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;

The Tacoma Athletic Commission had moved into the Top of the Ocean restaurant in December 1946. The restaurant was open to the public, and the club had private facilities in the upper deck areas. The Tacoma Athletic Commission held many events and celebrations for their more than 1500 members and their wives. View of Tacoma Athletic Commission's staff standing outside of the new facilities.

Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Commission Dinner for Gretchen Fraser. Gretchen Fraser, winner of the 1948 Olympic Gold Medal for the special slalom, was the first American skier to win an Olympic event. Here she is seen presenting the Tacoma Athletic Commission perpetual trophy for the Women's Daffodil Cup race to Janette Burr, winner and holder of the National Women's downhill title. The perpetual trophy was to be known as the Gretchen Kunigk Fraser Trophy. (TNT, 4/6/1948, p.14)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Medals; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Burr, Janette;

As a special feature of the Tacoma Athletic Commission's baseball excursion to Yakima on Sunday June 20, 1948 Tacoma's manufactures sent boxes of Tacoma made products to Yakima to be given away at the baseball stadium. An estimated 500 fans from Tacoma attended the Sunday double-header between the Tigers and the Packers; Tacoma won both games by scores of 5 to 4 and 6 to 2. Before the baseball train left from Tacoma several T.A.C. officers and excursion committee members posed in front of the Top of the Ocean restaurant with a stack of gift cartons. Left to right are: Al Hunt (kneeling), who "sold" most of the manufacturers on the goodwill venture; Ted Haakinson, excursion chairman; Frank Gillihan, T.A.C. baseball chairman; Steve Pease; Jim Petersen; Jack Sonntag and T.A.C. president Howard R. Smith. (TNT, 6/18/1948, p. 17).

Athletic Clubs--Tacoma; Committees--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Announcements--Tacoma; Baseball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Delegations--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Commission was promoting the second annual baseball excursion. Tacoma baseball fans were invited to take a railroad trip to Yakima to watch a June 20, 1948, double header between the Tacoma Tigers and the Yakima Packers. Both teams are part of the Western International League. View of members of the Tacoma Athletic League holding up publicity signs for the exciting upcoming game (T. Times, 6/4/48, p. 11).

Committees--Tacoma; Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Delegations--Tacoma; Baseball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Announcements--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Commission was located on the top levels of the Top of the Ocean restaurant. The club had private facilities and a separate entrance, available to all club members and their guests, many private events were scheduled in this area. View of snack bar at Tacoma Athletic Commission, nine stools surround the leather padded bar, coffee pots, menu board, and flower vases on the back counter; salt, pepper and sugar are located on the lunch counter.

Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Snack bars--Tacoma; Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Asbestos Workers Local #50 were hosts to the Western State Conference banquet held at the Top of the Ocean on February 23, 1952. TPL-745

Asbestos Workers' Union Local No. 50 (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Tacoma Mayor "Big John" Anderson at the microphone after receiving the official plaque declaring Tacoma an "All-America City" at the event banquet at the Top of the Ocean on Ruston Way in Old Town. Four hundred and thirty eight attendees watched on January 15, 1957, as Tacoma was presented the parchment "in recognition of progress achieved through intelligent city action." Only a few years earlier, Tacoma had received a "bad" rating from the American Social Hygiene Association. It was a "wide open" town where vice reigned. Ft. Lewis was threatening to put the city "off limits" and a legislative committee had aired the city's "dirty laundry" on television to the amusement of the rest of the state. The reaction was to change the city's form of government and to bring in a reformer as Police Chief. Tacoma had operated under the commission form of government for over 50 years, where the 5 commissioners as councilmen made the laws and enforced them. The form was changed to council-manager on June 1, 1953 after a hotly contested election. The new city council hired Frank Backstrom as Tacoma's first City Manager. He, in turn, imported Police Chief Roy Kerr who proceeded to stamp out prostitution and vice. Both individuals noted the contribution of John Anderson to the improvement of Tacoma. Anderson had served as Tacoma's mayor under both forms of government. (TNT 1/16/1957, pg. 1+) G 10.1-044 ALBUM 14

Awards; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.;

All America City Banquet held January 15, 1957 at the Top of the Ocean. J.D. (Jack) Powell, president of the Tacoma Municipal League, accepts the award on behalf of the citizens of Tacoma. Tacoma's nomination for the award was made jointly by the American Association of University Women, the League of Women Voters and the Tacoma Municipal League. Standing to the left of Powell are representative of those organizations; Councilwoman Mrs. Clara Goering of the League of Women Voters on the left and Mrs. Lucille Chastek of the Tacoma Municipal League on the right. Mrs. Robert Chamberlin, representing the AAUW, is hidden by Powell. These three women, along with Gerrit VanderEnde, had represented the city at the judging in Memphis Tennessee. Standing to the right of Powell are the representatives of the joint sponsors of the award; George Leonard of Look Magazine on the left and Seattle businessman and council member of the National Municipal League Myron Law on the right. Seated to the right of Powell are Karen Anderson, daughter of the Mayor, Tacoma Mayor John H. Anderson and Mrs. Frank Backstrom, wife of Tacoma's first city manager. (TNT 1/15/1957, pg. 1 & 1/16/1957, pg 1+) G 10.1-047

Awards; Powell, J.D.; Goering, Clara; Chastek, Lucille; Leonard, George; Law, Myron; Anderson, Karen; Anderson, John H.; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Backstrom, Frank--Family;

All America City Banquet held January 15, 1957 at the Top of the Ocean. Celebration Chairman Roe Shaub kicked off the event by paying tribute to "a city of beautiful homes, fine schools and government, progressive business and industries and wonderful people"- the city of Tacoma. The 438 revelers jammed into the upper deck of the Top of the Ocean agreed with him. He suggested a new city slogan- "I like Tacoma." Tacoma was one of eleven US cities recognized in 1956, and one of only 4 in the west, for their dramatic progress through the action of their citizens. In Tacoma's case, the city had voted in the council-manager form of government and made great strides in ridding Tacoma of vice. (TNT 1/15/1957, pg. 1 & 1/16/1957, pg 1+) G 10.1-045

Awards; Shaub, Roe;

1955 American Red Cross annual meeting. A plaque is being presented to Dr. C.G. Trimble by Gordon E. Tatum commemorating Trimble's 30 years of volunteer service with the Tacoma-Pierce County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Pictured, left to right, are Dr. Trimble, Rita Zehnder, president-elect of the Junior Red Cross, Vincent A. Carlstrom, Chapter Chairman and Tatum, member of the Board of Directors. The annual meeting was held at the Top of the Ocean. Aside from awards, the program consisted of the presentation of the annual report and the election of officers. (TNT 2/20/1955, pg C-10)

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

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);

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

Top of the Ocean was one of the most popular restaurants in Tacoma. They opened for business on December 15, 1946, and quickly became a top choice for many clubs, associations and organizations to hold their activities. The Tacoma Athletic Commission had private facilities within the restaurant. Located on the waterfront near the foot of McCarver St. on Ruston Way, the Top of the Ocean was destroyed by an arson fire on April 3, 1977. David Willard Levage was convicted for starting the fire. This photo appeared in a Tacoma Times advertisement. (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5). TPL-2130

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

Gretchen Kunigk Fraser accepts flowers from Mayor C. Val Fawcett during a Tacoma Athletic Commission reception in honor of her victory at the 1948 Winter Olympics. Husband Don Fraser is far left in this April 5, 1948, photo. More than 600 people jammed the Top of the Ocean to pay tribute to the hometown gold & silver medalist. Mrs. Fraser won her medals in skiing at the Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland. ALBUM 9.

Athletes; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fraser, Don, 1914-1994; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Roses; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma skier Gretchen Kunigk Fraser displays her 1948 Olympic Gold and Silver medals, the first ever won by a skier from the United States in Alpine skiing, in a photograph taken for the Tacoma Athletic Commission. On April 5, 1948, 475 people attended a special reception for Mrs. Fraser given by TAC at the Top of the Ocean restaurant. Gretchen Fraser was given a lifetime membership in the Tacoma Athletic Commission, the first such honor given to a woman and only the fourth given to that date. The other three recipients were General Dwight D. Eisenhower, General Jonathan Wainwright, and Col. James Stack. (T.Times, 4/6/1948, p.5) ALBUM 9.

Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Medals; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (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;

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);

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;

Day Nursery Style Show at the Top of the Ocean, Jerry Hurley, Rhodes Brothers. The Tacoma Day Nursery held a style show March 11, 1948, at the Top of the Ocean. The event opened with a smorgasboard luncheon followed by the style show. Members and their guests were invited to pay cards afterwards. The style show was in the form of a playlet in five scenes, depicting wardrobe needs of a full day from morning negligee to the evening's dance gown. 500 guests were present for the show which was co-sponsored by Rhodes Department Store. (T.Times, 2/27/1948, pj.12; 3/13/1948, p.11)

Tacoma Day Nursery (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lingerie; Beds;

Tacoma Athletic Commission Dinner for Gretchen Kunigk Fraser. Tacoma skier Gretchen Kunigk Fraser, winner of 1948 Olympic Gold and Silver medals for Alpine skiing, in a publicity photo for the Tacoma Athletic Commission on April 5, 1948. Gretchen is seen here with her mother, Clara Kunigk, of Tacoma. The man on the left is not identified. The man on the right is possibly her brother, Bill Kunigk. The Tacoma Athletic Commission honored Gretchen Fraser with a dinner/reception at the Top of the Ocean; over 600 people were in attendance.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Kunigk, Clara;