A volunteer hands out pool cues and billiard balls to servicemen at the United Churches Service Center, sponsored by the Tacoma Council of Churches, at 9th and Pacific. The center, under the direction of the Rev. Loyal H. Vickers, provided religious instruction for young Tacomans and recreational facilities for the area's 30,000 servicemen. The Council allotted $12,000 from its budget to support the center. In addition to providing recreation, the center arranged banquets, skating parties, cruises and provided weekday Bible study for Tacoma young people. (TNT 4/16/1950, pg. A-4)
Soldiers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Military uniforms--United States; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Billiards--Tacoma--1950-1960; Billiard balls; United Churches Service Center (Tacoma);
John Lyman, Fort Lewis soldier from Chicago, plays tunes while servicemen and teenage volunteers gather around the piano to sing popular songs at the United Churches Service Center at 9th and Pacific. In its seventh year, the center was providing recreation for 12,000 people a month. It was open from 10 a.m. to midnight every day, and all night on Saturday to provide overnight housing for servicemen. A waffle party at 9:30a.m. Sunday morning was provided for the servicemen along with transportation to the church of their choice. (TNT 4/16/1950, pg. A-4) TPL-10386
Soldiers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Military uniforms--United States; Pianos; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; United Churches Service Center (Tacoma); Lyman, John;
Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 to allow citizens to come together on a single holiday to thank our men in uniform for their service to our country. In this photograph of the May 1950 Armed Forces Day parade military units from Fort Lewis are marching south on Pacific Avenue. The camera's image offers a view of the facades of the buildings in the 900 block of Pacific. The Rust Building with 12 stories is at the end of the block. Awnings and fire escapes hang from many of the buildings. All the buildings in the 900 block of Pacific were demolished in the late 1960s to make way for the Park Plaza North Parking Garage.
Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Soldiers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Marching--Tacoma--1950-1960; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1950-1960;
The interior of the barbershop in the remodeled Canteen at Veteran's Administration Hospital. The Canteen was in a quanset-hut style building on the hospital grounds. The barbershop has been furnished with an older-style barber's chair, round mirrors over the cabinets, and side-chairs in the waiting area. Hair tonic and other toiletries line the counter behind the barber's chair and a cash register sits on the other cabinet.
American Lake Veterans' Hospital (Lakewood); Military hospitals--Lakewood--1950-1960; Barbershops--Lakewood--1950-1960; Cash registers;
Pvts. Thomas Bennett, Duane Yenior and Clayton Palmer are shown relaxing at the North Fort Lewis Army Personnel Center in early February, 1953. Colleen Kelly, program director for Service Club #3, holds a selection from the Center's well-stocked library of records. Service Club #3 was just one of several service clubs on base; they offered planned entertainment each evening including dances and movies. The Army Personnel Center started operations this month at North Fort Lewis after its transfer from Fort Lawton. Commanded by Col. Edward Schmitt, it handles thousands of inductees and personnel to be assigned to the Far East. (TNT 2-17-53, p. 7) TPL-10394
Military personnel--Tacoma--1950-1960; Kelly, Colleen; US Army Service Clubs (Tacoma); Phonographs; Sound recordings; Fireplaces;
Portion of east wing extension, Marymount Military Academy, ca. 1963. Marymount was the only military school for boys age 6-16 in the state of Washington. Dedicated in 1923, the school was run by the Dominican Sisters, a Catholic teaching order. Marymount was specifically designed as a small boarding school with enrollment generally capped at 150; however, when enrollment dipped even lower, it was decided to close the school in 1976.
Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway
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);
In August of 1944, many servicemen of color turned out for dance night in the main auditorium of the USO #2, 713-15 Commerce St. During World War II, the US military was still segregated and USO #2 was sponsored by the YMCA for the entertainment of African American servicemen and women. The main auditorium was decorated with transparencies by the Washington State Progress Commission. The project was under the supervision of Bert Smyser. The auditorium was a large space that could be adapted for many uses. (photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma) (information provided by USO #2 brochure for Recognition Ceremony)
A dance event at the USO #2, 713-715 Commerce Street. Helen B. Stafford is on the far right. The other people in the picture are unidentified. (photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma))
On Sunday February 3, 1946, USOs across the nation celebrated the fifth anniversary of USO (United Service Organization) operation by opening to the public. In Tacoma, all of the USO clubs had open houses but the main event was held at the USO #2, the club reserved for servicemen of color at 713-15 Commerce St. Guests of honor were Tacoma's Mayor Harry Cain (center back table) and Earl Marble, the chairman of the Tacoma USO Council. The anniversary program included performances by the Special Service Band from Fort Lewis, concert pianist Pvt. Glen Michaels and tenor Sgt. Soto Andrews. (TNT 2/3/1946, pg. A-7, 2/4/1946, pg. 1; photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)
The 70 piece Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific Northwest perform at the annual USO Music Festival, held at Point Defiance Park on July 28, 1946. The orchestra, conducted by Dr. Francis Aranyi, was photographed on the temporary bandstand erected in the natural amphitheater at the entrance to the park. The concert was attended by over 7,000 people. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2; Photo by F.L. Powell, YMCA, Tacoma)
This photograph from the Helen Stafford collection is dated July 29, 1945, meaning it was taken at the first USO music festival at Point Defiance. Six thousand attendees sat on the grass to listen to the 362nd Army Band from Fort Lewis play Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Also performing were the 29th Special Service Band directed by Sgt. Earnest Hayden and the 25 voice Naval choir from Bremerton. (TNT 7/29/1945, PG. 1; Photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)
ca. 1946. One of the purposes of the USO was to make the holidays more festive for servicemen stationed away from home and their families. This picture of a local pair, left, and four servicemen was taken around Christmas at the USO Club #2. All of the people in the picture are unidentified. The Club was reserved for servicemen of color; at this time, the military was still segregated. (Photograph by F.L. Powell, YMCA, Tacoma).
ca. 1946. A group of at a refreshment table at the USO #2, 713-15 Commerce St., around 1946. The border in the background is formed of a line of thumbtacked photographs of the USO Club. (photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)
Volunteers of USO No. 2 shown in this undated World War II era photograph include community activist Helen Stafford, second from right. USO No. 2 opened at 713 Commerce Street in September 1942 to serve Tacoma's African American servicemen and closed in March 1947. This location also served servicemen during World War I as the Army-Navy Club. TPL-5977
ca. 1946. One of the functions of the United Service Organizations (USO) was to create a welcoming atmosphere for servicemen and women away from home, especially during the holidays. From the look of the guests' hats and leis, the social event in this undated photograph was held during the holidays in the main hall of the USO #2, 713-15 Commerce St. The military was still segregated during World War II, so USO #2 was provided for the entertainment of African American soldiers.
Camp Draper, the June 1934 training encampment for the Washington National Guard, held at Camp Murray. Artillery is lined up on a plain for training exercises.
Camp Murray (Wash.); Military personnel; Arms & armament; Artillery (Weaponry)--1930-1940;
Military personnel lounge on the grass listening to a speaker located under the tent at the June 1934 Washington National Guard encampment at Camp Murray. The encampment was held each year to train the guard in military exercises. In 1934, the encampment was named "Camp Draper." The Wa. National Guard was established in 1884 under Territorial Governor Watson C. Squire to protect the state, preserve law and order and support the national armed forces.
Camp Murray (Wash.); Military personnel; Washington National Guard (Wash.);
A show of Washington National Guard military force for what appear to be invited guests at the 1934 training encampment at Camp Murray. A tractor pulls a wagon loaded with artillery operators, all seated with their arms crossed in the same way, and also the cannon mounted on a wheeled carriage. Three of these units cross the parade grounds.
Camp Murray (Wash.); Military personnel; Arms & armament; Artillery (Weaponry)--1930-1940; Washington National Guard (Wash.); Caissons (Vehicles);
Military parade of might at the 1934 Washington National Guard encampment at Camp Murray, the "Camp Draper." These vehicles appear to be early tanks. A military band stands at one side of the parading vehicles.
Camp Murray (Wash.); Military personnel; Washington National Guard (Wash.); Military bands; Armored vehicles; Arms & armament--1930-1940;
Exterior of recently completed brick quarters for bachelor officers at Fort Lewis. Colonial-style architecture with pedimented entry and keystone element above windows. Over a period of six years, the federal government has expended $5,500,000 at the Fort and provided employment for thousands. The development program is scheduled to be completed by the end of 1934. Over 80 buildings, in brick, stucco and steel, have replaced the ramshackle wooden structures at the Fort, making it one of the principal US encampments. (T. Times 11/23/1934, pg. 1) (WSHS)
Fort Lewis (Wash.); Military facilities--Wash.; Officers' quarters--Fort Lewis; Barracks--Fort Lewis;
Newly constructed officers' housing at Fort Lewis. Cluster of Colonial-style, two-story brick houses with covered entries and side bays. Each home will be occupied by one officer and his wife. The construction of this housing was part of a six year, five and one half million dollar development program at Ft. Lewis. All construction was scheduled to be completed by the end of 1934, making Ft. Lewis one of the principal U.S. encampments. (T. Times 11/23/1934, pg. 1; 11/24/1934, pg. 5) (WSHS)
Fort Lewis (Wash.); Military facilities--Wash.; Officers' quarters--Fort Lewis;
Baseball Team, Battery "F," 143rd Field Artillery California National Guard, Camp Lewis. July 17, 1925. (WSHS)
Camp Lewis (Wash.); Military camps--Tacoma--1920-1930; California National Guard, Battery F, 143rd Field Artillery (Camp Lewis); Baseball players--Camp Lewis--1920-1930;
1938 Army Day at Fort Lewis. A soldier demonstrates the use of a rifle to several people attending the World War I anniversary event. Once a year, the army base threw open its doors to show their current state of national preparedness to defend the country. (T. Times 4/6/1938, pg. 1)
Arms & armament--Tacoma--1930-1940; Artillery (Weaponry); Fort Lewis (Wash.);
C.M.T.C. awards ceremonies at Fort Lewis. Four young soldiers carrying ceremonial flags, the color guard, prepare to leave tent area. 250 youths lived in the tents while enrolled in the Citizens Military Training Camp. The goal of the annual encampment was to educate a ready group of young men, trained to serve in the military if needed. The nation could maintain a state of military readiness without a large standing army. (T.Times, 8/4/1938, p. 1).
Fort Lewis (Wash.); Citizens Military Training Camp--Fort Lewis;
C.M.T.C. awards ceremonies. The Citizens Military Training Camp at Fort Lewis attracted an enrollment of 250 youths. Here, a mother and two young women watch as three trainees make adjustments in the field artillery. (T. Times, 8/4/1938, p. 1).
Fort Lewis (Wash.); Citizens Military Training Camp--Fort Lewis;
Army Day at Fort Lewis marks the 21st anniversary of the United States entry into the World war. Corporal Gerald Roeder, 3rd Field Artillery Brigade, explains how the theodolite instrument determines wind velocity. (T.Times, 4/6/1938, p.1).
Fort Lewis (Wash.); Meteorology; Meteorological instruments--1930-1940;
Young men in a trench are trained in the use of artillery during the July 1934 Citizen's Military Training Camp (CMTC) at Camp Murray. During the 20's and 30's, young men interested in military careers could receive training in summer camps. These camps filled the gap between a large standing army and totally untrained volunteers. In 1934, for the first time, the camp combined training for the CMTC, ROTC and Officers' Reserve Corps. (T. Times 7/13/1934, pg. 1) TPL-8614
Citizens Military Training Camp--Tacoma; Camp Murray (Wash.); Washington National Guard (Tacoma); Military camps--Tacoma--1930-1940;
Tacoma's famous Troop B demonstrates some trick riding at the 1935 Washington National Guard encampment at Camp Murray, Camp A.H. Hankins. A guardsman on a horse jumps over three of his fellow national guard members, posing mischievously under umbrellas. Troop B is actually designated as the Headquarters Troop, 24th Cavalry Division, Washington National Guard and it is the oldest military organization in the state. This group is part of the 7,000 enlisted men and 600 officers taking part in the 15 day field training. (T. Times 6/12/1935, pg. 1)
Camp Murray (Wash.); Military personnel--1930-1940; Horseback riding; Horses--Jumping (Horsemanship); Horses--Show jumping; Washington National Guard, 24th Cavalry Division (Tacoma);
Army Day at Fort Lewis, April 6, 1936. 30,000 visitors were expected to take advantage of this annual opportunity to view Ft. Lewis peacetime activities. Included in the festivities was a review of the troops. Soldiers assembling for parade. Groups are gathering on street lined with young trees and 3-story, brick buildings. Wooden buildings are in the background. (T. Times 4/6/1936 & 4/7/1936, pg 1)
