President John F. Kennedy, flanked by Pacific Lutheran University president Dr. Robert Mortvedt (left) and University of Puget Sound president Dr. R. Franklin Thompson (right), entered Cheney Stadium under the watchful eyes of police and Secret Service agents near noontime, September 27, 1963. The President had been invited to speak by the heads of the two universities. He had flown in from Sea-Tac Airport via special Marine helicopter along with U.S. Senators Henry Jackson and Warren Magnuson and Washington State Governor Albert Rosellini. About 25,000 people jammed into Cheney Stadium for this special occasion. TPL-10586

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mortvedt, Robert; Thompson, R. Franklin, 1908-1999; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

President John F. Kennedy is pictured upon his arrival via special Marine helicopter at Cheney Stadium's parking lot on September 27, 1963. He is shaking hands with Tacoma Mayor Harold Tollefson who is standing next to his brother, Congressman Thor Tollefson. Following President Kennedy in the informal reception line are Senators Henry M. Jackson and Warren G. Magnuson and Governor Albert D. Rosellini. Man in bow tie at far left is believed to be Pierce County Commissioner Harry Sprinker. The President had arrived at Sea-Tac Airport at 11:30 am from Salt Lake City and had traveled to Tacoma to deliver a speech at Cheney Stadium. It was the President's first appearance in Pierce County since becoming the Chief Executive. His last visit to Tacoma was in 1959 when he spoke about a labor bill.

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shaking hands--Tacoma; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Legislators--Washington; Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.;

Governor Albert D. Rosellini at podium. The governor, along with federal, county, city and university officials, was on hand to welcome President John F. Kennedy to Tacoma on September 27, 1963. The President had applauded vigorously upon Governor Rosellini's introduction by Dr. Robert Mortvedt (in mortarboard) of Pacific Lutheran University. Governor Rosellini indicated that he was proud to issue a heartful welcome from the people of Washington State and he looked forward to working with the President on conservation issues and the development of outdoor recreation facilities in this state. Visible behind Governor Rosellini are: (left to right) Congressman Thor Tollefson, US Senator Warren G. Magnuson, Dr. R. Franklin Thompson, President Kennedy, Dr. Robert Mortvedt, US Senator Henry M. Jackson, unidentified man, and Mayor Harold Tollefson. (TNT 9-27-63, A-1,2-articles)

Rosellini, Albert D.; Governors; Public speaking--Tacoma--1960-1970; Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Jackson, Henry M., 1912-1983; Mortvedt, Robert;

ca. 1963. Tacoma Mayor Harold Tollefson gazes at a large photograph of himself shaking the hand of President John F. Kennedy upon the President's arrival in Tacoma on September 27, 1963. The two women holding the photograph were not identified. The President had been flown to Cheney Stadium's parking lot by a special Marine helicopter. With him in the informal reception line are US Senators Henry M. Jackson and Warren G. Magnuson (in light suit) followed by Governor Albert Rosellini (partially blocked). Standing next to Mayor Tollefson is his brother, Thor, a longtime Congressman and well-known to the President. The President would remark about seeing familiar faces in his opening remarks to the 25,000+ at Cheney Stadium; in referring to the Tollefsons, "I am glad to come here to see the Tollefson brothers. It makes the President feel a little better." The President had been the target of some criticism regarding the number of his relatives in politics. (TNT 9-27-63, A-1,2-articles)

Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Photographs; Shaking hands--Tacoma; Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Jackson, Henry M., 1912-1983; Magnuson, Warren G., 1905-1989; Legislators--Washington;

ca. 1962. Sixth Ave - Stevens Street bus picking up riders in front of the Woolworth building on Broadway in Tacoma, circa 1962.

Buses--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mass transit--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Tacoma Escalade at 1129 Broadway. Drizzle failed to shoo away the hundreds of spectators who had gathered on February 27, 1961, at the dedication of the new 100-foot, $205,000 escalade, or "moving sidewalk," next to the Giant 88 store in downtown Tacoma. They all wanted a chance to hop a ride onto the ramp that was built between Broadway and Commerce at 12th St. on the site of the former Blue Mouse Theater. This escalade was the first of four ramps designed to make climbing the steep hills of the downtown area a little easier for its pedestrians. It differed from a store escalator as there were no steps on the ribbed rubber surface but did have a moving handrail. The second escalade was scheduled to open in the near future between Pacific and Commerce about 10th St. A bond issue passed in 1958 had set aside $875,000 for moving sidewalks. TPL-6161 (TNT 2-27-1961, p. 1-article)

Belts & belting (Equipment); Pedestrians--Tacoma; Crowds--Tacoma--1960-1970; Giant 88 (Tacoma);

Mayor Ben Hanson on Tacoma Escalade at 1129 Broadway. The mayor and several city councilpersons including Mrs. Ellen Price (at his side), W.G. "Gerry" Bott and deputy mayor James Porter (behind them) were photographed in February, 1961, at the new 100-foot escalade that was built between Broadway and Commerce at 12th St. The $205,000 escalade was the first of four ramps planned for local pedestrians. Unlike store escalators, the "rubber belt" had no steps but did have a moving handrail. Its speed was about 120-feet a minute, a little slower than the average walking pace. This escalade, designed by local architects Lea, Pearson & Richards and built by the Jardeen Bros. Co., was meant to make downtown's steep hills a bit easier for pedestrians. There would be a week-long trial run before it was shut down for ten days for final tweaking. Mayor Hanson was reportedly not in town at the time of the February 27, 1961 escalade dedication so deputy mayor James Porter did the honors of snipping the three-inch white ribbon officially opening the escalade. This picture was probably taken either days before or after the actual dedication. (TNT 2-27-1961, p. 1-article; TNT 2-26-1961, A-1-article)

Belts & belting (Equipment); Pedestrians--Tacoma; Hanson, Ben; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Municipal officials--Tacoma--1960-1970; Price, Ellen; Bott, Gerry; Porter, James;

ca. 1961. Aerial looking south by Oswald Flying Service of the neighborhoods including the Lincoln district circa 1961. Lincoln High School (701 So. 37th) and Lincoln Bowl are near the top right adjacent to So. "G" St. Cartozian & Sons Rug Co., in the large old Bye Thompson Motors building at 3320 So. "G," is further north. The massive stand of trees is part of Lincoln Park. The street to the left of "G" is Tacoma Avenue. The big building in the upper center on Tacoma Avenue is the St. Joseph Catholic Church, at the corner of So. 34th & Tacoma Ave. Holy Rosary Catholic Church, school and rectory (in the 500 block of So. 30th) are near the bottom center of the photograph. Delin St. is at the very bottom of the picture. At the upper left corner of the photograph is Pacific Avenue. Mountain View General Hospital (later renamed Puget Sound General Hospital in 1969) is at 3572 Pacific Ave., the large set of buildings near the upper left corner. G9.1-112

Aerial photographs; Neighborhoods--Tacoma--1960-1970; Streets--Tacoma--1960-1970; Holy Rosary Church (Tacoma); Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Lincoln Bowl (Tacoma); Cartozian & Sons Rug Co. (Tacoma); St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Tacoma);

Tacoma Mayor Ben Hanson (R) poses with Lt. Cdr. Walter D. Reed, USN (Ret.) on July 29, 1960; Lt. Cdr. Reed will co-chair the eighth annual reunion of the U.S.S. Lexington CV-2 Minutemen Club to be held in Tacoma in June, 1961. The 1000- member club just concluded their 1960 convention in Long Beach, California. Reed was on the ship in 1929 when it came to Tacoma's rescue to provide power and light to the darkened city. (TNT 7-31-60, B-12) TAC 360.

Reed, Walter D.; Hanson, Ben; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960;

1960 Daffodil Festival Queen in regalia. Succeeding Queen Carol Mills as Daffodil Festival Queen was 17-year-old Lincoln High School senior Diane Harkness. She was chosen from a field of 12 representing high schools in Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, Orting and Fife. Miss Harkness is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James G. Harkness. She is the president of Aqua Maids water ballet team, a member of the honor society, and associate editor of the Lincoln News. The new Daffodil Festival Queen was crowned on April 4, 1960, by Governor Albert D. Rosellini during impressive ceremonies at Sumner's Spartan Hall. (TNT 4-4-60, p. 1; TNT 4-5-60, p. 1)

Harkness, Diane; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1960 : Tacoma); Daffodils; Crowns; Scepters;

ca. 1960. This is a view of South 11th & Tacoma Avenue South circa 1960. Standing on the rooftop of the Tacoma Public Library (1102 Tacoma Avenue South), one can see the Art-Deco styled Medical Arts Building (now Municipal Building) at 747 Market St. and in the distance, glimpses of Commencement Bay. Anton's Restaurant is at the corner of 11th & Tacoma Avenue in the Roberts-Parker Building. The buildings visible on the east side of Tacoma Avenue South have since been torn down and/or remodeled. The old building at 955 Tacoma Avenue South, across the street from Anton's, was demolished and a State Savings & Loan Assn. building erected in 1968. It now houses Pierce County governmental offices. Baldwin & Son Lawn Mower Shop moved to South 12th by 1962. Bushey's Tavern, 939 Tacoma Avenue South, advertised "dancing" as one of their attractions. Across the street, though not visible, is the new County-City Building, 930 Tacoma Avenue South. TPL-2157

Streets--Tacoma--1960-1970; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1960-1970; Anton's Restaurant (Tacoma); Baldwin & Son Lawn Mower Shop (Tacoma); Bushey's Tavern (Tacoma); Medical Arts Building (Tacoma);

ca. 1960. Tacoma Police on pier with police motorcycles and cars. Photograph believed to have been taken circa 1960. TAC-067.1

Police--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Police Department (Tacoma); Motorcycles--Tacoma--1960-1970; Piers & wharves--Tacoma--1960-1970;

ca. 1960. Aerial view of Tideflats and downtown Tacoma area, including Wright Park and slices of Division Avenue, ca. 1960. Mount Rainier looms in the background, overlooking the industrial area of Tacoma, City (now Thea Foss) Waterway with its boats and log dumps, and the 11th St. Bridge. Familiar buildings such as the Puget Sound National Bank, Rust, and Washington buildings can be spotted on Pacific Avenue. The County-City Building with its two wings and the State Armory are in mid-photo. The wooded area is Wright Park with its meandering paths clearly marked. Adjoining the park at 9th & Division is the Greek Ionic styled First Church of Christ, Scientist. TPL-9664

Aerial photographs; Neighborhoods--Tacoma; Wright Park (Tacoma); Rainier, Mount (Wash.);

ca. 1960. Harold M. Tollefson served as Tacoma mayor three terms. He was first elected mayor by his fellow City Councilmen in 1954. He was elected in a general election in 1962 and subsequently re-elected in 1964. Mr. Tollefson was a freeholder in 1952 and helped to draw up the charter that was responsible for changing Tacoma's government from a mayor-commission to the council-manager system. Harold Tollefson came from a large family of seven children, all raised by his widowed mother Bertha, who was later honored as Washington State's Mother of the Year in 1959. Mr. Tollefson, an attorney, had several brothers who also obtained prominence: Thor, a multi-term Congressman, Erling, a judge, and Rudy, a banker. Tollefson Plaza in downtown Tacoma has been named for the former mayor who had received wide praise for championing urban renewal and whose efforts initiated downtown's revival. ALBUM 16. (TNT 8-23-06-article on renaming plaza; TNT 3-2-85-obituary)

Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985;

Prince Bertil of Sweden paid a visit to Tacoma in May of 1958. He enjoyed a delicious meal at the Viking Smorgasbord, 9702 South Tacoma Way, which was owned by Swedish-born Majalisa Benson. The Prince and a woman dressed in Swedish costume, believed to be Mrs. Benson, are pictured conversing before a huge painting of a Viking sailing ship. The two-hour luncheon at the Viking Smorgasbord was sponsored by the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce and attended by various dignitaries including Mayor John Anderson, Judge Bertil Johnson (who was master of ceremonies), City manager David Rowlands, and Swedish consul Lars Hedstrom of San Francisco. (TNT 5-15-58, A-1-article)

Prince Bertil, Duke of Halland; Foreign visitors--Sweden; Viking Smorgasbord (Lakewood); Women--Clothing & dress--Sweden;

On May 14, 1958, Prince Bertil of Sweden has emerged from his vehicle and will be entering the Viking Smorgasbord, 9702 South Tacoma Way, Lakewood. The Viking Smorgasbord featured American and Swedish cuisine with one of the largest smorgasbords in the Northwest. The Prince spent two hours at the Viking Smorgasbord, enjoyed their delicious buffet, gave a brief speech and then departed for Portland in Governor Rosellini's vehicle. (TNT 5-15-58, A-1-article)

Prince Bertil, Duke of Halland; Foreign visitors--Sweden; Viking Smorgasbord (Lakewood);

Prince Bertil of Sweden graciously shakes hands with an employee of the Viking Smorgasbord, 9702 South Tacoma Way, on May 14, 1958. The Prince had dined on Swedish dishes at the large buffet and would shake hands with everyone that jammed the restaurant for the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce-sponsored two-hour luncheon. Prince Bertil, 46 and third in line to Sweden's throne, was in the United States primarily to take part in ceremonies honoring the 100th anniversary of Minnesota's statehood and the state's settlement by Scandinavian immigrants. He then traveled to Seattle, stopped briefly in Tacoma, and then onto Portland. Both Washington and Oregon had large Scandinavian populations. The Prince was accompanied on his journey by his aide, Ove Borlind, marshall of the Swedish Royal Court. (TNT 5-13-58, A-1-article; TNT 5-15-58, A-1-article)

Prince Bertil, Duke of Halland; Foreign visitors--Sweden; Viking Smorgasbord (Lakewood); Shaking hands--Lakewood;

Prince Bertil of Sweden admires the extensive selection of Swedish dishes at the Viking Smorgasbord, 9702 South Tacoma Way in Lakewood, on May 14, 1958. The menu included silsalat (herring salad), koldomar (meat wrapped in cabbage leaf), lax (smoke & salted salmon flakes), inlagt sil (herring) and Swedish meatballs. With the Prince is believed to be the restaurant's owner, Majalisa Benson, originally from Sweden. He devoured the food in a flat seven minutes, remarking "My only regret is that the plates are not large enough." The Prince had arrived days before in the U.S. with his primary purpose to participate in ceremonies honoring the 100th anniversary of Minnesota's admission to the Union and the infusion of Scandinavian settlers. (TNT 5-15-58, A-1-article)

Prince Bertil, Duke of Halland; Foreign visitors--Sweden; Viking Smorgasbord (Lakewood); Buffets (Cookery)--Lakewood;

1958 Daffodil Festival Queen. Gretchen Brockhoff, a Stadium High School senior, became the 1958 Daffodil Festival Queen. She is posed in flowing robes and a bouffant gown. A beribboned bouquet of daffodils is cradled in her arms. The 17-year-old blond, blue-eyed yell queen was the third successive Tacoma representative selected as festival queen, having succeeded Margaret Strachan of Stadium and last year's queen, Janice Methven of Lincoln. She was crowned by Governor Albert D. Rosellini in ceremonies held at Sumner's Spartan Hall on April 7, 1958. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brockhoff, Sr., had her whole family present that evening; her six-year-old brother Hans, having correctly predicted her victory, fell asleep before and slept through her coronation. (TNT 4-8-58, p. 1, 6)

Brockhoff, Gretchen; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1958 : Tacoma); Daffodils;

ca. 1958. Aerial view of No. 30th Street and Ruston Way. The largest street running vertically in the photograph is No. 30th Street. The street running along side of the water is Ruston Way. Just below the bottom of the picture is the intersection with Starr Street. The next street (that crosses the railroad tracks) is McCarver. The businesses running along Ruston Way (from the bottom up) are the Ocean Fish Mart, the Top of the Ocean nightclub, a small office building, Tacoma Boat Mart and the Dickman Lumber Mill (the largest group of buildings.) TPL-8657

Aerial photographs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ocean Fish Mart (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Dickman Lumber Mill (Tacoma);

Mt. Rainier from the Ohop Valley

The Tacoma Safety Council and the Tacoma Police Department teamed up to promote traffic safety in the spring and summer of 1957. Volunteers, including the Fort Lewis servicemen pictured here, hoped to inspect every vehicle in Pierce County. This free community safety-check was held at the Starlite Drive-in, at South 83rd Street and South Tacoma Way. TAC 211.

Automobile inspections--Tacoma; Safety; Star-Lite Park In Theatre (Tacoma);

Traffic safety became a major concern in the growing community of Lakewood in the 1950s. The Traffic Safety Committee of the Lakes District Improvement Council and other agencies enlisted the help of area high school students in studying solutions to the problem. In this photograph from Spring, 1956 a joint task force of students from both Clover Park and Franklin Pierce High Schools visited the state capitol to further their research and provide input on traffic safety issues. Governor Arthur B. Langlie is seen standing at rear center.

Students--Lakewood--1950-1960; Students--Parkland--1950-1960; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors;

Mt. Rainier from the Ohop Valley

ca. 1955. Site preparation, excavation and demolition for construction of the new County-City Building began in 1955. In this elevated view, the Central Lutheran Church (originally First Presbyterian) is still standing at 1001 So. G St., at center. The old Pierce County Court House is just west of the church.

County-City Building (Tacoma); Central Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma);

Herbert Ward, 2nd left, chief probation officer and head of Remann Hall, and five young boys, salute the American flag, a gift of members of American Legion Post No. 138. Post members from left to right are: Ed Faker, William (Bill) Miller, Carl Kruse, Vito Lanza, and Thomas Alongi. The facility opened in 1949 to provide care for dependent and delinquent children ranging in age from 4 days to 17 years. By 1953, most of the 91 residents living at Remann Hall had been placed there due to "disease, death, divorce or depravity" of a parent.

Reformatories; Juvenile delinquents; Abandoned children; Abused children; Runaway children; Boys; Veterans organizations; American Legion Tacoma Post No. 138 (Tacoma); Flags; Patriotism;

1952 Daffodil Festival Queen. More than 2200 people gathered at the Tacoma Armory to view the public coronation of the Daffodil Festival Queen on April 1, 1952. It was the largest crowd recorded at that time for a festival coronation. Eva Beattie, Sumner High School senior, was crowned with a garland of daffodils by Orville L. Brown, festival chairman. She was given keys to the cities of Puyallup, Sumner, Orting and Tacoma by the mayors and representatives of those cities. Queen Eva's coronation officially marked the start of a six-day celebration. (TNT 4-1-52, p. 1; TNT 4-2-52, A-1)

Beattie, Eva; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1952 : Tacoma);

ca. 1952. Work is almost complete on the 1952 Main branch of the Tacoma Public Library. To the left is the Carnegie Library, a Renaissance structure built in 1903 from a design by Jardine, Kent and Jardine and with funds donated by industrialist Andrew Carnegie. To the right is the Main Library, built in 1952 from a design by Silas E. Nelsen. Construction is ongoing on the three floor structure. To the rear of the library soar the memorable spires of the Romanesque Pierce County Courthouse at 1012 So. "G" St. The building was built in 1892 along grandiose lines. It was demolished in 1959 to provide space for a parking lot for the new County City building. To the left of the Courthouse, you can glimpse the Tacoma Vocational School (now Bates), built in 1941 at 1101 Yakima Ave., and the Washington National Guard Armory, built in 1908 at 715 So. 11th St. The large building in the back and to the right of the library is the Central Lutheran Church at 1001 So. "G" St. The church, built in 1889 as the First Presbyterian Church, was demolished to make room for the County City building.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma); Central Lutheran Church (Tacoma);

McKinley School, 2nd grade class photo. These smiling children posed for their class picture near the end of the 1951 school year. Among them was Dorothy Mika, second row to the left, second seat back. Dorothy (later Dorothy Stewart) grew up to become a longtime staff member of the Tacoma Public Library.

McKinley School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; School children--Tacoma--1950-1960; Classrooms--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mika, Dorothy; Stewart, Dorothy;

ca. 1951. Excavation work started soon after the late March, 1951, groundbreaking for the new Tacoma Public Library located at 1102 Tacoma Ave. So. Trucks are pictured above removing dirt and debris from the site. The original Main Library is directly next to the excavation site. It would be used for meetings and storage after the new library was completed in 1952 and not reopened for general library use until 1978.

Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Excavation--Tacoma--1950-1960; Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960;