ca. 1955. The Administration Building, "Old Main," now Harstad Hall, at Pacific Lutheran College. The College was founded in 1891 by Rev. Bjug Harstad and construction began on Old Main. The building was ready for occupancy and the school open for students in 1894. Tuition at that time was $1.00 per week and the school stood on an empty prairie. Through the years, each graduating class planted ivy to climb up the buildings sides until it was covered. In 1950, the English ivy was removed because it was damaging the building and the building was given a modernizing face lift. The building now houses a mens dormitory.
Universities & colleges--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;
ca. 1955. Franklin Pierce High School, Parkland, showing gym floor. Built in 1953, the address was listed originally as 11002 Portland Ave. The school is listed in the phone book as being located at S. 112th & Portland Ave. This appears to be a multipurpose room with a curtained stage at one end, a gym floor and bleachers that fold out from the side walls.
Franklin Pierce High School (Parkland); Public schools--Parkland--1950-1960; Gymnasiums--Parkland--1950-1960;
ca. 1955. This appears to be a more intimate coffee shop atmosphere on the campus of Pacific Lutheran College in 1955. Students could place their orders at the nearby counter and then relax alongside the large plate glass windows. This photograph was taken in the evening as students enjoyed their ice cream sundaes, pie and milk. The coffee shop, located in a spacious room in the new College Union Building overlooking Wheeler St., seats 90 persons. Photograph ordered by Pacific Lutheran College. (TNT 12-18-55, A-19, TNT 2-5-56, B-6) TPL-9321
ca. 1955. Pacific Lutheran College's Memorial Gymnasium. Although already in the planning stages, its construction became a necessity when the old gym burned to the ground in June of 1946. The new gymnasium, designed by Lea, Pearson & Richards, was dedicated December of 1947. It was built of reinforced concrete. The interior was 134 x 142 feet and held 3,500 (or 2,500 spectators in bleachers with a 50 x 90 foot playing floor.) The building also had classrooms and dressing rooms and showers for men and women. A 46 x 50 foot addition was available for use by the Varsity football team. The cost of the gym was $250,000 and was built debt free.
Gymnasiums--Parkland; Universities & colleges--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings; Memorial Gymnasium (Parkland); Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;
ca. 1955. Students enjoy tasty meals at one of the dining halls on the Pacific Lutheran College campus in 1955, while lines of people wait to be seated. This may have been taken roughly around Thanksgiving, as trays are filled with plates of turkey, mashed potato, peas, and pumpkin pie. The dining hall appears to be very large with bright overhead lights and plenty of windows. The new dining hall seats 600 persons. Everything is new, including furniture, dishes, silverware, and even trays. Students who board at P.L.C. eat very well on $1.33 a day covering three meals. Photograph ordered by Pacific Lutheran College. (TNT 2-5-56, B-6) TPL-9320
ca. 1955. The lovely Miss Marion Gabrielson of Eugene, Oregon, will be crowned 1955 May Queen at Pacific Lutheran College. Her coronation would take place during a program on May 4, 1955, in the college gym. She was a senior nursing education student. She poses here on the campus grounds in front of what is probably the Science Hall. She is dressed formally in an evening gown and holds a bouquet of spring daffodils and forsythia. (TNT 5/1/1955, pg. D-1, 5/5/1955, pg. A-8)
ca. 1955. An exterior view of the Student Union Building at Pacific Lutheran College. This building was constructed in 1947 on the foundation of the gym that was destroyed by fire in 1946. It was designed by Lea, Pearson and Richards, Architects. During its use as the Student Union, it served as the center of student social and extra curricular activities. It contained a bookstore, coffee shop, recreation room, student lounge, auditorium, and stage. It was replaced in 1955-56 by a larger and more modern Student Union and this structure was converted to classrooms.
Universities & colleges--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;
Exterior of Horace Mann Elementary. The November 24, 1954, sepia photograph of Mann Elementary School resembles a painting more than an actual photograph. Nearly fifty years later, the school looks much the same as it did in 1954. Named after noted American educator Horace Mann, the southend school was first built at South 54th and "I" Streets in 1901. The present school was constructed a short distance away at South 52nd and "K"and dedicated in 1953. Additions were made in 1967 and further improvements are in the works in 2002-03 to accomodate displaced students from Seward Elementary. Photograph ordered by Jensen & Mills, Architects. (Olsen: For the Record, p. 83)
Horace Mann School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Interior- James Sales Elementary School. Just outside the school's auditorium doors is a large bulletin board with the silhouettes of two dark hands and the warning: "Clean Hands Are Important." The bulletin board is neatly placed on the brick wall next to the recessed auditorium doors. The James Sales Elementary School is in the Franklin Pierce School District and located in Parkland. It was designed by local architects Lea, Pearson & Richards. Photograph ordered by Lea, Pearson & Richards.
James Sales Elementary School (Parkland); Public schools--Parkland--1950-1960; Bulletin boards; Lea, Pearson & Richards (Tacoma);
Exterior of James Sales Elementary School. James Sales Elementary was named after the first white child born in the Tacoma area on October 23, 1853. His parents were William and Eliza Sales, mill-hand at Nicholas Delin's mill and cook, respectively. The Sales later took a claim in the Puyallup Valley. The James Sales Elementary School was designed by local architects Lea, Pearson & Richards. The school was a very contemporary brick building with a multitude of windows that allowed plenty of natural light. Photograph ordered by Lea, Pearson & Richards. (Morgan: South on the Sound, p. 34)
James Sales Elementary School (Parkland); Public schools--Parkland--1950-1960; Lea, Pearson & Richards (Tacoma);
Exterior James Sales Elementary School. The local architectural firm of Lea, Pearson & Richards designed the James Sales Elementary School as a modern brick one-story school with many windows. The school was located on 112th Street in Parkland, part of the Franklin-Pierce School District. It was named after James Sales, first white child born in what is now the Tacoma area in 1853. Photograph ordered by Lea, Pearson & Richards.
James Sales Elementary School (Parkland); Public schools--Parkland--1950-1960; Lea, Pearson & Richards (Tacoma);
Exterior James Sales Elementary School. A close-up view of the main entrance to the James Sales Elementary School was taken on October 31, 1954. Designed by local architects Lea, Pearson & Richards, the school was built mostly of brick as a one-story unit. A modern entryway with multi-paned windows and small porch would greet the children of the school. The name of the school is clearly stated in large letters close to the entrance. The James Sales Elementary School was located in Parkland and was a part of the Franklin Pierce School District. It was named after James Sales, first white child born in the Tacoma area in 1853. Photograph ordered by Lea, Pearson & Richards.
James Sales Elementary School (Parkland); Public schools--Parkland--1950-1960;
Exterior of school. Various local schools were photographed on October 24, 1954, on behalf of Ostruske-Murphy, Inc., contractors. This may be part of Browns Point School on 51st St. N.E. The buildings were constructed with flat roofs, long rectangular lines, and many multi-paned windows. A sign urging voters to cast their ballots on behalf of good schools is already on site despite the fact the election is not until May 18th.
Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices); Ostruske-Murphy, Inc. (Tacoma);
A proud and happy group of school patrol leaders pose in front of Dupont School on October 1, 1954. The boys and girls all sport sashes with patrol badges pinned on them. School patrols provided protection for children walking to school by keeping a close eye on oncoming traffic; they may have had other duties as well. School administrative staff and honored guests were invited to join the children in the above photograph. One man seated in the front row holds a plaque with engraved names.
School children--Dupont; Dupont School Patrol (Dupont);
Pacific Lutheran College students Naomi Rasmussen (left) and Lois Ronell are studying in the tidy room they shared in the school's new women's dormitory in October, 1954. Drapes on the large window are open to let in natural light and provide a beautiful view of a large tree-filled lot. Each girl seems to have a bed, bookcase, and possibly separate desks. Large cuddly stuffed animals rest on top of their beds. Computers and refrigerators are conspicuous by their absence.The new South Hall dormitory was home to 129 women in the fall of 1954. It had many amenities such as two decorated lounges complete with televisions and a grand piano, four small kitchen units, complete laundry service and study rooms. Mrs. Clara Nelson was housemother. (TNT 10-13-54, C-2, 1955 Saga yearbook)
Eleven Lincoln High School leaders along with the school's principal stood on the steps of Lincoln High School with a large banner promoting school spirit in September of 1954. Principal Kenneth Flora is flanked by Sally Strobel, senior representative on the student council (on left) and student body president Robert L. Simpson and Ida Kvenild (on the right). Wonderful values were still available through the purchase of an Associated Student Body Membership Card, with admittance to various sporting events and reduced admission rates on plays, shows, bus fares and the school yearbook, the Lincolnian. School had opened earlier in the month so there was still plenty of time to get involved in the numerous activities that Lincoln offered. Photograph ordered by the Lincoln News, school newspaper.
Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banners--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Flora, Kenneth; School principals--Tacoma--1950-1960; Strobel, Sally; Simpson, Robert L.; Kvenild, Ida;
A Sunnen crane hoists roofing materials to waiting workers on the rooftop of majestic Stadium High School on September 1, 1954. School would begin in a week so repairs would have to be completed by then. In 1954, the high school was nearly fifty years old. Built in the French Chateau style in 1891 and first intended as a hotel, it was converted into a high school and opened on September 10, 1906. The school was placed on the City, State and National Registry. Photograph ordered by Sunnen Auto Freight & Heavy Hauling Co. TPL-10056
Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sunnen Auto Freight & Heavy Hauling Co. (Tacoma); Hoisting machinery;
Selected members of a Citizens Advisory Committee toured three north end schools in late August of 1954. Three of the members, Don Burbank, Mrs. Robert Myers, and Dr. R.A. Norton (left to right), are pictured in the aging Grant School auditorium which was filled with desks stored for the summer. The Citizens Advisory Committee, which represented 175 civic and service organizations, recommended replacement of both Grant Elementary and Stadium High School to the Tacoma School Board. The Grant auditorium could no longer be insured against earthquake damage. The school's deteriorating floors and heating system, bad frame construction, and badly worn window frames, doors and casings were noted. In contrast, the committee members were delighted with the spacious new Sherman Elementary on North 39th St. which would open for the first time that September. (TNT 9-1-54, B-7-article & alt. photographs)
Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Grant School (Tacoma); Auditoriums; Stages (Platforms); Committees--Tacoma; Desks; Burbank, Don; Myers, Robert--Family; Norton, R.A.;
Members of the Citizens Advisory Committee inspect school classrooms on August 30, 1954. Mrs. A.A. Price is observed opening a small drawer in a large dilapidated work table while Mrs. Gordon Hartwick, of the League of Women Voters, looks on. William Rave of the Carpenters Union leans over a cracked and dirty fish tank. Peeling paint and dirt are clearly visible on the walls and shelves. This classroom has been identified as a fourth floor classroom in Stadium High School, probably Room 424 in the southwest tower. The Citizens Advisory Committee, representing 175 civic and service organizations, toured three northend schools and presented their findings to the Tacoma School Board. They advised replacement of Grant and Stadium schools and praised Sherman school for its modern facilities. (TNT 9-1-54, B-7)
Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Classrooms; Committees--Tacoma; Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1950-1960;
Keys for the new Peninsula School District buses are exchanged between the foursome standing in front of the buses on July 25, 1954. Five International Harvester buses were purchased by the school district to transport their growing enrollment. Photograph ordered by International Harvester Co.
School buses--Gig Harbor; Peninsula High School (Gig Harbor); Public schools--Gig Harbor; International Harvester Co. (Tacoma);
The Peninsula School District purchased five new International Harvester buses to transport their students in July, 1954. The buses are parked outside the massive multi-storied brick building housing the Peninsula High School. A field of tall grass adjoins the parking lot. Photograph ordered by International Harvester.
School buses--Gig Harbor; Peninsula High School (Gig Harbor); Public schools--Gig Harbor; International Harvester Co. (Tacoma);
Five new International Harvester school buses are lined up beside the Peninsula side entrance to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge on July 25, 1954. They were purchased by the Peninsula School District #401 to transport the district's students. Each bus is lettered with the school district's name; in addition, each has a separate bus number labeled next to the doorway. Photograph ordered by International Harvester. TPL-2544
School buses--Tacoma; International Harvester Co. (Tacoma); Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Tacoma); Bridges--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Two Pacific Lutheran College students and Professor Robert C. Olsen appear to be observing a chemistry experiment in a May 30, 1954, photograph. An elements chart is placed above the blackboard on the wall behind the students.
Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Students--Parkland--1950-1960; Chemistry--Parkland; Olsen, Robert C.;
A group portrait of the elegantly dressed Pacific Lutheran College Chorus on stage was taken on April 1, 1954. The men are dressed in tuxedos while the women are wearing floor length evening gowns. In the center of the photograph at the piano is the conductor, Professor R. Byard Fritts. The 70 member choir was well known for their beautiful voices and performed often with appearances in the Christmas Concert, Capitol rotunda in Olympia, Omnibus of the Arts, Drama-Music Festival, and the Commencement Recital. (The Saga, 1954, p. 85)
Group portraits; Choirs (Music); Evening gowns--Parkland--1950-1960; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Fritts, R. Byard;
Getting ready for the April 23, 1954 Horace Mann PTA-Preschool carnival with a "Big Top" theme were: (left to right) Mrs. Albert Michel, PTA president; James Gibson, teacher and PTA school coordinator; Mrs. Charles Ayler, preschool president and seated in back, Mrs. A.C. Anderson, general carnival chairperson. The group posed with carousel horses from the B&I Sales. (TNT4-21-1954, B-7)
Horace Mann School (Tacoma); Parent-Teacher Association (Tacoma); Michel, Albert--Family; Gibson, James; Ayler, Charles--Family; Anderson, A.C.--Family; Merry-go-rounds--Tacoma; B&I Circus Store ;
Lincoln High School band for the 1954 school yearbook The Lincolnian. The band, under the direction of Robert Dezell, played at basketball and football games. They played concerts at the middle schools and broadcast two performances on KMO. The highlight of their year was their "Bach to Pop" concert in March. (1954 Lincolnian- see yearbook for names)
Bands--Tacoma--1950-1960; Youth bands--Tacoma--1950-1960; Band uniforms--Tacoma; Lincoln High School (Tacoma);
Annie Wright Seminary, Junior class play for the yearbook "The Shield." For their theatrical production, the AWS juniors presented Jean Cocteau's version of the Sophocles play "Antigone." "Antigone" is the story of a young girl who defies her uncle, the King, to bury the remains of her brother. The lead roles of Antigone and Ismene were played by Heather Spence and Dorthea Weiss. The play was produced on Saturday at 8:30p.m. in Keator Hall. The main characters can be seen standing in the center of what may be the curtain call, flanked by chorus members and sword carriers. (TNT 2/10/1954, pg. 3, 1954 AWS yearbook, The Shield)
Annie Wright Seminary, Junior class play for the yearbook "The Shield." The Juniors presented French playwright Jean Cocteau's version of Sophocles play "Antigone." In the play, a headstrong and young Antigone defies her uncle, the King, to bury the remains of her brother. The lead roles were played by Heather Spence and Dorthea Weiss. (TNT 2/10/1954, pg. 3, 1954 AWS yearbook The Shield)
Annie Wright Seminary. Annual Freshman-Sophomore Student dance. One of the highlights for the underclassmen was the annual hop hosted by the younger girls for the Junior and Senior class. The theme for the 1954 dance was "The New Yorker." Here, young ladies in evening gowns wearing top hats and carrying canes get ready to perform a song and dance routine for the entertainment of the other party goers.
Annie Wright Seminary, group photograph around school for annual. Members of T.A.S.C. (The Athletic Service Club) for the 1954 school yearbook. The girls are dressed in white blouses with a Peter Pan collar, dark shirts and sweaters with AWS emblem and saddle shoes. They also wear a beanie on their heads. (1954 yearbook "The Shield" - see yearbook for names.)
