Bob Dickinson's Orchestra had just opened up at the Winthrop Hotel's Wedgwood Room. Bob was a talented musician who could play six different instruments and sing solos. Dickinson had been the musical director of KOMO and KRJ, two Seattle based radio stations. Bob was said to have a longtime friendship with Bing Crosby. View of orchestra leader, Bob Dickinson (See images D33864-1 & 5).

Orchestras--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Portrait photographs; Singing--Tacoma; Portraits; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Dickinson, Bob;

Bob Dickinson's Orchestra had just opened up at the Winthrop Hotel's Wedgwood Room. Bob was a talented musician who could play six different instruments and sing solos. Dickinson had played throughout Washington and California, he had been playing in Seattle for over ten years, and in Tacoma for the past eight. View of orchestra leader, Bob Dickinson (See images D33864-1 & 5).

Orchestras--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Portrait photographs; Singing--Tacoma; Portraits; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Dickinson, Bob;

Louie Grenier's Orchestra was about to begin playing at the Top of the ocean club and restaurant. The orchestra and their leader would also be participating in Tacoma's annual Musician's Ball at the Century Ballroom. Tacoma's most popular band leaders and their orchestras would participate in this big event. View of the Louie Grenier Orchestra (T.N.T., 4/29/49, p. 19).

Orchestras--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Entertainers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pianos; Microphones; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Grenier, Louie;

College of Puget Sound's Campus Playcrafters were performing their annual spring play in the Jones Hall auditorium. Student thespians were performing "If I Were King", this performance was open to the public. Leading roles were being portrayed by: Barbara Rowe, Dale Nelson, Harold Simonson, Robert D. Peterson and Gretchen Swayze. View of students on stage at Jones Hall (T.N.T., 4/27/49, p. 8).

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Stage props; Stages (Platforms); Universities & colleges--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry at the microphone of Studio A at KMO in the Keyes Building in Tacoma. Mr. Autry was a guest on Cherokee Jack's live 5 pm. broadcast on July 15, 1949. Later that evening Mr. Autry would appear at the College of Puget Sound's Memorial Fieldhouse with many other radio and motion picture entertainers in a Western variety show. Cherokee Jack Henley, guitar in hand, is standing to the right of the versatile singer/actor. Shorty Justis is sitting behind, and to the right, of Jack. Shorty went on to work at KTNT-TV, Channel 11 as a switcher. ALBUM 8.

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers; Autry, Gene, 1907-1998; KMO Radio Station (Tacoma); Radio stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma--1940-1950; Henley, Jack;

Western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry (left) was photographed with Cherokee Jack Henley of the Western Rhythm Ridin' Wranglers during a broadcast from the KMO studio in the Keyes Building on Broadway on July 15, 1949. Cherokee Jack appeared with his Wranglers at dance halls throughout the area. His radio program frequently featured country/western celebrities when they were either performing in or passing through Tacoma. Mr. Autry had flown in that Friday, July 15, 1949, in his own private plane for a one-night variety show co-sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission and the College of Puget Sound. Mayor C.V. Fawcett had proclaimed July 15th as Gene Autry Day in Tacoma. TPL-4753 ALBUM 8. (TNT ad for Cherokee Jack, 7-14-49, p. 27; 7-14-49, p. 27-proclamation)

Autry, Gene, 1907-1998; Singers; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma--1940-1950; Henley, Jack;

Western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry (center with white hat) with a group of unidentified men at Cushman Indian Hospital on July 15, 1949. Mr. Autry made the most of his one-day stay in Tacoma with a visit to the Cushman Hospital to visit sick children, a radio broadcast on KMO, and capped it off with the Tacoma Athletic Commission - College of Puget Sound variety show at Memorial Fieldhouse. ALBUM 8.

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers; Autry, Gene, 1907-1998; Hospitals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cushman Indian Hospital (Tacoma); Indians of North America; Celebrities;

Western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry demonstrates trick riding on his horse Champion during a show at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on July 15, 1949. Champion Jr. also joined his famed sire on stage later that evening. The 12-act western musical variety show was sponsored jointly by the Tacoma Athletic Commission and the College of Puget Sound. Mr. Autry's troupe of western motion picture stars and radio entertainers included M.C. assistant to Mr. Autry, comedian Pat Buttram and vaudevillian Rufe Davis. (TNT 7-15-49, p. 13, 7-16-49, p. 3) TPL-148. ALBUM 8.

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers; Autry, Gene, 1907-1998; Horses--Tacoma--1940-1950; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Trick riding--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On July 15, 1949, western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry and his horse Champion took a bow during a show at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. The well-trained horse was kneeling on his forelegs with Mr. Autry, in western garb, in the saddle. The audience of 5,000 was treated to singing, skits and the special appearances of Champion and his son, Champion Jr., during the joint College of Puget Sound - Tacoma Athletic Commission one-night variety show. Gene Autry was America's favorite "Singing Cowboy" and he became famous in film, radio, television, and live theater and rodeo performances. (TNT 7-15-49, p. 13, TNT 7-16-49, p. 3; www.autry.com) ALBUM 8.

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers; Autry, Gene, 1907-1998; Horses--Tacoma--1940-1950; Trick riding--Tacoma--1940-1950; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

The play has 30 experienced professional actors travelling with the production throughout the United States. More than 75 actors were local talent, including students from Lincoln High School and Stadium High School. Music is provided by 18 chorus members from Tacoma, under the direction of Clayton Johnson, music director at Stadium High School. View of actor, fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

The original Black Hills Passion Play was said to one of the most colorful ever presented on a Tacoma stage. The show was sold for most of the matinee and evening performances. The play takes us through the last supper, the crucifixion, the resurrection and the ascension. View of one of the actors in full costume, possibly Pontius Pilate; he was part of the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Joseph Meier came from Germany during the 1930's, he has been a part of biblical plays for many years, and has won the reputation of being the world's outstanding "Christus" portrayer. View of actor, Joseph Meier, portraying Christ; he is fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Meier, Joseph;

Tacoma Council of Churches was the sponsoring organization for the original Black Hills Passion Play, this play would be showing four matinees and four evening shows at Tacoma's Temple Theatre. View of one of the actors in full costume, possibly King Herod; he was part of the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Black Hills Passion Play was a great success in Tacoma, this famous play offered a wonderful story with beautiful costumes and talented actors. All performances at the Temple Theatre were very well attended. View of actor, Joseph Meier, portraying Christ; he is fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Meier, Joseph;

The play is said to have offered their audiences wonderful acting by actors with a great deal of experience and beautiful costumes and scenery. View of actress, Mrs. Joseph Meier, she is portraying Mary the Mother of Christ; she is fully dressed in her costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actresses--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Meier, Joseph--Family;

The play has 30 experienced professional actors travelling with the production throughout the United States. More than 75 actors were local talent, including students from Lincoln High School and Stadium High School. Music is provided by 18 chorus members from Tacoma, under the direction of Clayton Johnson, music director at Stadium High School. View of actor, fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

The original Black Hills Passion Play was playing at Tacoma's Temple Theatre for four days, the performances were being sponsored by the tacoma Council of Churches. View of actress portraying one of the characters from the Black Hills Passion Play, she is fully dressed in her costume (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actresses--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Stages (Platforms); Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

St. Leo's High School and Bellarmine High School presented "The Spanish Belle", an operetta in two acts, at St. Leo's auditorium April 30 and May 2, 1950. Here we see two of the young male actors dressed as Spanish women and an English tourist as part of the humorous sketches that were worked into the action. Ordered by Sister Lavinia. (TNT, 4/30/1950, p.C-13)

Operas & operettas--Tacoma; Stage props; Costumes; Students--Tacoma; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); St. Leo's Parochial School (Tacoma);

St. Leo's High School and Bellarmine High School presented "The Spanish Belle", an operetta in two acts, at St. Leo's auditorium April 30 and May 2, 1950, under the direction of Sister Mary Lavinia of St. Leo's and Father John Thatcher, S.J., of Bellarmine. Here we see two of the young male actors dressed as Spanish women as part of the humorous sketches that were worked into the action. Ordered by Sister Lavinia. (TNT, 4/30/1950, p.C-13)

Operas & operettas--Tacoma; Stage props; Costumes; Students--Tacoma; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); St. Leo's Parochial School (Tacoma);

St. Leo's High School and Bellarmine High School presented "The Spanish Belle", an operetta in two acts, at St. Leo's auditorium April 30 and May 2, 1950. A line of tap-dancers are shown in costume. Bob Columbini originated and directed the dances. The orchestra was directed by Louis Greiner. Ordered by Sister Lavinia. Names of the more than 20 dancers in the operetta are listed in the newspaper. (TNT, 4/30/1950, p.C-13)

Operas & operettas--Tacoma; Stage props; Costumes; Students--Tacoma; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); St. Leo's Parochial School (Tacoma);

Each year the officers of the Pre-school section of the Tacoma Council of Parent-Teacher Associations gave a get-acquainted party to welcome the new presidents of the local pre-school associations.The theme for the party held on October 3, 1951, at the Jefferson Park fieldhouse, was "Bibs and Pinafores." Here we see Mrs. Oscar Nero creating a fingerpainting while Mrs. William Larson and Mrs. Raymond Telling offer good hearted encouragement. (TNT 9-30-51, D-9, TNT 10-6-51, p. 5)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Costumes; Tacoma Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (Tacoma); Educational organizations--Tacoma; Women--Tacoma--1950-1960; Nero, Oscar--Family; Larson, William--Family; Telling, Raymond--Family;

Actor Keenan Wynn, right, in earnest conversation with French actress Denise Darcel and an unidentified military officer on November 5, 1951, at a McChord Field Officer's Club dance. Mr. Wynn was the son of legendary comedian Ed Wynn but developed his own niche as a first-rate character actor. He appeared in varied roles in such films as See Here Private Hargrove, Kiss Me Kate, Dr. Strangelove, Finian's Rainbow, and Disney's Absent-Minded Professor and The Love Bug. His first wife, Eve Lynn Abbott, would eventually marry movie star Van Johnson. Mr. Wynn and his cast of nine, including second wife Betty Butler and actress Debbie Reynolds, had just concluded a two-day visit to Fort Lewis, McChord Air Force Base and Madigan Hospital. Miss Darcel, who had appeared in Tarzan and the Slave Girl and Battleground, was one of the lovely ladies in the cast. The troupe put on 90-minute peformances at each military post. Sepia photograph taken on November 5, 1951. (TNT 11-6-51, p. 3) ALBUM 5.

Wynn, Keenan; Actors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Darcel, Denise; Actresses;

Actor Keenan Wynn at the McChord Officers Club dance. Mr. Wynn is seated to the extreme right. The blonde in the November 5, 1951, photograph is believed to be Mrs. Wynn, known professionally as Betty Butler. The Wynns and a cast of eight others visited Fort Lewis, McChord AFB and Madigan Hospital to entertain local armed forces. (TNT 11-6-51, p. 3)

Wynn, Keenan; Actors--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Actor Keenan Wynn, right, with unidentified USAF officer at McChord Field Officer's Club dance. To boost the morale of the area's armed forces, Mr. Wynn and his nine member troupe performed at Fort Lewis, McChord Air Force Base and Madigan Hospital. Each military post saw a 90-minute performance. Mr. Wynn's wife, Betty Butler, was part of the cast. (TNT 11-6-51, p. 3)

Wynn, Keenan; Actors--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Play rehearsal at Annie Wright Seminary. Large group of girls dressed in Japanese costumes on stage of school theater. These actors, part of the largest junior class in the school's history, performed the operetta, "The Mikado," in May of 1952. (1952 Shield yearbook -alt. photograph)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Private schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Costumes--Japanese;

Three costumed men participate in a skit during the Tacoma Printers Association's banquet held at the University-Union Club on December 2, 1952. Two masked men clad in white coats and wearing "Steilacoom" hats are escorting a rather disheveled looking individual in a straitjacket through an open doorway. Although the masked men are unidentifiable, the man in the straitjacket is believed to be longtime Tacoma Public School faculty member Robert C. Evans. Mr. Evans taught English, as well as working with music and drama students. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Printers Association.

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Physical restraints--Tacoma; Tacoma Printers Association (Tacoma); University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

The unidentified dancers in this chorus line from the Elks Club Extravaganza of 1953 were not afraid to show a little leg. The Extravaganza was produced and directed by Max Frolic (far right), well known former vaudevillian and band leader. Each of the heavily made up dancers has a distinct mole painted on his face, ala Marilyn Monroe. (TNT 3-24-53, p. 14)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Frolic, Max

Four members of the Tacoma Elks Club await the call to perform in the 1953 annual Elks Extravaganza. While all four are wearing tights and skirts, apparently two are supposed to be more masculine in nature--witness the buckskin jacket and derby hat. There were a variety of skits presented during the evening's entertainment, to the amusement of the large audience. Max Frolic, former vaudevillian, produced the two-night extravaganza, with a cast of over fifty individuals and a 35-piece Elk band. One performance was for members only. (TNT 3-24-53, p. 14)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," poses with young patients at Cushman Indian Hospital on October 24, 1953 during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the B&I Circus Store. In between public appearances at the B & I, Mr. Renaldo was ferried by Air Force helicopter to visit ill & disadvantaged children at the Indian Hospital, Rainier Buckley School for Boys, the childrens' ward at St. Joseph Hospital and Remann Hall. Mr. Renaldo is pictured with a young patient on a type of gurney, an autographed picture of the star resting on the boy's blanket. There is already a picture of "The Cisco Kid" and his famous horse "Diablo" on a nearby shelf. The patients and nurses alike seem to be fascinated with Mr. Renaldo's appearance; he was dressed in his trademark sombrero and Western clothing. ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; Cushman Indian Hospital (Tacoma);

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," poses with a group of unidentified people during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the B&I Circus Store in October, 1953. The store had just completed a $100,000 expansion project which included a new children's department. Mr. Renaldo was asked to attend the grand opening of the newly refurbished B&I; his appearance drew 75,000 shoppers in one day. ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; Actors--Tacoma--1950-1960; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma);