Celebrities arriving for the May 16, 1968, grand opening of the Tacoma Mall Theater. Throngs gather behind ropes awaiting entrance into the new 1200-seat theater. Pictured on the red carpet is actor Jody McCrea, center. The 6'3" actor was the son of Western star Joel McCrea and actress Frances Dee. He appeared mostly in Westerns in the 1950's and then became known for his comedic and romantic roles in six American International "Beach" movies with Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon during the 1960's. Mr. McCrea and other celebrities would be introduced to the crowd on the speaker's platform located directly in front of the theater. Later, the actors would participate in a half-hour live telecast directly from the theater stage. TPL-6522 (TNT 5-16-68, C-6)

McCrea, Jody; Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Celebrity touring; Premieres--Tacoma; Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma);

Actor Arthur O'Connell shakes the hand of an unidentified patient at Madigan General Hospital during the May, 1968, visit of a group of motion picture stars who were in Tacoma for the grand opening of the Tacoma Mall Theater. Many of the military hospital's patients were recuperating from injuries incurred in Vietnam. 34 years later, the Tacoma Mall Theater was demolished and a Krispy Kreme store built on the site. ALBUM 5. (TNT 5-16-68, C-6-article; TNT 5-17-68, A-1+ -article)

O'Connell, Arthur; Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sick persons; Military hospitals--Tacoma; Madigan General Hospital (Wash.);

Actress Madlyn Rhue shades her eyes against the bright sun as she speaks to two unidentified men poolside at the Lakewood Motor Inn. Miss Rhue, her husband Tony Young, and a contingent of Hollywood stars were in Tacoma for the grand opening of the Tacoma Mall Theater. Prior to the evening festivities, the group paid a visit to Madigan Hospital to see patients at the military hospital, many of whom were wounded in Vietnam. ALBUM 5.

Rhue, Madlyn; Actresses; Celebrity touring; Swimming pools--Lakewood;

John Russell, one of the stars of the TV series "The Lawman;" Tippi Hedren, memorable in Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds," and Arthur O'Connell, who was in the TV series "The Second Hundred Years," dined in Lakewood at the Terrace Restaurant, 6114 Motor Ave. S.W., on May 16, 1968. They were visiting Tacoma for the grand opening of the Tacoma Mall Theater. While in Tacoma they made a special trip to Madigan Army Hospital to visit with injured soldiers. Other actors in Tacoma for the theater's premiere were Jody McCrea, Troy Donahue, Madlyn Rhue , Tony Young, and Diane McBain. (TNT 5-16-68, C-6) ALBUM 5.

Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Russell, John; O'Connell, Arthur; Actresses; Hedren, Tippi; Fur garments;

Actress Tippi Hedren talks with an unidentified wounded GI at Madigan General Hospital during the visit of a group of motion picture actors who were in Tacoma for the May, 1968 grand opening of the Tacoma Mall Theater. Miss Hedren was accompanied to the military hospital by fellow actors Troy Donahue, Arthur O'Connell, and Diane McBain. Perhaps best known for her roles in "Marnie" and "The Birds" directed by Alfred Hitchcock and for her work as a wildlife activist, Miss Hedren is also the mother of actress Melanie Griffith. (TNT 5-16-68, C-6-article; TNT 5-17-68, A-1-article) ALBUM 5.

Hedren, Tippi; Actresses; Sick persons; Military hospitals--Tacoma--1960-1970; Madigan General Hospital (Wash.);

Miss Tacoma, Cleta Jo Johnson, with wounded GIs at Madigan Army Hospital during the visit of a group of celebrities in Tacoma for the grand opening of the Tacoma Mall Theater. The current Miss Tacoma is the daughter of Mrs. Cleta Jean Johnson and was crowned at her alma mater, Mount Tahoma High School. She would go on to represent Tacoma in the Miss Washington pageant. Hollywood stars Diane McBain, Troy Donahue, Arthur O'Connell and Tippi Hedren also spent time with hospital patients prior to the theater's premiere. (TNT 5-16-68, C-6) ALBUM 5.

Johnson, Cleta Jo; Disabled veterans;

Two anti-poverty workers lend a hand at the Woodbrook Youth Center, pausing for a moment to acknowledge the camera on May 15, 1968. The youth center was affiliated with the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc., an anti-poverty program. The man is believed to be Herman Walker, head of the Hilltop Multi-Service Center, an arm of the O.D.I. The woman has been tentatively identified as Mrs. Charles Crockrell, executive secretary of the Hilltop Center. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc.

Woodbrook Youth Center (Lakewood); Office workers--Lakewood;

A smiling office worker at the Woodbrook Youth Center looks up from perusing forms from the Pierce County Industrial Medical Bureau on May 15, 1968. She has been tentatively identified as Mrs. Charles Crockrell, executive secretary of the Hilltop Multi-Service Center. Her tidy desk has room for a desk calendar, stapler, telephone and dictionary. An IBM typewriter is within reach. The Woodbrook Youth Center was affiliated with the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc., anti-poverty program. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc.

Woodbrook Youth Center (Lakewood); Office workers--Lakewood; Typewriters--1960-1970; Telephones;

A tutor at the Woodbrook Youth Center helps a Japanese woman with her English on May 15, 1968 while others wait for assistance. Booklets on reading skills are displayed on the desk. Woodbrook was associated with the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc, anti-poverty program. They had already established tutoring programs in Tacoma before expanding to Lakewood. Photograph ordered by Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc.

Woodbrook Youth Center (Lakewood); Tutoring; Japanese Americans--Lakewood;

V.I.P. night at the Tacoma Mall Theater. L.H. Sutton, managing director of the Tacoma Mall Theater, poses with an unidentified woman on May 14, 1968, V.I.P. night at the Tacoma Mall Theater. Mr. Sutton had recently been appointed to his position. His guest is wearing a fur wrap over a sequinned dress. On one wrist is an orchid corsage. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Mall Theater.

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sutton, L.H.; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1960-1970;

A toddler gets his tummy checked out at the Eastside Multi-Service Center on May 14, 1968, by a doctor with stethoscope. Mrs. Alice Dunn, Center director, a registered nurse and a curious child observe the procedure on the seemingly calm patient. Photograph ordered by Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc.

Physicians--Tacoma--1960-1970; Medical equipment & supplies; Infants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Dunn, Alice;

V.I.P. night at the Tacoma Mall Theater. Theater executives take a behind-the-scenes look at the new Tacoma Mall Theater on V.I.P. night, two nights before the grand opening of the latest addition to the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. Michael R. Forman, second to the right, and William R. Forman, extreme right, are associated with Forman United Theaters, owners of the new theater. William Forman had Northwest connections: he attended the University of Washington and married a Seattle woman. He had been named the pioneer of the year by the motion picture industry. (TNT 5-14-68, insert)

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Forman, Michael R.; Forman, William R.;

On May 14, 1968, Alice Dunn, director of the Eastside Multi-Service Center, stood outside of the burned out ruins of the Salishan youth center with a cartload of groceries and handful of tickets for a benefit dinner to fund the youth center's replacement. The youth center was destroyed by fire on March 30th, the day before its opening. Organizers hoped to raise $1000 at the May 24th benefit held at the Christ Episcopal Church. A one-day booth was also set up at the Tacoma Mall to ask Tacomans to generously donate to this worthy cause. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc. (TNT 5-20-68, p. 4)

Dunn, Alice; Fund raising--Tacoma--1960-1970; Debris--Tacoma;

On May 14, 1968 the new Tacoma Mall Theater held a special V.I.P. night two days before its official grand opening on the 16th. Selected officials and guests were invited to see the spacious new movie theater, which cost over $1 million to build and could seat 1,200, before it opened to the general public. The four crystal chandeliers in the lobby were imported from Belgium, and its giant screen was capable of accommodating "Cinerama" films. The Mall Theater closed in July of 2002 and it was demolished before the end of the year. (Publicity photograph ordered by the Tacoma Mall to be mailed to Pacific Theaters in Los Angeles.)

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chandeliers; Lobbies--Tacoma--1960-1970;

V.I.P. night at the Tacoma Mall Theater. Zack S. Beiser of United Theatres in conversation with a woman tenatively identified as Miss Tacoma, Cleta Jo Johnson, at V.I.P. night at the Tacoma Mall Theater on May 14, 1968. Those attending the private party were able to view the theater before its grand opening on May 16th. Forman-United Theatres were the builders of the $1 million dollar theater, the first major theater development in the area in 40 years. Publicity photograph ordered by Tacoma Mall Theater for Pacific Theaters, Los Angeles.

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Beiser, Zack S.;

A woman in a flowery summer dress smiles as she opens a Coca-Cola from a vending machine at the Eastside Multi-Service Center, an arm of the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc., on May 14, 1968. Bottled pop was a mere 15 cents then and caps had to be removed via a bottle opener. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc.

Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1960-1970; Vending machines--Tacoma--1960-1970; Carbonated beverages;

Interior - Tacoma Mall Theater. This is the view one would get looking from the giant screen to the back of the theater. The seats are empty because it is three days before the Tacoma Mall Theater's grand opening. The 1200 seats were deep and upholstered with extra space between the rows. They were staggered so that all would have a good view of the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling screen. Armrests were made of upholstered foam rubber. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Mall Theater. TPL-6521 (TNT 4-18-68, B-15, TNT 5-8-68, D-13, TNT 5-14-68, insert)

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Interior - Tacoma Mall Theater; view of 2000 yards of red draw curtains, stage and rows of empty upholstered seats. The Tacoma Mall, first indoor theater in the Forman-United Theater circuit of drive-ins in the Tacoma area, was just days away from its grand opening on May 16, 1968. Architect George T. Nowak utilized updated motion theater design in planning the new theater. The $1 million dollar theater was advertised as "Elegance in Entertainment" with staggered seating, body-contoured armchairs, custom made chandeliers, bronze-smoke Belgian glass mirrored walls and a giant screen extending wall-to-wall and floor to ceiling. It had a seating capacity of 1200. The building was divided into two sections in 1974 and renamed the Tacoma Mall Twins. Ultimately, it would close in July of 2002; the building was razed and a Krispy Kreme store opened on the site. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Mall Theater. (TNT 4-18-68, B-15, TNT 5-8-68, D-13)

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Theater curtains;

Lobby in Tacoma Mall Theater. A beautiful display of elegance greeted patrons of the new Tacoma Mall Theater in May, 1968. Four $6000 imported, custom-made crystal chandeliers hang from the lobby's lofty ceiling. Each chandelier contains 3,250 clear crystal pendants. Small recessed ceiling and wall lights present an illusion of stars. The plush red carpet and corresponding red curved snack bar wall provide a colorful contrast to the dark walnut vinyl paneling. The snack bar, at 72 feet, was the West Coast's longest. The Tacoma Mall Theater was the first major theater development in 40 years in this area. 34 years later, in July of 2002, it would shut its doors for good. (TNT 5-8-68, D-13, TNT 5-14-68 insert)

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chandeliers; Snack bars--Tacoma; Lobbies--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Women's restroom in Tacoma Mall Theater. Even the restrooms at the new Tacoma Mall Theater carried on the theme of elegance with chandeliers, patterned wallpaper and fine floor coverings. Bright lighting and good ventilation were integral parts of the large, sparkling ladies room. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Mall Theater.

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Rest rooms;

This is believed to be songtress Peggy O'Neil who performed for many years at Steve's Gay '90s in South Tacoma. Her real name was Margaret Farrugia, Lincoln High School alumna, and mother of six. On May 10, 1968, she is pictured wearing plumes in her upswept hairdo with matching accessories on her black evening dress. Peggy O'Neil was a popular entertainer specializing in singing "the blues" and old-time "torch" songs. She would participate in the 3- day celebration of Steve's Gay '90s 19th anniversary called the "Good Ol' Days." Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT ad 6-13-68, C-18)

O'Neil, Peggy; Farrugia, Margaret; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1960-1970; Entertainers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Singers;

A young Diane Schuur, hands delicately placed on the keys of an antique Gaines & Co. piano, poses for an informal portrait on May 10, 1968, at Steve's Gay '90s. She was a frequent weekend performer at the popular South Tacoma restaurant. Even as a teenager, she was known for her outstanding voice and musical ability. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.

Schuur, Diane; Pianists--Tacoma; Pianos; Singers; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma);

Jack Richardson, dressed in "old-timey" clothing complete with straw boater, a striped jacket, and a tie labeled "South Tacoma Wash.," was advertised as "King of the MCs" in May of 1968. Mr. Richardson was an entertainer at Steve Pease's well-known Gay 90s restaurant located at South 54th and South Tacoma Way. This photograph was used in a collage of Steve's entertainers advertising the upcoming 19th anniversary of Steve's Gay '90s. The 3-day celebration would feature 25 entertainers, free noisemakers and free hats. Special guests appearing included the Don Lemon Trio and the Cable Car Conductors. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT ad 6-13-68, C-18, TNT ad 8-16-68, p. 13)

Richardson, Jack; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1960-1970; Entertainers--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Night exposure of new Tacoma Mall Theater; large back-lit signs on brick and glass exterior. All is ready for the grand opening of the $1 million dollar Tacoma Mall Theater in May, 1968. The theater would open for business in one week with Hollywood stars in attendance. "First Night" tickets were still available at the time of this May 9th photograph; however, they were sold out by the 11th. Management added an extra late-evening viewing of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," but no stars would be present for the 11:30 p.m. show. The Tacoma Mall Theater was the latest addition to the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. It offered ample free parking, luxurious lobby and a giant Cinerama screen. (TNT 4-18-68, B-15, TNT 5-8-68, D-13, TNT 5-14-68, insert) TPL-6520

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

Miss Tacoma. Miss Tacoma, Cleta Jo Johnson, gets a early first-hand look at the new Tacoma Mall Theater prior to its grand opening on May 16, 1968. Miss Johnson would be among the luminaries present on the "First Night" of its movie existence. She is shown examining the comfortable body-conformed armchairs which were spaced 40 inches back-to-back. This allowed for plenty of leg room and easy maneuvering through the rows. The theater was originally built for a 1200-seat capacity. (TNT 5-8-68, D-13, TNT 5-14-68, insert)

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Johnson, Cleta Jo; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Miss Tacoma, Cleta Jo Johnson, listens intently as she is shown the workings of the projection room on a May 9, 1968, visit to the Tacoma Mall Theater, the latest addition to the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. Projectionist Frank Carlson shows Miss Johnson the new projection machines. The theater used a Simplex 35-70 set to run 35 and 70 millimeter film. The Tacoma Mall Theater would officially open on May 16th with gala entertainment planned for the evening. (TNT 5-14-68, insert)

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Johnson, Cleta Jo; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Carlson, Frank; Motion picture devices;

Informal portrait of businessman Harold Moss. Hired by the Chamber of Commerce and the Tacoma Area Coalition, Mr. Moss solicited jobs for disadvantaged Tacoma-area residents through the Central Area Employment Office, So. 23rd and "K" in the spring of 1968. He placed his company, Northwest Porcelain Studios, in the hands of assistants when he accepted a three-month position as a liaison between employers and the often hardcore unemployed. More training programs and more meaningful jobs were needed to assist these residents. Mr. Moss would later serve several terms on Tacoma's City Council and on the Pierce County Council. He was to become Tacoma's first black mayor, appointed after the death of Mayor Jack Hyde in 1994. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc. (TNT 4-21-68, A1, A-23)

Moss, Harold; Employment agencies--Tacoma;

In May of 1968 Harold Moss was photographed with three unidentified members of his staff at the Central Area Employment Office, 1103 South 23rd Street in the Hilltop neighborhood. The Central Area Employment Office was established to help inner city residents obtain jobs. Mr. Moss had been hired through the Chamber of Commerce and Tacoma Area Coalition to solicit jobs for the disadvantaged. He would later become a well known political figure in Tacoma, holding offices on the City and County Councils as well as becoming the first black mayor of Tacoma in 1994. (TNT 4-21-68, A-1, A-23)

Moss, Harold; Employment agencies--Tacoma;

Committee members of St. Luke's Antique Show display some of the beautiful antiques located at the Glass Rooster, 3709 Sixth Ave. Similar items will be for sale at the St. Luke's Episcopal Church's 18th annual Antique Dealers Show & Sale at the Bell parish house on May 14-15, 1968. From L-R are Mrs. David A. Somerville, Mrs. Sherman Jonas, Mrs. Daniel T. Simmons and general chairman Mrs. R.D. Hayward. (TNT 5-12-68, D-4)

Antiques--Tacoma; Antiques store--Tacoma; Committees--Tacoma--1960-1970;

36 joyful children pose at St. Martin of Tours on Sunday, May 6, 1968. They appear ready for First Communion as the little girls are wearing veils and all children are dressed in gold and white robes.

St. Martin of Tours Parish (Fife); Catholic churches--Fife; Rites & ceremonies--Fife; Communion;