The Lakewood Dance Club at their "Alaskapades" party where members dressed as Eskimos, Indians and characters from the Gold Rush days. Igloos and totem poles decorated the Lakewood Center Recreation Hall for the 9:30 p.m. dance, which was preceded by an 8 p.m. "no host" dinner at the Lakewood Terrace. Pictured, left to right, are Ruth Mellinger "Princess El Dorado," Paul Mellinger "Chief Running Water," Mrs. Sam Bergesen "The Lady Who Was Known as Lou," and Samuel Bergesen "Dangerous Dan McGrew." (TNT 3/25/1951, pg. D-6)

Balls (Parties)--Lakewood--1950-1960; Costumes--Lakewood--1950-1960; Lakewood Dance Club (Lakewood); Mellinger, Ruth; Mellinger, Paul; Bergesen, Samuel;

In February of 1951, Kathy Link, all dressed up in grown-up clothes including high heeled shoes, fur wrap, and lady's purse, took her bonnet-clad cat for a ride in a baby carriage. She was greeted by the stylishly dressed Mary Lynn Martin, who seemed surprised to see the pram's occupant. Kathy is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Link and Mary Lynn is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Martin. Photograph ordered by Helen Rogers, News Tribune. (TNT 2-18-51, D-1)

Children playing adults--Tacoma; Strollers (Baby carriages)--Tacoma; Cats; Link, Kathy; Martin, Lynn;

The Comus Club held a Sweethearts Ball in February of 1951at the Winthrop Hotel. Standing from left to right are: unidentified, Richard Bevington, Fred Marr, co-dance chairman Russ Michael, Betty (Mrs. Charles) Wolf, unidentified, Mrs. Fred Marr and Charles Wolf. Seated are co-dance chairman Mrs. Russ Michael and Mrs. Richard Bevington. The ball was a much anticipated annual event. (TNT 2-20-51, p. 8-alt. photograph)

Comus Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Dance parties--Tacoma--1950-1960; Michael, Russell H.; Michael, Russell H.--Family; Bevington, Richard; Bevington, Richard--Family; Marr, Fred; Marr, Fred--Family; Wolf, Charles; Wolf, Betty;

Concrete plyforms and pouring concrete at the new Lincoln Branch of Puget Sound National Bank, for DFPA. Construction began across from Lincoln High School in December of 1950 and the building opened October 14, 1951 on schedule. With the coming of the age of suburbia and the greater reliance on automobiles, neighborhood bank branches became a necessity. ("Banking on Independence" by Barry Provorse)

Construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Reinforced concrete construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Laborers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Progress photographs--1950-1960;

Concrete plyforms and pouring concrete at new Lincoln Branch of Puget Sound National Bank on March 13, 1951, for DFPA. Puget Sound Bank bought the failed Lincoln State Bank in 1934. Since the Bank had failed in 1931, the State Department of Banking liquidated its assets. Puget Sound bought what was essentially a vacant building with fixtures at 3808 So. Yakima Ave. and opened it as its second branch in 1935. By 1951, the branches' deposits equalled $4.2 million. To accomodate the increased business, Puget Sound built a larger modern and more energy efficient building. ("Banking on Independence" by Barry Provorse)

Construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Reinforced concrete construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Laborers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Progress photographs--1950-1960;

March 21, 1951 progress picture of plastic faced plywood used on the new Puget Sound Bank, Lincoln Branch, at 3705 So. G St. With the dawning of the fifties and urban flight, community banks began to share a larger part of the business. The original Lincoln branch at 3808 So. Yakima Ave., acquired in a 1934 buy out of failed Lincoln State Bank, was replaced by this more modern and larger branch. This branch was remodeled and then abandoned by Puget Sound (by then Key Bank) in the late nineties and now houses a U.S. Post Office. ("Banking on Independence" by Barry Provorse)

Construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Reinforced concrete construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Laborers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Progress photographs--1950-1960;

Concrete plyforms and pouring concrete at the new Lincoln Branch of Puget Sound National Bank, for DFPA. Puget Sound obtained this location in a buy out of the failed Lincoln State Bank in 1934 and opened it as its second branch in 1935. Herbert Hunt Jr. was employed as the "cashier, teller, bookkeeper, janitor and only employee." The branch was so successful that Hunt became the branch manager in 1949 and Puget Sound built a larger and more modern branch. ("Banking on Independence" by Barry Provorse)

Construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Reinforced concrete construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Progress photographs--1950-1960;

Studio portrait of Afton B. (Mrs. Lige) Dickson. Mrs. Dickson posed for her photograph on February 6, 1951, wearing a dark coat with high collar and a feathered hat. The Dicksons resided at 3701 No. 36th St. Mr. Dickson was the co-owner of the Lige Dickson Co., general contractors.

Dickson, Afton B.; Dickson, Lige--Family; Hats--1950-1960;

Identification picture of Frank (Francis S.) Evans, salesman for Standard Oil Co. Mr. Evans resided at 524 So. J St. Sepia portrait.

Evans, Frank S.; Hats--1950-1960; Suits (Clothing)--1950-1960; Standard Oil Co. of California (Tacoma);

The "Golden Glow" fishing vessel built by Peterson Boat Building Company. Boat moving through water, creating wave, with crew aboard. She was photographed on February 12, 1951.

Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Women modelling well coifed tresses for the hair style show staged for the Ladies of Lions Visitation luncheon at the Top of the Ocean. The Visitation was an annual event where the Tacoma Ladies hosted other groups from Seattle and the surrounding area.The 1951 affair had a beauty shop theme with ceramic heads topped with spring flowers in their hair for table favors. This photo was also used in an ad by LLoyds Hair Design Studio. The models were coifed by Mr. John, the hair stylist that "makes the most of your beauty," in the newest spring styles, the "Gothic Line." Mr. John also promised to share his secrets of the wimple and the crisping pin. The models, left to right, are Mrs. Marilyn Andrews, Mrs. Joan Scott, Mrs. Erna Harrison and Mrs. Georgia Glenewinkle. (Ad TNT 3/18/1951, pg D-4, story TNT 3/11/1951, pg D-5)

Hairstyles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ladies of the Lions Visitation (Tacoma); Scott, Joan; Harrison, Erna; Glenewinkle, Georgia; Andrews, Marilyn;

Shiela (Mrs. Valen) Honeywell waves goodbye as taxi driver Henry Berndt prepares to load her luggage in this February 26, 1951 fashion layout for the News Tribune. Mrs. Honeywell wears a flare skirted double breasted coat for the cool spring weather. A quill juts out at an oblique angle from her beret. Mrs. Honeywell's husband was the deputy County Prosecuting Attorney. (TNT 2/28/1951, pg. C-19)

Honeywell, Shiela; Berndt, Henry; Posing; Fashion models--Tacoma--1950-1960; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Taxicab drivers; Taxicabs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Luggage;

Rain damage to hillside at Pearl Richards' home. Mrs. Richards was the widow of Paul Richards and the mother of Turner, Bob, Ed and Nelson Richards, owners of the Richards Studio. The damage was the result of Tacoma's worst rainstorm in 30 years, on Feb. 8-9, 1951. (TNT 2/9/1951 & 2/10/1951, pg. 1)

Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Landslides--Tacoma--1950-1960; Disasters--Tacoma--1950-1960; Richards, Pearl--Homes & haunts;

Rain damage to hillside at Pearl Richards' home. Pearl Richards was the widow of Paul Richards and the matriarch of the Richards Studio clan. Tacoma's worst rainstorm in 30 years began at 6 p.m. on 2/8/1951, and devastated the city of Tacoma and Pierce County causing several hundred thousand dollars of damage. (TNT 2/9/1951 & 2/10/1951, pg. 1)

Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Landslides--Tacoma--1950-1960; Disasters--Tacoma--1950-1960; Richards, Pearl--Homes & haunts;

Exposure to show the rain damage at the residence of Mrs. Pearl E. Richards, 103 East Road. Tacoma's worst rainstorm in almost 30 years began at 6 p.m. on Feb. 8, 1951. Between 6 p.m. Thursday and 6 p.m. Friday, 3.12 inches of rain fell; the heaviest since 1921. Damage was reported throughout the city and county, mostly due to landslides and flooding. Salmon Beach was evacuated and portions of Portland Ave. and Marine View Dr. were closed due to washout. Loss topped several hundred thousand dollars. Mrs. Richards was the widow of Paul Richards and the mother of photographers Turner, Bob, Ed and Nelson Richards. (TNT 2/9/1951 pg.1, TNT 2/10/1951 pg. 1)

Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Landslides--Tacoma--1950-1960; Disasters--Tacoma--1950-1960; Richards, Pearl--Homes & haunts;

Mayor John Anderson addresses the crowd during the March 20, 1951, ground breaking for the new main branch of the Tacoma Public Library to be located at 1102 Tacoma Avenue South. The mayor's speech would be broadcast over KTNT radio. Behind the mayor was a giant billboard message donated by Foster & Kleiser urging the use of the public library for information, education and recreation. Among those in attendance was Thomas J. Porro, Library Board president (seated third from left). ALBUM 14.

Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.; Public speaking--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Porro, Thomas J.; Billboards--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Marian (Mrs. T. Harbine) Monroe in a suit from Charles Hufford for the Tribune's Spring fashion layout. Mrs. Monroe feeds the hungry parking meter so she can have plenty of time to shop for yachting clothes. The Monroes were well known in Tacoma's boating circles. She wears a slim suit with a wide rever Collar and triangular button arrangement. The suit is "arched" at the hip, a new look for 1951. She wears a flowered straw hat set symmetrically straight. (TNT 2/28/1951, pg. C-10)

Monroe, Marian; Fashion models--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Posing; Charles Hufford Shop (Tacoma);

In March of 1951, Lynn Louise Pasic (left) and Linda Marie Ruvo posed with two of the dogs that were going to take part in the 6th Annual All Breed Dog Show sponsored by the Western Washington Kennel Club, Inc. The show was held at the Memorial Building in Puyallup on March 3 & 4, with all proceeds going to the March of Dimes. The two collies posing with Lynn and Linda are Donador's Bronze Bell (left) and Tokalon Bronze Model, both owned by Mr. & Mrs. Don Stewart of Midway. (TNT 2/25/1951, pg. B-8)

National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (Tacoma); Poliomyelitis--Tacoma--1950-1960; Orthopedic braces; Collies--Tacoma; Girls--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bonnets; Pasic, Lynn Louise; Ruvo, Linda Marie;

Studio portrait of Madeline H. Pelegruti. Mrs. Pelegruti was the wife of the Young Men's Business Club President Peter Pelegruti and was assisting him in making arrangements for the YMBC's 21st annual Spring Dance, an official Daffodil Festival event, held on Saturday April 7, 1951. 110 couples danced from 9pm - 1am in the Wedgewood Room of the Winthrop Hotel to the strains of an orchestra. The Pelegrutis resided at 1108 No. Monroe. Mrs. Pelegruti has softly waving hair, a stylish suit and brightly lacquered nails. (TNT 4/1/1951, pg. D-3)

Pelegruti, Madeline H.; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1951 : Tacoma); Young Mens Business Club (Tacoma);

In February of 1951, Miss Barbara Sterne, a local career girl, sampled the newest health craze - yogurt, at Saunders Health Food Store, 939 Commerce. After the publication of Gayelord Hauser's book "Look Younger, Live Longer," yogurt became the new rage in diet and health food. It was served many ways, but most often mixed with blackstrap molasses. Low in calories and high in nutrients, it was heralded as the newest miracle food. (TNT 2/25/1951, #D-5)

Saunders Health Service, Inc. (Tacoma); Nutrition--Tacoma--1950-1960; Vitamins; Yogurt; Sterne, Barbara;

Soldiers and female volunteers, wearing "hostess" ribbons, gather around the piano on March 10, 1951 for a song fest at the United Churches Service Center, sponsored by the Tacoma Council of Churches. The young lady atop the piano sings loud and clear as she wears a borrowed serviceman's hat. The center offered recreational services for soldiers stationed in the Tacoma area.

Soldiers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Military uniforms--United States; Pianos; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; United Churches Service Center (Tacoma); Korean War, 1950-1953--Social aspects--Tacoma; Korean War, 1950-1953--Military personnel;

Alpha Beta Upsilon's spring formal dinner dance at the Country Club. Alpha Beta Upsilon was a sorority located at the College of Puget Sound. (for attendees, see newspaper article TNT 5/5/1951, pg. 14) TPL-8086

Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma); Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Alpha Beta Upsilon Sorority (Tacoma); College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

Norma Brott and Gilbert Simmons marry in a candlelight ceremony at the First Lutheran Church on Feb. 10, 1951. The bride, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Brott, wore a white satin and lace gown with a train. The long veil of imported Italian lace was trimmed with seed pearls and she carried a bouquet of orchids and white carnations. The matron of honor was Mrs. Richard Johnson, and the bridesmaids were Misses Doris Gardner, Emily Simard and Florence Brooker. The groom was the son of Mrs. Willis Simmons of Long Island, N.Y. Russell White served as best man, and the ushers were Winter Burnett, Richard Johnson and Frank Kirch Jr. The reception was held in the church parlor. The couple made their first home in Bremerton. (TNT 2/28/1951, pg. B-4)

Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Wedding costume--1950-1960; Brott, Norma; Simmons, Gilbert;

Wedding picture of Marilyn Jean Mann and Edward Stanley Annas at St. Lukes Episcopal Church. The bride wore an azalea pink satin gown with a molded bodice and a stiff collar of chantilly lace, which was also used at the elbows and wristline. The bouffant skirt had a cathedral length train and the bonnet of pink satin had a fingertip veil. The bride carried a bouquet of calla lilies tied with pink velvet ribbon. The lilies were also used as floral displays for the church and reception. Jo Anne Wood was the maid of honor and Mrs. E. Wayne Mann Jr. was the matron of honor. Both women worn gowns of pale lavender taffeta. The bride was attended by four other bridesmaids in darker lavender. Louis Wohlman was Best Man. The bride was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Wayne Mann Sr. and attended the College of Puget Sound, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi. The groom was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Annas Sr. of Enumclaw and also attended CPS, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma and the Lettermen's Club. The reception was held at the Kappa Sigma fraternity house. (Wedding shower picture & article TNT 3/11/1951, pg. D-7, Wedding TNT 3/25/1951, pg. D-4)

Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960; Mann, Marilyn; Annas, Edward; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Wedding costume--1950-1960;

Settling pit for a hydraulic rotary drill rig, for Robinson-Roberts. A reader advises that this is an example of "Reverse Circulation Drilling" where a centrifugal pump puts a vacuum on the drill pipe which then sucks the fluid from the bottom of the hole, through the bit, up the drill pipe, through the pump or venturi, then out into the settling pond. Not visible is a ditch under the board walk which leads back to the borehole to allow the fluid to free-flow back down the well.

Wells--Tacoma; Boring--Tacoma; Drilling & boring machinery; Robinson & Roberts (Tacoma);

Seven members of the Young Mens Business Club Auxiliary posed for a photograph to promote the "Spring Enchantress" fashion and beauty show in March 1951. The fashion show was presented at a luncheon held on April 5, 1951 at The Tropics, 735 Commerce. The show included a hair stylist who demonstrated new styles of hair dressing, with emphasis on pleated and folded styles, on models adorned in evening gowns, jewels, flowers and perfume. Enchantress model Dawn (Mrs. Paul A.) Olson is surrounded by fellow models or committee members, left to right, Vivian (Mrs. Jack L.) Coefield, Marilyn (Mrs. Sam) Andrews Jr., Dorothy (Mrs. Edward) Zanuzoski, Avonelle (Mrs. Wilfred) Brown, Madeline (Mrs. Peter) Pelegruti Jr. and Mrs. Earl Jones. At the luncheon table displays of floral bouquets and miniature models with hats completed the decorations. (TNT 4/3/1951, pg. 9)

Young Mens Business Club, Womens Auxiliary (Tacoma); Fashion shows--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Olson, Dawn; Coefield, Vivian; Andrews, Marilyn; Zanuzoski, Dorothy; Brown, Avonelle; Pelegruti, Madeline H.;

This is how the interior of South Tacoma Motor Company shop and service department appeared in February of 1951 when Chevrolets were being serviced throughout the warehouse. The Union Street Livery operated at this location in the late 1800s, but with the growing popularity of automobiles in the 1900s the owners combined the livery business with a garage. Pete Wallerich acquired the company in 1919. In 1924, South Tacoma Motors began selling Chevrolets at this location, making it the oldest Chevrolet dealer in the US owned continuously by the same family. Three generations of the Wallerich family sold Chevys until 1988, when the dealership became Gilchrist Chevrolet. ("South on the Sound" Murray and Rosa Morgan) TPL-9160

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile;

Choir of approximately 50 poses in front of the First Presbyterian Church in their dark choir robes. The Church, designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Boston, can be seen in the background. The ornate dome atop the tower, with its ancient Christian symbols, has been a dominant fixture of the Tacoma skyline since 1925.

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Interior of Hogan's 8th grocery store, at 98th & Pacific Ave., for its Grand Opening March 9-11, 1951. All of the Hogan Grocery Stores were owned by Walter Hogan, who also owned Western Grocery Co., a wholesale grocery outlet for retailers. This store offered Southeast Tacoma and the surrounding rural areas a complete assortment of groceries, meats, produce and dairy. The store had 5600 sq. ft. of merchandising floor space and a color scheme of chartreuse green and wine. The flooring was wine, red and brown. Mirrored produce cases reflected the jewel tones of the fruits and vegetables. The highlight of the opening was the giving away of four barrels of groceries. (TNT 3/8/1951, pg. C-4)

Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hogan's Fine Foods (Tacoma); Farm produce--Tacoma;

The kitchen of the new home built by contractor William Tietz at 1228 Fernside Dr. in the Narrowmoor edition. The Narrowmoor homes were gracious fine homes built with a view of the Narrows and the west bay. The Tietz home was a spacious rambler and the kitchen measured 12 by 18 feet, with 18 feet of solid window space facing the water and the Narrows bridge. The floors were quick clean asphalt tile, the cabinet tops were tile and the curtains were of bright chintz. The walls were painted in pastels. (TNT 4/28/1951, pg. C-12)

Kitchens--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tietz, Bill--Homes & haunts; Tietz Construction Inc. (Lakewood);