new television set. Mr. Parker had recently changed his fishing tackle and technique on the advice of a friend; he caught his winning salmon trolling off Crab Point in the Point Defiance area. Parker won a new 5 1/2 horsepower outboard motor. (TNT 9/4/1956 pg. 11, 9/7/1956 pg. 23, 9/10/1956, pg. 19) TPL-9849

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Salmon; Fishing; Grove, Norbert; Martin, Dave; Blodgett, Earl; Parker, Ray; Tottler, Parker H.;

A bathing beauty of times past steps lightly from the family album, blowing up a pair of water wings. She is a model in the Pi Beta Phi style show and tea, held at the Masonic Temple roof garden on September 6, 1940. (T. Times 9/5/1940, pg. 10)

Pi Beta Phi (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bathing suits--1910-1920;

A couple dressed in the style of the Gay Nineties poses at the Pi Beta Phi style show, held at the Masonic Temple roof garden on September 6, 1940. The style show and tea was hosted by the sororities' alumnae organization. (T. Times 9/5/1940, pg. 10)

Pi Beta Phi (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950;

ca. 1956. The Camp Fire Girls are gearing up for their annual sale of chocolate mint candies. The candies were manufactured by Brown and Haley in Tacoma. One girls pours the mints from an open box into the waiting hands of the other girl; mints and wrappers spill onto the floor. The girls pose in traditional Camp Fire uniforms, skirts, white shirts with kerchefs and beanies, in front of a heart decoration.

Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Candy--Tacoma;

Posing with their bicycles outside the Lakewood Community Center in September of 1940 were seven Lakewood-area music lovers: (in no particular order) Mrs. R.W. McMahon, Mrs. Bert Sweeting, Mrs. William Panman, Mrs. George Hellyer, Mrs. Brian Shera, Mrs. W.W. Williver and (believed to be) Anne Baker. These ladies were part of a volunteer committee involved in the Tacoma Philharmonic Association membership drive. Several of them were also part of a local music appreciation study group and they used their bicycles to travel to each other's homes for meetings. (T.Times 9-14-40, p. 5)

Tacoma Philharmonic Association (Tacoma); Membership campaigns--Lakewood; Bicycles & tricycles--Lakewood;

Seven Lakewood-area ladies chose this way to promote the Tacoma Philharmonic Association's membership drive in September of 1940. Pausing in front of the Lakewood Community Center, 6100 Motor Ave. S.W. with their bicycles are (not in order): Mrs. R.W. McMahon, Mrs. Bert Sweeting, captain of the team Mrs. William Panman, Mrs. George Hellyer, Mrs. Brian Shera, Mrs. W.W. Williver, and (believed to be) Miss Anne Baker. A curious spotted dog has also joined the group.

Tacoma Philharmonic Association (Tacoma); Bicycles & tricycles--Lakewood; Membership campaigns--Lakewood;

Publicity photo for the Tacoma Junior Women's Club Christmas dinner dance. The paper mache snowman inspires one woman to break into song, possibly "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" or "Frosty."

Junior Women's Club (Tacoma); Women--Clubs--Tacoma;

Loyal Order of Railroad Conductors Women's Auxiliary. 30 members of the women's auxiliary posed for a group portrait on September 25, 1940.

Loyal Order of Railroad Conductors Women's Auxiliary;

Jobs Daughters installation. Participants in the 35th installation of Bethel 8, Job's Daughters on December 8, 1956, clasp their hands in prayer. Those kneeling in white garments have positioned themselves in the shape of a cross. Three of the young girls are wearing tiaras; Queen Carol Berglund at the foot of the "cross" is carrying long stem flowers. "Winter Fantasie" was the theme of the public installation ceremonies held in the Gothic Room, Masonic Temple. Sepia photograph ordered by Mrs. Carl Berglund. (TNT 12-5-56, C-11)

International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Berglund, Carol;

Job's Daughters installation. Participants and guests at the 35th installation of the Bethel #8, International Order of Job's Daughters on December 8, 1956, place hands over hearts while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. All eyes are focused on the flag to the foreground which is being held by a member of Tacoma Chapter, Order of DeMolay. Sepia photograph ordered by Mrs. Carl Berglund. (TNT 12-5-56, C-11)

International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flags--United States;

Job's Daughters installation. Carol Berglund, center with roses, was crowned honored Queen at the 35th installation of the Bethel #8, International Order of Job's Daughters on December 8, 1956. She was wearing a lovely satin floor length gown, a ceremonial wrap, and a tiara. Carol is the daughter of Carl and Ellen Berglund. Sepia photograph ordered by Mrs. Carl Berglund. (TNT 12-5-56, C-11)

International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Berglund, Carol;

Members of original Thrift Shop committee at the Junior League Thrift Shop. (T. Times)

Junior League (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Thrift shops--Tacoma; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Junior League Thrift Shop (Tacoma);

An unidentified beaming little girl clutched a reindeer made of balloons at the Elks Club 1956 Christmas Day party for children. Another balloon creature, a dog, faced the child from a chair. Each year the Elks Club sponsored a Christmas party for children; in 1956, 800 children were sent invitations to attend the party at the Elks Lodge at 565 Broadway. A Christmas tree, candy, nuts and fruit plus entertainment were provided. The girl in the photograph is wearing a pretty flowered dress and her hair is neatly parted and held back with a shell clasp. Photograph ordered by the Elks Club. (TNT 12-18-56, p. 9)

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1950-1960; Balloons--Tacoma;

When January, 1957, rolled around, it was time to prepare for the 9th annual Camp Fire Girls candy sale. Thousands of Tacoma homes would be visited by Camp Fire Girls and Blue Birds in a door-to-door campaign extending to February 23rd. Three unidentified girls stopped by the Brown & Haley Co. on January 22nd to pick up boxes of the chocolate mint wafers packed in new slim cases. It was the first time that wafer-thin chocolate-covered mints were offered. Proceeds of the sales went to support the Camp Fire Girls Camp Wakoma. Photograph ordered by the Camp Fire Girls. (TNT 1-27-57, B-15-article)

Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Candy--Tacoma;