On the same night as the grand opening of the nearby Broadway Theater (formerly the Tacoma Theater), the Pantages decided to also draw a large crowd with the appearance of a Bell Line Stages' railroad car. The Pantages was currently showing "Dancing Mothers" staring Clara Bow and Alice Joyce but the railroad car was promoting an upcoming dance contest and a free all expense round trip to Hollywood. Adults, small children and even a curious dog surrounded the exhibit.

Pantages Theater (Tacoma); Crowds--Tacoma--1920-1930; Railroad cars--Tacoma--1920-1930; Signs (Notices);

In July of 1931, the marquee at the RKO Orpheum Theater (now the Pantages) shown brightly in the night advertising Larry Rich & his Oompahs. The Orpheum offered the discriminating viewer both a movie, Richard Dix in the "Public Defender," and a vaudeville style stage show. Band Leader Larry Rich toured the RKO circuit with his own show; he served as master of ceremonies and his band, the Oompahs, backed up the other performers. One of the featured singers was Marion Sunshine. She impersonated popular singers of the day and then sang her own songs, including "The Peanut Vendor," for which she wrote the English lyrics. In addition to creating as a composer and lyricist, Marion Sunshine acted in movies and performed as half of the sister act "Tempest and Sunshine" during her theatrical career. Bowen # 310-26?

On July 14, 1926, Vaudeville performer "Countess Sonia," at the wheel of her new Hudson Brougham, posed with her fellow thespian Alex Sherer outside of the Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway. Their act entitled "Countess Sonia in the Revue Satiricon with Alex Sherer" was packing them in at the theater through Sunday. They purchased the Hudson in Seattle the previous week and continued the rest of their trip over the vaudeville circuit in it, ending up back in New York City in the fall. The 1926 Hudson sold over 228,000 units and was the first vehicle to introduce the starter button on the instrument panel. By 1929, the company was third in sales, behind General Motors and Ford. The local distributor for the Hudson was the Allen Motor Co. Photograph ordered by Allen Motor Co. (Tacoma Sunday Ledger 7/18/1926, pg. G-4) G67.1-140

Automobiles--1920-1930; Hudson automobile; Sherer, Alex; Pantages Theater (Tacoma);

On October 30, 1941 troops of the 3rd Division's Infantry Battalion maintained close-order formation as they passed the Roxy Theater, turning from Broadway to march down South 9th Street. One of the largest crowds to ever watch a parade in Tacoma gathered to view the Army Day extravaganza. The parade of over 10,000 soldiers, with their support vehicles, stretched for over 6 miles. (TTimes 10/30/1941 p. 1)

Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A group of young Tacoma and Pierce County men were sworn into the U.S. Navy at a special "Avenge Pearl Harbor Day" ceremony held at the corner of 9th and Broadway on Sunday June 7, 1942 in front of the Roxy Theater. The members of the Navy Mother's Club were honored guests. The participants are standing in "V for Victory" formation. (T. Times June 8, 1942 p.12)

World War, 1939-1945--Recruiting & enlistment--Tacoma; Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A group of young Tacoma and Pierce County men were sworn into the U.S. Navy at a special "Avenge Pearl Harbor Day" ceremony held at the corner of 9th and Broadway on Sunday June 7, 1942 in front of the Roxy Theater. The new Naval recruits smile at someone's young son in a Navy uniform. (T. Times June 8, 1942 p.12)

World War, 1939-1945--Recruiting & enlistment--Tacoma; Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Mayor Harry P. Cain, far left, watches actors laying a commemorative plaque in front of Roxy (Pantages) Theater before the premiere of "Tugboat Annie Sails Again" on October 18, 1940. L to R: Donald Crisp, Ronald Reagan, Marjorie Rambeau , Hedda Hopper and Alan Hale, Sr. Tacoma was the site of the world premiere of the movie. Other activities included in this whirlwind visit were official receptions and tugboat rides. ALBUM 1

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reagan, Ronald Wilson, 1911-; Hale, Alan; Rambeau, Marjorie; Crisp, Donald; Hopper, Hedda; Plaques--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979;

On April 24, 1946, hundreds of Tacoma women lined up in front of the Roxy Theater at 9th and Broadway for the Charmode Corsetry Style Show. Sponsored by Sears, Roebuck Company, Judith Lane, of KIRO radio, narrated the show, describing in detail the countless Charmode corsets, brassiers and girdles presented by the professional models. Those who arrived early for the show received cards that entitled them to purchase nylon hose at Sears. Mrs. A.D. Sherron of 702 Fawcett Ave. was first in line for the 9:30 a.m. show. She arrived at the theater at 7 a.m.(T. Times, 4/25/46, p. 7).

Marquees--Tacoma; Lingerie; Fashion shows--Tacoma; Sears, Roebuck & Co. (Tacoma); Women--Social life--Tacoma;

Tom Breneman's "Breakfast in Hollywood Show" at Tacoma's Roxy (Pantages) Theater on August 20, 1946. Masters of Ceremonies from KJR Radio with participants in the Goofy Hat contest. Bill Gunning reaches out to gently touch the live kitten tied to a woman's hat while the other contestants look on. The hat with the candy Easter Bunny was the winner; however, the live kitten and hat with plastic helicopter may have also placed. Standing next to Al Priddy, another contestant is holding three boxes of Ivory Flakes, perhaps a consolation prize. (No Negative) ALBUM 7.

Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Awards; Orchids--Tacoma; Hats--1940-1950; Priddy, Al; Gunning, Bill;

Audience watches in fascination at the Roxy Theatre, operated by John Hamrick's movie theatres. This view of the audience as seen from the stage shows both the lower and the balcony seating. One boy in the front row covers his face with his hands. The Roxy at this time was operating as an opulent movie house. Ordered by Rev. Vickers, Tacoma Council of Churches. The theatre now operates as the Pantages Theatre, a legitimate stage house named after the original builder.

Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1950-1960; Motion pictures; Motion picture audiences--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Roxy Theater. A young man dares everyone to "See Me in "Cloak and Dagger" Roxy Theater". Theater posters show scenes from the movie and advertise Gary Cooper is starring.

Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Advertising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Motion picture posters; Motion pictures;

The north-west corner of the Jones Building which currently housed the Roxy Theatre. The theater's neon sign is attached to the corner to be visible from both Broadway and North 9th Street and the marquee announces "The Lusty Men" starring Robert Mitchum and the "Wac from Walla Walla". The Broadway side of the building has two more stories than the rear of the building which served as offices for Poe Real Estate and Insurance, Ruby & Leroy's Beauty Salon, a chiropractor, dentist, architect, several physicians, lawyers, accountants, and A-1 Employment Agency among others. This view south along Broadway shows two-way traffic and Christmas decorations hanging over the street. TPL-821

Jones Building (Tacoma); Historic buildings--Tacoma; Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Marquees--Tacoma;

July 12, 1974 was the grand reopening of the Roxy Theatre located at 901 Broadway. A family film, Disney's "Herbie Rides Again," was the first-run feature in the newly remodeled and refurbished motion picture theater. The Roxy had been closed since May of 1973. It was one of the five theaters owned by Will Conner recently sold to the Mullendore family of Auburn. In 1975 the Tacoma Community Development Department began to explore the idea of taking over the building to create a showcase for the performing arts. The City purchased the building in 1979 and it, once again known as the Pantages, opened as a performing arts center in February of 1983. Also in this photograph is the Winthrop Hotel, across the street from the Roxy. The Deli, a new restaurant located on the site's ground floor, was scheduled to open in July of 1974. Photograph ordered by the North Pacific Trade Center, Inc. BU -11178 (TNT 7-9-74, A-5 article on reopening; Kipp: Tacoma Rediviva, p. 74-article )

Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1970-1980; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Tacomans turn out in droves at 11 a.m. on August 22, 1936 to see the first circus parade in years, passing by the Roxy Theatre, 901 Broadway, now known as the Pantages. The Cole Brothers- Clyde Beatty Circus is in town, featuring young wild animal trainer Clyde Beatty. Marquees indicate the Roxy Theatre, the Music Box, at 902-14 Broadway, destroyed by fire 4/30/1963, and the Rialto, 310 So. 9th. In the back right of the photo is the First Baptist Church, 902 Market St.

Circus parades--Tacoma--1930-1940; Horse teams--Tacoma; Flags; Spectators--Tacoma; Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Music Box Theatre (Tacoma); First Baptist Church (Tacoma);

Tacoma was treated to an afternoon parade when Knights Templar from all over the state gathered here for the 51st Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Washington. Men in the traditional plumed hats with a large group of flag bearers behind them. The Roxy Theatre is in the background. The Roxy later became the Pantages. (T. Times 5/9/1938)

Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Knights Templar (Tacoma);