A woman contortionist performed on the dance floor with her legs elevated on two tables on either side of her body in a split formation . Her body is lower than her feet. Groups of people who are seated at tables around dance floor applaud her performance during the Halloween party sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission at the Top of the Ocean. Ordered by Will Maylon.

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Dinner parties--Tacoma--1950-1960; Halloween--Social life; Stunt performers--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma;

Employees of Sears, Roebuck & Co. attended a banquet held at the Top of the Ocean in October, 1950. The photograph commissioned by Mr. Moore of Sears Roebuck showed the head table with amusing signs and slogans.

Sears, Roebuck & Co. (Tacoma)--People--1950-1960; Group portraits--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Three men hold ukeleles with heads stuck on top of the necks while they sing in front of a microphone at the Halloween party sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission at the Top of the Ocean. A man in the background is playing a white piano while the crowd looks on. Ordered by Will Maylon.

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Dinner parties--Tacoma--1950-1960; Halloween--Social life; Entertainers--Tacoma; Pianos; Ukeleles;

Popular Hawaiian entertainer Alfred Apaka and his orchestra appeared before a large crowd of Tacoma Athletic Commission members and guests in early October, 1950, at the Top of the Ocean. Dressed in white, Mr. Apaka is holding a ukulele. Standing next to him is Lila Reiplinger, a noted hula dancer.They are flanked by two members of the T.A.C. Alfred Apaka was well-known not only in the Islands but also on the Mainland and recorded many albums of Hawaiian melodies. (TNT 10-8-50, p. D-8)

Apaka, Alfred; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Events--Tacoma--1950-1960; Reiplinger, Lila; Ukuleles; Musical instruments--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

In 1949, Louie Grenier's Orchestra provided dance music at the Top of the Ocean throughout the season,Tuesday through Saturday. Louie Grenier had been a popular band leader in the Tacoma area since the 1930s. His orchestra had the distinction of a continuous Top of the Ocean engagement for the four years previous to 1949. L-R, back row, Don Wallen, trumpet and vocals; Bob Lind, drums; front row, Joe Martin, sax, clarinet and oboe; Morris Kenton, sax, clarinet and flute; Louis Grenier, sax, clarinet, organ and vocals; Bob Columbini, piano, celeste, organ and vocals. The orchestra, which played hit parade melodies and listed over 900 tunes for special requests from dancers, was featured at the restaurant for 27 years. (TNT, 3/1/1952, p.20)

Big bands--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Louie Grenier's Orchestra (Tacoma); Wallen, Don; Lind, Bob; Martin, Joe; Kenton, Morris; Grenier, Louie; Columbini, Bob;

Asbestos Workers Local #50 were hosts to the Western State Conference banquet held at the Top of the Ocean on February 23, 1952. TPL-745

Asbestos Workers' Union Local No. 50 (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Power Squadron's newly elected officers are shown at the Top of the Ocean. They are, L-R, Neil Armstrong, treasurer; Dr. Robert Sprenger, lieutenant commander; Cecil Powell, commander; Harvey Johnson, secretary. Back row, Ernie Thomson, past commander; Monta Boston, member of executive board; and Warren Rathbun, flag officer. Rufus Parker, new member of the executive board, was not present for the photograph. (TNT, 1/20/1952, p.B-9)

Tacoma Power Squadron (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Armstrong, Neil; Sprenger, Robert; Powell, Cecil E.; Johnson, Harvey; Thomson, Ernie; Boston, Monta; Rathbun, Warren;

The Golden Gloves Committee met at the Top of the Ocean. Amateur boxers from as far away as Vancouver, B.C. and Eugene, Oregon, were expected for the fourth annual Tacoma Golden Gloves tournament that was held at the College of Puget Sound fieldhouse. There were 48 entrants in the 1951 bout and 85 were expected this year. Shown are, L-R, seated: Carter Lee, Ken Purchase, Ples Irwin, George Sheridan, Ray Kelly, Henry Auge, and Charles Funk. Standing: Howie Welsh, John Rockway, Bob Martin, Jim Rondeau, Al Kemp, Vernie Reed, Clay Huntington, and Harry (Scotty) Weinstone. Ordered by Tacoma Athletic Commission. (TNT, 1/25/1952, p.C-9)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Boxing--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Washington State Tavern Association hosted a luncheon for women of the association and members' wives at the Top of the Ocean during the three day convention held in Tacoma. The large group of women are seen in front of and on the covered ramp up to the unique restaurant built in the shape of a ship. A sign advertises: "Smorgasbord Daily". (TNT, 10/21/1952, p.2)

Restaurants--Tacoma; Nightclubs--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Washington State Tavern Association (Tacoma); Women--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Six men take a break from their duties at the Top of the Ocean. Three of the men wear white uniforms and chef's hats. Magazines and an ash tray are seen on the table in front of them.

Restaurants--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Men--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Banquet for Gonzaga University Alumnae Association. Gonzaga alumnae from the Tacoma & Olympia areas and parents of current students gathered at the Top of the Ocean on 11/21/1953 to hear the president's report delivered by the Very Rev. Francis E. Corkery, S.J., president of the University. (TNT 11/15/1953, pg. B-5)

Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Alumni & alumnae--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gonzaga University Alumnae Association (Tacoma);

Jack Walters Night at the Tacoma Athletic Commission. Jack and Jeanne Walters pose with an unidentified couple plus a statue and caricature of Jack after his triumph in the National Left-handed golf championships. Jack, a winning southpaw golfer since he was 16, won on his seventh attempt at the championship. The golfer, known for his long drives, competed in his first national in 1937. In the 1940s, he took time out from golf to serve with the infantry as a sergeant during the Philippines campaign. He contracted malaria in the tropics and recuperated before returning to golf. His wife was a former city womens and Champion of Champions titlist. (TNT 7/19/1953, pg. B-9)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Walters, Jack J.; Walters, Jeanne; Golfers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

New and old officers of Marcetta-Ki pose for a group portrait at the Top of the Ocean restaurant on May 21, 1953. The girls belonged to a marching drill team from Lincoln High School. They participated in many events, including marching in the Daffodil parade. Photograph ordered by Mary Clinton.

Marcetta-Ki (Tacoma); Student organizations--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits;

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);

Tacoma Athletic Commission was located on the top levels of the Top of the Ocean restaurant. The club had private facilities and a separate entrance, available to all club members and their guests, many private events were scheduled in this area. View of snack bar at Tacoma Athletic Commission, nine stools surround the leather padded bar, coffee pots, menu board, and flower vases on the back counter; salt, pepper and sugar are located on the lunch counter.

Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Snack bars--Tacoma; Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Commission was busy planning many summer events, the baseball excursion was coming up and the club's facilities would be used to host a pre-baseball party and a victory celebration after the double header and return trip home. View of snack bar and lounge at Tacoma Athletic Commission, dance floor in center, tables, chairs and loveseats help create a relaxed atmosphere.

Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Lounges--Tacoma; Snack bars--Tacoma; Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

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;

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);

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);

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;

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);

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);

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 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;

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;

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;

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 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);

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 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;