In June of 1946, to raise money for the Tacoma Jubilee, the Young Men's Business Club brought Bob Hope to Tacoma for a special show in the Stadium Bowl. Over 7,500 Tacomans came to see Mr. Hope, a collection of local performers, a small group of Hollywood starlets, and the "Skinnay" Ennis Band. Although the Y.M.B.C. did not make much beyond expenses, a fun evening was had by all who attended. The musical troupe had arrived at Boeing Field earlier on June 7, 1946, in two chartered planes. An avid golfer, Mr. Hope had played golf with good friend Bing Crosby in Spokane the day before and had beaten him by two strokes. He managed to squeeze in a PGA sanctioned event the day of the show but lost to "two Chucks." The man sitting next to Bob Hope is Walter Geehan. At the time this photograph was taken he was the manager of The Rudder Club. (TNT 6-7-46, p. 1, TNT 6-8-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Hope, Bob; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Entertainers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Geehan, Walter;

Bellarmine and St. Leo's joined together to stage "The Sunbonnet Girl," a comic operetta, in February of 1947. The show was performed on three nights at St. Leo's auditorium. It featured over 46 students in the chorus. In this photograph of the cast, Gloria Marinacci and Don d'Andrea, in the center, are surrounded by sunbonnet- wearing young women and young men in flannel shirts. (T. Times, 2/11/47, p. 3-article).

Operas & operettas--Tacoma; Stage props; Costumes; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); St. Leo's Parochial School (Tacoma); Private schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Marinacci, Gloria; d'Andrea, Don;

Bellarmine and St. Leo's together staged "The Sunbonnet Girl," a comic operetta, in February of 1947. Performances ran for three nights at St. Leo's auditorium. The show featured over 46 students in the chorus. Here a young man in white holds the hand of a girl in sunbonnet and long gown as he and the male chorus join in song. (T. Times, 2/11/47, p. 3-short article on operetta; T.Times 2-1-47, p. 2-list of chorus names; T.Times 1-25-47, p. 3-article).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Stage props; Costumes; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); St. Leo's Parochial School (Tacoma); Private schools--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The "Hot Pops," (l to r) Jack Thomas, Lee Hodgert and Jack Brouillard, were one of the acts that performed at the second annual Elks Fathers and Daughters Night held on Friday March 7, 1947 at the Elks Temple, 565 Broadway. The night of fun and entertainment included local performers and three professional acts. The program's feature attraction was 6-year-old pianist, Margaret Kochendoerfer, from Portland, Oregon. (T. Times, 3/6/47, p. 13).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Staffs (Sticks); Straw hats; Hats--1940-1950; Thomas, Jack; Hodgert, Lee; Brouillard, Jack;

The Elks Club was having their annual Father-Daughter program at the Elks Temple in March of 1947. A large number of club members and their daughters and granddaughters would be performing. The show's main attraction was a six year old pianist. View of two Elks club members doing a dancing cow puppet show act (T. Times, 3/6/47, p. 13).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puppets; Puppet shows--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

On March 6, 1947, the audience at the Annual Elks Club Father-Daughter Program watched in awe as a local family of acrobats performed a series of stunts. Held in the Elks Temple, 565 Broadway, a large number of club members and their daughters and granddaughters performed in the program. The show's main attraction was a six year old pianist. (T. Times, 3/6/47, p. 13).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Acrobatics--Tacoma; Acrobats; Audiences--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Tacoma's Junior League had their first "Follies" show in 20 years. The "1947 Follies" show would benefit the Occupational Therapy Workshop, which was sponsored by the Tacoma Junior League Chapter. Performances were open to the public and the show proved to be a great hit. View of Junior League members and other volunteers performing "South America, Take It Away" (T. Times, 11/12/47, p. 15). TPL-10524

Actors--Tacoma; Costumes; Musical revues & comedies--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Choreography; Junior League (Tacoma);

The "1947 Follies" by Tacoma's Junior League was said to be an outstanding show. The Temple Theatre was filled up both nights and all contributions were donated to the Occupational Therapy Workshop. View of Junior League members performing "Squaws in Hollywood," which was one of the audiences' all time favorites. Performers are wearing full head dress, matching dresses and no shoes. (T. Times, 11/12/47, p. 15).

Actresses; Feathers; Head-gear--Tacoma; Costumes; Musical revues & comedies--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Junior League (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Bellarmine High School's annual Bazaar offered students and their guests a wide variety of activities. The event included all types of booths, a fish pond with wonderful prizes, concession stands, games and a theatrical production put on by students. The evening included a chance to win two tickets to the Rose Bowl game in California, transportation was included. View of students in costumes on stage, park scene in background.

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms); Bazaars--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Costumes; Actors--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); Private schools--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Dorothy Bernard's sixth period literature class at Mason Junior High was sponsoring an assembly for the "I Am an American" program. They were posting posters throughout the school to advertise their upcoming event. The class would be putting on a play and quiz program for the school. View of Mason Junior High students doing research for their "I Am an American" program, names appear in newspaper (T. Times, 5/21/48, p. 2).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Drama clubs--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma; Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mason Junior High School (Tacoma);

Bob Dickinson (far right) and his Orchestra opened in the Wedgwood Room of the Winthrop Hotel in June of 1948. Dickinson, who could play six different instruments and sing solos, was a longtime friend of Bing Crosby. He and his orchestra had been playing in and around Tacoma for eight years including the old Crystal Ballroom from 1944 through 1946. Previously, he had been music director at both KOMO and KJR radio in Seattle. Sitting on the piano, surrounded by six orchestra members, is vocalist Margie Smith. According to the News Tribune, they are: (left to right) Jan Busbank at the piano, Dave Black, Charles Childs, drums, Francis Coe, bass, Miss Smith, Dean Christian, Tony Bye, saxophone and Bob Dickinson at far right. (T. Times, 6/18/48, p. 8; TNT 6-25-1948, p. 14).

Orchestras--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musical instruments--Tacoma; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Dickinson, Bob; Smith, Margie; Busbank, Jan; Black, Dave; Childs, Charles; Coe, Francis; Christian, Dean; Bye, Tony;

Bob Dickinson's Orchestra had just opened up at the Winthrop Hotel's Wedgwood Room. Bob was a talented musician who could play six different instruments and sing solos. Dickinson had been the musical director of KOMO and KRJ, two Seattle based radio stations. Bob was said to have a longtime friendship with Bing Crosby. View of orchestra leader, Bob Dickinson (See images D33864-1 & 5).

Orchestras--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Portrait photographs; Singing--Tacoma; Portraits; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Dickinson, Bob;

Bob Dickinson's Orchestra had just opened up at the Winthrop Hotel's Wedgwood Room. Bob was a talented musician who could play six different instruments and sing solos. Dickinson had played throughout Washington and California, he had been playing in Seattle for over ten years, and in Tacoma for the past eight. View of orchestra leader, Bob Dickinson (See images D33864-1 & 5).

Orchestras--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Portrait photographs; Singing--Tacoma; Portraits; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Dickinson, Bob;

Louie Grenier's Orchestra was about to begin playing at the Top of the ocean club and restaurant. The orchestra and their leader would also be participating in Tacoma's annual Musician's Ball at the Century Ballroom. Tacoma's most popular band leaders and their orchestras would participate in this big event. View of the Louie Grenier Orchestra (T.N.T., 4/29/49, p. 19).

Orchestras--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Entertainers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pianos; Microphones; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Grenier, Louie;

Western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry (center with white hat) with a group of unidentified men at Cushman Indian Hospital on July 15, 1949. Mr. Autry made the most of his one-day stay in Tacoma with a visit to the Cushman Hospital to visit sick children, a radio broadcast on KMO, and capped it off with the Tacoma Athletic Commission - College of Puget Sound variety show at Memorial Fieldhouse. ALBUM 8.

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers; Autry, Gene, 1907-1998; Hospitals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cushman Indian Hospital (Tacoma); Indians of North America; Celebrities;

Western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry at the microphone of Studio A at KMO in the Keyes Building in Tacoma. Mr. Autry was a guest on Cherokee Jack's live 5 pm. broadcast on July 15, 1949. Later that evening Mr. Autry would appear at the College of Puget Sound's Memorial Fieldhouse with many other radio and motion picture entertainers in a Western variety show. Cherokee Jack Henley, guitar in hand, is standing to the right of the versatile singer/actor. Shorty Justis is sitting behind, and to the right, of Jack. Shorty went on to work at KTNT-TV, Channel 11 as a switcher. ALBUM 8.

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers; Autry, Gene, 1907-1998; KMO Radio Station (Tacoma); Radio stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma--1940-1950; Henley, Jack;

Western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry demonstrates trick riding on his horse Champion during a show at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on July 15, 1949. Champion Jr. also joined his famed sire on stage later that evening. The 12-act western musical variety show was sponsored jointly by the Tacoma Athletic Commission and the College of Puget Sound. Mr. Autry's troupe of western motion picture stars and radio entertainers included M.C. assistant to Mr. Autry, comedian Pat Buttram and vaudevillian Rufe Davis. (TNT 7-15-49, p. 13, 7-16-49, p. 3) TPL-148. ALBUM 8.

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers; Autry, Gene, 1907-1998; Horses--Tacoma--1940-1950; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Trick riding--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On July 15, 1949, western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry and his horse Champion took a bow during a show at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. The well-trained horse was kneeling on his forelegs with Mr. Autry, in western garb, in the saddle. The audience of 5,000 was treated to singing, skits and the special appearances of Champion and his son, Champion Jr., during the joint College of Puget Sound - Tacoma Athletic Commission one-night variety show. Gene Autry was America's favorite "Singing Cowboy" and he became famous in film, radio, television, and live theater and rodeo performances. (TNT 7-15-49, p. 13, TNT 7-16-49, p. 3; www.autry.com) ALBUM 8.

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers; Autry, Gene, 1907-1998; Horses--Tacoma--1940-1950; Trick riding--Tacoma--1940-1950; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry (left) was photographed with Cherokee Jack Henley of the Western Rhythm Ridin' Wranglers during a broadcast from the KMO studio in the Keyes Building on Broadway on July 15, 1949. Cherokee Jack appeared with his Wranglers at dance halls throughout the area. His radio program frequently featured country/western celebrities when they were either performing in or passing through Tacoma. Mr. Autry had flown in that Friday, July 15, 1949, in his own private plane for a one-night variety show co-sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission and the College of Puget Sound. Mayor C.V. Fawcett had proclaimed July 15th as Gene Autry Day in Tacoma. TPL-4753 ALBUM 8. (TNT ad for Cherokee Jack, 7-14-49, p. 27; 7-14-49, p. 27-proclamation)

Autry, Gene, 1907-1998; Singers; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma--1940-1950; Henley, Jack;

The original Black Hills Passion Play was said to one of the most colorful ever presented on a Tacoma stage. The show was sold for most of the matinee and evening performances. The play takes us through the last supper, the crucifixion, the resurrection and the ascension. View of one of the actors in full costume, possibly Pontius Pilate; he was part of the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

The play has 30 experienced professional actors travelling with the production throughout the United States. More than 75 actors were local talent, including students from Lincoln High School and Stadium High School. Music is provided by 18 chorus members from Tacoma, under the direction of Clayton Johnson, music director at Stadium High School. View of actor, fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

The play is said to have offered their audiences wonderful acting by actors with a great deal of experience and beautiful costumes and scenery. View of actress, Mrs. Joseph Meier, she is portraying Mary the Mother of Christ; she is fully dressed in her costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actresses--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Meier, Joseph--Family;

The original Black Hills Passion Play was playing at Tacoma's Temple Theatre for four days, the performances were being sponsored by the tacoma Council of Churches. View of actress portraying one of the characters from the Black Hills Passion Play, she is fully dressed in her costume (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actresses--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Stages (Platforms); Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

The play has 30 experienced professional actors travelling with the production throughout the United States. More than 75 actors were local talent, including students from Lincoln High School and Stadium High School. Music is provided by 18 chorus members from Tacoma, under the direction of Clayton Johnson, music director at Stadium High School. View of actor, fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Joseph Meier came from Germany during the 1930's, he has been a part of biblical plays for many years, and has won the reputation of being the world's outstanding "Christus" portrayer. View of actor, Joseph Meier, portraying Christ; he is fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Meier, Joseph;

Tacoma Council of Churches was the sponsoring organization for the original Black Hills Passion Play, this play would be showing four matinees and four evening shows at Tacoma's Temple Theatre. View of one of the actors in full costume, possibly King Herod; he was part of the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Black Hills Passion Play was a great success in Tacoma, this famous play offered a wonderful story with beautiful costumes and talented actors. All performances at the Temple Theatre were very well attended. View of actor, Joseph Meier, portraying Christ; he is fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Meier, Joseph;

St. Leo's High School and Bellarmine High School presented "The Spanish Belle", an operetta in two acts, at St. Leo's auditorium April 30 and May 2, 1950, under the direction of Sister Mary Lavinia of St. Leo's and Father John Thatcher, S.J., of Bellarmine. Here we see two of the young male actors dressed as Spanish women as part of the humorous sketches that were worked into the action. Ordered by Sister Lavinia. (TNT, 4/30/1950, p.C-13)

Operas & operettas--Tacoma; Stage props; Costumes; Students--Tacoma; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); St. Leo's Parochial School (Tacoma);

St. Leo's High School and Bellarmine High School presented "The Spanish Belle", an operetta in two acts, at St. Leo's auditorium April 30 and May 2, 1950. A line of tap-dancers are shown in costume. Bob Columbini originated and directed the dances. The orchestra was directed by Louis Greiner. Ordered by Sister Lavinia. Names of the more than 20 dancers in the operetta are listed in the newspaper. (TNT, 4/30/1950, p.C-13)

Operas & operettas--Tacoma; Stage props; Costumes; Students--Tacoma; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); St. Leo's Parochial School (Tacoma);

St. Leo's High School and Bellarmine High School presented "The Spanish Belle", an operetta in two acts, at St. Leo's auditorium April 30 and May 2, 1950. Here we see two of the young male actors dressed as Spanish women and an English tourist as part of the humorous sketches that were worked into the action. Ordered by Sister Lavinia. (TNT, 4/30/1950, p.C-13)

Operas & operettas--Tacoma; Stage props; Costumes; Students--Tacoma; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); St. Leo's Parochial School (Tacoma);