Mayor George A. Smitley buying a Forget-Me-Not or "Buddy Poppy" from a volunteer worker representing the Disabled American Veterans at his office in (Old) City Hall. He is in the process of handing over a check as a donation to Viola Wilson. Miss Wilson is the daughter of Virgil Wilson, state commander of disabled veterans, and the youngest member of the women's auxiliary here. The proceeds of the two-day sale will go to rehabiliation efforts of the veterans' organizations. Sepia photograph taken on September 25, 1935. ALBUM 11. (T. Times, 9-26-35, p. 5)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Fund raising--Tacoma--1930-1940; Patriotic societies--Tacoma; Veterans' organizations--Tacoma; Wilson, Viola;

Mayor George Smitley (R) shakes hands with El Haren, newspaper astrologer, during his visit to Tacoma. El Haren's column was carried by the Tacoma Times for a limited time; the Times ran this photo on May 12, 1937. Free daily advice was dispensed by America's "most celebrated astrologer" with replies printed in the Times. For $1.00 and a 6 cent self-addressed stamped envelope, El Haren provided a complete astrological reading and answered three questions free. If the reader chose to save money, he/she would be entitled to one free question using the Times coupon. The newspaper was apparently swamped with thousands of requests during the astrologer's short stay here. Samples of questions and El Haren's answers can be found in the Tacoma Times issues of May 11, 12, 14 and 17, 1937. (T.Times 5-10-37, p. 7, 5-11-37, p. 8, 5-12-37, p. 4, 5-14-37, p. 16, 5-17-37, p. 4) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Haren, El; Astrology--Tacoma;

Sepia photograph of City Controller Tom Swayze, Mayor George Smitley and Utilities Commissioner Ira Davisson at (Old) City Hall on May 25, 1936; the city officials are signing contracts with St. Regis Kraft Co which will enable the pulp industry, idle since 1930, to reopen and remodernize facilities. The city would supply millions of gallons of water and hundreds of electrical horsepower daily. Utilities Commissioner Davisson is holding a check from Kraft for $10,000 to begin service. Mr. Davisson, furthest right in the photograph, was a longtime Public Utilities Commissioner first appointed in November, 1918. He led Tacoma's utilities through difficult times in the 1920's and 30's and managed to improve service while keeping rates low. During his long tenure, a 25-million gallon North End Reservoir was built in 1927, and Mr. Davisson worked to extend water service to the Tideflats which helped the growth of industrial development. He was finally voted out of office in 1940 at age 80. ALBUM 11. (Seattle/King Co. HistoryLink.org, T.Times, 5-26-36, p. 2)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Swayze, Tom; Davisson, Ira; Municipal government--Tacoma;

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;

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;

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);

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;

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;

Mayor George A. Smitley hands J. Lee Kress a letter at his office in (Old) City Hall congratulating the businessman on the opening of his new Malt Shop in the Bostwick Building. Mayor Smitley is a personal friend of Mr. Kress; the letter welcomed him back to Tacoma and thanked him for the improvements to the area. He wished Mr. Kress a successful career. This is the third Kress Malted Milk Shop in the Puget Sound area with two others in Olympia. (T. Times 7-2-37, page 4.) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Kress, J. Lee;

Mayor George A. Smitley and businessman J. Lee Kress in a July 1, 1937, photograph taken at (Old) City Hall. Mr. Kress, a personal friend of the mayor's, was opening a new Malt Shop in the Bostwick Building. The men are holding a letter from the mayor that welcomes Mr. Kress back to the Tacoma area. He also owned two other Malt Shops in the Olympia area. (T.Times 7-2-37, p. 4)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Kress, J. Lee;

Tacoma City Council at (Old) City Hall. Interested observers listen intently to council proceedings in April of 1937. (T. Times)

Municipal officials--Tacoma--1930-1940; Meetings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Old City Hall (Tacoma);

Tacoma City Council at (Old) City Hall. Men in conference at table. (T. Times)

Municipal officials--Tacoma--1930-1940; Meetings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Old City Hall (Tacoma);

Tacoma City Council at (Old) City Hall. As the seating arrangement indicates, officials did not face the audience as they met. This photograph was part of a series taken in April of 1937 for the Tacoma Times newspaper but apparently not run. (T. Times)

Municipal officials--Tacoma--1930-1940; Meetings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Old City Hall (Tacoma);

On August 19, 1941, Tacoma Mayor Harry P. Cain prepared to cut the 40 lb. cake decorated with the city seal presented to him in his office in (Old) City Hall. Pictured, L to R were Mayor Cain, city health officer Dr. Leland E. Powers, Corporation counsel Howard Carothers, Public Utilities Commissioner R.D. ("Bob") O'Neil, chef John Carrion of C&H Sugar, Robert Abel of the C of C, Edgar Densmore of Johnson-Leiber Co. Chef John Carrion, chef training instructor of the bakery service department of the California & Hawaiian Sugar Refining Corporation, created an exact replica in sugar of the city's official seal. While in town, he conducted demonstrations for bakers at the Federal Baking Co. ALBUM 12. (T.Times 8-21-41, p. 12)

Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Cakes--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cooks; Powers, Leland E.; Carothers, Howard; O'Neil, Robert D.; Carrion, John; Abel, Robert B.; Densmore, Edgar M.;

Eleanor Roosevelt thanks a delegation of young Japanese-Americans for their support as "loyal Americans" following a meeting of local civil defense officials at Mayor Harry Cain's office. Although the Japanese-Americans were not present during the actual informative meeting, Mrs. Roosevelt asked that "every consideration" should be given to American born Japanese and even long-time Japanese nationals. Mayor Cain was later one of the very few opposed to the internment of Japanese-Americans on the west coast. (TNT 12-13-41, p. 1) ALBUM 1. TPL-9780,

Presidents' spouses; Roosevelt, Anna Eleanor, 1884-1962; Japanese Americans--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma; Tamaki, Shigeko; Wakamatsu, Shigeo; Oyanagi, Waichi; Nakamura, Ted;

Six days after Pearl Harbor was attacked in December of 1941, Eleanor (Mrs. Franklin D.) Roosevelt visited Tacoma in her role as the Assistant Director of the Office of Civilian Defense. In the Mayor's office at City Hall she spoke to Tacoma Mayor Harry P. Cain and local Civilian Defense leaders about wartime issues. She repeatedly emphasized the importance and necessity for all citizens to register for volunteer work. Her boss, Director Fiorello LaGuardia, the Mayor of New York City, had visited Tacoma just prior to Mrs. Roosevelt's arrival. After her stop in Tacoma, she went on to another conference in Seattle . (Tacoma Times, 12-13-41, p. 1-article) ALBUM 1

Presidents' spouses; Roosevelt, Anna Eleanor, 1884-1962; Visits of state--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma;

Eleanor Roosevelt, Assistant Director of the Office of Civilian Defense, makes an impromptu address over Radio Station KMO from the Mayor Harry Cain's office at City Hall on December 13, 1941. Mrs. Roosevelt answered questions over the air as presented by civilian defense council members. She was reportedly very affable and willing to be photographed and interviewed. She urged all Americans to assist in civil defense, stating that "defense is not a question of one individual or one organization." She repeatedly stressed the importance of volunteer groups and the invaluable assistance they could render. (TNT 12-13-41, p. 1) cropped version of D12299 image 4

Presidents' spouses; Roosevelt, Anna Eleanor, 1884-1962; Visits of state--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma; KMO Radio Station (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Communications;

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;

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;

Clinton Reynolds presents Mayor Harry P. Cain the National "Pedestrian Protection Award" for Tacoma during a March 31, 1943, ceremony at the Mayor's office in (Old) City Hall. Standing: Lyle Abrahamson, Einar Langseth, Wm. Deering, Paul Sceva, Robert Chester. ALBUM 13.

Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Awards; Reynolds, Clinton S.; Abrahamson, Lyle; Langseth, Einar, 1892-1968; Deering, William; Sceva, Paul H.; Chester, Robert;

Tacoma Civilian War Council receives a check from the proceeds of a salvage drive on March 22, 1943, at the Mayor's Office in (Old) City Hall. L to R, Seated: Rev. Harold Booch of the First Congregational Church, Sam Powell, Mayor Harry P. Cain. Standing: Joe Dightman, C.N. Curtis, John Jacobs. Fraternal and civic organizations had donated their Sundays to sort the 3,000 tons of scrap collected, which was sold to mills for a total of $2,000. ALBUM 13. (TNT 3/24/1943, pg. 4)

Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Scrap drives--Tacoma--1940-1950; Booch, Harold; Powell, Sam; Dightman, Joe; Curtis, C.N.; Jacobs, John;

Tacoma Mayor Harry P. Cain and Pierce County P.T.A. President Mrs. Byron Moye at the Mayor's Office in (Old) City Hall on April 27, 1943. Mrs. Moye is buying a $1000 War Bond and fulfilling a promise made the previous Saturday at the Liberty Center. Individuals who bought a Series E bond (18.75 and up) were taken on a hair-raising drive in an army jeep. Mrs. Moye pledged to buy a bond for every jeep load of women war bond buyers that afternoon. Publicity for the War Finance Board. (TNT 4/19/43, PG. 27; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; )

Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; War bonds & funds;

An overflow crowd jammed into the Council Chambers on April 16, 1943 to hear the arguments for, and against, Mayor Cain's proposed pinball ordinance, while even more people waited outside. The biggest crowd to gather at this location in 25 years discussed the issue for two hours. Those against felt the machines should be abolished. Others felt they should be watched more closely, taxed and the money used to keep children away from the machines. When the ordinance came before the City Council a few days later, it was voted down 4-1, with Mayor Cain being the only yes vote. (Times 4/16/1943, pg. 3-picture; TNT 4/16/1943, pg. 1)

Legislative hearings--Tacoma; Crowds; Overcrowding; Municipal government;

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;

View of the City of Tacoma Board of Contracts and Awards members: A. M. Angove, City Purchasing Agent and Secretary of the Board; L. W. (Roy) Craig, Finance Commissioner; Mayor C. Val Fawcett, Chairman; and Lyle Lemley, City Controller. The Board of Contracts and Awards supervise the operations of the municipal plant and shops (T.N.T., 9/4/49, p. A-8).

Municipal officials--Tacoma--1940-1950; Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Municipal government--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma City Hall (Tacoma); Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965;

Early in January of 1926, Tacoma voters were flooding into the Registrar's office on the third floor of City Hall to qualify to vote in the upcoming city primary and general elections. The throng included three new voters, pictured center of the counter. The trio was composed of Ingeborg Ekberg, Alice Raymond and Vera Landers, all students at the College of Puget Sound and all having just turned 21. According to city clerk Genevieve Martin almost 9,000 voters had registered in the first five days for the elections, which included another run for the Mayor's office by four time incumbent Angelo Vance Fawcett. TPL-3209 (TNT 1/11/1926, pg. 17- cropped picture, TNT 1/9/26, pg. 14-article on registration)