On June 7, 1951, Mayor John Anderson officially opened the new Sears, Roebuck parking lot by snipping the red ribbon. The three level garage was located directly adjacent to the main Sears store with 365 feet fronting Market St. Each level opened to a street: the first level opened to Court D, second level to 13th, and the upper story had its entrance on Market. Apparently the third level was already packed with cars and drivers were advised to use the second level. The concrete facility had a 500-car capacity. (TNT 6-6-51, B-2 article; TNT 6-6-51, B-6 article) ALBUM 14.

Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.; Parking garages--Tacoma--1950-1960; Dedications--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sears, Roebuck & Co. (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

Senator Harry Cain playing pool with Tacoma Mayor John Anderson (in white tux) and group of Army officers. Senator Cain, in black tux, was a former mayor of Tacoma. He had made his fourth quick trip back to Tacoma since February 1, 1951, this time for Armed Forces Day activities. Ordered by United Council of Churches. ALBUM 13 (TNT 5-18-51, p.2-article on Senator Cain)

Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Anderson, John H.; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Legislators--Washington--1950-1960; Billiards--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Mayor John Anderson signing the proclamation for Safety Week, sponsored by the Tacoma Junior Chamber of Commerce. "Drive Safely" week opened on 4/15/1951, its intention being to put a halt to the mounting traffic accident death toll. Fifteen people died in traffic accidents in the first 3 1/2 months of 1951, a substantial increase over the previous years. Included in the activities was the daily selection of the city's most courteous and safest driver. The Chamber of Commerce was hoping for a long string of deathless days on their famous safety sign on 9th and Broadway. (TNT 4/15/1951, pg. 1)

Anderson, John H.; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Proclamations;

Mayor John Anderson addresses the crowd during the March 20, 1951, ground breaking for the new main branch of the Tacoma Public Library to be located at 1102 Tacoma Avenue South. The mayor's speech would be broadcast over KTNT radio. Behind the mayor was a giant billboard message donated by Foster & Kleiser urging the use of the public library for information, education and recreation. Among those in attendance was Thomas J. Porro, Library Board president (seated third from left). ALBUM 14.

Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.; Public speaking--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Porro, Thomas J.; Billboards--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Mayor John Anderson lifts the first shovel of dirt during the ground breaking for the new main branch of the Tacoma Public Library. Assisting Mayor Anderson is Library Board president Thomas J. Porro with Library director Howard M. Rowe observing. ALBUM 14. (TNT 3-21-1951, p. 1-alt. photo)

Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.; Porro, Thomas J.; Rowe, Howard M.; Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The banquet meeting of the Washington Retailers' Club convention, March 19-20, 1951, in the Wedgewood room at the Winthrop Hotel. The convention was attended by the 30 Washington state member clubs, totaling over 200 high school age prospective retailers, who attended meetings to hear experienced businessmen discuss sales, merchandising and advertising methods.The banquet on Monday evening was the highlight where Eugene Ruffner, executive of the J.C. Penney Co., spoke on the subject "Opportunities for the student in retailing." The high school study program was intended to give interested students the opportunity to attend classes in the morning and then get on the job training at Tacoma stores. The program was offered in conjunction with Tacoma's vocational school program and most members were high school seniors. Mayor John Anderson is second from right on the front row. (TNT 3/15/1951, pg. B-12 & TNT 3/20/1951, pg. 10)

Anderson, John H.; Washington Retailers Club (Tacoma); Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Alden Woodworth (center) was photographed handing a Quit Claim Deed to Tacoma Mayor John H. Anderson in early February of 1951, at a meeting of the Young Men's Business Club held at the Winthrop Hotel. The deed was for the land at the east approach of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge where a memorial to Tacoma's war dead was planned. It was a project worked on by the Y.M.B.C. for many years. Also seated next to Mr. Woodworth is Bremerton mayor L. Hum Kean. Standing, from left to right: Mayor of Gig Harbor, Harold H. Ryan; Kitsap County Commissioner Verd Nichols; Y.M.B.C. memorial committee chairman Arthur Paulsen; Mrs. Ruth E. Peeler of the State Parks commission; Jack Roberts of the Public Works commission and Y.M.B.C. president Peter Pelegruti. ALBUM 14 (TNT 2-4-51, A-6)

Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.; Woodworth, Alden; Ryan, Harold H.; Nichols, Verd; Paulsen, Arthur; Peeler, Ruth E.; Roberts, Jack; Roberts, John S.; Pelegruti, Peter; Young Mens Business Club (Tacoma); Memorial Park (Tacoma);

In February of 1951, Tacoma Mayor John Anderson accepted the key to the City of Gig Harbor, surrounded by Peninsula officials holding keys to the City of Tacoma, the "Electric City." Pictured (left to right) are Mayor L. Hum Kean of Bremerton, Kitsap County Commissioner Verd Nichols, Tacoma Mayor John H. Anderson and Mayor Harold H. Ryan of Gig Harbor. The photo was taken at the Young Men's Business Club meeting where the deed for land at the east approach of the Narrows Bridge was presented to John Anderson by Alden Woodworth for a proposed memorial to honor Tacoma's war dead. (TNT 2/4/1951, pg. A-6-alt. photograph)

Anderson, John H.; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Nichols, Verd; Kean, L. Hum; Ryan, Harold H.; Memorial Park (Tacoma); Monuments & memorials--Tacoma;

Govenor Langlie is placing a cape around the shoulders of his wife, Evelyn, as they prepare to attend the Governor's Ball at the Armory in Olympia. A Governor's Ball was given each legislative session by the citizens of Olympia to honor the governor, members of the Supreme court, state selective officials and members of the Legislature. Arthur B. Langlie served as governor from 1941-1945 and again 1949-1957. Govenor and Mrs. Langlie are wearing formal clothing for the event. Ordered by the Tribune, Barbara Dana. (TNT, 1/12/1951, p.22; 1/14/1951, p.D-1)

Governors; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Langlie, Evelyn; Spouses--Olympia; Capes (Clothing); Tuxedoes; Evening gowns--Olympia--1950-1960;

Mayor John H. Anderson is shown here issuing a proclamation setting aside the period from January 14 to 21, 1951, as Junior Chamber of Commerce week. With him in his office are L-R, G. Hanley Barker, Jaycee director; Fred F. LeVeque, local president; Warner Matson, first vice president; Marc H. Miller, award chairman; and Howard Perkin, secretary. John H. Anderson was one of the partners in Anderson Construction Company. (TNT, 1/14/1951, p.A-4)

Anderson, John H.; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Junior Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma); Barker, G. Hanley; LeVeque, Fred F.; Matson, Warner; Miller, Marc H.; Perkin, Howard;

ca. 1950. Val Fawcett, Tacoma mayor from 1946-50 and acting mayor during Harry P. Cain's military service in the mid-forties, is pictured with friends circa 1950. They may be at a sporting event, possibly a baseball game. Mr. Fawcett is seated second from the left; next to him is believed to be Howard R. Smith who was the Tacoma Athletic Commission president for several years. Frank Gillihan, school board member and active Tacoma Athletic Commission member, is seated at the far right. ALBUM 16

Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gillihan, Frank J.;

A view of two styles of Kodex card catalogs used at the Washington State Unemployment Service office. A double folding case for cards in flipable sleeves is seen in the center. A single sided case is seen on the left. The counter has an ink stand, a calendar, and a typed list of clerical duties. This system could be used to match applicants with employment openings.

Washington State Employment Security Dept. (Tacoma); Office equipment & supplies; Offices--Tacoma--1950-1960;

In December of 1950 Sonia Sawyer, at the Washington State Employment Services office in Tacoma at 112 South 12th Street was photographed demonstrating the departments large Kardex card file. The system of file cards could be used to quickly match job applicants with employment openings. The Kardex system for storing and retrieving information goes back to the late 1890s.

Washington State Employment Security Dept. (Tacoma); Office equipment & supplies; Offices--Tacoma--1950-1960; Office workers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A close-up view of the Kodex card catalogs featuring cards in flipable sleeves used at the Washington State Unemployment Service office. One end of the card with important identifiers is visible when the drawer is pulled out. Once the card that is needed has been identified the whole sheet can be displayed by lifting the other cards on top of it. New data could be entered if necessary.

Washington State Employment Security Dept. (Tacoma); Office equipment & supplies; Offices--Tacoma--1950-1960; Office workers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Governor Arthur B. Langlie with a group of military and civillian dignitaries on day of Narrows Bridge opening. Governor Langlie is seated between Brig. Gen. Frederic Hayden and Admiral Daniel Barbey. Gen. Hayden and Admiral Barbey had the honor of snipping the ribbons on the east and west end of the bridge. In the back row, Mayor H.H. Ryan of Gig Harbor is believed to be the second man from the left; Charles Andrew, principal engineer, Washington Toll Bridge Authority, is believed to be next to him in the dark suit. This was Tacoma's second Narrows Bridge; the first, familiarly called "Galloping Gertie," collapsed in November, 1940, after only three months. The advent of WWII postponed rebuilding of the bridge; construction was not started until April, 1948. The opening of the new 18-million bridge brought out thousands of spectators on both sides of the Narrows. (TNT 10-13-50, p. 1, 10-14-50, p. 1, 14) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Hayden, Frederic L.; Barbey, Daniel E.;

Governor Arthur B. Langlie gives the dedication address during the opening ceremonies for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge on October 14, 1950. Lavish festivities were planned for the grand opening of the second Narrows Bridge, an 18-million dollar endeavor. Music by the 21st Division Band opened the ceremony followed by a military 19-gun salute. Following several speakers, Governor Langlie introduced Admiral Daniel Barbey of the 13th Naval District, who would snip the ribbon on the west side, and Brig. Gen. Frederic Hayden, who would do the honors on the east side. Governor Langlie praised the construction of the new bridge which showed "a faith and courage typical of that of the American people." The state received a 4-million dollar settlement for the collapse of "Galloping Gertie," but tolls were necessary to pay off the remainder of the construction. Cars would cost 55 cents and pedestrians, 15 cents. The bridge was paid for within a few years of its opening. (TNT 10-13-50, p. 1, 10-14-50, p. 1) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Tacoma); Bridges--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dedications--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Governor Arthur B. Langlie with a group of military and civillian dignitaries on the day of the Narrows Bridge opening. Governor Langlie is fourth from the right. Next to him in the dark suit is believed to be Charles Andrew, principal engineer, Washington Toll Bridge Authority. The two military officials are Brig. Gen. Frederic Hayden, representing Gen. Leroy H. Watson, commander of Fort Lewis, and Admiral Daniel Barbey, Commandant of the 13th Naval District. They would be the official ribbon cutters in the dedication ceremonies. This photograph may have been taken at the Winthrop Hotel following the bridge opening where a luncheon was open to the general public. ALBUM 10. (TNT 10-14-50, p. 14) TPL-10376

Governors; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Tacoma); Hayden, Frederic L.; Barbey, Daniel E.;

Vice-President Barkley, with group of local officials, candidates and party workers at Democratic Headquarters. He appears to be smiling directly at the man in striped overalls. Mr. Barkley was to spend a busy two days in Washington state, speaking in Tacoma, Seattle, Spokane and Yakima. Known for his affability and shrewd assessment of national government, he did not slip in the obscurity of the post but was a very visible representative of President Truman's administration. ALBUM 1. (TNT 10-12-50, p. 1)

Vice presidents; Barkley, Alben W., 1877-1956; Visits of state--Tacoma;

Vice President Alben Barkley addresses crowd on South 9th Street at Broadway and Saint Helens Avenue. Tacoma Mayor John Anderson is located on the platform with Mr. Barkley (near center of photo, seated behind loudspeaker pole, with sunglasses). Giant loudspeakers carry the voice of Mr. Barkley to the massive crowds gathered outdoors. His speech was apparently broadcast over KMO and KTBI stations. This was the same stand that President Truman had spoken from on his visit to Tacoma two years before. ALBUM 1. (TNT 10-12-50, p. 1)

Vice presidents; Barkley, Alben W., 1877-1956; Visits of state--Tacoma;

Vice President Alben Barkley, in pinstriped suit, is presented a Richards Studio framed photograph of Tacoma Narrows Bridge (TPL-4923) by Sen.Warren G. Magnuson and members of the Pierce County Democratic Committee during an appearance on South 9th Street at Broadway and St. Helens Avenue. Standing next to Senator Magnuson is believed to be John Coffee. The new Tacoma Narrows Bridge would have its opening day ceremonies two days after the Vice-President's visit. (TNT 10-12-50, p. 1) ALBUM 1.

Vice presidents; Barkley, Alben W., 1877-1956; Visits of State--Tacoma; Legislators--Washington--1950-1960; Magnuson, Warren G., 1905-1989;

Vice President Alben Barkley (center) was photographed holding his "Key to Tacoma" on October 11, 1950 while surrounded by (l to r) Senator Warren G. Magnuson, former Congressman John Coffee, Tacoma Mayor John Anderson and an unidentified man . When the ringed end of the key fell off, Mr. Barkley made light of the incident, telling Mayor Anderson that he was undecided whether to take the key to Washington D.C. or to his absent wife "who has the key to everything." Mr. Barkley was motored directly to Tacoma from Seattle-Tacoma Airport with a police escorts traveling 90 mph. He spoke from the same outdoor stand that President Truman had used when he addressed a Tacoma crowd two years earlier. Shortly after this photograph was taken, Vice President Barkley was whisked away to Seattle for a Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner at the Olympic Hotel. (TNT 10-12-50, p. 1) ALBUM 1.

Vice presidents; Barkley, Alben W., 1877-1956; Visits of state--Tacoma; Legislators--Washington--1950-1960; Magnuson, Warren G., 1905-1989; Coffee, John; Anderson, John H.; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Keys (Hardware);

Stumping on the campaign trail, Vice President Alben Barkley visited Tacoma on October 11, 1950, on behalf of Democratic candidates for various offices. Here he is pictured speaking before massive crowds at South 9th & Broadway while others on the platform listen intently. Mayor John Anderson, seated to the extreme right, bows his head. ALBUM 1.

Vice presidents; Barkley, Alben W., 1877-1956; Visits of state--Tacoma; Public speaking--Tacoma; Anderson, John H.;

Vice President Alben Barkley addressing a crowd on South 9th Street at Broadway and Saint Helens Avenue. Mr. Barkley was a long time congressman from Kentucky before being selected as Harry S. Truman's running mate in 1948. He was an influential spokesman for the legislative programs of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Truman and instrumental in guiding their policies through Congress. As the Vice President, he did not fade into the woodwork as most customarily did; the very popular Barkley was appointed by Truman to the National Security Council and was consulted by Truman in national and international affairs. After the 1952 elections when Eisenhower was voted President, Barkley ran and was re-elected Senator. He died in April, 1956, while making a speech. ALBUM 1.

Vice presidents; Barkley, Alben W., 1877-1956; Visits of state--Tacoma;

Vice President Alben Barkley's appearance on South 9th Street at Broadway and Saint Helens Avenue. Mayor John Anderson had presented Mr. Barkley with a key to the city. His remarks apparently amused the massive grinning crowd as well as the dignitaries on the platform, in addition to the chortling woman photographer. Seated behind Mr. Barkley are believed to be Rep. Hugh Mitchell, Mayor John Anderson and Senator Warren G. Magnuson. ALBUM 1.

Vice presidents; Barkley, Alben W., 1877-1956; Visits of state--Tacoma; Anderson, John H.; Magnuson, Warren G., 1905-1989;

Vice-President Alben Barkley appears to have just concluded his speech before loyal supporters at 9th & Broadway on October 11, 1950. Guests on the platform with the vice-president included Mayor John Anderson and Senator Warren Maguson. Smiles on the faces of individuals in the crowd seem to indicate that his speech was well received. ALBUM 1.

Vice presidents; Barkley, Alben W., 1877-1956; Visits of state--Tacoma; Anderson, John H.; Magnuson, Warren G., 1905-1989;

Large crowds on South 9th Street at Broadway and Saint Helens Avenue listen attentively to Vice President Alben Barkley's address on October 11, 1950. Music Box (Tacoma Theater) and Rialto Theater in background. Accompanied by a slew of public officials, including Tacoma Mayor John Anderson , Senator Warren G. Magnuson and Rep. Henry M. Jackson, Mr. Barkley urged voters to visit the polls on November 7th regardless of how they would vote. He indicated that people could not complain about how things were run if they did not participate. ALBUM 1. (TNT 10-12-50, P. 1)

Vice presidents; Barkley, Alben W., 1877-1956; Visits of state--Tacoma; Crowds--Tacoma;

Speaker at microphone addresses a huge crowd who came to hear Vice President Alben Barkley speak at 9th and Broadway in Tacoma during the 1950 Democratic campaign. Senator Warren Magnuson and Mayor John Anderson to left of speaker, Barkley in pinstriped suit to right. A longtime member of Congress before being selected as Truman's running mate, Mr. Barkley took an active role in governmental matters as he was named to the National Security Council. Kentucky welcomed back its native son and re-elected him to the Senate upon his retirement as vice-president. ALBUM 1.

Vice presidents; Barkley, Alben W., 1877-1956; Visits of state--Tacoma; Public speaking--Tacoma;

Vice President Alben Barkley raises his hand in an emphatic gesture as he speaks to a massive crowd lining the intersection of South 9th & Broadway. Mr. Barkley journeyed to Tacoma on the campaign trail to support Democratic candidates. The sunny fall day attracted large numbers of loyal supporters. Behind Mr. Barkley on the speakers platform are local dignitaries, including Mayor John Anderson to the far right. ALBUM 1.

Vice presidents; Barkley, Alben W., 1877-1956; Visits of state--Tacoma; Public speaking--Tacoma; Anderson, John H.;

The Men starring Marlon Brando and Teresa Wright was showing at John Hamrick's Music Box Theatre while up the street the Rialto promoted "Sunset Boulevard" with Gloria Swanson. On the same day, October 11, 1950, a huge crowd gathered around the speakers' platform at the South 9th and Broadway intersection to hear Vice President Alben Barkley during a Democratic campaign tour. The speaker pictured at the podium was not Mr. Barkley; it is possible that it was senatorial candidate, Warren G. Magnuson. ALBUM 1.

Vice presidents; Barkley, Alben W., 1877-1956; Visits of state--Tacoma; Crowds--Tacoma; Marquees--Tacoma;

V-P Barkley, Sen. Magnuson, former Rep. John Coffee, amid a group of party workers and candidates at Democratic HQ on October 11, 1950. Signs: "Coffee for Congress, " " Reelect Magnuson," "Croft for Sheriff," "Rosellini State Supreme Court," " Kupka, State Rep.," "Reelect Paul Newman, County Comm." An eager crowd presses forward to meet Alben Barkley who was to spend a busy two days in Washington state helping the Democratic cause. Screaming sirens accompanied the Vice-President's 90-mph-dash from the airport to Tacoma where he arrived almost an hour later than expected for a scheduled outdoor speech. He spoke from the same stand where President Truman had spoken two years ago. (TNT 10-12-50, p. 1) ALBUM 1.

Vice presidents; Barkley, Alben W., 1877-1956; Visits of state--Tacoma; Legislators--Washington--1950-1960; Magnuson, Warren G., 1905-1989; Coffee, John;