By January of 1942, the new USO center at 4851 South Tacoma Way in South Tacoma was finished. It was dedicated on February 7, 1942. It was one of two new USO centers built at a combined cost of $101,60; the other center was downtown at 13th and Fawcett. The building was essentially completed by December 23, 1941, fifty days after ground breaking; however, the dedication was delayed by the late arrival of furnishings and fittings. By January the United States had officially entered WWII and the new recreation center received a lot of use over the next few years. In 1944, the center was given to Metropolitan Parks for use as the South Park Recreation Center. (TNT 2/7/1942, pg. 1) TPL-10328

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