Peter Cottontail and pals wave to spectators as the Shop Rite Food Centers prize-winning float continues on its Daffodil Parade route on April 13, 1957. A 7 foot Peter is seated before an enormous yellow daffodil; his assistants, dressed in bunny outfits, are perched in flower shells. Judy Roetker, in flowing evening gown, sits among the field of daffodils. "Here Comes Peter Cottontail" was given the Sweepstakes Parade Award at the 24th annual Daffodil Parade. The float was the biggest allowed under parade rules at 39 feet long, 16 feet wide and 14 feet tall. 60,000 daffodils and 6,000 Esther Reed daisies graced the enormous float. Photograph ordered by West Coast Grocery Co. (TNT 4-13-57, A-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1957 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Shop Rite Food Centers (Tacoma); West Coast Grocery Co. (Tacoma);

The intersection of 11th & Pacific, crowds dispersing after the 1956 Daffodil Parade. People have lined up several deep along Pacific to enjoy the parade.The dull, overcast day did not deter the over 100,000 parade viewers in Tacoma; another 50,000 were expected to view the parade in Puyallup and Sumner. In addition, the parade was telecast by local stations who anticipated a viewing audience of over 1 million. The parade was made up of 59 floats, 37 bands and drill teams, 7 cars and 4 mounted units. The parade got underway at 10am in Tacoma and was over 2 hours long. The parade route began at 17th and Broadway, proceeded north on Broadway to 9th, down 9th to Pacific and south on Pacific to 19th. More than 2 million King Alfred daffodils were used to carry out the theme of "Storytime in Daffodils." (TNT 4/12/1956, PG. 1, 4/14/1956, PG.1, 4/15/1956, PG. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1956 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma;

The intersection of 11th & Pacific, a group of young baton twirlers clad in short plaid skirts and white sweaters march in majorette boots performing for the crowd. The identity of this group is not known, but some of the twirlers look hardly larger than their batons. The 1956 parade featured 37 bands and drill teams.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1956 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Baton twirling--Tacoma; Drum majorettes--Tacoma;

Cinderella is the theme of this float; the clock has almost struck 12 midnight as Prince Charming, believed to be the newly elected Exalted Ruler of the Elks Norbert E. Grove, attempts to fit the slipper back on Cinderella's foot. This charming salute to the Cinderella fairy tale won first place in Division 4, fraternal groups, for the Elks. The carriage and castle are all covered with sunny yellow daffodils. (TNT4/14/1956, pg. 1; 4/15/1956, pg. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1956 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); Grove, Norbert;

Fabled logging giant Paul Bunyan and his blue ox Babe are featured on this float designed for St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Co. This float won the Sweepstakes Award in the 23rd annual Daffodil Festival Parade. The 45 foot float was the longest and lowest single unit in parade history. Designed by Roy E. Stier, it was covered with 40,000 daffodils and 3,000 blue daisies. St. Paul and Tacoma had won many Festival Parade awards and was known for its beautiful and original floats. TPL-2034

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1956 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Co. (Tacoma);

Exterior of the 1956 Greater Tacoma Home Show Model Home, ordered by the Douglas Fir Plywood Association. The 1956 Tacoma Master Builders model home was called "The Klahanie," from a Chinook Indian word meaning "out of doors." It was designed to accomodate a couple with two children working with a restricted budget and a difficult building site. The resulting open living, dining, kitchen floor plan leading onto a large wooden deck gave the home a spacious feel. It was designed by architect Gordon Norman Johnston and built by Gordon Korsmo. The exterior of the home had brick planting boxes for landscaping and a covered passage to the two car garage. It was located in the University Estates division in University Place. (TNT 5/10/1956, Section C- Home Show feature)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Model houses--Tacoma; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma);

A large luncheon for the Shell Oil Company. Most of the women wear nametags, corsages and hats. They are seated at circular tables, with the speakers' long table at the end of the room. The luncheon was held at the Crystal Ballroom of the Winthrop Hotel and was attended by 185 wives of Shell Oil employees from the Tacoma district. The guest speaker was travel expert Carol Lane. She offered the women helpful hints for summer travel including how to pack a suitcase and how to care for children on a trip. (TNT 5/20/1956, pg. A-18)

Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Chandeliers;

ca. 1956. Combination basement recreation and laundry room of the 1956 Greater Tacoma Home Show Model Home, ordered by the Tacoma Master Builders. The model home was called "The Klahanie," from a Chinook Indian word meaning "out of doors." It was located in the University Estates division in University Place. The washer, dryer, water heater and furnace are tucked neatly into a corner. The remainder of the room is used for seating room, plus a poker table and ping pong table (only a corner seen in the picture.) Exposed pipes and beams can be seen at the ceiling level. Dark linoleum covers the floor. (TNT 5/10/1956, Section C- Home Show feature)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Model houses--Tacoma; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Recreation rooms--University Place--1950-1960; Laundries (Rooms & spaces)--University Place--1950-1960;

An American flag is draped over the hood of the Young Republicans entry in the 1953 Daffodil parade. The vehicle is covered with blossoms, including flowers entwined in the tires, and is packed full of cheerful riders. A grinning cartoon elephant, resembling Dumbo, on the identification sign greets parade onlookers.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1953 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Celebrations--Tacoma; Festivals--Tacoma; Pierce County Young Republicans (Tacoma); Flags;

A large group of spectators await the launching of the A.M.S. #96 on May 1, 1953. Television cameras capture the moment for posterity; it was the first launching televised in this area. Dignitaries on the platform, which would have included Mrs. Marvin H. Glunz, sponsor, and the attentive crowd listen to a naval speaker. This may have been Capt. Christian H. Duborg, who was listed as principal speaker of the event. The A.M.S. #96 was a 144-foot mindsweeper built by Tacoma Boat Building for the Navy. It was the fourth of five being constructed by the firm who had been awarded a Navy contract. (TNT 5-3-53, B-10)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Government vessels--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

National Auto Parts meeting at the Odd Fellows Hall in early April of 1953. For Mr. Johnston. Speaker discussing "Miracle Power" with five men standing beside product advertisements. Signs promote using the additive in oil and gasoline every 1000 miles.

Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; National Auto Parts, Inc. (Tacoma);

Anderson and Niebergall wedding. The former Mary Joan Anderson shows her leg garter to her bridesmaids and flower girls on her wedding day. This pose was typical of photographers' wedding coverage during the 1950s. The groom often tossed the bride's garter to single men after the ceremony. Mary Joan and Albert Durry Niebergall exchanged vows in Puyallup on June 13, 1953. The bride was from Seattle and the groom's hometown was Walla Walla. (TNT 6-25-1953, C-8-portrait of bride & groom)

Weddings--Puyallup--1950-1960; Anderson, Mary Joan; Brides--1950-1960; Wedding clothing & dress--1950-1960; Wedding attendants;

ca. 1953. Launching of naval ship #445, named the U.S.S. Force, the fourth of a series of nine 171 ft. minesweepers to be built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. Mrs. Thomas D. Wilson, wife of the Commander of the Bremerton Group, Pacific Reserve Fleet, was sponsor, assisted by Judith K. Ross as flower girl. M.S. Erdahl served as the master of ceremonies and Rear Admiral Charles D. Wheelock, inspector general for the Navy's bureau of ships, was the principal speaker. Other Naval dignitaries included Rear Admiral H.E. Haven, Commandant of the Puget Sound Naval shipyard, Capt. Linton Herndon, supervisor of shipbuilding Seattle, and Comdr. Lawrence MacKinlay, resident supervisor of shipbuilding Tacoma. The launching was followed by a reception and dinner at the Winthrop Hotel. (TNT 6/21/1953, pg. B-2, 6/27/1953, pg. 1)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Ross, Judith K.;

In August of 1953, Tacoma celebrated the 100th anniversary of the territory that became the State of Washington with a week of activities. These included a big downtown parade, pageant, street dance and salmon derby. Prominent local businessman Steve Pease, arm propped against his old horse-hitched buggy, would be an entrant in the Saturday, August 29th, Centennial procession. Wesley Holmberg is pictured next to Mr. Pease and Leanne Holmberg and Karen Kulp are the ladies riding in the buggy. (TNT 8-23-1953, A-1-article on Centennial; TNT 8-27-1953, A-1, alt. photo)

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Carriages & coaches--Tacoma--1950-1960; Horses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Pease, Stephen O.; Holmberg, Wesley; Holmberg, Leanne; Kulp, Karen;

Northwest Territory Centennial, stubble patrol & stubble pen. 605 - 607 S. Pine in the background (the Henry Block). As a fun part of the festivities surrounding the 100 year anniversary of the Northwest Territory, no Tacoma men were allowed to shave from the beginning of August till the end of the celebration. Those daring to defy the enforced hairiness were brought before a bewigged Judge Bertil Johnson in a kangaroo court and given a monetary fine. The fines helped fund the other parts of the festivities including the outdoor drama based on the settling of the Northwest Territory, street festivals and dances and the parade. (TNT 8/2/1953, pg. 1)

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma;

Northwest Territory Centennial, "stubble patrol" on 6th Ave. The patrol is loading this upright citizen into the paddy wagon for being clean shaven. As a part of the festivities of the Territorial Centennial, Tacomans were to throw away their razors and refuse to shave during the month of August. Those defying this new "law" were take to stubble pens to await trial and monetary fines. The fines helped fund the Centennial celebration and the patrol was diligent in their duties. (TNT 8/2/1953, pg. 1)

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma;

In August of 1953, just being clean shaven in Tacoma could get you arrested, as this unidentified businessman has just learned. As part of the festivities surrounding the 100 year anniversary celebration of the Northwest Territory, Tacoma men were forbidden to shave from early August to the late evening of August 29th. The "stubble patrol" headed up by chairman Swan Johnson began rounding up those without whiskers and transporting them by paddy wagon to a kangaroo court. The only way to avoid arrest was to buy a "stubble pass," these monetary contributions helped fund Tacoma's Centennial celebration. This hapless man was picked up in front of the Washington Building at the northeast corner of So. 11th and Pacific. (TNT 8/2/1953, pg. 1) TPL-9622

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Beards;

One of the most anticipated events held during Tacoma's Washington Centennial Celebration was the judging of the Beard Contest. On August 27, 1953, almost two thousand spectators watched with bated breath as a panel of five distinguished judges pulled at, stroked, and cast critical eyes over the beards grown during the contest by the 52 finalists. The four winners were: (l to r) Homer R. Parks, longest beard; Syl Uhl, homeliest beard; Thomas M. Racca, goofiest growth; and Warren Lasley, handsomest hirsuteness. Each winner received a trophy and a Remington electric razor. (TNT 8/28/1953 p.14)

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Beards; Contests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Awards; Parks, Homer R.; Uhl, Sylvester; Racca, Thomas M.; Lasley, Warren;

On August 27, 1953, these three men were chosen as winners in Tacoma's Washington Centennial Celebration's beard growing contest. Syl Uhl, Homer R. Parks, and Warren Lasley (from left) wasted no time in using their prizes, Remington electric shavers, to shear off a month's worth of hair. The fourth winner, Thomas M. Racca, was not pictured above. Men were encouraged to part with shaving and grow beards during the month of August to honor the pioneer spirit of the Centennial. Contests were held district wide and the 52 finalists from the 18 districts competed to place in one of four categories: longest, homeliest, goofiest and handsomest hirsuteness. (TNT 8-28-53, p. 14-article)

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Beards; Contests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Awards; Shaving equipment; Uhl, Sylvester; Parks, Homer R.; Lasley, Warren;

Washington State Historical Society, ladies dressed in costume for the Centennial pose with Territorial artifacts. Ordered by the TNT. One of the highlights of the week long city wide celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the Northwest Territory was the Pioneer Tea. It was hosted by members of the local chapters of the Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington and the Daughters of the American Revolution attired in pioneer outfits. Pictured, left to right, are Mrs. Clyde Davidson, Della Gould Emmons, Miss Ruby Blackwell, Florence Hoegh and Clara E. Goering, general chairman for the week long city celebration. (TNT 8/20/1953, pg. D-7)

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Washington State Historical Society (Tacoma); Goering, Clara; Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington (Tacoma); Daughters of the American Revolution (Tacoma);

Ben Shandrow, sitting behind the wheel of his 1911 Baker electric automobile watches as Art Cook cleans the windshield and Wally Hager checks the left rear wheel. Bill Gregory attaches a Young Men's Business Club sign to the front as Dick Boyle looks on. The car was being made ready for Tacoma's Washington Centennial Celebration Parade. The parade through the streets of downtown Tacoma was held on Saturday August 29, 1953. It was organized by the Tacoma YMBC. (TNT 8/27/1953, pg. 1)

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Shandrow, Ben; Cook, Art; Hager, Wally; Gregory, Bill; Boyle, Dick;

Banquet for Gonzaga University Alumnae Association. Gonzaga alumnae from the Tacoma & Olympia areas and parents of current students gathered at the Top of the Ocean on 11/21/1953 to hear the president's report delivered by the Very Rev. Francis E. Corkery, S.J., president of the University. (TNT 11/15/1953, pg. B-5)

Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Alumni & alumnae--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gonzaga University Alumnae Association (Tacoma);

Launching of the A.M.S. (motor minesweeper) #97 by Tacoma Boatbuilding. AMS #97 was the fifth and last minesweeper to be launched by the company. The four previous vessels were in various states of completion with the first to be delivered to the Navy in the fall. (TNT 9/27/1953, pg. C-12)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Government vessels--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Q-630 was one of three Q-boats launched on April 20, 1954. The 63 foot Q-boats were built for the Army under Navy supervision. The ships were expected to be delivered at Rio Vista, California, in May or June, 1954. The sponsor of Q-630 was Mrs. Vincent J. Genn, wife of the machinery superintendent at Tacoma Boat Building. LTC John Fredin was the principal speaker at the launching. View of participants posed in front of vessel; several women are holding large bouquets of roses. (TNT 4-18-54, B-10)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Government vessels--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Lakewood Center's float in the 1954 Daffodil Parade continued the theme of promoting Washington as a vacation paradise. Skiing, skating, boating & fishing, swimming and golfing were healthy outdoor activities available to locals and visitors alike. Participants in boating, fishing and golfing stood under a flowered carousel with the sign "It's vacation time all the time in vacationland." A newer award, the Festival award honoring the float best portraying the festival's theme, was given to the Lakewood Center Businessmen's Association for this float. (TNT 4-11-54, p. 1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954 : Tacoma); Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lakewood Community Center (Lakewood);

The men of Sigma Chi Fraternity from the College of Puget Sound took second place in the "Comic" category of the 1954 Daffodil Parade. A cardboard "Toss Fug" is pulling a trailer piled with "radioactive" soil, a fish skeleton, and signs warning "atomic pile", "world renouned Tacoma aroma", and in keeping with the vacation theme, "Vacation Tacoma - where debris meets the sea." Viewers are invited to "Watch Tacoma Grow". (TNT 4-11-54, p. 1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954 : Tacoma); Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sigma Chi (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Pierce County Sheriff's Posse on horseback is reaching the end of the Tacoma portion of the 1954 Daffodil Parade. The two mile route would head south on Pacific Avenue and conclude at 19th St. before reforming for the Valley swing in the afternoon. The 21st annual parade enjoyed its largest crowd ever, with estimates of 100,000 spectators. Two million daffodils were used on floats, carts, buggys, horses and people in the parade. (TNT 4-9-54, p. 1, TNT 4-10-54, p. 1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Horses--Tacoma;

An unidentified Tacoma police officer and several scouts stand at attention and salute as the Daffodil Parade passes South 12th and Pacific on April 10, 1954. They are probably saluting the Color Guard near the head of the parade. The 21st Daffodil Parade was the biggest in the history of the event with 52 floats and a crowd estimated at 100,000. The two-hour extravaganza was carried live over both KTNT-TV and KMO-TV. TPL-9623

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Saluting--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boy Scouts (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Tacoma Police Department (Tacoma);

Golden sunbeams burst onto Puget Sound in April of 1954 as the annual Marine Parade concluded Daffodil Festival activities. Crowds crowded Tacoma's shoreline to see the colorful marine floats. This particular entry had a distinctly tropical theme, with palm trees, flowers and even a hula dancer cutout on display. There were many passengers on board enjoying the brisk air and beautiful scenery. Besides the parade of more than 200 boats, there was also a sailboat race; only two of the 16 boats entered in the race finished the 11 mile course. Tom Sias' Lady Luck was the winner with Bill Brasier's Aurora second. Photograph ordered by the TNT. (TNT 4-12-54, p. 1, 16-articles)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954: Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Naval parades & ceremonies--Tacoma; Boats--Tacoma; Marine Parade;

The 1954 Puget Sound Daffodil Regatta awarded the grand prize for visiting boats to Chester Gibson, owner of the Hilma III, an entry from the Queen City Yacht Club of Seattle. It depicted Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, and his chariot of sea horses. The boat was smothered in daffodils with an attached sign reading "U.S. Coat Guard Auxiliary." A sailboat race, colorful exhibition by the City fireboat, and the parade of floats concluded the Daffodil Festival which was enjoyed by thousands viewing the proceedings from nearby surroundings. Photograph ordered by the TNT. (TNT 4-12-54, p. 1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954: Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Naval parades & ceremonies--Tacoma; Boats--Tacoma; Marine Parade;