Contract bridge expert Ely Culbertson visited the Tacoma Bridge Club on May 1, 1936, at the Winthrop Hotel. Mr. Culbertson is standing directly in front of the hanging framed picture. He was nearly 45 at the time and had been a key figure in the international popularization of contract bridge in the 1920s and 1930s. Photographer Chapin Bowen was present during this visit; he is standing far left. TPL-6687

Culbertson, Ely; Tacoma Bridge Club (Tacoma); Bowen, Chapin; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Guests--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Star Coal exhibit. This exhibit of Star and Burnsright Coal was one of several displayed at the Western Retail Lumbermen's convention held at the Winthrop Hotel, February 24-26, 1927. G31.1-099

Exhibits--Tacoma--1920-1930; Meetings--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

This small sample house was one of two built on the rooftop of the Winthrop Hotel overlooking the downtown business district in late February of 1927. In the background, near left, are visible parts of the Washington Building, Peoples Store and Puget Sound National Bank. The Pythian Temple and Rhodes Brothers Department Store are near right rear. This is believed to be the model building constructed by the St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Co. to show how structures can be built using grades of local Washington woods not now in great demand. The other house, not pictured, was built by the West Coast Trade Extension Bureau to show that short lengths of lumber can be used for high-class construction work. Both houses were built for the annual three-day convention of the Western Retail Lumbermen's Association, opening Thursday, February 24, 1927, at the Winthrop Hotel. 600 retail lumbermen were expected to attend. G36.1-102 (TNT 2-23-27, p. 1, p. 7)

Model houses--Tacoma--1920-1930; Cityscapes; Business districts--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Tulip display. The second annual tulip show of the Pierce County Horticultural Society was opened to the public on May 5, 1928. The event was held at the Winthrop Hotel's Crystal Ballroom and admission was free. Thousands of blooms were displayed by amateur and professional growers from all parts of Washington and Oregon. Even homeowners with small gardens were invited to participate. One colorful exhibit was from George Lawler, pioneer bulb grower, who had expanded his bulb business with the purchase in 1926 of 383 acres near Roy. G26.1-119 (TDL 5-5-28, p. 1-article)

Tulips--Tacoma; Flower shows--Tacoma--1920-1930; Exhibitions--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

A series of photographs were taken of the Tacoma Garden Club's exhibition of flowers held at the Winthrop Hotel on May 25, 1929. A variety of blossoms, along with potted plants and garden accessories, were on display in the hotel's Crystal Ballroom. G26.1-097

Flower shows--Tacoma--1920-1930; Exhibitions--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Floral display at the Winthrop Hotel. A beautiful selection of 'mums was on display under the brilliant light of a crystal chandelier on November 12, 1929. The flowers were courtesy of Hinz Florists, 618 South "K" (now Martin Luther King Jr. Way). Displays of chrysanthemums, roses and fall flowers filled the Crystal Ballroom at the third annual 'mum show held under the auspices of the Pierce County Horticultural Society. G31.1-104 (TNT 11-9-29, p. 3-article; TNT 11-12-29, p. 14-article)

Chrysanthemums--Tacoma; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Chandeliers; Flower shows--Tacoma--1920-1930; Florist shops--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hinz Florists (Tacoma);

Herbert Hoover, then Secretary of Commerce, signed the Indian "Pledge to the Mountain" to honor Mt. Rainier on the rooftop of the Hotel Winthrop on August 21, 1926. An unidentified Indian maiden helps to unroll the scroll. Mr. Hoover, who would later become the 31st President of the United States, was given the name Chief Coolee-Chuck ("Running Water"). The pledge was administered entirely in the Chinook language. In it, Mr. Hoover swore and promised by the Great Spirit of the Mountain to journey whenever possible to the "Mountain that was God" in order to breathe in the pure air, drink the sparkling waters, and gaze upon its wondrous beauties. He promised to acquaint himself with the lore of the red men and learn about the legends of the mountain's origins and sacredness. Should he violate this solemn obligation, he could foresee his wickiup burning, racehorses dying and coyotes devouring all his rabbits. Secretary Hoover was in Tacoma as a guest of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce and addressed a large group of about 300 businessmen at the Hotel Winthrop on the "Future of Foreign Trade." This photograph was modified by the photographer: a clearer view of Mount Rainier was added, and the Brotherhood Bank's signage reversed and building itself extended upward. TPL-5447; G68.1-028 (TNT 8-21-26, p. 1)

Hoover, Herbert; Indians of North America--Tacoma--1920-1930; Document signings--Tacoma; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

By March 1st, 1924, Tacoma's old Chamber of Commerce Building at 773 Broadway had been demolished and work had begun on the foundation of the future Hotel Winthrop. The eleven story hotel, built by the Citizen's Hotel Corporation, was dedicated in May of 1925. With the chamber building gone, and the new hotel not yet built, this photograph provides an excellent view of the Bostwick Block, 755-71 Saint Helens, as it looked in March of 1924. At that time it was undergoing extensive remodeling; in July the exterior was covered with Duralite.

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma)--Construction; Hotels--Tacoma--1920-1930;