The Tacoma Central Labor Council obtained the Baker Hotel in 1941 for use as their new headquarters. They abandoned their cramped offices at the City Hall annex, where they had been for 17 years, and moved into the new 4 1/2 story cream colored brick structure. They then spent $75,000 remodeling the building to suit their purposes. This remodel included the construction of members-only recreation rooms and restaurant. (TNT 1/7/1943, pg. 1)

Labor unions--Tacoma; Labor Temple (Tacoma);

Bartenders going through the Bartenders' Union bar course will be better qualified to serve their customers. Bartenders will learn a number of drinks to properly and rapidly serve, starting with the twelve most popular drinks ordered, including Manhattans, Tom Collins, Dry Martinis, Cuba Libres and Daiquiris. Left to right, Al S.Taylor, Ted Mason and Dale Porter; Ted is reading a book while trying to serve an irritated customer, played by Dale Porter. (T. Times, 1/4/49, p. 1). TPL-8851 (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Labor unions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Labor leaders--Tacoma; Bartenders--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cooks, Waiters, Waitresses & Bartenders Union Local No. 61 (Tacoma); Taylor, Al S.; Mason, Ted; Porter, Dale;

Bartender Ward Doucette, surrounded by the tools of his trade, studies a book on the art of mixology in this photograph from January 1949. One of the immediate results of Initiative 171, which had just passed in the November elections, was that all bartenders in Washington had to prove their knowledge of their trade by passing a test. The Bartenders' Union in Tacoma set up a school for their members to help them get past this new hurdle. (T. Times, 1/4/49, p. 1). TPL-8850 (Identification provided by a reader)

Labor unions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Labor leaders--Tacoma; Bartenders--Tacoma--1940-1950; Drinking vessels; Corkscrews; Cooks, Waiters, Waitresses & Bartenders Union Local No. 61 (Tacoma); Doucette, Ward;

Members of the 161st Infantry of the Washington National Guard, bayonets ready, attempt to control the crowd of striking lumber mill workers and supporters gathering at the intersection of 11th & A streets to oppose the Guard's presence and the City Council's rule requiring all gatherings to have a permit from the council. The National Guard arrived in Tacoma June 23rd, 1935 to protect workers returning to the mills on the Tideflats. Violence against the strikebreakers was common. On July 12, 1935, the confrontation erupted into a 4 1/2 hour battle on the streets of Tacoma. (TDL 7/13/1935, pg 1) TPL-8787

Labor unions--Tacoma; Lumber & Sawmill Workers Local 2633 (Tacoma); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; Strikes--Tacoma--1930-1940; Demonstrations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Washington National Guard, 161st Infantry (Wash.);

Using tear gas and fixed bayonets, the Washington National Guard confronted a crowd of approximately 500 striking lumber mill workers and their supporters at the corner of South 11th and A Streets on July 12, 1935. The National Guard had been called out by Governor Clarence Martin to protect the replacement workers who had been hired to help break the strike. The gas was largely ineffectual, with protestors flinging the canisters back at the Guard. One gas bomb picked up by strikers was thrown into a Guard truck and caused other bombs to explode, setting the truck on fire. The truck was destroyed before the fire department could reach it through the crowds. (TDL 7/13/1935, pg 1) TPL-8772

Labor unions--Tacoma; Lumber & Sawmill Workers Local 2633 (Tacoma); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; Strikes--Tacoma--1930-1940; Demonstrations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Washington National Guard, 161st Infantry (Wash.);

Two lumber workers watching an overhead crane move timbers, as the St. Paul & Tacoma lumber yard roars back into life after the settlement of a 13 week strike. Twenty two area mill operators agreed to meet employee demands for a 50 cent minimum wage, a 40 hour week, an 8 hour day, time and one half for overtime, reemployment of striking workers and recognition of the union. (T. Times 8/5/1935, pg.1)

Labor unions--Tacoma; Lumber & Sawmill Workers Local 2633 (Tacoma); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; Strikes--Tacoma--1930-1940; St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Co. (Tacoma);

On Thursday October 9, 1947, the Tacoma Charter of Building Laborers and Hod Carriers honored three members with honorary life membership at a dinner in their union hall. D. L. McInnis became a member in 1916; Joe Collins in 1917; and Dan Avery , a member of the local in Denver, CO in 1888, helped establish the Tacoma chapter when he moved to Tacoma in 1905 and was present when it received its charter in 1911. Left to right, D. L. McInnis, Joe Collins and Dan Avery (T. Times, 10/10/47, p. 12).

Labor unions--Tacoma; Labor leaders--Tacoma; Charters--Tacoma; Aged persons--Tacoma; Building Laborers & Hod Carriers Union Local No. 252 (Tacoma); McInnis, D.L.; Collins, Joe; Avery, Dan;

Fred Wheeler (left) and Charles McDonald congratulate each other as the two newly elected labor leaders for the Cooks, Waiters, Waitresses and Bartenders Local No. 61. The union held a special two day election, Wheeler was appointed the new Outside Business Representative and McDonald the local Secretary-Treasurer. The newly elected labor leaders will officially take over their duties on November 15, 1947.

Labor leaders--Tacoma; Labor unions--Tacoma; Cooks, Waiters, Waitresses & Bartenders Union Local No. 61 (Tacoma); McDonald, Charles E.; Wheeler, Fred T.;

On Sunday April 11, 1948, 20 members of Tacoma Painters' Union, Local 64, helped to kick off the Clean-up Tacoma campaign by giving the Tacoma totem pole a fresh coat of paint. Working to the music of Max Frolic and 27 of Tacoma's union musicians, the painters finished the job in just 72 minutes. Einar Nelson, head of Tacoma's Steelworkers' Union, and his men, put up the steel scaffold used by the painters on Saturday. In comments by Mayor Fawcett, he stated: "Tacoma can well be proud of the part labor, as represented by the tree participating unions, plays in our community life". (T.Times, 4/12/1948, p.1)

Totem poles--Tacoma; Labor unions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Urban beautification--Tacoma--1940-1950; Painting--Tacoma; Scaffolding--Tacoma;

Men painting totem pole, Times, Burt McMurtrie. It took the twenty members of Painters' Union Local 64 (AFL) 72 minutes to paint Tacoma's totem pole at 10th and A Streets as they kicked-off the Clean-up Tacoma Campaign for 1948. Max Frolic and 27 of Tacoma's union musicians played for 90 minutes finishing their performance with the Star Spangled Banner just as the painters were finishing painting the totem pole. The totem pole was a famous old landmark at this time, standing in Fireman's Park at 10th and A Streets. (T.Times, 4/12/1948, p.1)

Totem poles--Tacoma; Labor unions--Tacoma; Urban beautification--Tacoma--1940-1950; Painting--Tacoma; Painters Union Local No. 64 (Tacoma); Scaffolding--Tacoma; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The Steel Workers Organizing Committee later became known as the United Steel Workers of America, including a chapter located in Tacoma, Washington. The United Steel Workers of America Local Number 2626 had members throughout the iron, steel and metallurgical industries in Tacoma. View of Permanente Metals employees in plant, photo ordered by United Steel Workers of America.

Laborers--Tacoma; United Steel Workers of America Union Local No. 2626 (Tacoma); Aluminum industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Industrial facilities--Tacoma; Labor unions--Tacoma; Permanente Metals Corp. (Tacoma)--Employees;

Central Labor Council presentation of chair. An unidentified member of the labor council shakes hands with a young woman on October 5, 1953 while a young man stands next to her. The names of the couple were not listed. The Tacoma Central Labor Council was chartered by the A.F. of L. in 1907. It listed 100 affiliated organizations.

Central Labor Council (Tacoma); Chairs; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

Phoenix Auxiliary, Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.

Women--Tacoma--1950-1960; Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen Auxiliary (Tacoma);

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Division 801, held an Armistice Day dinner in the Odd Fellows Temple. Members with 40+ years of service were honored with pins. View of engineers and guests in November, 1951, photograph. (TNT 11-12-51, p. 19)

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers No. 801 (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits--1950-1960; Odd Fellows Hall (Tacoma);

Grand opening of the Labor Temple Recreation Club was held in the summer of 1942. The club was run for the benefit of A.F.of L. union members only. Harry "Red Carnation" Switzer was the club manager; he is seated holding a clock. Mr. Switzer was celebrating his 54th anniversary which coincided with the grand opening. He had long been associated with the movie business in Tacoma, having managed the Colonial, Rialto, Broadway and Cameo theaters.

Labor Temple Recreation Club (Tacoma); Switzer, Harry; Clocks & watches;

A man and three women, one in uniform, pose by a sedan. They were attending the grand opening of the Labor Temple Recreation Club in June of 1942. The club, located on Market Street with side entrance at 15th, was part of the Labor Temple purchased by the unions in 1941. Entrance to the club was limited to A.F. of L. members only. (TNT 6-25-42, p. 8)

Labor Temple Recreation Club (Tacoma); Uniforms;

One of the greatest changes in the conversion of the Baker Hotel, 1355 Market St., into the Labor Temple was the addition of a private club and restaurant for the use of A.F.of L. members only. View of bar and part of lounge.

Labor unions--Tacoma; Labor Temple (Tacoma);

In April of 1941, the Tacoma Central Labor Council acquired the Baker Hotel, at 1355 Market St., and set about making it their new home. The Council, representing over 60 A.F. of L. unions with a total membership of over 35,000, ordered $75,000 in renovations on the building. The refurbishment included nine meeting halls, with seating capacities from 50- 600. The structure, including improvements, was completely paid for 17 months after it was acquired. It was operated on a co-operative non-profit basis by the unions. (TNT 1/7/1942, pg. 1)

Labor unions--Tacoma; Labor Temple (Tacoma);

New Tacoma Labor Temple, interior of bar. Tables and chairs in foreground, cash register behind bar, slot machines at right. The Club Rooms were located in the new Labor Temple, 1355 Market St., and were for the exclusive use of A.F. of L. members. The Club was operated co-operatively on a non profit basis.

Labor unions--Tacoma; Labor Temple (Tacoma);

After the Tacoma Central Labor Council obtained the Baker Hotel in 1941 for use as their new meeting structure, they allotted $75,000 for improvements to the 4 1/2 story building. This price included the Labor Temple Club and restaurant. The club rooms were located on the mezzanine floor. The building also contained 46 offices, occupied by affiliated unions, nine meeting halls and a printing plant of the first floor, used for the publication of the Labor Advocate. (TNT 1/7/1942, PG. 1)

Labor unions--Tacoma; Labor Temple (Tacoma);

Guests enjoy the opening of the Labor Temple Recreation Club in June of 1942. Developed for the use of A.F.of L. union members only, the club had the most modern design in the city. Located in the Labor Temple on Market Street, the site of the former Baker Hotel properties, club members used the side entrance on S. 15th. Harry "Red Carnation" Switzer was the Recreation Club manager. (TNT 6/25/1942, pg.8)

Labor Temple Recreation Club (Tacoma);

Members of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Welders and Helpers Union #568 collected $700 from members to help locally during the 1942 Christmas season. The donated money was divided equally between the Elks Stocking Fillers and the Tacoma Orthopedic Association. Here a night deposit sack containing $350 is presented to the Elks to help pay for their annual Christmas morning party for needy children. Gathered around the big Stocking Fillers cash register are, from left according to the News Tribune: Harry J. Lynch, Erling O. Johnson, Fred Humbert, Carl Webb, Harry T. Salle, Carvel Leighton, Verne Johnson, Raymond T. Tarr, Paul Drake, Merrill C. Thompson and A.T. "Skipper" Delplaine. (TNT 12/22/1942, pg. 7)

International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Welders and Helpers Union #568 (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Holidays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gifts; Cash registers;

R.A. Boedecker (left), the secretary of the Billposters Union, and Carl Escene, the union's business agent, hold several War Chest campaign signs in this photograph from September of 1942. The Billposters Union, Local 49, volunteered their help in posting signs throughout Tacoma's business district and in outlying shopping centers. The signs were a reminder that the War Chest campaign was in October. The Oct. 1942 goal was $385,000. The lamp post behind them, with a freshly mounted sign, is in front of the Medical Arts Building Garage at 474 Market. The 1st Baptist Church at 902 Market can be seen in the background.

Labor unions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Labor leaders--Tacoma; Billposters Union, Local 49 (Tacoma); Boedecker, R.A.; Escene, Carl; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma);

A little to the left advises Carl Escene, on ground, as R. A. Boedecker mounts a War Chest poster on a street light near 747 Market Street in September of 1942. The two men are officers of Bill Posters and Billers Union No. 49. The union is volunteering labor to mount signs reminding that the War Chest fund raising campaign is coming in October. Automobiles on street and First Baptist Church in background. (T. Times 9/30/1942, pg. 11)

Labor Unions--Tacoma; Labor leaders--Tacoma; Billposters Union, Local 49 (Tacoma); Boedecker, R.A.; Escene, Carl; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma);

ca. 1943. Labor Directory/Bulletin Board. Blackboard lists members awarded bonds. Signs over the blackboard say "These are Union Firms, They deserve your Patronage." . Dispatcher cages are also shown.

Labor unions--Tacoma; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950;

International Woodworkers installation of officers. Nine men stand around a podium. A framed certificate from the International Woodworkers of America leans against the podium, draped in black ribbon. Man in the middle identified as Edward Lohre by a reader.

Labor unions--Tacoma--1940-1950; International Woodworkers of America (Tacoma); Rites & ceremonies;

Bakers Union Banquet at the New Yorker. The banquet on March 31, 1951 celebrated the Golden Anniversary, 50 years from 1901-1951, of the BCWIU of America, Local 126 Tacoma. The evening began with a cocktail hour, followed by dinner, a program and dancing. Several members with over 30 years of union membership were recognized, including the oldest living member John Moeller, who joined in 1902. (TNT 3/30/1951, pg. 16)

BCWIU of America, Local 126 (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anniversaries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Labor unions--Tacoma--1950-1960; New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma);

On January 3, 1949, Bartenders' Union members (from left): unidentified man, Ted Mason, Dale Porter with Al S.Taylor at far right reviewed materials used in the bartenders' trade--tools, glasses and bottles of liquor. The public and the Bartenders' Union would no longer have to tolerate incompetent bartenders. Initiative 171 was about to become a law which stated that bartenders had to be properly trained and must keep their bars, tools and themselves clean when serving the public. (T. Times, 1/4/49, p. 1). TPL-8849 (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Labor unions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Labor leaders--Tacoma; Bartenders--Tacoma--1940-1950; Drinking vessels; Cooks, Waiters, Waitresses & Bartenders Union Local No. 61 (Tacoma); Mason, Ted; Porter, Dale; Taylor, Al S.;

The Building and Hod Carriers union celebrated with an "Old Timers' Night". The union presented three union pioneers with honorary lifetime memberships. Seated left to right are the guests of honor, D. L. McInnis, Dan Avery and Joe Collins. Standing are the union officials, Vernie Reed, Ed Younger, Lloyd Warell and Vern Johnson (T. Times, 10/10/47, p. 12).

Labor Unions--Tacoma; Labor leaders--Tacoma; Charters--Tacoma; Aged persons--Tacoma; Building Laborers & Hod Carriers Union Local No. 252 (Tacoma);

In June 1936 the Steel Workers Organizing Committee was formed, Phillip Murray, Vice-President of the United Mine Workers was appointed Chairman of the new committee. By the end of 1936 125,000 steel workers had joined the union. View of Permanente Metals employee working in plant, photo ordered by United Steel Workers of America.

Laborers--Tacoma; United Steel Workers of America Union Local No. 2626 (Tacoma); Aluminum industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Industrial facilities--Tacoma; Labor unions--Tacoma; Permanente Metals Corp. (Tacoma)--Employees;