1955 American Red Cross annual meeting. Dr. Charles G. Trimble is receiving an award from Gordon E. Tatum commemorating his 30 years of selfless volunteer service with the Tacoma-Pierce County chapter of the American Red Cross. Pictured, left to right, are Dr. Trimble, Vincent A. Carlstrom, Chapter Chairman and Tatum, member of the Board of Directors. Carlstrom was also re-elected this evening as Chairman of the organization. He stated during his acceptance that the Red Cross was not a charity organization, it was a service organization. "When help is needed, the Red Cross is there to help." (TNT 2/20/1955, pg C-10)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Trimble, Charles G.; Carlstrom, Vincent A.; Tatum, Gordon E.;

1955 American Red Cross annual meeting. The annual meeting, in addition to the presentation of the annual report and the election of officers, included the capping ceremony of the new Gray Ladies to serve at the Veterans Hospital at American Lake. The ceremony was conducted by Olive (Mrs. C.E.) Bryan, Veterans Administration Volunteer Service Representative, seated left, and Mrs. Frank Pulito, Chairman of the American Lake Gray Ladies, seated right. The ladies in the white collared uniforms with the red cross and white nurses caps are the new Gray Ladies. They are, standing left to right, Mrs. Irene Stephens, Mrs. Bertha Elliott, Mrs. Dorthea Kenna and Mrs. Francis Pearson. They will serve with the Red Cross as volunteer workers to aid the veterans hospitalized there. (TNT 2/20/1955, pg. C-10)

Bryan, Olive; Stephens, Irene; Elliott, Bertha; Kenna, Dorthea; Pearson, Francis; American National Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1950-1960; Uniforms; Women--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Over forty members of Stadium High School's Class of '46 enjoyed a reunion luncheon at the Top of the Ocean on September 2, 1954. This was the third gathering of former classmates since graduation. Plans for a family picnic and a dinner dance were discussed for future reunions. (TNT 9-1-54, A-9)

Reunions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Stadium High School (Tacoma);

Seattle businessman Cliff Warling (left) presented Lincoln football players Duane Lowell (center) and Jack Walters the trophy bearing his name at the Lincoln High School football banquet held at the Top of the Ocean on December 8, 1954. The trophy was given each year to the team selected as the best high school football team in the state by a poll of the Associated Press sportswriters in Washington. This was the second time that Lincoln had received this honor in the award's eight years. They also won the Class A trophy in 1948. Norm Mayer was the coach in both 1948 and '54. Lowell played left end and Walters left guard as starters for the Lincoln team. Both players were named to the All-City team in a poll of head coaches; Lowell and Walters were also team co-captains. Photograph ordered by Lincolnian yearbook. (TNT 12-1-54, C-9; TNT 12-5-54, C-18; 1955 Lincolnian yearbook) TPL-9113

Awards; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Football players--Tacoma--1950-1960; Warling, Cliff; Lowell, Duane; Walters, Jack;

Coach Norm Mayer of Lincoln High School and Cliff Warling display the Cliff Warling trophy plaque awarded to the Class "A" State Champion football team on December 8, 1954. Previous recipient had been Olympia High School in 1953. In 1954, Lincoln High School of Tacoma was voted #1 in their division by the 29 state sportswriters and broadcasters. They won the award over Aberdeen High School. Photograph ordered by the Lincolnian yearbook. (TNT 12-1-54, C-9)

Awards; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Mayer, Norm; Warling, Cliff;

Many Tacoma Master Builders Association members enjoyed the Spike Banquet at the Top of the Ocean on November 16, 1954. Seated are Ed Miller, Gordon Korsmo, and Walter Witte. Standing are Robert Cowden, Leo Nelson, two unidentified women, Don Murphy and Art Manley. Del Belfoy was absent in this sepia photograph. Of interest to the membership is a large banner behind the group promoting the N.A.M.B. convention and exposition in Chicago the following January

Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Group portraits;

Newly elected officers for 1955 of the Tacoma Master Builders Association pose at the Tacoma Athletic Commission's headquarters on December 3, 1954. Art Manley, president, is shown pounding his beribboned gavel, the Master Builders hammer. Smiling broadly with Manley are Bob Good and Walter Witte. Also enjoying the camaraderie are (standing) Ralph Peltier, Howard Wilson, Gordon Korsmo, and Del Belfoy. Sepia photograph ordered by Tacoma Master Builders Association. (TNT 12-8-54, C-5)

Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Commission moved into their new headquarters in December 1946. The club occupied the upper levels of the Top of the Ocean restaurant, these areas were only accessible to club members. The club did rent their facilities out to community clubs and organizations. Tacoma Athletic Commission sponsored many sporting events, such as baseball, basketball, football games and boxing, throughout Tacoma and its surrounding areas. View of Tacoma Athletic Commission officials posing for publicity photos, at the club.

Publicity; Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

ca. 1946. Construction on the Top of the Ocean, Tacoma's premier dine and dance spot. The Top of the Ocean was a nightclub and restaurant built to resemble an ocean liner. It opened December 15, 1946. It was built by developers Allen Rau and Bert Sundgren for a cost of $100,000 from a design by architect C.A. Kenworthy. To give it an authentic nautical air Tacoma Boat Mart served as the contractor. All labor and materials came from Tacoma. The all electric building could seat up to 700 and had a floating dock that could accomodate up to 20 yachts, with sea plane taxi service available on Sundays. It was known affectionately as "The Top" to Tacomans. In 1948, it was purchased by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. It was the end of an era when the restaurant burned in 1977. David Williard Levage was convicted of arson in connection with the fire. The remainder of the building was demolished and never rebuilt.

Restaurants--Tacoma; Nightclubs--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Visit of North Wind to Tacoma and reception at Tacoma Athletic Commission, Tribune & TAC. Several naval officers and their wives were in Tacoma for observance of Navy Week. They were greeted at a reception at the Tacoma Athletic Commission on November 7, 1948, at their facilities at the Top of the Ocean. Several of the navy wives and members of the TAC are shown at the reception, L-R, Mrs. Steven W. Calloway, Ethyl A. (Mrs. Howard) Smith, Mrs. Charles W. Thomas, Mrs. George Fritschmann, Genevieve L. (Mrs. Frank T.) Walters, and Myra J. (Mrs. E.R.) Fetterolf. (T.Times, 11/8/1948)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Smith, Ethyl A.; Walters, Genevieve L.; Fetterolf, Myra J.; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Receptions--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Athletic Commission, Bob Sanders. The Tacoma Athletic Commission honored two of Tacoma's sports heroes October 28, 1948. Bob Martin, left, and Marv Rickert, center, are shown with Howard R. Smith, president of the Tacoma Athletic Commission. They each received the newly created Tacoma Athletic Commission award of merit, emblem, and cigarette lighter as well as having their photographs hanging at TAC's Hall of Fame. Martin won a gold medal in the 1948 Olympic games held in London as a member of the U.S. rowing team in the four-oared shell competition. Rickert played outfield in the 1948 World Series for Boston. He went 4 for 19 in the six game series with one home run. (TNT, 10/29/1948, p.26)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Martin, Bob; Rickert, Marv; Smith, Howard R.; Awards; Baseball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Baseball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Athletes;

Tacoma Athletic Commission was celebrating the club's anniversary and the recent purchase of the Top of the Ocean restaurant. The club remembered the past year's exciting events, including the Penn State - Washington State University football game, $12,500 Tacoma Open Golf Tournament and the July 4th show at Tacoma's Stadium. View of Tacoma Athletic Club members standing outside of club facilities (T. Times, 1/23/49, p. 21).

Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Commemoration--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Commission would be remembering the past year's triumphs, including a $12,500 Tacoma Open-Golf Tournament, the Penn State and Washington State football game, Fourth of July Show at Tacoma Stadium and many other events. Howard R. Smith, 1948's T.A.C. club president, admires a mirror decorated for Christmas; his image appears to have been painted with a list of the major 1948 Tacoma Athletic Club events. (T. Times, 1/23/49, p. 21).

Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Christmas decorations; Bars--Tacoma; Lounges--Tacoma; Mirrors; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Smith, Howard R.;

Tacoma Athletic Commission moved their facilities to the Top of the Ocean facilities since the restaurant opened in December 1946. The club bought the Top of the Ocean restaurant in October 1948. Interior view of lounge located on the second floor, this area was restricted to "TAC Members Only". The mirror behind the main bar was painted with an image of the "Top of the Ocean" during the cold and frosty season; bar glassware and liquor bottles under the counter top (T. Times, 1/23/49, p. 21).

Restaurants--Tacoma; Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Decorations--Tacoma; Bars--Tacoma; Lounges--Tacoma; Murals--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Interior view of the Tacoma Athletic Club's second floor lounge, the bar area is festively decorated for the celebration of the New Year, the Tacoma Athletic Club's anniversary, and the Tacoma Athletic Club's purchase of the Top of the Ocean restaurant. The club would be hosting a grand celebration for members and their guests (T. Times, 1/23/49, p. 21).

Restaurants--Tacoma; Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Decorations--Tacoma; Bars--Tacoma; Lounges--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

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;

Tacoma Athletic Commission celebrated the formal opening of the organization's new headquarters, now located at the Top of the Ocean. The Tacoma Athletic Club had arranged for a permanent private suite on the upper level of the Top of the Ocean. Over 1,500 members and associate members attended the celebration. Interior view of dining room. The Tacoma Athletic Commission purchased the restaurant building, site and equipment of the Top of the Ocean in October 1948. (T. Times, 12/31/46, p. 12; TNT, 10/21/1948, p.1).

Banquet halls--Tacoma; Restaurants--Tacoma; Table settings & decorations; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Bill Slater was the head chef in charge of the Top of the Ocean galley crew. Slater was a world famous chef who had been featured in "Ripley's Believe It or Not". View of stainless steel finished kitchen, stoves and oven are below "Top of the Ocean" sign. Photo ordered by Dohrmann Hotel Supply.

Kitchens--Tacoma--1940-1950; Stoves--Tacoma; Appliances; Restaurants--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

The Top of the Ocean restaurant had their grand opening in December 1946. They were one of the most beautiful and luxurious dine and dance liners in the Northwest. View of Hal Gullett and his orchestra playing at the Top of the Ocean restaurant. Hal Gullett is playing the saxophone and Micky McDougall is singing (T. Times, 1/13/47, p. 7).

Restaurants--Tacoma; Music ensembles--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Gullett, Hal;

The Top of the Ocean had a private suite for the Tacoma Athletic Commission on their top deck. An advertisement stated they have the "most beautiful dance floors in the Northwest"and would be featuring Hal Gullett and his orchestra nightly. View of Micky McDougall on left, and Hal Gullett on right side (T. Times, 1/13/47, p. 7).

Restaurants--Tacoma; Music ensembles--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Gullett, Hal; McDougall, Micky;

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);

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;

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);

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);

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" 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;