Tacoma's Junior League was busy planning their "Follies" show, scheduled for mid November at the Temple Theatre. Well known Tacoma artist, Peggy Strong, had designed the cover for the event's program. The show would include a variety of performances, which were sure to entertain their guests. View of a Junior League club member at the Top of the Ocean restaurant, where a "Follies" planning committee meeting was being held.

Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Women--Clubs--Tacoma; Junior League (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Athletic Commission had moved into the Top of the Ocean restaurant in December 1946. The restaurant was open to the public, and the club had private facilities in the upper deck areas. The Tacoma Athletic Commission held many events and celebrations for their more than 1500 members and their wives. View of Tacoma Athletic Commission's staff standing outside of the new facilities.

Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

The Tuberculosis League of Pierce County just received a new mobile x-ray unit. The mobile unit was purchased with funds from the sale of Christmas Seals, it was ordered two years ago, but the modern x-ray equipment was not ready until just a few weeks ago. The Tuberculosis League hopes to see a decrease in the mortality rates in Tacoma with this new modern equipment. The League celebrated their new acquisition with a luncheon at the Top of the Ocean restaurant this was followed by an x-ray exam in the new mobile unit. Names appear in newspaper (T. Times, 11/24/47, p. 2).

Radiography; Radiologists; Health care--Tacoma; Mobile health units--Tacoma; Clinics--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Christmas seals; Tuberculosis League of Pierce County (Tacoma);

Top of the Ocean was one of the most popular restaurants in Tacoma. They opened for business on December 15, 1946, and quickly became a top choice for many clubs, associations and organizations to hold their activities. The Tacoma Athletic Commission had private facilities within the restaurant. Located on the waterfront near the foot of McCarver St. on Ruston Way, the Top of the Ocean was destroyed by an arson fire on April 3, 1977. David Willard Levage was convicted for starting the fire. This photo appeared in a Tacoma Times advertisement. (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5). TPL-2130

Restaurants--Tacoma; Nightclubs--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Top of the Ocean was one of the most luxurious and beautiful dine and dance liners in the Pacific Northwest. The restaurant was open to the public throughout the week, they had a regular orchestra that played on Fridays and Saturdays. Bill Slater, was the head chef at the restaurant, Slater was known as a "World Famous Chef". Top of the Ocean offered their clients the very best. This image appeared in an advertisement in the Tacoma Times (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5). TPL-2523

Restaurants--Tacoma; Nightclubs--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Committee group of five at Top of the Ocean, Betty Lou Broz. The committee members planning the Tacoma Panhellenic luncheon and bridge party held February 7, 1948, met at the Top of the Ocean. All alumnae of national sororities were invited to attend the affair that was also held at the Top of the Ocean. L-R, they are, Wilma L. (Mrs. Arthur) Schmitz, Mary L. (Mrs. Edward I.) Broz, Beatrice R. (Mrs. Douglass C.) Welch, Marguerite B. (Mrs. Frederick L.) Clearman, and Mrs. T.G. Sutherland. (T.Times, 2/2/1948, p.11)

Tacoma Panhellenic Committee (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Schmitz, Wilma L.; Broz, Mary L.; Welch, Beatrice R.; Clearman, Marguerite B.; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Panhellenic Conference at Top of the Ocean, TNT, Frank Lockerby. The Panhellenic Association chose the theme of "Wear Your Pin" for their luncheon and bridge party on February 7, 1948. The decorations followed the sorority pin theme with large replicas of the embossed gold pins of each national sorority. A valentines motif was followed in the table decorations with red candles and heart-shaped table markers. Greek symbols are seen on the drapery behind these women. (T.Times, 2/2/1948, p11)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Panhellenic Conference (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Candles;

On February 6, 1948 the first Tacoma Panhellenic day luncheon was held at the Top of the Ocean. The theme for the day was "Wear Your Pin", and all Tacoma alumnae of national college sororities were invited. A prize was given to the sorority having the largest attendance. At the close of the formal program, the guests were escorted to the Tacoma Athletic Commission rooms for an afternoon of bridge. (T.Times, 2/2/1948, p.11)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Panhellenic Conference (Tacoma); Playing cards; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Smoking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cigarettes;

Tacoma Panhellenic Conference at Top of the Ocean, TNT, Frank Lockerby. Over 200 alumnae of national college sororities met at the Top of the Ocean for luncheon and bridge playing afterwards on Saturday, February 7th, 1948. "Wear Your Pin" was the theme of the first Tacoma Panhellenic Day. The ladies above were not identified. (T.Times, 2/2/1948, p.11-article; TNT 2-9-48, p. 4-article & various photographs)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Panhellenic Conference (Tacoma); Playing cards; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950;

University of Hawaii Basketball Team, TAC, Bob Sanders. The University of Hawaii's unbeaten basketball team visited Tacoma twice during February, 1948. They came to Tacoma as they began their five-game tour of the Pacific Northwest on February 19th. They left Tacoma that day and returned February 25th to play the Pacific Lutheran College's Lutes. The Lutes defeated the Hawaiians 65 - 54. The team, coached by Art Gallon, is shown here at the Tacoma Athletic Commission with TAC's president Howard R. Smith,second from the right in the back row. (T.Times, 2/19/1948, p.8)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Smith, Howard R.; University of Hawaii (Hawaii); Basketball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Basketball players--Hawaii; Group portraits; Students--Hawaii--1940-1950;

Day Nursery Style Show at the Top of the Ocean, Jerry Hurley, Rhodes Brothers. The Tacoma Day Nursery held a style show March 11, 1948, at the Top of the Ocean. The event opened with a smorgasboard luncheon followed by the style show. Members and their guests were invited to pay cards afterwards. The style show was in the form of a playlet in five scenes, depicting wardrobe needs of a full day from morning negligee to the evening's dance gown. 500 guests were present for the show which was co-sponsored by Rhodes Department Store. (T.Times, 2/27/1948, pj.12; 3/13/1948, p.11)

Tacoma Day Nursery (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lingerie; Beds;

On April 5, 1948, the Top of the Ocean had out a Welcome banner for Gretchen Kunigk Fraser, the first American skier to win an Olympic event. Mrs. Fraser won a Gold Medal (first place) for the special slalom and a Silver Medal (second place) for the Alpine combined downhill and slalom in the 1948 Winter Olympics. The Tacoma Athletic Commission was hosting a dinner at the Ruston Way restaurant for Mrs. Fraser. More than 600 people, including Tacoma mayor C. Val Fawcett, crammed the restaurant to its ceilings to honor the former Tacoma resident. (T.Times, 4/6/1948, p.5) TPL-2220

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Olympic skier and medalist from Tacoma, Gretchen Kunigk Fraser, was honored with a reception sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission on April 5, 1948. She is shown seated at the daffodil-covered head table with Mayor C. Val Fawcett, T.A.C. ski committee chair Jerry Geehan, and Howard R. Smith, T.A.C. president. A gift of silver candelabras was presented to Mrs. Fraser by Mr. Smith and Mr. Geehan. Mrs. Fraser in the same busy weekend also rode in the 15th annual Daffodil Parade and attended the Tacoma Ski Club's first annual Daffodil races. ALBUM 9.

Athletes; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Smith, Howard R.; Geehan, Jerry; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Commission Dinner for Gretchen Kunigk Fraser. Tacoma skier Gretchen Kunigk Fraser, winner of 1948 Olympic Gold and Silver medals for Alpine skiing, in a publicity photo for the Tacoma Athletic Commission on April 5, 1948. Gretchen is seen here with her mother, Clara Kunigk, of Tacoma. The man on the left is not identified. The man on the right is possibly her brother, Bill Kunigk. The Tacoma Athletic Commission honored Gretchen Fraser with a dinner/reception at the Top of the Ocean; over 600 people were in attendance.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Kunigk, Clara;

The Tacoma Athletic Commission celebrates the victory of Olympic Gold and Silver Medal winner Gretchen Kunigk Fraser by holding a dinner in her honor at the Top of The Ocean restaurant on April 5, 1948. Mayor Val Fawcett escorts Mrs. Fraser under a salute of crossed ski poles held by an Honor Guard representing the Tacoma Ski Team. Tacoma-raised Gretchen Fraser won in the Alpine skiing races at the 1948 Winter Olympics held in St. Moritz, placing first in the Slalom for a Gold Medal and second in the Alpine Combined race for a Silver Medal. TPL-5699, TPL-5049. ALBUM 9.

Athletes; Skiers; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Tacoma Ski Club (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Club Dinner for Gretchen Fraser. More than 600 people jammed the Top of the Ocean to pay tribute to the Olympic Champion, Gretchen Kunigk Fraser. The Tacoma Ski Team was also honored that evening. Several young men line the outdoor stairway to the top of the Top of the Ocean singing and holding ski poles. (TNT, 4/6/1948, p.1) TPL-2220

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Medals; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Ski Team (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Mayor C. Val Fawcett escorts Gretchen Kunigk Fraser under crossed ski poles held by a Honor Guard during the April 5, 1948, Tacoma Athletic Commission reception celebrating her victories at the 1948 Winter Olympics. Members of the Tacoma Ski Club smile as they cross poles. Tacoma residents, 600 strong, welcomed back their hometown girl at the T.A.C. reception held at the Top of the Ocean. Also in attendance was Mrs. Fraser's husband, Don, who was a member of the 1936 Winter Olympic team. ALBUM 9. (TNT 4-6-48, p. 1)

Athletes; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Tacoma Ski Club (Tacoma);

April 5, 1948, Tacoma Athletic Commission reception in honor of Gretchen Kunigk Fraser, 8th from L, after her victory in the 1948 Winter Olympics. Seated next to Mrs. Fraser is Tacoma mayor C. Val Fawcett. Others at the head table during the Top of the Ocean reception are Leon Titus, 2nd from L; W.A and Clara Kunigk, honoree's parents; her husband Don Fraser, 6th from L; Jerry Geehan of the T.A.C. ski committee, 6th from R; T.A.C. president Howard R. Smith, 4th from R. Mrs. Fraser had won both Gold and Silver medals at St. Moritz. Prior to her award winning performances, Mrs. Fraser had appeared on the silver screen as the skiing double for Sonja Henie in "Thin Ice," filmed at Paradise Inn in 1937. ALBUM 9.

Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fraser, Don, 1914-1994; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Smith, Howard R.; Geehan, Jerry; Titus, Leon E.; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Kunigk, W.A.;

Tacoma Athletic Commission Dinner for Gretchen Fraser. Gretchen Fraser, winner of the 1948 Olympic Gold Medal for the special slalom, was the first American skier to win an Olympic event. Here she is seen presenting the Tacoma Athletic Commission perpetual trophy for the Women's Daffodil Cup race to Janette Burr, winner and holder of the National Women's downhill title. The perpetual trophy was to be known as the Gretchen Kunigk Fraser Trophy. (TNT, 4/6/1948, p.14)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Medals; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Burr, Janette;

Tacoma Athletic Commission reception in April, 1948, in honor of Gretchen Kunigk Fraser's victory in the 1948 Winter Olympics. Husband Don Fraser is to her left in photo, Mayor C. Val Fawcett is in background at far left. Olympic rings are hung over a winter backdrop. Mrs. Fraser captured the gold medal in women's slalom. Howard R. Smith, president of the T.A.C., and Jerry Geehan, chairman of the ski committee, present Mrs. Fraser with a pair of silver candelabras. The woman to the rear of the Frasers is believed to be Mrs. Fraser's mother, Clara (Mrs. W.A.) Kunigk. ALBUM 9. (TNT 4-6-48, p. 1)

Athletes; Skiers; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fraser, Don, 1914-1994; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Smith, Howard R.; Geehan, Jerry; Candelabras;

Tacoma skier Gretchen Kunigk Fraser displays her 1948 Olympic Gold and Silver medals, the first ever won by a skier from the United States in Alpine skiing, in a photograph taken for the Tacoma Athletic Commission. On April 5, 1948, 475 people attended a special reception for Mrs. Fraser given by TAC at the Top of the Ocean restaurant. Gretchen Fraser was given a lifetime membership in the Tacoma Athletic Commission, the first such honor given to a woman and only the fourth given to that date. The other three recipients were General Dwight D. Eisenhower, General Jonathan Wainwright, and Col. James Stack. (T.Times, 4/6/1948, p.5) ALBUM 9.

Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Medals; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Gretchen Kunigk Fraser accepts flowers from Mayor C. Val Fawcett during a Tacoma Athletic Commission reception in honor of her victory at the 1948 Winter Olympics. Husband Don Fraser is far left in this April 5, 1948, photo. More than 600 people jammed the Top of the Ocean to pay tribute to the hometown gold & silver medalist. Mrs. Fraser won her medals in skiing at the Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland. ALBUM 9.

Athletes; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fraser, Don, 1914-1994; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Roses; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Gretchen Fraser points out her name in the decorations during a Tacoma Athletic Commission reception in honor of her victory at the 1948 Winter Olympics. Husband Don Fraser, a former Olympian, is to her right in this April 5, 1948, photo. Gretchen, the daughter of W.A. and Clara Kunigk, was also welcomed back home as she rode in the weekend's Daffodil Parade. She had won both gold and silver medals in Alpine during the Winter Olympics which were held in St. Moritz, Switzerland. ALBUM 9.

Athletes; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fraser, Don, 1914-1994; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Flower arrangements;

Tacoma Athletic Commission was promoting the second annual baseball excursion. Tacoma baseball fans were invited to take a railroad trip to Yakima to watch a June 20, 1948, double header between the Tacoma Tigers and the Yakima Packers. Both teams are part of the Western International League. View of members of the Tacoma Athletic League holding up publicity signs for the exciting upcoming game (T. Times, 6/4/48, p. 11).

Committees--Tacoma; Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Delegations--Tacoma; Baseball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Announcements--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Joey Maxim is in Tacoma ready to go against Roy Hawkins in a 10 round bout at the Tacoma Ice Palace. This fight is one of the most important events in the heavy weight titles. Left to right, Al Del Monte, long time friend of Maxim and trainer, Elliot Metcalf, Manager of Tacoma Athletic Commission, and Joey Maxim, Cleveland heavy weight, club sign in background (T. Times, 5/24/48, p. 11).

Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma; Boxing--Tacoma; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Maxim, Joey;

Portrait of Howard R. Smith taken on June 15, 1948. Mr. Smith was president for several years of the Tacoma Athletic Commission. The T.A.C. was sponsoring a two-day golf tournament in June at the Tacoma Country & Golf Club. Publicity photograph of Howard R. Smith wearing a suit, tie and french cuff shirt with cuff links; he is smoking a cigarette.

Golf--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Smith, Howard R.; Smoking--Tacoma;

As a special feature of the Tacoma Athletic Commission's baseball excursion to Yakima on Sunday June 20, 1948 Tacoma's manufactures sent boxes of Tacoma made products to Yakima to be given away at the baseball stadium. An estimated 500 fans from Tacoma attended the Sunday double-header between the Tigers and the Packers; Tacoma won both games by scores of 5 to 4 and 6 to 2. Before the baseball train left from Tacoma several T.A.C. officers and excursion committee members posed in front of the Top of the Ocean restaurant with a stack of gift cartons. Left to right are: Al Hunt (kneeling), who "sold" most of the manufacturers on the goodwill venture; Ted Haakinson, excursion chairman; Frank Gillihan, T.A.C. baseball chairman; Steve Pease; Jim Petersen; Jack Sonntag and T.A.C. president Howard R. Smith. (TNT, 6/18/1948, p. 17).

Athletic Clubs--Tacoma; Committees--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Announcements--Tacoma; Baseball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Delegations--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Commission moved into their new headquarters in December 1946. The club occupied the upper levels of the Top of the Ocean restaurant, these areas were only accessible to club members. The club did rent their facilities out to community clubs and organizations. Tacoma Athletic Commission sponsored many sporting events, such as baseball, basketball, football games and boxing, throughout Tacoma and its surrounding areas. View of Tacoma Athletic Commission officials posing for publicity photos, at the club.

Publicity; Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Jacqueline Mayna Schore announced her engagement to Robert W. Anderson Jr. of Olympia. Her close friends and family gathered for a luncheon held at the Top of the Ocean restaurant, hosted by her mother, Laura Schore. Jacqueline graduated from Stadium High School and attended College of Puget Sound. Her fianc�, Robert, attended St. Martin's College and University of Alaska, he also served as Captain in the Air Corps during World War II. View of Jacqueline standing by the water skiing motif table (T. Times, 7/10/48, p. 9).

Banquets--Tacoma; Table settings & decorations; Marriage proposals; Cakes--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Schore, Jacqueline Mayna; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

ca. 1946. Construction on the Top of the Ocean, Tacoma's premier dine and dance spot. The Top of the Ocean was a nightclub and restaurant built to resemble an ocean liner. It opened December 15, 1946. It was built by developers Allen Rau and Bert Sundgren for a cost of $100,000 from a design by architect C.A. Kenworthy. To give it an authentic nautical air Tacoma Boat Mart served as the contractor. All labor and materials came from Tacoma. The all electric building could seat up to 700 and had a floating dock that could accomodate up to 20 yachts, with sea plane taxi service available on Sundays. It was known affectionately as "The Top" to Tacomans. In 1948, it was purchased by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. It was the end of an era when the restaurant burned in 1977. David Williard Levage was convicted of arson in connection with the fire. The remainder of the building was demolished and never rebuilt.

Restaurants--Tacoma; Nightclubs--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);