View of the Grand Rapids' stern taken on March 3, 1970. Tacoma Boatbuilding was nearing an end to the 12-boat contract with the Navy to build aluminum gunboats for the US Navy. The Grand Rapids would be launched on April 4, 1970, with then-House Minority Leader and future President Gerald R. Ford and family in attendance. The Grand Rapids, the second ship of that name in the Navy, was named for the city in Michigan, the hometown of Gerald Ford. She would be commissioned five months later in September, 1970, and decommissioned in 1977. (www.navsource.org/archives; Marine Digest, April 11, 1970) Photograph ordered by US Steel.

Gunboats--United States; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

This is the Grand Rapids PG-98 gunboat about a month before her launch date of April 4, 1970. She was the 11th of 12 gunboats built for the US Navy by Tacoma Boatbuilding. Susan Ford, young daughter of Rep. (later President) and Mrs. Gerald R. Ford of Michigan, was the ship's sponsor. The Grand Rapids was named after the hometown of Rep. Ford. The vessel would be commissioned the USS Grand Rapids on September 5, 1970 and be decommissioned on October 1, 1977. Photograph ordered by US Steel. (www.navsource.org/archives)

Gunboats--United States; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

ca. 1943. Military band in front of the temporary Liberty bond drive building set in middle of street in 700 block of Broadway circa 1943. Lou Johnson (women's clothing) and Smith Photographs in background.

Military bands--United States;

Puget Sound Boat (Mann). US Army Transport Corps LT 214. Four men stand on the upper deck while the "Large Tug" (LT) is under way. TPL-6388

U.S. Army Transportation Corps; Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Transportation--Tacoma; Puget Sound Boat Building Corp. (Tacoma);

Puget Sound Boat (Mann). US Army Transport Corps LT 214. This side view shows three men along the railing of the upper deck and someone looking out of the helm. TPL-6389

U.S. Army Transportation Corps; Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Transportation--Tacoma; Puget Sound Boat Building Corp. (Tacoma);

Petrich Boat Building. US Army Transportation Corps. Hull no. 8 - TP225, 96' Wooden Utility Boat, Design #333, Petrich Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma.

U.S. Army Transportation Corps; Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Transportation--Tacoma; Petrich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Petrich Boat Building. US Army Transportation Corps. Hull no. 8 - TP225, 96' Wooden Utility Boat, Design #333, Petrich Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma.

U.S. Army Transportation Corps; Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Transportation--Tacoma; Petrich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Petrich Boat Building. US Army Transportation Corps. Hull no. 8 - TP225, 96' Wooden Utility Boat, Design #333, Petrich Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma.

U.S. Army Transportation Corps; Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Transportation--Tacoma; Petrich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

US Army Transportation Corps. Hull no. 8 - TP225, 96' Wooden Utility Boat, Design #333, Petrich Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma.

U.S. Army Transportation Corps; Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Transportation--Tacoma; Petrich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

US Army Transportation Corps. Hull no. 8 - TP225, 96' Wooden Utility Boat, Design #333, Petrich Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma. Docked under the 11th Street Bridge. Petrich Shipbuilding was located on the City Waterway. TPL-8025

U.S. Army Transportation Corps; Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Transportation--Tacoma; Waterfronts--Tacoma; Petrich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

US Army Transportation Corps. Hull no. 8 - TP225, 96' Wooden Utility Boat, Design #333, Petrich Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma. Docked under the 11th Street Bridge. Petrich Shipbuilding was located on the City Waterway. The company received the prestigious E Award March 1942 for their outstanding efforts during World War II. TPL-8026

U.S. Army Transportation Corps; Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Transportation--Tacoma; Waterfronts--Tacoma; Petrich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Vertical lift bridges--Tacoma;

ca. 1944. War Street. Downtown display of World War II artillery and military equipment circa 1944. A serviceman, with his wife and daughter, looks over promotional information at War Bond booth: "Win a ride to Vancouver, B. C. aboard aircraft carrier 'M.S. Reaper'."

Military personnel--Tacoma--1940-1950; War bonds & funds; Signs (Notices);

ca. 1944. War Street. Downtown display of World War II artillery and military equipment circa 1944. Among the display of various vehicles, a small prop airplane draws a large crowd. Downtown Broadway became "War Street" for a short time as many, many Tacomans were drawn to the display of Uncle Sam's military power.

Military vehicles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Airplanes--Tacoma--1940-1950; Airplane propellers; Crowds--Tacoma--1940-1950;

ca. 1944. War Street. Downtown display of World War II artillery and military equipment circa 1944. A soldier describes military radio equipment to a group of boys while youngsters climb aboard the massive weapon.

Artillery (Weaponry)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children--Tacoma--1940-1950;

ca. 1944. War Street. Downtown Tacoma display of World War II artillery and military equipment circa 1944. A soldier explains the mechanical equipment and functions of a U. S. Army tank to five women.

Tanks (Military science)--Tacoma; Military personnel--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Red Cross Board Members. The American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter assisted the nation with the War Fund Drive by setting their quota at twice the amount as last years, in order to help support the war effort. View of American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter Board Members.

War bonds & funds; Patriotic societies--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Lieutenant George Rapin, on leave in March of 1944, crouches to kiss his daughter, Barbara. He was on his first trip home since she was born. George Rapin graduated from Bellarmine High School in 1934. He and his family moved to California shortly after WWII. TPL-1987,

Military personnel--Tacoma; Fathers & children--Tacoma; Rapin, George--Family;

Studio picture of soldier for Times. Private Inder Chhabra, a native of India, now serves in the U. S. Army. Pvt. Chhabra received his degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of CA and speaks four languages. He is stationed at Fort Lewis in the radio section of Headquarters Battery Field Artillery (T. Times, 5/5/44, p. 1).

Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Military personnel--Tacoma; Chhabra, Inder;

On June 5, 1944, the War Stamp Minute Maids made an unannounced appearance at the Young Mens' Business Club luncheon to sell war bonds and stamps. They made a pleasing sight with their "V" for Victory halo hats and red, white and blue stamp boxes. The pictured men stepped forward to buy a $100 War Bond each. Pictured, left to right, purchasing their bond are George Neumeyer, Gil Gunderson, Leonard Peck, Jim Lasher and Gese Nist. Heading up the sale for the Maids are, left to right, Jean Hallen, Shirley Abel, Merrille Longstreth, Marilyn McCormack and Patty Doe. The maids were raising funds for the 5th War Loan Campaign. (T. Times, 7/5/44, p. 8).

War bonds & funds; Sales personnel--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Costumes;

On June 15, 1944, thousands of Tacomans lined the streets downtown to cheer on the Fifth War Loan Campaign parade. The military and industrial parade was held to boost the sale of bonds during the loan drive and in honor of "Infantry Day." The Tacoma Retail Trades Committee awarded the Mt. Rainier Ordnance Depot float pictured above the first place trophy for outstanding float. The float featured a bevy of pretty girls employed at the Depot with the accent on Miss Liberty, Katherine Hansen (left), holding aloft the torch of freedom. (T. Times, 6/16/44, p. 5).

War rallies--Tacoma; War bonds & funds; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mount Rainier Ordnance Depot (Tacoma); Hansen, Katherine;

Fifth War Loan Campaign parade. Thousands of Tacoma residents gathered on Broadway to see the Fifth War Loan Campaign parade. The parade was held on "Infantry Day". Parade Marshal was Mr. Reno Odlin, State Chairman of War Finance. View of fire trucks following parade caravan (T. Times, 6/16/44, p. 5).

War rallies--Tacoma; War bonds & funds; Political pageantry--Tacoma; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma;

Fifth War Loan Campaign parade. Thousands of Tacoma residents gathered on Broadway to see the Fifth War Loan Campaign parade. The parade was arranged by Retail Men of Tacoma and held on "Infantry Day". View of Todd Pacific Shipyards Inc. float with model ship on top (T. Times, 6/16/44, p. 5).

War rallies--Tacoma; War bonds & funds; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Todd Pacific Shipyards, Inc. (Tacoma);

Fifth War Loan Campaign parade. Thousands of Tacoma residents gathered on Broadway to see the Fifth War Loan Campaign parade, which was organized by the Retail Men of Tacoma and held on "Infantry Day". Parade Marshal was Reno Odlin, State Chairman of War Finance. View of Birchfield Boiler Inc. float with their employees in their work clothes (T. Times, 6/16/44, p. 5).

War rallies--Tacoma; War bonds & funds; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Birchfield Boiler, Inc. (Tacoma);

Camp Fire Girls bond booth for war finance. During the 5th War Loan campaign, women were very active and dedicated to promoting the sale of war bonds. The Camp Fire Girls set up a war bond booth at the Winthrop Hotel. Two unidentified Camp Fire Girls sell a war bond to an unidentified young lady (T. Times, 6/10/44, p. 3).

War bonds & funds; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma);

Civilian Defense bond wagon for war finance. Tacoma's Civilian Defense sent their bond wagon throughout the residential areas and the suburban business district in order to facilitate the purchase of war bonds. View of bond wagon with unidentified official bond sales person and unidentified Tacoma residents ready to purchase their war bonds The Federal Bakery is seen in the background. (T.Times, 6/15/44, p. 3) TPL-9360

War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Vending stands--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma;

First 100% bond block. Left to right view of Lillian Beauchamp, Ben Bassett and Earl Eklund at the first neighborhood block in Tacoma to have reached full neighborhood support for war bonds. All fifteen families will be honored on KTBI radio rally. Photograph was taken on June 21, 1944.

War bonds & funds; City & town life--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Beauchamp, Lillian; Eklund, Earl; Bassett, Ben;

The War Stamp Minute Maids have shown up unannounced to the Young Men's Business Club luncheon to sell war bonds and stamps. Costumed with halo hats with a "V" for victory emblem, the Maids have sold each of the business men a $100 bond and $90 in war stamps. Names appear in newspaper (T. Times, 7/5/44, p. 8).

War bonds & funds; Sales personnel--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Costumes;

War bond campaign. No fireworks will be seen this 4th of July, but the War Fund drive is in full swing during the last few days of bond sales. Six year old Charles Ray Fowler, is being helped by two unidentified War Bond Salesmen, they have just finished counting 7,500 white pennies which are being exchanged for a war bond. The white pennies were made of zinc-coated steel. They were issued in 1943 to conserve copper for the war, and were collected by his grandfather. The War Bond sales wagon can be seen in background (T. Times, 7/1/44, p. 14).

War bonds & funds; Fourth of July celebrations; Fowler, Charles Ray;

War bond campaign. No fireworks will be seen this 4th of July, but the War Fund drive is in full swing during the last few days of bond sales. Official war bond salesmen are out in the streets of Tacoma, encouraging people to buy war bonds so the county can meet its quota. An unidentified woman is about to purchase a war bond from an unidentified war bond salesman (T. Times, 7/4/44, p. 14).

War bonds & funds; Fourth of July celebrations; Sales personnel--Tacoma;

Ab Jenkins at Ed Griffin's home. Ab Jenkins is now serving in the auto preventative maintenance service of the U. S. Army. Ab is visiting from Fort Douglas, Utah and will be showing maintenance methods at Fort Lewis. View of Ab Jenkins with four unidentified women at Ed Griffin's home (T. Times, 7/11/44, p. 9).

Military personnel--Tacoma; Automobile racing drivers; Jenkins, Ab;