Western Boat Building Co. was a well equipped Tacoma shipyard building vessels for the Army, Navy and Coast Guard. Western Boat was about to launch a YP627, self propelled patrol craft, for the navy, in honor of Navy Day. View of unidentified Navy ship crew, their family members and the launching sponsor, Mrs. Kenneth Jones, in center holding roses (T. Times, 10/30/44, p. 7).

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Government vessels--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

College of Puget Sound Associated Students Navy social. During Homecoming week the Associated Students' Club organized many activities. Dances, baseball, football games and plays were all events to get alumni, students and community members involved. View of unidentified group of students and Navy men getting the jukebox ready for dancing.

Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jukeboxes; Students--Tacoma; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

College of Puget Sound Associated Students Navy social. During Homecoming week the Associated Students' Club organized many activities. Dances, baseball, football games and plays were all events to get alumni, students and community members involved. View of unidentified couple dancing on hardwood floors surrounded by interested onlookers.

Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dance--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Universities & colleges--Tacoma--1940-1950; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Martinac Shipbuilding was founded by Joseph M. Martinac, he established himself as an expert boat builder in Tacoma. Martinac has built minesweepers, purse seiners, sardine and tuna boats, pleasure boats and has converted fishing vessels into Navy patrol boats. View of unidentified launching sponsor and her son standing with unidentified ship crew members.

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Iva A. Poinsett and Julius W. Mann were married on December 17, 1944. Iva is wearing a beautiful necklace with her floral-lace wedding gown, she is holding a bouquet of roses and daffodils, while standing in front of a stone hearth, that holds two matching candlesticks.

Brides--1940-1950; Wedding costume--1940-1950; Poinsett, Iva A.--Marriage; Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Iva A. Poinsett and Julius W. Mann were married on December 17, 1944. Group portrait of fifteen unidentified family members.

Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits; Poinsett, Iva A.--Family; Mann, Julius W.--Family;

ca. 1944. War Street. Circa 1944 downtown display of World War II artillery and military equipment. Large crowd along the 900 block of Broadway looking over several vehicles including an airplane and Jeep.

Crowds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Military vehicles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Airplanes--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Housing Authority Valentine Party at Salishan. Salishan began as a community for military, war workers and their families. The first families moved in, in 1943. The community center offered many activities for youth to take part in. The Valentine's Day dance was sponsored by the Tacoma Housing Authority. View of fourteen unidentified youth who attended Valentine's dance.

Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Valentine's Day--Tacoma; Holidays--Tacoma; Salishan Community Center (Tacoma);

Carol Todd. Members of the wedding party and other guests are seated at the banquet table on May 17, 1945. A large painting of a Viking ship is hung on the far wall of the banquet room. The location is believed to be the Viking Smorgasbord restaurant, 9702 South Tacoma Way, which featured Scandinavian and American dishes.

Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Banquets--1940-1950; Paintings;

Jeanne Dittmen and Raymond Horn were married May 26, 1945, at the McKinley Avenue Friends Church. Jeanne M. Horn is wearing her wedding dress with the train spread behind her. She is holding a bridal bouquet of white calla lillies and stephanotis. Her finger-tip veil is crowned with orange blossoms. Lt. Raymond M. Horn serves with the Army Air Corps. (T.Times, 6/12/1945, p.6)

Brides--1940-1950; Dittman, Jeanne M.--Marriage; Horn, Jeanne M.; Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Wedding costume--1940-1950;

Side view of "Hustler"at dock after launching at Western Boat in early June of 1945. Several men are aboard in the stern. The fishing vessel was owned by R. Tom Muchlinski and home port listed as Ketchikan, Alaska. Shortly after being placed in service, the "Hustler" was acquired by the U.S. government.

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Launching of "Hustler." The young sponsor of the new fishing boat stands at the prow of the ship holding a bouquet of roses in June of 1945. U.S. flags drape the upper and lower decks. The 61.9-foot vessel was built by Western Boat Building. After completion, the trawler was destined for Ketchikan, Alaska.

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Flags--United States;

The 61.9-foot fishing trawler, the "Hustler, " was successfully launched by Western Boat in June of 1945. As the poem written in her honor states, she has just slid down the ways. The Tacoma city skyline can be seen in the background. The ship's owner was R. Tom Muchlinski and she carried a crew of six. After completion, the "Hustler" was bound for Ketchikan, Alaska. Shortly after being placed in service, she was taken over by the U.S. government.

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Launching of "Hustler." A group of dignitaries are on hand at Western Boat for the launching of the fishing boat, the "Hustler," on June 6, 1945. The sponsors and their families are on a raised stage. Signs for U.S. Navy are on either side of the steps up to the stage. The ship's owner was R. Tom Muchlinski.

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Surrender Day and parade, August 14 and 15, 1945. . People throw confetti from the upper floors of the downtown buildings celebrating the end of World War II.

Victory celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

After President Truman's announcement on August 14, 1945 that Japan had surrendered, the greatest mass celebration in Tacoma history took place on the downtown streets. People poured out of offices into the streets to celebrate the end of the war in the Pacific. Bottles appeared to toast the victory, but would not be replenished as the liquor stores also closed for the victory holiday. Maids and matrons of all ages bestowed "Victory kisses" on the willing servicemen to express their thanks. (TNT 8/15-16, 1945, pg. 1)

Victory celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

At 4p.m. on Tuesday, August 14, 1945, after days of anticipation, President Truman made the announcement that the Japanese had surrendered. Spontaneous celebrations erupted all over Tacoma as store owners closed their businesses and took to the street. Bumper to bumper traffic snarled transportation downtown as an impromptu parade of cheering and honking citizens jammed into vehicles cried out their joy that the war was over. (TNT 8/15/1945, pg. 1)

Victory celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Surrender Day and parade, August 14 and 15, 1945. People throw confetti from the upper floors of the Bank of California Building celebrating the end of World War II.

Victory celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;

Thousands of Tacomans packed the downtown business streets Tuesday night August 14,1945 to celebrate the end of the war. Many women - young and old - trying to show appreciation for both the end of the war and the service the men in uniform had rendered, gave "victory kisses" to soldiers and sailors. A more formal celebration for Surrender Day was quickly planned for Wednesday the 15th including a victory parade through Tacoma's business district. Caught in an embrace in the right foreground is Lavonne Waite (later McClelland,) while her sister E'Laene Waite looks on smiling in the background center. Both girls worked at the Ft. Lewis Photo Exchange. Their job was to develop and print the pictures that servicemen had taken overseas, checking them as well for restricted images. The Exchange was located just below the Tally Ho Tavern (1011 So. 11th.) (identification provided by a viewer)

Victory celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Kissing; Hugging; Waite, Lavonne; Waite, E'Laene;

Surrender Day and parade. Looking south along Broadway after the parade celebrating the end of World War II. TPL-6427.

Victory celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Surrender Day and parade. Broadway outside Franwell's Fountain Lunch is strewn with confetti and crowded with people celebrating the end of World War II. TPL-900.

Victory celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Crowds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Franwell's Fountain Lunch (Tacoma);

Americans listened intently to radios on August 14, 1945, for word that the Japanese had surrendered. The message came at 4 p.m. on the West Coast, "The war is over!" Emotions ran high--people yelled; horns honked; bits of paper poured down from business buildings; downtown streets were jammed with cars and sidewalks were crowded with jubilant people. The excitement continued the following day with a Surrender Day parade on Pacific Avenue. The marching soldiers are one of the four platoons from Fort Lewis. (T.Times, 8/15 & 8/16/1945, p.1) TPL-804.

Victory celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Surrender Day Parade; Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Peace--Tacoma;

At 4 p.m. on Tuesday August 14, 1945, news reached Tacoma that Japan had surrendered, and that World War II was over. Practically every business in town closed. The following day, the Boy Scouts served as the color guard in front of troops parading along Pacific Avenue. Soldiers from Fort Lewis and McChord Field, navy personnel and veterans all were represented. The Shrine band as well as military bands played for the parade. (T.Times, 8/15/45, p.1) TPL-4028.

Victory celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On Wednesday, August 15, 1945, thousands of Tacomans thronged the streets to officially celebrate the end of the war in the Pacific with a parade. The hastily organized event featured over 2,000 participants and several bands, including those from Fort Lewis and McChord Air Base. Marching groups on the 18-block parade route included men and women representing every branch of the service, veterans organizations, shipyard and defense workers, fraternal lodges and Boy Scouts. Confetti rained down upon parade participants from the office buildings on Pacific Avenue. The streets were already littered with tons of paper from the Tuesday night impromptu celebrating of the war's end when downtown streets were jammed with cars and pedestrians. August 15 and 16 were proclaimed holidays with city, county and federal offices closed as well as most businesses. (T. Times 8/15/1945, pg. 1-various photographs & article; T. Times 8-16-45-various photographs & article)

Victory celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Military bands;

Wedding portrait of Josephine Ellen Hagman and Herbert J. Birchman. The bride and groom are seen from the back and also from the front in the mirror. They both read a note sent upon this most happy occasion. The bride's veil allows a glimpse of her white satin gown. She is holding her bouquet of white carnations and stephanotis. They were married January 19, 1946, at the First Covenant Church. (T.Times, 2/6/1946, p.6)

Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Wedding costume--1940-1950; Brides--1940-1950; Grooms (Weddings)--1940-1950; Hagman, Josephine Ellen; Birchman, Herbert J.;

Emma Coman reception at Pacific Telephone and Telegraph. Twenty-nine women and one man attend this reception. Two women serve tea and coffee and cookies are also provided. The table is covered by a large lace tablecloth. Candles and a bouquet decorate the table. As of November 1946 Pacific Telephone and Telegraph maintained 9 central offices to care for Tacoma's 7 districts.

Receptions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma); Coman, Emma;

Mayor Harry Cain gently places a crown of golden daffodils on the head of Gloria Dinwiddie of Sumner, pronouncing her Queen of the 1946 Daffodil Festival. Attendants Patricia McPherson of Tacoma, right, and Maxine Barth of Puyallup look on. The little crown bearer is Caryn Chervenka, age 4. The coronation took place at Guill Hall in Sumner at the Sumner VFW sponsored ball. The three day event began with the coronation and would end with the annual sailboat races.

Daffodils--Sumner; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1946 : Sumner); Dinwiddie, Gloria; Crowns; McPherson, Patricia; Barth, Maxine; Chervenka, Caryn; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Gloria Dinwiddie of Sumner, Queen of the 1946 Daffodil Festival, was photographed preparing for her coronation on March 29, 1946. Helping her with her crown of golden daffodils were her attendants, Patricia McPherson (far right) of Tacoma and Maxine Barth of Puyallup. The coronation ceremony took place in Sumner. The three day Daffodil Festival began with the coronation and would end with the annual sailboat races. TPL-10152

Daffodils--Sumner; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1946 : Sumner); Dinwiddie, Gloria--Coronations; McPherson, Patricia; Barth, Maxine; Crowns;

Mayor Harry P. Cain crowns Gloria Dinwiddie of Sumner, Queen of the 1946 Daffodil Festival, with a crown made of golden daffodils. Attendants Patricia McPherson of Tacoma, right, and Maxine Barth of Puyallup look on. The little crown bearer is Caryn Chervenka, age 4. The coronation took place at Guill Hall in Sumner. The three day event began with the coronation and would end with the annual sailboat races. ALBUM 13.

Daffodils--Sumner; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1946 : Sumner); Dinwiddie, Gloria; Crowns; McPherson, Patricia; Barth, Maxine; Chervenka, Caryn; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The 10th annual 1946 Daffodil parade drew one of the largest crowds in parade history. Many Pierce County businesses, organizations and schools signed up to appear in the parade. View of Puyallup Chamber of Commerce "The Pioneer Spirit"carriage. TPL-8697

Daffodils--Puyallup; Parades & processions--Puyallup; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1946 : Puyallup); Floats (Parades)--Puyallup;