Actress Lana Turner arrives at the Winthrop Hotel in Titus Motor Company's 1923 Lincoln Touring during her visit to Tacoma for a War Bond rally. Mayor Harry P. Cain is to her left. The woman in sunglasses holding a white hat is her mother, Mildred Turner. Miss Turner, a popular actress, would be appearing at the dedication of the new Liberty Center downtown to personally autograph bond applications made during the noon ceremony. Big bond purchasers would be the recipients of kisses from Miss Turner. The bond drive was to be a huge success with over $120,000 sold in 24 hours.

Turner, Lana, 1920-1995; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lincoln automobile; Actresses;

On June 13, 1942, actress Lana Turner kissed local contractor Henry J. Schneider on the cheek as a "receipt" for his purchase of a $500 War Bond at Liberty Center, 1000 Pacific Ave. Miss Turner sold $25,625 in bonds during the rally. Mayor Harry P. Cain, far left, looks on with amusement. Mayor Cain had designated June 13th both "Bond Day" and Lana Turner Day, and named the block on 10th Street between Pacific and A Street "Liberty Center". Besides personally autographing bond applications made during the noon rally at the center, Miss Turner promised to give a big kiss to some of the extra large purchasers. (TNT 6-11-42, p. 1, TNT 6-12-42, p. 1, TNT 6-13-42, p.1, TNT 6-14-42, p. 1)

Turner, Lana, 1920-1995; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Schneider, Henry J.; Kissing;

Actress Lana Turner on stage at Liberty Center, South 10th Street between "A" and Pacific Avenue, during a War Bond rally. The men flanking Miss Turner were not identified; man in background to the far right of the photograph is Pierce County War Bond drive chairman Leon Titus. Radio station KMO broadcast the dedication ceremony of the new Liberty Center for those unable to attend. The one-hour ceremony featured an Army band, Army talent, and Miss Turner, who personally autographed bond applications made during the noon ceremony.

Turner, Lana, 1920-1995; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actresses; Titus, Leon E.;

Throngs gather at the new Liberty Center, South 10th Street between "A" and Pacific Avenue during personal appearance by Lana Turner for a rally to stimulate the sale of War Bonds. The center was dedicated on June 13, 1942, with Tacoma Mayor Harry P. Cain as Master of Ceremonies. An army band and army talent performed during the one-hour program. Miss Turner indicated that this was her first extensive personal appearance tour which she was enjoying greatly. Over $120,000 was raised during her brief Tacoma appearance which included visits to the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyards and Fort Lewis. (TNT 6-11-42, p. 1, TNT 6-13-42, p. 1, TNT 6-14-42, p. 1)

Turner, Lana, 1920-1995; War bonds & funds; Crowds--Tacoma;

In June of 1946, to raise money for the Tacoma Jubilee, the Young Men's Business Club brought Bob Hope to Tacoma for a special show in the Stadium Bowl. Over 7,500 Tacomans came to see Mr. Hope, a collection of local performers, a small group of Hollywood starlets, and the "Skinnay" Ennis Band. Although the Y.M.B.C. did not make much beyond expenses, a fun evening was had by all who attended. The musical troupe had arrived at Boeing Field earlier on June 7, 1946, in two chartered planes. An avid golfer, Mr. Hope had played golf with good friend Bing Crosby in Spokane the day before and had beaten him by two strokes. He managed to squeeze in a PGA sanctioned event the day of the show but lost to "two Chucks." The man sitting next to Bob Hope is Walter Geehan. At the time this photograph was taken he was the manager of The Rudder Club. (TNT 6-7-46, p. 1, TNT 6-8-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Hope, Bob; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Entertainers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Geehan, Walter;

Dorothy Bernard's sixth period literature class at Mason Junior High was sponsoring an assembly for the "I Am an American" program. They were posting posters throughout the school to advertise their upcoming event. The class would be putting on a play and quiz program for the school. View of Mason Junior High students doing research for their "I Am an American" program, names appear in newspaper (T. Times, 5/21/48, p. 2).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Drama clubs--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma; Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mason Junior High School (Tacoma);

Actor Keenan Wynn, right, with unidentified USAF officer at McChord Field Officer's Club dance. To boost the morale of the area's armed forces, Mr. Wynn and his nine member troupe performed at Fort Lewis, McChord Air Force Base and Madigan Hospital. Each military post saw a 90-minute performance. Mr. Wynn's wife, Betty Butler, was part of the cast. (TNT 11-6-51, p. 3)

Wynn, Keenan; Actors--Tacoma--1950-1960;

In April of 1944 Lenny Hagen and his Orchestra could be heard playing at the Fellowship Ballroom in the Temple Theatre at 49 Saint Helens Avenue. A life member of the Musicians Association of Tacoma, Local 117, Lenny Hagen (second from right, playing the violin) was one of the best known orchestra leaders in the Puget Sound region. He received his early training on the violin in Tacoma before going east to study at the Boston Conservatory of Music. In the 1920s he conducted orchestral groups that accompanied silent movies in Tacoma, Seattle and Portland. For a period he was concertmaster for the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and he was also the leader of the orchestra at the Tacoma Hotel. TPL-9896

Orchestras--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma; Hagen, Lenny;

Comedian, radio star and actor Jack Benny signed an autograph for Eunice Sumblin (far right) at Tacoma's Union Station on April 18, 1944. Mr. Benny's wife, Mary Livingston, a former Seattle showgirl, stands next to him; Donna Mae Murphy is to the left. The Bennys, accompanied by comedian Eddie "Rochester" Anderson and bandleader Phil Harris, were on their way via train to British Columbia to open a War Bond show. Word had leaked out that their train would be passing through Tacoma. Although they paused in Tacoma for a mere two minutes, they were caught by both Miss Sumblin and the local press. (T.Times, 4-19-44, p. 1) ALBUM 7. TPL-143.

Benny, Jack, 1894-1974; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Comedians; Livingston, Mary; Autographing--Tacoma; Murphy, Donna Mae; Sumblin, Eunice;

Comedian and actor Jack Benny shakes hand with an unidentified man at Tacoma's Union Station on April 18, 1944. Benny's wife, Mary Livingston, former Seattle showgirl, is to the right. Mr. Benny and his troupe were on their way to British Columbia to open a War Bond show and had stopped at Union Station for a mere two minutes. Mr. Benny was surprised to see reporters, fans, and photographers since it was supposed to be a "secret" stop but he and his wife gamely stood on the platform in the chilly weather and greeted the crowd. (T.Times, 4-19-44, p. 1) ALBUM 7.

Benny, Jack, 1894-1974; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Comedians; Livingston, Mary; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

On July 15, 1949, western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry and his horse Champion took a bow during a show at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. The well-trained horse was kneeling on his forelegs with Mr. Autry, in western garb, in the saddle. The audience of 5,000 was treated to singing, skits and the special appearances of Champion and his son, Champion Jr., during the joint College of Puget Sound - Tacoma Athletic Commission one-night variety show. Gene Autry was America's favorite "Singing Cowboy" and he became famous in film, radio, television, and live theater and rodeo performances. (TNT 7-15-49, p. 13, TNT 7-16-49, p. 3; www.autry.com) ALBUM 8.

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers; Autry, Gene, 1907-1998; Horses--Tacoma--1940-1950; Trick riding--Tacoma--1940-1950; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

St. Leo's High School and Bellarmine High School presented "The Spanish Belle", an operetta in two acts, at St. Leo's auditorium April 30 and May 2, 1950. A line of tap-dancers are shown in costume. Bob Columbini originated and directed the dances. The orchestra was directed by Louis Greiner. Ordered by Sister Lavinia. Names of the more than 20 dancers in the operetta are listed in the newspaper. (TNT, 4/30/1950, p.C-13)

Operas & operettas--Tacoma; Stage props; Costumes; Students--Tacoma; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); St. Leo's Parochial School (Tacoma);

The play has 30 experienced professional actors travelling with the production throughout the United States. More than 75 actors were local talent, including students from Lincoln High School and Stadium High School. Music is provided by 18 chorus members from Tacoma, under the direction of Clayton Johnson, music director at Stadium High School. View of actor, fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

The original Black Hills Passion Play was playing at Tacoma's Temple Theatre for four days, the performances were being sponsored by the tacoma Council of Churches. View of actress portraying one of the characters from the Black Hills Passion Play, she is fully dressed in her costume (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actresses--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Stages (Platforms); Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (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);

Four members of the Tacoma Elks Club await the call to perform in the 1953 annual Elks Extravaganza. While all four are wearing tights and skirts, apparently two are supposed to be more masculine in nature--witness the buckskin jacket and derby hat. There were a variety of skits presented during the evening's entertainment, to the amusement of the large audience. Max Frolic, former vaudevillian, produced the two-night extravaganza, with a cast of over fifty individuals and a 35-piece Elk band. One performance was for members only. (TNT 3-24-53, p. 14)

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

Television star Duncan Renaldo seems to give a warm greeting to one of his many fans during his appearance at the B&I Circus store on October 24, 1953. Best known for his work as the "Cisco Kid" in both movies and television, Mr. Renaldo was stranded in the United States when the Brazilian ship on which he was employed burned in the early 1920's. He moved into the field of film production and then into acting, with some of his early roles in "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" (1929) and "Trader Horn" (1931). Because there was some confusion as to the legality of his entry into the United States, he was imprisoned at McNeil Island for about a year in the early 1930's. He was eventually pardoned by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-1980--Public appearances; Actors--Tacoma--1950-1960; B&I Circus Store;

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," poses with a group of unidentified women during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the B&I Circus Store. The store was celebrating its $100,000 expansion on Saturday, October 24, 1953, with the exclusive public appearance of Mr. Renaldo who had flown to Washington on a West Coast Airlines DC 6-B. A full page ad in the News Tribune on October 23rd promoted Mr. Renaldo's visit heavily and also thanked the television show's sponsors, Mission Macaroni and Sunny Jim peanut butter, for relinquishing previous claims on Mr. Renaldo's time so that he could appear at the B&I. (TNT 10-23-53, D-1, Ad) ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; Actors--Tacoma--1950-1960; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma);

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," poses with three children during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the B&I Circus Store. The actor's appearance on October 24, 1953, was in conjunction with the $100,000 expansion of the store, which included an entirely new children's department. In his exclusive public appearance, Mr. Renaldo gave free autographed pictures to all children accompanied by their parents. The pictures featured "The Cisco Kid" and his famous horse, "Diablo." Two of the children posed with Mr. Renaldo carry on his Western theme; they are dressed in (cowboy) boots, jeans, and the little girl is wearing a cowboy hat. A full page ad promoting Mr. Renaldo's visit also indicated that holster gun sets on sale at $2.98, cowboy hats at $1.17 and "Cisco" comic books at a mere dime apiece. (TNT 10-23-53, D-1, Ad) ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma);

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," spreads his arms out wide as he poses with one woman and seven children during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the B&I Circus Store on October 24, 1953. Since the B&I was publicizing the opening of a brand new children's department, a part of its $100,000 expansion, perhaps some of the children dressed in Western garb had purchased apparel there. Cowboy hats were on sale for $1.17, holster gun sets for $2.98, and cowboy boots for $3.97. Should the waiting for the promised autographed pictures of the television and movie star make the kids hungry, they could have purchased a yard long hotdog (said to be 36 inches long) for 97 cents. (TNT 10-23-53, D-1, Ad) ALBUM 7. TPL-9105

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma);

One of the B&I 's flamboyant publicity stunts brought actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," to Tacoma in October, 1953. Here he poses with B&I Circus Store owner Earl (E.L.) Irwin, his wife Constance, and children Mary Lou and Ron. Opened in 1946 by Leo Bradshaw & Earl Irwin (hence the "B&I"), the store originally offered war surplus goods and hardware. Irwin bought out Bradshaw and increased the size and offerings of the complex, publicizing it with outrageous stunts such as a circus, wild animals and a quarter of a million pounds of ice in a guessing contest. The crowds poured in. Earl Irwin died in 1973 at the age of 64 and Constance and his children continued to run the business. ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; Irwin, E.L.--Family; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma); Irwin, Constance; Irwin, Mary Lou; Irwin, Ron;

Actor Duncan Renaldo, TV's "The Cisco Kid," poses with B&I Circus Store owner E.L. Irwin, second from left, and Mr. Irwin's wife Constance during a visit to Tacoma sponsored by the store in October, 1953. Mr. Irwin has donned Mr. Renaldo's trademark sombrero for this photograph. Over 75.000 adults and kids crowded the area to see the star and receive an autographed picture. ALBUM 7.

Renaldo, Duncan, 1904-80--Public appearances; Irwin, E.L.; Irwin, Constance; B&I Circus Store (Tacoma);

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;

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;

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);

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;

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);

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);

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)