Newly installed Mayor John C. Siegle, center, stands with his fellow city councilmen on June 6, 1938, in (Old) City Hall. From L-R, Val Fawcett - Finance Commissioner, Holmes Eastwood - Safety Commissioner, Dr. Siegle, Ira Davisson - Public Utilities Commissioner and Abner Bergersen - Public Works Commissioner. Dr. Siegle, a leading dentist in Tacoma, was the city's first native-born mayor. The death of his father when the mayor was only ten caused him to drop out of Tacoma public schools; he later studied privately while becoming a card carrying member of the Machinists Union. He worked his way through Northwestern University and obtained his DDS. Mayor Siegle held many leadership titles in the community including being the Past Exalted Ruler of Tacoma Lodge No. 174, BPOE, past president of the Kiwanis Club, past president of the North End community club and past commander of the Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 of the American Legion. His platform urged civic improvement to make Tacoma an ever better city and campaigned for new industry and economic development, especially in the Tideflats. Dr. Siegle passed away on April 12, 1939, of cancer, having served as mayor for less than a year. ALBUM 11. (T.Times 6-6-38, p. 1)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Eastwood, Holmes; Davisson, Ira; Bergersen, Abner R.; Municipal government--Tacoma;

A wide variety of flower arrangements were sent to City Hall when Mayor John C. Siegle was installed as the city's chief executive on June 6, 1938. The mayor appears to be leaning forward, perhaps in response to a question, when photographed between his two nominees for city posts, William J. Ganz and C. Amos Booth. The floral pieces were transferred from council chambers to Mayor Siegle's private office. Dr. John Charles Siegle was a well-known civic leader and leading dentist before becoming mayor. He was a prime supporter of the city and sought to develop tourism and industry. ALBUM 11. (T.Times 6-6-38, 1, 14).

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Ganz, William J.; Booth, C. Amos; Flower arrangements;

Following the administering of oaths, Mayor John C. Siegle's name was inscribed on the door of room 303, also the office of C. Amos Booth, Refuse Superintendent. The name of his secretary, William J. Ganz, was also inscribed. Both Mr. Booth and Mr. Ganz were Dr. Siegle's personal appointees. Dr. Siegle's name would remain here only a short time; he died while serving as mayor the following year. ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Signs (Notices);

C. Val Fawcett takes the oath as City Finance Commissioner for the third time from Clerk Genevieve Martin at (old) City Hall on June 6, 1938. Newly installed Mayor John C. Siegle looks on smilingly. Mr. Fawcett would serve multiple terms as finance commissioner for the city. He would go on to become acting mayor during Mayor Harry P. Cain's absence during WWII and then be elected mayor in March, 1946. In 1938, Ms. Martin had already held the position of City Clerk for 16 years. (T.Times, 6-6-38, p. 14)

Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Oaths--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Martin, Genevieve;

Mayor John C. Siegle and two appointees admire flowers sent for the mayor's swearing in ceremony at (Old) City Hall on June 6, 1938. Blossoms of many varieties decorate the mayor's chambers. Flanking the new mayor are William J. Ganz and C. Amos Booth, the mayor's nominees for Secretary to the Mayor and Superintendent, Refuse Collection division, respectively. The mayor's first official act was to submit to the new council his appointments. They were confirmed during the first session. (T. Times, 6-6-38, p. 14) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Ganz, William J.; Booth, C. Amos; Flower arrangements;

John C. Siegle held up his right hand as he was sworn in as Mayor on June 6, 1938, by City Clerk Genevieve Martin. Standing by the wall, between them, are Holmes Eastwood, Safety Commissioner, wearing a sports jacket and light colored slacks, and C. Val Fawcett, Finance Commissioner. Dr. Siegle succeeded George A. Smitley as mayor. In Dr. Siegle's address, he pledged his efforts towards securing new industries, helping those already here, and promoting the Narrows Bridge project. Dr. Siegle, a dentist, was the first mayor of Tacoma to be born in Tacoma. He died April 12, 1939 less then one year after taking office. (T. Times, 6-6-38, p. 1, 14)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Oaths--Tacoma; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Eastwood, Holmes; Martin, Genevieve;

Public Safety Commissioner Holmes Eastwood, Finance Commissioner Val Fawcett, Mayor John C. Siegle, Public Works Commissioner Abner R. Bergersen and Utilities Commissioner Ira S. Davisson following swearing in ceremony at (Old) City Hall on June 6, 1938. Flowers offering congratulations fill the tables to the rear of the city council. ALBUM 11. (T.Times 6-6-38, p. 14)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Municipal government--Tacoma; Eastwood, Holmes; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Bergersen, Abner R.; Davisson, Ira; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939;

Posting big grins, Mayor John C. Siegle (center) and two associates pose next to an impressive array of flowers sent to congratulate the newly sworn-in mayor. Standing next to the new mayor are William J. Ganz and C. Amos Booth, Dr. Siegle's nominees for Secretary to the Mayor and Superintendent, Refuse Collection Division. Both nominees would be approved by the new council. Mr. Ganz, age 32, was active in Dr. Siegle's campaign. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1925. Mr. Booth, age 31, graduated from both Lincoln High School and the College of Puget Sound. He was a past president of the city civil service commission. John Charles Siegle, a dentist by profession, was Tacoma's first native-born mayor. Illness cut short his only term of office; he died in April 12, 1939, ten months after his installation date. (T.Times 6-6-38, p. 14) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Ganz, William J.; Booth, C. Amos; Flower arrangements;

Mayor John Siegle pretends to light fuse of giant advertising fire-cracker for a Junior Chamber of Commerce "big bang" publicity for July 4th fireworks at Stadium Bowl. Spanish steps from Commerce to Broadway and (Old) Elks Temple in background.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Firecrackers; Tacoma Junior Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma);

Mayor John Siegle pretends to light the fuse on a giant fire-cracker held by three members of the Junior Chamber of Commerce . They are all part of the "big bang" publicity campaign for the 1938 July 4th fireworks show at Stadium Bowl. Mayor Siegle was a dentist by trade, and the first native Tacoman to be elected as mayor to Tacoma. He was born in Tacoma in 1885. The Elks Temple and Spanish steps are in the background. Mayor Siegle died in April of 1939 after just 19 months in office. He was only 53 years old.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Firecrackers; Tacoma Junior Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma);

C.M.T.C. awards ceremonies. Governor Clarence D. Martin with a group of Army officers observe the Citizens Military Training Camp awards program at Fort Lewis. Awards for civil, military and athletic excellence were presented at the conclusion of the annual encampment of citizen soldiers. The awards were presented on Visitors Day and the ceremony observed by Gov. Martin, mayors of nearby cities and families and friends of participants. (T.Times, 8/4/1938, p.1).

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Fort Lewis (Wash.); Citizens Military Training Camp--Fort Lewis;

On Wednesday, August 3, 1938, Gerald K. Kelley of Seattle received the Order of the Rose medal. He was judged to be the most patriotic, soldierly and meritorious participant at the Citizens Military Camp held at Fort Lewis. During July of 1938, 250 young men from Washington state participated in a program of military training at Fort Lewis. The man shaking Mr. Kelley's hand is Governor Clarence D. Martin. Sepia photograph of Governor Martin and Gerald Kelley taken on August 3, 1938; note the chestful of medals displayed by Mr. Kelley. ALBUM 10.

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Kelley, Gerald K.; Awards; Citizens Military Training Camp (Fort Lewis);

Tacoma Mayor John Siegle, standing, in the grandstand for the "Mayor's Handicap Race" during Tacoma Day at the Western Washington Fair, Puyallup. Public Safety Commissioner Holmes Eastwood is seated center, with tobacco tin. (T. Times, 9/22/38, p. 1)

Mayors - Tacoma - 1938-39 - Dr. John C. Siegle (1885-1939) - Washington StateEvents - Fairs - Washington State - Puyallup - Western Washington Fair

Tacoma Mayor John C. Siegle presents an award at the "Grand Champion Dog Show" on December 11, 1938, at the Greenwich Colliseum. Standing across from Mayor Siegle is possibly the judge of the speciality show, the Very Rev. William S. Walsh of Gervais, Oregon. The mayor is holding a handful of ribbons. There is an American Kennel Club (AKC) trophy on the table next to a black and white spaniel. It is believed that this dog was judged best-of-breed in the first annual cocker spaniel speciality show sponsored by the Tacoma Cocker Spaniel Club. Willett's To-Tone Toni, a 17-month black and white particolor, bested the nearly 70 entries. The dog is owned by Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Willett of Salem, Oregon. ALBUM 11. (TNT 12-12-38, p. 12)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Dogs--Tacoma; Dog shows--Tacoma; Awards;

Tacoma Mayor John C. Siegle presents an award at the "Grand Champion Dog Show" on December 11, 1938, at Greenwich Coliseum. The show was apparently licensed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as the trophy and ribbons are inscribed with its name. The alert cocker spaniel being petted may have also been the Canadian champion. A 17-month particolor, Willett's To-Tone Toni, won the best-of-breed top prize. Judging was conducted by the Very Rev. William S. Walsh who may be the man pictured on the right. 69 out of the 71 entries were benched at the first annual cocker spaniel speciality show. (TNT 12-12-38, p. 12) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Dogs--Tacoma; Dog shows--Tacoma; Awards;

Publicity portrait of new Pierce County Prosecutor Thor Tollefson making a point, appearently from the City Directory! Mr. Tollefson served as county prosecutor from 1938-1946, at which time he made a successful bid for a Congressional seat. He was to remain as the 6th District representative for nine terms, until finally defeated for re-election in the 1964 elections. (T. Times, 1-9-39, p. 1) ALBUM 4.

Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Lawyers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

New Pierce County Prosecutor Thor Tollefson and his wife Eva. Mr. Tollefson was the county's prosecuting attorney from 1938-1946 when he then ran for election to the U.S. House of Representatives. He defeated incumbent Democrat John Coffee and won re-election during the eight succeeding Congresses. Born in Minnesota and a Tacoma resident since 1912, Mr. Tollefson graduated from Lincoln High School and the University of Washington Law School. (T. Times 1-09-39, p. 1) ALBUM 4.

Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Tollefson, Eva; Lawyers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

New Pierce County Prosecutor Thor Tollefson relaxes with a pipe at his desk. Mr. Tollefson served as the prosecuting attorney from 1938-1946; he then was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, defeating longtime congressman John Coffee. Mr. Tollefson, a Republican, represented the 6th District for nine terms until his defeat in November, 1964. His younger brother, Harold, was also in public office: he twice served as Tacoma's mayor. ALBUM 4. (T.Times 1/9/1939, pg. 1)

Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Lawyers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

New Pierce County Prosecutor Thor Tollefson was sworn in on January 9, 1939 succeeding Harry H. Johnston, Democrat. His parents had operated a meat market and grocery store on McKinley Hill. After his father's death in 1915, Thor, as eldest son, left school and worked in various lumber mills and shipyards to help support the family. He was finally able to enter high school at the age of 21, holding down a job in the mills at night, and obtained his law degree from the University of Washington in 1930. Mr. Tollefson served as county prosecutor from 1938-1946. A delegate to numerous Republican state conventions, he was elected as a Republican to the 80th Congress in 1946 and to the eight succeeding Congresses. After his last term in office, he was appointed Director of Fisheries for the State of Washington and also the special assistant to the Governor in charge of international fisheries negotiations. Thor Tollefson passed away in Tacoma on December 30, 1982, at the age of 81. (T. Times 1-9-39, p. 1) ALBUM 4.

Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Lawyers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

37-year-old Pierce County Prosecutor Thor Tollefson at his desk shortly after being sworn into office on January 9, 1939. Many congratulatory bouquets were sent to Mr. Tollefson and his deputies by their admirers. He had defeated Democratic incumbent Harry H. Johnston in the November 8, 1938, elections. After eight years in office, Mr. Tollefson was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1946, and re-elected eight more times. (T. Times, 1-9-39, p. 1). ALBUM 4.

Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Lawyers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Mrs. Kate Stevens Bates, youngest daughter and only survivor of Washington Territory's first governor, Isaac Stevens, sits at the piano at her home in Olympia on March 14, 1939. She was only a few months old when the family arrived in Olympia. Brother Hazard Stevens built Bates' home. She is the wife of James H.S. Bates. (T. Times 3/14/1939, p. 1)

Governors; Stevens, Isaac Ingalls--Family; Bates, Kate Stevens; Pianos;

Mrs. Kate Stevens Bates, youngest daughter of Washington Territory's first governor, Isaac Stevens, sits in her home in Olympia reading "Readers Digest." Home was built by her brother Hazard Stevens and is filled with antiques, art, and photographs.(T. Times 3/14/1939, p.1)

Governors; Stevens, Isaac Ingalls--Family; Bates, Kate Stevens; Bates, Kate Stevens--Homes & haunts;

Allenmore Golf Course "Hole-In-One" contest for new 1939 Buick. Hole-in-one ace, ex-mayor M. G. Tennent, tries his 100th drive to win the contest and misses. Since taking up the game of golf, Tennent has shot eight dodos. In back of and to the right of Tennent is future Mayor John H. Anderson. (T. Times, 4/14/1939, p. 14)

Mayors--Tacoma; Tennent, Melvin Green; Anderson, John H.; Allenmore Golf Club (Tacoma); Golf--Tacoma--1930-1940; Sports & recreation facilities--Tacoma; Golfers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Ex-mayor M. G. Tennent, Tacoma's hole-in-one champ, the "King of Aces," watches the result of his swing at the indoor driving range at Allenmore Golf Course. Since taking up golf, Mr. Tennent has made eight hole-in-ones. But despite 100 tries at this hole, he has only come close. The winner will receive a new 1939 Buick. Unbeknownst at the time, John Anderson, watching in background while he puffs on a cigar, will become future Tacoma mayor. (T. Times, 4/14/39, p. 14).

Mayors--Tacoma; Tennent, Melvin Green; Anderson, John H.; Allenmore Golf Club (Tacoma); Golf--Tacoma--1930-1940; Sports & recreation facilities--Tacoma; Golfers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Mayor John C. Siegle's flag draped casket arrived at Tacoma's Union Station on April 14, 1939. The first Tacoma mayor to be born and raised in Tacoma, Mayor Siegle took ill with flu-like symptoms shortly after he was sworn in in June of 1938. After trying to recuperate in humid Tacoma, he left for the drier environs of the area around Palm Springs, Ca. The Mayor died of an apparent heart attack while returning home by train, at Klamath Falls, Oregon on 4/13/1939. He was the first Tacoma mayor to die while in office. Assisting as his honor guard at the train station were three of his American Legion comrades. Wearing their Legion caps are (l to r) Dr. Reuben Hedberg, Barney Drew and, in the right foreground, Jerry Walters. (T. Times 4/15, p. 1)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939-- Funeral rites & ceremonies; American Legion Tacoma Post No. 138 (Tacoma);

American Legion Honor Guard flanked the casket of Mayor John C. Siegle as it was loaded onto a hearse at Union Station on April 14, 1939. Mayor Siegle's funeral was scheduled for April 15th, but first his body would lie in state at the Mellinger Chapel. The color guard from the Tacoma and Rhodes American Legion Posts accompanied the body to the chapel. Siegle was the first Tacoma Mayor to die in office. He was also the first member of the American Legion past commanders "Last Man Club" to die. (T. Times, 4/15/1939, p. 1).

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939-- Funeral rites & ceremonies; American Legion Tacoma Post No. 138 (Tacoma);

Funeral of incumbent Mayor John C. Siegle. Dr. Siegle died on a train in Oregon, enroute to Tacoma from California where he had been recuperating from an extended illness. His memorial service was held at the First Presbyterian Church and was attended by an estimated crowd of two thousand. An honor guard of uniformed Police and Fire department employees stand surrounding the flag draped coffin. Dr. Siegle was the first native Tacoman to be elected Mayor and Tacoma's first Mayor to die in office. (T. Times 4/13/1939, 4/14/1939, 4/15/1939, pg.1) also numbered D8141 image A

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939--Funeral rites & ceremonies;

Funeral of Mayor John C. Siegle at First Presbyterian Church. Police Honor Guard stands at attention between hearse and entrance. Over 2,000 people came to the church to pay their last respects to the Mayor.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939-- Funeral rites & ceremonies;

Funeral of Mayor John C. Siegle at the First Presbyterian Church. A minister stands by the hearse. Police Honor Guard stands at attention between hearse and entrance. The service was performed by Rev. Arthur Bell.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939-- Funeral rites & ceremonies;

Funeral of Mayor John C. Siegle at the First Presbyterian Church. General view of large crowd, hearse and Police Honor Guard.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939-- Funeral rites & ceremonies;