The MSB #15 was one of two minesweepers launched at Tacoma Boat Building Company in September 1952. The MSBs were 57-foot minesweepers. Tacoma Boat would build five of the craft. (TNT, 9/21/1952, p.B-4)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

The AMS 115 was the second 144 foot minesweeper to be built at Tacoma Boat Building Company in 1952. AMS 113 was launched in July 1952. The 115 is seen here as she was launched at the boatyard.

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Holt - Ryland wedding. Newlyweds looking over a table full of wedding gifts which include various food items. The two laugh as the the former Frances Holt wields a rolling pin before her husband, Raymond Ryland. The couple were wed on October 22, 1952 in Sacred Heart Church. (TNT 10-29-1950, C-12-alt. wedding picture)

Weddings--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960; Holt, Frances; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Ryland, Raymond; Gifts; Cooking utensils;

Rose Marie Murphy and Bruce Courtney Dennis were married November 30, 1952, at the Gail Pauline Day Memorial Chapel at the College of Puget Sound. Rose Marie and Bruce are surrounded by members of their families. Rose Marie was the daughter of Kenneth and Rosa Murphy. Kenneth was the son of Mrs. Josephine Dennis of Seattle and Horton Dennis of Tacoma. Mrs. Pat Terry, the bride's sister, was matron of honor. Best man was Arthur Whitson. (TNT, 12/2/1952, p.10)

Brides--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Wedding costume--1950-1960; Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Families--Tacoma--1950-1960; Murphy, Rosemarie--Marriage; Dennis, Bruce; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

Rose Marie Murphy and Bruce Courtney Dennis were married November 30, 1952, at the Gail Pauline Day Memorial Chapel at the College of Puget Sound. Rose Marie feeds Bruce a ceremonial piece of wedding cake during their wedding reception. Rose Marie graduated from Lincoln High School and attended the College of Puget Sound. Bruce attended Stadium High School and the College of Puget Sound. He was a civil engineer. (TNT, 12/2/1952, p.10)

Brides--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Wedding costume--1950-1960; Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Receptions; Cakes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Murphy, Rosemarie--Marriage; Dennis, Bruce;

Kearns and Wold wedding. Portrait of wedding group: bride and groom, groomsmen and bridesmaids, ring bearer and flower girl. Lavish candelabras draped with greenery flank the group. The couple were wed in evening ceremonies on November 21, 1952.

Weddings--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Wedding attendants;

Wedding of Beverly Tropiano to Donald Arthur Johnson at St. Rita's Catholic Church, Tacoma, in February of 1953. Crowd assembling on steps of church following ceremony. Neighborhood houses across street.

Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tropiano, Beverly Mary--Marriage; St. Ritas Catholic Church (Tacoma);

A crowd of spectators await the launching of the minesweeper #489, the U.S.S. Gallant, built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding on the evening of June 4, 1954. Martinac Shipbuilding had received a contract to built nine 171-foot minesweepers for the Navy during the early 1950's. Those observing the launching heard Rear Adm. W.F. James, 13th Naval District medical officer, give the principal address. Mrs. Walter Meserole, daughter of J.M. Martinac, was the ship's sponsor. Music for the ceremony was provided by the McChord Air Force Band. (TNT 5-30-54, C-12)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

The twin daughters of Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Green, Marlene and Darlene Green, were married in a joint wedding ceremony at the Little Church on the Prairie, 6310 Motor Ave. S.W. in Lakewood, on August 11, 1954, their birthday. The two brides posed side-by-side in identical wedding gowns in front of the church altar. Both are wearing gowns heavily decorated in lace and satin covered with net. They appear to be carrying stephanotis bouquets and they have matching pearl necklaces. Marlene Green married Claude Flansburg while Darlene wed William Melville. (TNT 6-20-54, D-9, engagement picture, and information provided by family)

Twins; Weddings--Lakewood--1950-1960; Wedding costume--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960; Bouquets;

The Tacoma Boat Building Company, 132 Sitcum Waterway, launched two 57-foot minesweepers within minutes of each other on May 15, 1953, Armed Forces Day. The MSB-16 was sponsored by Carmen P. Smith of Seattle and the MSB-17 was sponsored by Mrs. E.A. Watson of Tacoma. MSB grade minesweeping boats did not receive names, they were referred to by their hull number. The Tacoma Boat Building Company received major contracts with the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard for over 40 years, building minesweepers, gunboats, and cutters. (TNT 5-17-53, B-7)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Government vessels--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Northwest Territory Centennial Parade. Float with covered wagon carrying State Centennial Queen Jackie. The float reads "They had faith and stout hearts" and represents the pioneering spirit of 1853. This was the most elaborate float in the parade. The covered wagon is being "driven" by State Centennial Queen Jackie Atkins of Port Orchard.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Atkins, Jackie;

Anderson and Niebergall wedding. Portrait of bride and groom beside two elaborate floral sprays. Mary Joan Anderson of Seattle wed Albert Durry Niebergall, formerly of Walla Walla, on June 13, 1953 in Puyallup. She is wearing a lace gown and carrying an orchid and statis (small white flowers) bouquet. The dark haired groom is in a white tuxedo. (TNT 6-25-1953, C-8)

Weddings--Puyallup--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Anderson, Mary Joan--Marriage; Niebergall, Albert Durry; Wedding clothing & dress--1950-1960; Flower arrangements;

Loye A. McGee (left), dressed as a circus ring master, stands next to his wife in this photograph taken March 14, 1953 at the Lakewood Recreation Hall. Mr. McGee managed the arrangements for the special Lakewood Dance Club party, based on a circus theme, held at the hall. Invitations to "The Greatest Show on Earth" were designed to look like old-fashioned circus bills. Refreshments at the dance included hot dogs and pink lemonade. Besides dancing, the evening included clowns, animals, trapeze artists and a side show. From left to right are: Mr. and Mrs. L. A. McGee, ringmaster, George Boldt, Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Miller. Photograph ordered by TNT. (TNT 3-18-53, p. 23)

Dance parties--Lakewood--1950-1960; Dancers--Lakewood; Signs (Notices);

A group of six men, two women and a little girl pose in front of the recently constructed USS Energy in preparation for its official launching on February 13, 1953. Four of the men are wearing naval uniforms; one woman is holding a large bouquet of roses. She may be the sponsor, Mrs. Alice McDonald Baughman of Seattle. Captain Clyde Jensen of the Bremerton Navy Yard was to give the principal address. The ship was built by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation, and was to be launched from the Bayview Shipyard. (TNT 2-1-53, B-2, TNT 2-14-53, p. 1)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Two majestic elk, festooned with blossoms, "pull" an old fashioned streetcar in the 1953 Daffodil parade. The float was entered by the Tacoma Elks Club; the surface of the float, including its sides and also the streetcar, are covered with daffodils. There is a policeman, dressed in an old-time uniform, and conductor on board along with several passengers. Photograph ordered by Jay Downs.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1953 : Tacoma); Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Festivals--Tacoma; Celebrations--Tacoma; Elk; Street railroads--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Herb Erickson leads his students in a melody during the 1953 Daffodil parade. He was a teacher of the Honolulu Conservatory of Music; the school taught accordion and guitar to aspiring musicians. View of Erickson conducting his ensemble of accordionists, guitarists and bass player. Hundreds of daffodils cover the float, including a shell and two musical symbols, as well as a multitude of wooden notes. Photograph orderd by Floyd Piper.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1953 : Tacoma); Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Honolulu Conservatory of Music (Tacoma); Erickson, Herb; Accordions; Guitars; Daffodils--Tacoma;

A masked model in a one piece swimsuit stands next to a plywood panel labelled "Sizing Up Mrs. Tacoma". The 1955 Tacoma Home Show had an added feature- a contest to find the perfect Mrs. Tacoma Housewife. Contestants had to be between 18 and 35, married, have at least one child and be Pierce County residents for at least 6 months. They were judged on "housewifely arts," poise, charm and appearance. Finalists were tested on how quickly they could make a bed, how well they could iron a shirt, and the looks and appearance of their best baked goods. Equally important was how well they had "trained" their husbands, judged by how well the males could change a diaper. Although contest organizers repeatedly stated that height and weight did not matter, Mrs. Tacoma would also need to parade in a swimsuit and high heels. The winner was Mrs. Lowell Doud, the wife of a lumberjack.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Beauty contests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bathing beauties; Bathing suits;

Launching of the AM 504, the second of three 171 foot minesweepers to be launched at Tacoma Boat Building. The keel was laid on the AM 504 October 25, 1953 and expected delivery to the Tacoma Naval Station for outfitting was November of 1955. On completion, the ship would be turned over to a foreign nation. Mrs. Charles S. Weeks, wife of the commander of the Tacoma Naval Station, would be the sponsor and her seven year old daughter June would be the flower girl. (TNT 3/20/1955, pg. B-6)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

In March of 1955 a model, believed to be Pat Murphy, demonstrated the pull out, top loading dishwasher that was installed in the ultra-modern kitchen of the model home built for the 1955 Tacoma Home Show. Built by the Tacoma Master Builders, the 1955 model home, called "Casa Manana" was advertised as the "home of tomorrow". Over 59 Tacoma firms took part in the construction and furnishing of the modern tri-level house which was located at 7028 Cherry Lane S.W. in Lakewood.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Kitchens--Lakewood--1950-1960;

The Cammarano Brothers' float won second place in the Industrial Division of the 1955 Daffodil Parade. It depicts the Golden Future of space travel. Two big headed Kewpie doll figures light a rocket ready to shoot off into space, while markers show the distance to the moon, sun and Milky Way. The crowd shields itself from the rain with umbrellas while the float rolls past. The best seats for the parade this year were the upper story windows, where viewers were shielded from the elements.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1955 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cammarano Bros. (Tacoma);

The theme of the Tacoma Kiwanis Club float was "Peace, the Golden Future." The float won second place in the Service Club Division of the 1955 Daffodil Parade. On the float, three girls sit amidst what appear to be blossoming cherry trees and doves. The girls appear to be shivering in their lacy shawls in the cool spring air.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1955 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Kiwanis Club (Tacoma);

This humorous float received Honorable Mention in the retail catagory. In keeping with the theme of "Golden Future," two women sit at the back of the float on the covered patio sipping ice tea and visiting while two robots mow the lawn and trim the hedges. The float was sponsored by McKinnon's Department store. The store was located at 3639 So. "G" and was owned by Ray and Alice B. McKinnon.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1955 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; McKinnon's Department Store (Tacoma);

The float entered by the Knights of Pythias won 3rd place in Division 4, Fraternal groups, in the 1955 Daffodil Parade. In keeping with the theme "Golden Future," steps labelled benevolence, charity and friendship lead to the doorway flanked with the words Universal Brotherhood. The Pythian symbol adorns the front of the float, a triangle within a triangle. The float is being pulled by a late model convertible.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1955 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Knights of Pythias (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Okano-Komoko wedding. A group of well-wishers greet the newlyweds as they exit the Tacoma Hongwanji Buddhist Church on June 9, 1958. The smiling bride carefully watches her footsteps as she descends the small steps while her beaming groom acknowledges the crowd. Sepia photograph ordered by Midori Okano.

Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Tacoma Hongwanji Buddhist Church (Tacoma); Japanese Americans--Tacoma;

Belgarde-Murphy wedding. A young couple, believed to be Mr. and Mrs. Ted Murphy, pose for photographs prior to their home wedding on May 17, 1958. They are taking advantage of the sunny morning to be photographed outdoors. She is wearing a sleeveless satin gown with full skirt and short veil and clutching a bouquet of carnations. The groom is by her side, holding her hand. Sepia photograph ordered by Mrs. Ted Murphy.

Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Wedding costume; Brides--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960;

Two men are being interviewed in front of the Cascade Electric exhibit booth at the 1959 Home show. The KTVW television camera looks on as the man to his right counts off to air time for the interviewer. Cascade Electric were electrical contractors located at 217 S 38th. Projects for 1959 for the team of Henry and Henry Hofner were the new south end high school, the legal arts building and a proposed 75 unit luxury apartment building. The booth is located next to the one of Rainier Lumber Co.; roofing, siding and remodeling. TPL-9642

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Cascade Electric Co. (Tacoma); Rainier Lumber Co. (Tacoma);

Twelve princesses for the 1956 Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival, dressed in Easter dresses and hats and holding baskets of flowers. Preparations were well underway for the 23rd annual Daffodil Festival to be held on April 9-15, 1956. Twelve candidates were vying for Queen. Seated left to right in row 1 are Dianne Divelbiss of Sumner and Judy Poolman of Sumner. 2nd row: Donna Kaelin of Sumner, Nancy Rosario of Sumner, Cheryl McDonald of Tacoma, Evelyn Strandley of Puyallup. 3rd row: Frances Delano of Puyallup, Connie Vandewall of Puyallup, Judy Nelson of Puyallup, Margaret Strachan of Tacoma. Top Row-Kathy Gustafson of Tacoma and Betty Zevenberger of Tacoma. Margaret Strachan was crowned Queen by Governor Arthur Langley April 9th in Spartan Hall in Sumner. The 18 year old Stadium High School senior was the first Tacoma girl ever elected Queen. Princesses were Diane Divelbiss, 17 year old Sumner senior, and Evelyn Strandley, 16 year old Puyallup junior. (TNT 4/1/1956, pg. D-1, TNT 4/10/1956, pg.1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1956); Divelbiss, Dianne; Poolman, Judy; Kaelin, Donna; Rosario, Nancy; McDonald, Cheryl; Strandley, Evelyn; Delano, Frances; Vandewall, Connie; Nelson, Judy; Strachan, Margaret; Gustafson, Kathy; Zevenberger, Betty;

The characters from the famous L. Frank Baum childrens' book "The Wizard of Oz" populate this float in the Daffodil Parade. Waving to the audience are Dorothy, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow and Princess Ozma of Oz. The Oz float was sponsored by the West Coast Grocery's Shop Rite Markets and won the Festival Award for 1956. The float had an 8 x 10 replica of the book and used 40,000 daffodils for coverage. (TNT 4/14/1956, pg. 1; 4/15/1956, pg. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1956 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The nursery rhyme "Mary Mary, quite contrary" is the theme of this float; Mary waves to the crowd as she waters streams of flowers on her garden of "pretty maids all in a row." This float was sponsored by the Sears and Roebuck Co. and won first place in the Retail division, division 8. The parade viewers are bundled up in coats and hats as the day was dull and overcast, but the pretty maids show off their stems in short skirts. (TNT 4/14/1956, pg. 1; 4/15/1956, pg. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1956 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sears, Roebuck & Co. (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Retail Trade Bureau seems to have transported this float directly from the Arabian Nights to the Daffodil Festival. Two harem girls in black two piece outfits adorn the front of the float, while the sultan sits cross legged in the rear. The two Nubian slaves appear to be floral mannequins. The flower bedecked float adheres to the 1956 theme of "Storytime in Daffodils" and won first place in Division 6, other clubs and organizations.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1956 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Retail Trade Bureau (Tacoma);