ca. 1925. Large group of men in business suits outside of the Mayor's office in the (Old) City Hall at 625 Commerce St. The men are unidentified in this circa 1925 photograph with the exception of the man seated second to the right who is thought to be Dr. Hinton Jonez, prominent Tacoma physician.

Municipal government--Tacoma--1930-1940; Old City Hall (Tacoma);

Sepia photograph of new city officers at (Old) City Hall. Left to Right: Frank Callender, C. Val Fawcett, Mayor George A. Smitley, Abner R. Bergersen, Ira S. Davisson. Mr. Callender and Mayor Smitley won election bids on March 13, 1934, but were not sworn in until June 4, 1934. Mr. Smitley defeated Dr. John C. Siegle by 5325 votes while Frank Callender was elected as the new Public Safety Commissioner. Voters also rejected the city manager proposal whereby freeholders would have been elected on May 1st in order that the city charter might be revised to provide for a city manager plan. Val Fawcett had been re-elected Finance Commissioner; he, the new mayor, and Mr. Callender took oaths of office on June 4th administered by city clerk, Genevieve Martin. Mr. Bergersen was already Public Works Commissioner and Mr. Davisson, Public Utilities Commissioner. These men composed the re-organized city council. (T.Times, 3-14-34, p. 1, 6-4-34, p. 1) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Callender, Frank T.; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Bergersen, Abner R.; Davisson, Ira; Municipal government--Tacoma;

ca. 1935. Mayor George A. Smitley with Ethlynne "Skit" Smith (later Babson) and Ellis-Ayr Smith at his office in (Old) City Hall circa 1935. The Smith sisters were noted local skiers, Ellis-Ayr being a U.S. team member for the 1936 Winter Olympic Games at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Skiers; Babson, Ethlynne; Smith, Ethlynne; Smith, Ellis-Ayr; Families--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Mayor Melvin G. Tennent, right, shakes hands with "Banjo King" Eddie Peabody at (Old) City Hall. Edwin Ellsworth "Eddie" Peabody, 1902-1970, was a well known vaudeville star. The 24 year old performer was appearing in person for the first time in Tacoma, from 12/2- 12/29/1927, at the Broadway Theater. The diminutive blue eyed, blonde haired young man was an expert on all stringed instruments, playing with proficiency the banjo, violin, mandolin, guitar, harp and others. While in town, he also made guest appearances to autograph his records at Sherman Clay Co., Hopper Kelly and Rhodes Bro. (TDL 12/2/1927, pg. 7- info only) (Argentum) (listed in Richards notes as A2438)

Peabody, Eddie; Banjos; Mayors--Tacoma--1920-1930; Tennent, Melvin Green;

City Clerk Genevieve Martin administers the oath of office to Public Safety Commissioner Holmes Eastwood at (old) City Hall on June 6, 1938. Mr. Eastwood replaced Frank T. Callender as head of Public Safety; Mr. Callender (not pictured) was present to greet his successor with a handshake. Mr. Eastwood was very dapper in a blue coat, white trousers and white shoes. Mr. Eastwood reportedly brought his own desk and chair to city government, "Should I get kicked out of here, they'll have to kick out my desk and chair, too." One of his first official acts as Safety Commissioner was to give out-of-city motorists a parking break by issuing cards allowing them to park on downtown streets without fear of overtime tickets It would be a means to encourage tourism in the city's core. (T. Times, 6-6-38, p. 14, 6-7-38, p.13)

Eastwood, Holmes; Oaths--Tacoma; Martin, Genevieve; Municipal government--Tacoma;

Newly elected Mayor Val Fawcett takes the oath of office from city clerk Genevieve Martin at (Old) City Hall on June 3, 1946. In May of 1943, Val Fawcett had assumed the office of Acting Mayor to allow Mayor Harry P. Cain to serve in the Army. Val Fawcett was elected mayor in 1946 and served until 1950. He had previously served several terms as Tacoma's Finance Commissioner. No stranger to politics, he was the son of A.V. ("Fighting") Fawcett, controversial four time Mayor of Tacoma. Miss Martin was a long term municipal employee who administered the oath to several of Tacoma's Mayors. TPL-4909. ALBUM 14. (T. Times 6-3-46, p. 1)

Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Oaths--Tacoma; Martin, Genevieve; Municipal government--Tacoma;

C. Val Fawcett takes the oath as City Finance Commissioner for the third time from Clerk Genevieve Martin at (old) City Hall on June 6, 1938. Newly installed Mayor John C. Siegle looks on smilingly. Mr. Fawcett would serve multiple terms as finance commissioner for the city. He would go on to become acting mayor during Mayor Harry P. Cain's absence during WWII and then be elected mayor in March, 1946. In 1938, Ms. Martin had already held the position of City Clerk for 16 years. (T.Times, 6-6-38, p. 14)

Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Oaths--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Martin, Genevieve;

Public Safety Commissioner Holmes Eastwood, Finance Commissioner Val Fawcett, Mayor John C. Siegle, Public Works Commissioner Abner R. Bergersen and Utilities Commissioner Ira S. Davisson following swearing in ceremony at (Old) City Hall on June 6, 1938. Flowers offering congratulations fill the tables to the rear of the city council. ALBUM 11. (T.Times 6-6-38, p. 14)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Municipal government--Tacoma; Eastwood, Holmes; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Bergersen, Abner R.; Davisson, Ira; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939;

Newly installed Mayor John C. Siegle, center, stands with his fellow city councilmen on June 6, 1938, in (Old) City Hall. From L-R, Val Fawcett - Finance Commissioner, Holmes Eastwood - Safety Commissioner, Dr. Siegle, Ira Davisson - Public Utilities Commissioner and Abner Bergersen - Public Works Commissioner. Dr. Siegle, a leading dentist in Tacoma, was the city's first native-born mayor. The death of his father when the mayor was only ten caused him to drop out of Tacoma public schools; he later studied privately while becoming a card carrying member of the Machinists Union. He worked his way through Northwestern University and obtained his DDS. Mayor Siegle held many leadership titles in the community including being the Past Exalted Ruler of Tacoma Lodge No. 174, BPOE, past president of the Kiwanis Club, past president of the North End community club and past commander of the Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 of the American Legion. His platform urged civic improvement to make Tacoma an ever better city and campaigned for new industry and economic development, especially in the Tideflats. Dr. Siegle passed away on April 12, 1939, of cancer, having served as mayor for less than a year. ALBUM 11. (T.Times 6-6-38, p. 1)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Eastwood, Holmes; Davisson, Ira; Bergersen, Abner R.; Municipal government--Tacoma;

Posting big grins, Mayor John C. Siegle (center) and two associates pose next to an impressive array of flowers sent to congratulate the newly sworn-in mayor. Standing next to the new mayor are William J. Ganz and C. Amos Booth, Dr. Siegle's nominees for Secretary to the Mayor and Superintendent, Refuse Collection Division. Both nominees would be approved by the new council. Mr. Ganz, age 32, was active in Dr. Siegle's campaign. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1925. Mr. Booth, age 31, graduated from both Lincoln High School and the College of Puget Sound. He was a past president of the city civil service commission. John Charles Siegle, a dentist by profession, was Tacoma's first native-born mayor. Illness cut short his only term of office; he died in April 12, 1939, ten months after his installation date. (T.Times 6-6-38, p. 14) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Ganz, William J.; Booth, C. Amos; Flower arrangements;

A wide variety of flower arrangements were sent to City Hall when Mayor John C. Siegle was installed as the city's chief executive on June 6, 1938. The mayor appears to be leaning forward, perhaps in response to a question, when photographed between his two nominees for city posts, William J. Ganz and C. Amos Booth. The floral pieces were transferred from council chambers to Mayor Siegle's private office. Dr. John Charles Siegle was a well-known civic leader and leading dentist before becoming mayor. He was a prime supporter of the city and sought to develop tourism and industry. ALBUM 11. (T.Times 6-6-38, 1, 14).

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Ganz, William J.; Booth, C. Amos; Flower arrangements;

Mayor John C. Siegle and two appointees admire flowers sent for the mayor's swearing in ceremony at (Old) City Hall on June 6, 1938. Blossoms of many varieties decorate the mayor's chambers. Flanking the new mayor are William J. Ganz and C. Amos Booth, the mayor's nominees for Secretary to the Mayor and Superintendent, Refuse Collection division, respectively. The mayor's first official act was to submit to the new council his appointments. They were confirmed during the first session. (T. Times, 6-6-38, p. 14) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Ganz, William J.; Booth, C. Amos; Flower arrangements;

John C. Siegle held up his right hand as he was sworn in as Mayor on June 6, 1938, by City Clerk Genevieve Martin. Standing by the wall, between them, are Holmes Eastwood, Safety Commissioner, wearing a sports jacket and light colored slacks, and C. Val Fawcett, Finance Commissioner. Dr. Siegle succeeded George A. Smitley as mayor. In Dr. Siegle's address, he pledged his efforts towards securing new industries, helping those already here, and promoting the Narrows Bridge project. Dr. Siegle, a dentist, was the first mayor of Tacoma to be born in Tacoma. He died April 12, 1939 less then one year after taking office. (T. Times, 6-6-38, p. 1, 14)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Oaths--Tacoma; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Eastwood, Holmes; Martin, Genevieve;

Following the administering of oaths, Mayor John C. Siegle's name was inscribed on the door of room 303, also the office of C. Amos Booth, Refuse Superintendent. The name of his secretary, William J. Ganz, was also inscribed. Both Mr. Booth and Mr. Ganz were Dr. Siegle's personal appointees. Dr. Siegle's name would remain here only a short time; he died while serving as mayor the following year. ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Signs (Notices);

On May 25, 1938, Mayor George A. Smitley, in his office at (old) City Hall, bought a "Buddy Poppy" from Mary Lee Burrows (L) and Elizabeth Armstrong, the youngest members of the American Legion Rhodes Post Auxiliary. Buddy Poppies were assembled by disabled and/or needy veterans and proceeds used for veterans welfare. (T.Times).

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Patriotic societies--Tacoma; American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Burrows, Mary Lee; Armstrong, Elizabeth;

This photograph taken in 1938 shows Mayor George A. Smitley buying a "Buddy Poppy" from Mary Lee Burrows (left) and Elizabeth Armstrong, the youngest members of the American Legion Rhodes Post Auxiliary, at his office in (Old) City Hall. Mayor Smitley was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1872, and although his formal education was limited to four years in a country school, he went on to be a successful businessman and Mayor of Tacoma from 1934 through 1938. Buddy poppies date to the early 1920s. They were inspired after WWI by the poem "In Flanders Fields" and are sold by the VFW to raise funds for disabled and needy veterans and their dependents.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Patriotic societies--Tacoma; American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Girls--Tacoma--1930-1940; Burrows, Mary Lee; Armstrong, Elizabeth;

City Credit Union, City Hall, Tacoma. Directors, group of ten men. (filed with Argentum)

City Credit Union (Tacoma);

Mrs. Jess Dannen of the American Legion Auxiliary, Rhodes post, pins a "Buddy Poppy" on Tacoma Mayor J.J. Kaufman at (Old) City Hall on May 23, 1939. Mayor Kaufman was the first to buy a poppy during Tacoma's Poppy Days. These paper poppies were made by disabled veterans in a Walla Walla hospital and sold to raise funds for veterans relief. ALBUM 11, ALBUM 16. (T.Times 5-25-39, p. 4)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; American Legion Auxiliary (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Four Girl Scouts selling Mayor J. J. Kaufman a copy of the Golden Jubilee Program at his office in (Old) City Hall on July 18, 1939. Mayor Kaufman is perusing the "Fifty Years of Progress Washington Golden Jubilee Celebration" book as the young girls look on. Tacoma was awarded the official statehood jubilee celebration; over 100,000 residents enjoyed a 14-mile parade and rain failed to dampen outdoor dances and pageants. ALBUM 11.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Girl Scouts (Tacoma);

Tacoma (Old) City Hall building, with old jail on right, showing contrast before and after steam cleaning. As part of Tacoma's beautification plan, A. W. Bushy of Western Building Cleaning Co. was removing 41 years of grime accumulated on City Hall. The dingy portion on the right back is the portion that has not been cleaned. City Hall building designed by E.A. Hatherton, Architect, 1893. Hatherton was from San Francisco and worked on design of that city's City Hall. The building was cleaned in time for Tacoma to play host to the state during the Golden Jubilee celebration. (T. Times 7/26/1939, pg. 4)

Clock towers--Tacoma; Old City Hall (Tacoma);

As part of their planned take over of the Tacoma City Government on Saturday April 6, 1940, Fort Lewis district Civilian Conservation Corps enrollees are preliminarily sworn into service by City Clerk Genevieve Martin. To the right of the uniformed young men is Fred A. Taylor, who will be Tacoma Mayor for the day. The other six CCC members are, left to right, Clifford Grant, Copeland Dwyer, Fred Dozier, Garnett Sketers, Einer Fryxell and Joseph O. Johnson. (T. Times 4/5/1940, pg. 9 & 20) TPL-10321

Civilian Conservation Corps (Tacoma); Taylor, Fred A.; Dwyer, Copeland; Dozier, Fred H.; Fryxell, Einer; Johnson, Joseph O.; Sketers, Garnett E.; Grant, Clifford J.; Martin, Genevieve;

City officials contributing to Drama League on January 24, 1940, at (Old) City Hall. Left to right are members of the city council: C. Val Fawcett - Finance Commissioner, Mayor J. J. Kaufman, Mrs. Hugh J. Rosellini, Controller Tom Swayze, Public Safety Commissioner Holmes Eastwood, Public Works Commissioner Abner Bergersen and Public Utilities Commissioner Ira Davisson. All dug deep in their pockets for funding for the proposed Tacoma Little Theater to be built on No. "I" St. Mrs. Rosellini was one of the sixteen members of the Drama league who participated in the fund raising. She indicated that the new Little Theater would have a revolving stage, only the second in the West following Seattle's Showboat. (T.Times 1-27-40, p. 3) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Municipal government--Tacoma; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Swayze, Tom; Eastwood, Holmes; Bergersen, Abner R.; Davisson, Ira; Tacoma Drama League (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1930-1940;

City officials donating to Drama League on January 24, 1940, at (Old) City Hall. Left to right: Public Safety Commissioner Holmes Eastwood, Public Utilities Commissioner Ira Davisson, Finance Commissioner C. Val Fawcett, unidentified woman representing Tacoma Drama League, Mayor J.J. Kaufman, Public Works Commissioner Abner Bergersen and City Controller Tom Swayze. Mayor Kaufman appears to be examining the blueprints for the proposed Tacoma Little Theater to be constructed at No. 2nd and "I" Streets. The (Tacoma) Drama League sent out eight teams comprised of two members each to solicit donations for the new endeavor. (T. Times 1-27-40, p. 3) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Municipal government--Tacoma; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Swayze, Tom; Eastwood, Holmes; Bergersen, Abner R.; Davisson, Ira; Tacoma Drama League (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1930-1940;

On February 29, 1940, Mayor J.J. Kaufman wielded a knife to cut the first piece of apple pie in a promotional campaign for Apple Pie Week. Mrs. Agnes Phillips of the Northwest Food Exchange, Wenatchee, and three members of the Tacoma Bakers Commitee, held plates, waiting for their share of the large pie in the Mayor's office in (Old) City Hall. The mayor and his company got an early start on Apple Pie Week which was scheduled for March 4-9, 1940. L-R in the photograph are Mrs. Phillips, Ray Bolin of Weaver Pie Co., O.H. Oaks of Golden Rule Bakery, Wallace Macpherson of Federal Bakery and Mayor Kaufman. (T.Times 3-4-40, p. 5) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Pies; Phillips, Agnes; Bolin, Ray; Oaks, O.H.; Macpherson, Wallace A.;

Mayor J.J. Kaufman wields the knife in a promotional photo for Apple Pie Week, taken at his office in (Old) City Hall at 625 Commerce. The enormous pie is being cut with an equally enormous knife. Apple Pie Week was set for March 4-9, 1940. Preparing to dig in are members of the Tacoma Bakers Committee for the special week: Ray Bolin of Weaver Pie Co., O.H. Oaks of Golden Rule Bakery and Wallace Macpherson of Federal Bakery. Standing at the far left, next to Mr. Bolin, is Mrs. Agnes Phillips from the Northwest Food Exchange, Wenatchee. (T. Times 3-4-40, p. 5) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Pies; Phillips, Agnes; Bolin, Ray; Oaks, O.H.; Macpherson, Wallace A.;

Harry Cain given oath as Mayor of Tacoma at City Hall by City Clerk Genevieve Martin. Bob O'Neil, Utilities Commissioner-elect, looks on. Elected to the 2 remaining years of Mayor Siegle's term, Cain was overwhelmingly reelected in 1942. In 1940, Cain had lost in the primary to Dr. Bert Kerstetter. When Kerstetter died just days before the election, Cain's name was placed on the ballot. He defeated former mayor Melvin G. Tennent, who hotly contested the election. Bob O'Neil defeated Ira S. Davisson, who had served as Commissioner of Utilities since 1918. (T.Times 6/3/1940, pg. 1)

O'Neil, Robert D.; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Oaths--Tacoma; Martin, Genevieve; Municipal government--Tacoma;

Mrs. Lane Paskill is set to circle Saturday, September 7, 1940, on Mayor Harry P. Cain's office calendar as a reminder of the Club of Hearts Cabaret Sports Dance to benefit the Red Cross. The dance would be held in the Hotel Winthrop's Crystal Ballroom. Since the mayor's schedule was so often crowded, Mrs. Paskill visited him in mid-August to book the date. TPL-5177. ALBUM 12. (T.Times 8-24-40, p. 5)

Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Calendars; Paskill, Lane--Family; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A Mrs. Golden, part of the "Hormel" team, pays a visit to Mayor Harry P. Cain in March, 1941. The company was running a campaign to promote Spam and Hormel Chili Con Carne whereby roving "Hormel Girls and Men" would stop people at random and pay them either $1 or $2 if they could provide proof of Hormel's products. Mrs. Golden is pictured holding a Chili Con Carne label; it is not known whether the label belonged to Mayor Cain. ALBUM 12.

Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979;

Mayor Harry P. Cain and a Mrs. Golden, "The Hormel Girl," at the mayor's office in (Old) City Hall. The comely representive of the meat packer was in town in March, 1941, along with other "Hormel Girls and Men," exchanging 1 and 2 dollar bills for Hormel labels and testimonials for the products. Residents who were stopped and had proof of Spam's metal key and/or Hormel's Chili Con Carne labels would be asked their opinions and then rewarded with the money. (T.Times 3/18.1941 p.7) ALBUM 12.

Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Labels; Meat industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In April of 1941 the Camp Fire Girls of Tacoma raised money for a week long summer outing at Camp Sealth on Vashon Island by selling doughnuts.From left to right, Margaret Turner, Billie Mellis, Ruthella Raver and Joan Thrasher met with Mayor Harry Cain at his office in (Old) City Hall at 625 Commerce St. (T. Times, 4/7/1941)

Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Girls--Tacoma--1940-1950;