Women working in defense plant. Woman working with piece of wood on lathe.

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Lumber industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Teenage students line-up at the counter in the Gray school office to register for farm labor in the Puyallup Valley. Students formed a large part of the labor required to plant and harvest crops during WWII as more and more adults became involved in the defense effort and were unavailable for farm work.

World War, 1939-1945--Students--Tacoma; Gray Junior High School (Tacoma); Agricultural laborers;

Young students registering in the Gray school office for farm labor in the Puyallup Valley fields.

World War, 1939-1945--Students--Tacoma;

Students registering at Gray school for farm labor in the Puyallup Valley fields. Five students gather around a desk to fill out employment slips.

World War, 1939-1945--Students--Tacoma;

ca. 1943. In this photograph taken around 1943, war hero Doris "Dorie" Miller held out his cup to receive some punch at the welcome party held in his honor at the USO #2, 713-15 Commerce. To the left of Mr. Miller was his escort for the evening, volunteer USO hostess Druetta McCabe. Mr. Miller had been awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery during the bombing at Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941, he had been stationed aboard the USS West Virginia in Pearl Harbor as a Mess Attendant, a cook. After his ship was hit, he carried several wounded sailors to safety, including the mortally wounded captain. He then manned an anti-aircraft gun, bringing down several Japanese aircraft. In 1942, he was recruited to travel around the country and sell war bonds.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Heroes--Tacoma;

ca. 1943. Dancing was one of the major pastimes at the Welcome Party held at the 713-15 Commerce St. U.S.O. for Pearl Harbor war hero Doris "Dorie" Miller. A large group of African American servicemen watch couples dance at Tacoma's Colored U.S.O. where a party was held to welcome the war hero.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jitterbug dancing--Tacoma--1940-1950;

ca. 1943. A large welcome party was hosted at the 713-15 Commerce St. U.S.O. around 1943 for Pearl Harbor hero Doris "Dorie" Miller. On December 7, 1941, Mr. Miller was stationed on the USS West Virginia. After the bombing, he carried wounded sailors to safety and manned an anti-aircraft gun. This was remarkable of itself, but even more so since he was stationed on the ship as a cook. He received the Navy Cross for his bravery, the first African American sailor to receive this honor.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Heroes--Tacoma;

ca. 1943. In this photograph taken in 1943, war hero Doris "Dorie" Miller (in dark uniform) posed with a group of African American musicians at the USO #2, 713-25 Commerce St. USO #2 was provided for entertaining servicemen and women of color. Mr. Miller had been awarded the Navy Cross for his valor during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. After his ship, the USS West Virginia, was hit, he carried wounded sailors to safety and manned an anti-aircraft gun, shooting down Japanese planes. This was especially remarkable, since he was stationed on the ship as a cook, with no combat training. He was killed in action in November of 1943.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Heroes--Tacoma; Miller, Doris;

ca. 1943. In this photograph taken around 1943, Doris "Dorie" Miller, a hero from Pearl Harbor, posed outside of Tacoma's U.S.O. #2, 713-715 Commerce, with Druetta McCabe, then a volunteer USO hostess. On December 7, 1941, Mr. Miller was stationed on the USS West Virginia at Pearl Harbor as a Mess Attendant First Class, a cook. During the Japanese bombing, he carried wounded sailors to safety, including the mortally wounded Captain of the ship. He then manned a 50 caliber Browning anti-aircraft gun until it ran out of ammunition and he was ordered to abandon ship. He managed to shoot down several Japanese planes, despite the fact that he had no artillery training. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery and valor, the first African American sailor to win this honor. He was killed in action on November 24, 1943, when his ship, the escort carrier Linscome Bay, was sunk during Operation Galvanic. (U.S.O. #2 brochure from Recognition Ceremony on March 30, 1943; www.history.navy.mil)

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Heroes--Tacoma; Miller, Doris; McCabe, Druetta;

ca. 1943. In this photograph taken in 1943, Doris "Dorie" Miller (left) and an unidentified man posed resting on a jukebox in the USO #2, 713-15 Commerce St. Mr. Miller had been awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was assigned as a Mess Attendant First Class on the USS West Virginia when that vessel was bombed by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. He carried wounded sailors to safety and then fired an anti aircraft gun until it ran out of ammunition. It was reported that he brought down four Japanese planes, without any artillery training. He was later lost in action when his escort carrier, the Linscome Bay, was sunk on November 24, 1943.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Heroes--Tacoma; Miller, Dorie;

ca. 1943. In this photograph taken around 1943 in Tacoma's USO #2, Doris "Dorie" Miller demonstrated for the photographer some of the events that made him a hero during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941, he was stationed on the USS West Virginia in Pearl Harbor. After the bombing, he carried wounded fellow sailors, including the Captain, to safety. He then manned a 50 caliber Browning anti-aircraft gun until it ran out of ammunition, bring down a reported four Japanese planes. This was remarkable of itself, but especially since he had never received any artillery training. He was awarded the Navy Cross, the first African American sailor to receive this honor. He was killed in action in November of 1943. The frigate USS Miller was named in his honor.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Heroes--Tacoma; Miller, Doris;

War housing, Salishan. Salishan is the single largest residential housing project yet attempted in Tacoma. Located between East 38th St. and East 45th St. and between Portland Avenue and the eastern City limits. (T.Times, 1/21/1943, p.21; 2/25/1943, p.31; and 8/26/1943 p.21) TPL-4030

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Housing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Salishan Housing Project (Tacoma);

ca. 1943. War housing. Lincoln Heights. View of housing from side of paved road. Arney's Safeway on right.

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Housing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lincoln Heights Housing Project (Tacoma);

ca. 1943. War Housing, Lincoln Heights. Development of new one-story houses. The area is newly graded with paved streets. Format: 7x11". TPL-6416

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Housing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lincoln Heights Housing Project (Tacoma);

WWII war housing, Salishan. Its name derived from the Council of Indian Tribes of Puget Sound Region, Salishan is the single largest residential housing project yet attempted in Tacoma. It consisted of 2000+ structures on 188 acres located between East 38th St. and East 51st St. and between Portland Avenue and the eastern City limits. The large building in the foreground has been identified as the Salishan community center. It later became part of Lister Elementary School. (T.Times, 1/21/1943, p.21; 2/25/1943, p.31; and 8/26/1943 p.21) TPL-4030; TPL-6417 (Additional information provided by a reader)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Housing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Salishan Housing Project (Tacoma);

War housing. Salishan. 2000 units located on Portland Ave. Newly built one-story housing units, single-family, duplexes and four-family units. Newly graded. (T.Times, 1/21/1943, p.1; 2/25/1943 p3; and 8/26/1943, p. 21) TPL-8214

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Housing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Salishan Housing Project (Tacoma);

War housing. Salishan. 2000 units located on Portland Ave. Newly built one-story housing units, single-family, duplexes and four-family units. Newly graded. (T.Times, 1/21/1943, p.1; 2/25/1943 p3; and 8/26/1943, p. 21)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Housing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Salishan Housing Project (Tacoma);

In September of 1943, World War II was in full swing and Americans fought both overseas and on the homefront. The Tacoma Times ran this portrait on September 13th of patriot Major Fred Ohrn of the Salvation Army. Major Ohrn had served an estimated 2,000 workers' lunches at 25 sorting bees held at Tacoma's scrap pile, "Scrap Iron Acres," in the previous months. He had been present every day there was a sorting bee to supervise lunch. At the Acres, scrap metal was collected and sorted to be reused in the manufacture of war materials. Major and Mrs. Ohrn were being transferred back to California after 13 months in Tacoma. Major Ohrn had a long history of service. He served in the US Infantry during World War I and had been with the Salvation Army several years when this portrait was taken. (T.Times, 9/3/1943, p.1.)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Salvation Army (Tacoma); Ohrn, Fred;

Large group portrait of workers, men, women and children, at scrap agency, "Scrap Iron Acres", where salvaged metal was flattened by an on-site pile driver to be used for the war effort. (T.Times, 6/28/1943, p.1)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Refuse disposal--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Large group portrait of workers, men, women and children, at scrap agency, "Scrap Iron Acres", where salvaged metal was flattened by an on-site pile driver to be used for the war effort. (T.Times, 6/28/1943, p.1)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Refuse disposal--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Pile driver at scrap agency. Men processing metal tanks through on-site pile driver at "Scrap Iron Acres". One man operates the power machinery while others hold the salvaged tanks under a guillotine type structure. The impact sends dust into the air. (T.Times, 6/28/1943, p.1)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Refuse disposal--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Pile driver at scrap agency. Men processing metal tanks through on-site pile driver at "Scrap Iron Acres". One man operates the power machinery while others hold the salvaged tanks under a guillotine type structure. The impact sends dust into the air. (T.Times, 6/28/1943, p.1)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Refuse disposal--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Pile driver at scrap agency. Men are processing old metal water tanks through a pile driver at the scrap pile behind Pacific Match Company, "Scrap Iron Acres", to break them up for vital metal needed in the U.S. war effort. The pile driver is on loan from the Industrial Engineers and Contractors with volunteers from Iron Workers' and Pile Drivers' unions. (T.Times, 6/28/1943, p.1)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Refuse disposal--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Pile driver at scrap agency. Four men processing old metal water tanks through a pile driver at the scrap pile, known as "Scrap Iron Acres", behind Pacific Match Company to break them up for vital metal needed in the U.S. war effort. The pile driver was loaned by the Industrial Engineers and Contractors with volunteers from Iron Workers' and Pile Drivers' unions. (T.Times, 6/28/1943, p.1)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Refuse disposal--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Four men examining an old water heater that has been smashed flat by a pile driver at the scrap agency, "Scrap Iron Acres". Scrap metal for war effort. (T.Times, 6/28/1943, p.1)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Refuse disposal--Tacoma--1940-1950;

ca. 1943. W.A.A.C. (Women's Army Auxiliary Corps) enrollees on way to school in Iowa. Five women, three dressed in military uniforms, standing in front of Liberty Center building in this photograph from circa 1943.

World War, 1939-1945--Recruiting & enlistment--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma;

ca. 1943. W.A.A.C. (Women's Army Auxiliary Corps) enrollees on way to school in Iowa. Three women standing beside Liberty Center building circa 1943. One woman is dressed in military uniform.

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (Tacoma);

Women Block Leaders of Civilian Defense at scrap pile. Three women lift an iron bedstead into machinery at the junk yard. The sorted scrap will be reprocessed at a steel mill. The salvage pile, known as "Scrap Iron Acres," is adjacent to the Pacific Match Company plant. L - R Dorothy Rouse, Ahtol Engleys, and Winifred Moore. (T.Times, 6/11/1943, p.20)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Salvage--1940-1950; Recycling--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Rouse, Dorothy; Engleys, Ahtol; Moore, Winifred;

ca. 1943. Women Block Leaders at scrap pile. Two women and a small girl sit atop a wrecked automobile in the junkyard in this circa 1943 photograph. One woman is holding a lunch pail, the other is looking into a compact as she puts on lipstick.

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Junkyards--Tacoma; Cosmetics;

ca. 1943. Women Block Leaders at scrap pile. Group of women and children sitting on a railroad flat car holding sign: "U.S. Government Scrap Pile. Do Not Transpass" (sp.). Scrap pile and two-story building in background. Photograph taken circa 1943.

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Salvage--1940-1950; Recycling--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Children--Tacoma--1940-1950; Railroad tracks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices);