Last Man Club, American Legion, November 30, 1946. Eighteen men stand behind six empty chairs draped with American flags during their annual meeting held at the Hotel Winthrop. The Last Man Club was formed by World War I veterans who were also past Commanders of the Edward B. Rhodes Post of the American Legion in December of 1938. A bottle of 1917 cognac was reserved for the sole survivor to drink a toast to his fallen fellow members.

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

Red Cross. Hundreds of Christmas gifts have been wrapped and are placed on tables. Three Red Cross workers are busily wrapping more gifts at the table in the upper center. TPL-1964.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Gifts; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950;

University Union Club. Wives of the executive board received other wives of members at a Christmas Tea on December 13th, 1946. L-R, Beryl (Mrs. Edward) Gazecki, Peggy E. (Mrs. Ted) Brown, Catherine (Mrs. Arthur) Gunderson, Barbara B. (Mrs. Warren Y.) Hull, Grace M. (Mrs. C. Nathan) Lynn, Alice G. (Mrs. Charles M.) Fogg, and Florence B. (Mrs Clifford) Sayre. (T.Times, 12/14/1946, p.8)

Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hats--1940-1950; Gazecki, Beryl; Brown, Peggy E.; Gunderson, Catherine L.; Hull, Barbara B.; Lynn, Grace M.; Fogg, Alice G.; Sayre, Florence B.;

Red Cross had just started their annual fund raising campaign in Pierce County. Red Cross volunteers and community members were getting ready to begin asking for donations from individuals, families and businesses. Members from the Tacoma Boy's Clubs are loading up Red Cross fund raising campaign posters and information into someone's car. "Give Now '47" and "The Red Cross Carries On" are printed on the posters.

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Posters; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Tacoma Boys' Club (Tacoma);

Junior Red Cross volunteers were busy working on making bedside gardens to distribute to elderly shut ins for Easter. Left to right: Edna Mae Strobel, Maxine McKenney, Judy Tucker, Pat Kelly, Jon Willingham and Billy Marshall (kneeling). The children are working with Irma Hagen and Edith Ackerman in the Junior Red Cross community service program (T. Times, 3/20/47, p. 24).

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gardening--Tacoma; Children--Arts & crafts; Children drawing & painting--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Josephine Graves shares with Kay Thompson her new April 28, 1947 issue of Life Magazine. The pictured mothers and daughters are taking a break from planning the University Union Club's springtime social event, the Mothers and Daughters' Tea, to peruse the magazine's pictures of the Mad Hatter's Tea Party from the American Repertory Theatre's production of "Alice in Wonderland." The tea will be held May 21, 1947 at the club with entertainment and corsages for all the mothers. L-R, back row: Jean M. (Mrs. Armond) Marion, Suzanne Marion, Mary B. (Mrs. George) Russell, Milfred Russell, and Janice Graves. Front row: Jane Thompson, Iris T. (Mrs. William) Healy, Helen B. (Mrs. J. Arthur) Thompson, Kay Thompson, and Josephine M. (Mrs. Jay P.) Graves. In foreground, Katherine Healy. (T.Times, 5/17/1947, p.9)

Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Girls--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Rainbow Convention. The Pierce County Rainbow Girls were hostesses to the 21st annual session of the Grand Assembly of the Order of the Rainbow for girls which was held June 22, 23, and 24, 1947. Over 1,500 young ladies from Washington, Idaho, and Alaska attended. Several drill teams performed. The winning teams were announced on the afternoon of the last day. Eighteen young women cadets form a V-shaped formation. The young woman on the far right is wearing an all-white uniform. (T.Times, 6/23/1947, p.1)

Rainbow Girls (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Drill teams; Teenagers--1940-1950; Uniforms;

Benbow Lakes, Red Cross Aquatic School for the Northwest, 75 men, 56 women. Some of the trainees take time for trying out the swings, see saw and ping pong table during the 10-day aquatic safety school.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Safety; Lifesaving; Bathing suits; Benbow Lakes Resort (Kapowsin); Lakes & ponds--Kapowsin;

Children who have learned swimming under the Red Cross, American Red Cross, Mrs. Thomsen. A group of girls stand in the pool while one of the swimming instructors helps one of the girls learn to float in the water. More girls sit around the edges of the pool watching. Free swimming lessons were offered to Tacoma Youth through a program sponsored by the Tacoma recreation commission. (T. Times, 7/30/1947, p.5)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Children swimming--Tacoma--1940-1950; Swimming pools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bathing suits; Teenagers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Children who have learned swimming under the Red Cross, American Red Cross, Mrs. Thomsen. A large group of boys stand in the pool at Lincoln High School watching while the instructor helps one of the boys learn how to float. Over 5,000 free lessons were given so far that summer. All instructors were trained at an American Red Cross safety institute. The free lessons were open to children from 8 to 17 years of age.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Children swimming--Tacoma--1940-1950; Swimming pools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bathing suits; Teenagers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Eastern Star at the Armory. This session was the Order of Eastern Star's 59th annual session. They expected 2,000 to attend representing 45,000 in the state from 225 chapters. (T.Times, 6/17/1947, p.6)

Order of Eastern Star (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Eastern Star Convention at the New Yorker Cafe, Margaret Kinnich. These are five of the men and women who attended the banquet for past grand matrons and past grand patrons from the Order of Eastern Star during the session held in Tacoma June 19 - 21, 1947. (T.Times, 6/12/1947, p.10)

Order of Eastern Star (Tacoma); New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Here are the big winners in the 1947 Tacoma Poggie Club Father-Son-Daughter Salmon Derby held at Point Defiance on July 13th. At the left, Richard Sheriff holds his top prize bicycle while his dad, Johnny Sheriff holds their 18 lb. 13 oz. salmon. At the right are Judy Weller and her father C.J. (Bud) Weller. Judy's King salmon weighed in at 2 oz. less then Richard's. She also won a new bike. In the center is Ted Lowe proudly holding his second place catch.(T.Times, 7/14/1947, p.1) TPL-4786

Poggie Club (Tacoma); Fishing; Children fishing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Awards; Salmon; Bicycles & tricycles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sheriff, Johnny; Sheriff, Richard; Lowe, Ted; Weller, Judy; Weller, C.J.; Waterfronts;

For the second November in a row, the Tahoma Guild of the Tacoma Orthopedic Association in 1947 set out "Wishing Candles" in many restaurants as a fund raiser for a much needed children's hospital in Tacoma. People were asked to donate coins as they made a wish. From left to right, guild members Mrs. Betty Vogel, co-chairman of the project Hazel B. (Mrs. Arthur) York, and Myra J. (Mrs. E.R.) Fetterolf light one of the "Wishing Candles" at an unidentified restaurant. (T. Times 11-21-47, p. 15)

Tacoma Orthopedic Association (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Candles; Vogel, Betty; York, Hazel B.; Fetterolf, Myra J.;

The Steel Workers Organizing Committee later became known as the United Steel Workers of America, including a chapter located in Tacoma, Washington. The United Steel Workers of America Local Number 2626 had members throughout the iron, steel and metallurgical industries in Tacoma. View of Permanente Metals employees in plant, photo ordered by United Steel Workers of America.

Laborers--Tacoma; United Steel Workers of America Union Local No. 2626 (Tacoma); Aluminum industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Industrial facilities--Tacoma; Labor unions--Tacoma; Permanente Metals Corp. (Tacoma)--Employees;

Tacoma Art League was presenting the work of Colonel C. Ross Greening at the Washington State Historical Building. Colonel Greening painted his graphic paintings while in a German Prison Camp. Colonel Greening was the inventor of the "10 Cent Bomb Site", this technique was used by Colonel James Doolittle in his Tokyo raid. View of Colonel C. Ross Greening explaining his art work to a member of the Tacoma Art League (T. Times, 1/24/48, p. 5).

Tacoma Art League (Tacoma); Art exhibitions--Tacoma; Art; Painting--Tacoma; Artists--Tacoma; Washington State Historical Building (Tacoma); Veterans; Greening, C. Ross;

The Tacoma Girl Scouts held a Fashion Revue at the Temple Theater on March 20, 1948. The proceeds would benefit the St. Alban's Girl Scout Camp. The Girl Scouts showed traditional and new scouting clothes as well as sports outfits and fashion clothes furnished by Rhodes Brothers Department Store. Background music was provided by Arnold Levenenze at the organ. Four young girls and boys wearing their Sunday best and two teenage girls wearing two-piece bathing suits wait in the sidelines, with four women organizers, for their turn on the runway. Ordered by Jerry Hurley, Rhodes Brothers. (T.Times, 3/12/1948, p.6; 3/23/1948, p.5)

Girl Scouts (Tacoma); Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bathing suits; Coats; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children & adults--Tacoma; Teenagers;

The staff of the Progressive Italian-American Club stand behind the clubs newly modernized bar. The PIA Club was about to celebrate their remodeling by hosting a complimentary buffet luncheon for fraternal and social members and the press. The club, at 739 St. Helens, had been totally remodeled, at a cost of over $70,000 - almost twice the original budget. Rocco Manza, the club manager, and Frank A. Reda, the social chairman, had made elaborate preparations for the event. The same location was later home to Honan's Restaurant. (T. Times, 3/14/46, p. 9).

Italian Americans--Clubs--Tacoma; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Progressive Italian American Club (Tacoma); Dohrmann Hotel Supply Co. (Tacoma);

ca. 1947. Dohrmann Hotel Supply Co. interior and exterior of Progressive Italian American Club. Chefs in the kitchen preparing for a banquet.

Italian Americans--Clubs--Tacoma; Kitchens--Tacoma--1940-1950; Progressive Italian American Club (Tacoma); Dohrmann Hotel Supply Co. (Tacoma);

Barn yard dance at Woodbrook Hunt Club, Lakewood Orthopedic Club, Mrs. VanWinkle. "Calico Capers" was sponsored by the Lakewood Orthopedic Association on April 24, 1948. Hay and spring flowers decorated the club. "Gals in gingham and lads in jeans" danced to old-time music and more contemporary music. Here we see Thelma and William M. Busch dancing to the music. Bob Hager led the group in square dances. The Lakewood Guild was one of the newer of the 37 guilds associated with the Tacoma Orthopedic Association. Part of the proceeds were used by the association for maintenance of the orthopedic clinic at Pierce County Health Center. (T.Times, 4/21/1948, p.7; 5/1/1948, p.10)

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Tacoma Orthopedic Association, Lakewood Guild (Lakewood); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubs--Lakewood; Busch, William; Busch, Thelma; Dancers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

40 et 8 Parade, Times, Sandegren. The 40 et 8 auxiliary of the American Legion was known as the fun group. As part of the Goof Parade men, dressed as women wearing mops for hair, dresses, and on one case, women's underwear on top of long johns, march and play drums and cymbals. They are seen here along Pacific Avenue in front of Puget Sound Auto Electric (wholesale radios at 707 Pacific Avenue) and Bergh-Griggs Company (plumbers at 709 Pacific Avenue).

American Legion (Tacoma); Veteran's organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; 40 et 8 auxiliary (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Goof Parade (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Cross dressing--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Scottish Rite. Scottish Rite degrees were conferred at the 78th annual spring reunion at Masonic Temple May 15, 1945, according to J. Earl Horton, Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection. (T.Times, 5/14/1945, p.9)

Group portraits--1940-1950; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Horton, J. Earl; Scottish Rite (Tacoma); Masonic Temple (Tacoma);

Tacoma Orthopedic Guild group. Twenty-two women gather around two large tables in their new quarters at Pierce County Health Center. Volunteers assembled at the health center to begin training for clinics beginning in September. The association has sponsored examinations and care for disabled children since 1921. Names listed in Tacoma Times. (T.Times, 8/30/1945, p.11)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hats--1940-1950; Tacoma Orthopedic Association (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In February of 1946, when this photograph of three teenage boys from Clover Park was taken, the Red Cross was just starting its 1946 fund drive. Tacoma's hospitals were overcrowded, and there was a shortage of nurses. These boys are getting ready to help by learning home nursing skills. The boy at the far left seems to be making a cup of tea. The one at the right is holding a copy of the Red Cross Home Nursing handbook. For some reason the Red Cross did not use this photo in their newspaper campaign.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Nursing; Teenagers; Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clover Park High School (Lakewood);

In February of 1946, the Red Cross was offering an "equal opportunity" class in home nursing at Clover Park High School. Instructor Mrs. John Steele, RN, was trekking to the school four days a week to teach three classes of nursing students. One of the classes was made up only of boys, the first all male home nursing class in Pierce County. In the photograph, the group of male students surrounded the bed where a Red Cross nurse, possibly Mrs. Steele, was tucked in. One of the boys brought a tray of medicines to help treat her. Many of the boys wear aprons. An unidentified man watched from the far right as the good natured nurse played an invalid. (TT 2/19/1946, pg. 10- article)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Nursing; Teenagers; Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clover Park High School (Lakewood);

Publicity, Girls selling Follies tickets, Junior League, Nancy Custis. The Junior League Follies would be held November 12th and 13th, 1947. Two Junior League members show the program from the upcoming Follies to encourage a young shoe salesman to buy tickets to the fund raising event. Proceeds from the show would benefit the Tacoma Occupational Therapy Workshop.

Junior League (Tacoma); Junior League Follies (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Shoes; Shoe stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Junior League proviso. A committee of four Junior League "Follies" committee chairs meet with Robert H. Gage, an advance man, at the Tacoma Country Club to coordinate preparatory activities for the Follies which will be presented at Temple Theater November 12 and 13, 1947. Mr. Gage was in Tacoma from the Jerome H. Cargill organization of New York City The women are, L-R, Mrs. Emile Sacanno, Betye M. (Mr. Elbert H, II) Baker, Caroll (Mrs. Thomas) Carstens, and Sally G. (Mrs. Thomas) Moffitt. (T.Times, 8/30/1947, p.9)

Junior League (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Baker, Betye M.; Carstens, Caroll; Moffitt, Sally G.; Gage, Robert H.;

On Thursday October 9, 1947, the Tacoma Charter of Building Laborers and Hod Carriers honored three members with honorary life membership at a dinner in their union hall. D. L. McInnis became a member in 1916; Joe Collins in 1917; and Dan Avery , a member of the local in Denver, CO in 1888, helped establish the Tacoma chapter when he moved to Tacoma in 1905 and was present when it received its charter in 1911. Left to right, D. L. McInnis, Joe Collins and Dan Avery (T. Times, 10/10/47, p. 12).

Labor unions--Tacoma; Labor leaders--Tacoma; Charters--Tacoma; Aged persons--Tacoma; Building Laborers & Hod Carriers Union Local No. 252 (Tacoma); McInnis, D.L.; Collins, Joe; Avery, Dan;

Fred Wheeler (left) and Charles McDonald congratulate each other as the two newly elected labor leaders for the Cooks, Waiters, Waitresses and Bartenders Local No. 61. The union held a special two day election, Wheeler was appointed the new Outside Business Representative and McDonald the local Secretary-Treasurer. The newly elected labor leaders will officially take over their duties on November 15, 1947.

Labor leaders--Tacoma; Labor unions--Tacoma; Cooks, Waiters, Waitresses & Bartenders Union Local No. 61 (Tacoma); McDonald, Charles E.; Wheeler, Fred T.;

On Sunday April 11, 1948, 20 members of Tacoma Painters' Union, Local 64, helped to kick off the Clean-up Tacoma campaign by giving the Tacoma totem pole a fresh coat of paint. Working to the music of Max Frolic and 27 of Tacoma's union musicians, the painters finished the job in just 72 minutes. Einar Nelson, head of Tacoma's Steelworkers' Union, and his men, put up the steel scaffold used by the painters on Saturday. In comments by Mayor Fawcett, he stated: "Tacoma can well be proud of the part labor, as represented by the tree participating unions, plays in our community life". (T.Times, 4/12/1948, p.1)

Totem poles--Tacoma; Labor unions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Urban beautification--Tacoma--1940-1950; Painting--Tacoma; Scaffolding--Tacoma;