CPS Homecoming Parade, Times, Buzz. A parade was held Saturday November 6, 1948, from Union Station to Stadium Bowl preceeding the College of Puget Sound Homecoming Game that afternoon. Many of the CPS fraternities entered a contest for the oldest car. Delta Pi Omicron entered a 1907 Palmer-Singer automobile owned by Ed Griffin, a well-known local businessman. It was the only one of its kind in the parade. The automobile had over-drive and could attain speeds of 75 miles per hour. Ed Bartell is driving and his fraternity brothers, Bob Wagnlid and Dick Sawyer, are in the back seat. Homecoming Queen Cynthia Harris is seated in the back of a convertible in front of Union Station behind them. (T.Times, 11/11/1948, p.3)

Union Station (Tacoma); College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Universities & colleges--Tacoma--1940-1950; Railroad stations--Tacoma;

The Tacoma Afifi Shriners were boarding a special train at Union Depot and heading to Helena, Montana for the Pacific Northwest Shrine Association Annual Conclave. They would first travel to Spokane, where additional train cars would be added and Spokane Shriners would travel with them to Helena. The Shriners would be sleeping in the train cars during their trip, due to a shortage of lodging in Montana. View of Afifi Shriners with their families seeing them off at Union Depot (T. Times, 4/25/47, p. 1).

Railroad locomotives--Tacoma; Railroads--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Union Station (Tacoma); Railroad travel--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Early in May of 1943, a quintet of adventurous Tacoma lasses posed in front of the locomotive at Union Station that was their first step to going "over there." The local women left Tacoma May 6th for the new training center at Monticello, Arkansas, to begin basic training in the year old Womens Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC.) They are, left to right, Agnes Dittbenner, Mary Dittbenner, Ellen V. Vail, Marie J. Stith and Grace Garner. They travelled in a special car along with 47 other potential privates from Washington and Oregon. Over 150,000 American women served in the Army Corps in World War II. (T. Times 5/7/1943, pg. 8; TNT 5/7/1943, pg. 1)

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (Tacoma); Dittbenner, Agnes; Dittbenner, Mary; Vail, Ellen; Garner, Grace; Stith, Marie;

Five local women pause to pose for the camera at Union Station prior to leaving Tacoma May 6, 1943 to begin their careers as members of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps. Pictured are, left to right, Agnes Dittbenner, Mary Dittbenner, Ellen V. Vail, Tacoma recruiter Dorothy Kerr, Grace Garner and Marie J. Stith. The bill authorizing the Womens Army Auxiliary Corps was enacted on May 14, 1942. By August of 1943, there were over 50,600 women in the WAACS. In August of 1943, in recognition of their service, the WAAC was converted to the Womens Army Corp, a bona fide part of the United States Army. (T. Times 5/7/1943 p.8; TNT 5/7/1943, pg. 1)

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (Tacoma); Dittbenner, Agnes; Dittbenner, Mary; Vail, Ellen; Kerr, Dorothy; Garner, Grace; Stith, Marie;

The Bellarmine High School Lions football team, the school Booster Club and Honorary Yell Queens are at Union Depot getting ready to head out to Yakima on a special six coach chartered train. More than 250 students were headed to Yakima for the football game against Marquette High School, Bellarmine intended to beat Marquette and celebrate on the train ride home. Names appear in newspaper (T. Times, 11/7/47, p. 17).

Railroad cabooses--Tacoma; Railroads--Tacoma; Clubs--Tacoma; Union Station (Tacoma); Megaphones; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Railroad stations--Tacoma; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma);

Leon and Doris Titus are getting ready to board their train from Union Depot on October 17, 1947. Leon Titus, owner of Titus Ford, was just appointed as the Ford dealership representative at the National meeting, for this region. Doris is accompanying her husband on his trip to the Ford meeting. View of Mr. and Mrs. Titus standing by their train, just minutes before departing.

Railroad stations--Tacoma; Railroads--Tacoma; Railroad passenger cars--Tacoma; Union Station (Tacoma); Titus, Leon E.--Family; Railroad travel--Tacoma--1940-1950;

College of Puget Sound. Head Coach John Heinrick (second row, far right) is taking his entire squad of 1948 football players to San Jose for their pre-season game against the San Jose Spartans. This was the last game prior to the start of the Evergreen Conference season. The highly favored San Jose came from behind to beat the Loggers 20-7. They will be catching their train from Union Depot. (T.Times, 10/1/1948, p.10) TPL-8484

College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Universities & colleges--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Heinrick, John; Railroad travel--Tacoma--1940-1950; Football players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Railroad stations--Tacoma; Union Station (Tacoma);

Group of boys from Tacoma leaving on train, American Legion 138, Al Reynolds. Students from Lincoln, Stadium, Bellarmine and Kapowsin High Schools left Tacoma by train June 19, 1949, for a 10-day boys' state session at the Central College of Education at Ellensburg. The American Legion sponsored the event. The annual sessions were designed to give the students a better understanding of government activities. Names are listed in the newspaper. (TNT, 6/17/1949, p.1)

Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Union Station (Tacoma); Railroad stations--Tacoma; American Legion Tacoma Post No. 138 (Tacoma); Central College of Education (Ellensburg); Railroad travel--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Fall Fashions. On September 8, 1951, Bill Koski modeled a suit, top coat, fedora hat, and displayed a set of suitcases across the street from Union Station for Klopfensteins, a high quality men's clothier. William Koski was the husband of Helen Richards Koski. (TNT).

Koski, William; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Union Station (Tacoma); Klopfensteins (Tacoma); Luggage;

On February 19, 1942 President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066. This action eventually led to the removal of some 110,000 Japanese-Americans to internments camps in remote areas of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. This little girl was photographed at Tacoma's Union Station as she and her family prepared to board a train to the Pinedale, California assembly center camp. 879 Japanese-Americans from the Tacoma "restricted area" left for Pinedale beginning on May 14, 1942. (T. Times)

World War, 1939-1945--Relocation camps; Japanese Americans--Evacuation & relocation, 1942-1945; Union Station (Tacoma);

Army soldiers speak with a couple at Union Station. On May 17-18, 1942, 859 residents of Tacoma of Japanese descent were forced to leave their homes and board trains to the Pinedale "Assembly Center" near Fresno California. They were allowed to take a few approved possessions to their new "homes." This woman, dressed in her Sunday best for the trip, is transporting an irregularly shaped parcel and a First Aid kit, uncertain about the future. One of the soldiers inspects her package. (T. Times 5/18/1942, pg. 1)

World War, 1939-1945--Relocation camps; Japanese Americans--Evacuation & relocation, 1942-1945; Union Station (Tacoma);

Miss Mary Fairhurst is pictured boarding a southbound train at Union Station for San Francisco, California where she has accepted a position with a nationally known concern. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cyril J. Fairhurst. (T. Times 8/26/1940, pg. 9)

Fairhurst, Mary; Union Station (Tacoma); Arrivals & departures--Tacoma--1940-1950; Farewells; Luggage; Railroad travel--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On August 17, 1941, Tacoman Dwight Howell, Jr., the male Washington State entry in the national finals of the Ford Good Driver's League, and his mother, Mrs. D.E. Howell, set off from Union Station to travel East for the contest. They were pictured boarding the train for the trip to Detroit and Dearborn, Michigan. The Howells were being seen off by Leon Titus, 2nd from right, and an unidentified man. While in Michigan, the student drivers were given a series of driving tests over a six mile course laid out in downtown Detroit. They were also entertained by the Ford Motor Company. Dwight Howell won a $500 scholarship by placing third out of 49 contestants. (T. Times 8/15/1941, pg. 13-article; T.Times 8/26/1941, pg. 16-results)

Howell, Dwight; Howell, D.E.--Family; Union Station (Tacoma); Titus, Leon E.;

USO Union Depot. The United Service Organization Travelers Aid Service provided general information, assistance to new-comers and travelers, emergency overnight sleeping accommodations and activities for servicemen, military wives and others who were in need of services. View of five unidentified people in the Troop-in-Transit Lounge at the USO located in Union Depot on September 26, 1944. Background view of two murals featuring Paul Bunyan, painted by Tacoma artist, Peggy Strong. TPL-10380

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Military personnel--Tacoma; Union Station (Tacoma); Murals--Tacoma--1940-1950;

During WWII part of Tacoma's Union Station at 1717 Pacific Avenue was set aside for use as emergency sleeping quarters by the Travelers Aid. This view, taken in September of 1944, shows the comfortable rest area set aside for women at the Depot. Cribs, twin-size beds with ruffled bedspreads, stuffed chairs and wooden chairs of all sizes were provided. The United Service Organizations - Travelers Aid Service provided general information, assistance to newcomers and travelers, emergency overnight sleeping accommodations for servicemen, military wives and others who were in need of services during WWII. TPL-10332

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Travelers Aid (Tacoma); Beds; Union Station (Tacoma);

Peggy Strong, with an unidentified man, looks up at one of two murals she had just completed. On Sunday afternoon April 9, 1944 the murals were unvailed at the Tacoma Union Depot. The murals depicted Paul Bunyan and Babe, his big, blue ox. The painting of Babe shows him pulling a plow and leaving behind a deep furrow that will become Puget Sound. The two paintings were commissioned by the Junior League. The larger mural, dominated by the massive figure of Paul Bunyan, included Mt. Rainier in the background. (T. Times, 4/10/44, p. 7).

Murals--Tacoma; Strong, Peggy; Paintings; Union Station (Tacoma); Junior League (Tacoma);

Community Chest Travelers Aid at Union Depot. Women are cleaning the location for the new men's lounge. The women's lounge will contain a nursery where mothers can care for their children's needs. (T.Times, 11/10/1943, p10)

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma); Union Station (Tacoma); USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Under the leadership of Albert W. Taylor, illustrious potentate of Afifi temple, members of the director's staff attended the Shrine Directors Association of North America's annual meeting in San Francisco. The group is seen here on March 23, 1952 as they prepare to board their train at Union Station. Names are listed in the newspaper. (TNT, 3/26/1952, p.19)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Union Station (Tacoma); Railroad travel--Tacoma--1950-1960;

College of Puget Sound. The Loggers are ready to travel to San Jose, California, to play the San Jose Spartans October 1, 1948. L-R, Co-Captain Dick Hermsen, Yell Queen Cynthia Harris, Yell Duke Ed Hager, Coach John Heinrick, and Co-Captain Dick Brown are standing on the platform at Union Depot along with other people waiting for the train. The entire team would make the trip to get plenty of practice before the start of the Evergreen Conference season starting the next week. (T.Times, 10/1/1948, p.10)

College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Universities & colleges--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Heinrick, John; Railroad travel--Tacoma--1940-1950; Football players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Railroad stations--Tacoma; Union Station (Tacoma);

College of Puget Sound students were getting ready for the upcoming homecoming football game against the San Jose Spartans in early October of 1947. The CPS Loggers would have their first post-war pep parade before the big game on Saturday. View of CPS students greeting the San Jose football team that has recently arrived at Union Depot (T. Times, 10/10/47, p. 7).

Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reunions--Tacoma; Railroads--Tacoma; Universities & colleges--Tacoma; Union Station (Tacoma); College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Tacoma's traffic signal crew install newly designed signals at the crosswalk in front of the Union Depot train station on Pacific Avenue. Linemen Les Heineman and Bill Hansen adjust one of the new traffic signals while foreman Carl Somer balances a second signal which will also be hung above the street. Watching the installation are lineman helper Clare Gross, left, and Police Sgt. Bob Marshall, right. Other traffic revisions in downtown include the elimination of diagonal parking. (T. Times, 3/7/47, p. 1).

Traffic signs & signals--Tacoma; Streets--Tacoma; Crosswalks--Tacoma; Pedestrians--Tacoma; Union Station (Tacoma);

An unidentified young woman glances over her extensive train ticket at Union Station on January 23, 1954. She is dressed in a suit from Andrews Women's Apparel and stands between her two suitcases. Her outfit is complemented by a small hat and gloves. The distinctive window of Union Station can be seen behind her.

Andrews Women's Apparel (Tacoma); Clothing stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Union Station (Tacoma); Railroad travel--Tacoma--1950-1960; Luggage;

ca. 1975. 1975 Richards color stock footage. Encroaching shadows seek to wrap themselves around the landmark Union Station located at 1717 Pacific Avenue. In 1975 the station still served as an Amtrak passenger terminal. Efforts were made to restore the station to its former glory with the proposed $14,000,000 "Depot Galleria" shopping/transportation complex; however, these plans were stalled. Also visible in this aerial view is the multi-storied Albers Mill, located to the rear of the station at 1821 Dock St. TPL-7982

Aerial views; Aerial photographs; Union Station (Tacoma); Railroad stations--Tacoma--1970-1980; Albers Bros. Milling Co. (Tacoma);

ca. 1975. 1975 Richards color stock footage. Aerial view of rear of Union Station, 1717 Pacific Ave. as seen in 1975. Fast-forward 30+ years later and the landscape has changed drastically. SR-705 is now where the railroad tracks once ran. The parking lot to the left of the station is now the location of the Washington State History Museum; the Federal Courts are located to the north in a new wing. The five-story building on Pacific Ave. on the extreme left of the photograph is now the University of Washington Bookstore. TPL-2402

Aerial views; Aerial photographs; Union Station (Tacoma); Railroad stations--Tacoma--1970-1980; Railroad tracks--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Fred S. Stover, national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), upon his arrival in Tacoma on July 11, 1926. Mr. Stover, a prominent businessman from Butler, Penn., (L in picture) is met at Union Station by commanders of local posts. Shaking hands with Mr. Stover is W.A. Gartley, Wild West Post No. 91 commander; standing between them is Paul J. Roberts, South Tacoma post commander. Mr. Stover is on a tour of the Pacific Northwest in the interest of Foreign Veterans. Tacoma would be his temporary headquarters as he would take a tour of the city and trout fishing his first day here, then go to Seattle to meet with veterans there on July 12th. His plans included visits to local veterans hospitals and a banquet in his honor. (TNT 7-11-26, p. 1)

Stover, Fred S.; Roberts, Paul J.; Gartley, W.A.; Veterans of Foreign Wars (Tacoma); Shaking hands--Tacoma;

ca. 1975. 1975 Richards color stock footage. Rear view of Union Station. Located on lower Pacific Avenue, Union Station was built in 1911 by the Hurley-Mason Co. Although the station is still there some thirty years after this 1975 aerial photograph was taken, its surroundings are quite different. SR-705 would be built to run behind the station and the last train would leave Union Station in June of 1984. The Washington State History Museum is now on the site of the former tree-lined parking lot while the Federal Courts are now located in a new wing north of Union Station. Plans to construct a shopping center/transportation complex including Union Station were shelved after many years of trying. TPL-2399

Aerial views; Aerial photographs; Union Station (Tacoma); Railroad stations--Tacoma--1970-1980; Railroad tracks--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Mayor John C. Siegle's flag draped casket arrived at Tacoma's Union Station on April 14, 1939. The first Tacoma mayor to be born and raised in Tacoma, Mayor Siegle took ill with flu-like symptoms shortly after he was sworn in in June of 1938. After trying to recuperate in humid Tacoma, he left for the drier environs of the area around Palm Springs, Ca. The Mayor died of an apparent heart attack while returning home by train, at Klamath Falls, Oregon on 4/13/1939. He was the first Tacoma mayor to die while in office. Assisting as his honor guard at the train station were three of his American Legion comrades. Wearing their Legion caps are (l to r) Dr. Reuben Hedberg, Barney Drew and, in the right foreground, Jerry Walters. (T. Times 4/15, p. 1)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939-- Funeral rites & ceremonies; American Legion Tacoma Post No. 138 (Tacoma);

American Legion Honor Guard flanked the casket of Mayor John C. Siegle as it was loaded onto a hearse at Union Station on April 14, 1939. Mayor Siegle's funeral was scheduled for April 15th, but first his body would lie in state at the Mellinger Chapel. The color guard from the Tacoma and Rhodes American Legion Posts accompanied the body to the chapel. Siegle was the first Tacoma Mayor to die in office. He was also the first member of the American Legion past commanders "Last Man Club" to die. (T. Times, 4/15/1939, p. 1).

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939-- Funeral rites & ceremonies; American Legion Tacoma Post No. 138 (Tacoma);

Tacoma's Japanese Americans board a train at Union Station. Thirty six hours later they will arrive at the Pinedale "Assembly Center" where they will wait out the war, their presence on the coast considered a threat to national security. The relocation was peaceful, with uniformed soldiers answering questions and helping with baggage. Only a few of the Japanese Americans complained about the process. (T. Times 5/18/1942, pg. 1+)

World War, 1939-1945--Relocation camps; Japanese Americans--Evacuation & relocation, 1942-1945; Union Station (Tacoma);

An unidentified army soldier goes over some last minute information with two Japanese American women being transported by train from Union Station to the Pinedale "Assembly Center" near Fresno, California. Smiles hide the fear and confusion these women must be feeling as they pack up their families and few approved possessions, locking up the homes that they are leaving behind and heading into an uncertain future. The Japanese were detained under the umbrella of Executive Order 9066, allowing people considered potentially dangerous to be banned from areas considered risky. The Japanese were be detained for "the duration," until the end of the war. (T. Times 5/18/1942, pg. 1)

World War, 1939-1945--Relocation camps; Japanese Americans--Evacuation & relocation, 1942-1945; Union Station (Tacoma);