Washington State Federation of Labor float used in the Jubilee Parade, July 22, 1939. Unidentified man standing beside a truck with a sign on the flatbed. He is standing at the north end of Wright Park and one of the "Dancing Maiden" statues can be seen in the background. (filed with Argentum)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Tacoma's Golden Jubilee celebration of Washington's statehood reached its climax at 8:45 p.m. on July 20, 1939 in the Stadium Bowl with the presentation of the theatrical extravaganza "Saga of the West." A cast of 2,000 depicted historic events from the previous fifty years of Washington's history. At 10:15 p.m. with search lights from the U.S Navy's Pacific fleet lighting up the sky, Queen Amy Lou Murray was carried in on her throne by a group of young men painted glistening gold and placed at the center of the field. The finale cast included princesses representing all of Washington's 39 counties, 100 beautiful women in long evening gowns and an honor guard of men in military uniforms. (T. Times 7/20/1939, pg. 1)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma; Searchlights--Tacoma;

Savings and Loan Convention. Large group on Winthrop Hotel roof, gathered for Washington "Golden Jubilee", marking 50 years of Statehood. (filed with Argentum)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma;Conventions--Tacoma;

At the stroke of 10 p.m. on January 20, 1940, Rhoda Maynes was crowned Queen of the 9th annual Gold and Green Ball, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons). The coronation ball was given on the roof garden of the Masonic Temple. Queen Rhoda is photographed surrounded by her court. The "MIA" on the staffs is the abbreviation for Mutual Improvement Association. Miss Maynes is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S.A. Maynes of 3940 No 31st St. Photograph ordered by J. Hoyer/Hayer. (T. Times 1/19/1940, pg. 20)

Beauty contests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Crowns; Evening gowns--Tacoma; Mormons--Tacoma; Maynes, Rhoda;

In order to stir interest in shopping on South 38th Street, the 38th Street Boosters Club decided to sponsor a turkey derby on December 16, 1939. Thirty turkeys, spurred on by their jockeys, trotted down 38th Street from South "G" to Yakima. Each bird wore a sign identifying its sponsoring business and "name." The novel promotional event attracted some 3,000 excited spectators. The turkeys were given away to lucky spectators. How the live turkeys got home with their new owners was apparently up to the owners themselves.

Events--Tacoma--1930-1940; Racing--Tacoma; Turkeys; 38th Street Boosters Club (Tacoma);

Enthusiastic members of the newly formed (South) 38th Street Boosters Club wanted to let prospective customers know that they were ready to "talk turkey" (sales lingo meaning to "make a deal"), so they held a turkey derby in December of 1939. Members attempted to coax 30 turkeys to race to a feed bag at the end of a set course. At the event's conclusion, birds were to be given free to spectators. Ordered by "Ryan's Weekly." (T. Times 12/7/1939, p. 5).

Events--Tacoma--1930-1940; Racing--Tacoma; Turkeys; Costumes; 38th Street Boosters Club (Tacoma);

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Tacoma Central Labor Council automobile. 1940 was a political campaign year; the Central Labor Council made its presence known in the parade with its late model sedan, flags stuck in the grill, and large banner. Four people are pictured in this July 1, 1940, photograph, perched on the car's running board. Civic, fraternal and labor organizations worked together to put forth a massive celebration of the new Narrows Bridge and the opening of the country's latest airbase, McChord Field. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)

Events--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices); Flags--United States;

The Carstens Packing Company was represented in the Tacoma Narrows Bridge/McChord Field Parade of 1940 by two company princesses and "Ham Head." They rode on a large float during the 1 1/2 hour parade that passed through downtown Tacoma streets. Crowds were apparently delighted with the bowing Ham. Carstens was founded in 1897, and was one of the early Tacoma businesses to locate on the tideflats. In 1952 the company was sold to Hygrade Food Products Corp. Hygrade closed its Tacoma plant in 1990. (T. Times 7-2-1940, p. 1)

Events--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Tacoma); Meat industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Carsten's Packing Co. (Tacoma);

1940 Y.M.B.C. Water Carnival at Point Defiance. Four men in Narrows Bridge / McChord Field Jubilee Hats with souvenir hatbands selling "Last Ferry Boat Ride" tickets. The ferry Kalakala would be making its last trip across the Narrows on July 2, 1940. Tickets for nearly 1400 would be available through the Young Men's Business Club membership. Voyagers were asked to dress in costume to compete for prizes; dancing would be provided by Louis Nomellini's orchestra. (T. Times, 7-1-40, p. 5)

Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma);

1940 Y.M.B.C. Water Carnival at Point Defiance. Racing boats lined up at pier. Many races held during the one-day water carnival sponsored by the Young Men's Business Club including inboard motor, hydro, sailboats. The event drew thousands to Point Defiance to bask in the sun, watch races and air shows, and view the city fireboat perform an exhibition. (T. Times, 7-1-40, p. 12)

Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Racing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Regattas--Tacoma;

YMBC Water Carnival 1940. An unidentified man in a naval costume looks out to sea with a spy glass. He is possibly viewing the planned boat parade or races. (T.Times, 7-1-40, p. 12)

Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Point Defiance Boat House (Tacoma);

One of the highlights of the June 30, 1940, Young Men's Business Club Water Carnival was a demonstration of trick water skiing. An unidentified man in formal dress, top hat firmly in place, swooshes by on one ski with his cane and other ski held high in the air. Thousands of spectators thronged Point Defiance for the annual event which featured boat races, stunts, funny hats and lots of ice cream. In 1940 the Water Carnival honored the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Field dedication celebrations. (T.Times, 7-1-40, p. 12-article)

Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Water skiing--Tacoma--1940-1950;

June, 1940 Commencement at College of Puget Sound. Solemn graduates in traditional black gowns are walking up the steps to Jones Hall, the school's main building. Man on the left appears to be photographing the moment.

Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Jones Hall (Tacoma); Students--Tacoma--1940-1950;

First Annual Bicycle Race Meet and Parade held August 5, 1938. Bird's-eye view of parade of bikes and people downtown. The parade started at 2:30p.m. Friday afternoon as hundreds of young people pedaled their decorated bikes from 8th and Commerce through downtown streets and ended up at the Stadium Bowl.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Bicycles & tricycles--1930-1940; Children riding bicycles & tricycles--1930-1940; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma);

Hundreds of costumed children on gaily decorated bicycles filled the streets of Tacoma on August 5, 1938 as they took part in the First Annual Bicycle Race Meet and Parade. The parade started at 8th & Commerce, wound through the downtown streets and ended at the Stadium Bowl. The riders were cheered by thousands of spectators. Kids without bicycles could get loaners so that they could take part in the races held in the Stadium Bowl. Prizes were given for best decorated bikes, funniest costumed riders, craziest looking bicycles and oldest bicycles. The top prizes were new, 1939 Schwinn "World" bicycles with all of the latest accessories. (T. Times 7/25/1938, pg. 1- 8/6/1938)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Bicycles & tricycles--1930-1940; Children riding bicycles & tricycles--1930-1940; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma);

The First Annual Tacoma "Bike Meet" was held on Friday August 5, 1938. Hundreds of young Tacomans decorated their bicycles to participate in the parade that started downtown and ended at the Stadium Bowl. After the parade, there were competitive races held on the Bowl track. A Tacoma boy dressed like the comic strip character "Major Hoople," in baggy pants and a stuffed shirt, tips his hat as he stands astride his scooter "Leapin Lena." A young boy, in black mask and hat as the Lone Ranger, sits on a rocking horse, a banner with "Hi Ho Silver" on it, flies behind him. The boy on the right has a new take on "paper boy," his clothes are made out of the Tacoma Times. By the end of the day, three lucky Tacoma youngsters had won new bicycles as prizes.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Bicycles & tricycles--1930-1940; Children riding bicycles & tricycles--1930-1940; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma);

The second annual Tacoma Yacht Club Daffodil Festival Regatta. Several wooden power motored yachts, including the "Blanche D," gather on Puget Sound. The day of the regatta, April 3rd 1938, proved to be an exciting one. It opened with a morning fire on one of the yachts, continued on with a collision during the power boat race and ended with a small cabin cruiser capsizing, spilling 5 people into the frigid Puget Sound. They were rescued by a Foss tug. (T. Times 4/4/1938, pg. 1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1938 : Tacoma); Naval parades & ceremonies--Tacoma; Boats--Tacoma; Regattas--Tacoma--1930-1940; Tacoma Yacht Club (Tacoma);

Western Washington Fair grandstand. During the 1938 Tacoma Day at the fair, 49,690 people walked through the gates. Fifteen thousand people packed the grandstand to the point of sitting on the concrete stairs for shows and races. (T. Times, 9/22/38, p. 1)

Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Fairs--Puyallup--1930-1940; Grandstands--Puyallup; Spectators--Puyallup;

Fifteen hundred cheering horse race enthusiasts packed the grandstands at the 39th Western Washington Fair on September 21, 1938. There were six races held daily throughout the run of the Puyallup Fair. The 21st was Tacoma Day. By 1 p.m. over 20,000 fair goers had passed through the turnstiles. The official attendance tally for the day was 49,690.

Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Racetracks (Horse racing)--Puyallup; Horse racing--Puyallup; Jockeys; Horses; Grandstands--Puyallup;

ca. 1938. Italian Dinner Banquet. The large dining room is filled with people at tables eating spaghetti.

Banquets--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Brustad - Vandenberg wedding at Fort Lewis. Florence Eleanor Brustad exchanged vows with Lt. Robert E. Vandenberg in the Fort Lewis Chapel on February 2, 1940. She is the daughter of the J.F. Brustads and he is the son of the Eben Vandenbergs, both of Tacoma. The bride is a member of the Beta Phi Kappa sorority at whose meeting her surprise engagement was announced in January of 1940. She is also a member of the Tacoma Ski Club of which Lt. Vandenberg is the president. He is currently an aide to Brig. General Maurice Thompson at Camp Murray. In the wedding portrait above, the bride is pictured with her attendants (order not determined): candlelighters Maryjean Brooks and Mrs. Hadley St. Clair, junior bridesmaid Ilene Brustad, bridesmaid Marjorie Espeland and maid of honor, Esther Cory. (T.Times 1-4-1940, p. 11-article only; T.Times 1-13-1940, p. 5-article only; T.Times 2-10-1940, p. 5-alt. photo of some attendants). (filed w/Argentum)

Weddings--Fort Lewis--1940-1950; Brides--1940-1950; Wedding clothing & dress--1940-1950; Wedding attendants; Brustad, Florence Eleanor--Marriage; Cory, Esther; Espeland, Marjorie; Brustad, Ilene; Brooks, Maryjean; St. Clair, Hadley--Family;

On February 1, 1941, Gloria Duncan (seated center) reigned as the Queen of the 3rd annual Gold and Green Ball given by the Lincoln Ward of the Latter Day Saints Church. The formal dance was sponsored by the Mutual Improvement Association of the Church and held at the Fern Hill Masonic Temple at 84th and Park. The event was named for the colors of the Association and was the social event of the winter season. Her Matron of Honor was Penelope Moore and her attendants (order unknown) were Maxine Thayne, Thelma Thompson, Barbara Magnuson, Jean Orth and Peggy Dickson. Charles Neagle was the Queen's escort and Patrick Moore was the escort for the Matron of Honor. The other escorts (not in order) were Rex Connell, Cornelius Maathuis, Harold Clarke, Dick Orth and Alan Wheeler. (T. Times 1/31/1941, pg. 2)

Beauty contests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Crowns; Evening gowns--Tacoma; Mormons--Tacoma; Duncan, Gloria;

Crowd near 11th and Pacific Avenue during stop of Wendell Willkie and party at Willkie Headquarters at 12th and Pacific. Mr. Willkie, the Republican nominee for President, squeezed in visits to four locations, including his local campaign headquarters, during a one-hour stopover in Tacoma. (T. Times)

Crowds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Political campaigns; Presidential elections;

Getting ready for the upcoming Sadie Hawkins Day dance in March of 1941 is Alfred Copp, chairman of the planning committee. He is swigging down a drink with assistance from Dr. Carroll Carlson and Muriel McDonald. Other committee members are (staircase down): Unidentified man in top hat, James Will, Dolores Carlson, Helen D. Mann, unidentified woman in bonnet, Miss McDonald, and Frances Parlaman. (T.Times 3-11-41, p. 9)

Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Copp, Alfred E.; Carlson, Carroll; McDonald, Muriel; Will, James W.; Carlson, Dolores; Mann, Helen D.; Parlaman, Frances; Costumes;

Alfred Copp, far right, was the chairman for the "Sadie Hawkins" costume ball planning committee in March of 1941. He had to hand crank the committee's "jalopy" to get everyone to their pre-party rehearsal. The dance was to be held at the University Union Club and everyone attending the "Dogpatch" themed affair was encouraged to dress like one of the characters in the popular "Lil' Abner" comic strip. The other committee members are: (l to r) Dr. Carroll Carlson, Miss Frances Parlaman, James Will, Miss Muriel McDonald, Mrs. Helen D. Mann and Mrs. Dolores Carlson. The "jalopy" is a 1906 Model N Ford which was owned by Leon Titus. ( T.Times 3/11/1941, pg. 9)

Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Copp, Alfred E.; Carlson, Carroll; Parlaman, Frances; Will, James W.; McDonald, Muriel; Mann, Helen D.; Carlson, Dolores; Ford automobile;

Pacific Coast Fire Chiefs Convention. Five story building false front erected in Stadium Bowl for demonstration of Fire Fighting equipment. (T. Times)

Events - Conventions - Tacoma Facilities - Stadiums - Stadium Bowl

Pacific Coast Fire Chiefs Convention. Five story building false front erected in Stadium Bowl for demonstration of Fire Fighting equipment. (T. Times)

Events - Conventions - Tacoma Facilities - Stadiums - Stadium Bowl

Pacific Coast Fire Chiefs Convention. Five story building false front erected in Stadium Bowl for demonstration of Fire Fighting equipment. (T. Times)

Events - Conventions - Tacoma Facilities - Stadiums - Stadium Bowl

Carnation Company booth at Western Washington Fair in Puyallup.

Events - Fairs - Washington State - Puyallup - Western Washington Fair

Publicity for the premiere of "Tugboat Annie Sails Again" on October 18, 1940. Lifeboat drill on the Coast Guard cutter Atlanta: left to right: Donald Crisp, Alan Hale, Sr.(seated), Ronald Reagan, Marjorie Rambeau, Hedda Hopper. Actors Crisp and Reagan managed to balance well as the lifeboat was hooked to the top of its davits and then swung back back and forth. Miss Rambeau, who played the title character, appeared a bit concerned while Miss Hopper sported a large grin.

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reagan, Ronald Wilson, 1911-; Hale, Alan; Rambeau, Marjorie; Crisp, Donald; Hopper, Hedda; Lifeboats--Tacoma;