The largest collection of military might since World War I was paraded on May 9, 1941 for the benefit of Lt. Gen. John L. DeWitt. Gen. DeWitt was the commanding officer of the 4th Army and the West's only three star General. In a parade that lasted over three hours, 45,000 troops passed in review with the 41st Division in the lead, followed by the 3rd Division, IX Corps, tanks, a blimp, and the always amusing Field Pack Artillery mules. Officers accompanied their units on horseback and the Cavalry brought up the rear of the parade. (T. Times 5/6/1941, pg. 2; 5/9/41, pg.1)
Military parades & ceremonies--Fort Lewis; Mules; Fort Lewis (Wash.); 98th Field Artillery (Pack) Battalion (Ft. Lewis);
High stepping drum majorettes posed next to the Brown and Haley float in the March 29, 1941 Daffodil Festival parade. A tin of their signature Almond Roca candy floated above a red, white and blue floral shield. Two unidentified young girls rode on the float. In the front, left to right, were Billie Diedrich, Betty Siegle, Betty Gunstrom, Joyce Siegle, Alice Cross and Joan Hoyt. (T. Times 3/29/1941, pg. 1)
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Festivals--Tacoma; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1941 : Tacoma); Brown & Haley (Tacoma); Drum majorettes;Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950;
On October 30, 1941, all the stores downtown closed in the morning as Tacoma turned out for a massive parade of pre World War II military might. Over 10,000 men from the 3rd Infantry Division of Fort Lewis marched as well as a parade of mechanized strength. One of the most impressive sights was the mobile kitchens where military cooks prepared food as they moved down Broadway during the two hour parade. Here soldiers receive coffee in the early morning hours prior to the parade kick off.
On October 30, 1941, over 10,000 soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division of Fort Lewis marched down Broadway in a tremendous military spectacle, the largest Army parade ever seen in Tacoma. The men march in step in mass formation, suggesting the enormous military power of the US. (T. Times 10/30/1941 p.1)
On October 30, 1941, the Army parades showing its military muscle. This was the greatest military spectacle to date in the Northwest. On the left is the Cameo Theater, 1128 Pacific Avenue.
Men and artillery wait patiently for their turn to parade on October 30, 1941. The Fort Lewis show of military might was over 6 miles long and took two hours to pass.
On October 30, 1941, people stride across the ground liberally scattered with papers at the military parade, composed mostly of the 3rd Infantry from Fort Lewis and their tanks and fire power.
On April 6, 1942, Tacoma was host to the first wartime parade through downtown Tacoma. It was held on the 25th anniversary of the U.S. war declaration of World War I (4/6/1917.) It also demonstrated the fitness and readiness of the Army and its equipment. The focus of the parade was a full regiment of infantry, completely equipped with steel helmets, packs and gas masks. In this photograph they are led by a military band and stretch out down the street as far as the eye can see. The Army Parade wound its way down Broadway and Pacific Ave. Missing were the usual photographers, news photographers were allowed to only take shots that were of no value to the enemy. (T. Times 4/6/1942, pg. 1)
Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Marching--Tacoma--1940-1950; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Military personnel--Tacoma;
The Olympia Centennial Queen Royal and her court, dressed in pioneer garb, appear in the 1950 Daffodil Parade to advertise their upcoming celebration May 1-7th. In the background spectators view the parade from the front of Union Station. The two hour parade was led by the U.S. Marine color guard, followed by the Governor's car, with the cars bearing the mayors and officials of the sponsoring cities of Tacoma, Puyallup and Sumner immediately behind.
Celebrations--Tacoma; Festivals--Tacoma; Parades & Processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1950 : Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Union Station (Tacoma);
Daffodil court members smile in the early morning gloom aboard the Tacoma Kiwanis float as they line up for the parade. The Kiwanis' floral tribute to spring topped by a beautiful butterfly took second place in service club entrants in the 1950 parade. The parade was a grueling all day affair for marchers and float riders, beginning with the line up in the morning and the two hour parade through Tacoma, after which parade performers reassembled at noon in Puyallup for the march to Sumner.
Celebrations--Tacoma; Festivals--Tacoma; Parades & Processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1950 : Tacoma); Floats (parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Kiwanis Club (Tacoma);
This float sponsored by the city of Bonney Lake celebrates the Boys Club. It is topped by two youngsters, one in a football uniform and one in skiing garb. The Bonney Lake float is making the turn from Broadway to 9th, followed by the Associated Contractors sweepstakes winning windmill float and a marching band. The cold weather in 1950 delayed the opening of many of the daffodil blooms, cutting the amount available for the parade in half.
Celebrations--Tacoma; Festivals--Tacoma; Spectators--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1950 : Tacoma);
This "small fry" float representing the little old lady who lived in a shoe nursery rhyme passes down Pacific Ave. in the 1950 Daffodil Parade. The little old lady and her many children ride on the float. The Daffodil Parades had no theme until after 1951. The parade operated on a very small budget of about $5,000 financed through the sale of 50 cent daffodil buttons and contributions. Daffodil growers, although not the parade's biggest supporters, ended up being the biggest contributors, delivering approximately 1,000,000 flowers to the parade at a price well below market price.
Celebrations--Tacoma; Festivals--Tacoma; Spectators--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1950 : Tacoma);
The 1950 Daffodil parade heralded the arrival of Spring and the coming of the Easter holidays, as evidenced by the bunny float entered by the Orting Lions Club. This float was 3rd place winner in class 2 service club entrants.The driver's head can be seen out the side of the bunny. Parade floats had to cut their demand for daffodils by one half when cold weather stopped many of the yellow blossoms from opening in time for the parade.
Celebrations--Tacoma; Festivals--Tacoma; Spectators--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1950 : Tacoma); Lions Club (Orting);
This flower bedecked tribute to the new Narrows Bridge, which was under construction, was the 3rd place commercial entry award winning float, sponsored by Rhodes Brothers department store. The float boasted that now even "more roads will lead to Rhodes." The float had miniature cars crossing the span over a floral Puget Sound. Rhodes was Tacoma's largest department store and was located in downtown Tacoma on Broadway.
Celebrations--Tacoma; Festivals--Tacoma; Spectators--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1950 : Tacoma); Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);
First place winner of the 1950 Daffodil parade class 2 service club entrants was this float by the Young Mens Business Club. Daffodil court members rode atop this sweetheart float decorated with daffodils and tulips. The 1950 parade was the largest ever with 125 units- 70 floats, 18 bands, and 26 marching organizations plus comic groups, mounted drill teams, and decorated automobiles.
Celebrations--Tacoma; Festivals--Tacoma; Spectators--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1950 : Tacoma); Young Mens Business Club (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960;
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;
The color guard of the 4th Infantry Regimental Combat Team led one of the five battalions of soldiers who marched down Tacoma's streets on February 22,1949. The hour-and-a-half Washington's Birthday parade, which is passing the 900 block of Pacific Avenue, was staged in observance of National Security Week under sponsorship of the Reserve Officers Association. A total of 4,000 troops participated in the parade. Old City Hall, 625 Commerce Street, with its tall bell tower can be seen in the distance. (T.Times, 2/23/1949, p.1)
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Flag bearers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Flags--United States; Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Old City Hall (Tacoma);
Military Parade, Times, Sandegren. Four of the five infantry battalions that marched in the Washington Birthday one and one-half hour parade show a massed strength of 2,400 men. This view shows the battalions marching north along Broadway. Soldiers marching at the front are just turning the corner in front of the Roxy Theater onto South 9th Street. Several spectators are standing on the awning over the sidewalk in front of the Roxy. (T.Times, 2/23/1949, p.1)
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Municipal officials--Tacoma--1940-1950; Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950;
The 16th annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival began with the coronation of the 1949 Daffodil Queen, and included activities such as flower shows, parades, yacht racing and ski races. Spectators are several feet deep while viewing the Young Men Business Club daffodil float which advertised the club's 25th anniversary. This float received 3rd prize in the service clubs float category (T.N.T., 4/10/49, p. 1, 12 & B-6).
Celebrations--Tacoma; Festivals--Tacoma; Spectators--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1949 : Tacoma);
View of lovely float completely covered in dazzling daffodils; "Parkland Grows" is posted on side. Parade float princesses are helping bring awareness and publicity to the Parkland area of Tacoma; many new businesses have opened during the past year in Parkland (T.N.T., 4/10/49, p. 1, 12 & B-6). TPL-9965
Celebrations--Tacoma; Festivals--Tacoma; Spectators--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1949 : Tacoma);
Commercial businesses, organizations and lodges, and service clubs entered their floats in the 1949 Daffodil Festival parade, in hopes of winning first place or an honorable mention. View of the Lions Club float featuring "Little Tyke," a live African lioness, accompanied by three children; the Lions were awarded first place in the organizations and lodges category (T.N.T., 4/10/49, p. 1, 12 & B-6).
Celebrations--Tacoma; Festivals--Tacoma; Spectators--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1949 : Tacoma); Little Tyke (Lion);
Third Division Review held at Fort Lewis May 13, 1937. Soldiers march with rifles over their shoulders in front of military and government officials. (T. Times, 5/14/1937, pg. 1)
Military officers and dignitaries in the reviewing stand at Fort Lewis during the May 13, 1937 review of the Third Division. It is worth noting that the army still used covered wagons pulled by mules to transport supplies (far left). (T. Times 5/14/1937, pg. 1)
Photographs of the Third Division Review held at Fort Lewis May 13, 1937 with various public officials and high ranking officers in attendance. In this picture, troops march before the reviewing stand as planes zoom overhead. (T.Times 5/14/1937, pg. 1)
Military parades & ceremonies--Fort Lewis; Fighter planes--1930-1940;
Governors Review at Fort Lewis. Six military tanks in parade at this point; courtesy of either the 3rd Tank Co. or 41st Tank Co. Each tank has two men standing in the hull. A dirigible from the 3rd Balloon Co. is suspended overhead throughout the review. The U.S. Army put on a show of military force when it gathered 14,000 troops to pass in review before the governors of Washington, Oregon and Montana. Major General George A. White, commander of the 41st Division, was in charge of troop activity. 7518 men were from the national guard; Oregon sent the most, over 3000. (T .Times, 8-21-37, p. 1, 8-23-37, p. 1)
Military parades & ceremonies--Fort Lewis; Tanks (Military science)--Fort Lewis;
Navy Day Parade held in Tacoma during Fleet Week. Sailors march down Broadway in front of buildings in the 900 block. A large crowd of spectators line the sidewalks. The parade route began at 15th and Pacific, continued north on Pacific to 9th, from 9th to Broadway and south to 17th. The parade was more than a mile long. (T. Times 7/24/1937, pg.1)
Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Parade in Tacoma. A Marine unit stands at attention along a side street in Tacoma. They are in full dress uniform with gloves and rifles. They will soon be marching in the Fleet Week parade with soldiers from Fort Lewis and sailors from the US Navy as Tacoma welcomes back its Fleet. (T. Times 7/30/1936, pg. 1).
Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Marines (Military personnel);
It was "Westward Ho" at the Bremerton Children's Pet Parade on August 29, 1936. The Richards photographer captured some children re-enacting a pioneer event--westward movement. A boy with a fake white mustache was photographed sitting on a toy horse pulling a girl with a baby doll in a covered wagon. 264 youngsters took part in the parade sponsored by the Retail Merchants' Association. (Bremerton Sun 08/31/1936, pg. 1).
Parades & processions--Bremerton; Children--Bremerton--1930-1940; Toys; Dolls; Children playing adults;
On June 5, 1937, over 1,000 Shriners descended on Tacoma for a spring reunion hosted by Tacoma's Afifi Temple. One of the first things that they did was organize a parade. Seven Shriners, including four flag bearers, gather in front of the Winthrop Hotel to wait for the parade to begin. A Shriners marching band is behind them.
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Flags; Standards (Identifying artifacts); Flag bearers;
The second annual Fairyland and Christmas Parade, November 29, 1935. A large crowd of spectators, including lots of excited children, lines the street at South 9th and Saint Helens Avenue to catch a glimpse of Santa. Caswell Optical Company can be seen in the background. The parade was sponsored by the Broadway and Pacific Avenue merchants the day after Thanksgiving to kick off the Christmas shopping season. The parade route began at 7th and Broadway and proceeded south to 13th Street and north on Pacific to 7th Street. (T. Times 11/28/1935, pg.1; 11/29/1935, pg.1; 11/30/1935, pg. 9)
