On July 20, 1939, Dick Frayne, behind the wheel of Leon Titus's 1906 Model N Ford, poked his finger through the vehicle's nonexistent windshield. He had driven the antique car into the Vehicle Safety Inspection Station during the Washington State Golden Jubilee as a joke. Joe Thomas, director of the station, scratched his head wondering what to do next. There was no windshield for the red inspection sticker. Enjoying his confusion were Lloyd Raab, behind the vehicle in a western hat, Leon Titus, 2nd from right and Larry Pritchett, right. Leon Titus was the owner of Titus Ford Motor Co. and Lloyd Raab was his business partner. (T. Times 7/26/1939, pg. 10)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1930-1940; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Ford automobile; Titus, Leon E.; Vehicle Safety Inspection Station (Tacoma); Thomas, Joe; Raab, Lloyd; Pritchett, Larry;

Golden Jubilee Water Carnival at Point Defiance, Sea Scout races held July 16, 1939. Four young men wearing swimming trunks and holding shovels posing on the dock with a fifth man wearing a tee shirt with "Rainbow 112, Tacoma" logo and a nautical hat. Tacoma Sea Scout ship 112 (Rainbow) won first place in two of the races, including this one where the oars were replaced with shovels.The team members were, in no particular order, Dick Smith, Jay Perkins, Wally Royse and DeForest Bullock. The young man in the center is not identified. (T. Times 7/17/1939, pg.1)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Festivals--Tacoma--1930-1940; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Point Defiance Pavilion (Tacoma); Racing--Tacoma; Sea Scouts (Tacoma);

Jubilee Princess Elizabeth Johnson presents trophies to the winners of the motorboat races at the Water Carnival, held July 16, 1939. The Water Carnival was the kick-off celebration for the Washington State Golden Jubilee. It was attended by over 30,000 spectators. The 3 1/2 hour show included inboard and outboard races. (T. Times 7/17/1939, pg. 1)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Festivals--Tacoma--1930-1940; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Racing--Tacoma; Johnson, Elizabeth;

Golden Jubilee Royalty, Hostess Queen, selected on July 10, 1939. Two contestants, Margaret Franich, left, and Amy Lou Murray pose with a replica of the state seal. 21-year-old Gravelly Lake resident Amy Lou Murray was crowned Miss Hostess Queen at the Music Box Theater with Margaret Franich, 23, as Miss Pierce County. Because the voting was so close, both women would be sent to the Miss Washington competition the following week. (TNT 07/11/39, p. 1)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Franich, Margaret; Murray, Amy Lou; Evening gowns--Tacoma;

Publicity photograph for the "Saga of the West" theatrical presentation planned for the Golden Jubilee celebration. Man dressed in tails with top hat "courts" two 1860's belles wearing elaborate costume gowns next to the Elks Temple. They are posed next to a pillar capped with a floral container planted with nasturtiums. They are, left to right, Herman Huesby, Floralla Milleson and Leva Atkins. The pageant would be produced July 20,21 & 22, 1939. A chorus of six men and two women would speak all the parts while the actors and actresses go through the motions eliminating the need for moving microphones. The extravaganza boasted a cast of over 2,000. (T. Times 6/13/1939, pg. 2)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Historical pageants--Tacoma; Elks Temple (Tacoma); Huesby, Herman; Milleson, Floralla; Atkins, Leva;

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;

Junior Chamber of Commerce's entrants for the Golden Jubilee Queen's contest. Three women and two men walk arm-in-arm across the landscaped yard of a two-story Queen Anne-style home.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Junior Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma); Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Junior Chamber of Commerce's entrant for Golden Jubilee Queen. Two men cast an admiring glance at a young woman. dressed in suit, hat, and gloves, as she prepares to enter door of a Colonial-style residence. She is Florine (Sis) Steel of 3308 No. 30th St., one of 35 young women entered to reign over the Golden Jubilee celebration, July 16-23, 1939. (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 6-18-1939, 1-B-cropped photo of Miss Steel)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Junior Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma); Contests--Tacoma--1930-1940; Steel, Florine;

Crowded reviewing stand on Pacific Avenue for Golden Jubilee parade on July 22, 1939. Dignitaries are saluting the color guard as it passes by. Queen Amy Lou Murray and Mayor J. J. Kaufman at center, high ranking military personnel flank them. The reviewing stand at 12th and Pacific was occupied by 200 dignitaries who viewed the 14 mile long parade.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Murray, Amy Lou; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Reviewing stands--Tacoma;

Reviewing stand for Golden Jubilee parade on July 22, 1939. Left to Right: Public Utilities Commissioner Ira Davisson, Queen Amy Lou Murray, Mayor J. J. Kaufman, Miss Pierce County Margaret Franich, Princess Elizabeth Johnson. As Tacoma's frantic week of Jubilee festivities drew to a close, Tacomans could feel very proud. Attendance for the major events was very high, with the 100,000 persons lining the parade route topping the attendance charts.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Davisson, Ira; Murray, Amy Lou; Franich, Margaret; Johnson, Elizabeth;

Golden Jubilee "Tally Ho" being driven down Pacific Ave. near 11th St. Queen Amy Lou Murray (below "nd" in "Brand"sign), Mayor J.J. Kaufman (center, in light top hat), Miss Pierce Co. Margaret Franich (waving), Jubilee director Harry P. Cain, on running board of old-fashioned carriage in July, 1939. The men, with the exception of Harry Cain, all wear hats as part of the celebration. ALBUM 12.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Franich, Margaret; Murray, Amy Lou; Horses--Tacoma; Carriages & coaches--Tacoma;

This truck covered in red, white and blue bunting and awnings was entered by one of the many "Townsend Clubs" in the July 22, 1939 Golden Jubilee Parade. The sign on the top promotes "The Townsend Plan for National Prosperity." A sign on the side reads "The Townsend Plan is the only Recovery Plan." Other signs promote "Townsend Plan gives our youth a chance" and "Work for Youth." Directly behind the cab of the truck ride several young women and under the awning ride several of the seniors that supported the Plan. The Plan was formulated in 1934 by Dr. Francis E. Townsend and called for a $200 a month pension for each retired person over the age of 60. The money had to be spent within that 30 days, insuring circulation of funds. It would be financed by a 2% federal sales tax. The Plan had a strong following among seniors, many who had their savings and retirement funds wiped out by the Depression. Although never adopted, the movement had a strong political base.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939, on Pacific Avenue. United States Army band approaching spectators sitting on sidewalk curbs at left. Union Station in distance, on right, shrouded by gray sky. View of warehouse district buildings on left. Although the spectators are sparse here, more than 100,000 crowded into Tacoma streets to watch the 14 mile long parade.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939. Formation of United States Navy sailors marching down newly paved Pacific Avenue. The sailors were part of the more than 4,500 military personnel who took part in the parade. There were also six battleships in dock at the time of the parade. Flags and banners are visible from every point. Good view of Washington Building, Puget Sound National Bank and other buildings in 1100 block, east side.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939. Several people aboard buckboard drawn by four horses, sign on side reads "Elks 174." Parade spectators along street, two movie cameramen working at right. Review stand on Pacific Avenue held approximately 200 people. Parade and other activities held during July 16-23, 1939, celebrated Washington's fifty years of statehood.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939. Old 1900 South End Transfer "Lock, McLean, Dean" wagon drawn by horses being loaded with "Paul Bunyon Loggers" signs for Bone Dry Shoe Manufacturing Company. Richfield "Years Ahead" billboard in background.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Carts & wagons--Tacoma; Horse teams--Tacoma;

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939, celebrating Washington's fifty years of statehood. Float sponsor Centennial was also celebrating their golden anniversary, growing from one small mill in Spokane in July of 1889 to an employer of 700 in four major mills in Tacoma, Wenatchee, Ritzville and Spokane. "Farm girls" ride the float next to golden shocks of wheat. In the back, a barefoot boy with his overalls rolled up leans against a small house. Centennial was located on Schuster Parkway, next to Sperry Mills. It was destroyed by fire in January of 1947.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Centennial Flouring Mills Co. (Tacoma); Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Close-up of "Miners of '89" float entered in the 1939 Golden Jubilee Parade that celebrated the state's 50th anniversary. The float, a replica of Mount Tacoma (Rainier), was sponsored by the Negro Citizens of Tacoma. At least one "miner," with ax, is riding at the rear of the float. See D8652, image 17, for a general view of the float and spectators.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940;

This float in the July 22, 1939 Golden Jubilee Parade is labelled simply "Viking." The parade was in celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. A floral Viking boat in full sail motors down the parade route, ridden by a maiden in formal dress carrying a sword and a pike.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Golden Jubilee Parade, Tacoma City Light float at Jefferson and Market Streets, on July 22, 1939. Theme of float was Arabian Nights. The float featured a gilded youth as Aladdin, an electric lamp, and four maidens in huge jars. Four spectators in foreground make themselves comfortable by sitting on wooden rounds at the edge of the wooden sidewalk and curb. (TNT 7-23-39, p. 1)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940;

The sponsor's name cannot be seen on float #46, but it is topped by a huge foil eagle bearing a United States flag in its beak. Signs around the edge of the float promote free speech and a free press. All around the float sit very young girls in white dresses, almost blending into the background. The driver can be seen almost directly beneath the flag.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Golden Jubilee Parade, Carsten's Packing Company float, on July 22, 1939. Man is holding huge carving knife in front of a model of large ham; little girls are sitting on float. Old Chamber of Commerce Building on Pacific Avenue in background.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940; Carstens Packing Co. (Tacoma);

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939, celebrating Washington's fifty years of statehood. Entered by the Douglas Fir Plywood Association (DFPA,) this float promotes the use of plywood, "modern miracle in wood," all over the world. The front is a warren of buildings all built of plywood, including a boat on the water. The buildings are followed by three young women sitting in front of a globe. This is perhaps the last float in the parade as the people in the crowd appear to be turning around and leaving. Someone, maybe a photographer, crosses the street carrying a ladder behind the float.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939, celebrating Washington's fifty years of statehood. The Douglas Fir Plywood Association (DFPA) submitted this float to the parade, extolling the use of plywood as a building material. The float is littered with replicas of buildings built of plywood. One of the swimsuit models sits close to the edge of the float, her foot resting on a side extension. The invention of plywood, several layers of wood bonded together, revolutionized the construction industry. The DFPA was a joint organization, composed of plywood manufacturers and dealers, that promoted the use of plywood.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);

A pioneer couple rides in this crepe paper decorated wagon in the July 22, 1939 Golden Jubilee Parade. He holds an axe, one side of the blade buried in a stump. She leans against him. The driver rides up front. One of the horses bears a large sign "The old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be."

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Horse teams--Tacoma; Carts & wagons--Tacoma;

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939. Birdseye view of cavalry troops on horseback. Crowd on sidewalk and in street is overwhelmingly large, estimated at 100,000. With 133 entries and 14 miles of parade route, it was the largest parade Tacoma had seen to date. The old brick street and streetcar tracks are still in place.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Horses--Tacoma;

This horse drawn wagon loaded with pioneers was entered by the Pacific Match Co. in the July 22, 1939 Golden Jubilee Parade. A sign on the side of the wagon reads" We don't make all the matches in the country... we just make the best of them." The sign on the front of the wagon identifies the driver as Mr. James E. Sales, born in 1853, the first white child born in Tacoma. He would have been 86 years old at the time of the parade. Pacific Match Co. was located at 3223 So. Union Ave.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Pacific Match Co. (Tacoma);

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939, on Pacific Avenue. A group of six firemen, wearing false beards and replicas of the old firefighter uniforms and hats, pull the circa 1885 hose cart of the Alert Hose Company #2. The hose cart is topped by the word "Alert" in ironwork. The company, organized in 1885, was volunteer and operated out of a fire station at 13th and A.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma); Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1880-1890;

Roberta Rice, wearing a pioneer-style dress and bonnet, and Henry Graham, dressed in a cowboy hat and long coat, pose in front of Turner Richards Commercial Photography Studio in July of 1939. The couple apparently had joined in the spirit of celebrating the Washington State Golden Jubilee.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Photographic studios--Tacoma; Turner Richards Studio (Tacoma); Rice, Roberta; Graham, Henry; Costumes; Richards Commercial Photo Service (Tacoma);