Mass meeting of drug store owners for Tacoma Civil Defense. The local druggists and pharmacists completed final civil defense plans to aid in maintaining a flow of medical supplies to secondary hospitals and clearing centers in the event of a disaster. Seated, left to right, are key members of the organization Frank S. Evans (Director), J.E. Sohlberg (President of the Tacoma Association of Pharmaceutical Service), Don Heerema, Dorothy Haaga, Dr. J. Morrison Brady, R.A. Taylor, Bob Failor and Everett Riser. Standing are drug store owners and pharmacists of the area. (TNT 2/23/1951, pg. B-4)

Korean War, 1950-1953--Civil defense--Tacoma; Pharmacists--Tacoma--1950-1960; Drugstores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Evans, Frank S.; Sohlberg, J.E.; Heerema, Don; Haaga, Dorothy; Brady, J. Morrison; Taylor, R.A.; Failor, Bob; Riser, Everett;

Intersection at Ft. Lewis for Farmers Insurance. At the center of the picture is the Post Transportation Offices, to its left is the Baggage Room. The street sign reads Pendleton Ave.

Military camps--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fort Lewis (Wash.);

Cpl. Goro Tomisato, Battalion D, 11th AAA, poses for this sepia studio portrait on August 19, 1950. Tomisato, a Japanese American stationed at Fort Lewis, is wearing dress khakis.

Military personnel--Tacoma; Military uniforms; Men--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Tacoma formed a Civilian Defense force, proposed for a force of 150 individuals. Here, Tacoma City Clerk Josephine Melton, left, administered the oath of office to 30 auxilliary police. The men had completed a six-week training course, including first aid, police, and firearms courses. Names are listed in the newspaper. Ordered by Frank Evans. (TNT, 10/29/1950, p.15)

Korean War, 1950-1953--Civil defense--Tacoma; Melton, Josephine; People associated with health & safety;

Two units of segregated U.S. Army troops. An African American unit is followed by a white unit in the Armed Forces Parade on May 20, 1950. This was the first Armed Forces Day parade. It was a combination of the U.S. Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force. It was estimated that 6,000 persons participated in the parade. Over 2,500 infantrymen of the 9th regimental combat team of the Second division and other units from Fort Lewis passed in review. Reserve units also played an important part in the event including the National Guard, Marine Corps, Naval Reserve, Army Reserve and Bellarmine R.O.T.C. (TNT, 5/22/1950, p.1)

Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Soldiers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Marching--Tacoma--1950-1960; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1950-1960; African Americans--Tacoma--1950-1960; African American soldiers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Lieutenant George Rapin, on leave in March of 1944, crouches to kiss his daughter, Barbara. He was on his first trip home since she was born. George Rapin graduated from Bellarmine High School in 1934. He and his family moved to California shortly after WWII. TPL-1987,

Military personnel--Tacoma; Fathers & children--Tacoma; Rapin, George--Family;

Civilian Defense bond wagon for war finance. Tacoma's Civilian Defense sent their bond wagon throughout the residential areas and the suburban business district in order to facilitate the purchase of war bonds. View of bond wagon with unidentified official bond sales person and unidentified Tacoma residents ready to purchase their war bonds The Federal Bakery is seen in the background. (T.Times, 6/15/44, p. 3) TPL-9360

War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Vending stands--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma;

First 100% bond block. Left to right view of Lillian Beauchamp, Ben Bassett and Earl Eklund at the first neighborhood block in Tacoma to have reached full neighborhood support for war bonds. All fifteen families will be honored on KTBI radio rally. Photograph was taken on June 21, 1944.

War bonds & funds; City & town life--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Beauchamp, Lillian; Eklund, Earl; Bassett, Ben;

War bond campaign. No fireworks will be seen this 4th of July, but the War Fund drive is in full swing during the last few days of bond sales. Official war bond salesmen are out in the streets of Tacoma, encouraging people to buy war bonds so the county can meet its quota. An unidentified woman is about to purchase a war bond from an unidentified war bond salesman (T. Times, 7/4/44, p. 14).

War bonds & funds; Fourth of July celebrations; Sales personnel--Tacoma;

On June 5, 1944, the War Stamp Minute Maids made an unannounced appearance at the Young Mens' Business Club luncheon to sell war bonds and stamps. They made a pleasing sight with their "V" for Victory halo hats and red, white and blue stamp boxes. The pictured men stepped forward to buy a $100 War Bond each. Pictured, left to right, purchasing their bond are George Neumeyer, Gil Gunderson, Leonard Peck, Jim Lasher and Gese Nist. Heading up the sale for the Maids are, left to right, Jean Hallen, Shirley Abel, Merrille Longstreth, Marilyn McCormack and Patty Doe. The maids were raising funds for the 5th War Loan Campaign. (T. Times, 7/5/44, p. 8).

War bonds & funds; Sales personnel--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Costumes;

Fifth War Loan Campaign parade. Thousands of Tacoma residents gathered on Broadway to see the Fifth War Loan Campaign parade. The parade was held on "Infantry Day". Parade Marshal was Mr. Reno Odlin, State Chairman of War Finance. View of fire trucks following parade caravan (T. Times, 6/16/44, p. 5).

War rallies--Tacoma; War bonds & funds; Political pageantry--Tacoma; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma;

Hooker Electrochemical Co. was awarded the Army Navy "E" award by Major General Joseph D. Patch and Navy Officer W. C. Gilbert. An impressive ceremony was held at plant. Music was provided by the 440th Army Service Forces. Acting Mayor C. Val Fawcett was the Master of Ceremonies (T. Times, 1/10/45, p. 3).

Military decorations--Tacoma; Awards; Flags; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Acting Mayor Val Fawcett leads the singing of "God Bless America" during a Army-Navy "E" award ceremony at Hooker Electro-Chemical Company. Employees were honored for outstanding production of materials vital to the war effort. ALBUM 14. TPL-6654

Military decorations--Tacoma; Awards; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Chemical industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Avenger at Todd Pacific. The "Avenger" tank, commonly called by Marines "Water Buffalo" is visiting Tacoma for one week and can be seen at Todd Pacific Shipyards. It is technically called a LVT or landing vehicle tracked. View of two unidentified men standing in front of "Avenger" (T. Times, 8/24/44, p. 3).

Tanks (Military science)--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Tank warfare; Todd Pacific Shipyards, Inc. (Tacoma);

Avenger at Todd Pacific. This amphibious tractor was caught in the crossfire with machine guns and artillery, which put it out of commission after the battle of Tarawa. View of five unidentified men standing in front of "Avenger" (T. Times, 8/24/44, p. 3).

Tanks (Military science)--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Tank warfare; Todd Pacific Shipyards, Inc. (Tacoma);

Navy Mothers' Club window at Penney's. A window display featuring photographs of men from Tacoma who are serving in the war, was set up by the Navy Mothers' Club in honor of Navy Day. The Navy Mothers' Club is one of the most active groups in Tacoma (T. Times, 10/26/44, p. 3).

Men--Commemoration--Tacoma; Military personnel--Tacoma; Window displays; J.C. Penney Co. (Tacoma);

Bellarmine was one of two high schools in Washington State that offered ROTC units. Students met every day for one class period and wore their uniforms twice per week, uniforms were provided by the government. Students received class credits for joining the junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps. View of ROTC rifle team learning rifle marksmanship (Cage, 1946, p. 20-21).

Military education--Tacoma; Military training--Tacoma; Rifles; Cadets--Tacoma; Reserve Officers Training Corps (Tacoma); Bellarmine High School (Tacoma);

ca. 1944. War Street. Downtown display of World War II artillery and military equipment circa 1944. A serviceman, with his wife and daughter, looks over promotional information at War Bond booth: "Win a ride to Vancouver, B. C. aboard aircraft carrier 'M.S. Reaper'."

Military personnel--Tacoma--1940-1950; War bonds & funds; Signs (Notices);

Puget Sound Boat (Mann). US Army Transport Corps LT 214. This side view shows three men along the railing of the upper deck and someone looking out of the helm. TPL-6389

U.S. Army Transportation Corps; Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Transportation--Tacoma; Puget Sound Boat Building Corp. (Tacoma);

Audrey Moon and Morris Mahoney with two unidentified people, possibly their best man and maid of honor, get their photograph taken at Richard's Studio. Audrey is wearing a wedding band, Audrey and Morris were possibly married recently. The women are wearing corsages and knee length dresses. Morris is wearing his Navy uniform.

Military uniforms; Portrait photographs; Couples--Tacoma; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Moon, Audrey; Mahoney, Morris;

Renamed Veterans Day in 1953, November 11 was first proclaimed as Armistice Day in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I. That year, on November 13, John Philip Sousa's band played in the Washington National Guard Armory in Tacoma and President Woodrow Wilson spoke there two months earlier. In 1947, a Military Ball was held on Armistice Day at the Armory, where more than 1,500 people were expected to attend. The presentation of colors to the local reserve units of the Army and Army Air Corps highlighted the evening. Army and Navy dignitaries and prominent civilian guests attended the event. View of ceremonies under way at the Armory (T. Times, 11/12/47, p. 7).

Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Washington National Guard (Tacoma); State Armory (Tacoma);

The interior of the remodeled Canteen at Veteran's Administration Hospital. A gift shop has been added in the quanset-hut style building with film, clocks, and suitcases on the right and magazines and mens' clothing on the left.

American Lake Veterans' Hospital (Lakewood); Military hospitals--Lakewood--1950-1960; Gift shops--Lakewood;

Remodeled Canteen Building at Veteran's Administration Hospital. Interior of Quanset Hut type building showing dining area with vinyl and chrome chairs and laminated plastic and chrome pedestal tables.

American Lake Veterans' Hospital (Lakewood); Military hospitals--Lakewood--1950-1960; Gift shops--Lakewood; Snack bars--Lakewood;

New barracks for the new regimental areas at Fort Lewis are under construction. Reinforcing steel from Bethlehem Steel is being used in the concrete walls. The over-all project included a school, utilities, fire station, two large motor pools and other shops. Ordered by Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel Corporation. (TNT, 11/9/1952, p.C-15) TPL-10392

Fort Lewis (Wash.); Reinforced concrete construction--Fort Lewis; Building construction--Fort Lewis; Barracks--Fort Lewis; Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel Corp. (Seattle);

Military marching in formation during the May, 1951, Armed Forces Day parade. Spectators line the downtown streets to watch examples of America's military might pass by. In 1951, Armed Forces Day was only two years old, having been created in 1949 to honor Americans serving in the five military branches.

Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Marching--Tacoma--1950-1960; Armed Forces Day;

The Armed Forces Day parade in downtown Tacoma occurred on May 19, 1951. Sailors with rifles march in formation followed by a group of Army or Air Force men.

Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sailors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Marching--Tacoma--1950-1960; Armed Forces Day;

U.S.O. #2, 713-15 Commerce St., circa 1946. During World War II, although black and white soldiers fought side by side, the United States Army was still segregated. In Tacoma, African American service men and women had their own USO Club at 713-15 Commerce. It was dedicated on September 4, 1942 and closed late in March of 1947. The Kaufman-Wolff building where it was located had previously housed the Soldiers and Sailors Clubhouse during World War I. USO #2 was enlarged in 1944 by adding an annex in the building to the north of the original club. The enlarged structure provided the following facilities: dark room, music room, hobby room, game room, showers, sleeping accommodations, library and snack bar. It was operated by the YMCA and staffed primarily by volunteers. (brochure from Recognition Ceremony USO Number Two on 3/30/1947; photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma).

On October 22, 1945, this group of unidentified individuals were photographed seated around a table after what appears to be a dinner at the USO #2, 713-15 Commerce St. (photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)

On Sunday February 3, 1946, a dinner was held at the Tacoma USO #2, 713-15 Commerce St., honoring the 5th anniversary of USO operation. The United Service Organizations, or USO, was incorporated in New York Feb. 4, 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who believed it was important for private citizens to take responsibility for the on-leave recreation needs of service members. One of the guests of honor for the Tacoma celebration was Mayor Harry Cain, standing center, who attended with his wife Marjorie, last woman seated left. Seated to the right of Mayor Cain was Mr. Arthur Hayes, chairman of the club's operating committee. The other individuals at the table were unidentified. (TNT 2/3/1946, pg. A-7, 2/4/1946, pg. 1: photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)

The performance by the 70 piece Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific Northwest, under the direction of Dr. Francis Aranyi, was one of the highlights of the USO Music Festival held July 28, 1946 at Point Defiance. The festival was held in the natural amphitheater at the entrance to the park. The concert drew over 7,000 listeners. It was also broadcast over the Mutual Network by KMO. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2) Photo by F.L. Powell, YMCA, Tacoma)