With the end of WWII in the Pacific, over 16,000 servicemen and women were brought to Tacoma during December of 1945 on troop ships. Each ship was met by Red Cross volunteers handing out milk, doughnuts and other items to the troops. Three hardy volunteers wrapped against the weather greet the arriving troops returning from overseas. (T.Times, 12/11/1945, p.1-article on troop return) TPL-1954

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Milk; World War, 1939-1945--Military demobilizations;

The annual Shipmates' Tea and Style Show was held at the Yacht Club. Rhodes sports shop directed the modeling, which was done by members of the Shipmates. View of unidentified woman striking a pose to show off her one piece swimsuit with open midriff area (T. Times, 4/13/46, p. 2).

Clubs--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Fashion shows--Tacoma; Bathing suits; Women--Clothing & Dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Yacht Club (Tacoma);

Eagles and WAC's war salvage pictures. Tacoma's Aerie No. 3 Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Women's Army Corp joined forces and set a new record for loading and sorting scrap metal. View of Eagles and WAC's after a hard day at work in April of 1944.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Military service--Tacoma; Scrap drives--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Scrap drives;

Orthopedic Guild pictures. The Tacoma Orthopedic Association are sponsoring "Village Green", a play at the Tacoma Little Theatre, as part of a benefit for their organization. The women gathered to discuss how to make their event a success. Seated left to right are Gunderson, Brandes and York. Standing left to right are Rothermel, Brown and Haines (T. Times, 11/4/44, p. 3).

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Women--Organizations--Tacoma; Tacoma Orthopedic Association (Tacoma);

USO 13th and Fawcett. The United Service Organization Travelers Aid Service had different activities going on every day of the week. Servicemen regularly visited the centers and spent time with USO volunteers. View of unidentified female artist sketching unidentified serviceman.

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Sketches; Military personnel--Tacoma;

Installation of officers at Rudder Club. Posed against the flocked wallpaper of the Rudder Club are its new officers, installed February 23, 1943. The Rudder Club is believed to be a forerunner of the Propeller Club. It was a social club formed around August of 1942 and it catered primarily to shipyard employees. Photo ordered by Sea-Tac Shipyards.

Rudder Club, Inc. (Tacoma);

Mrs. James Hayes, made up in black face, remarks in the mirror at her resemblance to the "Mammy" doll sitting on the dressing table. The dolls were made by the Spinster Club members to decorate the tables at their 5th annual Dixie Ball in May of 1943. The other two women are Katherine Foss and Penny (Mrs.H. J.) Croteau. The ball would be held at the Roof Garden at the Hotel Winthrop. The 1943 ball was a benefit for the Army/ Navy Relief Fund. (T.Times 5/5/1943,pg.4)

Spinster Club (Tacoma); Dolls; Foss, Katherine; Croteau, Penny;

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;

In December of 1950, Mikel Ann Thomas was dressed as the New Year wearing a tall party hat and a ribbon across her chest. She was helping with the promotion of the Elks New Year's Eve dance. Mikel was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Thomas. The Elks promised a festive evening with many favors and surprises. Ordered by the Elks. (TNT, 12/27/1950, p.23)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Girls--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hats--1950-1960; Thomas, Mikel Ann; Holidays--Tacoma;

Thirty one members of Delta Kapa Phi at the College of Puget Sound pose for their group portrait on their porch with Santa Claus. The fraternity held a Christmas Party for underpriviledged children in 1950. The fraternity had 58 active members this year. A sign hanging from the porch has the Greek letters painted on it . (1951 Tamanawas)

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Delta Kappa Phi (Tacoma); Santa Claus--Tacoma;

Seven members of the Young Mens Business Club Auxiliary posed for a photograph to promote the "Spring Enchantress" fashion and beauty show in March 1951. The fashion show was presented at a luncheon held on April 5, 1951 at The Tropics, 735 Commerce. The show included a hair stylist who demonstrated new styles of hair dressing, with emphasis on pleated and folded styles, on models adorned in evening gowns, jewels, flowers and perfume. Enchantress model Dawn (Mrs. Paul A.) Olson is surrounded by fellow models or committee members, left to right, Vivian (Mrs. Jack L.) Coefield, Marilyn (Mrs. Sam) Andrews Jr., Dorothy (Mrs. Edward) Zanuzoski, Avonelle (Mrs. Wilfred) Brown, Madeline (Mrs. Peter) Pelegruti Jr. and Mrs. Earl Jones. At the luncheon table displays of floral bouquets and miniature models with hats completed the decorations. (TNT 4/3/1951, pg. 9)

Young Mens Business Club, Womens Auxiliary (Tacoma); Fashion shows--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Olson, Dawn; Coefield, Vivian; Andrews, Marilyn; Zanuzoski, Dorothy; Brown, Avonelle; Pelegruti, Madeline H.;

Exposure of Elks sponsored handball team. This Tacoma handball team competed in the Pacific Northwest AAU Championships in Spokane March 30-31, 1951. The team was sponsored by the Tacoma Elks Lodge, No. 174. Pictured on the front row, left to right, are George Baydo, Swan Johnson, and Bill Reel. The back row, left to right, is comprised of Pete Sabutis, Bill Faraone, Ernie Johnson, Jack Baty and Bob Holder. Faraone was the Tacoma city singles champion and he also held the doubles title with partner Ernie Johnson. Faraone, a Tacoma police officer, won the singles title in Spokane. (TNT 3/27/1951, pg. 21) TPL-10516

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Handball--Tacoma--1950-1960; Athletes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Baydo, George; Johnson, Swan; Reel, Bill; Sabutis, Pete; Faraone, Bill; Johnson, Ernie; Baty, Jack; Holder, Bob;

Winners and officials of the yo-yo Contest sponsored by the youth guidance committee of the Tacoma Eagles Lodge in 1951. The tall boy in the center of the standing row is Alan Michener.

Fraternal Order of Eagles (Tacoma); Yo-yos; Children playing with toys--Tacoma--1950-1960; Contests--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Dr. Wilmot D. Read is wearing a traditional Scottish Rite cap in this studio portrait. Dr. Read was born in Iowa in 1880 and came to Tacoma in 1889. He attended grade and high school in Tacoma. He graduated from Cooper- Medical College (Stanford University) in 1903 and returned to Tacoma to begin his medical practice. In 1904 he served as assistant superintendent of Western State Hospital. In 1922 he organized Tacoma's first Public Health League. He was also a leader in the prepaid medical service field. Dr. Read served overseas with the Medical Corps during World War I. He was married to Kathryn Mae Read and had two sons, Dr. Jess W. Read, surgeon, and Dr. Robert D. Read, dentist, both of Tacoma. Dr. Read died April 1958 at age 78. Ordered by Scottish Rite. (TNT, 4/3/1958)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Social life--1940-1950; Insignia--Tacoma; Portrait photographs; Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Read, Wilmot D., 1880-1958; Physicians--Tacoma;

Members of the graduating classes of Tacoma and vicinity schools were guests of honor at tea Saturday afternoon, April 15, 1950, at the Great Hall at Annie Wright Seminary given by Tacoma Panhellenic members. Ordered by the Tribune, Barbara Dana. (TNT, 4/19/1950, p.8)

Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Panhellenic Committee (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tea parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Private schools--Tacoma; Teenagers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

New officers for 1950-1951 are shown at the Elks Temple. Emmett T. Anderson, Grand Exalted Ruler, is hanging an insignia around the neck of Lloyd L. Wynans as he was installed as the new exalted ruler of Tacoma lodge. Others installed were Harold L. Duncan, leading knight; John S. Roberts, loyal knight; Burritt B. Anderson, lecturing knight; Erling O. Johnson, secretary; Walter E. Liggett, treasurer; Swan Johnson, tiler; Sterling Carmichael, trustee. Ordered by Erling Johnson. (TNT, 4/5/1950, p.4)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Anderson, Emmett T.; Wynans, Lloyd L.; Johnson, Erling O.; Duncan, Harold; Anderson, Burritt B.;

Approximately 50 members of the Lions Club met in front of Washington Hardware on the Commerce Street side on May 10, 1950, to pick up tools they would need during Tacoma's Clean-Up, Paint-Up, Fix-Up week. The Lions' committee, headed by acting postmaster John McMonagle, had been working with the Painting and Decorating Contractors, Paint Salesmen's Club and the Lincoln Lions on a program to bring every civic, fraternal and garden club together on this year's clean-up. Ordered by the Tribune, Mr. Lynch. (TNT, 5/14/1950, p.C-15)

Lions Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Washington Hardware Co. (Tacoma);

Formal photograph of Normanna Male Chorus at Normanna Hall. The Hall was the home of the Norway Club. The Chorus's costume carries out a nautical theme with blazers and Captain's hats. The Chorus, organized in 1888, was the oldest Norwegian singing organization in the west. The Chorus held its first sangerfest in Tacoma in 1906. The first director was Professor Carlo Sperati. George S. Johnson served as director for 30 years. The current conductor is Gunnar J. Malmin, center of the front row in the tuxedo, composer and director of PLC Choir of the West. (TNT 3/9/1956, pg. 7)

Normanna Male Chorus (Tacoma); Singers; Normanna Hall (Tacoma); Malmin, Gunnar J.;

Seven well-dressed women pose at the Top of the Ocean on July 15, 1950. This group of ladies belonged to the women's auxiliary of the Order of AHEPA, a fraternal organization which met at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.

Order of AHEPA (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

General Kaiser coming down gang plank from ship, Mt. McKinley, Chamber of Commerce, Armed Services Committee, Col. James Stack. A sign attached to the wall welcomes home the 2nd Division who had been on maneuvers in Hawaii. Maj. Gen Harry J. Collins, Fort Lewis commandant, James Stack, former chairman of the Chamber of Commerce citizens armed forces committee, and other officials met General Keiser, Rear Adm. Peter K. Fischler, Navy Capt. J.M. Taylor and other officers as they returned aboard the U.S.S. Mount McKinley. (TNT, 11/17/1949, p.1) TPL-10359

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; American National Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Military officers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Homecomings--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Dinner party at Top of the Ocean, Delta Rho Gamma, c/o Lenora Suesace. Forty members of the Delta Rho Gamma sorority have joined together to celebrate the holidays at the Top of the Ocean. The group was organized for college coeds living off-campus.

Delta Rho Gamma (Parkland); Fraternities & sororities--Parkland--1940-1950; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1940-1950; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1940-1950; Students--Parkland--1940-1950; Group portraits;

The Junior League held their Christmas Party at the Tacoma Country Club on December 16, 1949. Five unnamed women are shown wearing evening clothes. Photograph ordered for the Tribune by Barbara Dana, Society editor. (TNT, 12/25/1949, p.21)

Junior League (Tacoma); Country clubs--Tacoma; Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma); Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Thirteen members of the Girl Scouts from St. Patrick's school are helping the American Red Cross prepare for their annual fund-drive campaign which began March 1, 1950. All the girls are Junor Red Cross members but here they were working as Girl Scouts of troop No. 15. L-R, seated, Margery Graham, Jane Hely, Darlys Holland, Pat Lynam and Mrs. Emmett Maloney (troop leader). Standing, Pat Reed, Mary Helen McNerthney, Caroline Eskstrom, Joanne Backer, Mary Jean Barton, Rose Brosamer, Mary Jo Sigler and Sally Slater. Ordered by Mrs. Thomson. (TNT, 2/19/1950, p.B-3)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1950-1960; Uniforms; Posters; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; American National Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Girls--Tacoma--1940-1950; Girl Scouts (Tacoma);

Several of the dignitaries attending the installation banquet for the Delta Phi Chapter of Sigma Chi at the College of Puget Sound pose for their group portrait. The gentleman in the center of the back row is Henry O. Foss. Ordered by the Magazine of Sigma Chi, Merrill E. Pritchard.

Sigma Chi (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

The interior of a lounge at the Tacoma Club is shown with sofas, easy chairs, several lamps and tables for easy conversation or reading. The floor is covered with a bold-patterned carpet and the windows are covered with venetian blinds and floral draperies. Ordered by Earl Reynolds.

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma; Lounges--Tacoma; Furnishings; Chairs; Sofas; Tables;

Out of town swimming class at the American Red Cross. The Red Cross health and safety services program offered a broad range of instruction and consultation without cost, including first aid, accident prevention and swimming and life saving. The pair of swimmers in the water demonstrate standard lifeguard rescue procedure. The other girls wear a wide variety of fifties swimsuits, both one and two pieces, and standard bathing caps with chin straps.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Children swimming--Tacoma--1950-1960; Swimming pools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bathing suits; Teenagers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

John H. Anderson, on right, presents the gavel to Lloyd L. Wynans, the newly elected Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174. The installation ceremony for the new officers was one of the biggest nights on the organization's calendar. For the first time in sixty years, the ceremony was officiated by the Grand Exalted Ruler of the B.P.O.E., Emmett T. Anderson. ALBUM 14.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Wynans, Lloyd L.; Anderson, John H.; Gavels;

The outreach activity program sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Eagles for persons over 60 years of age met at the Eagles Lodge. The center opened once a week around 11 a.m. for informal games such as cards and chess. Coffee or tea was served at noon, participants could bring their own sandwiches. In the afternoon, there was community singing, a business meeting, educational classes, hobby classes, dancing or more cards. The programs were designed around the interests of the persons attending, with the Eagle lodge providing all neccessary equipment. The only charge was a nominal one for refreshments.

Fraternal Order of Eagles (Tacoma); Aged persons--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Sorority program at Masonic Temple. Roomful of mostly women watch intently the proceedings in front of them in this photograph from March of 1950. Two men and two women are on a small stage. The event occurred at the Masonic Temple, probably the one at 47 Saint Helens Ave. in Tacoma.

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Boy Scouts, Boy Scouts of America, Mt. Rainier Council, Mr. West. Six senior scouts who had already received their Eagle Scout awards were presented with the Explorer Ranger award. Bill Lloyd received the Eagle Scout award at the same ceremony. They are, L-R, back row: Don Nau, Don Haward, Clayton Beal, and Kenneth Dyment. Front row: Lewis Bradley, Bill Lloyd, and Bob Ricks. (TNT, 5/29/1949, p.C-12)

Boy Scouts (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Nau, Don; Howard, Don; Beal, Clayton; Dyment, Kenneth; Bradley, Lewis; Lloyd, Bill; Ricks, Bob;