President Harry S. Truman carefully descends the wooden stairs of the platform after his speech to massive crowds at 9th & Broadway. The two men nearby with eyes watchfully gazing are probably secret service. This was Mr. Truman's first visit to Tacoma as a sitting president. He, and his family, had journeyed to view the flood damage in Washington and Oregon. ALBUM 1.

Presidents; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma;

President Harry S.Truman, Tacoma Mayor Val Fawcett and Governor Mon Wallgren in a 1948 Cadillac convertible near 6th and Saint Helens Avenues in Tacoma. Mr. Truman sits high perched on the back seat of the convertible. Walker and Wilsonian Apartments and Mueller-Harkins Buick (under construction) in background. The men were on their way to 9th & Broadway where President Truman would give an open-air speech. Crowds estimated at 9,000 lined the presidential route through downtown Tacoma and another 9,000 gathered to hear the outspoken President voice his opinions regarding the Republican-controlled Congress. President Truman would visit Tacoma, Seattle, Olympia and Bremerton during his two day stay in Washington. He also would view the flood damages caused by the Columbia River. (TNT 6-9-48, p. 1, TNT 6-10-48, p. 1, TNT 6-11-48, p. 1)

Presidents; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965;

President Harry S.Truman, Tacoma Mayor Val Fawcett and Washington Governor Mon Wallgren on South 9th Street near Saint Helens Avenue. President Truman and Gov. Wallgren were old acquaintances; Mr. Truman had stumped the state in 1944 along with Mr. Wallgren. President Truman was in Washington for a event-packed two days. He would visit Olympia, Bremerton, Seattle and Tacoma, addressing audiences with his long distance attack on the Republican-controlled Congress and its failure to adopt his pricing, housing and farm recommendations. In addition, he planned to view the disastrous Columbia River flood damage via air. (TNT 6-9-48, p. 1, TNT 6-10-48, p. 1, TNT 6-11-48, p. 1)

Presidents; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965;

Harry S. Truman paid his first visit to Tacoma as President on Thursday June 10, 1948. He spoke from a platform erected in the center of the triangle at 9th and Broadway before an estimated crowd of 9,000. After speaking, he left for Olympia where he was to be the guest of Governor Mon Wallgren. Senator Warren G. Magnuson greets President Truman and Governor Wallgren who are seated in a 1948 Cadillac convertible near the speaker's stand. ALBUM 1.

Presidents; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961; Magnuson, Warren G., 1905-1989;

President Harry S.Truman and Washington Governor Mon Wallgren in a 1948 Cadillac convertible on 9th Street near downtown's Broadway and Saint Helens Avenue. The President has doffed his hat in salutation to the large crowds gathered during his June, 1948, visit. Estimates of 9,000 were given for those present at Mr. Truman's outdoor speech with another 9,000 people lined up on the route of the First Family's tour through the city. This contrasts with the estimated 100,000 who saw Mr. Truman in Seattle. President Truman indicated that he was very appreciative of the reception he had received in Washington State. TPL-152. ALBUM 1. (TNT 6-9-48, p. 1, TNT 6-10-48, p. 1, TNT 6-11-48, p. 1)

Presidents; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Governors; Wallgren, Mon C., 1891-1961;

President Harry S.Truman greeting Tacoma Police Department motorcycle officers on 9th Street near Broadway and Saint Helens Avenue in downtown Tacoma. It was Mr. Truman's first visit to Tacoma as president. To assist local police,Tacoma's own anti-aircraft unit, the 530th AAA Automatic Weapons battalion was chosen to furnish the guard of honor for the President's visit. 50 guardsmen would be on duty. The outdoor location of Mr. Truman's speech was changed from 10th & A Streets to 9th & Broadway for security reasons. ALBUM 1. (TNT 6-9-48, p. 1, TNT 6-10-48, p. 1, TNT 6-11-48, p. 1) TPL-8687

Presidential elections--Tacoma; Presidents--United States--Election--1948; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Tacoma Police Department (Tacoma);

President Harry S.Truman delivers a rousing speech to thousands at 9th Street near Broadway and Saint Helens Avenue in downtown Tacoma. Washington Governor Mon Wallgren at far right, Winthrop Hotel in background. President Truman's wife Bess and daughter Margaret accompanied him during his cross-country tour. The President's speech was apparently being carried by radio station KMO; it was his first official visit to Tacoma as President. ALBUM 1. (TNT 6-9-48, p. 1, TNT 6-10-48, p. 1, TNT 6-11-48, p. 1)

Presidential elections--Tacoma; Presidents--United States--Election--1948; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Public speaking--Tacoma;

On Thursday June 10, 1948, President Harry S. Truman stopped off in Tacoma long enough to address a crowd of several thousand Tacomans from a platform built on the corner of South 9th and Broadway. In an address carried live over KMO radio, he blasted the congress for doing nothing to curb inflation and control prices. He also attacked their tax reduction program which he called "a rich man's tax law - for the relief of the rich." While in Bremerton he addressed an enthusiastic crowd emphasizing the need for a strong defense during times of peace. Seattle greeted him with downtown crowds estimated at 100,000. ALBUM 1. (TNT 6-9-48, p. 1, TNT 6-10-48, p. 1, TNT 6-11-48, p. 11) TPL-9675

Presidential elections--Tacoma; Presidents--United States--Election--1948; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma;

On June 10, 1948, outspoken President Harry S. Truman addressed a tightly packed crowd numbered at 9,000 on 9th Street near Broadway and Saint Helens Avenue in downtown Tacoma. Music Box (Tacoma Theater) and Telenews (Colonial Theater) in background. A small military band, at rest, is located to the foreground. On the speaker's stand along with President Truman were General Mark Clark, commanding general of the 6th Army, the President's family, Senator Warren G. Magnuson, Governor Mon C. Wallgren, Secretary of the Interior Julius Krug, Citizens Chrm. Leo A. McGavick and Mayor C.Val Fawcett. Mayor Fawcett had proclaimed Thursday, June 10th, as President's Day in Tacoma and urged all residents to "participate in welcoming our distinguished guest." It was President Truman's first official visit as president and the first time the city had entertained a chief executive for several years. ALBUM 1. (TNT 6-8-48, p. 17-article; TNT 6-9-48, p.1-article; TNT 6-10-48, p. 1-article; TNT 6-11-48, p. 1)

Presidential elections--Tacoma; Presidents--United States--Election--1948; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Salutations--Tacoma; Public speaking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Crowds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Military bands--United States;

President Harry S. Truman, along with First Lady Truman, and their daughter Margaret were visiting the Pacific Northwest in June of 1948. The president would be making an aerial tour of the Oregon and Washington flood areas. President Truman spoke out against Congress and Private Power interests during his visit. View of President Harry S.Truman riding in 1948 Cadillac convertible automobile on 11th Street between Pacific Avenue and Commerce Street in downtown Tacoma. Approximately 9,000 lined the presidential route and another 9,000 gathered to hear Mr. Truman speak at the intersection of 9th & Broadway. (T. Times, 6/11/48, p. 1).

Presidential elections--Tacoma; Presidents--United States--Election--1948; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cadillac automobile; Salutations--Tacoma;

People turned out in great numbers for the appearance of President Harry S. Truman per the crowd scene on South 9th Street at Broadway and Saint Helens Avenue near the Music Box theatre. It was Mr. Truman's first visit to Tacoma as president and he took the time to speak to the large crowd estimated at 9,000. The President led a long distance attack on the Republican-controlled Congress for its failure to go along with his pricing, housing and farm recommendations. He called it a "special interest Congress." President Truman and his entourage can barely be seen on the stand covered with bunting. ALBUM 1. (TNT 6-9-48, p. 1, TNT 6-10-48, p. 1, TNT 6-11-48, p. 1)

Presidential elections--Tacoma; Presidents--United States--Election--1948; Salutations--Tacoma; Crowds--Tacoma;

Little Marlyce (Candy) Cain has eyes only for her father, Senator Harry P. Cain, as mother Marjorie and older brother Harry II (Buzzy) look on. Senator Cain may be heading off on a trip as he has a suitcase next to him. Harry P. Cain was formerly the mayor of Tacoma before his election to the U.S. Senate. ALBUM 13. TPL-10184

Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Legislators--Washington--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979--Family; Cain, Marjorie Dils, 1908-1994; Cain, Marlyce;

Mayor Val Fawcett, holding granddaughter Linda Knecht, makes a presentation to the crew of a Western Air Lines airplane bearing an appeal for Christmas Seals on its side. Ordered by the Tuberculosis League. ALBUM 14.

Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Grandparents; Knecht, Linda; Christmas seals; Tuberculosis League of Pierce County (Tacoma); Western Airlines; Air pilots;

All eyes are on Senator Robert A. Taft, Republican from Ohio, who was in town to speak at the World Affairs Council. Next to Mrs. Taft are S. Albert "Sam" Perkins, newspaperman and former secretary to Mark Hanna, and newspaper publisher Frank E. Gannett (in polka-dotted bow tie) of New York. Senator Taft's hand is bandaged due to a car door slamming on it while in Seattle; it required six stitches to close the wound. Senator Taft was the son of former President William Howard Taft and sought the Republican nomination for the presidency three times. His descendants continued in public service: his son, Robert, Jr., was also a U.S. senator from Ohio and his grandson, Bob, is a two-term governor of Ohio. (T. Times, 9-24-47, p. 1, T. Times 9-25-47, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Taft, Robert A., 1889-1953; Taft, Martha; Perkins, S.A.; Gannett, Frank E.;

Senator Robert A. Taft, Ohio Republican and three-time presidential candidate, visits Tacoma to address the Tacoma World Affairs Council on the subject of foreign policy at the Temple Theater. Smelter Worker's Union members and Communist sympathizers picket during Taft's speech in which he charged the Truman administration with taking a "soft policy" towards Russia. The Cold War between the United States and Russia would escalate and give rise to the McCarthy era of the 1950s when the mere mention of communism was scrutinized. In contrast with a more volatile greeting in Seattle, the sixty picketers, many of them teenagers, demonstrated quietly outside the theater. They missed the senator who had entered the building through the back door. When they found out the senator was already on stage addressing the crowd of 1600, the group peacefully dispersed. (TNT 9-26-47, p. 1, T.Times, 9-26-47, p. 5) ALBUM 2.

Taft, Robert A., 1889-1953; Pickets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Demonstrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Labor Unions--Tacoma; Signs (Notices);

Senator Robert A. Taft of Ohio holds out his bandaged left hand as he explains how it was injured. A tumultuous reception in Seattle the day before resulted in an accidental door slamming on his hand. It took six stitches to close the wound. Looking on are longtime friends Frank E. Gannett and S.A. "Sam" Perkins. Both Gannett and Perkins were newspaper publishers; Frank Gannett had just flown in from his Rochester, N.Y., home via his twin-engine Lockheed to visit Perkins. Gannett was the publisher of a 27-newspaper chain back East, and was once a candidate for the Presidency. Senator Taft was in town to address the World Affairs Council on his views regarding foreign policy. (TNT 9-25-47, p. 1, T. Times 9-24-47, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Taft, Robert A., 1889-1953; Perkins, S.A.; Gannett, Frank E.; Wounds & injuries;

Senator Robert A. Taft, Republican of Ohio, son of President William Howard Taft and unsuccessful candidate for the Republican Presidential nomination in 1944, 1948 and 1952, during visit to address Tacoma World Affairs Council at the Temple Theater. He was affectionately known as "Mr. Republican" for his dominance in the Senate during the years 1939-1953. Senator Taft opposed President Roosevelt's New Deal policies; he sponsored the Taft-Hartley Labor Relations Act of 1947. He became Senate Majority Leader just prior to his death in 1953. More than a million dollars was collected to build a 100-foot Tennessee marble tower with twenty-seven bells and a 10-foot bronze statue of Senator Taft. The Robert A. Taft Memorial and Carillon is located north of the Capitol, on Constitution Avenue; it was dedicated on April 14, 1959. ALBUM 2.

Taft, Robert A., 1889-1953;

Mayor C. Val Fawcett studies a pre-publication copy of the September, 1947 issue of Holiday Magazine in his office in Tacoma's (Old) City Hall in August of 1947. Tacoma received three pages, including 5 photographs, in the 36 page section of the issue devoted to Washington State. The long article, written by northwest author Nard Jones, included over 90 photographs of scenic views, Washington industries and her people. Enjoying the sneak peek along with Mayor Fawcett are Curtiss Circulation Company sales representative H.N. Bergeron (left) and local magazine wholesaler Edwin J. Schneebeck. (T.Times 8-19-47, p. 9-alt. photograph) ALBUM 14.

Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Periodicals; Holiday Magazine; Bergeron, H.N.; Schneebeck, Edwin J.; Publicity photographs; Offices--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Mayor Val Fawcett looks at the Holiday Magazine State of Washington issue in a promotional photo taken at his office in (Old) City Hall. Looking on are Curtiss Circulation Co. sales representative H.N. Bergeron and local magazine wholesaler Edwin J. Schneebeck. The upcoming September 1947 issue would highlight the City of Tacoma with 30 pages of information and photographs. ALBUM 14. (T. Times 8-19-47, p.9)

Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Periodicals; Holiday Magazine; Bergeron, H.N.; Schneebeck, Edwin J.; Publicity photographs; Offices--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Mayor Val Fawcett looks at the proof sheets for the September, 1947 issue of Holiday Magazine, the State of Washington issue, in a promotional photo taken at his office in Tacoma's (Old) City Hall, 625 Commerce St.. H.N. Bergeron (in a light suit), sales representative of Curtiss Circulation Company, points out to Mayor Fawcett the photographs and articles that will highlight the industrial, civic, and cultural life of the Pacific Northwest. Edwin J. Schneebeck, a local magazine wholesaler, looks on. (T.Times, 8/19/1947, p.9) ALBUM 14.

Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Periodicals; Holiday Magazine; Bergeron, H.N.; Schneebeck, Edwin J.; Publicity photographs; Offices--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Surrounded by masses of prize winning flowers are Tacoma mayor Val Fawcett and two little girls. The trio were pictured on Tacoma Day, September 17, 1947, at the Western Washington Fair. The youngster on the left is Mayor Fawcett's granddaughter, Linda Knecht. The other little girl is Mary Claire Petrich. ALBUM 14.

Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Knecht, Linda; Grandparents; Petrich, Mary Claire; Flowers--Puyallup--1940-1950; Fairs--Puyallup--1940-1950; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup);

Tacoma Mayor Val Fawcett with granddaughter Linda Knecht, left, and Mary Claire Petrich view prize flowers at the Western Washington Fair in Puyallup. Mary Claire is holding aloft a small trophy. (T.Times 9-18-47, p. 1 ) ALBUM 14.

Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Knecht, Linda; Grandparents; Petrich, Mary Claire; Fairs--Puyallup--1940-1950; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Flowers--Puyallup--1940-1950; Awards;

Visitors to the 1947 Western Washington Fair in Puyallup were treated to displays of beautiful flowers entered in various categories. Tacoma Mayor Val Fawcett, holding a small trophy, crouches behind a vase of huge dahlias. His granddaughter, Linda Knecht (at left in photograph) stands next to a large basket of gladioli. Mary Claire Petrich is at the photograph's right. (T.Times 9-18-47, p. 1-article) ALBUM 14.

Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Grandparents; Knecht, Linda; Petrich, Mary Claire; Flowers--Puyallup--1940-1950; Fairs--Puyallup--1940-1950; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Awards;

Farewell party on Christmas Eve for Senator-elect Harry P. Cain (fifth from right in photo) and wife Marjorie (third from right) at the University - Union Club, prior to their departure for Washington, DC. Congressman Thor Tollefson is second from right with wife Eva. Cain was a former mayor of Tacoma. ALBUM 13.

Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Legislators--Washington--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Cain, Marjorie Dils, 1908-1994; Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Tollefson, Eva;

On December 30, 1946, Mayor Val Fawcett, far right, is pictured congratulating officers of the Tacoma Athletic Commission at the opening of their headquarters at the Top of the Ocean. L to R: Dave Tuell, Bob Sanders, Gerry Waechter. Mr. Waechter was the chairman of the club. Over 1500 members and associate members attended the formal opening. Mayor Fawcett is also a director of the T.A.C. ALBUM 14. (T.Times 12-31-46, p. 12)

Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Tuell, Dave; Sanders, Bob; Waechter, Gerry;

Mayor Val Fawcett, seated center, and city Public Utilities Commissioner C.A. "Clif" Erdahl (seated foreground) listen patiently to delegations from church groups and others, who have just delivered petitions calling for the outlawing of pinball machines. A city Legal Department memo, dated 12/29/1946, is on the table in foreground. Despite two hours of fervent protest by council visitors, the mayor and council would go on to pass an emergency ordinance on December 30, 1946, amending pinball regulations in the city. Pinball machines would not be outlawed but instead have a 5% tax on these "payoff" machines. ALBUM 14. (T.Times 12-30-46, p. 1, 14-article; TNT 12-30-46, p. 1-article)

Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Petitions--Tacoma;

Voting against the wishes of Tacoma's churches and social service organizations, Mayor Val Fawcett (left) and the city council passed an ordinance on December 30, 1946 amending the pinball machine regulations in Tacoma. Rather than banning the "one armed bandits" as the churches preferred, the city voted to collect a 5% tax on all "payoff" machines within Tacoma city limits. An estimated $120,000 would be added to the city's coffers. An unidentified man is pointing to the wording on one of the 35 petitions brought in to city hall by the pinball machine opponents, including those signed by the YMCA, Salvation Army, WCTU and the PLU student body. ALBUM 14. (T.Times 12-30-46, p. 1, 14-article; TNT 12-30-46, p. 1-article)

Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Petitions--Tacoma;

Stumping for his fellow Democrats, Henry A. Wallace tells a crowd of 3000 and a radio audience that a Communist "is a Democrat with a job a Republican wants" at a campaign rally held at the Armory on October 28, 1946. Wallace, Vice President 1941-45, went on to become the Progressive Party's candidate for President in 1948. He was a plant geneticist, agricultural leader, editor, cabinet member, as well as serving as Roosevelt's vice-president in his third term as president. He was asked to resign as Secretary of Commerce by President Truman due to his public criticism of the administration's hard-line policy toward the Soviet Union. Mr. Wallace was to make a run for the presidency in 1948 as the Progressive Party nominee, representing a newly organized third party with a pro-Soviet stance. He received only 2.4% of the vote and left the party in 1950 after disagreeing with its non-support of the Korean War. He withdrew from politics and resumed activity in the agricultural field. (T. Times, 10-29-46, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Wallace, Henry A., 1888-1965; Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Public speaking--Tacoma;

Henry A. Wallace with supporters during a Democratic campaign visit to Tacoma. He appears to be making his point clear as everyone is smiling broadly. Mr. Wallace grew up in a Republican household where his father was Secretary of Agriculture from 1921-1924. Mr. Wallace, himself, became a Democrat and helped to bring his native Iowa into the Roosevelt camp in 1932. Although he was asked to resign from his Secretary of Commerce post by President Truman, Mr. Wallace still considered himself a Democrat and asked Democrats to continue to support progressive representatives in the upcoming election. He warned against complacency and urged party members to get to the polls and settle any differences within the party later. Mr. Wallace was the US Vice-President from 1941-45 and later was the (Third) Progressive Party's candidate for the 1948 presidential elections. This sepia photograph was taken on October 28, 1946. (T. Times, 10-29-46, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Wallace, Henry A., 1888-1965; Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Henry A. Wallace with supporters during a Democratic campaign visit to Tacoma. He is standing second to the left, holding a pair of reading glasses and a newspaper in his hands. 3000 braved the inclement weather and a bus strike to make their way to the State Armory to hear Mr. Wallace call on loyal Democrats to close ranks and elect progressive Democrats in the upcoming election. He especially praised U.S. Senator Hugh B. Mitchell who was seeking re-election. Henry Wallace was the U.S. Vice-President, 1941-45, former Secretary of Agriculture and briefly Secretary of Commerce. He became the candidate of the (Third) Progressive Party for President in 1948. Sepia photograph taken on October 28, 1946. (T. Times, 10-29-46, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Wallace, Henry A., 1888-1965;