National Guard members pose in front of the military marching band at Camp Thomas Aston, annual two week field training, held at Camp Murray. They include the band's drum major and an army cook. Camp Commander for the exercise was General Carlos A. Penington of Tacoma. (T. Times 6/20/1938, pg. 1)

Washington National Guard (Wash.); Camp Murray (Wash.); Military uniforms; Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940; Military bands--United States;

A hand of cards helps pass the time during field maneuvers at Camp Aston, the annual National Guard training camp, held at Camp Murray in June of 1938. The man at the right listens for any instructions on his field radio.

Washington National Guard (Wash.); Camp Murray (Wash.); Military uniforms; Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940; Radios;

While the majority of the Washington National Guard held their annual training encampment at Camp Murray outside of Tacoma, coast artillery units of the Guard trained at Fort Worden, the coast defense for Puget Sound. The officers at this meeting at Fort Worden have been tentatively identified as Brigadier General Maurice Thompson, Adjutant General; Col. J.K. Partello, officer in charge of National Guard affairs of IX Corps area, San Francisco; and Major Edward C. Dohm, Commander 248th Coastal Artillery, Olympia.

Washington National Guard (Wash.); Fort Worden (Wash.); Military uniforms; Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940;

A bunker at Fort Worden, where National Guardsmen practice firing one of the big guns. While most of the Washington National Guard did their yearly training at Camp Murray near Tacoma, coast artillery units trained at this coastal defense base near Port Townsend.

Washington National Guard (Wash.); Fort Worden (Wash.); Military uniforms; Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Washington National Guardsmen load one of the big coastal artillery guns at Fort Worden prior to firing it over the bunker wall.

Washington National Guard (Wash.); Fort Worden (Wash.); Military uniforms; Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Fleet Week. Four U.S. Navy Battleships in Commencement Bay, tideflats, city and Mount Rainier in background. (Argentum)

Battleships--1930-1940; Celebrations--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Headquarters Troop; 24th Cavalry Division, circa June of 1938. Members of the division pose in uniform with cooks in the center of the back row and tents in the background. The Headquarters Troop, 24th Cavalry Division is part of the Washington National Guard and it is the oldest military organization in the state. The Washington National Guard encampment was held annually in June. (filed with Argentum)

Camp Murray (Wash.); Military personnel--1930-1940; Horseback riding; Horses; Washington National Guard, 24th Cavalry Division (Tacoma);

Photograph taken October 3, 1939 of the interior of the new addition to the National Guard Armory, 715 So. 11th St., showing soldiers in formation with a small band on the right. The new addition was constructed in August of 1939 with funds supplied by the state and the PWA. It was 100 by 200 sq. feet with a 30 foot ceiling. Its curved roof replaced the former pillars, providing an unobstructed view. After the extensive remodel, the size of the space had increased by 1/3, with vast improvements also in lighting, ventilation and acoustics. (T. Times 10/7/1939, pg. 1) (filed with Argentum)

State Armory (Tacoma); Washington National Guard (Tacoma); Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940; Uniforms--Washington National Guard--1930-1940;

Big Buddy Day at Marymount Military Academy. Group of men and boys at rifle range. Big Buddy Day was an annual event at the military academy where men and boys joined together to show their skills at shooting, riding and swimming. The Academy existed for 54 years. In was dedicated in May of 1923 as St. Edward's Hall, Marymount. In 1974, the school dropped its military aspect and became a boarding school catering primarily to the wealthy. The school closed in 1976.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Big Buddy Day at Marymount Military Academy. Two men with three boys on horseback near grove of fir trees. Big Buddy Day was an annual event at the military school where men and boys participated together in shooting, riding, swimming, basketball and other events. Marymount was the only military school in the state of Washington and was run by the Dominican Sisters, a teaching order.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Two small boys dressed in military outfits stood bearing arms under the watchful eye of two men, one in uniform, on Big Buddy Day, Feb.22,1940, at Marymount Military Academy. Marymount, a Catholic boys' school near Spanaway, was the only military school in the state of Washington and a charter member of the National Rifle Association. Big Buddy Day was an annual event where boys and men could participate in shooting, riding, swimming, basketball and exhibitions such as this one. Students ranged from preschool (age 6) to 9th grade. The school, which was run by the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma, was small, with an total enrollment that was usually under 100. The man in uniform at the far left is Jim Cashion, a Marine Reserve commanding officer employed by Marymount. The little soldier to the right is Robert H. Gilroy, Jr., with his father, Robert, Sr., behind him.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway; Gilroy, Robert H.; Cashion, James;

Two men stand at attention by a row of vehicles, while another man takes their picture. These vehicles are possibly the armored all terrain scout cars of the 3rd Reconnaissance Troop. The armor plated vehicles were able to roll over any kind of terrain at great speeds. Fort Lewis was the headquarters for the 3rd Division, regular army. Since last September, they have been joined by the 41st Division, National Guard. By the summer of 1941 with the selective service act in full force, Fort Lewis is expected to swell to 50,000 soldiers, making it the fourth largest city in the state- right behind Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma. (T. Times 12/26/1941, pg. 3)

Fort Lewis (Wash.); Military facilities--Wash.;

On February 17, 1941, soldiers at Fort Lewis took a break from their work caring for the mules to admire a white goat. Mules were used by the 98th Field Artillery to pack into areas not accessible by motorized equipment.

Fort Lewis (Wash.); Military facilities--Wash.; Goats; Mules--Fort Lewis;

Marymount Military Academy, new east wing extension on grounds. Marymount was the only military school for boys in the state of Washington. The school was also a charter member of the National Rifle Association. The five building structure in the Lombardine Mission style was nestled in the trees on the original J. Shields estate "Shangarry," purchased by the Dominican Sisters in 1920. The Sisters ran the academic side of the school with a teacher-pupil ratio of 1-6. The academic standards were very high, while the military regimen and physical requirements were intended to mold the boys' characters.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Marymount Military Academy, new east wing extension on grounds. Marymount was dedicated to the development of its young male student's characters, using the military training to develop habits of obedience, neatness, promptness and self-reliance. Marymount was named for "Mary," the mother of Jesus, and the inspiring view of "Mount" Tacoma seen from campus. The school existed as an academic entity for 54 years, originally as a military academy for boys preschool - 9th grade. In 1974, the Dominican Sisters decided that the military, warlike aspect of the school was not the correct image for a Catholic school and the Academy became primarily a boarding school catering to the wealthy. It no longer took younger students, only those in the 6th - 9th grade and eventually took day students also. The school closed in 1976, but the Sisters retained the property for some time after that. TPL-9702

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Marymount Military Academy. The $200,000 modern Catholic Boys School was dedicated in May of 1923. The original school was a spacious two story structure of five buildings in Lombardine Mission style. It had a modern gym, pool and infirmary, as well as horse trails and stables, shooting ranges and playing fields. In addition, almost all food consumed here was raised at the school. Enrollment fluctuated over the years, but the school was designed to accomodate 150 boarding students from age 6-16. TPL-9103

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

A group of African Americans look on for the cutting of a cake at an unidentified social event at the USO #2, 713-715 Commerce St., circa 1946. The cake has four candles, possibly indicating that it was in honor of the Club's fourth anniversary in September of 1946. In the group were Helen B. Stafford (second from left), Arthur Hayes (fifth from left), Maude Leonard (seventh from left) and Louise Beck (back of center, in hat.) (photograph by F.L. Powell of 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)

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)

From September of 1942 until the end of March, 1947, 713-15 Commerce housed USO #2, a club reserved for the entertainment of servicemen and women of color. One of the unique activities in the club took place each year during "Be Kind to Animals" week. Servicemen assisted in the planning and production of a dog show with the pets of local children. Ribbons were presented to the best in each catagory. In this photograph dated September 16, 1945, unidentified children and servicemen pose with a variety of dogs at the club. (photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)

ca. 1947. Orson Welles (right), noted performer and director of stage, screen and radio, posed in this undated photograph with a longtime friend and Army-Navy USO Club leader Bennie D. Brown. 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.

ca. 1943. Military band in front of the temporary Liberty bond drive building set in middle of street in 700 block of Broadway circa 1943. Lou Johnson (women's clothing) and Smith Photographs in background.

Military bands--United States;

ca. 1944. War Street. Downtown display of World War II artillery and military equipment circa 1944. Among the display of various vehicles, a small prop airplane draws a large crowd. Downtown Broadway became "War Street" for a short time as many, many Tacomans were drawn to the display of Uncle Sam's military power.

Military vehicles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Airplanes--Tacoma--1940-1950; Airplane propellers; Crowds--Tacoma--1940-1950;

ca. 1944. War Street. Downtown Tacoma display of World War II artillery and military equipment circa 1944. A soldier explains the mechanical equipment and functions of a U. S. Army tank to five women.

Tanks (Military science)--Tacoma; Military personnel--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Petrich Boat Building. US Army Transportation Corps. Hull no. 8 - TP225, 96' Wooden Utility Boat, Design #333, Petrich Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma.

U.S. Army Transportation Corps; Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Transportation--Tacoma; Petrich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

In January of 1943, Capt. Bernhard Groth of the US Army's Ninth Service command came to Tacoma on an inspection tour of the State Guard units. He said that he was well pleased with the training and appearance of the Tacoma units. Groth was pictured here discussing a firearm with an enlisted man of the Regimental Service Company. Those military men with faces shown are, left to right, Regimental Sgt. Major John Hudson, Capt. Walter Morris, Capt. Groth, Sgt. DeWitt Rowland of Regimental Hdqtr, Maj. George Nelson- commander 2nd Battalion and Tacoma Station, Capt. (Dr.) Edwin Muir and Maj. James McGee. (T.Times 1/21/1943, pg. 14)

Washington State Guard (Tacoma);

Members of Tacoma's Washington State Guard unit, including a canine member, prepare for an inspection January 20, 1943 by Capt. Bernhard Groth of the US Army's Ninth Service Command. The four legged member is Bingo Hathaway, technical sergeant, grade II; his promotion to that grade being recently announced by the Captain of F Company. He is detailed as "Morale Sergeant." In the photograph, he stands at attention at the rear rank of his outfit. He can also stand "at ease" and march with the company on command. Owned and trained by Sgt. Jack Hathaway, he has earned his own uniform, adorned with his stripes and the official crest of the WSG. (T. Times 4/22/1943, pg. 1)

Washington State Guard (Tacoma); Working dogs;

Western Boat. View of stern of YP 628. This ship, built for the US Navy, was the first to be sponsored by a WAVE, Lt. Mary Salber, a senior WAVE. (T.Times 5/26/1945) TPL-9444

War ships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puget Sound (Wash.); Petrich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Western Boat. View of bow and side of YP 628. This 128 foot supply cargo carrier built for the US Navy was launched by Petrich yards February 1945. She is wooden hulled and equipped with refrigerator compartments and will carry cargoes for isolated detachments. Y.P. designates a patrol craft. (T.Times 2/15/45) TPL-8882

War ships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puget Sound (Wash.); Petrich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Telephone center - Camp Murray. Telephone services during WWII were not as readily available as they would be in the decades following the 40s. Personnel at Camp Murray would need to report to the designated "Telephone Center" operated by Pacific Telephone & Telegraph in order to make local and long distance calls. Often due to the high demand, there would be long periods of waiting to use the phones. Photograph ordered by Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co.

Camp Murray (Wash.); Communication facilities--Camp Murray; Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Peace--Tacoma;