The curriculum at Marymount Military Academy at 423 152nd Street East in Spanaway encompassed a wide variety of activities including music, shooting and horseback riding. This photograph of the Academy's cadet band appeared in the Tacoma Times in February of 1941. Marymount opened in 1923 as a Catholic military boarding school for boys ages 6-16, the only institution of its kind in the state of Washington. Enrollment began to fall off in the late 1960 and early 1970s and the school closed in 1976. (T. Times 2/26/1941, pg. 41- names in picture caption)
Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;
The 98th Field Artillery (pack) Battalion was formed in 1940 at Fort Lewis. It was one of only five battalions in the U.S. Army that handled mules. The mules were used to transport artillery where mechanized units could not go. A mule is created by breeding a male donkey to a female horse. The resulting mule has greater endurance, is stronger and less excitable than a horse. The line of mules in the back of the photograph seems to be feasting at feed stalls. The ones in the front are tied to a rope. The mules at Fort Lewis were used during World War II. Conscription was running high and most of the men assigned to the battalion had never worked with mules. (T.Times 2/26/1941 p.3; 3/8/1941, pg. 8)
Fort Lewis (Wash.); Military facilities--Wash.; Mules; 98th Field Artillery (Pack) Battalion (Ft. Lewis);
Wedding of Lt. A. W. Pribnow and Betty Fry at Fort Lewis. Mock wedding on mule back. The color guard and buglers march ahead of the wedding couple that ride in chairs strapped to either side of a mule's back. The Officers Club can be seen in the background. Reviving an old artillery custom, the newly married couple is paraded on the battalion's equipment. The equipment is usually a gun carriage, but in the case of the 98th Field Artillery (Pack) Battalion, the parade equipment is a mule. (not the same event as D10861 image A)
Fort Lewis (Wash.); Mules; 98th Field Artillery (Pack) Battalion (Ft. Lewis); Pribnow, A.W.; Fry, Betty;
Permanent barracks and buildings at Fort Lewis. By summer of 1941, over 50,000 soldiers were scheduled to be stationed at Fort Lewis, making it the fourth largest city in the state. It ranked in population just below Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma. Fort Lewis was already the headquarters of the 3rd Division regular Army, but since last September, they had been joined by the 41st Division National Guard. (T. Times 2/16/1941, pg. 3)
Fort Lewis (Wash.); Barracks--Fort Lewis; Military facilities--Wash.;
Permanent barracks and buildings at Fort Lewis as they appeared in February of 1941. In 1916, Pierce County presented the federal government with 70,000 acres of land to be used as a military post for mobilization of troops in World War I. The post was known as Camp Lewis. After the war, the camp was dismantled. In September of 1927, it was renamed Fort Lewis and scheduled for 10 years of enlargement and development. The impending entry into World War II had sparked even more development. (T.Times 2/26/1941 p.3)
Fort Lewis (Wash.); Barracks--Fort Lewis; Military facilities--Wash.;
Chapel at Fort Lewis. The chapel was built in 1934 at a cost of $90,000, part of a six year, five and 1/2 million dollar improvement project funded by the federal government. The chapel is a two story brick structure with a colonnaded entry and a rose window. The inside was suitable for worship of all faiths. (T.Times 2/26/1941 p.3)
Fort Lewis (Wash.); Military facilities--Wash.; Chapels--Fort Lewis;
Wedding of Lt. A. W. Pribnow and Betty Fry at Fort Lewis. Mock wedding on mule back. The couple rides in chairs tied to either side of the mule's back. It is an old tradition that newly wedded officers and their brides are given a ride by their artillery battalion on the unit's caisson or gun carriage. The 98th Field Artillery (Pack) Battalion, lacking such equipment, was giving the tradition a fresh look by riding the couple on two chairs lashed to a mule's back. (not the same event as D10861 image A)
Fort Lewis (Wash.); Mules; 98th Field Artillery (Pack) Battalion (Ft. Lewis); Pribnow, A.W.; Fry, Betty;
Two men stand at attention by a row of vehicles, while another man takes their picture. These vehicles are possibly the armored all terrain scout cars of the 3rd Reconnaissance Troop. The armor plated vehicles were able to roll over any kind of terrain at great speeds. Fort Lewis was the headquarters for the 3rd Division, regular army. Since last September, they have been joined by the 41st Division, National Guard. By the summer of 1941 with the selective service act in full force, Fort Lewis is expected to swell to 50,000 soldiers, making it the fourth largest city in the state- right behind Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma. (T. Times 12/26/1941, pg. 3)
On February 17, 1941, soldiers at Fort Lewis took a break from their work caring for the mules to admire a white goat. Mules were used by the 98th Field Artillery to pack into areas not accessible by motorized equipment.
Fort Lewis (Wash.); Military facilities--Wash.; Goats; Mules--Fort Lewis;
Review of troops at Fort Lewis for Governor Langlie. The new Governor of Washington would be reviewing the 3,200 selectees of the 3rd Division, accompanied by tanks and vehicles. The afternoon would be spent in close inspection of artillery.
Military parades & ceremonies--Fort Lewis; Artillery (Weaponry);
Review of troops at Fort Lewis for Governor Langlie. A military band stands at rest while a dirigible flies overhead. The hills are covered with nearly a thousand seated spectators, present to view the show of military might. The 3rd Division, over 3,000 strong, would be parading for Washington's new Governor Langlie. The afternoon would be spent on close inspection of artillery and vehicles. (T. Times 3/6/1941, pg. 1)
Military parades & ceremonies--Fort Lewis; Airships;
On March 9, 1941, Lt. Jack M. Murphy and his bride were given a strange welcome by the 98th Field Artillery (Pack) Battalion officers at Fort Lewis. Following an old artillery custom of giving a newly wedded couple a ride on a caisson or gun carriage, the officers of the Battalion, lacking such equipment, strapped two wicker chairs to one of the battalion's mules and gave their new officer and his sweetie a bumpy ride around the post. The five battery commanders, on mules, carrying their battery flags preceded the couple. The pair were followed by other officers and some of their wives, also on mules. The end destination was a reception in the couple's honor at the Officers' Club. (T. Times 3/13/1941, pg.1) (not taken at the same event as D10861 images 5 & 9)
Fort Lewis (Wash.); Mules; Murphy, Jack M.; 98th Field Artillery (Pack) Battalion (Ft. Lewis);
Military unit at Fort Lewis. The flag identifies the group as Company B, 116th Regiment. The flag also has streamers identifying the group as the 1938 & 1939 attendance record holders.
Washington National Guard, Company B, 116th Regiment (Ft. Lewis);
On April 7, 1941, the gates to Fort Lewis were thrown open to allow the public to attend the 1941 Army Day and take a look at the Army's demonstration of modern warfare. Here, the 99th Anti-Tank Battalion fires its 37mm anti-tank guns at approaching tanks. Several thousand spectators viewed the one hour mock battle, which included airplanes, tanks, the 99th Anti-Tank Division, armored reconnaissance cars and the 98th Field Artillery unit with their mules. (T. Times 4/8/1941, pg. 1)
Arms & armament--Tacoma--1940-1950; Artillery (Weaponry); Fort Lewis (Wash.);
During the April 7, 1941, Army Day demonstration at Fort Lewis, the 205th Coast Artillery unit shows off its anti-aircraft guns. Several thousand spectators attended to view the show of modern firepower. The latest military equipment would be displayed and later inspected. (T. Times 4/8/1941, pg.1)
Arms & armament--Tacoma--1940-1950; Artillery (Weaponry); Fort Lewis (Wash.);
Several thousand spectators line the fields of Fort Lewis to observe the massed military might of the 1941 Army Day demonstration. Airplanes of the 99th and 116th observation squadrons would swoop and dive, followed by the 10 ton tanks, 99th Anti Tank Division, the armored reconnaissance cars of the 3rd Recon. troop and the 98th Field Artillery with their pack mules. The military men would march in an inspection parade and take part in a mock battle. The program for the public lasted one hour. (T. Times 4/8/1941, pg. 1)
Wedding ride on muleback of Lt. Jack Murphy and his bride at Fort Lewis. Although notes dated this photograph as occurring on April 12, 1941, it is believed that this is the same wedding of Lt. Murphy that happened earlier in 1941. Lt. Jack M. Murphy married his Salt Lake City bride on February 22, 1941, but this event was not celebrated in this unique manner until March 9th, due to weather conditions. Five battery commanders are pictured above, each riding a mule and carrying the battery flag. Following them are the bride and groom, riding in wicker chairs astride a mule. A long, and probably torturous ride ensued, with the final destination of the Officers Club where a reception was held. (T. Times 3-13-41, p. 1)
Fort Lewis (Wash.); Military personnel; Mules; Weddings--Fort Lewis;
On April 17, 1941, the 205th Coast Artillery (anti-aircraft) unit defended the Tacoma's industrial coast from a mock military attack by airplanes. Men wearing gas masks fire machine guns from dugouts in the sand, camouflaged by nets. Part of Hooker Chemical plant, 605 Alexander Ave., is pictured in the background. [Also dated 04-19-1941] (T. Times) TPL-797
205th Coast Artillery (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Military training; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma);
On April 17, 1941, the 205th Coast Artillery (anti-aircraft) unit set up machine gun emplacements on the Tacoma tideflats to protect Tacoma from a mock "attack" by planes. As night fell, powerful searchlights, located at Browns Point, near Stadium High, and on the tideflats, cut through the dark sky, locating airplanes from Gray field as they entered the air space over Tacoma. This camouflaged foxhole was placed where it could guard the Hooker Chemical plant, in the background, from attack. (T. Times 4/18/1941, pg.1)
205th Coast Artillery (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Military training; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma);
The largest collection of military might since World War I was paraded on May 9, 1941 for the benefit of Lt. Gen. John L. DeWitt. Gen. DeWitt was the commanding officer of the 4th Army and the West's only three star General. In a parade that lasted over three hours, 45,000 troops passed in review with the 41st Division in the lead, followed by the 3rd Division, IX Corps, tanks, a blimp, and the always amusing Field Pack Artillery mules. Officers accompanied their units on horseback and the Cavalry brought up the rear of the parade. (T. Times 5/6/1941, pg. 2; 5/9/41, pg.1)
Military parades & ceremonies--Fort Lewis; Mules; Fort Lewis (Wash.); 98th Field Artillery (Pack) Battalion (Ft. Lewis);
Fort Lewis arranged a 3-5 hour parade of military might on May 9, 1941 in honor of Lt. General John L. DeWitt, commanding general of the 4th Army. 45,000 troops would pass in review, as well as 5,000 mechanized units. In this picture, trucks pull artillery, with 10 soldiers riding in the back of each truck. (T. Times 5/6/1941, pg. 2; 5/9/41, pg. 1)
Military parades & ceremonies--Fort Lewis; Artillery (Weaponry)--Fort Lewis;
On May 9, 1941, a large military review, the largest since World War I, was held at Fort Lewis for the benefit of Lt. General John L. DeWitt. Here, all terrain vehicles tow artillery mounted on trailers. (T. Times 5/6/1941, pg. 2; 5/9/41, pg. 1)
Military parades & ceremonies--Fort Lewis; Artillery (Weaponry)--Fort Lewis;
A three star review, the largest since World War I, was held at Fort Lewis in honor of Lt. General John L. DeWitt, the West's only 3 star General. Lt. Gen. DeWitt, commanding general of the Fourth Army, was visiting the Fort from his Headquarters at the Presidio, San Francisco. Over 45,000 troops would pass in review, as well as tanks, a blimp, artillery with its pack mules and Cavalry. During the parade, ten bands comprised of 400 musicians played continuously for the 3-5 hours. (T. Times 5/6/1941, pg. 2; 5/9/41, pg. 1)
Military parades & ceremonies--Fort Lewis; Musicians--Fort Lewis--1940-1950; Fort Lewis (Wash.); Marching bands;
The student body of Stadium High School assembled in front of their school as a squad of R.O.T.C. cadets from Bellarmine High School fired three volleys with their rifles at the Memorial Day service held in May of 1941. During the solemn ceremony, special tribute was paid to the 11 Stadium alumni who lost their lives in WWI. (T. Times 5/30/1941 p.1)
Military training--Tacoma; Cadets--Tacoma; Reserve Officers Training Corps--Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Memorial Day; Memorial rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Commemoration--Tacoma;
A squad of R.O.T.C. cadets from Bellarmine High School fired three volleys with their rifles at the Memorial Day service held in front of Stadium High School in May of 1941. The entire student body assembled in front of the building for the solemn ceremony. Special tribute was paid to the 11 Stadium alumni who lost their lives in WWI. (T. Times 5/30/1941 p.1)
Military training--Tacoma; Cadets--Tacoma; Reserve Officers Training Corps--Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Memorial Day; Memorial rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Commemoration--Tacoma;
A military brass band gave the 41st Division, Fort Lewis baseball team a royal sendoff on August 12, 1941 when they left Tacoma's Union Station for Wichita, Kansas. They were going to Wichita to represent Washington state in the national semi-pro baseball tournament. The team from the Army's 41st had finished third in the Washington state championship series that was held that year in Everett. The teams that came in first and second, the Lake Washington team from Seattle and the Everett Pilchuks, were unable to attend the tourney. (T. Times 8/13/1941, pg. 13- names in caption)
Washington National Guard, 41st Division (Camp Murray); Baseball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Railroad cars; Military bands;
October 21, 1941 tank maneuvers at Fort Lewis where Mayor Harry P. Cain was guest of honor. American involvement in war was growing closer and major Army centers like Fort Lewis stepped up military exercises. 4500 soldiers participated in a grueling tank v. anti-tank guns "battle," the first of its kind on the Pacific coast.
Sgt. Lawrence A. Lewis, tank commander, flashes a grin at the camera despite his flour whitened face and the fact that he has just been "slain" by a Molotov cocktail. On October 21, 1941, Sgt. Lewis was one of 4500 soldiers participating in exercises where 41 tanks squared off against 37 and 75 mm anti-tank gun on the Fort Lewis reservation, near Roy. Luckily the "cocktail" contained only flour, and his be-floured face is evidence of the hit. Asked how it felt to be "killed," he replied, "It made me sneeze." (T. Times, 10-22-41, p. 1)
Military maneuvers--Fort Lewis; Military personnel--Fort Lewis; Lewis, Lawrence;
October 21, 1941 tank maneuvers at Fort Lewis where Mayor Harry P. Cain was guest of honor. 41 tanks, weighing 10 tons and heavily armored, would participate in military exercises against anti-tank guns. Traveling through rough terrain, the "Blues" would ford streams and knock down fences as they attemped to dislodge the strongly entrenched "Reds." They "battled" to a draw. (T.Times, 10-22-41, p. 1)
Tanks (Military science)--Tacoma; Military maneuvers--Fort Lewis;
