On August 4, 1943, National "Molly Pitcher" Tag Day, members of the American Legion Auxiliary from both the Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 and the Tacoma Unit No. 138 planned to tag every man, woman and child who showed their support for our troops overseas during the War bond sale.The six women working with cards and string are: (l to r) Wahneatah Hough, Gertrude Champagne, Josephine Gillam, Hazel Slater, Maude Overdahl and Lillian Burrows. The Auxiliary had booths at department stores and stood at street corners to tag people. Pierce County's quota for stamp and bond sales was $1 for every man, woman and child. The fabled Revolutionary War heroine Molly Pitcher was evoked in a popular WWII ditty "Jolly Molly Pitcher," used to encourage citizens to buy treasury bonds and use ration cards. Two of the women pictured also appear in Series D14380 Image 3. (T.Times, 8/3/1943, p.16-article & alternate photograph)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; War bonds & funds; Women--Organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Patriotic societies; American Legion Auxiliary (Tacoma);

A Mexican Fiesta at the South Tacoma U.S.O. People in costume; military band on bandstand.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

A Mexican Fiesta at the South Tacoma U.S.O. Two guitar players wearing sombreros serenade the audience.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

A Mexican Fiesta at the South Tacoma U.S.O. Four young women carry baskets of cut flowers while two soldiers look on. They are standing behind large urns full of flowers and a bird bath.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

ca. 1943. In this photograph taken in 1943, Doris "Dorie" Miller (left) and an unidentified man posed resting on a jukebox in the USO #2, 713-15 Commerce St. Mr. Miller had been awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was assigned as a Mess Attendant First Class on the USS West Virginia when that vessel was bombed by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. He carried wounded sailors to safety and then fired an anti aircraft gun until it ran out of ammunition. It was reported that he brought down four Japanese planes, without any artillery training. He was later lost in action when his escort carrier, the Linscome Bay, was sunk on November 24, 1943.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Heroes--Tacoma; Miller, Dorie;

ca. 1943. Dancing was one of the major pastimes at the Welcome Party held at the 713-15 Commerce St. U.S.O. for Pearl Harbor war hero Doris "Dorie" Miller. A large group of African American servicemen watch couples dance at Tacoma's Colored U.S.O. where a party was held to welcome the war hero.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jitterbug dancing--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A Mexican Fiesta at the South Tacoma U.S.O. Three soldiers gather around while a young woman reads the palm of another soldier.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Fortune telling--Tacoma--1940-1950;

During the week of July 14-21, 1943, the members of Navy Wives Club held a drive in Tacoma to collect "junk jewelry". The navy personnel stationed on the islands in the south Pacific had discovered that trinkets were worth more then money to many of the native islanders. One officer had reported that, "Fifty-two fox-holes were dug for a brooch and a pair of earrings." Two of the navy wives, wearing bathing suits, try on some of the collected items before the jewelry is shipped to San Francisco - and on to the Navy. (T.Times, 7/13/1943, p.18, and 8/11/1943, p.2) TPL-9860

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Military spouses--Tacoma; Jewelry; Costume jewelry; Bathing suits

ca. 1943. O.W.I. Publicity. Women working on assembly line at Northwest Chair. (T. Times)

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Northwest Chair Co. (Tacoma);

During WWII, women in Tacoma filled many of the jobs that had been traditionally occupied by men. This unidentified woman, holding a piece of wood against a planer, worked in one of Tacoma's many lumber mills. In 1942 there were 16 furniture manufacturing companies in Tacoma and 11 saw mills.

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Lumber industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In October of 1944 these six young people represented all the students in Tacoma and Pierce County at an awards ceremony for the "Schools at War" war savings program. Each of the six groups of schools represented by the students received a special citation for exceeding both the national and state goals for student contributions to the war effort. During the previous year's campaign, the students in Tacoma/Pierce County had raised an average of $38.13 per student to help finance the war. Pictured are: (standing, l to r) Andy Moe, Colleen Kelly, La Rae Andre and Thomas Miller; (seated, l to r) Ivar Pihl and Lorraine Danell. (T. Times, 10/12/44, p. 3).

War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Children--War work--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma;

General construction, erosion and piling at Todd Pacific. Todd Pacific Shipyard is the largest shipyard in Tacoma, and the largest single war producing unit in Pierce County. Over 50 vessels have been built for the Navy. View of three unidentified men repairing shipyard facility (T. Times, 9/1/44, p. 22).

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Laborers--Tacoma; Todd Pacific Shipyards, Inc. (Tacoma);

Fifth War Loan campaign. Community business men display a Fifth War Loan sales banner for the final week of bond sales. Last minute drives in order to meet quota for County are likely to increase war bond sales. War bond buyers will be receiving incentives, such as free movies for all war bonds purchased this week. View of Edna's Beauty Shop above War Loan banner.

War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Banners--Tacoma;

Fifth War Loan campaign. McChord Field ceremony allowed the public to visit the Army base and view the parade. Over 15,000 spectators attended this Fifth War Loan Campaign "Kick-off" event. Six dignitaries including Reno Odlin, second from left, Governor Wallgren, far right, and two military officers who participated in the McCord Field events. Military orchestra in background (T. Times, 6/12/44, p. 1).

War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Military personnel--Tacoma;

A War Bond Sale rally was held at the Liberty Center on April 24, 1943. Two military bands from Fort Lewis performed during the program and an appearance was made by the new Pierce County chapter of the Minute Maids. People purchasing Series E Bonds ($18.75 and up) were taken on a ride in one of two jeeps available for that purpose. Over $10,000 in bonds were sold to help in the fight against the Axis. (TNT 4/25/1943, pg. 1)

War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma;

As the Second War Loan Drive picked up steam at the Tacoma yard of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. mid April of 1943, employees pledged more of their salaries and purchased additional bonds. The War Bond department staff worked hard to keep pace. Pictured left to right are Anson Hart, department manager, Grace Giel, Margaret Cobb and Marion Marshall. These assistants, plus others, typed thousands of bonds each week. The sales by mid April totalled $379, 519, a new company record. (T. Times 4/20/1943, pg. 10)

War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Hart, Anson;

The Tacoma yard of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. broke all their previous records in payroll war savings and the purchase of extra war bonds during the month of April 1943. They had already collected $379,518.84 locally in payroll deductions toward the national goal of $13 billion. Pictured are War Bond department manager Anson Hart and chief clerk (standing) Mrs. May McDowell. Typing certificates are Virginia Carlbloom, left, and Lillian Marshall. (TNT 4/20/1943, pg. 15- picture; T.Times, 4/20/43, p.10) [Also dated 04-12-9143]

War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Hart, Anson; McDowell, May; Carlbloom, Virginia; Marshall, Lillian;

A young marble player, tongue held firmly for concentration, practiced for the Tacoma Times city marble championship at Central school in April of 1943. The winner received a $25.00 war bond.

World War, 1939-1945--Children--Tacoma; Children playing with marbles--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Central School 1B Class. First graders learn to cook. Duane Carter, left, and Edward Mantell, right, wearing aprons, check the contents of a pan sitting on top of a hot plate. The hot plate is on a table with an empty milk bottle, a can of Nestle's cocoa and measuring cup. The boys are making cocoa, with materials supplied by the Dairy Council. (T.Times, 4/24/1943, p. 5)

World War, 1939-1945--Children--Tacoma; Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Central School (Tacoma); Children cooking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Carter, Duane; Mantell, Edward

Civil Defense. Man with helmet reading "Incident Officer" points to area out of picture range; three other men in picture look in that direction. All of the men are standing by a large truck.

World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma;

Members of Company 7 of the Auxiliary Fire Service hook up to a hydrant during the March 21, 1943 civil defense drill. They were battling a real blaze that was deliberately set in an abandoned building in the industrial district. The purpose of the blaze was to test their newly equipped pumping unit.

World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fire fighters--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The members of one of the companies of Tacoma's auxiliary civil defense fire service posed with their engine and Tacoma Fire Chief Emory Whitaker outside of "The Florence," 414-22 Tacoma Ave. So. The photograph was taken either before or after a March 21, 1943 civil defense drill. The drill proposed that Tacoma had been bombed by enemy forces and the Florence Apartments had been destroyed.

World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma; Florence Apartments (Tacoma); Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma's eight Zone Air Raid Wardens met at the Hotel Winthrop to receive posters and other materials for the national V-Home campaign, scheduled to start Monday. V-Home stood for Victory Home, and it was a civil defense program targeted at teaching citizens to defend themselves in case of enemy attack. They were also expected to conserve, ration, buy war bonds and save salvage. The Zone wardens coordinated the effort of the precincts and block Air Raid Wardens. They are, left to right, R.J. Carino with printed air raid instructions, Paul Garver with a V-Home poster, C.W. Sangster, Tom Miller, Handel Ingham, Russell Longworth and James Crawford. Seated is Charles Strong holding a copy of the new bomb protection regulation. (TNT 4/19/1943, pg. 1-picture, T. Times, 4/19/1943, p. 2).

World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma; Hotels--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Group portraits;

Worker at Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Company inspecting pressure gauge. During World War II Penn Salt produced chemicals important in manufacturing ammunitions products. (T.Times, 2/23/44)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Chemical industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Working class--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Co. of Washington (Tacoma); Factories--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Two men wheel barrels of chemicals on dollies, preparing to load them for shipment at the Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Co. "PennSalt," during World War II, manufactured chemicals for use in the ammunitions industry.

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Chemical industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Working class--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Co. of Washington (Tacoma); Factories--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A group of workmen posed in May of 1943 at the Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Co.

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Chemical industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Working class--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Co. of Washington (Tacoma); Factories--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On March 19, 1943, a long line quickly formed outside the Crystal Palace Market, 1101 Market St., when word spread that one of the merchants inside the market had received a shipment of butter. More and more Tacomans were feeling the pinch of the war and the effects of rationing. Meat was in short supply with many markets totally out of beef and pork, continuing to keep their doors open by offering fish and fowl. Butter, too, was in short supply, and shortly after this photo was taken, the butter at the Crystal Palace had been snapped up.(T.Times, 3/20/1943, p.1) TPL-1991

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Consumer rationing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Consumers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Markets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Crystal Palace Market (Tacoma);

On March 19, 1943, a line quickly formed to buy rationed butter at the Crystal Palace Market. Other rationed items included coffee, sugar, gasoline, rubber and shoes. Ration stamps were needed to purchase any of these items, as diets and travel plans underwent revisions based on these restrictions. (T.Times, 3/20/1943, p.1)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Consumer rationing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Consumers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Markets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Crystal Palace Market (Tacoma);

This view of the Salishan housing development shows the massive project as it looked in January of 1943. In 1942-43, Tacoma undertook its largest development plan ever, a 2000+ dwelling plan on 188 acres on the southeast side intended to house defense workers. The housing development was named Salishan, a Native American word for the tribes of the area. 1,600 structures were to be permanent and 400 temporary. By January of 1943 some of the much needed housing was nearing completion, but not able to be occupied. Some items were still out for bid - including the sewers. [Also dated 02-09-1943] (T. Times 2/25/1943, pg. 31)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Housing developments--Tacoma--1940-1950; Salishan Housing Project (Tacoma);

War Housing; Salishan project. An individual structure is pictured at the Salishan housing project. Salishan was constructed in 1942-43 on 188 acres in southeast Tacoma. It was composed of 2000+ homes, intended to house defense workers. Some were single family dwellings, others duplexes or four-plexes. [Also dated 02-09-1943]

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Housing developments--Tacoma--1940-1950; Salishan Housing Project (Tacoma);