Bill Herdman, gardener at Stadium High School, with beautiful bouquet of flowers including dahlias in a photograph dated September 27, 1948. Mr. Herdman was wearing his signature outfit of "newsboy" cap, vest, tie, rolled-up sleeves and trousers. An article about Mr. Herdman in the Tacoma Daily Ledger's October 11, 1931 edition, 17 years before, also showed Mr. Herdman in similar clothing. William (Bill) Herdman was an Englishman who learned his gardening craft on English estates and also in gardens near Newscastle. He came to Tacoma about 1910 and had been the official gardener for the Tacoma school system since 1913. He first started at Lincoln High School and then Stadium High with six intermediate schools in between. Mr. Herdman was also responsible for the district's playfields, baseball diamonds and football gridirons. A bachelor, he lived in the caretaker's home in back of Stadium High since he began working for the schools. Dahlias and gladiolas were his favorite blooms. (scan of original negative, no print on file) (TDL 10-11-1931, A-16; Tacoma Sunday Times, 12-5-1948, p. 41)

Herdman, William; Gardening--Tacoma; Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Flowers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Although it was still early in the 1948-49 school year at Stadium High School, the girls in Mrs. Amy Magill's sewing and design classes were already busy on various "make their own" projects. Marion Christie stands atop a work table while Arden Alexson marks the hemline on her skirt. Standing between the tables, Faye Johnson is pinning a sleeve onto the jacket of an unidentified student. Other students around the room are working at sewing machines and doing handwork. (Other names are listed in the newspaper.)

Christie, Marion; Alexson, Arden; Johnson, Faye; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Classrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sewing--Tacoma; Sewing machines; Teenagers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Stadium High School first opened as Tacoma High School in 1906, in 1913 the name was changed to Stadium. The building was originally intended to be a hotel, but it was never finished, after a bond was passed by Tacoma voters, money was appropriated for the completion of a new school in Tacoma. View of Stadium High School from east side of building.

Public schools--Tacoma; Cities & towns--Tacoma; Historic buildings--Tacoma; Aerial photographs; Aerial views; Stadium High School (Tacoma)--Buildings;

Stadium High School was built in 1891, it was built in the French Chateau style and originally designed by architect A. B. Hewitt, architect Frederick Heath remodeled the building and changed it into the school. Stadium Bowl was built in 1909, it has been remodeled many times because of mudslides and weather damage. Aerial view of Stadium High School and Stadium Bowl.

Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sports & recreation facilities--Tacoma; Waterfronts; Cities & towns--Tacoma; Aerial photographs; Aerial views; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma);

ca. 1909. Entrance to Stadium High School, four people in front of building. #BU11372

Stadium High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1900-1910; Historic buildings--Tacoma

On May 28, 1926, the Girls Club at Stadium High School unveiled a commemorative bronze tablet at the entrance to their school. The plaque contained the names of the eleven Stadium High School boys who died in World War I and an explanation of the trees planted in their memory at the school in 1919. Bearing roses are Ellis Ayr Smith, left, and Louise Phelps. After the unveiling of the marker, the girls placed the roses at the bases of two of the trees. (TNT 5/28/1926, pg. 17) BU-11,376, BGN 444

Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1920-1930; Memorial rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Commemoration--Tacoma; Smith, Ellis-Ayr; Phelps, Louise;

Undated elevated view of of Stadium High School; copy made on May 28, 1926. Built for use as a hotel but never completed as such, it was converted into a high school in 1905. It supposedly resembles an old French castle and has an outstanding marine view. The school had its name changed to Stadium High School in 1913. It was rededicated in 2006 after two years of major renovation. TPL-2939 BU-11374

Stadium High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma;

Undated photograph of Stadium High School overlooking Commencement Bay. This photograph of the majestic brick and turreted school was probably taken in the 1920s. Boland A7920.

Stadium High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma; Commencement Bay (Wash.);

A Red Cross worker is pictured above flanked by eight women "soldiers" in tall hats, all with index fingers pointing upward. They were participating in the opera Mam'zelle Taps which was performed on stage at Stadium High School March 5-7, 1925, by members of the school's boys' and girls' glee clubs. It was the 13th annual musical production. Although the opera was set during wartime, it was played on a humorous note with the required happy ending. (1925 Tahoma, p. 66-67-articles)

Students--Tacoma--1920-1930; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Operas & operettas--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Entrance to Stadium High School as pictured in April of 1928. Hedges flank the long walkway to the school's front doors. By 1928, students had been occupying the elegant structure for 22 years. It was rededicated in 2006 after major renovation. TPL-3142; G47.1-026; BU-11,373

Stadium High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1920-1930;

These students made up the Annual Cabinet at Stadium High School in 1925. They were in charge of selecting capable students to work on the Stadium yearbook, the "Tahoma." Second from left in back row was senior Lewis Tullus. Second from right in back row was senior Joseph Blum who also was named editor of the yearbook. (1925 Tahoma, various pages) G47.1-028

Students--Tacoma--1920-1930; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1920-1930; Tullus, Lewis; Blum, Joseph;

Stadium High School Student Council. Elected members of Stadium High School's Student Council posed in front of the school on January 19, 1925. The energetic council put forth many improvements during the school year, including organization of the Sophomore Class, planning for the annual Night Shirt Parade, funding matinee dances, and painting and repairing projects including fixing the drainage system on the corner of North 1st and Tacoma Avenue. The Tahoma, school annual, noted that the council's greatest accomplishment may have been the establishment of an Honor Society. President of the Student Council was junior class president, Joseph Griggs. Mr. Griggs is believed to be in the second row, extreme left. TPL-6720; G47.1-029 (1925 Tahoma, p. 143-44)

Stadium High School (Tacoma); Students--Tacoma--1920-1930; Student organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

The cast of the Stadium High School opera, the "Sultan of Sulu," on stage. The opera, an annual presentation at Stadium High School, was the largest and according to the school yearbook "Tahoma," the "most important musical event of the year." In 1924, the musical comedy production of the "Sultan of Sulu" ran three nights from March 13-15, in order to accommodate the always large crowds. Although there was officially no leading role, good notices were received by Kearney Walton who played Kiram the Sultan and foreshadowing later roles in Hollywood, Herman Brix as Col. Jefferson Budd. After graduation, Herman Brix would become an Olympian and actor, later known as Bruce Bennett. (1924 Tahoma, p. 164-67) G64.1-073

Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1920-1930; Students--Tacoma--1920-1930; Actors--Tacoma--1920-1930; Operas & operettas--Tacoma--1920-1930; Walton, Kearney; Brix, Herman;

In March of 1924, two young ladies at Stadium High School were breaking down the vocational barriers. Mary Fern Winfree (17), left, and Blanche Barnhart (18) were learning their way around a tool shop after enrolling in woodworking class. The educational pioneers had been warned that they would be expected to participate in shop clean up, help with heavy lifting and endure possibly condescending treatment by their male classmates. After one month in class, instructor E.A. Engebretsen had high praise for them; describing them as apt, independent and saying that they did not ask for favors. Outside of their one trade class, both girls were favoring a classical education, including English, French and music. (TNT 3/12/1924, pg. 11) TPL-5787; G47.1-030

Winfree, Mary Fern; Barnhart, Blanche; Woodworking; Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1920-1930; Students--Tacoma--1920-1930;

These nine fair maidens were part of Stadium High School's Senior Class play, "Sherwood," in May of 1922. "Sherwood," by Alfred Noyes, told the story of Robin Hood and Maid Marian in five acts. Directed by drama teacher Alberta Black, it played to packed houses on its two-day run. It was deemed a success by the News Tribune in their review of May 20, 1922, and acquired equal accolades noting "true talent combined with earnestness and enthusiasm" from the Tacoma Daily Ledger. The actresses in the above photograph were not identified. G64.1-051 (TNT 5-20-22, p. 7-article; TDL 5-20-22, p. 10-article)

Actresses; Students--Tacoma--1920-1930; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Stadium High School as captured in print by photographer Marvin Boland on January 15, 1921. The building had started as a hotel in 1890, never completed as such, and converted to a high school in 1905. It opened in 1906 as Tacoma High School with its name changing to Stadium High school in 1913. The brick structure strongly resembled an old French castle with its turrets and steep roofs.

Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1920-1930; Public schools--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Photo-collage by Marvin Boland of photographs that he took at the First Annual Rotary Fair held on October 31, 1919. This industrial fair for Rotary Club members and friends featured 150 exhibits promoting local professions and businesses. It was held in Stadium High School's gymnasium where the slogan of the fair was "Rotarians, Buy at Home." Because the fair was so successful, mention was made that a larger exhibition might be held later for the general public. Dr. H. J. Whitacre was the Rotary president at that time. (TDL 10-17-19, p. 3-article; TDL 10-31-19, p. 1-article)

Rotary Fair (Tacoma); Exhibits--Tacoma--1910-1920;

A Sunnen crane hoists roofing materials to waiting workers on the rooftop of majestic Stadium High School on September 1, 1954. School would begin in a week so repairs would have to be completed by then. In 1954, the high school was nearly fifty years old. Built in the French Chateau style in 1891 and first intended as a hotel, it was converted into a high school and opened on September 10, 1906. The school was placed on the City, State and National Registry. Photograph ordered by Sunnen Auto Freight & Heavy Hauling Co. TPL-10056

Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sunnen Auto Freight & Heavy Hauling Co. (Tacoma); Hoisting machinery;

Members of the Citizens Advisory Committee inspect school classrooms on August 30, 1954. Mrs. A.A. Price is observed opening a small drawer in a large dilapidated work table while Mrs. Gordon Hartwick, of the League of Women Voters, looks on. William Rave of the Carpenters Union leans over a cracked and dirty fish tank. Peeling paint and dirt are clearly visible on the walls and shelves. This classroom has been identified as a fourth floor classroom in Stadium High School, probably Room 424 in the southwest tower. The Citizens Advisory Committee, representing 175 civic and service organizations, toured three northend schools and presented their findings to the Tacoma School Board. They advised replacement of Grant and Stadium schools and praised Sherman school for its modern facilities. (TNT 9-1-54, B-7)

Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Classrooms; Committees--Tacoma; Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

This photograph of the front of Stadium High School was taken in January of 1958 for the Mark Mitchell Roofing Company which was located at 662 East 11th Street. Built in the "Chateauesque" style used for the Canadian Pacific Railroad's resort hotels, with steeply-pitched hipped roofs, cone-shaped towers, turrets and pointed spires Stadium H.S. posed special problems for roofers. The section of North E Street that ran past the front of the high school at the time of this image is no longer open to traffic. (Photograph ordered by Mark Mitchell Roofing Co.) TPL-9499

Stadium High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A message board lends an air of modernity which contrasts with the French chateau architecture of Stadium High School. It stands as a reminder that this beautiful building, placed on the city, state, and national registries, is being utilized as a high school by the Tacoma School District. In May, 1958, there were only two high schools in Tacoma, with Woodrow Wilson High School to open four months later. Photograph ordered by Chase, Brass & Copper Co., Waterbury, Conn. TPL-9161

Stadium High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Placed on the City, State and National Registry of historic buildings, the French chateau styled Stadium High School opened as a school in 1906. Intended originally for use as a hotel, and damaged by fire, the building was saved and remodeled to be used as a high school. View of Stadium High School; the unusual spires, turrets and towers would have been a challenge for roofers to maintain and replace. Nevertheless, $850,000 was spent in the summer of 1958 for renovations to the school. A new roof, rewelded and repainted fire escapes, replacement windows and sashes and a 50 foot steel beam lowered across the top of the gym to make the basketball court regulation sized and turned around were just some of the projects. Photograph ordered by Chase Brass & Copper Co., Waterbury, Conn. (TNT 7-20-58, B-11) TPL-8668

Stadium High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960;

This side view of Stadium High School was taken on a sunny spring day in 1958 from the corner of N. 2nd and "E" Sts. Fire escapes are attached to the outside of the buildings so that students could exit in case of emergencies. These fire escapes would be removed, rewelded and painted during the $850,000 renovation project at the school during summer, 1958. Hipped and pitched roofs, spirals, and dormers blend in with the French chateau architecture but would have been difficult to repair and maintain. Besides a new roof, 500 windows and sashes were replaced during renovations. Photograph ordered by the Chase Brass & Copper Co., Waterbury, Conn. (TNT 7-20-58, B-11)

Stadium High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960;

ca. 1963. Stadium High School on Stadium Way enjoyed elevated views of Commencement Bay. This 1963 aerial photograph shows the school's proximity to the Washington State Historical Society Building juxtaposed with massive Stadium Bowl, site of football and civic endeavors. Stadium High School had been planned as a grand Tacoma hotel but it was gutted by fire before completion. It opened as a high school in 1906 and changed its name to Stadium in 1913. The school will be undergoing extensive remodeling starting in 2004 and its students transferred to the old Mount Tacoma High School.

Aerial photographs; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Washington State Historical Building (Tacoma); Washington State Historical Society (Tacoma); Neighborhoods--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Aerial view of Stadium District in the city's northend, including turreted Stadium High School, Stadium Bowl, and State Historical Museum on the hillside overlooking the Bowl and with views of Commencement Bay. The school's tennis courts are to the right. Part of Richards stock file, taken on February 9, 1963. TPL-10143

Aerial photographs; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1960-1970; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Washington State Historical Building (Tacoma); Washington State Historical Society (Tacoma); Neighborhoods--Tacoma--1960-1970;

1967 Richards stock file. The Stadium High School band forms their school initials accompanied by a drum major, majorettes and cheerleaders, during a photo shoot at Stadium Bowl in the fall of 1967. The school had a statewide reputation for producing fine musicians. Directed by Jack Lloyd, the band would participate in the Santa Claus and Daffodil Parades in addition to marching in the Turkey Day game. This photograph was used in the 1968 Tahoma, Stadium's yearbook, as a two-page spread. (1968 Tahoma, p. 12-13) TPL-9464 (b&w neg)

Stadium High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1960-1970; Marching bands; Youth bands--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Teacher Vella Boyles instructs her students in the fine art of Home Economics at Stadium High School on April 17, 1969. She is shown examining the creation of a woman's suit on a mannequin. Other students are quietly sewing on their Elna sewing machines in the well-lit room. Photograph ordered by Homemaker Supply Co., Portland.

Home economics--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sewing--Tacoma; Sewing machines; Boyles, Vella; Teachers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Students--Tacoma--1960-1970; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma;

Another in a series of home economics photographs featuring Elna sewing machines. Girls at Stadium High School are busy during the morning home economics class conducted by Vella Boyles at Stadium High School on April 17, 1969. The brightly lit room was well equipped with many Elna sewing machines, enough so that each student present had a machine to herself. Elna, a Swiss company established in 1940, was well known for its compact sewing machines. Photograph ordered by Homemaker Supply Co., Portland.

Home economics--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sewing--Tacoma; Sewing machines; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Girls were not the only ones interested in sewing as these young men at Stadium High School can attest. Pictured on April 17, 1969, are eight male students hard at work on Elna sewing machines. They were enrolled in Vella Boyles' home economics class. Elna had a reputation for fine quality machines; established in 1940, they built the first compact, portable, electric sewing machine with a free arm. Photograph ordered by Homemaker Supply Co., Portland.

Home economics--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sewing--Tacoma; Sewing machines; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1960-1970;

1968 Richards aerial stock footage. Stadium High School, portion of Stadium Bowl. Stadium High School, which is currently undergoing extensive remodeling in 2005, resembles a French chateau. It has a magnificent view of Commencement Bay. Built but never completed as a hotel, it converted to a high school in 1905. A small portion of Stadium Bowl, including rows of bleachers, is visible lower left corner. Originally the bowl had a seating capacity of nearly 24,000; however, after numerous mudslides, it has a reduced modern capacity of 15,000. TPL-10144

Aerial views; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1960-1970; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma);