Several soldiers linger over Sunday morning breakfast at the home of James and Zelma Garvin, 10 Mare Vista Terrace. They spent Saturday night in the rec room of the home. By June of 1942, Fort Lewis and McChord were brimming with increased wartime personnel. Thousands of these soldiers would pour into Tacoma on the weekend, with no hope of finding anyplace to sleep overnight. In response to an emergency meeting called by Tacoma Mayor Harry Cain, three churches threw open their doors as weekend dormitories. In addition, Tacomans were asked to contribute cots or beds, linens and towels. They were further asked to welcome military men who still could not find housing into their homes as guests. (TNT 7/5/1942, pg. 1)

World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; Garvin, James--Homes & haunts;

Publicity for Community Chest. James and Zelma Garvin residence showing soldiers' accommodations. The Garvins opened up their home to soldiers from Fort Lewis, allowing them to bunk at their home during their weekend leave. Their recreation room has been set up as a temporary dormitory.

World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; Garvin, James--Homes & haunts;

Donation by fishermen of rubber tires used as bumpers on their boats. Port Piers. (T. Times)

World War, 1939-1945--Scrap drives;

When President F.D. Roosevelt called for a nationwide scrap rubber collection campaign to take place June 15-30, 1942, Tacoma's fishing fleet responded by giving up their boat bumpers to "Bump" the Axis. Rubber recycling was necessary because 92% of the U.S.'s normal supply of crude rubber had been cut off by the Japanese. On June 22, the fishing fleet turned over 800 pounds of rubber, most of it old tires that had been used on the boats as bumpers; the tires had protected the boats when docking and launching. Pictured aboard his salmon fishing boat is Anton (Tony) Tencich. He is holding the rope for the tire being lowered from his boat. Mr. Tencich, now deceased, and his wife Mary (Basich) Tencich were immigrants from Croatia-Slovenia, as were many of the local fishermen of his era. He later became a U.S. citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Tencich lived in Tacoma their entire adult lives, raised their family here and built several homes. (T. Times 6/23/1942, pg. 1) (Additional information provided by a reader)

World War, 1939-1945--Scrap drives; Scrap drives--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tires; Fishing boats--Tacoma; Tencich, Anton;

Fishing boat skippers and crew members from Tacoma's fishing fleet pose proudly with a stack of used tires, part of their contribution to the scrap rubbler drive. President Franklin D. Roosevelt called for a nationwide scrap rubber drive June 15-30, 1942. Tacoma's fishing fleet stepped up to the bat by donating the used tires used to protect their boats during docking. The "bumpers" were only part of their donation; they also gave used waders, gloves and other items, 800 pounds worth. The payment for the rubber, about $8.00, was donated to Civil Defense. Standing to the left of the stack of tires (wearing overalls) is Anton (Tony) Tencich. The group was posed in front of his salmon fishing boat, the "Vigilant." He, like many of Tacoma's fishermen of this era, was an immigrant from Croatia- Slovenia and was proud to be of assistance to his chosen country. (T. Times 6/23/1942, pg. 1)

World War, 1939-1945--Scrap drives; Scrap drives--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tires; Fishing boats--Tacoma; Tencich, Anton;

Five volunteer War Savings Bonds salesgirls, (lt to rt) Rose Colombini, Madlyn Piper, Arlene Johnson Keller, Nancy Carlson and Radie Cramer, posed with one of the Bond sales booths used in Tacoma in July, 1942. The War Bond quota for Pierce County for July of 1942 was $1,723,693. Bonds were sold throughout Tacoma from "Victory Booths" set up both inside stores and on the sidewalks in front of stores. On the first day of the sale nothing could be sold in Tacoma stores, with the exception of restaurants, from 12 noon to 12:15 except bonds. On the first day of July, Tacoma unions bought $21,000 worth of bonds. (T. Times 6/30/1942, pg. 1- picture, 7/1/1942 p.9)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Colombini, Rose; Piper, Madlyn; Keller, Arlene; Carlson, Nancy; Cramer, Radie;

Six women pose in front of the Sears Roebuck and Company building at 1148 Broadway with a July war bond thermometer chart, prepared to "heat up" the Tacoma Retail Stores Bond & Stamp Sale to be held throughout July 1942. The salesgirls each wear a cap marked "I'm Selling Stamps and Bonds." Pictured standing are, left to right, Madlyn Piper, Rose Colombini, Arline Keller,and Radie Cramer. Kneeling are, left to right, C lella McElroy and Nancy Carlson. The retail sales bond goal for July was $1,723,693. Sears opened their store on Broadway in May of 1936. They were a major retail presence downtown until they moved to the Tacoma Mall in 1981. (TNT 6/30/42, pg. 9-picture, T. Times 6/30/1942, pg. 1 & 7/1/1942, p.9)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Colombini, Rose; Piper, Madlyn; Keller, Arlene; Carlson, Nancy; Cramer, Radie; Department stores--Tacoma; Sears, Roebuck & Co. (Tacoma);

Six women wearing military type "overseas" caps marked "I'm Selling Stamps and Bonds" with a "Tacoma Retail Stamp and Bond Sales - July" chart outside Sears, Roebuck and Company. The Tacoma salesgirls were posing for publicity pictures announcing the kickoff July 1, 1942 of the Tacoma Retail Stores Bond and Stamp Sale. The sales goal for July was $1,723,693. Pictured left to right are Rose Colombini, Madlyn Piper, Arline Keller, Nancy Carlson, C lella McElroy and Radie Cramer. (T. Times 6/30/1942, pg. 1; 7/1/1942 p.9)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Colombini, Rose; Piper, Madlyn; Keller, Arlene; Carlson, Nancy; Cramer, Radie; Department stores--Tacoma; Sears, Roebuck & Co. (Tacoma);

Mrs. R.H. Pugh, left, purchased a war bond from Esther (Mrs.Clinton) Beal at the Rhodes Bro. annex on July 3, 1942. Mrs. Pugh was currently residing in Tacoma. On December 7th, she had been living with her husband, an 27 year veteran of the Army, in Hawaii at Schofield Barracks. She witnessed the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Lying on the counter in the background between the two women is a piece of a Japanese plane that she saw shot down during the raid. (T. Times 7/6/1942, pg. 2)

War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Beal, Esther;

On July 3, 1942, Mrs. R.H. Pugh, left, purchased a war bond from Esther (Mrs. Clinton) Beal at the Rhodes Brothers Annex during the Retail War Bond Sales Drive. Mrs. Pugh witnessed the December 7th attack on Hawaii by the Japanese. She showed Mrs. Beal one of her most precious mementos, a piece of a Japanese plane that she saw shot down during the raid. The metal was painted bright red, once part of the rising sun insignia on the plane. At the time of the raid, Mrs. Pugh was living with her husband, a 27 year veteran Army Sergeant, in a cottage at Schofield Barracks. (T. Times 7/6/1942, pg. 2)

War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Beal, Esther;

Crowd listens to Army Swing Band from Fort Lewis during Linda Darnell Day War Bond rally at Victory Square, South 10th Street between "A" and Pacific, on July 11, 1942. Nineteen year old movie star Linda Darnell was on a USO entertainment tour of army camps and naval stations. While at Fort Lewis, she agreed to come to Tacoma and lend a hand selling war bonds. While she autographed applications for bonds, members of the touring USO revue, as well as a full Army band, entertained the crowd.

War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma;

General view of Linda Darnell Day War Bond rally at Victory Square, South 10th Street between "A" and Pacific, on July 11, 1942. Thirteen piece Army Swing Band from Fort Lewis on stage, regular military band on street, entertaining the crowd while 20th Century Fox movie star autographs applications for war bond purchase. Hundreds of people turned out to purchase bonds and have them signed by the actress at a table at the rear of the platform. The crowd soon broke through police barriers to crowd the stage. (TNT 7/11/1942, pg. 1)

War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma;

General view of Linda Darnell Day War Bond rally at Victory Square, South 10th Street between "A" and Pacific, on July 11, 1942. Leon Titus as well as others on stage. Man speaking from microphone in the audience. Nineteen year old movie star Linda Darnell, on a USO tour at Fort Lewis, had agreed to appear in Tacoma and autograph all applications for the purchase of war bonds. Officials at the appearance included Bill Connor and KMO announcer Verne Sawyer.

War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma;

Guitarists entertain the crowd during the Linda Darnell Day War Bond Drive, July 11, 1942, at Victory Square, South 10th Street between "A" and Pacific. Miss Darnell was touring army camps with the USO Roxy Theater Revue. When she offered to appear in Tacoma and personally autograph all applications for the purchase of bonds, several of the performers in the revue came along to entertain the crowds.

War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma;

Flag raising at the South Tacoma USO, 4851 South Tacoma Way, in July of 1942.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Flags; Flagpoles;

The flag is raised by visiting servicemen at the South Tacoma USO, 4851 South Tacoma Way, on July 22, 1942. Publicity photo for Community Chest.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Flags; Flagpoles;

Publicity for Community Chest. Several servicemen and USO junior hostesses step up to the bat in a friendly game of softball in July of 1942 at the park surrounding the South Tacoma USO, 4851 South Tacoma Way.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Sports;

In July of 1942, several servicemen and a few USO junior hostesses join in a lively game of volleyball in the park surrounding the South Tacoma USO. Because of its unique location in a park, the South Tacoma USO was able to sponsor an outdoor sports program. Publicity for Community Chest. (TNT 8/2/1942, pg. A-7)

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Volleyball; Sports;

In July of 1942, servicemen and USO junior hostesses line up in a picnic "chow line" after a busy afternoon playing outdoor sports. Due to its unique location in a park, the South Tacoma USO, at 4851 South Tacoma Way, was able to offer an extensive program of outdoor sports. Publicity for Community Chest.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma);

In July of 1942, hungry boys and girls eagerly heap their plates at a picnic supper at the South Tacoma USO, following an exciting afternoon of paddle tennis, volleyball and archery on the grounds. Tacoma's USO Jr. hostesses were charged with providing morale boosters for soldiers in town, not only as dance partners but also by taking enthusiastic part in sports and hobbies. (TNT 8/2/1942, PG. 1)

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Picnics--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Publicity for Community Chest. Several servicemen and USO junior hostesses step up to the bat in a friendly game of softball in July of 1942 at the park surrounding the South Tacoma USO, 4851 South Tacoma Way.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Sports;

In July of 1942, U.S.O. Junior Hostess registration was located at the United Services Organization office in Room 106 of the Rust Building, 950 Pacific Avenue. Five women posed for this publicity picture at a desk under a large U.S.O. banner.The women were, left to right, Eleanor Hoyt, unidentified woman in hat, Marie Caldwell, Grace Blangy and Phyllis Graves. The junior hostesses were responsible for building morale by providing female companionship for soldiers in town, serving as dance and sports partners. Publicity for Community Chest. (TNT 8/2/1942, pg. A-7)

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Hoyt, Eleanor; Caldwell, Marie; Blangy, Grace; Graves, Phyllis;

Publicity for Community Chest. The photographer takes a grounds eye view of a friendly softball game between servicemen at the South Tacoma USO in July of 1942.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Sports;

In July of 1942, U.S.O. Junior Hostess registration was located at the United Services Organization office, Room 106, Rust Building. Five women pose for this publicity picture at a desk under a large U.S.O. banner.The women are, left to right, Eleanor Hoyt, unidentified woman in hat, Marie Caldwell, Grace Blangy and Phyllis Graves. Publicity for Community Chest. (TNT 8/2/1942, pg. A-7)

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Hoyt, Eleanor; Caldwell, Marie; Blangy, Grace; Graves, Phyllis;

On July 22, 1942, several sailors and USO junior hostesses enjoy a picnic under the trees. An archery target can be seen in the background.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; United Service Organizations (Tacoma);

Publicity for Community Chest. In the foreground, a man snaps a picture of a serviceman and his friends or family. In the center, we can see the backs of a serviceman and a USO junior hostess taking their turns on the archery field.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Sports; Archery; Bows (Archery); Arrows;

In July of 1942, servicemen and USO junior hostesses were pictured playing volleyball in the park surrounding the South Tacoma USO Club. Due to its location in South Tacoma Park, the Club was able to offer an outdoor sports program. Publicity for Community Chest.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Volleyball; Sports;

In July of 1942, the "Gallant Lady II" made weekly pleasure cruises, taking out a full load of servicemen and USO junior hostesses for an evening of cruising and dancing under the stars.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma);

Publicity for Community Chest. Open House at South Tacoma U.S.O. One uniformed military man appears to be sanding a long piece of wood. The other man holds one that is already sanded and sharpened and a pouch of arrows. The long pieces of wood may possibly be for fashioning into bows.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma);

On July 23, 1942, servicemen and USO junior hostesses pose on the "Gallant Lady II." The group was preparing to depart from the Tacoma Municipal Dock for an evening of cruising and dancing under the stars. The ship made weekly cruises on behalf of the USO. The Junior Hostess Association helped soldier morale at Tacoma's USO centers by interacting with the men in sports and social events. Girls could register at the Junior Hostess Bureau in the Rust Building as part of their contribution to the war effort. (TNT 8-2-42, p. A-7-article & alternate photograph)

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma);