Johnny Sheffield, "Boy" in the "Tarzan" films appears at Liberty Center, 10th and Pacific Avenue during his national "Buy Tanks for Yanks" tour for the Treasury Department. Man on his right is Leon Titus, Pierce County War Bond Drive Chairman. The 84 lb. sixth grader was making his fourteenth appearance as a bond salesman for Uncle Sam. Dressed in his Cub Scout uniform, Johnny would deliver a speech entitled "A Boy's Place in America" which was written for him by the Treasury Department. He had been hand-picked by Johnny Weissmuller from a crowd of 300 boys for the role, even though he was unable to swim a stroke. Tousled hair Johnny would play "Boy" in eight Tarzan pictures before finally outgrowing the part. (TNT 6-13-42, p. 3, TNT 6-15-42, p. 15)

Sheffield, Johnny; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Titus, Leon E.; Tanks (Military science)--Tacoma;

Johnny Sheffield, "Boy" in the "Tarzan" films appears at Liberty Center, 10th and Pacific Avenue during his national "Buy Tanks for Yanks" tour for the Treasury Department. Man on his right sharing the microphone is Leon Titus, Pierce County War Bond Drive Chairman. The young MGM star followed Lana Turner into Tacoma days later on a similar bond drive. As the large cutout of the eleven-year-old actor indicated, U.S. war bonds and stamps would be available for purchase during his brief appearance. Johnny declined to kiss the purchasers of large bonds, as Miss Turner had done, although he did offer to "rassle" them instead. (TNT 6-13-42, p. 3, TNT 6-15-42, p. 15)

Sheffield, Johnny; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Titus, Leon E.; Tanks (Military science)--Tacoma; Signs (Notices);

Supported by several members of the Roxy Theater U.S.O. Revue and a full Army band, on Friday July 10, 1942 nineteen year old Linda Darnell helped sell war bonds at Tacoma's Victory Square located on South 10th Street between Pacific Avenue and "A". The young Hollywood star promised an autograph for every bond application and a kiss for the person making the biggest purchase. Standing to the left of Miss Darnell is Pierce County War Bond drive chairman Leon Titus. The 20th Century Fox star was on her second volunteer entertainment tour of army camps and naval stations. (T.Times 7/9/1942 p.3)

Actresses--Tacoma--1940-1950; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Titus, Leon E.; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Darnell, Linda, 1923-1965;

A massive crowd of Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard workers and Navy personnel gathered to surround the stage to view Hollywood actors Joan Leslie, Adolphe Menjou and Walter Pidgeon on September 7, 1942. The actors had arrived at the shipyards in the morning to present a brief program on behalf of the film industry's September billion dollar bond drive. Several stars had already visited Tacoma during the summer to promote the purchase of war bonds to aid the government including Johnny Sheffield, Linda Darnell and Lana Turner. (TNT 9-7-42, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actresses; Menjou, Adolphe; Pidgeon, Walter; Leslie, Joan; War bonds & funds;

Comedian and actor Jack Benny shakes hands with fan Donna Mae Murphy at Tacoma's Union Station on April 18, 1944. Benny's wife, Mary Livingston, former Seattle showgirl, is to his left, Eunice Sumblin is at front right. Even though Mr. Benny's train only stopped for two minutes in Tacoma and was not publicized, his fans, reporters and photographers somehow managed to arrive at the scene in time for greetings. The Benny troupe was on its way to British Columbia to open a War Bond show. Also aboard and playing pinochle when the train pulled into the depot were bandleader Phil Harris and comedian Eddie "Rochester" Anderson. (T.Times 4-19-44, p. 1) ALBUM 7.

Benny, Jack, 1894-1974; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Comedians; Livingston, Mary; Shaking hands--Tacoma; Murphy, Donna Mae; Sumblin, Eunice;

Comedian, radio star and actor Jack Benny signed an autograph for Eunice Sumblin (far right) at Tacoma's Union Station on April 18, 1944. Mr. Benny's wife, Mary Livingston, a former Seattle showgirl, stands next to him; Donna Mae Murphy is to the left. The Bennys, accompanied by comedian Eddie "Rochester" Anderson and bandleader Phil Harris, were on their way via train to British Columbia to open a War Bond show. Word had leaked out that their train would be passing through Tacoma. Although they paused in Tacoma for a mere two minutes, they were caught by both Miss Sumblin and the local press. (T.Times, 4-19-44, p. 1) ALBUM 7. TPL-143.

Benny, Jack, 1894-1974; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Comedians; Livingston, Mary; Autographing--Tacoma; Murphy, Donna Mae; Sumblin, Eunice;

Comedian and actor Jack Benny shakes hand with an unidentified man at Tacoma's Union Station on April 18, 1944. Benny's wife, Mary Livingston, former Seattle showgirl, is to the right. Mr. Benny and his troupe were on their way to British Columbia to open a War Bond show and had stopped at Union Station for a mere two minutes. Mr. Benny was surprised to see reporters, fans, and photographers since it was supposed to be a "secret" stop but he and his wife gamely stood on the platform in the chilly weather and greeted the crowd. (T.Times, 4-19-44, p. 1) ALBUM 7.

Benny, Jack, 1894-1974; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Comedians; Livingston, Mary; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

In April of 1944 Lenny Hagen and his Orchestra could be heard playing at the Fellowship Ballroom in the Temple Theatre at 49 Saint Helens Avenue. A life member of the Musicians Association of Tacoma, Local 117, Lenny Hagen (second from right, playing the violin) was one of the best known orchestra leaders in the Puget Sound region. He received his early training on the violin in Tacoma before going east to study at the Boston Conservatory of Music. In the 1920s he conducted orchestral groups that accompanied silent movies in Tacoma, Seattle and Portland. For a period he was concertmaster for the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and he was also the leader of the orchestra at the Tacoma Hotel. TPL-9896

Orchestras--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma; Hagen, Lenny;

Motion picture actress Janis Paige, left of center, signs autographs for awe-struck children at KMO Studios. Miss Paige appeared at the radio station while visiting her home town. After graduating from Stadium High School, Donna Mae Jaden left Tacoma for Hollywood where she became a popular and successful "movie star" as Janis Paige. She had begun a singing career at age 5 in local amateur shows. It was only natural that she became a vocalist with the Hollywood Canteen, a studio-sponsored club for servicemen. Coincidentally, her first feature film upon being signed by Warner Brothers was entitled "Hollywood Canteen." (1944). She also appeared on Broadway with her most successful hit, the Tony award winner, The Pajama Game. From the 1950's onward, Miss Paige appeared on many television programs, including It's Always Jan and more recently, Eight is Enough and All in the Family. ALBUM 5.

Actresses; Paige, Janis; Jaden, Donna Mae; Autographing--Tacoma; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma--1940-1950; KMO Radio Station (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Celebrity touring--Tacoma--1940-1950

Actress Arlene Dahl and announcer Arnold Benum at KMO Studios. Prior to her reporting to Hollywood, Miss Dahl spent several days visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.S. Dahl, of Tacoma. Dressed in street attire, Miss Dahl holds a packet of handwritten notes in her gloved hand. Known for her redheaded glamour, Miss Dahl modeled for several department stores after high school before being named New York's "Miss Rheingold" in 1946. She appeared in many magazine and newspaper advertisements. As an actress, she was perhaps best known for her performances in "Slightly Scarlet" (1956) and "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1959). The actor Lorenzo Lamas is her son through her marriage to Fernando Lamas. TPL-7148 (T.Times 4-24-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Actresses; Dahl, Arlene; KMO Radio Station (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma--1940-1950; Celebrity touring--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Actress/model Arlene Dahl and KMO announcer Arnold Benum exchange big smiles at KMO's Keyes Building studio at South 9th and Broadway in April of 1946. A seated group of young children and adults are waiting for the upcoming live broadcast. Although born and primarily raised in Minnesota, Miss Dahl had many relatives in Tacoma, Parkland and Seattle. Her parents moved to Tacoma about 1944 where her father was employed at Todd Shipyards. She lived for a short time in Tacoma with them at their 4815 North 10th residence before leaving for Hollywood as a result of signing a seven year contract with Warner Brothers. Miss Dahl was to go on to star in many Hollywood films, including "Three Little Words," "Slightly Scarlet" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth." Later her Arlene Dahl Enterprises company marketed lingerie and cosmetics. Her son, Lorenzo Lamas, is also an actor. TPL-7150 (T.Times, 4-24-46, p. 1-article) ALBUM 5.

Actresses; Dahl, Arlene; KMO Radio Station (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benum, Arnold; Celebrity touring--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In April of 1946, while visiting her parents, Arlene Dahl stopped by the KMO Studios in the Keyes Building on Broadway. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.S. Dahl lived at 4815 No. 10th St. and had been residents of Tacoma for approximately two years. There are many Dahl cousins in Tacoma, Parkland and Seattle. The redheaded MGM actress was born in Minnesota. Her first film was entitled "The Bride Goes Wild". Known for her glamour roles, she appeared in several swashbucklers: "Caribbean", "Sangaree" and "Bengal Brigade". Her best known performances were in "Three Little Words" (1950), "Slightly Scarlet" (1956), and "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1959). Divorced five times, her husbands included the actors Fernando Lamas and Lex Barker. TPL-7149 (T.Times, 4-24-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Actresses; Dahl, Arlene; KMO Radio Station (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Mrs. F.F. Paige, the grandmother of the actress Janis Paige, was shown a special screening of the movie "Her Kind of Man" on Friday May 3, 1946 at the Music Box Theater in Tacoma. Warner Brothers sent a special print of the film to Tacoma because Mrs. Paige had been seriously ill. Janis Paige, the former Donna Mae Jaden, was a 1941 graduate of Stadium High School. "Her Kind of Man" was her first feature film to be released. (T.Times, 5/4/1946, p.4) Album # 5

Actresses; Paige, Janis--Family; Music Box Theatre (Tacoma); Motion pictures--1940-1950;

College of Puget Sound's Campus Playcrafters performed Thorton Wilder's "Skin of Our Teeth" as their spring production. The play depicts man's survival through the ice age, deluge and war. The play starred: Irene Fearn, Troy Strong, Helen Strong, Shirley Milstead and William O'Connell. View of the cast of characters with Atlantic City Boardwalk scenery.

Actors--Tacoma; Stage props; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Costumes; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

College of Puget Sound's Campus Playcrafters performed Thorton Wilder's "Skin of Our Teeth" as their spring production. The play depicts man's survival through the ice age, deluge and war. The play starred: Irene Fearn, Troy Strong, Helen Strong, Shirley Milstead and William O'Connell. View of the characters, Maggie and George Anthrobus.

Actors--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Costumes; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

College of Puget Sound's Campus Playcrafters performed Thorton Wilder's "Skin of Our Teeth" as their spring production. The play depicts man's survival through the ice age, deluge and war. The play starred: Irene Fearn, Troy Strong, Helen Strong, Shirley Milstead and William O'Connell. View of the character, Maggie Anthrobus with pet dinosaur and woolly mammoth.

Actresses; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Costumes; Masks--Tacoma; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

College of Puget Sound's Campus Playcrafters performed Thorton Wilder's "Skin of Our Teeth" as their spring production. The play depicts man's survival through the ice age, deluge and war. The play starred: Irene Fearn, Troy Strong, Helen Strong, Shirley Milstead and William O'Connell. View of the Fortune Teller.

Actresses; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Benches--Tacoma; Universities & colleges--Tacoma; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Bob Hope Show at Stadium Bowl. Mr. Hope is at the microphone. Back row, L to R: unidentified, Ronnie Severson, Laura Corbay, Virginia Doffy, Valmere Barman, Bea Allen, Mavis Murray, Ella and Eileen Nelson, others unidentified. The troupe put on a 2 1/2 hour show under thankfully dry skies on behalf of the Young Men's Business Club. The Y.M.B.C. was raising funds for a Greater Tacoma Jubilee to be held later in June. The 40 entertainers included Skinnay Ennis and his 16-piece orchestra. Many of the performers had gone with Mr. Hope when he entertained GIs during WWII. (TNT 5-28-46, p. 1, TNT 6-8-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Hope, Bob; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Bob Hope Show benefiting the Young Men's Business Club at Stadium Bowl. Mr. Hope is at the microphone. Back row, left to right: unidentified, Ronnie Severson, Laura Corbay, Virginia Doffy, Valmere Barman, Bea Allen, Mavis Murray, Ella and Eileen Nelson, others unidentified. Mr. Hope and troupe join in a song and dance, just one of the many numbers performed during the 2 1/2 hour show. One of the favorites appeared to be Ronnie Severson, the "human dictaphone," who first became known for his echo act while stationed at Fort Lewis during part of the war. The 7,500 in attendance was lower than expected disappointing promoters who had hoped to have a larger crowd; profits would be used to help put on a Greater Tacoma Jubilee the latter part of June. Mr. Hope did not let the smaller crowd influence his troupe's performance; musical and comedy bits entertained the audience immensely. (TNT 5-28-46, p. 1, TNT 6-7-46, p. 1, TNT 6-8-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Hope, Bob; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Entertainers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On Friday June 7, 1946 an estimated crowd of 7,500 in the Stadium Bowl cheered and "chortled" as Bob Hope mugged, pranced and wisecracked his way through a special 2 1/2 hour performance sponsored by the Tacoma Young Men's Business Club. When two unidentified performers began playing harmonicas, Hope picked up a small stand and began playing along. Skinnay Ennis' 16-piece orchestra can be seen in the background. The show was brought to Tacoma to raise money for the Greater Tacoma Jubilee to be held later that month. The 40-member ensemble had flown into Boeing Field earlier that day from Spokane. (TNT 5-28-46, p. 1, TNT 6-7-46, p. 1, TNT 6-8-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5 TPL-1400

Hope, Bob; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Entertainers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mouth organs;

In June of 1946, to raise money for the Tacoma Jubilee, the Young Men's Business Club brought Bob Hope to Tacoma for a special show in the Stadium Bowl. Over 7,500 Tacomans came to see Mr. Hope, a collection of local performers, a small group of Hollywood starlets, and the "Skinnay" Ennis Band. Although the Y.M.B.C. did not make much beyond expenses, a fun evening was had by all who attended. The musical troupe had arrived at Boeing Field earlier on June 7, 1946, in two chartered planes. An avid golfer, Mr. Hope had played golf with good friend Bing Crosby in Spokane the day before and had beaten him by two strokes. He managed to squeeze in a PGA sanctioned event the day of the show but lost to "two Chucks." The man sitting next to Bob Hope is Walter Geehan. At the time this photograph was taken he was the manager of The Rudder Club. (TNT 6-7-46, p. 1, TNT 6-8-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Hope, Bob; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Entertainers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Geehan, Walter;

ca. 1946. Portrait of actress Arlene Dahl. This may have been taken during her April, 1946, visit to Tacoma. She had stopped to visit her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.S. Dahl, on her way to Hollywood. Although primarily raised in Minnesota, Miss Dahl had many relatives in Tacoma, Parkland and Seattle. A former model, Miss Dahl would go on to appear in many motion pictures including "Three Little Words" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth." ALBUM 5.

Actresses; Dahl, Arlene; Celebrities;

Bellarmine and St. Leo's joined together to stage "The Sunbonnet Girl," a comic operetta, in February of 1947. The show was performed on three nights at St. Leo's auditorium. It featured over 46 students in the chorus. In this photograph of the cast, Gloria Marinacci and Don d'Andrea, in the center, are surrounded by sunbonnet- wearing young women and young men in flannel shirts. (T. Times, 2/11/47, p. 3-article).

Operas & operettas--Tacoma; Stage props; Costumes; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); St. Leo's Parochial School (Tacoma); Private schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Marinacci, Gloria; d'Andrea, Don;

Bellarmine and St. Leo's together staged "The Sunbonnet Girl," a comic operetta, in February of 1947. Performances ran for three nights at St. Leo's auditorium. The show featured over 46 students in the chorus. Here a young man in white holds the hand of a girl in sunbonnet and long gown as he and the male chorus join in song. (T. Times, 2/11/47, p. 3-short article on operetta; T.Times 2-1-47, p. 2-list of chorus names; T.Times 1-25-47, p. 3-article).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Stage props; Costumes; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); St. Leo's Parochial School (Tacoma); Private schools--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The "Hot Pops," (l to r) Jack Thomas, Lee Hodgert and Jack Brouillard, were one of the acts that performed at the second annual Elks Fathers and Daughters Night held on Friday March 7, 1947 at the Elks Temple, 565 Broadway. The night of fun and entertainment included local performers and three professional acts. The program's feature attraction was 6-year-old pianist, Margaret Kochendoerfer, from Portland, Oregon. (T. Times, 3/6/47, p. 13).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Staffs (Sticks); Straw hats; Hats--1940-1950; Thomas, Jack; Hodgert, Lee; Brouillard, Jack;

On March 6, 1947, the audience at the Annual Elks Club Father-Daughter Program watched in awe as a local family of acrobats performed a series of stunts. Held in the Elks Temple, 565 Broadway, a large number of club members and their daughters and granddaughters performed in the program. The show's main attraction was a six year old pianist. (T. Times, 3/6/47, p. 13).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Acrobatics--Tacoma; Acrobats; Audiences--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

The Elks Club was having their annual Father-Daughter program at the Elks Temple in March of 1947. A large number of club members and their daughters and granddaughters would be performing. The show's main attraction was a six year old pianist. View of two Elks club members doing a dancing cow puppet show act (T. Times, 3/6/47, p. 13).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puppets; Puppet shows--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

The "1947 Follies" by Tacoma's Junior League was said to be an outstanding show. The Temple Theatre was filled up both nights and all contributions were donated to the Occupational Therapy Workshop. View of Junior League members performing "Squaws in Hollywood," which was one of the audiences' all time favorites. Performers are wearing full head dress, matching dresses and no shoes. (T. Times, 11/12/47, p. 15).

Actresses; Feathers; Head-gear--Tacoma; Costumes; Musical revues & comedies--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Junior League (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Tacoma's Junior League had their first "Follies" show in 20 years. The "1947 Follies" show would benefit the Occupational Therapy Workshop, which was sponsored by the Tacoma Junior League Chapter. Performances were open to the public and the show proved to be a great hit. View of Junior League members and other volunteers performing "South America, Take It Away" (T. Times, 11/12/47, p. 15). TPL-10524

Actors--Tacoma; Costumes; Musical revues & comedies--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Choreography; Junior League (Tacoma);

Bellarmine High School's annual Bazaar offered students and their guests a wide variety of activities. The event included all types of booths, a fish pond with wonderful prizes, concession stands, games and a theatrical production put on by students. The evening included a chance to win two tickets to the Rose Bowl game in California, transportation was included. View of students in costumes on stage, park scene in background.

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Bazaars--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Costumes; Actors--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); Private schools--Tacoma--1940-1950;