In December of 1954, fifty-one years ago, the approach to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge on the Tacoma side was Olympic Boulevard which connected the bridge to 6th Avenue, which at that time was highway 16. Real estate development had barely begun on either side of the bridge. The Olympic mountains stand out in the distance beyond an unbroken line of trees. (Richards Studio Stock File. ) TPL-8406

Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Tacoma); Suspension bridges--Tacoma; Olympic Mountains (Wash.);

Exterior of mill and bulk feed station. The Washington Co-op Farmers Association built a modern, efficient feed mill in the late 1940's at a cost of $1,000,000+. Located on the Tideflats at the Hylebos waterway, the Co-op had immediate access to transcontinental railroads and sound or ocean going vessels which made transport of their feeds and grain extremely efficient. Bulk feed could be poured into the Co-op's Diamond-T trucks for delivery to waiting customers from the Bulk Feed Service area. Photograph ordered by Washington Cooperative Farmers Association. TPL-10077

Washington Cooperative Farmers Association (Tacoma); Grain elevators--Tacoma; Mills--Tacoma; Food storage buildings--Tacoma; Shipping--Tacoma--1950-1960; Railroad freight cars--Tacoma--1950-1960; Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Copy of customer print. Cheerful floral patterns brighten the interior of a log cabin, possibly owned by Dr. H.C. Nickelsen. Large antlers are a trophy over the brick and wood paneled fireplace; a rifle is mounted below the mantle. Comfortable stuffed furniture would make this cabin a cozy place to remain during a snowy day. This photograph, along with C86538-1, were chosen to be used on Christmas cards by Dr. Nickelsen. Date of original picture is unknown; copy of customer's print was made on December 10, 1954.

Log cabins; Antlers; Rifles; Fireplaces;

Romantically stylized Nativity scene of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus surrounded by the animals and the shepherds underneath an evergreen bower, displayed at the New Tacoma Cemetary during the 1954 Christmas season. The life size figures were designed by Bill Knabel, well known artist from South Tacoma. The figures were made of durable all weather plyboard that had been richly painted and were part of lighted tableaus celebrating the Christmas story. The lighted exhibit, open to the public, was begun in the late 1940s and enlarged every year. (TNT 12/23/1953, pg. 9)

Creches (Nativity scenes)--Tacoma; Christmas decorations; Cemeteries--Tacoma; New Tacoma Cemetery (Tacoma);

This is how Fire Station No. 16 appeared in December of 1954. Built in 1951 and located at 7215 Sixth Avenue, it had commanding views of the Narrows Bridge and the Olympic Mountains. A sign on the building stated that it was a collection point for "Toys for Tots," a campaign that supplied Christmas toys for needy children which was sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. This station provided fire protection for the Highlands District, from Stevens St. to the Narrows Bridge, and University Place. It was demolished in 1999. Ordered by the Richards Studio, photographed by Bill H.

Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Tacoma); Olympic Mountains (Wash.); Fire stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Fire Department, Fire Station No. 16 (Tacoma);

Laughing guests of the Archie McLeans attend the McLeans costume party held at the University-Union Club on November 28, 1954. The man on the left is dressed in a Heidelberg beer barrel with a Lucky Lager brand horseshoe attached. One of the women is costumed like Wee Willie Winkie in her striped nightgown and candlestick while the second woman's garb has a faintly Chinese connection. The person most nattily dressed is the man dressed in Spanish attire with cummerbund and black hat. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune for a section on the McLeans party; however, this particular photograph was not included in the December 4, 1954, issue. (other party photos TNT 12-4-54, p. 5)

Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

Hyde, Beulah L. (Mrs. Robert), artist. Mrs. Hyde was a well-known, award winning Tacoma area painter who exhibited her work at many shows primarily in the late 1940s to the mid-1950s. Her husband, Robert, was the founder of West Coast Grocery. She is photographed here at the preview of the December Tacoma Art League show on November 28, 1954. Mrs. Hyde, whose paintings were signed B.L. Hyde, was the guest that evening of the Delta Phi Delta, College of Puget Sound art honorary. A special exhibit of her paintings, one of which is pictured above, was shown along with other Tacoma-owned work. Mrs. Hyde, a native of Kansas, came to the Tacoma area when she was 10. She was a graduate of Annie Wright School (then Seminary) and attended Abbott Academy in Andover, Mass. Mrs. Hyde died at age 96 in January of 1983. She was a longtime patron of the Tacoma Art Museum and a member of the Tacoma Country & Golf Club. (TNT 11-28-1954; TNT 1-21-1983, obit.)

Boedecker Chimney Construction Co. not only built chimneys but also repaired them. Their work could be seen in many industrial businesses locally, including St. Regis and Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel. In late 1954, Boedeckers was asked to do repairs on the smokestack belonging to West Tacoma Newsprint Co., paper manufacturers, located in Steilacoom. View of chimney's exterior after repairs were completed.

Chimneys; Boedecker Chimney Construction Co. (Tacoma); West Tacoma Newsprint (Steilacoom);

The winter cold does not seem to bother "Miss Pacific" as she smiles widely during her parade route. She is perched on the cab's roof just in front of a giant peeler log. Georgia-Pacific Plywood Co. had sponsored several entries in the November 27, 1954, Bellingham parade with a fleet of trucks hauling an impressive display of giant Douglas fir logs. "Miss Pacific", along with "Miss Georgia" and "Miss Peeler Log", participated wearing hobnailed boots, hard hats, short-shorts and sleeveless blouses. Photograph ordered by Georgia-Pacific Plywood Co. TPL-9509

Logs; Parades & processions--Bellingham--1950-1960;

An M.A. Couch truck is slowly making a turn past the Bellingham Bedding Co. and is careful not to dislodge neither the young model perched on the truck's cab or the giant peeler log on its bed. Georgia-Pacific Plywood Co. supplied several of the large Douglas fir logs for a parade down the main streets of Bellingham on November 27, 1954. Signs on the massive logs indicated that each peeler log would be sufficient to supply enough plywood to build 40 average homes. These logs were obtained locally from timber forests in Washington State. Photograph ordered by Georgia-Pacific Plywood Co.

Logs; Parades & processions--Bellingham--1950-1960; Trucks--Bellingham--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Miss Peeler Log needs a ladder to get half-way up the giant Douglas fir peeler log and it still will not be enough to get to to the top of the log. She and the other two girls pictured represented Georgia-Pacific Plywood Co. in a November 27, 1954, parade in Bellingham. A fleet of log-laden trucks proceeded down the main streets of Bellingham and the girls may have ridden on top of the vehicles. Photograph ordered by Georgia-Pacific Plywood Co.

Logs; Women--Clothing & dress--Bellingham;

This group of loggers appears dwarfed by the size of the freshly cut peeler log which has already been loaded onto a truck. This giant Douglas fir, and others, would be displayed in a procession through Bellingham's streets on November 27, 1954. Georgia-Pacific Plywood Co. had sponsored a fleet hauling many giant logs; each log would contain enough plywood to be used in forty average homes. The plywood industry was still very much an economic force during the 1950's as the construction boom continued both here and nationwide. Photograph ordered by Georgia-Pacific Plywood Co.

Group portraits; Logs; Lumber industry--Bellingham--1950-1960;

A Native American chief in headdress and buckskins gazes at the remainder of downed trees on November 27, 1954. He is standing on a trailer hitch of the large truck that will haul the giant peeler log through the streets of Bellingham as part of a parade. Georgia-Pacific Plywood Co. had arranged for several giant Douglas firs to be cut and transported for this special parade. Photograph ordered by Georgia-Pacific Plywood Co. TPL-8281

Indians of North America--Bellingham; Logs;

The enormous splash generated as a giant peeler log is dumped into the log dump nearly obscures sight of the log. This Douglas fir log, along with several others, was used in a Bellingham parade on November 27, 1954, as entries sponsored by Georgia-Pacific Plywood Co. Harvested locally from timbered forests, the logs were marched down the city's main streets, providing an impressive display for local spectators. Georgia-Pacific wanted to stress that each log contained enough material to be used in making forty average houses. Photograph ordered by Georgia-Pacific Plywood Co.

Logs; Basins (Bodies of water)--Bellingham;

Two young ladies, who look very much alike, proudly sport banners identifying themselves as "Miss Georgia" and "Miss Pacific" as the Georgia-Pacific Plywood's entries in the November 27, 1954, Bellingham parade take a momentary pause. The plywood company had sponsored several giant peeler logs mounted on heavy duty trucks for the parade. The large banners on the logs' sides make it clear that these trees were harvested locally from timber forests in our state. Photograph ordered by Georgia-Pacific Plywood.

Logs; Parades & processions--Bellingham--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

A scantily clad young woman cheerfully waves her hat at parade spectators while perched on top of a R.E. Gray Trucking System cab on November 27, 1954. The truck is hauling a giant peeler log courtesy of the Georgia-Pacific Plywood Co. which was cut from timber forests in Washington State. Bellingham apparently had a parade in late November in which several giant logs were on display to parade viewers. Photograph ordered by Georgia-Pacific Plywood Co.

Logs; Parades & processions--Bellingham--1950-1960; Trucks--Bellingham--1950-1960;

Logging trucks travel down a winding road carrying giant peeler logs that will be used in the November 27, 1954, Bellingham parade. Georgia-Pacific Plywood would be sponsoring several entries in this parade which would provide an impressive display of massive logs. The company would make a point to emphasize that the logs came from timbered forests in the local area. Photograph ordered by Georgia-Pacific Plywood Co.

Logs; Trucks--Bellingham--1950-1960;

Giant fir tree cut down by Georgia Plywood Company. Workman walking past freshly cut tree in forest in late November of 1954. The giant log was later paraded through the streets of Bellingham, Washington.

Lumber industry--1950-1960; Logs;

Three attractive girls apparently represented Georgia-Pacific Plywood in the November 27, 1954, Bellingham parade and may have ridden on top of the trucks' cabs that hauled the giant peeler logs. "Miss Georgia", "Miss Peeler Log", and "Miss Pacific" kneel together in front of the large trucks. Although it is November, and presumably cold, the girls are dressed only in hard hats, Daisy Mae ruffled tops, shorts and sturdy boots. Photograph ordered by Georgia-Pacific Plywood.

Women--Clothing & dress--Bellingham; Logs;

The giant log on the truck bed appears to be twice as tall as the two men standing in front of it. It seems that the Native American chief is sharing a pipe with his white friend. Georgia-Pacific Plywood entered several giant peeler logs in a parade down the main streets of Bellingham on November 27, 1954. These men may have been taking a break from parade activity. Photograph ordered by Georgia-Pacific Plywood.

Logs; Parades & processions--Bellingham--1950-1960; Indians of North America--Bellingham;

A large fleet of trucks haul giant logs just past the Whatcom Feed & Seed on their way to join the parade down Bellingham's main streets on November 27, 1954. Georgia-Pacific Plywood had arranged for several entries in the parade, with trucks proceeding two by two, of giant peeler logs of Douglas fir. Each log contained enough plywood to make forty average homes. Photograph ordered by Georgia-Pacific Plywood Co. TPL-8195

Logs; Parades & processions--Bellingham--1950-1960; Trucks--Bellingham--1950-1960;

A long convoy of trucks bearing Georgia-Pacific giants logs participated in a parade down the streets of Bellingham on November 27, 1954. A policeman is on hand to monitor traffic while a sparse crowd watches outside the Hotel Bellingham. The giant logs on display were peeler logs of Douglas fir. Banners attached to the logs indicated that each log would supply enough plywood for forty average homes. Photograph ordered by Georgia-Pacific Plywood Co.

Logs; Parades & processions--Bellingham--1950-1960; Trucks--Bellingham--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Exterior of Horace Mann Elementary. The November 24, 1954, sepia photograph of Mann Elementary School resembles a painting more than an actual photograph. Nearly fifty years later, the school looks much the same as it did in 1954. Named after noted American educator Horace Mann, the southend school was first built at South 54th and "I" Streets in 1901. The present school was constructed a short distance away at South 52nd and "K"and dedicated in 1953. Additions were made in 1967 and further improvements are in the works in 2002-03 to accomodate displaced students from Seward Elementary. Photograph ordered by Jensen & Mills, Architects. (Olsen: For the Record, p. 83)

Horace Mann School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior of Puget Sound Plywood. A vertical sign juts out from the Puget Sound Plywood, Inc.'s company offices indicating it was "Soundbilt" in a November 23, 1954, photograph. The company plant is apparently next door across the parking lot. Puget Sound Plywood was situated on 3 1/2 acres in the Tideflats between the City and Middle Waterways. Railroad tracks shown here indicate that there was direct rail access for easy shipment of the company's plywood products. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.

Puget Sound Plywood, Inc. (Tacoma); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Cooperatives--Tacoma;

An executive of Puget Sound Plywood, Inc., studies documents on November 23, 1954. The walls of his office are made of plywood; the wall closest to the door may be of knotted pine. His oversized desk is also made of wood; a copy of American Lumberman is visible on the top shelf of his inbox. Puget Sound Plywood was Tacoma's first cooperative plywood plant; it was founded in 1942 and had its facilities at 230 East F Street in the Tideflats. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.

Puget Sound Plywood, Inc. (Tacoma); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Office workers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Plywood; Desks; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Cooperatives--Tacoma;

Executives of Puget Sound Plywood, Inc., manufacturers of plywood, confer in the board room on November 23, 1954. The five executives all have documents in front of them and may be discussing an ad campaign as there is a copy of a cartoon introducing new usage for plywood. Harold Wenman (at right, in light coat) is apparently addressing his fellow workers. Mr. Wenman was an original shareholder of Puget Sound Plywood. The firm, the first cooperative plywood plant in Tacoma, opened on June 1, 1942. It had 298 members who each contributed $1000 and received the same hourly pay and percentage of the company's profits. Mr. Wenman had purchased his share before WWII and worked as the Office Manager for many years before becoming the General Manager from 1964-1970. A graduate of Knapps School of Business, he worked as an accountant for St. Regis, and then served as a staff sgt.in England during the war. Puget Sound Plywood continued to operate through the early 1980s but finally closed due to economic conditions. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Assn. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Puget Sound Plywood, Inc. (Tacoma); Wenman, Harold; Lumber industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Plywood; Cooperatives--Tacoma; Office workers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Desks; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);

Multiple windows provide plenty of natural light for office employees of the Puget Sound Plywood company. In addition, there are several lengthy fluorescent lights overhead. Puget Sound Plywood was the first cooperative plywood plant in the city. It manufactured plywood and promoted the convenience and durability of plywood in a number of ways. Instructions were provided for the do-it-yourselfer or professional on the building of storage units, including showing the plans in 3-D format and also built-ins. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.

Puget Sound Plywood, Inc. (Tacoma); Puget Sound Plywood, Inc. (Tacoma)--Employees; Lumber industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Office workers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices); Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Cooperatives--Tacoma;

Puget Sound Plywood, founded in 1942, was the first cooperative plywood plant in the city. Located on East F Street and between the City and Middle Waterways, on the Tideflats, the company had easy access to rail facilities, making transport of their products economical and convenient. Alfred Anderson was the long-time president of Puget Sound Plywood with John Martison as vice president. View of interior of company offices show employees at work at sparsely decorated desks while two men stand perusing documents at a long counter. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.

Puget Sound Plywood, Inc. (Tacoma); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Office workers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Cooperatives--Tacoma;

Seventeen members, most of them women, of the Cooks, Waiters, Waitresses & Bartenders Local #61 posed for a November 21, 1954, photograph, at union headquarters. The union had purchased the building at 1130 Commerce St. several years ago so that members might have a comfortable place to conduct meetings and enjoy social interaction.

Labor unions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cooks, Waiters, Waitresses & Bartenders Union Local No. 61 (Tacoma); Group portraits;

Architects in the firm of Jensen & Mills examine a small display of Douglas Fir Plywood Association promotional material in their Jones Building office on November 19, 1954. The plywood association always stressed the stringent quality controls utilized in approving plywood for numerous uses. The DFPA label on plywood meant that customers could count on the association standing behind its product. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.

Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Advertising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Jensen & Mills (Tacoma);