Seated among several Pacific Lutheran College students is motion picture and stage actress Luise Rainer. Miss Rainer, in long white shirt and dark pants, would appear as the lead in the school's production of "Joan of Lorraine" on May 7, 1954. The play would be directed by Theo Karl and have a cast of 22 amateur actors. Interpretive readings and selections from the Bible would also be given on the same day, in a matinee performance, by Miss Rainer. (TNT 4-25-54, D-12, TNT 4-29-54, B-5)

Theatrical productions--Parkland--1950-1960; Actresses; Rainer, Luise; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

Actress Luise Rainer gestures expressively as she addresses fellow actors during rehearsal on April 30, 1954. She is perched on a railing with one hand grasping the rail for balance. Miss Rainer was appearing for one night only in the Pacific Lutheran College production of "Joan of Lorraine." The play by Maxwell Anderson was part of the third annual drama-music festival held in May of that year. Miss Rainer was an accomplished screen and stage actress; she had won two Academy Awards in consecutive years for The Great Ziegfeld and The Good Earth. She was quoted in the News Tribune as saying "Acting must come from the inside out--never from the outside in." (TNT 4-25-54, D-12, TNT 4-29-54, B-5)

Theatrical productions--Parkland--1950-1960; Actresses; Rainer, Luise; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

Award winning actress Luise Rainer enjoys a cup of coffee and snack as she looks over the "Joan of Lorraine" script on April 30, 1954. She would be appearing in the third annual drama-music festival at Pacific Lutheran College on May 7, 1954, as the lead in the play. It would be the first time she had performed this play with amateurs; she would be joined by 22 student cast members. Co-Director of the drama-music festival and director of the play, Theodore Karl, is on the extreme right. (TNT 4-25-54, D-12, 4-29-54, B-5)

Theatrical productions--Parkland--1950-1960; Actresses; Rainer, Luise; Karl, Theodore; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

Luise Rainer extends her arms wide as she speaks to fellow cast members on stage during rehearsals for Pacific Lutheran College's play, "Joan of Lorraine". She would be performing the lead in the Maxwell Anderson play on May 7, 1954, as well as giving a matinee program of interpretive readings and selections from the Bible the same day. Pianist Jakob Gimpel, who was also a guest artist in the drama-music festival, accompanied Miss Rainer in the matinee program. Miss Rainer, Viennese-born, was a stage and screen actress who won Academy Awards for The Good Earth and The Great Ziegfeld. She also appeared in the plays, "Kiss for Cinderella" and Ibsen's "The Lady from the Sea." (TNT 4-25-54, D-12, TNT 4-29-54, B-5)

Theatrical productions--Parkland--1950-1960; Actresses; Rainer, Luise; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

Elks Extravaganza, 1955 edition. The man on the right is possibly John Hreha, who listed his occupation in the 1955 City Directory as "magician." Hreha was the husband of the former LaMoyne Barcott, of the pioneering Tacoma restaurant family. The other man and girl are unidentified. The girl is being lifted into a box "house." Perhaps Hreha intends to make her disappear. The annual talent show was put on by the Elks for their fellow members, family & guests.

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

Elks Extravaganza, 1955 edition. A man in a tuxedo, most probably show director Bert Kool, interviews a well dressed "lady" in front of the curtain. The "lady" is actually a fellow Elk dressed as a woman. The one and a half hour show featured many Elks dressing as the "other half" all in good fun, for the amusement of their fellow members and guests. The annual show featured music, magic, dance and vaudeville routines. The 1955 show was dedicated to former vaudevillian and previous years' director Max Frolic, who was recovering from an illness of several months.

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

The cast of the 8th annual Elks Extravaganza, 1955 edition. The two and one half hour event would take place at the Elks Temple March 30 & 31, 1955. The Thursday night performance would be only for Elks, their wives and friends. This year's cast is honoring Max Frolic, the director of the show in years past, who recently recovered from an illness of several months. Bert Kool served as entertainment chairman and musical director in 1955. The "Elks Dolls," the rather frumpy looking "women" in the back row opened the show. They are Mike LaVelle, Bob Morgan, Swan Johnson, C.J. (Bud) Weller and Jack Thomas. (TNT 3/27/1955, pg. B-8)

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

Elks Extravaganza, 1955 edition, the hand painted opening curtain for the show. The curtain features advertising from many Elk-owned businesses, with Art Emery's American Outdoor Advertising featured prominently in the center. Many of the ads have caricatures of the business owners. Rinaldo Keasal's reads simply "Out of Business. Retired to the Farm on I Street. Take your problems some where else."

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

Basil Rathbone (L), along with two unidentified students, relaxed on the grass near the Music -Chapel-Speech Building on the campus of Pacific Lutheran College in early May, 1955. Rathbone, famous for his film role as Sherlock Holmes, was present for the 4th annual Music-Drama Festival. He, and 10 amateur student-actors, received a prolonged ovation after appearing in Terrence Rattigan's "Winslow Boy" on Friday, May 6, 1955. Rathbone had the key role of Sir Robert Morton, trial lawyer, and lavished praise on his fellow-actors. G40.1-144 (TNT 5-7-55, p. 2)

Actors--Tacoma; Rathbone, Basil; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

Comedian Chico Marx speaks at the ground breaking of the U.S. Oil and Refining plant on the Tideflats. His remarks are carried live over radio station KTAC with dignitaries on the packed platform appearing amused at his comments. Officer center may be state draft chairman Captain Chester Chastak. A 10-million dollar plant would rise from this 120-acre location, bringing fresh employment and new dollars to Tacoma. ALBUM 5.

Actors; Marx, Chico (Leonard), 1891-1961; Petroleum industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; US Oil & Refining Co. (Tacoma); Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma;

Congressman Thor Tollefson speaks at the ground breaking of the US Oil and Refining plant on the Tacoma Tideflats. Chico Marx is in third row, with dark glasses. It was a gathering of powerful political forces as Mayor Harold Tollefson is at far right, second row and Senators Warren G. Magnuson and Henry "Scoop" Jackson were also in attendance. Congressman Tollefson's remarks were carried live on KTNT and KTAC stations. The wet, marshy acreage can be seen behind the crowded platform. ALBUM 5. TPL-9630

Actors; Marx, Chico (Leonard), 1891-1961; Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; US Oil & Refining Co. (Tacoma); Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma;

Ground breaking of the U.S. Oil and Refining plant on the Tacoma Tideflats. Chico Marx is in third row, with dark glasses. Congressman Thor Tollefson, 2nd from left, front row, next to Senator Henry M. Jackson. Mayor Harold Tollefson 3rd from right, second row. The 10-million plant, constructed on an 120-acre plot of land, would bring new employment to this area. Tacoma was chosen as the site of the new plant due to favorable economic conditions including availability of labor, excellent harbor facilities, and being centrally located. ALBUM 5.

Actors; Marx, Chico (Leonard), 1891-1961; Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma; US Oil & Refining Co. (Tacoma);

Reina L. Dougherty presents comedian Chico Marx with the "Key to the City of Tacoma" at the ground breaking of the U.S. Oil and Refining plant on the Tideflats. The blonde "Indian Princess Ah-pu-ya-ki" would be participating in Fun Fair events held in Tacoma that same weekend. Miss Dougherty was the granddaughter of George J. Dougherty, interpreter for Ezra Meeker, and the first Territorial judge of Washington. (TNT 7-21-55, B-6, TNT 7-23-55, p. 5) ALBUM 5.

Actors; Marx, Chico (Leonard), 1891-1961; Dougherty, Reina; Petroleum industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; US Oil & Refining Co. (Tacoma); Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma;

Comedian Chico Marx speaks at the ground breaking of the U.S. Oil and Refining plant on the Tacoma Tideflats. A packed platform of local and state dignitaries, including Congressman Thor Tollefson, 2nd from left, front row and Mayor Harold Tollefson 3rd from right, second row, enjoyed the witty comments of the famed Marx brother. Mr. Marx was also to assume the duties of master of ceremonies at the Young Men's Business Club invitational luncheon held at the Winthrop Hotel. He dazzled the luncheon crowd of refinery officials and dignitaries with his lightning fast repartee and samples of his piano virtuosity. (TNT 7-21-55, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Actors; Marx, Chico (Leonard), 1891-1961; Petroleum industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; US Oil & Refining Co. (Tacoma); Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma;

Ground breaking of the U.S. Oil and Refining plant on the Tacoma Tideflats. Comedian Chico Marx is in third row, with dark glasses. Congressman Thor Tollefson is 2nd from left in first row. Mayor Harold Tollefson is at far right, second row. At the speaker's podium is believed to be Port Commissioner M.S. Erdahl. Radio stations KTAC, KMO and KTNT carried the proceedings live. It was a coup for Tacoma to land the location of the new refinery that would be built for ten million dollars. ALBUM 5.

Actors; Marx, Chico (Leonard), 1891-1961; Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma; US Oil & Refining Co. (Tacoma);

Comedian Chico Marx, center, entertained at the ground breaking for the new 10-million dollar oil refinery built by the U.S. Oil and Refining Company on the Tacoma tideflats. Construction began in July of 1955 on the 120-acre site. Tacoma Mayor Harold Tollefson stands next to Chico. The site had been a favorite spot for fishing, swimming and duck hunting in earlier years. ALBUM 5.

Actors; Marx, Chico (Leonard), 1891-1961; Petroleum industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; US Oil & Refining Co. (Tacoma); Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Five unidentified members of the Pacific Coast Division of the American Pulp & Paper Mill Superintendents Association performed a "space age" skit involving a hodgepodge of space visitors and robots at their annual conference held at the Hotel Winthrop, 773 Broadway, in December of 1955. Following panel and group discussions on sulphate pulping, sulphite pulping, and papermaking, the delegates ended their annual meeting with an informal banquet in the Crystal Ballroom and a dance in the Wedgewood Room. (Photograph ordered by American Pulp & Paper Mill Superintendents Association.) (TNT 12-4-55, B-11)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Costumes; Robots; Signs (Notices); American Pulp & Paper Mill Superintendents Association (Tacoma);

Music was an important part of Lincoln High School in the 1950's. Their orchestra, under the direction of Robert Dezell, was considered one of the finest high school orchestras in the state. Musicians kept busy with many appearances locally, including the Western Washington Fair, Mid-Winter and Spring concerts, and participating in junior high school Christmas Vespers. In addition, 26 orchestral members were selected to join the Puget Sound Festival Orchestra. View of orchestra on stage at Lincoln High School; names of individuals are listed in the 1956 Lincolnian yearbook, p. 83. Photograph ordered by the Lincolnian yearbook. TPL-8135

Orchestras--Tacoma--1950-1960; Youth orchestras--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lincoln High School (Tacoma);

The entire cast of the 1956 Elks Extravaganza. Once a year, the Elks donned costumes, many masquerading as women, and cavorted for the amazement and amusement of their fellow lodge members, friends and families. This year, the cast includes some real women, as well as the Elks. The show in 1956 was once again under the direction of vaudeville and music star Max Frolic, who was unable to direct the previous year due to ill health. The show featured 20 outstanding acts. The backdrop depicts the "Damfino Saloon" and the Union Hotel, with the drawn window shades saluting Elk member businesses. (TNT 3/11/1956, pg. A-3)

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

One of the skits for the 1956 Elks Extravaganza, March 14 & 15, involved a crooning duo, backed up by the All Girl Elks Band. Some of these "girls" look quite muscular handling those instruments because they are really Elks brothers. Once a year, Elk members could doll themselves up for the amusement of fellow members, friends and families. The Wednesday show, the more risque of the two, was viewed by members only. The Thursday show was open to members, ladies and friends. In 1956, the show was once again directed by old time vaudeville star Max Frolic, who had been prevented from participating in 1955 by ill health. (TNT 3-11-1956, pg. A-3)

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

During World War II, the US military was still segregated. Despite the fact that they fought side by side, servicemen of color were not allowed in the whites only USO clubs. In Tacoma, a group of prominent religious, community and civic leaders addressed this problem by opening USO #2 at 713-15 Commerce St. and dedicating it for the use of African American servicemen and women. This photograph is of an unidentified violinist and accompanist performing at USO #2.

The 70 piece Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific Northwest perform at the annual USO Music Festival, held at Point Defiance Park on July 28, 1946. The orchestra, conducted by Dr. Francis Aranyi, was photographed on the temporary bandstand erected in the natural amphitheater at the entrance to the park. The concert was attended by over 7,000 people. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2; Photo by F.L. Powell, YMCA, Tacoma)

The second annual USO Music Festival was held at Point Defiance Park on July 28, 1946. One of the featured performers was the 70 piece Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific Northwest, under the direction of Dr. Francis Aranyi. The concert took place around the temporary bandstand set up in the natural amphitheater at the entrance to the park. It was attended by over 7,000 people. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2; Photo by F.L. Powell, YMCA, Tacoma)

The Puget Sound Navy Orchestra, from Seattle, performed jazz at the second annual music festival on July 28, 1946, at Point Defiance Park. The orchestra was under the direction of Ensign William Paul Currence. Watching and waiting for their turn to play, right, was either the 448th Special Service Band or Sharps and Flats, both groups from Fort Lewis. The newspapers classified their sound as "Boogie-Woogie." The 448th was under the direction of Sgt. Benjamin W. Martin; Sharps and Flats was under the direction of Joe Jordan. The concert, held in the natural amphitheater at the entrance to the park, drew over 7,000 listeners. It was also broadcast over the Mutual Network by KMO. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2; Photo by F.L. Powell, YMCA)

The performance by the 70 piece Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific Northwest, under the direction of Dr. Francis Aranyi, was one of the highlights of the USO Music Festival held July 28, 1946 at Point Defiance. The festival was held in the natural amphitheater at the entrance to the park. The concert drew over 7,000 listeners. It was also broadcast over the Mutual Network by KMO. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2) Photo by F.L. Powell, YMCA, Tacoma)

An unidentified majorette performs with the Seattle Elks Band at the USO Music Festival at Point Defiance Park on July 28, 1946. The band was one of many performers in the concert attended by over 7,000. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2; Photo by F.L. Powell, YMCA, Tacoma)

On July 29, 1945, the USO hosted its first Music Festival at Point Defiance Park. Over 6,000 spectators were on hand to enjoy the concert. The main feature was a performance of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" by the 362nd Army Band of Fort Lewis. Cpl. William Sumner of New York City was the featured soloist. Cpl. Sumner was the solo pianist with the National Broadcasting Company before entering the Army. Other performers included the 29th Special Band directed by Sgt. Earnest Hayden and the 25 voice Naval choir from Bremerton, featuring baritone soloist Robert Brown. (TNT 7/29/1945, pg. 1; photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)

This photograph from the Helen Stafford collection is dated July 29, 1945, meaning it was taken at the first USO music festival at Point Defiance. Six thousand attendees sat on the grass to listen to the 362nd Army Band from Fort Lewis play Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Also performing were the 29th Special Service Band directed by Sgt. Earnest Hayden and the 25 voice Naval choir from Bremerton. (TNT 7/29/1945, PG. 1; Photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)

ca. 1947. Orson Welles (standing), noted performer and director of stage, screen and radio, conferred with an unidentified African American pianist in this undated photograph. Two women in hats looked on from the drawing room beyond. The occasion was possibly in March of 1947, when Mr. Welles spoke to 5,000 persons in the Armory as a guest of the Tacoma Jewish Association in observance of Brotherhood Week.

On July 28, 1946, over 7,000 people attended the second US Music Festival at Point Defiance Park. Featured performers were the Seattle Elks Band, the Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific Northwest, the Puget Sound Navy Orchestra, the 448th Special Service Band, Sharps and Flats led by Joe Jordan and the Three Dynamos. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2; Official photograph, U.S. Army Air Forces McChord Field)