Three Tacoma chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (the Mary Ball, Virginia Dare and Elizabeth Forey) enjoyed a delicious luncheon in the Hotel Winthrop's Crystal Ballroom when they honored Washington State Regent, Mrs. Starr Sherman of Walla Walla, on October 27, 1941. Seated above were Mrs. C.C. Mellinger, Mary Ball chapter regent, Mrs. Sherman, and Margaret Long, Elizabeth Forey chapter regent with the others in the photograph not identified. Mrs. Sherman was making an official visit to Tacoma and would later pay similar visits to Grays Harbor and Chehalis as well as northern chapters around the Sound. (T.Times 10-28-1941, p. 9-article only; T.Times 10-30-1941, p. 19-alt. photograph)

Daughters of the American Revolution (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Melllinger, C.C.--Family; Sherman, Starr--Family; Long, Margaret;

From November 17-23, 1941, communities across America celebrated the second annual National Art Week. The Tacoma Art Association observed the celebration by sponsoring an exhibit of local artists at the former location of the Helen Davis dress shop in the Hotel Winthrop. An unidentified clubwoman was photographed opening the door to the exhibit, which featured a variety of art including water colors, oils, charcoal, pastels, wood carvings, photography and handicrafts. Local artists were able to enter their works free of charge, and the public was invited to view the show for free and purchase the works of the artists. (T. Times 11/14/1941, pg. 19; 11/18/41, pg. 8; 11/19/41, pg. 18- all story only)

Tacoma Art Association (Tacoma); Art exhibitions--Tacoma;

Group picture at the annual Aquinas Alumnae Ball, held November 21, 1941 at the Roof Garden of the Hotel Winthrop. (T.Times 11/29/1941, pg. 4)

Aquinas Academy (Tacoma)--Alumnae; Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Couples--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Annual meeting of the American Legion, Edward B. Rhodes Post's Last Man Club, Hotel Winthrop, on December 3, 1941. Three empty chairs are draped with American flags and 19 men sit and stand by them. The draped chairs are in honor of Club members who have died. The Club was organized December 5, 1938 by World War I veterans who were past Commanders of the Post. A bottle of 1917 Hennessey Five Star cognac was set aside for the last surviving member to drink a toast to his comrades. The first to die was Tacoma Mayor Dr. John Siegle on April 13, 1939. The sole survivor was Capt. Chester Chastek. By February of 1992, he had outlived all his fellow club members. He died February 23, 1997 at the age of 97.

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

The fourth annual meeting of the American Legion's Last Man Club was held at the Winthrop Hotel in December, 1941. Sixteen men pose with three flag draped chairs. The draped chairs are in honor of the Club members who have died, past Commanders E.A. Rich, Dr. J.C. Siegle (first to die on 4/13/39) and George A. Allen. The Club was organized on 12/5/38 by WWl veterans who had also served as Commanders of the Edward B. Rhodes Post of the American Legion. As each Commander stepped down from office, he was invited to join if he was a WWI veteran. A bottle of cognac, autographed by all members, was set aside for the last surviving member to drink a toast to his comrades. The Last Man was Capt. Chester Chastek. He became the sole survivor on February 16, 1992 after the death of Paul O. Brown. He retrieved the bottle of cognac after its 54 years of repose in a Puget Sound Bank safe deposit box but did not drink it. He had never had a drink in his long life and refused to break his record. (T.Times 12-2-41-article)

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

Actress Lana Turner arrives at the Winthrop Hotel in Titus Motor Company's 1923 Lincoln Touring automobile during her visit to Tacoma for a War Bond rally. Mayor Harry P. Cain is pictured between the actress and her mother. A large "Welcome! Lana Turner" banner is strung over the entrance of the Winthrop. The very popular Miss Turner made appearances at Fort Lewis, Seattle-Tacoma Shipyards, and the new Liberty Center downtown. She raised more than $120,000 in war bonds in 24 hours. Miss Turner was not the only celebrity appearing in Tacoma on behalf of the government; child actor Johnny Sheffield of the Tarzan films would be coming to town a few days later. (TNT 6-11-42, p. 1, TNT 6-14-42, p. 1) ALBUM 5. TPL-144

Turner, Lana, 1920-1995; Actresses; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices); Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lincoln automobile;

Actress Lana Turner arrives at the Winthrop Hotel in Titus Motor Company's 1923 Lincoln Touring during her visit to Tacoma for a War Bond rally. Mayor Harry P. Cain is to her left. The woman in sunglasses holding a white hat is her mother, Mildred Turner. Miss Turner, a popular actress, would be appearing at the dedication of the new Liberty Center downtown to personally autograph bond applications made during the noon ceremony. Big bond purchasers would be the recipients of kisses from Miss Turner. The bond drive was to be a huge success with over $120,000 sold in 24 hours.

Turner, Lana, 1920-1995; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lincoln automobile; Actresses;

Eleanor Wilson McAdoo, second from left, daughter of the late President Woodrow Wilson, visited Tacoma on June 10, 1942 for a War Bond rally at Jason Lee School. She was pictured with Mayor Harry Cain (left), an unidentified woman and Pierce County War Bonds chairman Leon Titus (right) at the Winthrop Hotel. Mrs. McAdoo held the lengthy title of Regional Advisor of Women's Activities of the War Savings Stamps and Bonds Staff, operating under the Treasury Dept. in Washington D.C. During World War I, she had served in a similar position, with a shorter title, Chairman of the Liberty Loan Drive, under her father. In Tacoma, she spoke on opportunities for women to help raise funds for the current war. At the meeting, a Tacoma and Pierce County Chapter of the Women's League for War Savings was formed. (T. Times 6/9/1942, pg. 2; 6/11/42, pg. 11)

McAdoo, Eleanor Wilson; Wilson, Woodrow--Family; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Titus, Leon E.; War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma;

Eleanor Wilson McAdoo, center, daughter of the late President Woodrow Wilson, with two unidentified women at Winthrop Hotel. Mrs. McAdoo was in Tacoma for a Bond rally held on June 10, 1942 at Jason Lee Junior School. She was the regional advisor on women's activities to the Treasury Department's War Savings Stamp and Bonds staff. She had served in World War I as Chairman of the Liberty Loan Drive under her father. During the Tacoma appearance, she spoke about women's activities in the war bond drives and helped form Tacoma's chapter of the Women's League for War Savings. (T. Times 6/9/1942, pg. 2; 6/11/42, pg. 11)

McAdoo, Eleanor Wilson; Wilson, Woodrow--Family; War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma;

Eleven-year-old Johnny Sheffield visited Tacoma in June, 1942, to help the War Bond drive. He is pictured here at the Winthrop Hotel with Pierce County War Bond Drive chairman Leon Titus. The woman with corsage next to Johnny is his mother, Mrs. Reginald Sheffield. Perched on the registration counter and examining a visitor's guide to Tacoma, Johnny is wearing the uniform of the Cub Scouts; his uniform is decorated with arrows and service badges. He apparently belonged to the Westwood location. Johnny was making a nationwide tour for the Treasury Department called "Buy Tanks for Yanks." He would be making a speech on "A Boy's Place in America" and be accompanied by a giant 13 ton tank, on display in front of the Roxy Theater. The 84 pound 6th grader was handpicked by Johnny Weissmuller to play "Boy" in eight Tarzan films before finally outgrowing the part. He then went on to star in the Bomba the Jungle Boy series for Monogram. ALBUM 5. (TT 6-15-42, pg. 12-picture; TNT 6-13-42, p. 3, TNT 6-15-42, p. 15)

Sheffield, Johnny; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Titus, Leon E.; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Johnny Sheffield, "Boy" in the "Tarzan" films, attends to his studies with tutor Fletcher Clark at the Winthrop Hotel. Sheffield was in Tacoma for an appearance to sell War Bonds. Fletcher Clark was the former teacher of child star Mickey Rooney. (TNT 6/16/1942)

Sheffield, Johnny; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clark, Fletcher; Tutoring; Teachers;

The chef at the Winthrop Hotel's Sabre Room was armed with bow and arrow and apparently had plenty of support from four unidentified women dressed in "Robin Hood" costumes in this March 10, 1962, photograph. Each woman clutched a sabre, blade pointing downward. The Sabre Room, created by internationally known restaurateur Trader Vic, opened in 1949. It was designed to look like an old-English tap room and featured an authentic tavern menu, including roast beef cooked in rock salt, barbecued ribs, steak and kidney pie and trifle for desert.

Daggers & swords; Bow (Archery); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sabre Room (Tacoma); Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Tacoma got its first visit from America's new Girl Soldiers on September 25, 1942. Second Lieutenant Margaret Barth, Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), center, is pictured with an unidentified woman and Bob Sonnen at the Winthrop Hotel. The WAAC had been formed in May of 1942, with its first members entering training in July of that year. The organization was replaced in September of 1943 by the Women's Army Corps (WAC,) making women actual members of the Army. Lt. Barth was stationed in Tacoma to push the recruitment of women. (T. Times 9/24/1942, pg. 1)

Barth, Margaret; World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (Tacoma);

In September of 1942, Tacoma got its first visit from the new US Girl Soldiers. Two of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) members were stationed in Tacoma to push the recruitment of more women. Margaret Barth is pictured in her snappy uniform with Bob Sonnen at the Winthrop Hotel. Miss Barth wore the bars of a second lieutenant. The WAAC was established by a bill enacted May 14, 1942 and the first women began training in July of that year. It was abolished at the end of August of 1943 and replaced by the Women's Army Corps (WAC), making women bonafide members of the Army. The other branches of the service soon followed. Women enlisting in the WAACs were required to have a high school diploma and could be married, but had to be without children. (T. Times 9/24/1942, pg. 1)

Barth, Margaret; World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (Tacoma);

Famed commercial photographer Victor Keppler posed with Miss Tacoma at the Professional Photographers of Washington convention held at the Winthrop Hotel in early July of 1962. The duo are being photographed by a pair of girls in Scotch plaid who worked for Morley Studios in Tacoma. Mr. Keppler of New York had been invited to speak and demonstrate his photographic and lighting techniques at the convention along with famous glamour photographer Peter Gowland of California. (TNT 7-2-62, p. 11-article)

Meetings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Photographers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Keppler, Victor; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cameras;

On July 2, 1962, guest lecturer Peter Gowland of California gestured as he demonstrated photographic techniques with an unidentified barefoot model dressed in a two-piece swimsuit during the Professional Photographers of Washington convention. The three-day meeting was held at the Winthrop Hotel and this particular session before about 100 lensmen was held in the hotel's Crystal Ballroom. The woman with microphone at the left is believed to be Alice Gowland, Peter's wife and herself a photographer. Even in 1962 Mr. Gowland was acclaimed as a famous glamour photographer who would go on to create 25 books, develop several large-format camera designs, photograph some of Hollywood's biggest stars and the interiors of many beautiful Los Angeles homes. (www.doubleexposure.com/CoverStory_Gowland.shtml)

Gowland, Peter; Photographers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Meetings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fashion models--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Chandeliers;

Photographers gathered in July of 1962 at the Winthrop Hotel for the Professional Photographers of Washington convention in order to exchange tips of the trade and listen to experts in the field. Guest lecturer Victor Keppler (second from left) is shown working with unidentified photographers in demonstrating how to light clear glass goblets on a glass table. Mr. Keppler was a famous commercial photographer from the East Coast. (TNT 7-2-62, p. 11-article on convention)

Meetings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Photographers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Keppler, Victor; Cameras;

Victor Keppler, well-known national commercial photographer, was a special guest at the Professional Photographers of Washington convention here in Tacoma in July of 1962. He is shown working with a young woman dressed in plaid, believed to be Lynda Pederson of Tacoma who was employed by Morley Studios, 720 Pacific Avenue, at the Seattle's World Fair. In his addresses to convention attendees, he advised his fellow photographers to continually experiment in order to keep ideas flowing and not stagnant. A photographer since the 1920s, Mr. Keppler worked with the nation's largest advertising agencies as well as cover photos for the Saturday Evening Post. He founded the Famous Photographers School in Westport, Conn., in 1961 which attracted such famed photographers as Richard Avedon, Alfred Eisenstardt, and Richard Beattie as guiding faculty. (www.luminous-lint.com/app/photographer/Victor_Keppler/A/)

Meetings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Photographers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Keppler, Victor; Fashion models--Tacoma--1960-1970;

An unidentified photographer is shown adjusting lights for a photo shoot demonstration of an unidentified model in evening gown and fur stole, at the Winthrop Hotel on July 2, 1962. He was part of the 1962 three-day convention of the Professional Photographers of Washington where lectures and demonstrations were of interest to members. Photograph ordered by Professional Photographers of Washington.

Photographers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fashion models--Tacoma--1960-1970; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Lighting--Tacoma;

Lucille Larson was installed as president of the first Tacoma chapter of the American Business Women's Association at its charter meeting on Sunday, January 20, 1963. The meeting was held in the Mayfair room of the Winthrop Hotel. Sixteen women are pictured above with a small "ABWA" banner hung behind them. (TNT 1-18-63, p. 13)

Business people--Tacoma--1960-1970; American Business Women's Association (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1960-1970; Women--Tacoma--1960-1970;

A large group of well-dressed women gathered on March 24, 1963, for the charter installation of the second Tacoma chapter of the American Business Women's Association at the Winthrop Hotel. Vice-president Mrs. Theodore Kagarice and president Mrs. H.W. Akam display the ABWA banner. The ABWA was formed nationally in 1949 with the aim of bringing together businesswomen of diverse occupations and offering support in professional development and career advancement. (TNT 3-26-63, p. 12)

Meetings--Tacoma--1960-1970; American Business Women's Association (Tacoma);

Dining at the Winthrop Hotel. Four diners are enjoying a beautifully served meal at the Winthrop Hotel in April of 1963. Two waiters attend their table; one is preparing to pour from a bottle of wine while the other carefully displays a platter of onions, mushrooms and beef. The Winthrop had several banquet rooms, the Sabre Room, a coffee shop, and the remodeled and renamed Three Keys main dining room. Photograph ordered by the Winthrop Hotel.

Hotels--Tacoma--1960-1970; Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Waiters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Color photograph taken in May, 1963, of the elegant Three Keys restaurant. Managed by Max Jaunzems, the Three Keys was located in the Winthrop Hotel. Decorated in subdued earth tone shades, the restaurant would have provided comfortable dining under the soft lighting of chandeliers and sconces. The main dining area had been re-named the "Three Keys" by new hotel owner/manager William Hamman to stand for the three keys to fine dining: carefully prepared food, properly aged wines and excellent service. The $65,000 remodeling project included gold tufted banquettes and curved settees. (TNT 5-1-63, A-6)

Three Keys (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chandeliers; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Sabre Room - Winthrop Hotel. The Sabre Room underwent a colorful remodel in 1963 with the addition of maroon chairs and banquet seats, red floor coverings and splashes of red on walls and accessories. It had previously been remodeled in 1955. Musical acts were featured nightly in the Sabre Room. Color photograph ordered by the Winthrop Hotel. BU-12177

Sabre Room (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Winthrop Hotel. Large bedroom suite at the Winthrop Hotel. By 1963, the Winthrop was 38 years old and new management undertook the renovation of the downtown hotel. This room, along with other refurbished rooms, was photographed on August 7, 1963. It contained two double beds, a pair of comfortable arm chairs, large mirror and writing desk. Modern lighting helped to brighten the room. Photograph ordered by the Winthrop Hotel. BU-12178

Hotels--Tacoma--1960-1970; Beds; Mirrors; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Luxurious bedroom suite at the Winthrop Hotel. Several rooms, #619, 801and 825, were photographed on August 7, 1963. This particular bedroom featured a circular bed, thick new wall-to-wall carpeting, portable television and comfortably padded armchairs. Lighting was provided by several table lamps and dropped lighting over the bed. New management in 1963 planned extensive remodeling of the venerable hotel. BU-12179

Beds; Bedrooms--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Elegant remodeled lobby of Winthrop Hotel featuring entrances to the hotel coffee bar and newly-renamed Three Keys main dining room. This September 5, 1963, color photograph displays the rich tones of gold and wine that decorate the lobby. Three oversized brass gate keys hang at the entrance to the main dining room. A gold tufted elongated bench provides a comfortable place to rest in the lobby; behind it are three Italian colored glass panels, each 15 feet tall, which separate the main dining area from the lobby entrance. The theme colors of gold and wine continue into the coffee shop where a solid red-wine carpet provides contrast to the gold-toned seats. A unique feature of the Winthrop coffee bar is the placement of individual toasters on the counters so that customers could brown their bread to their own taste. (TNT 5-1-63, A-6)

Lobbies--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Despite the early 7:30 a.m. hour, the large accounting staff of Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Co. look pleased to attend the company's Christmas party on December 24, 1963. An elaborate chandelier, lit sconces, and towering Christmas tree form the decor at the Winthrop Hotel. Photograph ordered by Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone.

Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Co. (Tacoma); Telephone companies--Tacoma; Christmas trees--Tacoma; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Metal Trades Convention for the Labor Advocate. On March 2, 1943, four unidentified men who were convention delegates stood behind a table with a blackboard behind them showing tally of votes for president of the Pacific Coast District Metal Trades Council. Incumbent Anthony Ballerini was defeated in a re-election bid by Ed Weston of Seattle. A banner states: "Affiliated with the A.F. of L." Held at the Hotel Winthrop in early March of 1943, the wartime convention was concerned with the metal trade councils' responsibility to deliver vital goods essential to allied victory. Delegates took an aggressive stand against the NLRB-CIO's disruption in the shipbuilding industry. Keynote speaker was John P. Frey, president of the A.F. of L. Metal Trades Department, Washington D.C. (Tacoma Labor Advocate, 3-5-43, p. 1+ -article)

Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Metal Trades Council (Tacoma); Labor unions--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Federation of Labor (Tacoma); Group portraits--1940-1950;

Winthrop Hotel executive William R. Conant, Sr., and Sonia Fowler (now Sonia Gray) watch as their kimono-clad waitress in the Kokura Restaurant pours a small cup of tea on July 13, 1964. The Kokura was the Winthrop Hotel's latest major improvement, an authentic Japanese restaurant located on the Broadway level. Named after Tacoma's sister-city in Japan, the Kokura served only Japanese food. To add to the atmosphere, the chef and waitresses were of Japanese descent. Customers entered the Kokura through a torii, an orange-red gate, and were directed to small private dining rooms separated by shoji screens. Tables were low and customers sat on padded cushions resting on tatami mats, much as they would in Japan. Bamboo-covered walls and hanging paper-like lighting fixtures added to the dining experience. The Kokura closed in 1971. (Photograph ordered by the Winthrop Hotel.) (TNT 5-10-64, B-10, TNT ad 10-14-64, A-8) TPL-9851

Kokura Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Dining rooms--Tacoma--1960-1970; Waitresses--Tacoma; Kimonos; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Conant, William R.; Fowler, Sonia;