Ben Cheney, President and founder of the Cheney Lumber Company, poses with a display of trophies and memorabilia from some of the many amateur sports teams that he sponsored. Photograph taken at the Winthrop Hotel. The display was probably set up in connection with the Pacific Northwest District Conference of the National Recreation Association being held at the Winthrop Hotel.

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Awards;

A large luncheon for the Shell Oil Company. Most of the women wear nametags, corsages and hats. They are seated at circular tables, with the speakers' long table at the end of the room. The luncheon was held at the Crystal Ballroom of the Winthrop Hotel and was attended by 185 wives of Shell Oil employees from the Tacoma district. The guest speaker was travel expert Carol Lane. She offered the women helpful hints for summer travel including how to pack a suitcase and how to care for children on a trip. (TNT 5/20/1956, pg. A-18)

Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Chandeliers;

The Fircrest Kiwanis Club celebrated charter night with a September 15, 1955, banquet in the Winthrop Hotel's Crystal Ballroom. Dignitaries were seated at the head table and various speeches were given. A large flag is positioned behind the guest speakers, and the Kiwanis Club banner is also prominently displayed. 250 people from various Kiwanis clubs in the Tacoma area met to recognize the new club. The Fircrest Kiwanis already have 54 members. On the far left is Fred G. Rounds, district governor; Herbert Socolofsky, lt. gov., standing in light suit, was toastmaster. (TNT 9-14-55, A-10, TNT 9-16-55, A-11)

Fircrest Kiwanis Club (Fircrest); Rounds, Fred G., Socolofsky, Herbert; Flags--United States; Signs (Notices); Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Banners; Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A bartender waits for business at the bar discretely tucked away in the Winthrop Hotel's Sabre Room on November 2, 1955. A cheerful motto is painted on the bar's wall: "Happy to meet/Sorry to part/Happy to meet again"; the writer's name is Scotty. Two crossed swords on a paneled wall give the room its name. The unique Sabre Room was opened by Trader Vic in September, 1949. The popular dining room would reopen on November 15, 1955; completely redecorated, it still retained its Old World atmosphere. The menu was predominately Old English with plenty of beef. Photograph ordered by the Winthrop Hotel. (TNT 11-15-55, p. 6)

Dining rooms--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bars--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bartenders--Tacoma; Daggers & swords; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Two crossed sabres decorate the appropriately named Sabre Room in the Winthrop Hotel in November, 1955. The decor appears Elizabethan with a predominance of wood, including wooden beams and simple chairs and tables. A touch of the modern appears with the presence of the room's chef in his open kitchen, just steps away from dining customers. The popular Sabre Room had been completely redecorated and was reopened on November 15, 1955. It retained its Old English atmosphere in the design by Arthur Morgan & Associates of Seattle. Newly added dishes were flaming shish kebab and Old English pastries. Photograph ordered by the Winthrop Hotel. (TNT 11-15-55, p. 6) TPL-8126

Dining rooms--Tacoma--1950-1960; Daggers & swords; Cooks; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Five unidentified members of the Pacific Coast Division of the American Pulp & Paper Mill Superintendents Association performed a "space age" skit involving a hodgepodge of space visitors and robots at their annual conference held at the Hotel Winthrop, 773 Broadway, in December of 1955. Following panel and group discussions on sulphate pulping, sulphite pulping, and papermaking, the delegates ended their annual meeting with an informal banquet in the Crystal Ballroom and a dance in the Wedgewood Room. (Photograph ordered by American Pulp & Paper Mill Superintendents Association.) (TNT 12-4-55, B-11)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Costumes; Robots; Signs (Notices); American Pulp & Paper Mill Superintendents Association (Tacoma);

Pacific Telephone and Telegraph, a group of 13 men sit around a table at the Winthrop Hotel with bound notebooks in front of them. Back row, third from left, is Reno Odlin, President of Puget Sound Bank. Odlin was a member of the eight man Regional Advisory Board of business leaders mapping out new projects for the company. They proposed a $400,000 construction project for Tacoma. The project included new equipment for the Market and Proctor offices, an expansion program for the Waverly office and alteration of the downtown long distance facilities. Similar projects were proposed for Seattle, Bremerton, Sumner and Shelton. Seated in the center at the head of the table is Mark Sullivan, president of PT&T and standing at the far right is George M. Dean, vice president and general manager of the Washington-Idaho district of PT &T.(TNT 3/22/1956, pg. A-10)

Telephone companies--Tacoma; Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma); Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979;

Associated General Contractors, convention. Over 100 contractors from all parts of the Northwest attended the first annual convention of the Pacific Northwest Branch of the Associated General Contractors of America February 3-4, 1955 at the Winthrop Hotel. The two day sessions included discussions on problems related to general contractors and the various local, municipal, state and federal agencies from whom they perform work as well as that performed for architects and engineers. The Northwest branch was composed of chapters in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska, a total of over 600 members, that performed most of the commercial and industrial construction in these areas, including dams, bridges and highways. James W. Purvis, President of the Tacoma Chapter, served as convention chairman. (TNT 2/3/1955, pg. 1)

Associated General Contractors, Tacoma Chapter (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

St. Regis Paper Co.- dinner meeting. Kenneth D. Lozier, vice president in charge of promotion and advertising, points out the importance of "awareness of opportunity" and "selling all the way through" as factors in the rapid growth of all five divisions of the St. Regis Paper Co. during a dinner speech to the Sales Executive Club of Tacoma at the Winthrop Hotel. Paper production was the fifth largest industry in the American economy. The Tacoma plant manufactured kraft, pulp, paper and board and multiwall paper bags. Other Northwest plants were located at Vancouver, Los Angeles, San Leandro and Emeryville, Ca. Tacoma pioneered the utilization of wood chips, formerly a waste product of sawmills, in the production of pulp. St. Regis was in the forefront in selling the use of paper as a wrapping product for food and dairy. (TNT 2/8/1955, pg.7)

St. Regis Paper Co. (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Paper industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lozier, Kenneth D.; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Clinton S. Reynolds (left), new president of Tacoma Chamber of Commerce, presents outgoing president Charles M. Fogg (center) with a framed check for $1.00, his salary for his tenure as 1954 Chamber President. Looking on at the right is Tom Collins, Kansas City banker and humorist and featured speaker for the event. The presentation was the highlight of the 70th annual Chamber dinner in the Crystal Ballroom of the Winthrop Hotel. A standing room only crowd of 435 attended the event. (TNT 1/20/1955, pg. 1 & A-5)

Tacoma Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma); Fogg, Charles M.; Checks; Collins, Tom; Reynolds, Clinton S.;

ca. 1955. The Winthrop Hotel, circa 1955. The hotel, designed by W.L. Stoddard, architect, and Roland Borhek, associate architect, had its grand opening on 5/16/1925. The hotel was named in a Tacoma Ledger newspaper contest. The winning name was submitted by George L. Dickson. It was named after explorer and writer Theodore Winthrop, author of "The Canoe and the Saddle," which helped popularize the Northwest. The building was eleven stories and 110 feet high. In 1973, it was converted into apartments. In 1955, it was home to the Sabre Room and the Daffodil Room.

Hotels--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Ben Perham smilingly shows off the watch he was given at the annual banquet of the Pacific Northwest Conference of Savings & Loans Associations held on May 24, 1954. Mr. Perham was the former chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco; the watch was presented to him by Gerrit VanderEnde for his sixteen years of service to the federal institution. Mr. Perham now is the president of a food distributing company in Yakima. View of Ben Perham on left and Gerrit VanderEnde on right, Mr. VanderEnde is the president of Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan in Tacoma. (TNT 5-23-54, C-16, TNT 5-25-54, p. 11)

Awards; Clocks & watches; Perham, Ben; VanderEnde, Gerrit;

Dr. R. Franklin Thompson, president of the College of Puget Sound, was the featured speaker at the annual banquet of the Pacific Northwest Conference Savings & Loan Associations on May 24, 1954. His speech was entitled "Prelude to a New Age." At the head table in the Winthrop Hotel's Crystal Ballroom with Dr. Thompson were Mr. and Mrs. Ben Perham, Mr. and Mrs. Gerrit VanderEnde, and Mr. and Mrs. J. Alston Adams. More than 150 delegates and wives attended the two day savings & loan conference. (TNT 5-23-54, C-16, TNT 5-25-54, p. 11)

Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Public speaking--Tacoma--1950-1960; Thompson, R. Franklin, 1908-1999; Perham, Ben; VanderEnde, Gerrit; Adams, J. Alston;

Elevated view of Tacoma's downtown and industrial area. Photographs taken on September 2, 1954, from Room 716 of the Winthrop Hotel show a cluster of downtown Tacoma businesses, the 11th Street Bridge, and a portion of the industrial area in the distance. Tacoma Savings & Loan, the Tacoma Hotel, Lincolnshire Hotel and Security Building (formerly Provident Building) can be clearly seen. Smokestacks billow as Tacoma's lumber and chemical mills operate with full staff. Large billboards, placed on the rooftop of the Lincolnshire Hotel, provide advertising information for consumers interested in liquor, fruit and electrical equipment.

Billboards--Tacoma--1950-1960; Security Building (Tacoma); Lincolnshire Hotel (Tacoma); Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Bridges--Tacoma--1950-1960;

On August 13, 1954, Tacoma Mayor Harold Tollefson (second from left) presented Air Force General T. Alan Bennett and his wife with a special proclamation declaring them "Tacoma Citizens in Absentia." The Bennett family was being transferred to Fairbanks and Tacoma would sorely miss them. Because the Bennetts were the sort of "neighborly, friendly type of people" Tacoma wanted as residents, the proclamation urged their speedy return. This photograph was taken at the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce offices in the Winthrop Hotel.

Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bennett, T. Alan; Bennett, T. Alan--Family; Generals--United States; Proclamations;

Elevated view of Tacoma's downtown and industrial area. Smoke from various lumber and chemical companies in Tacoma's industrial area blends into the sky. Busy plants meant employment for thousands of local residents. The Tacoma Hotel and Tacoma Savings & Loan can also be spotted on the left of this September 2, 1954, photograph, taken from the seventh floor of the Winthrop Hotel.

Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma);

Tuxedoed men and ladies dressed in evening gowns posed for this October, 1954, group portrait. The group, including Mr. and Mrs. T.G. Calbreath, Mr. and Mrs. L. Evert Landon and Judge and Mrs. Bertil E. Johnson who were surrounding the wicker table, were members of the Comus Club attending the "Moonlight Magic" dance on October 16, 1954. The glittering crescent moon on the backdrop is framed by several potted trees. The dance was held in the Wedgwood Room of the Winthrop Hotel.

Group portraits; Comus Club (Tacoma); Calbreath, T.G.; Landon, L. Evert; Johnson, Bertil E.; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Employees of the Washington Hospital Service enjoyed a tasty luncheon at the Winthrop Hotel on September 23, 1954. The business apparently handled Blue Cross plans and was located in Seattle at 2121 Third Avenue. View of luncheon tables with employees; some have on name tags.

Washington Hospital Service (Seattle)--Employees; Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

The splendid chandeliers and sconces of the Winthrop Hotel provided an elegant setting for the Capital District, Washington Federation of Garden Clubs' show on December 6, 1954. A Christmas motif was evident; the majority of arrangements on display were small tabletop decorations. A few tall firs were added to complete the tableau. This may have been an annual event sponsored by the federation.

Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs (Tacoma); Flower shows--Tacoma--1950-1960; 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;

Construction of the Winthrop Hotel. This photograph has been labeled "seat of col. #27." By May of 1924, the hotel's foundation had been poured and other exterior work begun. The hotel would be dedicated in May of 1925.

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

This column has been labeled #38 to be used in the construction of the Winthrop Hotel, Tacoma's new showcase. Built on the site of the old Chamber of Commerce Building, the eleven story hotel had been funded by 2300 citizens, making it truly the "citizen's hotel." It would open in May of 1925.

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

Progress photograph of the construction of the Hotel Winthrop. Work continues on the building of the eleven story hotel by Pratt & Watson contractors in July of 1924. It appears that construction has reached the fourth floor. A notice has already been posted that the stores in the hotel will be under the management of the W.H. Opie & Co. (photograph has been stained)

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma)--Construction; Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930; Signs (Notices); Progress photographs;

Construction - Winthrop Hotel. This steel column has been labeled #5 and would be used in the building of the Winthrop Hotel at 9th & Broadway in 1924. The column is believed to have been manufactured by the Star Iron & Steel Co. of Tacoma.

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma)--Construction; Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930;

George McCartney was photographed in September of 1920 working at a bench making repairs on a flat iron in the service department of the Blue Bird Electrical Shop. A silver coffee percolator waits for repair on the workbench. The year old company was located in the Chamber of Commerce building at 773 Broadway. It was the only plant of its kind in Western Washington and had one of the most complete electrical manufacturing departments in the Northwest. The manufacturing department was established at a cost of $10,000 and could make custom electrical equipment, a job formerly only performed back East. They were also involved in the electrical design and installation in new construction, had their own service department and maintained a staff of consulting electrical engineers. (TDL 9/19/1920, pg. B-7)

McCartney, George; Blue Bird Electrical Shop (Tacoma); Electric household appliances industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Winthrop Hotel. The 2 million dollar+ Winthrop Hotel was nearing completion by the end of March, 1925. Exterior work was finished in January of 1925 and hotel furnishings under way. It would have its much anticipated grand opening celebration in May.

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

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);

Miss Tacoma, Dorothy Rothermel, smiles graciously at hundreds gathered outside the new Hotel Winthrop on August 26, 1926. She was making her last local appearance before leaving by train for Atlantic City and the "Miss America" pageant. Miss Rothermel was honored at a dance held at the Winthrop and those in attendance were able to see her pageant wardrobe on display as well as the beautiful float of snow capped Mount Tacoma, unveiled for the first time. Miss Rothermel, dressed in green and silver, stood on the float which would be used for the famous boardwalk parade. She threw real snowballs at the crowd, a stunt which was scheduled to be repeated in Atlantic City. Mayor Melvin G. Tennent, in tuxedo on the right, introduced Miss Rothermel. She was a Stadium High School graduate and a dancer. (T.Times, 8-26-26, p. 1, TDL 8-27-26, p. 3) G42.1-138; TPL-1484

Rothermel, Dorothy; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1920-1930; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1920-1930; Tennent, Melvin Green; Mayors--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Rex McCargar and his Orchestra at the Hotel Winthrop. The tuxedoed musicians have their instruments on display in this January 20, 1927, photograph. The singers and entertainers, advertised as the "most popular orchestra in the city," went on to appear at the Hotel Tacoma the following week. The Hotel Tacoma provided dancing every Friday night with a 50 cent cover charge. (TNT 1-31-27, p. 8-ad) G40.1-034

McCargar, Rex; Musicians--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

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);