Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Tacoma Elks Lodge #174 Golden Jubilee float. Celebrating the lodge's 50th anniversary in Tacoma and the openings of the (first) Narrows Bridge and new airbase, McChord Field, the Elks contingent was the first float in the massive July 1, 1940, parade. They followed hundreds of marching soldiers and National Guard units. More than 400 Elks marched in the parade; 30-40 members carried a huge U.S. flag and more than 300 were in the Elks Band. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 3).
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);
Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade. Among the sixty or so floats in the July 1, 1940, parade commemorating the grand openings of the (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Flying Field, one of the most charming might have been the float bearing four children riding on playground equipment, a Merry-Go-Round float pulled by a sedan. The name of the company is partially obscured; the four children, all wearing hats, may belong to employees of the firm.
Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, July 1, 1940. These five children and two adults reportedly represented the Norwegian Community on a float in the Narrows Bridge-McChord Field Parade through downtown Tacoma streets on July 1st. They were not the only international groups as floats representing Switzerland, Sweden and Japan were also entered. Over 60,000 parade viewers enthusiastically greeted all participants. Tacoma set aside June 29-July 4 for celebrating the opening of the (first) Narrows Bridge and the new McChord airbase. (T.Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade;
Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade. A shiny delivery van pulls the Brown's floral company float with its "Say It With Flowers" sign during the massive July 1, 1940, parade honoring the opening of the (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Field. A young florist delivery boy sits on the automobile hood with a man, possibly the owner of the company, standing next to the van. Four women are seated on the float decorated with floral sprays. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Brown's Conservatory of Flowers (Tacoma);
Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, July 1, 1940. A variety of cars, trucks and floats took part in the 1940 celebratory parade for the new (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge and opening of McChord Flying Field. View of automobile decorated as a float with crepe paper streamers for Skansie Brothers' Richfield Service; it was parked across the street from American Marble on Jefferson Avenue. A woman is seated on the car's fender.
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Paper products--Tacoma; Signs (Notices);
Four men, bodies slathered with silver paint, rode atop the YMCA float during the Narrows Bridge/McChord Field Parade on July 1, 1940. Accompanied by a giant globe, they provided visions of brawny Atlas to the 60,000+ parade viewers. A photograph of the same quartet taken from ground level can be seen at D9944-25.
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Young Men's Christian Association (Tacoma); Body painting--Tacoma;
On July 1, 1940, there was a parade in Tacoma to celebrate the openings of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Field. The most unusual float was that of Tacoma's YMCA, Phalanx Club. Four young men, their bodies silvered, rode on a float while holding up a large globe. Here are the men - minus the globe. Before the year's end, the bridge, which quickly became known as Galloping Gertie, had collapsed into the Narrows. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 3).
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Young Men's Christian Association (Tacoma); Body painting--Tacoma;
Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, July 1, 1940. Large group of men dressed as Native Americans with war paint. These representatives of the fraternal order "Improved Order of Redmen" marched in the celebratory parade, honoring the grand openings of the new (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the country's newest airbase, McChord Field. Crowds estimated from 60,000-100,000 watched the 1 1/2 hour parade as it wove its way through downtown Tacoma. The Order of the Redmen was founded in 1765 as the Sons of Liberty. It was a secret society dedicated to throwing off the bonds of English tyranny. After the revolution, it assumed its current name. The group is devoted to inspiring a greater love of the United States of America and the principles of American liberty. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Indians of North America--Tacoma; Headdresses; Drill teams--Tacoma; Improved Order of Redmen (Tacoma); Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade;
The Carstens Packing Company was represented in the Tacoma Narrows Bridge/McChord Field Parade of 1940 by two company princesses and "Ham Head." They rode on a large float during the 1 1/2 hour parade that passed through downtown Tacoma streets. Crowds were apparently delighted with the bowing Ham. Carstens was founded in 1897, and was one of the early Tacoma businesses to locate on the tideflats. In 1952 the company was sold to Hygrade Food Products Corp. Hygrade closed its Tacoma plant in 1990. (T. Times 7-2-1940, p. 1)
Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, July 1, 1940. Farm Maid Dairy Bar/Tacoma Milk Producers/KMO Radio float carrying a large group of young people on back of decorated truck. The children wave merrily to parade viewers as they and their streamer-bedecked truck pass by. The City of Tacoma threw on a huge celebration in honor of the opening of the first Narrows Bridge and the newest national airbase, McChord Flying Field. Crowds estimated between 60,000-100,000 viewed the 1 1/2 hour parade after the bridge dedication. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices); Dairy products industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; KMO Radio Station (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade;
Japanese American representation at the Narrows Bridge/McChord Field Parade. On June 29, 1940 Tacoma began six days of events to celebrate the openings of both the 1st Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Field, and the 4th of July. The events on July 1, 1940, included the official ribbon cutting ceremony at the bridge and a grand parade. The Japanese communities of Tacoma and Seattle were represented by a float which was preceded by a score or more of marching Japanese young women. Each of the marchers was attired in a Japanese kimono, and each carried a brightly colored, bell covered wand. Marching ahead of the women were the drum & bugle corps of the First Hill district, Seattle Boy Scouts (not pictured.) Businesses in background: left to right, The Laurel Apartments, Rowland - Hulscher Adams Brake Service, Northern Laundry Cleaning and Pressing. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 3). TPL-2174
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Japanese Americans--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Kimonos;
Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Gig Harbor Veterans of Foreign Wars drum & bugle corps, July 1, 1940. This group, identified by Richards Studio, as part of the Gig Harbor VFW, were junior members of the veterans organization. They, and other veterans units, marched proudly in the large parade held after the bridge's dedication. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)
Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Tacoma Central Labor Council automobile. 1940 was a political campaign year; the Central Labor Council made its presence known in the parade with its late model sedan, flags stuck in the grill, and large banner. Four people are pictured in this July 1, 1940, photograph, perched on the car's running board. Civic, fraternal and labor organizations worked together to put forth a massive celebration of the new Narrows Bridge and the opening of the country's latest airbase, McChord Field. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)
Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, July 1, 1940. Sponsored by the Peninsula community, and taking note of the 1940 presidential elections, an automobile festooned with flags, greenery and a portrait of President Roosevelt with caption "He gave us the bridge, he will protect it" injected a political aspect into the July 1, 1940, parade. A solemn "Uncle Sam" rests his hand on the stopped vehicle. The Republicans countered with a Wendell Willkie float of their own. Other signs include: "Watch the Peninsula Grow:" and "Rosedale." The massive parade was just one of the many celebratory events occuring June 29 - July 4 which honored the openings of the new (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Field. Others included the annual Y.M.B.C. water carnival, block parties, and a July 4th extravaganza at Stadium Bowl. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Political campaigns; Signs (Notices); Flags;
Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Tacoma Public Utilities, Light Department float. City Light and its counterpart, Seattle City Light, both sponsored brilliantly lit floats featuring dams during the July 1, 1940, parade honoring the opening of the (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Field. Tacoma City Light's large float was sculpted with representations of the Olympic Mountains, Cushman Dam, and the Narrows Bridge. The small children on the float are fishing, skiing, hunting, and boating. The designated theme was "Gateway to the Olympics." (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1).
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Public utility companies--Tacoma; Power plants;
Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Brown Floral Company float. Four women seated among large baskets of floral sprays during the July 1, 1940, parade honoring the openings of the (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Field. The sight of beautifully decorated commercial floats from Brown's and Carsten's Packing drew enthusiastic responses from the massive throngs viewing the 1 1/2 hour parade. Brown's has been a longtime institution in Tacoma; it is still located at 4734 South Tacoma Way. (T. Times, 7-1-40, p. 1)
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Brown's Conservatory of Flowers (Tacoma);
Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Carsten's Packing Company float. The Carsten's Packing Co.'s float delighted parade watchers on July 1, 1940, with its bowing giant ham and lovely attendants. A man wearing a large white chef's hat may be steering the vehicle. A Richards photographer captured the rose-strewn float as it passed the Northern Laundry & Dye Works on Jefferson Avenue. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)
Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Tacoma Elks Lodge #174 Golden Jubilee float. Noted by newspapers as one of the most beautiful floats, the Elks Lodge float had the honor of being the first float in the massive July 1, 1940, parade. Just hours before, Governor Clarence D. Martin had officially opened the new (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The parade was held in honor of the bridge and also the opening of the country's newest and most modern airbase, McChord Field. The lodge was also celebrating its Golden Jubilee, the lodge's 50th anniversary in Tacoma. More than 400 Elks marched in the parade, by far the largest represented group. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 3).
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);
Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Carsten's Packing Co. float in front of Northern Laundry and Dye Works building. A familiar symbol, the Carstens giant ham looms over the company's princesses and chef as the parade proceeds through the downtown streets of Tacoma on July 1, 1940. The large parade was in honor of the openings of the new (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Field. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)
1940 Y.M.B.C. Water Carnival at Point Defiance. Racing boats lined up at pier. Many races held during the one-day water carnival sponsored by the Young Men's Business Club including inboard motor, hydro, sailboats. The event drew thousands to Point Defiance to bask in the sun, watch races and air shows, and view the city fireboat perform an exhibition. (T. Times, 7-1-40, p. 12)
Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Racing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Regattas--Tacoma;
1940 Y.M.B.C. Water Carnival at Point Defiance. "Key West" of Seattle, winner of deep sea fishing boat race. "New Washington," fishing boat, on right. City fireboat in background with display of water power. (T.Times, 7/1/1940, p. 12).
Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fireboats--Tacoma--1940-1950;
YMBC Water Carnival 1940. An unidentified man in a naval costume looks out to sea with a spy glass. He is possibly viewing the planned boat parade or races. (T.Times, 7-1-40, p. 12)
Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Point Defiance Boat House (Tacoma);
1940 Y.M.B.C. Water Carnival at Point Defiance. Committee officials and award winners with plaques on Richfield wharf. Among the many winners were participants in the Sea Scout 12-man cutter race, Seine skiff 4-man race, inboard motor race and Seattle-Tacoma outboard utility marathon. (T.Times, 7-1-40, p. 12)
Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Awards;
1940 Y.M.B.C. Water Carnival at Point Defiance. Four men in Narrows Bridge / McChord Field Jubilee Hats with souvenir hatbands selling "Last Ferry Boat Ride" tickets. The ferry Kalakala would be making its last trip across the Narrows on July 2, 1940. Tickets for nearly 1400 would be available through the Young Men's Business Club membership. Voyagers were asked to dress in costume to compete for prizes; dancing would be provided by Louis Nomellini's orchestra. (T. Times, 7-1-40, p. 5)
Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma);
1940 Y.M.B.C. Water Carnival at Point Defiance. View from water of 1920s and 1940 boathouses crowded with spectators. Thousands came out to watch the various boat races and air show at the annual Young Men's Business Club water carnival. The city fireboat was also summoned by Public Safety Commissioner Holmes Eastwood via car radio to stage an exhibition of water power. (T.Times, 7-1-40, p. 12)
Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Point Defiance Pavilion (Tacoma); Point Defiance Boat House (Tacoma);
1940 Y.M.B.C. Water Carnival at Point Defiance. Large crowd on boathouse deck, vessels offshore. Y.M.B.C. officials considered it the most successful water carnival to date. It was attended by an estimated crowd of over 50,000. (T.Times, 7-1-40, p. 12)
Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Point Defiance Boat House (Tacoma); Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tugboats--Tacoma--1940-1950;
One of the highlights of the June 30, 1940, Young Men's Business Club Water Carnival was a demonstration of trick water skiing. An unidentified man in formal dress, top hat firmly in place, swooshes by on one ski with his cane and other ski held high in the air. Thousands of spectators thronged Point Defiance for the annual event which featured boat races, stunts, funny hats and lots of ice cream. In 1940 the Water Carnival honored the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Field dedication celebrations. (T.Times, 7-1-40, p. 12-article)
Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Water skiing--Tacoma--1940-1950;
1940 Y.M.B.C. Water Carnival at Point Defiance Park. Group of boats tied together offshore. A very modern water craft is anchored next to "Key West." The "Wanderer" and "Del Mar" are to the right of "Key West" and tugboats to left. (T. Times)
Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tugboats--Tacoma--1940-1950;
1940 Y.M.B.C. Water Carnival at Point Defiance. Top hatted man in costume standing next to a CBS microphone is believed to be Arnold Andreason, Carnival chairman. Over 50,000 spectators were expected at the Saturday afternoon carnival, which promised a four hour program of races, water skiing, thrills and spills. (T.Times, 7-1-40, p. 12)
Festivals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Point Defiance Boat House (Tacoma);
