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;

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;

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;

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;

Group of six Master Builders at Top of the Ocean restaurant in pleasant conversation on November 29, 1950. They were part of a thriving membership in the Master Builders Association, all of whom prided themselves in providing excellent workmanship to their clientele.

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

Tacoma Athletic Commission, Square dancing and style show, Elliott Metcalf. Bob Starkey was the caller for the square dancing revue put on for the members of the Tacoma Athletic Commission at the Top of the Ocean. Couples are dancing with arms around each other and the men have crossed arms in the middle. Several couples watch from the side lines. (TNT, 12/22/1949, p.20)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Square dancing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Couples--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Members of Tacoma Athletic Commission pose at fourth annual Anniversary party at the Top of the Ocean 2-20-1950. The party included the announcement of TAC's Sportsman of the Year. The previous year's winner Chuck Congdon, pro golfer, is second from right. Judge Hugh Rosellini is second from left. Future Tacoma Mayor John H. Anderson stands in their middle.

Events--Tacoma--1950-1960; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Congdon, Chuck; Rosellini, Hugh; Anderson, John H.;

Tacoma Athletic Commission would be remembering the past year's triumphs, including a $12,500 Tacoma Open-Golf Tournament, the Penn State and Washington State football game, Fourth of July Show at Tacoma Stadium and many other events. Howard R. Smith, 1948's T.A.C. club president, admires a mirror decorated for Christmas; his image appears to have been painted with a list of the major 1948 Tacoma Athletic Club events. (T. Times, 1/23/49, p. 21).

Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Christmas decorations; Bars--Tacoma; Lounges--Tacoma; Mirrors; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Smith, Howard R.;

Tacoma Athletic Commission celebrated Saint Patrick's Day with a "Wearing of the Green" party at their club. The club distributed clay pipes, shamrocks and green hats to the guests. Left to right, Ed Weymouth, Don Heerema, Laurilee Coon, Pat Heerema and Edna Weymouth at the Saint Patrick's Day celebration at the Tacoma Athletic Commission facilities (T. Times, 3/20/49, p. 22).

Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Celebrations--Tacoma; Holidays--Tacoma; Saint Patrick's Day--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Lt. Governor Emmett T. Anderson and family at testimonial dinner on September 7, 1956. Mr. Anderson, third from left, stands with his wife, daughter and son and their spouses at the Top of the Ocean. From L-R are Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Finnegan, Mr. Anderson and wife Lucille, and Mr. and Mrs. Burr Anderson. An overflowing crowd of nearly 540 people attended the Anderson testimonial. It was meant to be a non-political, non-fund raising event with only a large banner of Dwight D. Eisenhower as an indication of any political leanings. The Anderson family were owners of Anderson Printing Co., Inc. Mr. Anderson was very active in civic and fraternal affairs; he was the Past Exalted Ruler of Elks in Tacoma. He won the Republican nomination for Governor in 1956 but lost to Democrat State Senator Albert Rosellini. (TNT 9-8-56, p. 2) ALBUM 4.

Anderson, Emmett T.; Anderson, Emmett T.--Family; Finnegan, Maurice--Family; Anderson, Burritt B.--Family;

Lt. Governor Emmett Anderson, 1956 Republican nominee for Governor, 3rd from right in photo, with family at a testimonial dinner held at the Top of the Ocean. Mr. Anderson served as Lt. Governor from 1953-1957. He won the Republican nomination for Governor in 1956, defeating fellow Republican and State Attorney General Don Eastvold, but was to lose the general elections in November to State Senator Albert Rosellini, Democrat. (TNT 9-8-56, p. 2) ALBUM 4.

Anderson, Emmett T.; Anderson, Emmett T.--Family; Political elections--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Harry Haruyuki Taniguchi carefully holds his new wife's hand as they cut the elaborate wedding cake at the Top of the Ocean in a July, 1957, sepia photograph. The former Elsie Nobuko Yotsuuye is wearing a Chantilly lace and tule over satin gown with pointed lace sleeves. She has on a bouffant skirt and lace scalloped Sabrina neckline. Her fingertip veil is attached to a small tiara. Her husband has a light colored tuxedo with black bow tie. The nuptials occurred in the Fife Presbyterian Church with the Rev. J. Carey Campbell presiding. The new Mrs. Taniguchi is a senior at the University of Washington; her husband graduated from Washington State College. (TNT 7-21-57, D-6)

Wedding costume--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960; Weddings--1950-1960; Taniguchi, Harry; Yotsuuye, Elsie;

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;

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);

Women mobilize in the fight against polio with the Mothers March of Dimes annual campaign. Ten women pose on the steps of the Tacoma Athletic Commission's headquarters on Ruston Way on January 20, 1958. They each hold large posters with letters on them; together, they spell out "Mother's March." The Pierce County region was very active in collecting funds for the March of Dimes; the area was divided into several sections and campaigns were carefully planned to solicit donations. Those pictured above were invited by Betty (Mrs. Robert) Drost as representative of the 2000 Pierce County women who would join women across the nation on January 30, 1958, for the traditional grand finale of the drive. They would be calling on neighbors for donations for the continued care and rehabilitation of polio patients. Mrs. Drost is holding the letters "M" and "A" at the top right hand corner. Other names are listed in the News Tribune article of January 26, 1958. Sepia photograph ordered by the March of Dimes. (TNT 1-26-58, D-6)

March of Dimes (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Drost, Betty;

Tacoma Athletic Commission's was having their very first "Doe Night" party in October of 1947. Wives of Club members are helping plan the event. Left to right are, Jean K. Feek, Lenore E. Eckhardt and Pegge Ellis gift wrapping packages which contain the prizes to be awarded for those lucky at cards. The event is scheduled to have fun and exciting activities throughout the evening (T.Times, 10/11/47, p. 10).

Gifts; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Packaging; Awards; Parties--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Feek, Jean K.; Eckhardt, Lenore E.;

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);

This group of Shipmates are all wearing the latest summer "Sea and Sun" fashions, only available at Fisher's Department Store. Fisher's was about to have a grand opening on their third floor featuring the new "Fashion Center". Tacoma Yacht Club Shipmates and Fishers hosted the style show at the Top of the Ocean, where more than 718 people attended (T. Times, 4/19/47, p. 13).

Fashion shows--Tacoma; Fashion models--Tacoma; Patios--Tacoma; Spring--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Jorine Persing of Fisher's Department Store was the commentator for the 1947 fashion show featuring the bright new California designed "Sea and Sun" fashions. The Shipmates modeled and the Tacoma Yacht Club provided the boats, yachts and sailboats for the show. View of Shipmate wearing the latest in summer swim wear, she's enjoying the glorious sunshine (T. Times, 4/19/47, p. 13).

Fashion shows--Tacoma; Fashion models--Tacoma; Spring--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Bathing suits; Bathing beauties; Yachts--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);

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);

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 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);

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 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);