The Empire Crafts Corporation sponsored a pep-rally and dinner at the Top of the Ocean on July 10, 1957. Signs of encouragement are posted on the back wall urging support from employees. There is a wide variety of fine dinnerware and silverware plus a radio which may have been incentive prizes. Photograph ordered by Empire Crafts Corporation.

Empire Crafts Corporation (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Women mobilize in the fight against polio with the Mothers March of Dimes annual campaign. Ten women pose on the steps of the Tacoma Athletic Commission's headquarters on Ruston Way on January 20, 1958. They each hold large posters with letters on them; together, they spell out "Mother's March." The Pierce County region was very active in collecting funds for the March of Dimes; the area was divided into several sections and campaigns were carefully planned to solicit donations. Those pictured above were invited by Betty (Mrs. Robert) Drost as representative of the 2000 Pierce County women who would join women across the nation on January 30, 1958, for the traditional grand finale of the drive. They would be calling on neighbors for donations for the continued care and rehabilitation of polio patients. Mrs. Drost is holding the letters "M" and "A" at the top right hand corner. Other names are listed in the News Tribune article of January 26, 1958. Sepia photograph ordered by the March of Dimes. (TNT 1-26-58, D-6)

March of Dimes (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Drost, Betty;

Ben and Marian Cheney smile broadly as they pose with guest Andy Gilbert (left) at the 1963 Washington State Sports Hall of Fame banquet sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission on February 6, 1963. Also at the top of the stairs on the upper right is Tacoma Athletic Commission president William (Bill) Gazecki. Mr. Cheney was a well known sports fan whose generosity allowed thousands of Tacoma youngsters to participate in organized sports. He was instrumental in bringing the Tacoma Giants Pacific Coast League baseball team to Tacoma to play in Cheney Stadium. Mr. Gilbert was the newly named manager of the Tacoma Giants. His pro career spanned twelve years as he performed at every position other than catcher. In his rookie season in the Ohio State League, Mr. Gilbert broke his neck sliding head-first into second base. Undeterred, he returned to baseball the following year. (TNT 2-4-63, p. 14-article) (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Awards; Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Cheney, Marian; Gilbert, Andy; Gazecki, William;

Guest Maury Wills poses next to lumber magnate Ben Cheney (L) during the Tacoma Athletic Commission's Washington State Sports Hall of Fame awards gathering on February 6, 1963. Wills, a shortstop with the L.A. Dodgers, had broken Ty Cobb's record of 97 stolen bases in one season, with a grand total of 104, in 1962. He would be a major force in his fourteen years with the Dodgers, helping them to three World Series. Wills was named the 1962 Athlete of the Year by Associated Press sportswriters and would also be honored as the Washington State Athlete of the Year that evening. During the off-season, Wills made his home in Spokane. (TNT 2-3-63, B-7)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Awards; Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Wills, Maury; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971;

Festivities continued at the 1963 Washington State Sports Hall of Fame sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. Guests appear to be conversing quietly at the head table while two men stand at the podium. The man to the right is Jack Connor, octogenarian boxing manager and one of the five honored as inductees in the Tacoma-Pierce County Hall of Fame. Present during the February 6, 1963, awards banquet were Governor Albert D. Rosellini (seated with head bowed next to trophy), baseball star Maury Wills, Ben Cheney and William Gazecki, president of the Tacoma Athletic Commission. Comedian Joe E. Brown, principal speaker, is seated on the right side of the head table. (TNT 2-7-63, C-7)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Awards; Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Rosellini, Albert D.; Wills, Maury; Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Gazecki, William; Connor, Jack;

An appreciative crowd greets the speaker, master of ceremonies Clay Huntington, at the podium during the 1963 Washington State Sports Hall of Fame gathering on February 6, 1963. The event was filmed by KTNT-TV. The Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1960 by the Tacoma Athletic Commission's Clay Huntington, well known Northwest sportscaster and radio station owner. Those elected to membership in the Hall of Fame must be at least five years in retirement from the sport involved. Members are recognized for their outstanding sports accomplishments and contributions. The fourth State Sports Hall of Fame gathering combined the State and Tacoma-Pierce County Halls of Fame. (TNT 2-3-63, B-7) (www.washingtonsportshalloffame.com/index2.htm)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Awards;

View of head table at banquet. Governor Albert Rosellini was one of the honored guests at the 1963 Washington State Sports Hall of Fame awards banquet on February 6, 1963. The Sports Hall of Fame had been established by the Tacoma Athletic Commission by one of its founders, Clay Huntington, in 1960. Each year a number of candidates are nominated to be voted upon by top sportswriters and sportscasters from throughout the state. Those elected are recognized for their outstanding sports accomplishments and honor they have brought to themselves and the State of Washington. At the head table above in this 1963 photograph are also local lumberman and philanthropist Ben Cheney (seated second to left) and All-star shortstop, Maury Wills (next to Gov. Rosellini). Five men were elected to the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Hall of Fame: Don Paul, George Wise, Frank Gillihan, Jack Walters and Jack Connor. Those honorees are believed to be standing in the above picture behind the head table; names not necessarily in order. (TNT 2-7-63, C-7) (www.washingtonsportshalloffame.com/index2.htm)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Awards; Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Rosellini, Albert D.; Wills, Maury; Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971;

These employees of Pacific Northwest Bell were honored with a banquet at the Top of the Ocean on April 12, 1967, for their continued participation in the T.E.R.O. (Telephone Employees Recreational Organization) Galloneer Club. Each man received a certificate denoting the number of units of blood he had contributed. It appears that Cliff Mayfield, seated right, may have been the top donor at 31 units of blood. Other men honored with Leonard Fischer with 24 units, Loyd Wilbur with 17, Joel Stumph with 25, a Mr. Olson, and Jim Newton with 12 units. Gentleman in the center with no certificate was not identified. Photograph ordered by Pacific Northwest Bell.

Awards; Blood donations--Tacoma; Mayfield, Cliff; Fischer, Leonard; Wilbur, Loyd; Stumph, Joel; Newton, Jim;

Washington State Historical Society president Reno Odlin (r) extends a warm handshake of congratulations to noted sculptor James A. Wehn on November 30, 1968, at the presentation of a plaque commemorating Mr. Wehn's selection as a David Douglas Fellow. The plaque was also signed by secretary Bruce LeRoy and given to Mr. Wehn at the Top of the Ocean. The woman in the photograph is Lillian K. Wehn, his wife. Among his many accomplishments, James Wehn created the iconic Chief Seattle statue in 1912. Photograph ordered by Washington State Historical Society.

Awards; Wehn, James A.; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; Washington State Historical Society (Tacoma); Wehn, Lillian K.; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

In November of 1971, Mayor Gordon N. Johnston (far right) celebrated with United Good Neighbors executives as the UGN, a predecessor of United Way, reached 70.1% of its 1971 goal. Campaign chairman Robert P. Mallon (center) pointed to the board and the $1,351,604 figure donated to date. The third man in this photograph was Howard Boyle, director. November 12th was the deadline but the UGN was hopeful that more contributions would trickle in so that the goal of $1,928,000 could be met. There were 612 plant rallies in Tacoma and countywide where about 40,000 employees attended to hear about UGN'S charities. UGN executives were on loan from various business and governmental agencies; among those participating were David J. Williams, vice-president and manager of the Tacoma branch of Sea-First Bank and Robert Mallon, the vice-president and general manager of Mallon Motors. Photograph ordered by United Good Neighbors Fund of Pierce County. (TNT 11-9-71, p. -1 -article; TNT 11-12-71, p. 1 - article)

United Good Neighbors (Tacoma); Community service--Tacoma--1970-1980; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fund raising--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Mallon, Robert P.; Boyle, Howard;

Jubilant United Good Neighbors executives and volunteers celebrated the conclusion of its 1971 fund raising campaign with a luncheon held at the Top of the Ocean restaurant on November 12, 1971. Campaign chairman Robert P. Mallon (l) displays a painting of a ship in full sail. The painting is entitled "The Salesman Ship," and its sails marked with noble attributes - discipline, perseverance, enthusiasm, product knowledge and service, among others. This is believed to be the special award given to Mr. Mallon for his dedicated service and inspired leadership during the campaign. Director Howard Boyle assists in displaying the award. Contributions to the United Good Neighbors Fund totaled $1,351.604 to date which was 70% of the 1971 goal. Even though it had not met the $1,928,000 goal, it still exceeded the previous year's collection mark of $1.250,516. Photograph ordered by United Good Neighbors Fund of Pierce County. (TNT 11-9-71, p. 1- article; TNT 11-12-71, p. 1-article)

United Good Neighbors (Tacoma); Community service--Tacoma--1970-1980; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fund raising--Tacoma--1970-1980; Mallon, Robert P.; Boyle, Howard;

Liberty House/Rhodes sponsored a Hawaiian luau for employees on August 18, 1974, held at the Top of the Ocean. The department store would be opening their first Liberty House in the state of Washington on August 24th in the west end extension of the Tacoma Mall. View of banquet area in Top of the Ocean; mounds of dinner plates are ready for the buffet although no food has yet been served. Color photograph ordered by Liberty House/Rhodes.

Liberty House (Tacoma); Luaus--Tacoma; Banquets--Tacoma--1970-1980; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Hawaiian musicians prepare to entertain the 500+ employees and their guests of the new Liberty House/Rhodes department store at an employees' luau held at the Top of the Ocean on August 18, 1974. Rufus Kaukani and his Polynesian troupe were part of the evening's show. Liberty House/Rhodes was a division of Amfac Merchandising, a subsidiary of Amfac of Honolulu. Amfac had stores in Hawaii and Northern California and the new Tacoma store, located at the Tacoma Mall's west end addition, would continue the Pacific islands influence. The newest Liberty House would open a week earlier than expected on August 24th. Color photograph ordered by Liberty House/Rhodes.

Liberty House (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Luaus--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Exterior view of the "Top of the Ocean". Automobiles are parked outside and banners are hung from the upper deck and over the top of the new restaurant and night club. The Top of the Ocean provided an invitation to all to dine and participate in an informal opening December 7th, 1946, at 5 p.m. It was called, the "most beautiful luxury dine and dance liner". She was not, however, a ship but was constructed on pilings at a cost of $262,000 by her owners Allen Rau and Bert Sundgren. Paul and Mendle Riggs were in charge of the boat facilities which provided docking sites for visiting yachts. There were four dining rooms on the main deck and a private suite for the Tacoma Athletic Club upstairs. Prices on complete dinners began at $1.50. The Top of the Ocean was destroyed by fire on April 3, 1977. (TNT, 3/21/1946; T.Times, 12/5/1946, p.11) TPL-423, TPL-2395

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Nightclubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On December 30, 1946, Mayor Val Fawcett, far right, is pictured congratulating officers of the Tacoma Athletic Commission at the opening of their headquarters at the Top of the Ocean. L to R: Dave Tuell, Bob Sanders, Gerry Waechter. Mr. Waechter was the chairman of the club. Over 1500 members and associate members attended the formal opening. Mayor Fawcett is also a director of the T.A.C. ALBUM 14. (T.Times 12-31-46, p. 12)

Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Tuell, Dave; Sanders, Bob; Waechter, Gerry;

Fisher's Department Store along with the Tacoma Yacht Club's Shipmates were putting together a style show at the Top of the Ocean Restaurant. The latest in summer cruising wear would be modeled by the Shipmates. View of Shipmates aboard a motorboat, they are fishing and appear to be getting ready to reel in their catch. Shipmates are wearing Fisher's summer wear (T. Times, 4/19/47, p. 13). TPL-8615

Fashion shows--Tacoma; Fashion models--Tacoma; Fishing; Motorboats--Tacoma; Fishing nets--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma;

The Tacoma Yacht Club's Shipmates would be modeling Fisher's Department Store's bright new California designed "Sea and Sun" fashions. The style show would be held at the Top of the Ocean restaurant. View of Shipmates club member wearing a pant suit, she is sporting the new line of cruise wear, and enjoying the fresh air aboard a beautiful luxurious sailboat (T. Times, 4/19/47, p. 13).

Fashion shows--Tacoma; Fashion models--Tacoma; Sailboats--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

This group of Shipmates are all wearing the latest summer "Sea and Sun" fashions, only available at Fisher's Department Store. Fisher's was about to have a grand opening on their third floor featuring the new "Fashion Center". Tacoma Yacht Club Shipmates and Fishers hosted the style show at the Top of the Ocean, where more than 718 people attended (T. Times, 4/19/47, p. 13).

Fashion shows--Tacoma; Fashion models--Tacoma; Patios--Tacoma; Spring--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Jorine Persing of Fisher's Department Store was the commentator for the 1947 fashion show featuring the bright new California designed "Sea and Sun" fashions. The Shipmates modeled and the Tacoma Yacht Club provided the boats, yachts and sailboats for the show. View of Shipmate wearing the latest in summer swim wear, she's enjoying the glorious sunshine (T. Times, 4/19/47, p. 13).

Fashion shows--Tacoma; Fashion models--Tacoma; Spring--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Bathing suits; Bathing beauties; Yachts--Tacoma;

Eight unidentified Tacoma Yacht Club Shipmates waved to the camera from aboard the "Altamaha" Yacht on April 2, 1947. They were enjoying Tacoma's Spring sunshine and showing off the latest in 1947 summer wear. Fisher's Department Store provided the Shipmates with "Sea and Sun" fashions for their annual fashion show. The show was held at the Top of the Ocean restaurant and was attended by more than seven hundred guests. T. Times, 4/19/47, p. 13).

Fashion shows--Tacoma; Fashion models--Tacoma; Spring--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Bathing suits; Bathing beauties; Yachts--Tacoma;

The Tacoma Yacht Club Shipmates would be modeling the latest "Sea and Sun" California-designed fashions in April of 1947 . All clothing modeled could be found at Fisher's Department Store's new Fashion Center, located on their third floor. View of four models in outfits perfect for sun bathing on a luxurious yacht or just cruising through the Pacific Northwest. They are standing on a small stage at the Top of the Ocean Restaurant (T. Times, 4/19/47, p. 13).

Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Yacht Club (Tacoma);

In 1947, the Tacoma Yacht Club Shipmates would be modeling the latest "Sea and Sun" California-designed fashions at the Top of the Ocean restaurant with all fashions provided by Fisher's Department Store. Jorine Persing of Fisher's would be the show's commentator. View of five Shipmates wearing comfortable and stylish summer wear; they are on the Top of the Ocean's outdoor deck (T. Times, 4/19/47, p. 13).

Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Yacht Club (Tacoma); Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Yacht Club Shipmates would be modeling the latest "Sea and Sun" fashions, available at Fisher's, at the Top of the Ocean restaurant. The bright new California designed fashions give girls and women smart and chic summer wear options. View of four models in outfits perfect for sun bathing on a luxurious yacht, they are standing on a platform at the Top of the Ocean Club (T. Times, 4/19/47, p. 13).

Fashion shows--Tacoma; Fashion models--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Yacht Club (Tacoma); Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

On the afternoon of June 30, 1947, a bevy of women fromTacoma's social set turned out for a reception at the Tacoma Athletic Club's Clubhouse, located at the Top of the Ocean, 2217 Ruston Way. The reception was to honor the "Queen for a Day" that had been chosen on the 10 a.m. broadcast from the Ice Palace the same morning. Unfortunately, neither of Tacoma's daily papers listed the name of the lucky winner. The Henry Mill and Timber Co. burner can be seen in the background.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts;

The Tacoma Athletic Commission's 1947 fur and fashion show was very well attended. Mary Jane Allen was the fashion show's commentator. View of Janet Saxton wearing a lovely evening gown with lace trim and a narrow belt as she gracefully shows Tacoma women the very latest in winter gowns (T. Times, 9/23/47, p. 6).

Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Saxton, Janet; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Athletic Commission's fur and fashions by Lou Johnson show featured glamorous winter wear for 1947. The show was held in the restaurant area of the Top of the Ocean Club. View of Janet Saxton wearing a winter white, gabardine, two piece suit, with a three skin Hudson's Bay Sable wrap around her shoulders (T. Times, 9/27/47, p. 9).

Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Saxton, Janet; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hats--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Mrs. Dorothy Hopping (far right) and Mrs. Alice Waechter (center), the wife of the President of the Tacoma Athletic Commission, looked on as Janet Saxton modeled a glamorous winter dress at the Athletic Club Fashion Show. Held on September 25, 1947 at the Top of the Ocean restaurant, the style show featured the latest in winter evening apparel and furs for the style-minded women of Tacoma. (T. Times, 9/27/47, p. 9).

Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Saxton, Janet; Hopping, Dorothy; Waechter, Alice; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hats--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Athletic Commission fur and fashion show had the latest in the 1947 fall and winter styles. Club members enjoyed a luncheon which was followed by the style show in the Top of the Ocean restaurant. View of fashion model wearing a two piece gabardine suit under her spotted leopard fur coat, the beautiful hat compliments her new winter look (T. Times, 9/24/47, p. 5).

Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hats--1940-1950; Fur coats; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Left to right view of models lined up on the stairs leading to the T.A.C. Club at the Top of the Ocean are: Janet Saxton wearing a full length natural ranch mink coat; Lillian Lea is wearing a winter white gabardine suit and a three skin Hudson's Bay Sable wrap, Viola Davis has on a unicorn gabardine suit with a four skin Baum Marten and a hat by Sally Victor, Doris Cookingham looks lovely in a sheer crepe gown with tiered bodice and jeweled belt. In the foreground we have Catherine Eckstrom with a stunning off the shoulders chiffon velvet gown with moulded bodice, and Avonne Nelson (right) wearing a black chiffon velvet gown with full skirt and delicate lace bodice. The ladies were appearing in a fashion show sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission on September 23, 1947. (T. Times, 9/27/47, p. 9).

Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Saxton, Janet; Lea, Lillian; Davis, Viola; Cunningham, Doris; Eckstrom, Catherine; Nelson, Avonne;

Tacoma Athletic Commission's was having their very first "Doe Night" party in October of 1947. Wives of Club members are helping plan the event. Left to right are, Jean K. Feek, Lenore E. Eckhardt and Pegge Ellis gift wrapping packages which contain the prizes to be awarded for those lucky at cards. The event is scheduled to have fun and exciting activities throughout the evening (T.Times, 10/11/47, p. 10).

Gifts; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Packaging; Awards; Parties--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Feek, Jean K.; Eckhardt, Lenore E.;