This young college student's floral decorated dress blends perfectly with the large ring of flowers behind her. The Delta Delta Delta sorority from the College of Puget Sound annually held a Pansy Ring Tea in the spring to honor all senior women on campus, whether Greek-affiliated or not. In 1954, the tea was held at the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club where a large ring of flowers was erected and people were able to have their photographs taken in front of it. The young woman in this picture may have been Dorcas Marshall of the Tri-Delts. (TNT 5-2-54, D-4)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club on Borough Road was the scene of the 1954 Pansy Ring Tea sponsored by the Delta Delta Delta sorority. The Tri-Delts from the College of Puget Sound annually held a spring tea which was open to all senior women on campus. All the young ladies present wore their spring finery, which often included hats, handbags, gloves and pumps, as modeled by an unidentified college student in front of the large ring of flowers. Dr. R. Franklin Thompson, president of the college, was there to present scholarships offered by the sorority. (TNT 5-2-54, D-4)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A young women holds a small bouquet of pansies as she poses in front of the Delta Delta Delta Pansy Ring on May 2, 1954. The sorority from the College of Puget Sound each year held a special tea, called the Pansy Ring Tea, for all senior women on campus. In 1954, the tea was held at the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club. The women attending were all dressed conservatively, most with hats, gloves and purses to complement their spring dresses. Both Dr. R. Franklin Thompson and Mrs. Thompson attended the tea; Dr. Thompson, president of the college, presented scholarships awarded by the sorority. (TNT 5-2-54, D-4)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Members of the Tacoma Master Builders Association annually sponsored the Tacoma Home Show for many years. It was a good opportunity to acquaint Tacomans with the newest in home styles and conveniences and good advertising for local contractors and businesses. Here, Tacoma Home Show princess Jackie Durant of Lincoln High School models a strapless evening gown adorned with daisies on May 19, 1954; she is gazing at photographs of homes constructed by various Master Builders, including the Peltier Construction Co. (TNT 5-20-54, C-2)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Durant, Jackie;

An "after-photo" of a remodeled one-story bungalow was taken on April 24, 1954. The house's exterior was resurfaced with Perma-Stone, a tough, weather resistant coating resembling stone which was placed over existing walls of wood, stucco, tile, block or brick. It could be used with new or used construction. K.H. Kaman Co. specialized in Perma-Stone installation; they were situated on Tacoma Avenue South. Photograph commissioned by Karl H. Kaman.

Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Remodeling--Tacoma--1950-1960; K.H. Kaman Co. (Tacoma);

IBM employees and spouses enjoyed a tasty meal as the company celebrated its world-wide 40th anniversary dinner in May, 1954. A large sign on the back wall indicates that the firm was also honoring a Mr. Watson for his years of service. The familiar "THINK" logo is attached to another wall.

International Business Machines (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices); Logos;

The Lincoln Park Christian Church was located in the city's southend, close to the Lincoln Business District, at 3832 South "G" Street. According to the 1954 City Directory, its pastor was the Rev. Donald R. Johnson. This view of South "G" Street, looking southward, shows the well-kept houses with trim lawns, and a large flowering tree in the foreground. The church itself is not shown in this April, 1954, photograph. Nearly fifty years later, it is still located in the same neighborhood. TPL-8571

Neighborhoods--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lincoln Park Christian Church (Tacoma);

A procession of priests stride along a brilliantly sunlit sidewalk on the way to a young priest's first solemn high mass. The mass will occur on May 16, 1954, at the Church of the Visitation on South 58th St. Some of the priests hold their hands together in a prayer position. The priest in the middle is wearing a dark cassock while two in front wear surplices. A few church parishioners watch and wait. Photograph ordered by the Rev. Gabriel Donohue.

Priests--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Church of the Visitation in South Tacoma is full as parishioners and guests observe the first solemn high mass sung by a recently ordained young priest on May 16, 1954. All attention is focused on the activity at the altar. The Rev. Timothy Lamm, 26, was ordained to the Catholic priesthood at St. James Cathedral in Seattle the day before. Father Timothy was one of three Benedictine monks from St. Martin's to be ordained that day. This elevated view of the altar, church dignitaries, and kneeling crowd was taken from the back of the church, perhaps a choir loft. Photograph ordered by the Rev. Gabriel Donohue. (TNT 5-13-54, A-10)

Priests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Church of the Visitation (Tacoma); Altars--Tacoma;

A proud moment in the life of a newly ordained priest is captured in a May 16, 1954, photograph. A celebratory banquet in his honor is being held with family members as special guests. The Rev. Timothy Lamm, 26, son of Mr. and Mrs. David J. Lamm, Sr. of Puyallup, had just conducted his first solemn high mass at Church of the Visitation. Father Timothy, a Benedictine monk, had been ordained the day before in St. James Cathedral, Seattle. He was valedictorian of his 1950 graduation class at St. Martin's College and later studied theology at Mt. Angel Abbey, Oregon. From left to right in the photograph are: Mary Lamm, Mrs. Laurence Thielen, Sister Mary Alita, Mrs. David Lamm, Sr., Father Timothy Lamm, O.S.B., David J. Lamm, Sr., Sister Ruthella, Frank and Raymond Lamm. Photograph ordered by the Rev. Gabriel Donohue. (TNT 5-13-54, A-10, TNT 6-6-54, B-4))

Priests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lamm, Timothy; Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Two horsemen representing the Tacobat Grotto fraternal organization lead the way for a small horse and cart publicizing the benefit show for the handicapped to be held on May 16, 1954. The tiny cart is well covered with daffodils, including the wheels, as it marches along in the 21st annual Daffodil Parade. There were 135 marching units of all varieties taking part in addition to 52 floats.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacobat Grotto (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Horses--Tacoma;

Bathing beauties on the Rhodes Brothers Department Store ocean-themed float wave happily to the packed reviewing stands during the 1954 Daffodil Parade. Over 100,000 people turned out to watch the 21st annual parade and television stations provided access to thousands more. The Rhodes entry was awarded first place in the Retail division. (TNT 4-11-54, p. 1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954 : Tacoma); Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

Members of the Marcetta-Ki drill team from Lincoln High School perform a snappy maneuver for the thousands watching the 1954 Daffodil Parade. The unpredictable spring weather brought a day of sunshine after several days of rain; the parade enjoyed plenty of sun and 50 degree temperatures. View of drill team pausing in front of Puget Sound National Bank on Pacific Avenue; total length of the parade route in Tacoma was two miles.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Marcetta-Ki (Tacoma); Drill teams;

Crowds of 5-20 people deep lined the streets of downtown Tacoma for the 1954 Daffodil Parade. Thousands jammed the windows in stores and office buildings; it was estimated that over 100,000 people saw the parade. Brilliant sunshine and 50 degree temperatures greeted parade participants and watchers alike. There were 52 floats and 135 marching units involved; view of military and auxiliary groups marching along the 1100 block of Pacific Avenue. (TNT 4-10-54, p. 1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Marching--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Suitsus, owned by Harold Thompson of Tacoma, its sails decorated with thousands of daffodils, won an honorable mention in the 1954 Puget Sound Daffodil Regatta. More than 200 boats participated in the parade, including sailboats, purse seiners, and the City fireboat which tossed thousands of gallons of colored water into the air for a beautiful water fountain effect. The surrounding hillsides, Old Tacoma Dock and Ruston Way were crammed with spectators enjoying the impressive procession of vessels. Photograph ordered by the TNT. (TNT 4-12-54, p. 1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Naval parades & ceremonies--Tacoma; Boats--Tacoma; Marine Parade;

Thousands were expected to line the city waterfront to watch the 200+ daffodil adorned boats proceed from the Tacoma Yacht Club to the City Waterway. This would be the final activity in the 1954 Daffodil festivities. Flags and flowers decorate the purse seiners Joann and Memories, among others, as they file in single formation past a reviewing yacht containing the Daffodil queen, Mary Carlile, and guests. The Joann, owned by George J. Peterson of Peterson Boat Co., won a special award. The festival would officially end when the last boat vanished from view. (TNT 4-11-54, p. 1, TNT 4-12-54, p. 1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954: Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Naval parades & ceremonies--Tacoma; Boats--Tacoma; Marine Parade;

Luise Rainer is shown in rehearsals for the Pacific Lutheran College production of "Joan of Lorraine", a play by Maxwell Anderson. The play was part of the third annual drama-music festival held at the school in May, 1954. Miss Rainer was a two-time Academy Award winner for The Good Earth and The Great Ziegfeld. Although she had performed the lead in "Joan of Lorraine" many times before, this would be the first time she would work with an amateur cast. (TNT 4-25-54, D-12, TNT 4-29-54, B-5)

Theatrical productions--Parkland--1950-1960; Actresses; Rainer, Luise; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

The South 49th Street residence of Theodore and Mary Ultsch was built by contractor Oscar Hokold. According to the 1954 City Directory, Mr. Ultsch was the shop superintendent at J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. The large brick home is a custom made three-bedroom rambler with picture windows and attached one-car garage. Oscar Hokold was a member of the Tacoma Master Builders Association, a group of contractors, architects, designers and builders who annually sponsored home shows and who were proud of their quality construction. He also had several homes for sale in the South 64th and "L" Streets area that were equipped with birch cabinets, G.E. furnaces and brick & sandstone fireplaces. (TNT 5-18-54, C-14)

Ultsch, Theodore--Homes & haunts; Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960;

ca. 1954. This large brick Tudor/Gothic structure is believed to be the library on the campus of Pacific Lutheran College in Parkland. Two students are perched reading on the low brick wall next to the front steps. Pacific Lutheran had undergone great expansion of both facilities and student enrollment in the late forties and early fifties.

Universities & colleges--Parkland; Students--Parkland--1950-1960; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings;

A style show featuring a bride's trousseau occurred at the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club during the time of the annual Delta Delta Delta Pansy Ring Tea in May, 1954. Models portraying the bridal party stand in front of the Ring of flowers. Both attendants and the bride carry wreaths of flowers, perhaps dahlias, to correspond with the circular theme. Mrs. Paul Whitcomb, the former Janet Erickson, models a wedding gown with flowing train. Mrs. Whitcomb was the former 1953 chapter president of Delta Delta Delta. Her groom in the photograph is Warren Hunt of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Mr. Hunt is a graduating senior from Puyallup, a business administration major, and former student body president. The bridal attendants were Barbara Schaller and Nancy Cranston. (TNT 5-2-54, D-4)

Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Wedding costume--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Whitcomb, Janet; Hunt, Warren; Schaller, Barbara; Cranston, Nancy;

Harley L. Doyle was listed in the 1954 City Directory as the owner of the building at 5703 McKinley Avenue. It appears to have been a one-story duplex, since there are doorbells at each screen door. There is a large rectangular planter along the unit and the yard is neatly landscaped with a small contained tree growing on the front strip. The duplex was put up for sale and an ad placed in the News Tribune later in May. The ad stated that the building was made with pumice block and had a reinforced foundation and walls. It came with aluminum casement windows with ceramic tile sills and was heavily insulated. Each unit had two bedrooms, a fireplace, nice cabinets, individual heating, and separate garages. A buyer needed only to put down $1950. (TNT 5-23-54, C-12)

Doyle, Harley L.--Homes & haunts; Duplexes--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Employees of Hal Moeller's Inc. pose with Pfaff sewing machines and Hamilton automatic clothes dryers during the 1954 Tacoma Home Show held at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. Hal Moeller's was the Pfaff Sewing Machine Center, located at 781 Broadway; Pfaff's motto was "Pfaff makes everything but a mistake." Hamilton clothes dryers and clothes press were also featured in the Moeller exhibition booth.

Hal Moeller's Inc. (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Sewing machines; Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);

Sherman Rowland was a member of the Tacoma Master Builders Association. He built many homes in the city's southend neighborhoods. The home pictured here in May, 1954, is believed to have been located at 6433 South "I" Street. The 1954 City Directory shows a William F. Beard in residence at that address. The house appears to be a typical 1950's rambler with large picture windows and two-car attached garage. The lawn looks to have been newly planted and fenced off.

Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960;

In January of 1953, workers got a good grip on the giant cutout of a woman's head as they prepared to hoist it into place on the Foster & Kleiser billboard at Puyallup and Winthrop Streets. The giant cutout was intended to focus the passerby's attention on the virtues of saving at the National Bank of Washington which began business in Tacoma in 1885 as the Pacific National Bank. Photograph was taken on January 14, 1953; copy ordered by Merchandising Factors, Inc., San Francisco.

Billboards--Tacoma--1950-1960; Advertisements--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Foster & Kleiser Co. (Tacoma); National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Merchandising Factors, Inc. (San Francisco);

The Choir of the West at Pacific Lutheran College in 1953 had over sixty members. They face directly toward the camera with the conductor, Frederick L. Newnham, in the foreground. Choir members are wearing black gowns with monogrammed stoles. The choir provided music for many radio programs and special school services in addition to their many concerts. Their two week annual tour included performing in North Dakota. Photograph ordered by Professor Newnham. (1953 Saga, p. 96)

Choirs (Music); Universities & colleges--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Conductors; Newnham, Frederick L.;

The living quarters of this contemporary 1953 home blend seamlessly together as it apparently was built partially using the "Great Room" concept. The kitchen and dining room are combined with no wall separating the two. A bird in brass birdcage is close to an open cabinet of fine dishes and the Early American style dining set. Wooden beams, one with Scandinavian wording on it, draw attention to the high ceilings. A massive fireplace, placed between the beams, has a mantle on which a clock and candlesticks are placed. Comfortable chairs decorate one of the home's two living rooms. According to a large ad placed in the News Tribune, this home was on sale for $35,000 and contained four bedrooms and two baths. The custom-made home was designed, decorated and furnished by Lindstrom's Home Furnishings; photograph ordered by Al Lindstrom. (TNT 1-25-53, C-15)

Dining rooms--Washington; Living rooms--Washington; Fireplaces--Washington; Lindstrom, Al;

These well-dressed men and women were gathered at Stadium High School in late January, 1953, as potential city council persons. Six lectures, each held on Monday nights, were held on city government. The lectures and discussions were open to all candidates running for the new city council. Stanton Warburton, E.K. Murray and Hal Murtland, former freeholders, were guest speakers the last Monday in January. Discussions were held on the role of public utilities under the new charter, a new continuous audit of the city's financial books, and the new role of the city manager. Photograph ordered by Wainwright Elementary principal, Maynard Ponko. (TNT 1-5-53, B-1, TNT 1-27-53, p. 22) TPL-7934

Group portraits; Political representation--Tacoma; Public speaking--Tacoma; Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A small child watches carefully as the driver of the Washington Co-op International truck makes a delivery of gasoline or oil to his family's tank. A man seated on a small tractor, perhaps the boy's father, holds another child as they, too, watch. Washington Co-operative Farmers Association regularly made home deliveries of fuel supply to their customers. Photograph ordered by Dale Smith, Washington Cooperative Farmers Assn.

International trucks; Fuel supply; Fuel tanks; Hoses; Washington Cooperative Farmers Association (Tacoma);

Many pieces of machinery are scattered throughout this warehouse floor and tables. Each piece appears to have been carefully labeled. A shop vacuum is ready to clean any specks of dust which may show up on the tools. Hoses, winches, wrenches and electrical apparatus are just a few of the many items present. Photograph ordered by Machinery Service Co.

Machinery; Electrical apparatus; Vacuum cleaners; Labels; Machinery Service Co. (Tacoma)