The Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 of the American Legion held their annual Last Man Club banquet at the Mirror Room at the Olympus Hotel November 18, 1950. Twenty men pose with seven empty chairs draped with American flags representing the deceased members of the group. The Club was formed in December of 1938 by WW I veterans who were also past Commanders of the Edward B. Rhodes Post of the American Legion. There were 38 members in all. Ordered by R. Goldberg. (TNT, 11/15/1950, p.24)

American Legion Club (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Flags--United States; Olympus Hotel (Tacoma); Last Man Club (Tacoma);

Twenty women volunteers from the American Red Cross and garden clubs have been working making holiday decorations with cut greenery, ribbons and pine cones for Madigan and other military hospitals. This is a service they have provided for many holiday seasons. (TNT, 12/23/1950, p.B-3)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1950-1960; American National Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Christmas decorations;

On June 28, 1950, three unidentified members of the Alice Franklin Junior Orthopedic Guild pose with nautical equipment supplied by Steven Marine Supply. By 1954, there were 20 JOG's in the Tacoma area, each sponsored by a senior orthopedic guild of the same name. The junior guilds drew members from various local high schools with the purpose of raising money to help the Tacoma Orthopedic Association's humanitarian efforts. They promoted bake sales, dances, skating parties and other similar activities. In 1954 the JOG's were accused of opening the door for the establishment of sororities in the Tacoma high schools.(TNT 2-21-54, p. A-2)

Tacoma Orthopedic Association, Alice Franklin Junior Guild (Tacoma); Tacoma Orthopedic Association (Tacoma); Steven Marine Supply (Tacoma); Steering wheels; Teenagers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Lincoln Lions Club sponsored athletic events for kids at Lincoln Park on August 11, 1950. Here three Lions have their hands full of baseball bats, water floaters and rings as they stand in front of several youngsters. These appear to have been some of the prizes for events won. The young boy on the far right has a first place certificate leaning against the wooden tennis racket he holds in his hands.

Lions Club (Tacoma); Children--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sporting goods;

Moose Troop 435, Boy Scouts of America, was organized in September, 1950. It was sponsored by Tacoma Lodge 435, Loyal Order of Moose, as part of their civic affairs program. Scoutmaster J. F. (Lucky) Wahl shares the troop application form with Joseph Ryan, the first member of the troop. The young Scout with his hand across Scoutmaster Wahl's shoulders is believed to be Stanley Blattner. Wayne Ruoff, holding the sign identifying the troop, stands next to Douglas Ruoff. (TNT 9-17-50, p. A-9)

Loyal Order of Moose, Tacoma Lodge 435 (Tacoma); Boy Scouts (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Boys--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Thirty-eight Tri Delta sorority women fill one end of this living room wearing floor length formals in this photograph from October of 1951. According to the 1952 College of Puget Sound yearbook, the Tamanawas, the Betas affiliated with the Tri Delts. During fall term they held a barn dance, a banquet for founders' day and a formal with the Sigma Nu's. (Tamanawas, 1952)

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Evening gowns--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

Retail Clerks Union 2nd Annual Christmas Party at Fellowship Hall. The large audience is seated facing the stage. Members of the union members' families have joined them for the December 15, 1951 festivities. (TNT 12-13-1951, C-11-article only)

Retail Clerks Union, Local 367 (Tacoma); Fellowship Hall (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma); Christmas--Tacoma; Audiences--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Group of six Master Builders at Top of the Ocean restaurant in pleasant conversation on November 29, 1950. They were part of a thriving membership in the Master Builders Association, all of whom prided themselves in providing excellent workmanship to their clientele.

Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Mrs. Brian Laird and her daughters Marilyn (at left) and Diane play with the dollhouse that would be on display during the 1950 Christmas season. The dollhouse was designed and furnished by members of the Harriet Deering Orthopedic Guild. (TNT, 12/5/1950, p.8)

Tacoma Orthopedic Association, Harriet Deering Guild (Tacoma); Dollhouses; Girls--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mothers & children--Tacoma--1950-1960; Laird, Brian--Family; Laird, Marilyn; Laird, Diane;

The tireless women of the Pierce County Red Cross marshall up their forces and head out to raise money for the War Fund Drive, held during the month of March, 1943. The money will be used to help the Red Cross reach its goal of serving the armed forces at home and abroad, their families and the prisoners of war. Pictured left to right are Mrs. Keith Goodman, Mrs. Clarence Shank, Mrs. Vern Johnson, Mrs. O.F. Brunswick, Mrs. Douglas C. Welch, Mrs.C.O. Lynn, and Mrs. G. Elmore McMaster. (TNT 3/7/1943, pg. A-8)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; War bonds & funds; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In March of 1943, the untiring women of the Pierce County American Red Cross were doing double duty, performing their regular duties as well as raising money for the March War Fund Drive. Their local goal was $194,000, part of the national 125 million quota. Pictured left to right are Mrs. Morley Brotman, Mrs. Charles F. Grover, Mrs. James P. Macpherson, Mrs. A.D. Fay and Mrs. Otto Drum. They wear the suits of the Motor Corps, the white shirtwaist and veil of the Production Service and the gray cotton uniform of the Hospital and Recreation Service. (TNT 3/7/1943, pg. A-8)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; War bonds & funds; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950;

During the month of March 1943, the tireless ladies of the Pierce County American Red Cross performed double duty. They filled their usual volunteer positions with the Red Cross and raised money for the War Fund Drive as well. Grace Holt Larsen (Mrs. Orrin B. Larsen), left, holds one of the posters promoting the work of the Red Cross Nurses' Aides. Also admiring the poster are, left to right, Mrs. Albert Miller and Mrs. Gus W. Viert. Mrs. Larsen was an outstanding nurses' aide; from the time of her capping in November to March, she had served 730 volunteer hours in the area hospitals. (TNT 3/7/1943, pg. A-8)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; War bonds & funds; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Photographs from the Metal Trades convention for the Labor Advocate. The Metal Trades Council was the negotiating body for all the unions involved in working with metal, such as the shipyards.

Labor unions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Metal Trades Council (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Two men standing outside the C.I.O. Hall (Congress of Industrial Organizations). The hall is in a store front with large glass windows. Both men wear business suits, one holds up a folded newspaper.

Labor unions--Tacoma; C.I.O. (Tacoma);

Four members of the College of Puget Sound Minute Maids, under the direction of Kay Woods, pose in a jeep during the city wide bond rally April 24, 1943 at the Liberty Center. They are at the rally to sell war stamps and convert stamp albums into "Avenge Tokyo Raiders' Bonds." For purchasing a series E bond ($18.75 and up), a citizen got a free ride in a jeep. For the purchase of a $1,000 bond, one could have any name (except that of a commercial organization) painted on a jeep. (TNT 4/23/1943, pg. 1; TNT 4/25/43, pg. 1)

National Organization of Minute Maids (Pierce County); War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950;

South Tacoma U.S.O. Group of wives. The women are pictured seated at tables with plates and cups after a meal. The walls have a distinctive large brick pattern. Photograph damaged on edges. [Also dated 05-19-1943]

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma;

During WWII, the USOs in Tacoma did much more then sponsor dances and provide "r and r" for the troops at home - as important as those services were. This photograph from January 1943 shows "mending night" at the Tacoma USO at 415 So. 13th St. Trousers were hemmed, patches were sewn on, and caps were mended with a motherly touch and a warm smile. Left to right, back row: Mrs. John Troutt is doing some mending for Seaman Chuck McCoy while PFC Richard Botelho looks on; next is Pvt. Andrew Motes. Front row: Seaman 1st Class Dean McCullough holds the spool of thread while Mrs. Ethyle Ferris mends his cap. Marcella (Mrs. Frank) LaFleur is seen at the sewing machine and Corp. Allen Hults stands on a box while Mrs. Ruth Christensen mends the hem of his trousers. (T.Times 2/3/1943 p.16)

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; McCoy, Chuck; Botelho, Richard; Motes, Andrew; McCullough, Dean; Ferris, Ethyle; LaFleur, Marcella; Hults, Allen; Christensen, Ruth; Sewing;

ca. 1943. In July of 1943, three members of the Red Cross Motor Corp., left to right Etta (Mrs. Allan H.) Moody, Mrs. George Osgood and Marjorie (Mrs. Richard) Boardman, dressed in Red Cross suits stand beside a wood-paneled station wagon. Fire Station No. 6 at 823 A St., fully covered with ivy, in background. Fire Station #6, built in 1890, was razed in 1974.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Mr. Pirrett. The Tacoma Chamber of Commerce officials invited local business men to participate in the Pacific Northwest Advisory Board. This board would meet on a monthly basis with Governor Langlie. View of nine Tacoma business men, James E. Morris, Vice President of Weyerhauser Sales Co., is in the back row second from left. Photo ordered by Mr. Harrold R. Pirret, Sales Manager at Sperry Flour Co.

Tacoma Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma); Morris, James E.; Pirret, Harrold R.; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

Red Cross pictures. In August 1944 Red Cross celebrated its 80th anniversary. The first recorded notice of Red Cross activities in Tacoma date back to October 1898. In July 1916 Tacoma became an official chapter and in 1931 it was renamed the Pierce County Chapter. View of Red Cross volunteers by Red Cross vehicle, outside of new building.

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations' facilities--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Red Cross volunteers were photographed in 1944 posing with their vehicle outside of their new headquarters at 702-04 Broadway. In August of 1944, the International Committee of the Red Cross celebrated the 80th anniversary of the first Geneva Convention. The International Red Cross was also awarded the 1944 Nobel Peace Prize. In Tacoma, the local Red Cross was founded in 1898. In July of 1916 Tacoma became an official chapter and in 1931 it was renamed the Pierce County Chapter. After several mergers, in 2008, the local Red Cross became the American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter, serving Pierce, Thurston, Mason and Lewis counties.

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations' facilities--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

June of 1942 saw the grand opening of the Labor Temple Recreation Club. The Tacoma Central Labor Council, representing over 60 A.F.of L. unions, had purchased the old Baker Hotel property on Market Street in 1941 and made it their new home. A guest of the Labor Temple reaches for a piece of cake from a waitress during opening day ceremonies while four others in the booth look on. The notice on the wall near the group indicates that only beer and wine could be served during specific hours; no hard liquor was allowed. The Club rooms were located on the Mezzanine floor and served as recreation rooms and as a restaurant.

Labor Temple Recreation Club (Tacoma); Cakes--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices); Waitresses--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Ten members of the Co-Ed Club were responsible for planning a social evening at the USO Club at 13th and Fawcett on July 21, 1942. Five members of the planning committee are pictured, left to right, Rosemary Stewart, Mimi Howell, Mrs. Mack Coon (Dorothy LaGasa), Sabine Phelps and Grace (Mrs. C. Nathan) Lynn. (T. Times)

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; Co-Ed Club (Tacoma); Stewart, Rosemary; Howell, Mimi; LaGasa, Dorothy; Phelps, Sabine; Lynn, Grace;

In September of 1944 five unidentified soldiers were photographed while resting in the temporary sleeping quarters provided in Tacoma's Union Station by the USO. During WWII the United Services Organization Travelers Aid Service provided assistance and general information to service men and their wives, newcomers, and other travelers in need of help. They could also provide spartan, overnight sleeping accommodations when called on.

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Beds; Military Personnel--Tacoma; Union Station (Tacoma);

Tacoma Credit Women were active members throughout the Tacoma community. They sponsored and hosted events for service men through the United Service Organization Travelers Aid Society. View of Tacoma Credit Women, members of the Tacoma Retail Credit Association.

Women--Organizations--Tacoma; Women--Social life--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits; Tacoma Retail Credit Association (Tacoma);

Red Cross. Officials and officers of the Red Cross pose for a group picture. Seated second from left is the Captain of the Women's Emergency Motor Corps, Iris Bryan.

Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma;

Red Cross activities, Mrs. Strong. Registered nurses donate their time as instructors in home nursing. Red Cross classes are provided to train over three million people in home nursing to ease the doctor and nurse shortage due to the war. (T.Times, 2/16/1944, p.6), (TNT, 2/27/1944, p.1).

Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; Health education; Nursing; Medical equipment & supplies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Red Cross activities, Mrs. Strong. Seven women are knitting and two other women are working at a typewriter and desk. A roll of paper is on a stand at the end of one of the tables ready to assist in wrapping packages. Money alone would never complete the tremendous task the Red Cross has in helping people in need. Over four million Red Cross workers sew garments for hospitals and refugees and knit sweaters. (T.Times, 2/29/1944, p.1)

Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; Knitting; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A bathing beauty of times past steps lightly from the family album, blowing up a pair of water wings. She is a model in the Pi Beta Phi style show and tea, held at the Masonic Temple roof garden on September 6, 1940. (T. Times 9/5/1940, pg. 10)

Pi Beta Phi (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bathing suits--1910-1920;

This group of newly minted mermaids was photographed in the Y.W.C.A. pool, 405 Broadway, on August 27, 1942. For the first time, the pool remained open for the whole summer that year to expand the recreation facilities available to the children who spent their vacation at home. The youngsters pictured could not swim at all at the beginning of the season, but by the end of August they were all "at home in the water" according to Mrs. John McConnell, swimming instructor. Pictured clockwise, starting at the top center with the girl in the dark cap, are: Joyce Sheets, Jeanne Arkin, Patilou Babbitt, Margaret Ward, Laura Sheppard, Onnalee Dungan, Pat Sternberg, Ella Mae Goddell, mary Jean Harvel, Barbara Ann Combs, Carole Jenks, Virginia Gundstrom, Nancy Ann Wilhelmi and Mary Ann Norton. (TNT 8/31/1942 p.9)

Young Womens Christian Association (Tacoma); Swimming pools--Tacoma; Swimmers--Tacoma;