Tacoma Athletic Commission Dinner for Gretchen Kunigk Fraser. Tacoma skier Gretchen Kunigk Fraser, winner of 1948 Olympic Gold and Silver medals for Alpine skiing, in a publicity photo for the Tacoma Athletic Commission on April 5, 1948. Gretchen is seen here with her mother, Clara Kunigk, of Tacoma. The man on the left is not identified. The man on the right is possibly her brother, Bill Kunigk. The Tacoma Athletic Commission honored Gretchen Fraser with a dinner/reception at the Top of the Ocean; over 600 people were in attendance.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Kunigk, Clara;

Day Nursery Style Show at the Top of the Ocean, Jerry Hurley, Rhodes Brothers. The Tacoma Day Nursery held a style show March 11, 1948, at the Top of the Ocean. The event opened with a smorgasboard luncheon followed by the style show. Members and their guests were invited to pay cards afterwards. The style show was in the form of a playlet in five scenes, depicting wardrobe needs of a full day from morning negligee to the evening's dance gown. 500 guests were present for the show which was co-sponsored by Rhodes Department Store. (T.Times, 2/27/1948, pj.12; 3/13/1948, p.11)

Tacoma Day Nursery (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lingerie; Beds;

University of Hawaii Basketball Team, TAC, Bob Sanders. The University of Hawaii's unbeaten basketball team visited Tacoma twice during February, 1948. They came to Tacoma as they began their five-game tour of the Pacific Northwest on February 19th. They left Tacoma that day and returned February 25th to play the Pacific Lutheran College's Lutes. The Lutes defeated the Hawaiians 65 - 54. The team, coached by Art Gallon, is shown here at the Tacoma Athletic Commission with TAC's president Howard R. Smith,second from the right in the back row. (T.Times, 2/19/1948, p.8)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Smith, Howard R.; University of Hawaii (Hawaii); Basketball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Basketball players--Hawaii; Group portraits; Students--Hawaii--1940-1950;

Tacoma Panhellenic Conference at Top of the Ocean, TNT, Frank Lockerby. The Panhellenic Association chose the theme of "Wear Your Pin" for their luncheon and bridge party on February 7, 1948. The decorations followed the sorority pin theme with large replicas of the embossed gold pins of each national sorority. A valentines motif was followed in the table decorations with red candles and heart-shaped table markers. Greek symbols are seen on the drapery behind these women. (T.Times, 2/2/1948, p11)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Panhellenic Conference (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Candles;

On February 6, 1948 the first Tacoma Panhellenic day luncheon was held at the Top of the Ocean. The theme for the day was "Wear Your Pin", and all Tacoma alumnae of national college sororities were invited. A prize was given to the sorority having the largest attendance. At the close of the formal program, the guests were escorted to the Tacoma Athletic Commission rooms for an afternoon of bridge. (T.Times, 2/2/1948, p.11)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Panhellenic Conference (Tacoma); Playing cards; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Smoking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cigarettes;

Tacoma Panhellenic Conference at Top of the Ocean, TNT, Frank Lockerby. Over 200 alumnae of national college sororities met at the Top of the Ocean for luncheon and bridge playing afterwards on Saturday, February 7th, 1948. "Wear Your Pin" was the theme of the first Tacoma Panhellenic Day. The ladies above were not identified. (T.Times, 2/2/1948, p.11-article; TNT 2-9-48, p. 4-article & various photographs)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Panhellenic Conference (Tacoma); Playing cards; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Committee group of five at Top of the Ocean, Betty Lou Broz. The committee members planning the Tacoma Panhellenic luncheon and bridge party held February 7, 1948, met at the Top of the Ocean. All alumnae of national sororities were invited to attend the affair that was also held at the Top of the Ocean. L-R, they are, Wilma L. (Mrs. Arthur) Schmitz, Mary L. (Mrs. Edward I.) Broz, Beatrice R. (Mrs. Douglass C.) Welch, Marguerite B. (Mrs. Frederick L.) Clearman, and Mrs. T.G. Sutherland. (T.Times, 2/2/1948, p.11)

Tacoma Panhellenic Committee (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Schmitz, Wilma L.; Broz, Mary L.; Welch, Beatrice R.; Clearman, Marguerite B.; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Top of the Ocean was one of the most luxurious and beautiful dine and dance liners in the Pacific Northwest. The restaurant was open to the public throughout the week, they had a regular orchestra that played on Fridays and Saturdays. Bill Slater, was the head chef at the restaurant, Slater was known as a "World Famous Chef". Top of the Ocean offered their clients the very best. This image appeared in an advertisement in the Tacoma Times (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5). TPL-2523

Restaurants--Tacoma; Nightclubs--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Top of the Ocean was one of the most popular restaurants in Tacoma. They opened for business on December 15, 1946, and quickly became a top choice for many clubs, associations and organizations to hold their activities. The Tacoma Athletic Commission had private facilities within the restaurant. Located on the waterfront near the foot of McCarver St. on Ruston Way, the Top of the Ocean was destroyed by an arson fire on April 3, 1977. David Willard Levage was convicted for starting the fire. This photo appeared in a Tacoma Times advertisement. (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5). TPL-2130

Restaurants--Tacoma; Nightclubs--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Photograph taken in November of 1947 of the Captain's Quarters at the Tacoma Athletic Commission's Club, located on the upper level of the Top of the Ocean, 2217 Ruston Way. Top of the Ocean housed Tacoma Athletic Commission, which retained its own private Club on the top level. The lower portions of the facility were open to the public. Organizations could also rent the facilities for parties. A cocktail area in the TAC Club is pictured; with a small dance floor, cocktail tables and comfortable chairs, a full bar and slot machines against the back wall. Photo ordered by Condon Advertising. (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5).

Dance floors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

In November of 1947, Tacoma's Top of the Ocean was in such high demand, that the restaurant had to reduce the general operating hours for the public. Clubs and organizations now had more time options in reserving private dining rooms. Interior view of the main dining room and dance floor. Orchestra area in background, where Hal Gullett's Orchestra appeared on the weekends, photo ordered by Condon Advertising. The Top of the Ocean was also home to the Tacoma Athletic Commission. They maintained their own private club on the upper level with its own private entrance. (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5). TPL-8248

Dance floors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Table settings & decorations; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Interior decoration; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

The Tuberculosis League of Pierce County just received a new mobile x-ray unit. The mobile unit was purchased with funds from the sale of Christmas Seals, it was ordered two years ago, but the modern x-ray equipment was not ready until just a few weeks ago. The Tuberculosis League hopes to see a decrease in the mortality rates in Tacoma with this new modern equipment. The League celebrated their new acquisition with a luncheon at the Top of the Ocean restaurant this was followed by an x-ray exam in the new mobile unit. Names appear in newspaper (T. Times, 11/24/47, p. 2).

Radiography; Radiologists; Health care--Tacoma; Mobile health units--Tacoma; Clinics--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Christmas seals; Tuberculosis League of Pierce County (Tacoma);

Captain's Quarters at the Tacoma Athletic Commission's Club located on the upper level of the Top of the Ocean. Top of the Ocean housed Tacoma Athletic Commission, but its main dining room was also open to the public. They advertised smorgasbord dinners for $1.00 and dinners from their menu for $1.75 to $3.50. Interior view of a smaller dining room with dance floor, a fully stocked bar with mirrors in background, photo ordered by Condon Advertising (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5).

Dance floors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Interior decoration; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Captain's Quarters at the Tacoma Athletic Commission's Club located at the Top of the Ocean restaurant. Tacoma's Top of the Ocean was likely the most popular place in town. It was conveniently located in Tacoma's Old Town waterfront. Interior view of a smaller dining room with dance floor and jukebox, bar in foreground, photo ordered by Condon Advertising (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5).

Dance floors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jukeboxes; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Interior decoration; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Athletic Commission had moved into the Top of the Ocean restaurant in December 1946. The restaurant was open to the public, and the club had private facilities in the upper deck areas. The Tacoma Athletic Commission held many events and celebrations for their more than 1500 members and their wives. View of Tacoma Athletic Commission's staff standing outside of the new facilities.

Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Commission's was having their very first "Doe Night" party in October of 1947. Wives of Club members are helping plan the event. Left to right are, Jean K. Feek, Lenore E. Eckhardt and Pegge Ellis gift wrapping packages which contain the prizes to be awarded for those lucky at cards. The event is scheduled to have fun and exciting activities throughout the evening (T.Times, 10/11/47, p. 10).

Gifts; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Packaging; Awards; Parties--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Feek, Jean K.; Eckhardt, Lenore E.;

Tacoma's Junior League was busy planning their "Follies" show, scheduled for mid November at the Temple Theatre. Well known Tacoma artist, Peggy Strong, had designed the cover for the event's program. The show would include a variety of performances, which were sure to entertain their guests. View of a Junior League club member at the Top of the Ocean restaurant, where a "Follies" planning committee meeting was being held.

Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Women--Clubs--Tacoma; Junior League (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Athletic Commission's fur and fashions by Lou Johnson show featured glamorous winter wear for 1947. The show was held in the restaurant area of the Top of the Ocean Club. View of Janet Saxton wearing a winter white, gabardine, two piece suit, with a three skin Hudson's Bay Sable wrap around her shoulders (T. Times, 9/27/47, p. 9).

Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Saxton, Janet; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hats--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Left to right view of models lined up on the stairs leading to the T.A.C. Club at the Top of the Ocean are: Janet Saxton wearing a full length natural ranch mink coat; Lillian Lea is wearing a winter white gabardine suit and a three skin Hudson's Bay Sable wrap, Viola Davis has on a unicorn gabardine suit with a four skin Baum Marten and a hat by Sally Victor, Doris Cookingham looks lovely in a sheer crepe gown with tiered bodice and jeweled belt. In the foreground we have Catherine Eckstrom with a stunning off the shoulders chiffon velvet gown with moulded bodice, and Avonne Nelson (right) wearing a black chiffon velvet gown with full skirt and delicate lace bodice. The ladies were appearing in a fashion show sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission on September 23, 1947. (T. Times, 9/27/47, p. 9).

Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Saxton, Janet; Lea, Lillian; Davis, Viola; Cunningham, Doris; Eckstrom, Catherine; Nelson, Avonne;

Mrs. Dorothy Hopping (far right) and Mrs. Alice Waechter (center), the wife of the President of the Tacoma Athletic Commission, looked on as Janet Saxton modeled a glamorous winter dress at the Athletic Club Fashion Show. Held on September 25, 1947 at the Top of the Ocean restaurant, the style show featured the latest in winter evening apparel and furs for the style-minded women of Tacoma. (T. Times, 9/27/47, p. 9).

Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Saxton, Janet; Hopping, Dorothy; Waechter, Alice; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hats--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Athletic Commission fur and fashion show had the latest in the 1947 fall and winter styles. Club members enjoyed a luncheon which was followed by the style show in the Top of the Ocean restaurant. View of fashion model wearing a two piece gabardine suit under her spotted leopard fur coat, the beautiful hat compliments her new winter look (T. Times, 9/24/47, p. 5).

Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hats--1940-1950; Fur coats; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Athletic Commission's 1947 fur and fashion show was very well attended. Mary Jane Allen was the fashion show's commentator. View of Janet Saxton wearing a lovely evening gown with lace trim and a narrow belt as she gracefully shows Tacoma women the very latest in winter gowns (T. Times, 9/23/47, p. 6).

Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Saxton, Janet; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

On the afternoon of June 30, 1947, a bevy of women fromTacoma's social set turned out for a reception at the Tacoma Athletic Club's Clubhouse, located at the Top of the Ocean, 2217 Ruston Way. The reception was to honor the "Queen for a Day" that had been chosen on the 10 a.m. broadcast from the Ice Palace the same morning. Unfortunately, neither of Tacoma's daily papers listed the name of the lucky winner. The Henry Mill and Timber Co. burner can be seen in the background.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts;

The Tacoma Yacht Club Shipmates would be modeling the latest "Sea and Sun" California-designed fashions in April of 1947 . All clothing modeled could be found at Fisher's Department Store's new Fashion Center, located on their third floor. View of four models in outfits perfect for sun bathing on a luxurious yacht or just cruising through the Pacific Northwest. They are standing on a small stage at the Top of the Ocean Restaurant (T. Times, 4/19/47, p. 13).

Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Yacht Club (Tacoma);

In 1947, the Tacoma Yacht Club Shipmates would be modeling the latest "Sea and Sun" California-designed fashions at the Top of the Ocean restaurant with all fashions provided by Fisher's Department Store. Jorine Persing of Fisher's would be the show's commentator. View of five Shipmates wearing comfortable and stylish summer wear; they are on the Top of the Ocean's outdoor deck (T. Times, 4/19/47, p. 13).

Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Yacht Club (Tacoma); Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Yacht Club Shipmates would be modeling the latest "Sea and Sun" fashions, available at Fisher's, at the Top of the Ocean restaurant. The bright new California designed fashions give girls and women smart and chic summer wear options. View of four models in outfits perfect for sun bathing on a luxurious yacht, they are standing on a platform at the Top of the Ocean Club (T. Times, 4/19/47, p. 13).

Fashion shows--Tacoma; Fashion models--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Yacht Club (Tacoma); Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

This group of Shipmates are all wearing the latest summer "Sea and Sun" fashions, only available at Fisher's Department Store. Fisher's was about to have a grand opening on their third floor featuring the new "Fashion Center". Tacoma Yacht Club Shipmates and Fishers hosted the style show at the Top of the Ocean, where more than 718 people attended (T. Times, 4/19/47, p. 13).

Fashion shows--Tacoma; Fashion models--Tacoma; Patios--Tacoma; Spring--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Jorine Persing of Fisher's Department Store was the commentator for the 1947 fashion show featuring the bright new California designed "Sea and Sun" fashions. The Shipmates modeled and the Tacoma Yacht Club provided the boats, yachts and sailboats for the show. View of Shipmate wearing the latest in summer swim wear, she's enjoying the glorious sunshine (T. Times, 4/19/47, p. 13).

Fashion shows--Tacoma; Fashion models--Tacoma; Spring--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Bathing suits; Bathing beauties; Yachts--Tacoma;

The Tacoma Yacht Club's Shipmates would be modeling Fisher's Department Store's bright new California designed "Sea and Sun" fashions. The style show would be held at the Top of the Ocean restaurant. View of Shipmates club member wearing a pant suit, she is sporting the new line of cruise wear, and enjoying the fresh air aboard a beautiful luxurious sailboat (T. Times, 4/19/47, p. 13).

Fashion shows--Tacoma; Fashion models--Tacoma; Sailboats--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

Eight unidentified Tacoma Yacht Club Shipmates waved to the camera from aboard the "Altamaha" Yacht on April 2, 1947. They were enjoying Tacoma's Spring sunshine and showing off the latest in 1947 summer wear. Fisher's Department Store provided the Shipmates with "Sea and Sun" fashions for their annual fashion show. The show was held at the Top of the Ocean restaurant and was attended by more than seven hundred guests. T. Times, 4/19/47, p. 13).

Fashion shows--Tacoma; Fashion models--Tacoma; Spring--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Bathing suits; Bathing beauties; Yachts--Tacoma;