The 47th annual convention of the Pacific Coast Association of Fire Chiefs would be held in Tacoma for the first times on July 31 through August 3rd, 1940. Emory N. Whitacker, Tacoma Fire Chief, would play convention host to 500-700 chiefs from Washington, Oregon, California, Montana, Idaho and other western states. With wives and guests, the conventioneers would total over 1500. Pictured seated center is Chief Baker of Louistown, Mt., president of the Pacific Coast Fire Chiefs. Standing back left is Jay W. Stevens of San Francisco, Secretary of the Fire Chiefs. (T. Times 7/23/1940, pg. 2)

Pacific Coast Association of Fire Chiefs (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Stevens, Jay W.;

Community Chest. Portrait artist and subject at 13th and Pacific U.S.O. Volunteers provided many services for the military men stationed here. In January of 1943, portrait artist Laurie MacLeod posed with her painting of Chief Petty Officer Joe Catanzinto, of Punxsutawney, Penn., and the model himself. Mr. Catazinto drew the lucky number in the Wednesday contest at the USO Club at 13th & Pacific and won the sitting and portrait. He planned to send it to his family back home. Mrs. MacLeod held the drawing while her husband Robert MacLeod, also an artist, attended his Coast Guard Reserve meeting. The couple has a studio in New York until four years prior when they moved to this area and built a home at Lakota Beach. (TNT 2/3/1943, pg. 1)

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Military personnel--Tacoma; Portraits; MacLeod, Laurie; Catanzinto, Joe;

Portrait artist Laurie MacLeod paused in her painting to admire her likeness of Chief Petty Officer Joe Catanzinto, of Punxsutawney, Penn. Mr. Catanzinto drew the lucky number at the USO Club at 13th & Pacific, winning the free sitting and portrait. He plans to send it back home to his family. Mrs. MacLeod held a drawing each Wednesday night while her husband Robert MacLeod, a marine artist, attended his Coast Guard Reserve meeting. The couple had a studio in New York until four years prior when they came to the area and built a home at Lakota Beach. (TNT 2/3/1943, pg. 1)

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Military personnel--Tacoma; Portraits; MacLeod, Laurie; Catanzinto, Joe;

The Co-ed Club sponsored a social evening at the USO Club at 13th and Fawcett on Tuesday, July 21, 1942. Each Tuesday evening a different group took charge of the evening's entertainment and the late supper. Pictured around the punch bowl were club members and honored guests, left to right, Mrs. Kenneth Bourke, Mrs. Victor Vine, Pfc. LeRoy Strangeland, Marjorie Stewart, Peggy Shaw and Pvt. Sidney Jones. (TNT 7/25/1942, pg. 5)

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; Co-Ed Club (Tacoma); Strangeland, LeRoy; Shaw, Peggy; Jones, Sidney; Stewart, Marjorie;

The Epsilon Sigma Alpha business sorority held initiation ceremonies on November 11 and November 13, 1941. The young ladies are all wearing lovely floor-length evening gowns for the ceremonies. (T.times 11-18-41, p. 8-article only)

Epsilon Sigma Alpha (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Mayor Harry P. Cain, left center, shakes hands with Lee Croft, Tacoma delegate to the Eagles National Convention in Chicago in front of Eagles Hall before his departure. Aerie Pres. Joseph Karpack, is on left. Aux. Sec. Isabelle Severson, Sec. Fred Race on right. (TNT 8/13/1942 p.9)

Fraternal Order of Eagles (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Croft, Lee; Karpack, Joseph; Severson, Isabelle; Race, Fred;

The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Welders and Helpers Union #568 presented a check for $350 to the Elks to be used in their December 1942 Christmas party for needy children. Fred Humbert is pictured emptying a money bag of donations into the big Elks Stocking Fillers cash register outside the Elks Temple, 565 Broadway. Watching him are Elks and union members including Harry J. Lynch, chrm. of the Elks Christmas committee (at front - left) and Erling O. Johnson, Elks secretary-manager (at extreme right.) Other names are listed in the News Tribune article dated 12-22-42. Thanks to the generosity of these union members and other caring Tacomans, 650 children enjoyed a happy Christmas morning filled with fun and gifts. (TNT 12-22-42, p. 7-alt. photograph; TNT 12-26-42, p. 9-article on party)

International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Welders and Helpers Union #568 (Tacoma); Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Holidays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gifts; Cash registers; Lynch, Harry J.;

On September 28, 1942, R.A. Boedecker, on ladder, carefully mounts a War Chest poster on a street lamp while Carl Escene offers advice from below. Both men are officers of the Billposters Union, local 49, which is volunteering labor to post the War Chest signs in the business district and outlying shopping areas. The posters are a reminder of the upcoming War Chest fund raising campaign. The War Chest was a wartime branch of the Community Chest. The street light was located at 474 Market Street. (T. Times 9/30/1942, pg. 11)

Labor Unions--Tacoma; Labor leaders--Tacoma; Billposters Union, Local 49 (Tacoma); Boedecker, R.A.; Escene, Carl; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma);

On April 24, 1941, Mertice Brook, Pat Farris and Mildred Holstrum are preparing candles for the May 3 party celebrating the 60 year anniversary of the Young Women's Christian Association's Girl Reserves. Two are working with cut paper, the other putting birthday candles on marshmallows. The Girl Reserves was a Christian organization for grammar through high school girls sponsored by the Young Women's Christian Association. (T.Times 5/1/1941 p.11)

Girl Reserves (Tacoma); Anniversaries--Tacoma; Young Women's Christian Association (Tacoma); Brook, Mertice; Farris, Pat; Holstrum, Mildred;

Junior League provisionals at Kathryn King's residence. Pictured in front of the King home at 615 No. Yakima Ave. are Mrs. Henry Walker, Mrs. Robert Pfeiffer, Audsley Fraser and Leona (Mrs. Jospeph Jr.) Long. (T. Times 10/4/1941, pg. 5)

Junior League (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Publicity for Community Chest. Children at Y.W.C.A. pool. A swimming instructor helps a young student on the diving board while parents look on from the gallery above. The YWCA pool had stayed open for the first time all summer long in 1942. With a shortage of gasoline and tires and with both parents often working in the defense industry, wartime vacations were almost non existent. The pool gave kids stuck at home on those long summer days something to look forward to. [Also dated 08-24-1942]

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

Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4 was the local chapter of the Knights Templar of Washington. View of Ivanhoe club members gathered together for their April, 1946, meeting at the Masonic Temple. Man in front row, second from left is wearing the grand commander cloak, cap and sash.

Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar (Tacoma);

National President of the Cooks, Waiters, Waitresses and Bartenders Union christening new building. This new building was purchased for $68,500 and will house the new local union headquarters. The new building will have a comfortable lobby, clubroom, union hall and kitchen. The building is expected to be dedicated in December of this year. View of National president and union members outside of new building.

Labor unions--Tacoma; Organizations' facilities--Tacoma; Labor leaders--Tacoma; Cooks, Waiters, Waitresses & Bartenders Union Local No. 61 (Tacoma);

In 1919 the Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 of the American Legion drew together a group of veterans at the Tacoma Armory to consider an organization and elect a delegate to the first national convention of the Legion in St. Louis. Regular meetings started soon afterwards. Since then new veterans are inducted on a regular basis. American Legion post No. 2, veterans of World War II installations, view of eight men receiving their oaths.

Veterans' organizations--Tacoma; Conference rooms--Tacoma; Oaths--Tacoma; American Legion (Tacoma); Murals;

Women of the Moose are honoring visitors. Bessie Lovitt, Graduate Grand Regent from Long Beach, California and Mrs. Elmer Eggleston, Grand Regent, of Seattle are both guests from the College of Regents. In honor of Ms. Lovitt a class of candidates will be initiated in the Moose. View of moose head above Ladies Degree Team at Moose Temple (T. Times, 5/11/46, p. 2).

Women--Clubs--Tacoma; Evening gowns--Tacoma; Moose; Hunting trophies; Moose Temple (Tacoma);

Camp Fire Girls packing Community Chest Red Feathers.

Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Girls--Tacoma--1940-1950; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Mayor Val Fawcett with woman believed to be his wife Linda at Gyro Club District Convention function at Tacoma Golf and Country Club in August of 1946. The three day annual convention of the Gyro Club District Number 4 attracted 500 delegates representing 18 clubs from Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. The Gyro Club is a non-profit service club that promotes friendship. ALBUM 14.

Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gyro Club (Tacoma); Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965;

Cooks and Waiters Union, new officers. Substantial wage increases for employees of restaurants in Tacoma and Pierce County were provided in a new agreement executed August 27, 1946, effective September 1, 1946 - June 1, 1948, between the Pierce County Division of the Washington State Restaurant Men's Association and Local #61 of the Cooks and Waiters Union. (T.Times, 8/28/1946, p.1)

Labor unions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Labor leaders--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cooks, Waiters, Waitresses & Bartenders Union Local No. 61 (Tacoma);

Traveler's Aid, "10,000th" person placed. When Pvt. and Mrs. Lowell Haines checked in at the Travelers Aid desk at Union Depot they became the 9,999th and 10,000th visitors to be given temporary housing by the USO - Travelers Aid since April 1, 1942. Edith Clayton was behind the counter to assist them. Flight Officer and Mrs. John Wilmering are waiting in the background. (T.Times, 6/4/1945, p.1) TPL-6420

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Travelers' Aid (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; Clayton, Edith; Wilmering, John; Haines, Lowell; Union Station (Tacoma); Railroad travel--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The Tacoma/Pierce County League of Garden Clubs met in December of 1945 to make Christmas decorations to be used at Madigan Hospital. Their goal was to make 500 decorations. The all-day work program was held at the Red Cross building at 702-04 Broadway. Members were asked to bring evergreen clippings from their own gardens and their own pruning clippers. Holly was requested as well as Christmas tree trimmings and pine cones. (T.Times, 12/19/1945, p.10-article)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Christmas decorations; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; League of Garden Clubs (Tacoma);

A young family is seeking a place to stay from the Home Service. They are providing information to a woman helping them at the service window who is completing a form for them. This is another service provided by the Red Cross in Tacoma.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Home Service--Tacoma; Families--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A young woman from the Red Cross with two baskets meets troops coming home from the Pacific through the Port of Tacoma. Troops are smiling reaching into one of the baskets for something to eat. Other troops in the background can be seen drinking milk which was also given out by the Red Cross. The Tacoma area was suffering under record low temperatures this holiday season and the Red Cross volunteer has worn heavy clothes to try to keep warm.

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

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);

Members of the Tahoma Guild of the Tacoma Orthopedic Association are shown with a "Wishing Candle". The candles were placed in various clubs and restaurants in Tacoma. When someone adds coins to the base of the candle holder they are entitled to make a wish. The guild met in the home of Mrs. Robert Weller. L-R, Miriam (Mrs. J. Marvin) Lynn, Vera B. (Mrs. Artrudeo L.) Lee, Mrs. Charles Denzler, Myra J. (Mrs. Elmun R.) Fetterolf, Mrs. James J. Healy, Vina M. (Mrs. Herman) Brandes, Hazel B. (Mrs. Arthur) York and Rose Z. (Mrs. Robert R.) Weller. (T.Times, 12/7/1946, p.9)

Tacoma Orthopedic Association (Tacoma); Lynn, Miriam; Lee, Vera B.; Fetterolf, Myra J.; Brandes, Vina M.; York, Hazel B.; Weller, Rose; Weller, Rose--Homes & haunts;

Red Cross activities, Mrs. Strong. By February of 1944 there were over four million Red Cross volunteers throughout the United States. Although many worked as typists, clerks, and ambulance drivers, there were also volunteers that supported the war with needle and thread. These Tacoma women, seated at tables fitted with sewing machines, standing at an ironing board and seated with hand sewing, are sewing garments for hospitals and refugees. Several finished garments are hanging at the back of the room. (T.Times, 2/29/1944, p.1)

Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Sewing--Tacoma; Sewing machines;

Red Cross activities, Mrs. Strong. Many women wearing red cross uniforms are seated at tables with small pieces of fabric and templates folding bandages. This is the surgical dressing room. Two other women are seen through a doorway working with ledgers. Red Cross workers make surgical dressings, drive ambulances, work as typists, clerks, and visit the sick in their efforts to help people in need. (T.Times, 2/29/1944, p.1), (TNT, 2/27/1944, p.1)

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

Lakewood Log picture of boy and articles from India and China. View of an unidentified Boy Scout handling Chinese and Indian artifacts. Photo was taken for the Lakewood Log, a weekly newspaper based out of the Lakewood Community Center, on May 8, 1944.

Boy Scouts (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Arms & armament--Chinese; Lakewood Log (Lakewood);

Tacoma Credit Women (6) in studio. View of five unidentified women and Signe Sutherland (third from right) were members, and possibly the officers, of the Tacoma Retail Credit Association. They are wearing stylish business suits with open-toe shoes; their hats, handbags, gloves and furs make these women look quite distinguished.

Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fur garments; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Retail Credit Association (Tacoma);

In July of 1943, three members of the uniformed Red Cross Motor Corp. placed boxes in the back of a wood-paneled station wagon parked in front of the Uhlman Block building at 824 A Street in Tacoma. Left to right, Marjorie (Mrs. Richard) Boardman was loading the vehicle with surgical dressing materials, Mrs. George Osgood was packing magazines for hospitalized servicemen and Etta (Mrs. Allan H.) Moody stood ready to drive the cargo to its final destination at Fort Lewis. The Motor Corps was responsible for transporting materials to Red Cross production units, as well as delivering the finished product, and for driving volunteers to the base hospitals. The 1889 Uhlman Block building, 824 A Street, designed by Pickles & Sutton, is in the background. The building was demolished in 1951. (T. Times 7/3/1943, pg. 4)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boardman, Marjorie; Moody, Etta; Osgood, George--Family;