Governor Clarence Martin at Community Achievement Dinner held at the Masonic Temple on December 28, 1937. He is flanked by Congressman John Coffee and Toastmaster Reno Odlin of Puget Sound National Bank. U.S. Senator Homer T. Bone and Tacoma Mayor George Smitley are seated to the far right. A large poster of "Roosevelt, Our President" hangs on the wall. Over a thousand attended the Achievement dinner which was being held for only the second time in the city's history. (T. Times, 12-29-37, p. 1) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; Coffee, John; Bone, Homer Truett, 1883-1970; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Banquets--Tacoma--1930-1940;

C. Val Fawcett, after his reelection as Commissioner of Finance in the 1938 Primary Election. Val Fawcett was a native son of Tacoma and attended schools in Tacoma and Long Beach, Ca., where his family spent the winters. His first taste of public life was serving from 1921- 1926 as secretary to his father, Tacoma's "Fighting Mayor" Angelo V. Fawcett. The elder Fawcett served 5 tumultuous terms as Mayor of Tacoma. In 1926, Val Fawcett was employed by the State Labor & Industries Department as auditor in the Tacoma office. He rose to assistant superintendent. He resigned in 1930 to successfully campaign for the position of Commissioner of Finance. In 1943, as vice president of the City Council, he became acting Mayor when Mayor Harry P. Cain was called to active military duty. He ran on his own right in 1946, was elected and served until 1950. He died in 1965 at the age of 65 of a heart attack at this home at 3416 No. 19th Street. (T.Times, 2/22/1938, p.1)

Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965;

C. Val Fawcett, re-elected Commissioner of Finance in the 1938 Primary Election. (T.Times, 2/22/1938, p.1)

Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965;

During March of 1938 the Tacoma Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Eugene Linden, presented the first in a series of three concerts to be held that year at the Temple Theatre. The 60 member orchestra played the Overture from the "Magic Flute", Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony, and the Concerto for Piano and Orchestra by Mowery with Dent Mowery as soloist. The Philharmonic attracted their largest audience ever, with approximately 1,400 persons attending. The musicians in rehearsal are: seated l to r, Philip Meyer, Charles Bird & John Kolilis. Glen Dodge is standing at the far right, and Herb Jones is standing at the center under the calendar. The sign on the wall indicates that the Philharmonic Orchestra in 1938 was part of the WPA Federal Music Project. (T.Times 3/4/1938, p.3).

Works Progress Administration (Tacoma); Tacoma Philharmonic Orchestra (Tacoma); Orchestras--Tacoma--1930-1940; Brass instruments; Musicians--Tacoma--1930-1940; Meyer, Philip; Bird, Charles; Kolilis, John; Dodge, Glen; Jones, Herb;

Arrival of army transport U.S. Grant bringing 808 officers and men of the 15th Infantry Division home from Tientsin, China. Pictured left to right are Col. Joseph A. McAndrew, commander of the 15th Infantry, unidentified officer, Governor Clarence D. Martin, an unidentified officer and Tacoma Mayor George Smitley. (T.Times, 3/24/1938, p.1),

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Troop movements--1930-1940; McAndrew, Joseph A.;

This photograph taken in 1938 shows Mayor George A. Smitley buying a "Buddy Poppy" from Mary Lee Burrows (left) and Elizabeth Armstrong, the youngest members of the American Legion Rhodes Post Auxiliary, at his office in (Old) City Hall. Mayor Smitley was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1872, and although his formal education was limited to four years in a country school, he went on to be a successful businessman and Mayor of Tacoma from 1934 through 1938. Buddy poppies date to the early 1920s. They were inspired after WWI by the poem "In Flanders Fields" and are sold by the VFW to raise funds for disabled and needy veterans and their dependents.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Patriotic societies--Tacoma; American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Girls--Tacoma--1930-1940; Burrows, Mary Lee; Armstrong, Elizabeth;

On May 25, 1938, Mayor George A. Smitley, in his office at (old) City Hall, bought a "Buddy Poppy" from Mary Lee Burrows (L) and Elizabeth Armstrong, the youngest members of the American Legion Rhodes Post Auxiliary. Buddy Poppies were assembled by disabled and/or needy veterans and proceeds used for veterans welfare. (T.Times).

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Patriotic societies--Tacoma; American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Burrows, Mary Lee; Armstrong, Elizabeth;

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;

ca. 1939. W.P.A. (Works Progress Administration) workers at McChord Field. Four men pushing metal-wheeled wheelbarrows over snow-covered, frozen ground. 1939 Stock negative.

Works Progress Administration (Tacoma); Laborers--Tacoma; Wheelbarrows;

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;