Grand opening of newly paved Pacific Avenue. Street level view looking north from South 13th Street. Banners are hung across the streets in preparation for the Golden Jubilee parade. Barricades can be seen on the right hand sidewalk, ready for crowd control for the parade. Puget Sound National Bank prominent on the right. TPL-9624

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1930-1940; Decorations--Tacoma;

Courtland and Venette Maybin and daughter Venette, a Jubilee Princess, during the Golden Jubilee Water Carnival at Point Defiance Park. Miss Maybin was also crowned reigning Princess of the Water Festival. Mr. Maybin was a Tacoma Times reporter, Mrs. Maybin was Secretary of the Tacoma-Pierce County Boy Scout Council.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Maybin, Courtland--Family; Maybin, Courtland; Maybin, Venette; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma);

Pacific Avenue showing improvements. Barricaded section south of South 15th Street. Automobiles and buses on newly paved street looking north to Northern Pacific Headquarters Building. Schoenfeld's and Sprague Buildings prominent.

Commercial streets--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Golden Jubilee. Sonny Johns shoots arrow for archery demonstration to large group of spectators in 900 block of newly paved Pacific Avenue. Construction forms are still lying in street. Sonny was the 1938 Washington State Junior Archery champion and the Northwest Junior Champion. At the June 1938 competition, he had won the flight shoot, sending the arrow 179 feet, just 21 feet short of two blocks.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Archery--Tacoma; Johns, Sonny;

Golden Jubilee group of men and women, including cooks and waitresses, gathered around the counter of the Tacoma Auto Stage Depot, one of two bus depots in Tacoma. Menu on Coca Cola board and other advertising.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Bus terminals--Tacoma; Tacoma Auto Stage Depot (Tacoma);

Barber at Olympus Hotel, likely Olaf T. Grunden, wearing toupee and Golden Jubilee costume. Woman wearing waitress uniform is seated in barber chair and pinching the barber's chin. Bottles on tonic on shelf below mirror in background. Photograph taken in July of 1939.

Celebrations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Barbershops--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hotels--Tacoma--1930-1940; Olympus Hotel (Tacoma);

Scenes from a preview performance of "Saga of the West," held July 18, 1939. The pageant would cover the history of Washington from its earliest times to the present and be presented July 20, 21 and 22nd at the Stadium Bowl. This scene depicts the pioneers first crossing the Naches Pass. A pioneer woman, Gretchen (Mrs. Percy C.) Rollins, is being assisted from her "prairie schooner" by a trio of Scouts, actually soldiers from Fort Lewis. Unfortunately the July 18th dress rehearsal was rained out about halfway through; the cast would convene the following evening for a full rehearsal. (T. Times 7/19/1939, pg. 1)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Historical pageants--Tacoma; Rollins, Gretchen;

Scenes from a preview performance of "Saga of the West." The pageant would cover the history of the west and be presented July 20, 21 and 22nd of 1939 at the Stadium Bowl. Titus Motor Co. offered the use of their 1906 Ford "Model N' for the pageant. The automobile is being cranked by Titus Service Department Superintendent Dick Frayne and is ready to go into action. This dress rehearsal on the 18th was interrupted by a downpour halfway through, causing the actors to take cover. The cast would reconvene on July 19th to complete the rehearsal.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Historical pageants--Tacoma; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Ford automobile; Frayne, Dick;

Group at the County Assessor's office showing their support for Washington's Golden Jubilee by wearing Jubilee hats and western clothing.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma;

Employees of Peterman Manufacturing Company, Shipping Department, wearing Jubilee hats. Businesses were encouraged to have their employees wear a variety of hats in celebration of the state's 50th anniversary.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Peterman Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma)--Employees; Hats--1930-1940;

Employees of Peterman Manufacturing Company, Patching Department, wearing Jubilee hats. Jubilee Princess Elizabeth Johnson in center with banner.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Peterman Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma)--Employees; Johnson, Elizabeth;

Western wear is the dress code of the day in the County Assessor's office on July 18, 1939. The public servants are helping Washington celebrate her 50th anniversary of statehood. Tacoma would be celebrating the state's Golden Jubilee from July 16-23, 1939. The Gyro Club had declared wearing "Jubilee Hats" as the way to show support.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Pierce County Assessor's Office (Tacoma); County government--Tacoma;

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);

Scenes from a preview performance of "Saga of the West." The pageant would cover the history of the west and be presented July 20, 21 and 22nd at the Stadium Bowl. During the Gay 90's episode, a team of four red shirted volunteer Fire Brigade members pull the big hose wagon, wound with cotton hose. The men are, left to right, Jack Frost, Ted Breuner (beside Frost,) Frank LeCompte and Tryg Blix (beside LeCompte.) This style of hose wagon was in use around 1880 and it is topped by ironwork featuring the fire company name "Alert." The Alert refers to the Alert Hose Company #2, a volunteer company that originated in 1885. In the pageant, their hats are labelled with the number 33. This dress rehearsal on July 18th was rained out halfway through. The cast would reassemble on the 19th to rehearse. (T. Times 7/19/1939, pg. 1)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Historical pageants--Tacoma; Fire fighters--Tacoma; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1880-1890; Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma); Frost, Jack; LeCompte, Frank; Breuner, Ted; Blix, Tryg;

No one will be arguing with this employee of the County Assessor's office when they make their point with their knife. The employees of the office are helping to celebrate Washington's Golden Jubilee, the anniversary of her 50th year of statehood, on July 18, 1939. Tacoma will be celebrating the entire week of July 16-23, 1939.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Pierce County Assessor's Office (Tacoma); County government--Tacoma;

Group at Puget Sound National Bank with Golden Jubilee hats. Men in western wear and women in bonnets. Bank president Reno Odlin is standing wearing dark clothing without a hat to the right of the column, in the center of the group. All employees were required to wear Jubilee garb in celebration of Pioneer Days at Puget Sound Bank. The bankers wore beaver top hats with dignified frock coats and black ties. (T. Times 7/20/1939, pg. 20)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1930-1940; Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979;

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);

This group of dandies is part of the cast of the historical drama "Saga of the West." The outdoor pageant would be produced July 20-22, 1939 as a part of the celebration of Washington's Golden Jubilee. Tacoma's Golden Jubilee had been designated as the "official statehood celebration." The "Saga" was directed by William Marlatt of the John B. Rogers Co., that specialized in pageants, and boasted a cast of 2,000. Tickets cost 50 cents or 3 for a dollar and the opening night audience totalled over 15,000. The history of Washington, from earliest times to 1939, unfolded on a 200 foot stage.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

Cast members of the outdoor drama "Saga of the West," costumed to represent different time periods, pose in front of the reverse side of one of the massive sets used in the pageant. The outdoor pageant would be produced July 20-22, 1939 as a part of the celebration of Washington's Golden Jubilee. Tacoma's celebration had been designated as the "official statehood celebration" and it was easily the largest that Tacoma would ever see. The pageant, only one of many Jubilee events, had a cast of 2,000, an orchestra, 200 voice choir, a pipe organ and an opening night audience of 15,000. It would briefly cover the history of Washington from earliest times to 1939, with emphasis on the last fifty years of statehood.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

Cast members of the historical pageant "Saga of the West" pose in front of Stadium Bowl seating. The seats are only sparsely occupied for this preview performance, mostly by cast members; the opening night audience would number over 15,000. The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. The pageant was directed by William Marlatt of the John B. Rogers pageant company, was fully costumed and had a cast of 2,000. It also had horses, stage coaches, covered wagons, automobiles and a fire engine.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

Searchlights from the Pacific Fleet light up the night sky over the Stadium Bowl during the historical pageant "Saga of the West." The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. Also in port for the Jubilee were six US battleships and 8,000 sailors and officers. Search light drills would be performed nightly at 10:15p.m.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma; Searchlights--Tacoma;

Jubilee princesses at Lakewood Terrace. Pictured, left to right, are Jubilee Hostess Queen Amy Lou Murray, unidentified, Lucille Courtney, Venette Maybin, Norton Clapp (standing left), Miss Pierce County Margaret Franich (seated right side of table forward), Marjorie Cain (seated between the two males), unidentified male and Elizabeth Johnson.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Festivals--Tacoma--1930-1940; Murray, Amy Lou; Courtney, Lucille; Maybin, Venette; Clapp, Norton, 1906-1995; Franich, Margaret; Cain, Marjorie Dils, 1908-1994; Johnson, Elizabeth;

The Board of Business Representatives poses at Jack's Griddle in their Jubilee hats. From July 16-23, 1939, Tacoma celebrated the 50th anniversary of Washington's statehood in a big way. Jack's Griddle was a restaurant at 912-14 Commerce St. owned by Jack Staley. It had been in business for 22 years. (T. Times 7/20/1939, pg. 8- names of labor leaders in caption)

Board of Business Representatives (Tacoma); Jack's Griddle (Tacoma); Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma;

These cast members appear to depict British officers and sailors in the historical drama "Saga of the West." The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. They are possibly part of the depiction of Capt. George Vancouver's exploration of the Puget Sound area in 1792. The Saga would cover Washington's history from the earliest times to 1939, with 14 special events highlighted in scenes.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

Cast members of the outdoor drama "Saga of the West," costumed to represent different time periods, pose in front of the reverse side of one of the massive sets used in the pageant. The outdoor pageant would be produced July 20-22, 1939 as a part of the celebration of Washington's Golden Jubilee. The Saga had a cast of 2,000 and covered the history of Washington from its earliest times to 1939. To eliminate the need for microphones on the stage, all narration was handled by seven actors in the press box speaking over microphones.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

During a July 19, 1939 rehearsal, a team of dogs pulled a sled and rider past the massive sets used for the historical pageant "Saga of the West" staged in the Stadium Bowl. The heavily bearded man "mushing" the dogs was Earl Hammond. Hammond stopped in Tacoma on his way to Alaska to take part in the Saga and parade. He was a professional "Santa Claus," performing in Christmas pageants back east. His dogs were white Siberian huskies and white marked black Siberians. The framework at the rear of the sets can be clearly seen and costumed cast members representing different time periods in Washington's history line up to watch the show. The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. (T. Times 7/20/1937, pg. 2)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

As the West was settled, cities were formed. This scene is typical of that lifestyle. A woman reaches down to cluck the toddler in the wicker stroller under the chin while the proud parents look on. The pair of young men on the left appear to be planning some mischief. It was all taking place during the preview performance of "Saga of the West." The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. Three cast members wait for their cues in the stands with bored expressions on their faces. The young man in the checks is tentatively identified as Donald MacDonald and the woman pushing the pram as Barbara Bonnell. The extravaganza, with its cast of 2,000, was made up of 14 scenes. This appears to be from the Gay Nineties street scene.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

Redskins in full body makeup represent the importance of the Native Americans in the West. These cast members took part in the recreation of an early Indian village in the historical drama "Saga of the West." The show opened with the area's earliest native settlers, known as the "Squallys." The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

A mixed group of cast members of the "Saga of the West," costumed as Native Americans and frontiersmen, pose for this picture. The outdoor pageant would be produced July 20-22, 1939 as a part of the celebration of Washington's Golden Jubilee. The Saga would unfold in 14 scenes and depicted the history of area from its earliest native settlers to 1939. Some of the early depictions were the discovery of the Puget Sound area by Capt. George Vancouver, Lewis & Clark, the Hudson's Bay Co., the first immigrant wagon train in 1853 and the final spike of the transcontinental railroad being driven in 1873. Most emphasis was on the time period from the state's constitution in 1889 to the Jubilee, including the Gay 90's and the Great War. (T. Times 7/20/1939, pg. 1)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

Go West young man seems to be the catch phrase for this group of cast members from the historical pageant "Saga of the West." They are all attired as frontiersmen and pose in front of a covered wagon. The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. The extravaganza boasted a cast of 2,000, as well as horses, stage coaches, covered wagons, Indians, cowboys, soldiers and sailors. The actors pantomimed, with all voices portrayed by seven narrators over microphones. Musical accompaniment was supplied by an orchestra, 200 voice choir and an organ.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;