Launching of the U.S. Navy Destroyer #408, the U. S. S. Wilson, on April 12, 1939. The ship was decorated with pennants and bunting and photographed at dock in the Puget Sound Navy Yard at Bremerton. Ship launchings at the Navy yard differed from those at Tacoma Shipyards. The craft was built in a construction dock which was flooded for launching, much like a bathtub. The launching consisted of the gates being opened and the boat towed out into the Sound. The destroyer under construction in the background was almost entirely submerged during the ceremony. (T. Times 4/13/1939, p. 20)

Launchings--Bremerton--1930-1940; Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (Bremerton); Naval yards & naval stations--Bremerton--1930-1940; Government vessels; Warships--Bremerton--1930-1940;

Night school classes at Lincoln High School. On Monday and Thursday nights, over 1700 adult students descended on local schools to take part in the 61 classes offered in night school. This appears to be a shop class, one of the most popular offerings. The two students listening intently to the instructor are identified as Bill English, kneeling, and Jack Clark. (T. Times 10/12/1939, pg. 13)

Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Woodworking; Adult education; Vocational education;

On May 22, 1939, employees at the St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Co. mill walked out, halting operations in support of their fellow striking employees at the logging camps. The workers at the camps had ceased work on May 15th. Employees at the mill walked out and filed formal charges of unfair labor practices against the company when they found out that officials planned to keep the mill running, processing logs from other sources. (T. Times 5/23/1939, pg. 3-article only)

Lumber industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Co. (Tacoma); Strikes--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Easter Sunday in 1939 at churches. The congregation of the First (Evangelical) Lutheran Church is photographed after services and shown mingling on the sidewalks and steps. 1930s automobiles on street. General view of building with corner steeple, by Heath and Gove, Architects; 1926. Construction of the massive tapestry brick with Tenino stone trim building commenced in late 1925 and was completed in early 1929. It had a large Scandinavian congregation. (T. Times)

Lutheran churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; First Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Easter--Tacoma; Automobiles--Tacoma--1930-1940;

U. S. Marine Corps departing for summer camp at San Diego. Parents standing with their son, a young Marine, at the train station. Departing Marines can be seen in the background; bags and suitcases litter the ground around the trio. The mother determinedly fights back tears as she gives a small box, perhaps containing home baked goodies, to her son, who may be leaving home for the first time. The father beams proudly at his departing son in uniform. The Tacoma Marine Corps Reservists for 15 days in June of 1939 will become part of the famed 6th Regiment regulars. TPL-1976

Marines (Military personnel)--1930-1940; Military uniforms--1930-1940; Farewells; Families--Tacoma--1930-1940; Military service;

On August 22, 1939, William H. Martin gazed in admiration at his handiwork, a 6'2" Indian Chief made out of newspaper and glue. The pair were posed in Mr. Martin's workshop/shed behind his home at 7035 South Tacoma Way. It housed a delightful clutter of odds and ends from which Mr. Martin created his works of art. A painter by trade, Mr. Martin liked to keep himself busy with hobbies. The Chief weighed 225 pounds and took 15 years to build. It was constructed by gluing one sheet of newspaper on top of another until it reached the proper height. Mr. Martin also built totem poles and whimsically trimmed them with ashtrays or clocks or electric lights. He sang and recited epic poems as he worked. And to keep the Chief from getting lonely, he was building an Indian Princess to keep him company. (T. Times 8/24/1939, pg. 2)

Martin, William H.; Cigar store Indians;

Tacoma Mayor Joseph J. Kaufman received some advice on his grip from Dora Mae Rice while Gretchen Kunigk watched on May 3, 1939. A special "hole-in-one" competition was being held at the Allenmore Golf Course to raise money to send a four-man team of Tacoma golfers to the national public links meet to be held in Baltimore, Maryland. The golfer who could sink a "hole-in-one" on the special 115 yard hole set up for the competition would win a shiny, new Buick. Dora Mae was a figure skater; she went on to become a Northwest ice dancing champion and a judge in Olympic skating. Gretchen went on to win the first U.S. medal in Olympic skiing. (T. Times, 5-4-39, p. 14). ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Rice, Dora Mae; Golf--Tacoma--1930-1940; Golfers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Holstein dairy cows lumber across the Western State Hospital dairy farm at Steilacoom. There are more than 200 cows in the herd. Individually, the Steilacoom cows produce more milk than any other herd in the United States; the hospital's Prilly Ormsby Blossom, who died at the age of 17 in 1938, holds the all-time world's title for producing the most milk--258,209 pound of milk and 9,556.5 pounds of butterfat. The hospital started the herd in 1914. During that year, the government required tests on cows for tuberculosis. Some prize cows were blacklisted for commercial milk production. Purchasing only the blue ribbon prize winners, the hospital began a herd with the diseased cattle. The milk was pasteurized before consumption. Since the disease is not congenital, it gradually disappeared from the herd. By 1926, the herd was free from TB, but their superior breeding made them the best dairy cattle in the country. The farm's cattle, poultry, swine, and large vegetable and fruit gardens are maintained by the staff and patients at the Steilacoom hospital. (T. Times, 5/11/39, p. 2).

Mental institutions--Lakewood; Asylums--Lakewood; Institutional care--Lakewood; Farms--Lakewood; Western State Hospital (Lakewood); Cattle; Cows;

The Puyallup Fair's showpiece carousel was built in 1911. It was first brought to the fair by Earl Douglas in 1923, and was made a regular part of the amusement zone in 1935. Robert Bollinger donated the carousel to the Puyallup Fair in 1985 when he retired. This photograph of two unidentified girls was taken on Wednesday September 20, 1939. It was Tacoma day at the fair, and almost 47,000 people went to the fair on that day.

Merry-go-rounds--Puyallup--1930-1940; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup)

All eyes were on the board as two unidentified men faced off in the National Checker Association's second annual title tournament at the Winthrop Hotel, August 31st, 1939. Expert players from throughout the US poured into Tacoma to be in the competition. The tournament, which began on August 28, had a record entry of 30 players. The overall winner would be awarded a new automobile, the largest prize ever offered in a checker tournament. In addition, there would be about $1500 in supplementary prizes. The man standing right has a stopwatch to time each competitor's move. (T. Times 8/29/1939, pg. 1)

National Checker Association (Tacoma); Checkers; Board games;

These Washington Elementary School students are enjoying the coming of Spring in March 1939. They are just a hop, skip and jump now from the carefree pleasures of summer. Skipping rope are, left to right, Charlotte Ann Nelson, Beverly Grace Richardson, and Grace Loudin. Neighbor Billy Myers (age 12) sits on his bicycle observing the bouncing girls (T. Times, 3/21/1939, p. 1)

Nelson, Charlotte Ann; Richardson, Beverly Grace; Loudin, Grace; Myers, Billy; Rope skipping; Spring; Bicycles & tricycles--1930-1940; Washington School (Tacoma); School children--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Northwest Music Educators Conference pupils dance at the Winthrop Hotel. Young woman wearing knee-length dress holds a ticket while dancing on small table; many people gathered around her are clapping. The conference, held in Tacoma March 28- April 1, 1939, brought together the largest group of student musicians and educators ever assembled in the Northwest.

Northwest Music Educators (Tacoma);

During a multi-day conference in March, 1939, new officers were elected to head the Northwest Music Educators. Standing, L-R, Stanley Teel - first vice-president, Walter Welke - national director, Howard Deye, northwest director. Seated: Floy Young - secretary and Andrew Loney - president.

Northwest Music Educators (Tacoma); Teel, Stanley; Young, Floy; Welke, Walter; Loney, Andrew; Deye, Howard;

Northwest Music Educators' Conference. Louis Wersen, Tacoma conference planner and music supervisor of public schools, with wife Lillian, right, and Ann Landsbury Beck attend formal event at the four-day conference. (T. Times, 4/1/1939, p.8)

Northwest Music Educators (Tacoma); Wersen, Louis; Wersen, Lillian; Beck, Ann Landsbury;

Andrienne with Reno Odlin, Puget Sound Bank president, discussing his handwriting in Odlin's office. The famous graphologist was hired by the Tacoma Times to advise readers of their hidden traits based on the study of their handwriting. She is possibly giving Mr. Odlin some free financial advise; but for the price of one thin dime, readers could send in a sample of their handwriting and receive a character analysis. Andrienne felt that Odlin's handwriting showed off his indomitable will and determination as well as his brilliant mind and cool, composed nature. TPL-581 (T. Times 3/17/1939, pg. 1)

Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; Offices--Tacoma--1930-1940; Bankers--Tacoma; Andrienne;

Crown Prince Olav, later King Olav V, of Norway with Crown Princess Martha during a skiing trip to Mount Rainier. The prince was known as an expert skier and he and the Crown Princess had enjoyed the snow on Mount Hood the day before. The royal couple planned to spend the night at the Paradise Inn before departing for Seattle. (TNT 5-22-39, p. 6)

Olav V, 1903-1991; Martha, Crown Princess of Norway; Rulers--Norway; Visits of state--Washington; Snow;

Crown Prince Olav, later King Olav V, speaks over KVI microphone from review stand during visit to Fort Lewis on May 23, 1939. The Army rolled out a tremendous welcome to the Norwegian heir to the throne, with the entire 3rd Division passing in review. The prince was received with a 21-gun salute and escort of honor. Over 5000 civilians on nearby hillsides and bleachers observed the troops in formation, tank maneuvers, aircraft and weapons displays. (TNT 5-24-39, p. 6)

Olav V, 1903-1991; Martha, Crown Princess of Norway; Visits of state--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rulers--Norway; Public speaking--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Major General and Mrs. A. J. Bowley during banquet honoring Norwegian Crown Prince Olav (later Olav V) and Crown Princess Martha at the Hotel Winthrop on May 23, 1939. Major General Bowley was the commander of the 9th Corps. He, and the royal couple, had watched 8000 troops pass in review earlier that day at Fort Lewis. (TNT 5-22-39, p. 1, TNT 5-24-39, p. 1)

Olav V, 1903-1991; Rulers--Norway; Visits of state--Tacoma--1930-1940; Bowley, Albert J.; Bowley, Albert J.--Family; Generals--Tacoma;

A light tank from the United States Army 3rd Tank Company took to the air on May 23, 1939, as Prince Olav of Norway watched from the reviewing stand at Fort Lewis. The Prince, later King Olav V, and Crown Princess Martha visited the west coast cities of San Francisco, Portland, and Tacoma on their tour of the United States. At Fort Lewis, they spent two hours watching intently as 8,000 thousand soldiers passed in review, attack planes flew in formation, and maneuvers utilizing tanks traveled over man-made obstacles at speeds of 40 mph. Approximately 5000 Tacoma/ Pierce County civilians, mostly of Scandinavian heritage, watched from nearby hillsides and bleachers. (TNT 5-24-39, p. 6)

Olav V, 1903-1991; Rulers--Norway; Visits of state--Tacoma--1930-1940; Tanks (Military science)--Tacoma;

ca. 1939. Pacific Lutheran College football coach Clifford O. Olson. After the completion of the football season, Tacoma honored Olson by unanimously voting him Sportsman of the Year. The 1939 team finished with admirable record of 7 victories and 1 loss. They were co-champions of the new Washington Intercollegiate Conference and the Associated Press poll named them the Northwest's outstanding small college team. (1940 PLC yearbook "Saga")

Olson, Clifford; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1930-1940; Football--Parkland--1930-1940;

At the 1939 Pacific Lutheran College May Day festivities, Queen Vivian Lunde I and her court enjoy the performance of a May Pole dance. Girls in pastel gowns weave in patterns around the May Pole, holding pink and blue ribbons. (T. Times 5/2/1939, pg. 1)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1930-1940; Lunde, Vivian; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1930-1940; Rites & ceremonies--Parkland--1930-1940; Festivals--Parkland--1930-1940; May poles--Parkland--1930-1940;

Sixth Annual Daffodil Parade. Three girls representing Tacoma Assembly No.2, Rainbow Girls, ride a float covered with daffodils. (T.Times, 4/1/1939, p. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1939 : Tacoma); Floats (Parades);

Sixth Annual Daffodil Parade. Lakewood Community Center floats moves down Pacific Avenue passing Merit Paint Store with "cut-rate prices", Stationers, and Washington Hardware. T.Times, 4/1/1939, p. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1939 : Tacoma); Floats (Parades);

Sixth Annual Daffodil Parade. Lakewood Community Center float passes the Riviera Theatre. Spectators line sidewalks. By 1939, only one stage theater, The Little Theatre, is listed in Tacoma; all others are motion picture theaters. (T. Times, 4/1/39)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1939 : Tacoma); Floats (Parades);

On April 1, 1939, all the best dressed parade riders were wearing daffodils. These two unidentified young women rode on a float credited to the sixth annual Daffodil Parade wearing dresses and hats made completely of flowers. They smiled brightly from under flower covered hats tied with chiffon bows underneath their chins and carried umbrellas.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1939 : Tacoma); Floats (Parades);

Unveiling of the Fort Nisqually monument at its dedication at Point Defiance Park. Group of approximately 30 men, women, and one girl wearing period costumes, circa 1840's, watching YMBC Airshow Princess Kathryn Hurley unveil the rock monument with its memorial plaque. The monument is being dedicated in conjunction with the Washington State Jubilee. It commemorates the establishment of the original fort and its reconstruction by the YMBC. (T. Times 7/21/1939, pg. 14)

Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Fort Nisqually (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Dedication of Fort Nisqually monument at Point Defiance Park. Group of approximately 30 men, women, and one girl wearing period costumes, circa 1840's. The woman to the left in modern dress is Miss Kathryn Hurley, Jubilee princess of the YMBC air show, who unveiled the monument. The monument recognizes the establishment of the original fort in 1833 and its reconstruction in 1934 by the YMBC. It is the first step in further development of the historic site. (T. Times 7/21/1939, pg. 14)

Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Fort Nisqually (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Posed on steps at the College of Puget Sound are Mary Prichard, freshman from Bremerton, and Dick Watson, Sophomore. Miss Prichard is wearing the latest look in women's sportswear, the new 3/4 socks with saddle shoes, knee-length skirt and "Sloppy Joe" sweater of beige cashmere. (T. Times 10-06-1939 p.8)

Prichard, Mary; Watson, Dick; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1930-1940; Clothing & dress--1930-1940;

An addition to the State Armory, South 11th & Yakima, was under construction in August of 1939 with scaffolding surrounding the new barrel-shaped, nine-ton steel roof truss structure. A sign indicates that this is a P.W.A. (Public Works Administration) federal project. The addition would supply the National Guard with an expanded drill hall and the city with a much needed Public Auditorium with room for 5,000. $47,000 was being spent to complete the remodeling program that had a total cost of approximately $163,000. The Pierce County Courthouse with its distinctive clock tower is in the background. (T. Times 8/3/1939, pg. 1)

Progress photographs; State Armory (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1930-1940; Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma);

Nearly 1,200 representatives of the Rainbow Girls from around the state met in Tacoma from July 12 through July 15, 1939 for their 13th annual Grand Assembly. On Wednesday the 13th, members met at the Masonic Temple at 47 St. Helens Ave. and march down St. Helens and Broadway. The convention ended on Saturday with a picnic at Pt. Defiance Park. The building in the center of this photograph is the Bostwick Building, 755-71 St. Helens Ave., home, at that time, to the Kress Malted Milk Shop. (T.Times 7/13/1939 p.13)

Rainbow Girls (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940