Floral display at the Winthrop Hotel. A beautiful selection of 'mums was on display under the brilliant light of a crystal chandelier on November 12, 1929. The flowers were courtesy of Hinz Florists, 618 South "K" (now Martin Luther King Jr. Way). Displays of chrysanthemums, roses and fall flowers filled the Crystal Ballroom at the third annual 'mum show held under the auspices of the Pierce County Horticultural Society. G31.1-104 (TNT 11-9-29, p. 3-article; TNT 11-12-29, p. 14-article)

Chrysanthemums--Tacoma; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Chandeliers; Flower shows--Tacoma--1920-1930; Florist shops--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hinz Florists (Tacoma);

Flowers and ferns on display, courtesy of the Tacoma Garden Club, at the Winthrop Hotel, on May 25, 1929. This was the fifth annual spring flower show sponsored by the group. G26.1-118

Flower shows--Tacoma--1920-1930; Exhibitions--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

A series of photographs were taken of the Tacoma Garden Club's exhibition of flowers held at the Winthrop Hotel on May 25, 1929. A variety of blossoms, along with potted plants and garden accessories, were on display in the hotel's Crystal Ballroom. G26.1-097

Flower shows--Tacoma--1920-1930; Exhibitions--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Springtime in Tacoma meant an abundance of flowers and a chance to put them on display. The Tacoma Garden Club sponsored an exhibition of flowers, plants, and garden accessories showcased in the Winthrop Hotel's Crystal Ballroom on May 25, 1929. G26.1-098

Flower shows--Tacoma--1920-1930; Exhibitions--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Part of an elegant display of blooms and garden fixtures held at the Winthrop Hotel on May 25, 1929. This fifth annual flower show was sponsored by the Tacoma Garden Club. G26.1-099

Flower shows--Tacoma--1920-1930; Exhibitions--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Winthop (Tacoma);

Room 319 of the Winthrop Hotel was stuffed with Kroehler davenports and living room furniture in July of 1928. It was a special sale and demonstration of the Kroehler brand of merchandise. A sign on the back wall indicated that all pieces exhibited had already been sold to the Grunbaum Bros. Furniture Co. of Seattle. G35.1-033

Exhibitions--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Sofas; Furniture; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Tulip display. The second annual tulip show of the Pierce County Horticultural Society was opened to the public on May 5, 1928. The event was held at the Winthrop Hotel's Crystal Ballroom and admission was free. Thousands of blooms were displayed by amateur and professional growers from all parts of Washington and Oregon. Even homeowners with small gardens were invited to participate. One colorful exhibit was from George Lawler, pioneer bulb grower, who had expanded his bulb business with the purchase in 1926 of 383 acres near Roy. G26.1-119 (TDL 5-5-28, p. 1-article)

Tulips--Tacoma; Flower shows--Tacoma--1920-1930; Exhibitions--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Small, one-room house on exhibit on the Winthrop Hotel's rooftop. This building was constructed of grade "C" and "D" hemlock bevel siding with a minimum of waste. The cozy home even contained French doors leading to a nicely landscaped "yard." The "bungolowette" was built by the St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Co. for the February, 1927, Western Retail Lumbermen's conference. By using lower grades of lumber efficiently, it was hoped that new markets would open up for sale of these lesser-used woods. Photograph ordered by the St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Co. G36.1-148 (TDL 2-24-27, p. 2 - photograph shown without landscaping)

Architectural models; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Students at the Knapp Business College formed their own musical ensemble, the "Knapp Business College Orchestra," in the mid-1920's. The six-piece group had a small horn section, banjo, drums and piano. They were photographed in May of 1927 at the KMO radio station studio then located in the Winthrop Hotel. Knapp was the first institution in Pierce County to be organized exclusively for business education. It was started in 1921 with emphasis on accounting and secretarial fields. G40.1-036

Knapp Business College Orchestra (Tacoma); Musicians--Tacoma--1920-1930; Pianos; Drums--Tacoma; Saxophones; Students--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Star Coal exhibit. This exhibit of Star and Burnsright Coal was one of several displayed at the Western Retail Lumbermen's convention held at the Winthrop Hotel, February 24-26, 1927. G31.1-099

Exhibits--Tacoma--1920-1930; Meetings--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

This small sample house was one of two built on the rooftop of the Winthrop Hotel overlooking the downtown business district in late February of 1927. In the background, near left, are visible parts of the Washington Building, Peoples Store and Puget Sound National Bank. The Pythian Temple and Rhodes Brothers Department Store are near right rear. This is believed to be the model building constructed by the St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Co. to show how structures can be built using grades of local Washington woods not now in great demand. The other house, not pictured, was built by the West Coast Trade Extension Bureau to show that short lengths of lumber can be used for high-class construction work. Both houses were built for the annual three-day convention of the Western Retail Lumbermen's Association, opening Thursday, February 24, 1927, at the Winthrop Hotel. 600 retail lumbermen were expected to attend. G36.1-102 (TNT 2-23-27, p. 1, p. 7)

Model houses--Tacoma--1920-1930; Cityscapes; Business districts--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Members of the Western Retail Lumbermens' Association pose in February of 1927 in front of a little bungalow erected on the roof of the Winthrop Hotel in honor of the group's annual convention. The bungalow was made entirely of local wood and demonstrated its use in construction. When the 24th annual convention concluded February 26, 1927, new leaders had been elected for the coming year. Pictured leaders are, back row, left to right: George A. Heilman (Wyo.), H.J. Sawtelle (Mt.), W.B. Hussman (Idaho), I.G. Kjosness (Idaho), and R.O. Bushong (Ore.) Front row, left to right, F.C. Kendall (Spokane), J.W. Burt (Mt.), Robt M. Graham (Mt.), R.M. Cross (Utah) and E.J. Ostrander (Idaho.) (TDL 2/27/1927, pg. A-5; TNT 2/23/1927, pg. 7) (WSHS- negative A893-0)

Washington Lumber Dealers Association (Tacoma); Business people--Tacoma--1920-1930; Lumber industry--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Rex McCargar and his Orchestra at the Hotel Winthrop. The tuxedoed musicians have their instruments on display in this January 20, 1927, photograph. The singers and entertainers, advertised as the "most popular orchestra in the city," went on to appear at the Hotel Tacoma the following week. The Hotel Tacoma provided dancing every Friday night with a 50 cent cover charge. (TNT 1-31-27, p. 8-ad) G40.1-034

McCargar, Rex; Musicians--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Washington State Associated Master Barbers of America banquet held January 1927 at the Hotel Winthrop. (WSHS)

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Washington State Associated Master Barbers of America (Tacoma); Banquets--1920-1930;

Miss Tacoma, Dorothy Rothermel, smiles graciously at hundreds gathered outside the new Hotel Winthrop on August 26, 1926. She was making her last local appearance before leaving by train for Atlantic City and the "Miss America" pageant. Miss Rothermel was honored at a dance held at the Winthrop and those in attendance were able to see her pageant wardrobe on display as well as the beautiful float of snow capped Mount Tacoma, unveiled for the first time. Miss Rothermel, dressed in green and silver, stood on the float which would be used for the famous boardwalk parade. She threw real snowballs at the crowd, a stunt which was scheduled to be repeated in Atlantic City. Mayor Melvin G. Tennent, in tuxedo on the right, introduced Miss Rothermel. She was a Stadium High School graduate and a dancer. (T.Times, 8-26-26, p. 1, TDL 8-27-26, p. 3) G42.1-138; TPL-1484

Rothermel, Dorothy; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1920-1930; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1920-1930; Tennent, Melvin Green; Mayors--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Herbert Hoover, then Secretary of Commerce, signed the Indian "Pledge to the Mountain" to honor Mt. Rainier on the rooftop of the Hotel Winthrop on August 21, 1926. An unidentified Indian maiden helps to unroll the scroll. Mr. Hoover, who would later become the 31st President of the United States, was given the name Chief Coolee-Chuck ("Running Water"). The pledge was administered entirely in the Chinook language. In it, Mr. Hoover swore and promised by the Great Spirit of the Mountain to journey whenever possible to the "Mountain that was God" in order to breathe in the pure air, drink the sparkling waters, and gaze upon its wondrous beauties. He promised to acquaint himself with the lore of the red men and learn about the legends of the mountain's origins and sacredness. Should he violate this solemn obligation, he could foresee his wickiup burning, racehorses dying and coyotes devouring all his rabbits. Secretary Hoover was in Tacoma as a guest of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce and addressed a large group of about 300 businessmen at the Hotel Winthrop on the "Future of Foreign Trade." This photograph was modified by the photographer: a clearer view of Mount Rainier was added, and the Brotherhood Bank's signage reversed and building itself extended upward. TPL-5447; G68.1-028 (TNT 8-21-26, p. 1)

Hoover, Herbert; Indians of North America--Tacoma--1920-1930; Document signings--Tacoma; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

In 1926, silent films still ruled the screens and Tacoma had over 25 moving picture theaters. It also had its own theater association, the Picture Theater Managers' Association of Tacoma. In February of that year the group posed for a picture after one of their meetings at the Hotel Winthrop. Pictured seated (left to right) are: James Hone, L.A. Drinkwine- owner of the Palace Theater, Walter McNeish- Bijou Theater, Robert McKinnell- Rose Theater, Ned Edris- Blue Mouse, Mrs. DeSilva-Lyric Theater, W.Flint- The Park, and Martin Steffen - The Rex. Standing (left to right) are: M. McIntosh and R. Minkler- Lincoln Th., Louie Peorunko- Sunset Th., R.R. Pratch- Realart, Jean Spear - Capitol, J.R. Pottor- Community Th and H.R. Berg- Shell Th. Most noticeably missing is H.T. Moore of Moore Amusement, the owner of the Rialto. (WSHS) (TNT 2/5/1926, pg. 8)

Group portraits--Tacoma--1920-1930; Picture Theater Managers' Association of Tacoma (Tacoma); Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Motion picture industry--Tacoma--1920-1930; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma;

Harold "Red" Grange shakes hands with an unidentified man in late January of 1926 while on the rooftop of the Winthrop Hotel. Mr. Grange is on the right. By 1926, he had graduated from the University of Illinois where he was an outstanding football player and was playing pro ball. He was in Tacoma very briefly on Friday, January 29th, to help publicize his Chicago Bears Sunday game against the Washington All-Stars in Seattle. A smallish crowd of about 5000 would see the Bears demolish the All-Stars 34-0. Later that year would come the release of a silent film, "One Minute to Play," starring Mr. Grange. (TDL 1-29-26, p. 1-article; TNT 1-29-26, p. 18-article) (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Grange)

Grange, Harold; Football players; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

Football star and motion picture actor Harold "Red" Grange posed with Helen Nelsen (left) and Corinne Martin on a rainy day atop the Winthrop Hotel in late January, 1926. The ladies are holding a sign "Ice" in front of Mr. Grange; it was his nickname when he was a leading rusher at Wheaton (Illinois) High School. He had worked as an ice hauler while in school which accounted for his nickname ("Ice Man" or "Wheaton Ice Man") and developed his strong physique. Now better known as "The Galloping Ghost" for his blinding speed and elusive running style, Mr. Grange, a three-time all-American at the University of Illinois, had paid a very short visit to Tacoma a couple of days before his Chicago Bears pro team faced the Washington All-Stars in Seattle. He would run for two touchdowns and pass for a third en route to a 34-0 shellacking of the local team. (TDL 1-29-26, p. 1-article & alternate photograph; TDL 2-1-26, p. 8-article on game; www.britannica.com)

Grange, Harold; Football players; Nelsen, Helen; Martin, Corinne;

ca. 1926. Winthrop Hotel, circa 1926, sitting room of the Presidential Suite. Building design by W.L. Stoddard with Roland Borhek as associated architect, 1925. In 1922, a group of concerned citizens got together to raise funds and make plans for a grand hotel for Tacoma. The Winthrop was built at a cost of over two million dollars and had its Grand Opening on May 16, 1925. The Presidential Suite, with the pictured 18 x30 foot living, or sitting, room was the most elaborate accommodation at the hotel. (filed with Argentum)

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1926. Winthrop Hotel, circa 1926, same sitting room as in A1301 image 1, the sitting room of the Presidential Suite. Writing desk that folds up into cabinet against wall right. The suite was finished in mahogany with paneled plastered walls.(filed with Argentum)

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1926. Exterior view of the Winthrop Hotel from the southwest, circa 1926. Building designed by W.E. Stoddard and Roland Borhek, Associated Architects, in 1924. On the right is the Pantages Theater and on the left is the Bostwick Building. (filed under Argentum)

Hotels--Tacoma--1920-1930; Pantages Theater (Tacoma); Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

ca. 1926. Winthrop Hotel, circa 1926, general view of interior, main dining area flowing off from lobby. When the hotel opened in May, 1925, the main dining room and lobby/lounge were seamlessly blended into a space 40 feet wide and 120 feet long. The hotel was managed by D.M. Linnard, Inc. and recognized for its quality of accommodations and service. (filed with Argentum)

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1920-1930; Dining rooms--Tacoma;

ca. 1926. Lesson in Friendship by Tacoma Knights of Pythias at the Crystal Ballroom of the Winthrop Hotel. The fraternal order was founded in 1864 by Justus H. Rathbone on the principles of friendship, charity and benevolence, or "FCB" the letters inscribed on the triangles that make up the group's emblem. One of the main themes in the group's ceremonies is the fast friendship of Damon and Pythias. (filed with Argentum)

Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Ruth DuCharme and Orville Fuller posed in January of 1926 surrounded by Bill Winder (extreme left) and his Hotel Winthrop Orchestra. The pair was taking part in the Southwest Washington Championship Ho-down Ballroom Charleston competition which kicked off on January 23, 1926. The contest was sponsored by the Rialto Theater and the Hotel Winthrop and took place over 4 weeks. It featured dancers from Tacoma, Aberdeen, Chehalis, Centralia and Olympia. Winners were decided by popular applause. When all the shouting was over, Mrs. DuCharme and Mr. Fuller were the Tacoma champions. This was the first big ballroom Charleston contest to be held locally. (TNT 1/22/1926, pg. 8) TPL-466

Over 300 telephones scheduled to be installed at the new Hotel Winthrop posed around the two person switchboard. A desk telephone will stand on a table in each guest room. The Winthrop is the first hotel in Tacoma to have this type of instrument furnished throughout. The installation will require over 71 miles of lines, running through a 2 ft x 4 ft shaft extending perpendicularly from the basement to the private branch switchboard on the roof garden floor. These phones will bring the total number of phones in Tacoma to over 23,000. TPL-460 (TNT 5/16/1925, pg 3) print filed under A 1003

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Telephones--1920-1930; Telephone switchboards;

Genevieve Brophy (left) and Anna Fuchs, employees of the main central office of the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co., sit at the new Hotel Winthrop switchboard surrounded by 300 desk telephones. After the telephones and switchboard were installed, the Hotel Winthrop became the first Tacoma hotel to have a telephone in every room. The switchboard was located on the roof garden floor of the hotel in a private room set apart from public view. It was staffed by four young women and chief operator Mrs. Johanna Hicks, who maintained the hotel's service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (TNT 5/16/1925, pg 3) negative A1001-0, TPL-9971

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Telephones--1920-1930; Telephone switchboards; Brophy, Genevieve; Fuchs, Anna;