Third Division Reunion at Fort Lewis. Military unit on parade grounds marks the anniversary of baptism under fire during the First World War in France in the Marne sector. The division was organized November 1917. (T. Times, 7/15/1937, p. 1).

Events - Military Events - Military Reunions - Fort Lewis - 3rd DivisionFacilities - Military Facilities - Washington - Fort Lewis

The United States fleet visiting Tacoma. View of two battleships in Commencement Bay from Northeast Tacoma looking toward the city. Ships seen in the distance over the druins of a wharf and log boom. (T. Times).

Battleships--1930-1940; Celebrations--Tacoma--1930-1940;

United States fleet visit to Tacoma. Four battleships in Commencement Bay near the Port of Tacoma. View is taken from Northeast Tacoma and shows Mount Rainier in the background. (T. Times).

Battleships--1930-1940; Celebrations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rainier, Mount (Wash.);

United States fleet visits Tacoma. Four battleships in Commencement Bay near the Port of Tacoma. Mount Rainier is visible in the distance. (T. Times).

Battleships--1930-1940; Celebrations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rainier, Mount (Wash.);

A light tank from the United States Army 3rd Tank Company took to the air on May 23, 1939, as Crown Prince Olav of Norway watched from the reviewing stand at Fort Lewis. He and Crown Princess Martha spent two hours watching intently as 8,000 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) TPL-10333

Visits of state--Tacoma--1930-1940; Tanks (Military science)--Tacoma;

Crown gathered around man speaking in front of industrial architecture. In the distance, a man appears to be installing a utility pole.

Big Buddy Day at Marymount Military Academy. Group of men and boys at rifle range. Big Buddy Day was an annual event at the military academy where men and boys joined together to show their skills at shooting, riding and swimming. The Academy existed for 54 years. In was dedicated in May of 1923 as St. Edward's Hall, Marymount. In 1974, the school dropped its military aspect and became a boarding school catering primarily to the wealthy. The school closed in 1976.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Two small boys dressed in military outfits stood bearing arms under the watchful eye of two men, one in uniform, on Big Buddy Day, Feb.22,1940, at Marymount Military Academy. Marymount, a Catholic boys' school near Spanaway, was the only military school in the state of Washington and a charter member of the National Rifle Association. Big Buddy Day was an annual event where boys and men could participate in shooting, riding, swimming, basketball and exhibitions such as this one. Students ranged from preschool (age 6) to 9th grade. The school, which was run by the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma, was small, with an total enrollment that was usually under 100. The man in uniform at the far left is Jim Cashion, a Marine Reserve commanding officer employed by Marymount. The little soldier to the right is Robert H. Gilroy, Jr., with his father, Robert, Sr., behind him.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway; Gilroy, Robert H.; Cashion, James;

Two small boys dressed in military outfits stood bearing arms on Big Buddy Day, Feb.22,1940, at Marymount Military Academy. Marymount, a Catholic boys' school near Spanaway, was the only military school in the state of Washington and a charter member of the National Rifle Association. Big Buddy Day was an annual event where boys and men could participate in shooting, riding, swimming, basketball and exhibitions such as this one. Students ranged from preschool (age 6) to 9th grade. The school, which was run by the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma, was small, with an total enrollment that was usually under 100. The little soldier to the left is Robert H. Gilroy, Jr., with his father, Robert, Sr., seated beside him.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway; Gilroy, Robert H.;

Big Buddy Day Marymount Military Academy. Norton Clapp, left, with tennis racket shakes hands with a young tennis player over the net on the academy's tennis courts. Building in background. Big Buddy Day was an annual event at the Academy where men and boys could participate in sports and programs together. The school had rigid standards in academics and athletics. The teacher-student ratio was 1-6. By 1974, the military designation and uniforms were dropped and the school became primarily a boarding school catering to the wealthy.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway; Clapp, Norton, 1906-1995;

Big Buddy Day at Marymount Military Academy. Two young men shooting rifles from ground position at rifle range. Group of men and boys crowd under wooden shelter to observe activity. Big Buddy Day was an annual event at the school. As military school students, the boys were expected to develop as marksmen and athletes. School enrollment fluctuated over the years, but the school was designed to accomodate no more than 150 students from ages 6-16. The school closed in 1976, a victim of declining enrollment and increased costs.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Big Buddy Day at Marymount Military Academy. Guitarist surrounded by large group of singing men and boys. Big Buddy Day was an annual event at the Academy, where men and boys joined together to ride, shoot, swim, play basketball and participate in group activities. Marymount was a military boarding school for boys ages 6-16. The school had high academic standards and was dedicated to developing the character of students. Many former students went on to hold high offices in government, business and education.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Big Buddy Day at Marymount Military Academy. Two men with three boys on horseback near grove of fir trees. Big Buddy Day was an annual event at the military school where men and boys participated together in shooting, riding, swimming, basketball and other events. Marymount was the only military school in the state of Washington and was run by the Dominican Sisters, a teaching order.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Grainy December, 1929, photograph of the U.S.S. Lexington tied up at Baker Dock. After much discussion and negotiation, the U.S. Navy ordered the aircraft carrier to help the City of Tacoma by supplying auxiliary power. Severe drought conditions had rendered hydro plants inoperable and conservation methods employed were simply not enough to stave off a power crisis. The Lexington's monthlong stay would generate enough power for 25% of the city's needs. It allowed the city to turn on its streetlights, store lighting, and resume night shifts. (Tacoma Public Utilities Story: the First 100 Years: 1893-1993, p. 91-93)

U.S.S. Lexington (United States Navy); Aircraft carriers--United States; Power shortages--Tacoma;

On board the U.S.S. Lexington, aircraft carrier known as the "Queen of the Flattops,"in mid-December, 1929, were those instrumental in bringing emergency power to Tacoma. L-R, Chief Engineer Lt. Cdr. H.L. White, General Electric (maker and owner of the generators) representative Robert E. Lee, Utilities Commissioner Ira S. Davisson, City Light Supt. Llewellyn Evans, Tacoma Mayor James G. Newbegin (appointed in March of 1929 to replace the resigning Melvin G. Tennent), and ship commander, Frank D. Berrien. Tacoma experienced a severe shortage of electricity due to drought conditions; the Lexington, with its enormous generators, would deliver over 4 million kilowatts or about 25% of the city's power. TPL-1775. ALBUM 16.

U.S.S. Lexington (United States Navy); Aircraft carriers--United States; White, H.L.; Lee, Robert E.; Davisson, Ira; Evans, Llewellyn; Newbegin, James G.; Berrien, Frank D.; Power shortages--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1929. U.S.S. Lexington, aircraft carrier, who came to the aid of the City of Tacoma and provided electricity from mid-December, 1929, to mid-January, 1930. The ship was berthed at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton with Capt. Frank D. Berrien in command. The fourth Navy ship to bear that name, she had been built by the Fore River Shipbuilding Corporation of Quincy, Mass. Her overall length was 888 feet and she had four turbo-generators. TPL-1937

U.S.S. Lexington (United States Navy); Aircraft carriers--United States;

All Aboard! On June 16, 1927, members of the 148th Field Artillery, Tacoma's own National Guard unit, crowded into three coaches at Union Station. They would be shoving off at 8:30 a.m. for the National Guard encampment at Camp Murray for summer training. (TNT 6/16/1927, pg. 1) BGN-687

Washington National Guard, 148th F.A. (Tacoma); Military uniforms; Military personnel; Railroad cars;

During World War II, the US military was still segregated. Despite the fact that they fought side by side, servicemen of color were not allowed in the whites only USO clubs. In Tacoma, a group of prominent religious, community and civic leaders addressed this problem by opening USO #2 at 713-15 Commerce St. and dedicating it for the use of African American servicemen and women. This photograph is of an unidentified violinist and accompanist performing at USO #2.

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 group of African Americans look on for the cutting of a cake at an unidentified social event at the USO #2, 713-715 Commerce St., circa 1946. The cake has four candles, possibly indicating that it was in honor of the Club's fourth anniversary in September of 1946. In the group were Helen B. Stafford (second from left), Arthur Hayes (fifth from left), Maude Leonard (seventh from left) and Louise Beck (back of center, in hat.) (photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)

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))

U.S.O. #2, 713-15 Commerce St., circa 1946. During World War II, although black and white soldiers fought side by side, the United States Army was still segregated. In Tacoma, African American service men and women had their own USO Club at 713-15 Commerce. It was dedicated on September 4, 1942 and closed late in March of 1947. The Kaufman-Wolff building where it was located had previously housed the Soldiers and Sailors Clubhouse during World War I. USO #2 was enlarged in 1944 by adding an annex in the building to the north of the original club. The enlarged structure provided the following facilities: dark room, music room, hobby room, game room, showers, sleeping accommodations, library and snack bar. It was operated by the YMCA and staffed primarily by volunteers. (brochure from Recognition Ceremony USO Number Two on 3/30/1947; photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma).

On October 22, 1945, this group of unidentified individuals were photographed seated around a table after what appears to be a dinner at the USO #2, 713-15 Commerce St. (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)

On Sunday February 3, 1946, a dinner was held at the Tacoma USO #2, 713-15 Commerce St., honoring the 5th anniversary of USO operation. The United Service Organizations, or USO, was incorporated in New York Feb. 4, 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who believed it was important for private citizens to take responsibility for the on-leave recreation needs of service members. One of the guests of honor for the Tacoma celebration was Mayor Harry Cain, standing center, who attended with his wife Marjorie, last woman seated left. Seated to the right of Mayor Cain was Mr. Arthur Hayes, chairman of the club's operating committee. The other individuals at the table were unidentified. (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)

The second annual USO Music Festival was held at Point Defiance Park on July 28, 1946. One of the featured performers was the 70 piece Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific Northwest, under the direction of Dr. Francis Aranyi. The concert took place around the temporary bandstand set up in the natural amphitheater at the entrance to the park. It 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)

The performance by the 70 piece Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific Northwest, under the direction of Dr. Francis Aranyi, was one of the highlights of the USO Music Festival held July 28, 1946 at Point Defiance. The festival was held in the natural amphitheater at the entrance to the park. The concert drew over 7,000 listeners. It was also broadcast over the Mutual Network by KMO. (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)

An unidentified majorette performs with the Seattle Elks Band at the USO Music Festival at Point Defiance Park on July 28, 1946. The band was one of many performers in the concert attended by over 7,000. (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)

On July 29, 1945, the USO hosted its first Music Festival at Point Defiance Park. Over 6,000 spectators were on hand to enjoy the concert. The main feature was a performance of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" by the 362nd Army Band of Fort Lewis. Cpl. William Sumner of New York City was the featured soloist. Cpl. Sumner was the solo pianist with the National Broadcasting Company before entering the Army. Other performers included the 29th Special Band directed by Sgt. Earnest Hayden and the 25 voice Naval choir from Bremerton, featuring baritone soloist Robert Brown. (TNT 7/29/1945, pg. 1; photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)