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 hosting the first annual city league dinner and stag party. Frank Gillihan, Tacoma Athletic Commission prexy and evergreen Conference Commissioner of Officials, would be presenting the trophy to the city league baseball champions. Tacoma Athletic Commission officials stated the event was a "strictly stag affair" no women were invited (T.N.T., 8/29/49, p. 8).

Awards; Men--Social life--1940-1950; Baseball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Events--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Ed "Porky" Oliver, nationally prominent professional golfer, from Seattle's Inglewood Country Club was the guest speaker at the awards presentation banquet being held at the Top of the Ocean by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. View of the golfers that participated in the city amateur and the city women's crown golf tournament (T.N.T., 9/16/49, p. D-2).

Awards; Golfers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Social life--1940-1950; Organizations' facilities--Tacoma; Tournaments--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

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;

Richard Wagner (center) won this handsome turkey at the Pharaoh Club's 5th annual Thanksgiving dance held on Thursday November 24, 1949 at the Top of the Ocean. Holding Mr. Wagner's turkey, while Miss Janet McMath tickles its breast feathers, is Gene Nelson. The Pharaoh Club was a young men's social group organized by a small number of students in 1939; by 1949 the groups membership had grown. Since Mr. Wagner did not win his turkey until Thanksgiving evening, we must assume that he kept it as a pet - at least until Christmas. (TNT 11/13/1949 p.D-4; 11/27/1949 p.D-1)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Nightclubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pharaoh Club (Tacoma); Turkeys; Nelson, Gene; Wagner, Richard; McMath, Janet; Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Holidays--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On Friday the 13th of January, 1950, the worst blizzard in years hit Tacoma. The gale brought five foot snow drifts, twenty degree chills, several hours of 40-60 mph winds and an estimated million dollars worth of storm damage in Tacoma. As pictured, the bulkhead near the "bow" of the Top of the Ocean, the Tacoma Athletic Commission's Ruston Way nightclub shaped like a ship, collapsed. However, the club itself did not suffer extensive damage. Waves 20 feet high broke over Ruston Way during the storm. The freezing temperatures brought in by the storm stayed until the middle of the following week. In the background is the Henry Mill. Ordered by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. TPL-8836

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts; Storms--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A luncheon meeting at the Top of the Ocean was one of the highlights of the annual convention of the Washington State Council of Administrative Women in Education held in Tacoma April 21 and 22, 1950. Visitors came from each of the five branch organizations within Washington. Ordered by Miss Mildred White, President of the Tacoma branch, a concultant in elementary education for Pierce County schools. Names are listed in the newspaper. (TNT, 4/21/1950, p.C-5; 4/26/1950, p.12)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Hats--1950-1960; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Washington State Council of Administrative Women in Education (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Tacoma Chamber of Commerce entertained the armed forces Friday night of Armed Forces Week at the Top of the Ocean in May of 1950. A Military Ball was to complete the week's festivities on Saturday night and was held at the Elks Ballroom. Ordered by the Tribune, Barbara Dana. (TNT, 5/24/1950, p.11)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Balls (Parties)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Military uniforms; Ball dresses;

Several employees of the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Company pose at a retirement dinner held at the Top of the Ocean on August 8, 1950. All the women are wearing large corsages along with their broad smiles.

Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma); Women--Tacoma--1950-1960; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Telephone companies--Tacoma;

In celebration of their 25th anniversary, radio and television manufacturer Packard Bell hosts their dealers at the Top of the Ocean. N. Earl Davisson, Packard Bell distributer, was the host. The phenomenal growth of the television industry was outlined in a speech by company Vice President Joe E. Spain. In prewar 1940, Packard Bell's total volume of business was $1,600,000. The war brought a shift to military communications manufacturing. Post war business volume was $6,000,000 in 1949 and $18,000,000 in 1950. (TNT 2/8/1951, pg. B-6)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Televisions--1950-1960; Packard Bell Co. (Tacoma);

Exposure of amateur boxing brothers Pat and Mike McMurtry and their family for the Tacoma Athletic Commission boxing awards at the Top of the Ocean. A "no host" dinner was given March 16, 1951 to honor local amateur boxing stars Pat and Mike McMurtry. It was sponsored by TAC which had placed Pat's name on its Hall of Fame plaque in the Club's lounge. Pat won the Northwest Golden Gloves Golden Boy 1951 award as well as the light heavyweight title of that classic in Seattle. He was the winner of the 1951 Tacoma Golden Gloves crown for that division, as well as the Western Canada Diamond Belt Championship in Vancouver, B.C. Mike, the younger brother of Pat, won the Oregon state heavyweight title and the Western Canada Diamond Belt crown. Between them, the brothers scored five title victories during the last Northwest amateur season- a Tacoma record. Burt McMurtrie, newscaster and long time booster of the brothers, was the master of ceremonies. (TNT 3/16/1951, pg. 26)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); McMurtry, Pat; Boxing--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1950-1960; McMurtry, Mike;

Two water-skiers were just one of the acts that entertained the large crowd that gathered on Commencement Bay at the Tacoma Athletic Club's Water Carnival on August 26, 1950. Spectators watched the activities from both decks of the Top of the Ocean, 2217 Ruston Way. The Ski-Quatic Follies, Seattle, provided the entertainment which included diving, clown jumps, wake jumping and slalom skiing. (TNT 8-25-50, p. 20)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Events--Tacoma--1950-1960; Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Water skiing--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A large contingent of Master Builders met at the Top of the Ocean restaurant on November 29, 1950. The group was composed of local contractors and others in the building industry who were proud of their craftsmanship. They had their association headquarters at 1103 1/2 Division Ave.

Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Vaudeville Party at the Top of the Ocean, photograph ordered by Tacoma Actors Guild. Two men and three women, acting as restaurant staff, at bar. For Tacoma Actors Guild, Frank Murtough.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Actors Guild (Tacoma); Parties--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Vaudeville Party at the Top of the Ocean, photograph ordered by the Tacoma Actors Guild.. Man at microphone addressing audience seated at tables around dance floor. Two of the columns in the room have sea shell decorations near top of column. For Tacoma Actors Guild, Frank Murtough.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Actors Guild (Tacoma); Parties--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Peeking through the woven bamboo setting are Tacoma Athletic Commission members (kneeling) Salem Nourse and L.B. MacDonald. Standing are Margaret (Mrs. Salem) Nourse and Myra and E.R. Fetterolf. They were part of a large gathering that attended the T.A.C. Hawaiian dinner-dance held at the Top of the Ocean on October 2, 1950. Alfred Apaka, celebrated Hawaiian orchestra leader, and his band entertained. (TNT 10-15-50, p. D-4)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Events--Tacoma--1950-1960; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Nourse, Salem; MacDonald, L.B.; Nourse, Margaret; Fetterolf, Myra J.; Fetterolf, E.R.;

A woman acrobat provided part of the evenings entertainment at the Halloween party sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission on October 30, 1950. In this photograph she is balancing on the platform at the top of a small step-platform with her toes pointed straight up at the ceiling. The acrobate is probably Patsy Jean Smith, who studied acrobatics at the Barclay School in Seattle. Mr. Barclay also taught at the Lewis Harter Studios, 945 1/2 Broadway in Tacoma. The Athletic Commission Halloween party was held at the Top of the Ocean. (T. Times 10-06-1948 p.5) 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;

The Empire Crafts Corporation sponsored a pep-rally and dinner at the Top of the Ocean on July 10, 1957. Signs of encouragement are posted on the back wall urging support from employees. There is a wide variety of fine dinnerware and silverware plus a radio which may have been incentive prizes. Photograph ordered by Empire Crafts Corporation.

Empire Crafts Corporation (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

All America City Banquet held January 15, 1957 at the Top of the Ocean. Federal Judge George H. Boldt was chosen as the Master of Ceremonies for this event honoring Tacoma as one of 11 All America Cities selected by Look Magazine and the National Municipal League. Since the award was partially based on Tacoma's success in cleaning up its vice problem, the selection of federal judge Boldt was particularly appropriate. Seated to the right of Boldt is Karen Anderson (only partially visible) daughter of Mayor John Anderson, Tacoma Mayor John Anderson and Mrs. Frank Backstrom, wife of Tacoma's first City Manager. (TNT 1/15/1957, pg. 1 & 1/16/1957, pg 1+) G 10.1-054

Awards; Boldt, George H.;

All America City Banquet held January 15, 1957 at the Top of the Ocean. Seattle businessman Myron Law represented the National Municipal League, co-sponsor of the award. During the presentation he noted the effort to bring Tacoma an efficient form of government but warned that "government is no stronger than its citizens demand." He warned against allowing civic muscles to become weak through disuse and neglect. The All-America City Award recognized progress through intelligent civic action. Tacoma was being singled out for their change from a fifty year old form of government by commission to the council-manager form of government. Great strides had also been made to clean Tacoma of vice and prostitution. (TNT 1/15/1957, pg. 1 & 1/16/1957, pg 1+) G 10.1-049

Awards; Law, Myron;

All America City Banquet held January 15, 1957 at the Top of the Ocean. Tacoma was presented with the All America City award by Look Magazine and the National Municipal League in recognition of progress achieved through intelligent city action. Pictured at the VIP table are Back Row, L-R: Jack (J.D.) Powell- President of the Tacoma Municipal League, an unidentified couple, Mr and Mrs. Myron C. Law- Seattle businessman and council member of the National Municipal League, George B. Leonard - western editor of Look Magazine, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Backstrom- Tacoma's first City Manager. Front Row: Mr. and Mrs. Don Webster- University of Washington, Mr. and Mrs. Roe Shaub- celebration chairman, Judge George Boldt- master of ceremonies, Karen Anderson- daughter of the Mayor and Tacoma Mayor John Anderson. (TNT 1/15/1957, pg. 1 & 1/16/1957, pg 1+) G 10.1 ALBUM 14

Awards; Powell, J.D; Law, Myron; Leonard, George; Backstrom, Frank; Webster, Don; Shaub, Roe; Boldt, George H.; Anderson, Karen; Anderson, John H.; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The City of Tacoma was proud to accept the 1956 All-America City Award on January 15, 1957. A special banquet was held in celebration at the Top of the Ocean. The award was presented to the City in recognition of progress achieved through intelligent citizen action. J.D. Powell, president of the Tacoma Municipal League, accepts the framed award from George Leonard of Look Magazine and Myron Law, Seattle businessman and council member of the National Municipal League. Tacoma was honored as one of the top eleven cities in the nation in the annual contest sponsored by the National Municipal League and Look Magazine. Tacoma's entry was sponsored by the American Association of University Women, the League of Women Voters and the Tacoma Municipal League. Photograph ordered by the City of Tacoma. (TNT 12-23-56, A-7, TNT 1/15/1957, pg. 1+) G10.1-056

Awards; Powell, J.D.; Leonard, George; Law, Myron;

Seattle businessman Cliff Warling (left) presented Lincoln football players Duane Lowell (center) and Jack Walters the trophy bearing his name at the Lincoln High School football banquet held at the Top of the Ocean on December 8, 1954. The trophy was given each year to the team selected as the best high school football team in the state by a poll of the Associated Press sportswriters in Washington. This was the second time that Lincoln had received this honor in the award's eight years. They also won the Class A trophy in 1948. Norm Mayer was the coach in both 1948 and '54. Lowell played left end and Walters left guard as starters for the Lincoln team. Both players were named to the All-City team in a poll of head coaches; Lowell and Walters were also team co-captains. Photograph ordered by Lincolnian yearbook. (TNT 12-1-54, C-9; TNT 12-5-54, C-18; 1955 Lincolnian yearbook) TPL-9113

Awards; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Football players--Tacoma--1950-1960; Warling, Cliff; Lowell, Duane; Walters, Jack;

Many Tacoma Master Builders Association members enjoyed the Spike Banquet at the Top of the Ocean on November 16, 1954. Seated are Ed Miller, Gordon Korsmo, and Walter Witte. Standing are Robert Cowden, Leo Nelson, two unidentified women, Don Murphy and Art Manley. Del Belfoy was absent in this sepia photograph. Of interest to the membership is a large banner behind the group promoting the N.A.M.B. convention and exposition in Chicago the following January

Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Group portraits;

View of head table at banquet. Governor Albert Rosellini was one of the honored guests at the 1963 Washington State Sports Hall of Fame awards banquet on February 6, 1963. The Sports Hall of Fame had been established by the Tacoma Athletic Commission by one of its founders, Clay Huntington, in 1960. Each year a number of candidates are nominated to be voted upon by top sportswriters and sportscasters from throughout the state. Those elected are recognized for their outstanding sports accomplishments and honor they have brought to themselves and the State of Washington. At the head table above in this 1963 photograph are also local lumberman and philanthropist Ben Cheney (seated second to left) and All-star shortstop, Maury Wills (next to Gov. Rosellini). Five men were elected to the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Hall of Fame: Don Paul, George Wise, Frank Gillihan, Jack Walters and Jack Connor. Those honorees are believed to be standing in the above picture behind the head table; names not necessarily in order. (TNT 2-7-63, C-7) (www.washingtonsportshalloffame.com/index2.htm)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Awards; Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Rosellini, Albert D.; Wills, Maury; Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971;

These employees of Pacific Northwest Bell were honored with a banquet at the Top of the Ocean on April 12, 1967, for their continued participation in the T.E.R.O. (Telephone Employees Recreational Organization) Galloneer Club. Each man received a certificate denoting the number of units of blood he had contributed. It appears that Cliff Mayfield, seated right, may have been the top donor at 31 units of blood. Other men honored with Leonard Fischer with 24 units, Loyd Wilbur with 17, Joel Stumph with 25, a Mr. Olson, and Jim Newton with 12 units. Gentleman in the center with no certificate was not identified. Photograph ordered by Pacific Northwest Bell.

Awards; Blood donations--Tacoma; Mayfield, Cliff; Fischer, Leonard; Wilbur, Loyd; Stumph, Joel; Newton, Jim;

Washington State Historical Society president Reno Odlin (r) extends a warm handshake of congratulations to noted sculptor James A. Wehn on November 30, 1968, at the presentation of a plaque commemorating Mr. Wehn's selection as a David Douglas Fellow. The plaque was also signed by secretary Bruce LeRoy and given to Mr. Wehn at the Top of the Ocean. The woman in the photograph is Lillian K. Wehn, his wife. Among his many accomplishments, James Wehn created the iconic Chief Seattle statue in 1912. Photograph ordered by Washington State Historical Society.

Awards; Wehn, James A.; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; Washington State Historical Society (Tacoma); Wehn, Lillian K.; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

Jubilant United Good Neighbors executives and volunteers celebrated the conclusion of its 1971 fund raising campaign with a luncheon held at the Top of the Ocean restaurant on November 12, 1971. Campaign chairman Robert P. Mallon (l) displays a painting of a ship in full sail. The painting is entitled "The Salesman Ship," and its sails marked with noble attributes - discipline, perseverance, enthusiasm, product knowledge and service, among others. This is believed to be the special award given to Mr. Mallon for his dedicated service and inspired leadership during the campaign. Director Howard Boyle assists in displaying the award. Contributions to the United Good Neighbors Fund totaled $1,351.604 to date which was 70% of the 1971 goal. Even though it had not met the $1,928,000 goal, it still exceeded the previous year's collection mark of $1.250,516. Photograph ordered by United Good Neighbors Fund of Pierce County. (TNT 11-9-71, p. 1- article; TNT 11-12-71, p. 1-article)

United Good Neighbors (Tacoma); Community service--Tacoma--1970-1980; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fund raising--Tacoma--1970-1980; Mallon, Robert P.; Boyle, Howard;