A wide variety of flower arrangements were sent to City Hall when Mayor John C. Siegle was installed as the city's chief executive on June 6, 1938. The mayor appears to be leaning forward, perhaps in response to a question, when photographed between his two nominees for city posts, William J. Ganz and C. Amos Booth. The floral pieces were transferred from council chambers to Mayor Siegle's private office. Dr. John Charles Siegle was a well-known civic leader and leading dentist before becoming mayor. He was a prime supporter of the city and sought to develop tourism and industry. ALBUM 11. (T.Times 6-6-38, 1, 14).

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Ganz, William J.; Booth, C. Amos; Flower arrangements;

Posting big grins, Mayor John C. Siegle (center) and two associates pose next to an impressive array of flowers sent to congratulate the newly sworn-in mayor. Standing next to the new mayor are William J. Ganz and C. Amos Booth, Dr. Siegle's nominees for Secretary to the Mayor and Superintendent, Refuse Collection Division. Both nominees would be approved by the new council. Mr. Ganz, age 32, was active in Dr. Siegle's campaign. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1925. Mr. Booth, age 31, graduated from both Lincoln High School and the College of Puget Sound. He was a past president of the city civil service commission. John Charles Siegle, a dentist by profession, was Tacoma's first native-born mayor. Illness cut short his only term of office; he died in April 12, 1939, ten months after his installation date. (T.Times 6-6-38, p. 14) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Ganz, William J.; Booth, C. Amos; Flower arrangements;

Public Safety Commissioner Holmes Eastwood, Finance Commissioner Val Fawcett, Mayor John C. Siegle, Public Works Commissioner Abner R. Bergersen and Utilities Commissioner Ira S. Davisson following swearing in ceremony at (Old) City Hall on June 6, 1938. Flowers offering congratulations fill the tables to the rear of the city council. ALBUM 11. (T.Times 6-6-38, p. 14)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Municipal government--Tacoma; Eastwood, Holmes; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Bergersen, Abner R.; Davisson, Ira; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939;

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;

This photograph taken in 1938 shows Mayor George A. Smitley buying a "Buddy Poppy" from Mary Lee Burrows (left) and Elizabeth Armstrong, the youngest members of the American Legion Rhodes Post Auxiliary, at his office in (Old) City Hall. Mayor Smitley was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1872, and although his formal education was limited to four years in a country school, he went on to be a successful businessman and Mayor of Tacoma from 1934 through 1938. Buddy poppies date to the early 1920s. They were inspired after WWI by the poem "In Flanders Fields" and are sold by the VFW to raise funds for disabled and needy veterans and their dependents.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Patriotic societies--Tacoma; American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Girls--Tacoma--1930-1940; Burrows, Mary Lee; Armstrong, Elizabeth;

On May 25, 1938, Mayor George A. Smitley, in his office at (old) City Hall, bought a "Buddy Poppy" from Mary Lee Burrows (L) and Elizabeth Armstrong, the youngest members of the American Legion Rhodes Post Auxiliary. Buddy Poppies were assembled by disabled and/or needy veterans and proceeds used for veterans welfare. (T.Times).

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Patriotic societies--Tacoma; American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Burrows, Mary Lee; Armstrong, Elizabeth;

Governor Arthur B. Langlie takes the oath of office for the third time, Inauguration Day, 1953. He was the first chief executive in Washington State to be elected three times for four-year terms. Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas E. Grady administered the oath of office during a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives held in the House chambers. In Governor Langlie's address to the 33rd Legislature, he encouraged increases in local property taxes to finance schools and other local government functions. His overall plan was to balance the state budget without additional state taxes. He backed toll roads when appropriate and plans for new bridges across the Sound. ALBUM 10. (TNT 1-14-53, p. 1)

Governors; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Oaths--Olympia; Grady, Thomas E.; Judges;

Pierce County legislators to the House of Representatives gathered together to discuss pending legislation when the 33rd State Legislature convened in January, 1953. Tom Montgomery, Gordon Brown, Elmer Hyppa and Joe Macek are pictured behind Brown's desk. Governor Arthur B. Langlie, in his Inaugural address, urged an austerity program with a balanced budget, no new state taxes and trimmed appropriations. Even with a Republican controlled legislature, approval of the program would not be automatic. (TNT 1-15-53, p. 1)

Legislators--Washington--1950-1960; Montgomery, Tom; Brown, Gordon; Hyppa, Elmer; Macek, Joe;

Pierce County representatives to the 33rd State Legislature examine proposed legislation in January, 1953. Al Farrar leans over the desk of Pat Steele while Frances (Mrs. Thomas) Swayze looks on. Al Farrar represented the 27th District for two terms in the 1953 and 1955 sessions. Pat Steele represented the 26th District in 1953. Frances Swayze represented the 26th District from 1953 until she resigned in September of 1965. She was replaced by her son Thomas A. Swayze, Jr. who became Speaker of the House in 1971. (TNT 3-5-53, A-7) TPL-7939

Legislators--Washington--1950-1960; Farrar, Al; Steele, Patrick; Swayze, Frances;

Arrival of army transport U.S. Grant bringing 808 officers and men of the 15th Infantry Division home from Tientsin, China. Pictured left to right are Col. Joseph A. McAndrew, commander of the 15th Infantry, unidentified officer, Governor Clarence D. Martin, an unidentified officer and Tacoma Mayor George Smitley. (T.Times, 3/24/1938, p.1),

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Troop movements--1930-1940; McAndrew, Joseph A.;

During March of 1938 the Tacoma Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Eugene Linden, presented the first in a series of three concerts to be held that year at the Temple Theatre. The 60 member orchestra played the Overture from the "Magic Flute", Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony, and the Concerto for Piano and Orchestra by Mowery with Dent Mowery as soloist. The Philharmonic attracted their largest audience ever, with approximately 1,400 persons attending. The musicians in rehearsal are: seated l to r, Philip Meyer, Charles Bird & John Kolilis. Glen Dodge is standing at the far right, and Herb Jones is standing at the center under the calendar. The sign on the wall indicates that the Philharmonic Orchestra in 1938 was part of the WPA Federal Music Project. (T.Times 3/4/1938, p.3).

Works Progress Administration (Tacoma); Tacoma Philharmonic Orchestra (Tacoma); Orchestras--Tacoma--1930-1940; Brass instruments; Musicians--Tacoma--1930-1940; Meyer, Philip; Bird, Charles; Kolilis, John; Dodge, Glen; Jones, Herb;

C. Val Fawcett, after his reelection as Commissioner of Finance in the 1938 Primary Election. Val Fawcett was a native son of Tacoma and attended schools in Tacoma and Long Beach, Ca., where his family spent the winters. His first taste of public life was serving from 1921- 1926 as secretary to his father, Tacoma's "Fighting Mayor" Angelo V. Fawcett. The elder Fawcett served 5 tumultuous terms as Mayor of Tacoma. In 1926, Val Fawcett was employed by the State Labor & Industries Department as auditor in the Tacoma office. He rose to assistant superintendent. He resigned in 1930 to successfully campaign for the position of Commissioner of Finance. In 1943, as vice president of the City Council, he became acting Mayor when Mayor Harry P. Cain was called to active military duty. He ran on his own right in 1946, was elected and served until 1950. He died in 1965 at the age of 65 of a heart attack at this home at 3416 No. 19th Street. (T.Times, 2/22/1938, p.1)

Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965;

C. Val Fawcett, re-elected Commissioner of Finance in the 1938 Primary Election. (T.Times, 2/22/1938, p.1)

Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965;

In October of 1952, newspaper columnist Emily Walker (left), head of the committee to re-elect Senator Harry P. Cain, and Judy Gordon held a conference call with Sen. Cain, who was in Okanogan. They briefed him on the critical comments made by President Truman about the Republican presidential candidate, Dwight D. Eisenhower, while campaigning in Tacoma for Washington State Democrats. President Truman had spoken to a sold out crowd of 5,000+ at the Tacoma Armory on October 2nd. Harry Cain wanted to be able to answer Truman and "set the record straight" as part of the Republican "Truth Campaign." A poster of Senator Cain can be seen behind the pair, asking voters to "Retain Cain, U.S. Senator." Cain was unseated by Henry M. Jackson in the fall 1952 election. (TNT 10/5/1952, p.A-3-alternate photograph) ALBUM 13

Legislators--Washington--1950-1960; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Political campaigns; Walker, Emily N.; Gordon, Judy; Telephones; Journalists--Tacoma;

President Harry S.Truman speaks at the Tacoma Armory during the 1952 fall campaign. Daughter Margaret and Rep. Hugh Mitchell, Democratic Candidate for Governor, watch from platform along with other invited dignataries. Press tables in front of platform. TPL-8051

Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Presidents; Truman, Margaret; Mitchell, Hugh; Political campaigns; State Armory (Tacoma); Press--Washington; Public speaking--Tacoma--1950-1960;

President Harry S.Truman receives congratulations after speaking at the Washington National Guard Armory during the 1952 fall campaign. Prominent local civic leaders join in the applause. Reporters gather around the press tables in front of the podium. ALBUM 1.

Presidents; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Hand clapping;

No empty seats were visible in the Washington State Armory during President Harry S. Truman's speech in early October, 1952. Local dignitaries sat on the platform behind Mr. Truman while he addressed the massive crowd. Policemen stood guard on the upper deck of the armory. Radio and television covered the president's appearance for the benefit of local residents. ALBUM 1.

Presidents; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Crowds--Tacoma; State Armory (Tacoma);

President Harry S.Truman speaks at the Tacoma Armory during the 1952 fall campaign. Daughter Margaret and Rep. Hugh Mitchell, Democratic candidate for Governor, watch from platform. Despite Truman's help, Mitchell was defeated by incumbent Arthur Langlie. ALBUM 1. TPL-8050

Presidents--United States; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Truman, Margaret; Mitchell, Hugh; State Armory (Tacoma); Public speaking--Tacoma--1950-1960; Political campaigns;

Harry S. Truman addresses an attentive crowd at the Washington State Armory in early October, 1952, as he hits the campaign trail for Democratic candidates. An enormous flag hung on Armory walls nearly dwarfs the President and local dignitaries. The President's appearance was big news in our area as noted by the presence of many newspaper, radio and television reporters. His daughter Margaret is seated behind him along with gubernatorial candidate, Hugh Mitchell. ALBUM 1.

Presidents; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Truman, Margaret; Mitchell, Hugh; Flags--United States;

President Harry S.Truman with daughter Margaret and Rep. Hugh Mitchell, Democratic candidate for Governor, at the Tacoma Armory. The retiring President was stumping for Adlai Stevenson and other Democratic candidates during the 1952 fall campaign. He spoke to an overflowing crowd of loyal supporters. His appearance was heavily covered by newspaper, radio and television reporters. ALBUM 1.

Presidents; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Truman, Margaret; Mitchell, Hugh;

On Saturday September 6, 1952 a sound truck caravan carrying the Pierce County Youth for Cain set out from the Winthrop Hotel to drum up support for Senator Harry Cain's re-election. The Senator's daughter, Marlyce "Candy" Cain, handed out candy canes from a small basket, as various speakers took turns at the microphone. Cain supporters taking part in the caravan included Harry Cain Jr. (second from left), "Candy" Cain (at center with basket) and Bill Brown (second from right). Senator Cain was unseated by Henry M. Jackson in the fall 1952 election. (TNT, 9/5/1952, p.C-11)

Legislators--Washington--1950-1960; Political campaigns; Cain, Harry P.; Cain, Marlyce; Brown, Bill; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Sepia photograph of City Controller Tom Swayze, Mayor George Smitley and Utilities Commissioner Ira Davisson at (Old) City Hall on May 25, 1936; the city officials are signing contracts with St. Regis Kraft Co which will enable the pulp industry, idle since 1930, to reopen and remodernize facilities. The city would supply millions of gallons of water and hundreds of electrical horsepower daily. Utilities Commissioner Davisson is holding a check from Kraft for $10,000 to begin service. Mr. Davisson, furthest right in the photograph, was a longtime Public Utilities Commissioner first appointed in November, 1918. He led Tacoma's utilities through difficult times in the 1920's and 30's and managed to improve service while keeping rates low. During his long tenure, a 25-million gallon North End Reservoir was built in 1927, and Mr. Davisson worked to extend water service to the Tideflats which helped the growth of industrial development. He was finally voted out of office in 1940 at age 80. ALBUM 11. (Seattle/King Co. HistoryLink.org, T.Times, 5-26-36, p. 2)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Swayze, Tom; Davisson, Ira; Municipal government--Tacoma;

Mayor John Anderson is the first civic official in the city's history to be named an honorary airline hostess. Maxine Gordon, a stewardess with Western Airlines, has pinned a pair of Western Airlines' wings to Mayor Anderson's lapel and she is also modeling the airline's new uniform. (TNT, 3/22/1952, p.17)

Anderson, John H.; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Offices--Tacoma--1950-1960; Airline industry; Western Airline (Tacoma); Flight attendants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gordon, Maxine;

The WPA (Works Progress Administration), a federal work relief program enacted in 1935, put millions of unemployed on the federal payroll with public work jobs. In Tacoma in 1936, streets such as South Tyler were extended and work conducted at Point Defiance Park. This February, 1936, picture shows a number of laborers hard at work shoveling dirt from a hillside at Point Defiance into wheelbarrows. To employ as many men as possible, much of the work was done by hand instead of machine.

Works Progress Administration (Tacoma); Laborers--Tacoma; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Depressions--1929;

In February of 1936 the section of South Tyler that stretches from Snake Lake to South 66th Street was being built by hand by WPA workers. The new section of road was designed to open a large area west of South Tacoma. When finished the road would be 30 feet wide with a gravel surface. (T. Times 3/7/1936 p.9).

Works Progress Administration (Tacoma); Road construction--Tacoma--1930-1940; Laborers--Tacoma;

Governor Arthur B. Langlie, standing extreme left, second row, with other men at awards ceremony during the Pulp and Paper Industry's Safety Conference at the Winthrop Hotel. These may be representatives of Crown Zellerbach Corp., whose Port Townsend plant won the Joint Labor-Management trophy for the best five-year safety record or possibly the Longview Fibre Co., who won the award for best accident rate. ALBUM 10. (TNT 1-24-52, A-12, 1-25-52, p. 30)

Governors; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Paper industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Awards;

Governor Arthur B. Langlie makes a presentation at the awards ceremony during the Pulp and Paper Industry's Safety Conference at the Winthrop Hotel. The two-day conference was a gathering of pulp and paper concerns and labor unions. The conference concluded with a banquet honoring those firms with superlative safety records. Longview Fibre Co. of Longview, Washington, won the Governor's Annual Safety trophy and the Crown-Zellerbach plant of Port Townsend, the best five-year safety record. (TNT 1-24-52, A-12, 1-25-52, p. 30) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Paper industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Awards;

Governor Arthur B. Langlie presents the Governor's Safety Trophy at awards ceremony during the pulp and paper industry's safety conference at the Winthrop Hotel. Longview Fibre Co. of Longview, Washington, was honored with the trophy for the lowest accident rate in the preceding year. The awards ceremony was held at the conclusion of the two-day Washington State Joint Labor-Management Safety Conference which was topped off by a banquet at the Winthrop on January 24, 1952. (TNT 1-24-52, A-12, 1-25-52, p. 30) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Paper industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Awards; Longview Fibre Co. (Longview);

Governor Arthur B. Langlie, seated second from left in front row, with other men at awards ceremony during the Pulp and Paper Industry's Safety Conference at the Winthrop Hotel. The two-day conference held at the Winthrop Hotel concluded with an evening banquet on January 24, 1952. Several awards were presented at that time, including the Governor's Annual Safety trophy and the Joint Labor-Management trophy. ALBUM 10. (TNT 1-24-52, A-12, 1-25-52, p. 30)

Governors; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Paper industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Awards;

Governor Arthur B. Langlie presents a State Safety Award to John Sherman at the Pulp and Paper Industry's Safety Conference at the Winthrop Hotel. The award states that it is for "Meritorious Service in Industrial Safety." More than 200 persons attended the two-day Washington State Joint Labor-Management Safety Conference held at the Winthrop Hotel. Representatives attended the meeting from major pulp and paper firms, including Crown-Zellerbach Corp., and labor unions, including the International Brotherhood of Paper Makers and International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers. ALBUM 10. (TNT 1-24-52, A-12, 1-25-52, p. 30)

Governors; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Paper industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sherman, John; Awards;