As the West was settled, cities were formed. This scene is typical of that lifestyle. A woman reaches down to cluck the toddler in the wicker stroller under the chin while the proud parents look on. The pair of young men on the left appear to be planning some mischief. It was all taking place during the preview performance of "Saga of the West." The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. Three cast members wait for their cues in the stands with bored expressions on their faces. The young man in the checks is tentatively identified as Donald MacDonald and the woman pushing the pram as Barbara Bonnell. The extravaganza, with its cast of 2,000, was made up of 14 scenes. This appears to be from the Gay Nineties street scene.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

Go West young man seems to be the catch phrase for this group of cast members from the historical pageant "Saga of the West." They are all attired as frontiersmen and pose in front of a covered wagon. The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. The extravaganza boasted a cast of 2,000, as well as horses, stage coaches, covered wagons, Indians, cowboys, soldiers and sailors. The actors pantomimed, with all voices portrayed by seven narrators over microphones. Musical accompaniment was supplied by an orchestra, 200 voice choir and an organ.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

Cast members of the historical pageant "Saga of the West" pose in front of Stadium Bowl seating. The seats are only sparsely occupied for this preview performance, mostly by cast members; the opening night audience would number over 15,000. The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. The pageant was directed by William Marlatt of the John B. Rogers pageant company, was fully costumed and had a cast of 2,000. It also had horses, stage coaches, covered wagons, automobiles and a fire engine.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

These cast members appear to depict British officers and sailors in the historical drama "Saga of the West." The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. They are possibly part of the depiction of Capt. George Vancouver's exploration of the Puget Sound area in 1792. The Saga would cover Washington's history from the earliest times to 1939, with 14 special events highlighted in scenes.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

Tacoma Junior Chamber of Commerce, publicity for Stadium July Fourth Show. Two men wearing suits, ties, fedoras, posing with fireworks sign above Stadium Bowl. Stadium and Washington State Historical Society Museum in background. The July 4th show ran over two hours and attracted an audience of over 7,000, covering 2/3 of the Bowl.

Fireworks--1930-1940; Holidays--1930-1940; Fourth of July celebrations; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Junior Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma);

1935 Armistice Day Navy vs. Army football game at Stadium Bowl. Tacoma Mayor George Smitley (center) with Rear Admiral T. T. Craven and Brig. General C.H. Conrad Jr., commanding officer at Fort Lewis. (Bremerton Sun)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Football--Tacoma--1930-1940; Craven, T.T.; Admirals--Tacoma; Conrad, C.H.;

Army-Navy football game at Stadium Bowl. A large unit of Army troops stand at attention and salute stadium spectators from the center field of Stadium Bowl. Over 10,000 people were present to watch the second annual Army-Navy football game held in Tacoma; for the second year in a row, Navy was triumphant. Navy defeated Army 14-0 before the eyes of Rear Admiral T.T. Craven and Fort Lewis commander, Maj. Gen. David L. Stone. (Bremerton Sun, T. Times 11-12-36, p. 1, 17).

Military parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Saluting--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Football--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Mayor George Smitley shakes hands with Maj. Gen. David L. Stone during the second annual Armistice Day Army-Navy football game at Stadium Bowl. General Stone is the commander of Fort Lewis. His counterpart, Rear Adm. T.T. Craven, head of the 13th Naval District, was also in attendance. Ten thousand-plus fans watched the football game and military pageant which saw Navy triumph 14-0. Navy had also won the previous year's contest 6-2. Sepia photograph taken on November 11, 1936. (T. Times 11-12-36, p. 1, 17) ALBUM 11. TPL-10453

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Stone, David L.; Generals; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

Stadium vs. Lincoln Thanksgiving Day football game in Stadium Bowl, November 25, 1937. Stadium High School marching band and drill team perform. (T. Times 11/26/1937, pg. 1).

Football--Tacoma; Athletic fields--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Marching bands;

Stadium vs. Lincoln Thanksgiving Day football game in Stadium Bowl, November 25, 1937. Stadium High School marching band and drill team form what appears to be the letters "IN" on the football field. The goal post, Commencement Bay, and Browns Point are visible in the background. (T. Times 11/26/1937, pg. 1)

Football--Tacoma; Athletic fields--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Marching bands;

Stadium vs. Lincoln annual Thanksgiving Day football game in Stadium Bowl, November 25, 1937. The Stadium High School marching band and "Tigeranna" drill team stand in formation on the field. Their formation appears to represent letters. (T. Times 11/26/1937, pg. 1).

Football--Tacoma; Athletic fields--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Marching bands;

Stadium vs. Lincoln Thanksgiving Day football game in Stadium Bowl, November 25, 1937. Stadium High School band led by drum majors performs in front of the field goal at the crest of the stadium. (T. Times 11/26/1937, pg. 1).

Football--Tacoma; Athletic fields--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Marching bands;

Stadium vs. Lincoln annual Thanksgiving Day football game, held on November 25, 1937 in the Stadium Bowl. The Lincoln High School marching band stands in "smoker's pipe" formation on the field; in the "bowl of the pipe" are the glee club and a capella choir blowing bubbles. Automobiles line the stadium and an old wooden building is visible in the background. (T. Times 11/26/1937, pg.1).

Football--Tacoma; Athletic fields--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Marching bands;

1937 Stadium vs. Lincoln Thanksgiving Day football game in Stadium Bowl. Team members line the field. The stadium's concrete bleachers are filled with with the record turnout of 12,000 spectators. The game pitted the undefeated Stadium Tigers against the almost equally flawless Lincoln Abes. Stadium triumphed in a 34-0 shutout, the largest point spread since the Turkey Day Classic was inaugurated in 1923. (T. Times 11/26/1937, pg. 1- story only)

Football--Tacoma; Athletic fields--Tacoma; Football players--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma);

On Thanksgiving Day 1937 before a crowd estimated at 12,000 fans, the Stadium High School Tigers beat the Lincoln High School Abes 34 to 0, clinching both the city championship and the Cross-State League title. The final score was the largest registered to that date in the annual competition between the two schools. Carl Opolsky, Stadium's halfback, picked up two touchdowns and two conversions securing first place as individual scoring leader in his league. (TNT 11/26/1937 p.12).

Football--Tacoma; Athletic fields--Tacoma; Football players--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma);

On November 11, 1935, 8000 hardy fans braved the rain to pack the Stadium Bowl for the second annual Armistice Day gridiron battle between Northwest Navy and Army teams. The spectators protected themselves from the elements with umbrellas, while the pictured sailors were covered with slickers. Stadium High School loomed in the background over the stadium. The playing field for the game was a muddy mass of slime due to the cold rain that fell most of the day. The charity match was preceded by a military pageant, celebrating the end 17 years prior of the first World War. The game itself was a thriller where a forward pass in the closing minutes of the game gave Navy a 6-2 victory over Army. (T. Times 11/11/1935, pg. 1; T. Times 11/12/1935, pg. 1 & 11; Bremerton Sun 11/11/1935, pg. 1- all articles story only)

Football--Tacoma--1930-1940; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Sailors--Bremerton--1930-1940;

Soldiers, sailors, and marines from Fort Lewis and Bremerton faced off against each other in Tacoma's Stadium Bowl for a charity Army-Navy football game on Armistice Day, November 11,1935. Taps for the war dead preceded the gridiron conflict, and a 21-gun salute closed the event. Although a cold rain fell throughout the day, dampening the enthusiasm of the crowd and turning the field into a sea of mud, the Fort Lewis men put up a valiant struggle against the Navy team. In the end, neither team had much to show for their time or effort. The final score was Navy 6, Army 2. (T.Times 11/12/1935)

Football--Tacoma--1930-1940; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Flags--United States;

On March 25, 1937, over 12,000 fans turned out at the Stadium Bowl to watch the annual Stadium vs. Lincoln Thanksgiving Day football game. This was a view of the south side of the Big Bowl as the teams prepared to put the ball into play. Spectators filled the concrete bleachers. The undefeated Stadium Tigers won 34-0, clinching the City Title for them for the 4th straight year, and making them champions of the newly formed Cross-State League. Structures adjacent to the stadium and high school are visible in the background. (T. Times 11/26/1937, pg.1).

Football--Tacoma--1930-1940; Athletic fields--Tacoma; Football players--Tacoma--1930-1940; Students--Tacoma--1930-1940; Events--Tacoma--1930-1940; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma);

Members of Lincoln High School's pep band and choir form the word "LINCOLN" on the field in Stadium Bowl, facing the bleachers below the Ferry Museum building, at the annual Stadium vs. Lincoln 1937 Thanksgiving Day football game. A holiday crowd of 12,000 viewed the annual contest which saw Stadium crush Lincoln 34-0. Stadium took both the city and cross-state titles that year. (T. Times 11/26/1937, pg. 1-article).

Football--Tacoma--1930-1940; Athletic fields--Tacoma--1930-1940; Students--Tacoma--1930-1940; Events--Tacoma--1930-1940; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Marching bands;

Army-Navy Football game at Stadium Bowl. Rear Admiral T.T. Craven and Mrs. Craven, in fur coat, watch the activities while in the officials' stand at Stadium Bowl on Armistice Day, 1936. A military pageant preceded the second annual Army-Navy football game. Adm. Craven's counterpart, Maj. Gen. David L. Stone of Fort Lewis, was also in attendance. The Navy team would go on to defeat Army 14-0; a larger margin of victory than the previous year. (T.Times, 11-12-36, p. 1, p.17)

Craven, T.T.; Craven, T.T.--Family; Admirals--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma);

In 1948, Tacoma had two public high schools; and for many years on every Thanksgiving Day the cross town rivals Stadium and Lincoln met for an epic football battle. The gridiron battle was intersected by a halftime show featuring competitive spectacular performances by girl marching units and the schools' marching bands. Pictured, left to right, were Stadium High School's majorettes: Betty Johnston, Pat Mason, Rosemary Martenson, Joan Mason, Dolores Dessen and five year old Suzanne Ramstad. The girls were wearing their uniforms, boots and plumed hats. This year Lincoln High School won the game 13-7; there was no record of who won the half time show. (T. Times, 11/26/48, p. 1). TPL-9315

Football--Tacoma; Athletic fields--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma; Drum majorettes--Tacoma; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma);

Lincoln High School beat Stadium High School, 13 to 7, in the big Thanksgiving Day football game classic at Stadium Bowl. Lincoln High School's football team won two titles in the 1948 season--Cross State Champions and City League Champions. View of the players in action at the big game at Stadium Bowl; students, families and friends of Tacoma's two rival high schools pack the bleachers to cheer for their favorite team at this annual event. (T. Times, 11/26/48, p. 1).

Football--Tacoma--1940-1950; Football players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sports spectators--Tacoma--1940-1950; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma);

Lincoln High School and Stadium High School were playing their annual Thanksgiving Day football game at Stadium Bowl in 1948. More than 16,000 fans attended the game and cheered on their favorite school. View of half time performances; the Stadium High School drum majorettes are performing with the marching band, watched by thousands packed into the bleachers. (T. Times, 11/26/48, p. 1).

Football--Tacoma--1940-1950; Athletic fields--Tacoma; Marching percussion--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Drum majorettes--Tacoma--1940-1950; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma);

Construction of Stadium Bowl. Stadium High School (then called Tacoma High School) looms over the site of the Stadium Bowl under construction in September of 1909. Standing in sharp contrast in the foreground is an unidentified man in overalls holding the reins of his sturdy horse who is harnessed to a sled of some sort. In the pre-tractor, pre-truck days, horses were commonly used to haul materials to and from construction sites. BU-11577, TPL-1541

Stadium High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Construction--Tacoma--1900-1910; Horses--Tacoma--1900-1910;

Tacoma's first known night baseball games were played in the Stadium Bowl on April 25, 1930. The Tacoma Teamsters Local # 313 team, pictured above with coaches and ball boy, shut out the City Lumber team 6-0 in the second half of a doubleheader. In the first game of the evening, the Firemen defeated Northern Pacific 5-1. These games opened the 1930 Industrial Baseball League season. With 18 teams in the circuit, there were undoubtedly other games played under the gigantic floodlights at the Stadium Bowl later in the season. (TDL 4-25-30, p. 10, 4-26-30, p. 8) TPL-875; G53.1-003

Firsts--Tacoma; Baseball players--Tacoma--1930-1940; Uniforms; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma);

Stadium Bowl's stands are packed with students and adults in this circa 1920 photograph. Lines of young boys and girls occupy the field while the school band plays on the outdoor stage. This is believed to be "Stadium Day," held each year in May. The "Castle," the massive turreted brick structure otherwise known as Stadium High School, overlooks the Bowl. G55.1-093

Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Stadium High School (Tacoma); Celebrations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Crowds--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Dr. Hinton D. Jonez (left), prominent Tacoma physician and civic leader, catches a ride aboard a police sidecar during the 1927 4th of July festivities. Dr. Jonez directed the American Legion Stadium program. It was the ninth year that the American Legion put on the 4th of July Stadium celebration. The other civilian passenger was tentatively identified as a Mr. Hayward. Names of the two police officers were not given. A uniformed band is gathered behind the men and motorcycles. G42.1-013 (TNT 7-2-27, p. 1-article)

Jonez, Hinton D.; Motorcycles--Tacoma--1920-1930; Tacoma Police Department (Tacoma); Musicians--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Miss Tacoma at Stadium Bowl. "Miss Tacoma's" face is not clear due to this double exposure where a young sailor's image has been blended with her own. She posed standing in a late-model automobile with a number of sailors surrounding her during the 1926 4th of July celebration at Stadium Bowl. Dorothy Rothermel was chosen as 1926's Miss Tacoma. TPL-2054; G42.1-136

Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1920-1930; Rothermel, Dorothy; Celebrations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Sailors--1920-1930; Automobiles--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Every nook-and-cranny in Stadium Bowl is jam-packed for 1926's 4th of July festivities. 40,000 witnessed the celebration of the 150th anniversary of American independence. Participants in the night's celebration included marines from the battleships in Commencement Bay and the guns of battery B, 10th Field Artillery from Camp Lewis. The program was sponsored by the American Legion and was held on Monday, July 5th. Stadium High School overlooks the Bowl on the left. BU11,616 (TDL 7-6-26, p. 1+) TPL-10131

Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Stadium High School (Tacoma); Crowds--Tacoma--1920-1930; Spectators--Tacoma--1920-1930; Celebrations--Tacoma--1920-1930;