Women employees at Ohio Ferro-Alloys Corporation. As more men enlisted or were drafted into the service, women stepped forward to take their jobs, both in offices and in non-traditional labor positions. The Ohio Ferro-Alloys Corp. was constructed on the Tideflats in 1941. They produced ferro-chrome alloys that were used for armor plate on tanks and other weapons during the war.

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Ohio Ferro-Alloys Corp. (Tacoma); Metallurgical industry--Tacoma;

Aircraft spotters' shack at Browns Point. Built on a hill between Browns and Dash points, Crestview Tower commanded a sweeping view of the Puget Sound area around Tacoma harbor. It was formally dedicated and turned over to the Army October 29, 1942 as part of the aircraft warning service.

World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma; Observation towers;

Leona (Mrs. E.F.) Burton tried her hand at spotting enemy airplanes with binoculars from the deck of the Crestview Tower. She and Mrs. S.E. Peterson, right, were volunteering as civilian spotters. The tower, one of the tallest watching points in Tacoma, was formally dedicated and turned over to the Army October 29, 1942 in a ceremony at the Browns Point Community Hall. The tower was situated on a hill between Browns and Dash Points and commanded a sweeping view of the Puget Sound area around Tacoma Harbor. It was used as a unit in the aircraft warning system. (T. Times 10/28/1942, pg. 3)

World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma; Observation towers;

Surrounded on all four sides with an observation deck, Crestview Tower became an essential cog in the network of aircraft warning observation towers. It was dedicated and turned over to the Army on October 29, 1942. Located on a hill between Browns and Dash Points, it was one of the tallest watching points in Tacoma and commanded a sweeping view of the Harbor. TPL-1982 (T. Times 10/28/1942, pg. 3)

World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma; Observation towers;

Mrs. S.E. Peterson pointed out an item of interest to Leona (Mrs. E.F.) Burton from the deck of the Crestview Tower. The women were acting as civilian spotters from the Tower, one of the tallest watching points in Tacoma. It would be formally dedicated and turned over to the Army as a unit in the aircraft warning system October 29, 1942 at the Browns Point Community Hall. Located on a hill between Browns and Dash Points, it commanded a sweeping view of the Tacoma Harbor. (T. Times 10/28/1942, pg. 3)

World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma; Observation towers;

In October of 1942, Mrs. E.F. Burton (left), Mrs. S.E. Peterson, and an unidentified man stood on the deck of the new Crestview lookout tower searching the skies over Tacoma for enemy aircraft. The newly constructed warning service facility was turned over to the army at a ceremony held at the Brown's Point Community Hall. The tower, situated on the hill between Brown's and Dash Points, had a sweeping view of the Puget Sound area around the Tacoma harbor. (T. Times 10/28/1942 p.3) TPL-793

World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma; Observation towers;

Despite wartime rationing, service men on leave could stop by the USO Club at 415 South 13th Street and get a soda fountain treat prepared by on of the Junior Hostess volunteers who worked behind the counter. In December of 1942 Jean Beardemphl (2nd from right) practiced her sundae making techniques with E. Barlow standing at her side. Junior hostess volunteers kept the fountain open 65 hours a week. Learning how to make concoctions despite the shortages of ice cream and sugar are: (left to right) Mary Jasper, Catherine Dougherty, Reh Robinson, Anne Pirger, Janet Picard, Eileen Fletcher, Marion Bartley, and Elaine Maurice. (TNT 1/6/1943, pg. 7) TPL-1998

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Soda fountains--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ice cream & ices;

ca. 1943. One year old Pat Finnegan prepares for a military 1944 in these photos taken for New Years. He cries as Mom and Dad put a World War II helmet on his head and a rifle in his hands.

World War, 1939-1945--Children--Tacoma; Children playing with toys--Tacoma--1940-1950; Finnegan, Pat;

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;

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. O.W.I. Publicity. Two women working with metal parts on table surrounded by wooden barrels and plywood boxes at Northwest Chair. (T. Times).

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Northwest Chair Co. (Tacoma);

ca. 1943. One year old Pat Finnegan for New Year's. One-year old Pat Finnegan sits on the couch with a toy rifle, a real rifle, a soldier's hard hat, and a toy lamb and dog.

World War, 1939-1945--Children--Tacoma; Children playing with toys--Tacoma--1940-1950; Finnegan, Pat;

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);

ca. 1943. Women Block Leaders at scrap pile. Three women dressed in slacks and bandanas move an old stove at a junk yard where scrap metal is piled in this circa 1943 photograph.

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Salvage--1940-1950; Recycling--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Stoves;

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. 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. O.W.I. Publicity. Women working on assembly line at Northwest Chair. (T. Times)

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Northwest Chair Co. (Tacoma);

ca. 1943. One year old Pat Finnegan for New Year's. One-year old Pat Finnegan looks over the edge of the couch with toy animals, a toy rifle and a real rifle near by. A Christmas tree stands in the corner of the family's living room.

World War, 1939-1945--Children--Tacoma; Children playing with toys--Tacoma--1940-1950; Finnegan, Pat;

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);

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);

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. 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. O.W.I. Publicity. Two women spray paint metal parts at Northwest Chair. (T. Times.)

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Northwest Chair Co. (Tacoma);

ca. 1943. O.W.I. (probably the Office of War Information), Publicity. Three women wearing slacks and bandanas work on a wooden truck bed at Northwest Chair. The Office of War Information was formed in 1942 as a propaganda agency. They photographed the early mobilization of World War II, including women entering the industrial workforce. During WWII, Northwest Chair built the wooden bodies for Army trucks. (T. Times). TPL-206

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Northwest Chair Co. (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);

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 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. 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. O.W.I. Publicity (Office of War Information). Women assembling canvas tarp over bed of truck for troop transport at Northwest Chair Co. During World War II, Northwest Chair set aside their furniture line to make the wooden portion of Army trucks. The Office of War Information was formed in 1942 to photograph the early mobilization of industries for war. (T. Times). TPL-1950

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Northwest Chair Co. (Tacoma);