On July 20, 1939, Dick Frayne, behind the wheel of Leon Titus's 1906 Model N Ford, poked his finger through the vehicle's nonexistent windshield. He had driven the antique car into the Vehicle Safety Inspection Station during the Washington State Golden Jubilee as a joke. Joe Thomas, director of the station, scratched his head wondering what to do next. There was no windshield for the red inspection sticker. Enjoying his confusion were Lloyd Raab, behind the vehicle in a western hat, Leon Titus, 2nd from right and Larry Pritchett, right. Leon Titus was the owner of Titus Ford Motor Co. and Lloyd Raab was his business partner. (T. Times 7/26/1939, pg. 10)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1930-1940; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Ford automobile; Titus, Leon E.; Vehicle Safety Inspection Station (Tacoma); Thomas, Joe; Raab, Lloyd; Pritchett, Larry;

These cast members appear to depict British officers and sailors in the historical drama "Saga of the West." The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. They are possibly part of the depiction of Capt. George Vancouver's exploration of the Puget Sound area in 1792. The Saga would cover Washington's history from the earliest times to 1939, with 14 special events highlighted in scenes.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

A mixed group of cast members of the "Saga of the West," costumed as Native Americans and frontiersmen, pose for this picture. The outdoor pageant would be produced July 20-22, 1939 as a part of the celebration of Washington's Golden Jubilee. The Saga would unfold in 14 scenes and depicted the history of area from its earliest native settlers to 1939. Some of the early depictions were the discovery of the Puget Sound area by Capt. George Vancouver, Lewis & Clark, the Hudson's Bay Co., the first immigrant wagon train in 1853 and the final spike of the transcontinental railroad being driven in 1873. Most emphasis was on the time period from the state's constitution in 1889 to the Jubilee, including the Gay 90's and the Great War. (T. Times 7/20/1939, pg. 1)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

This group of dandies is part of the cast of the historical drama "Saga of the West." The outdoor pageant would be produced July 20-22, 1939 as a part of the celebration of Washington's Golden Jubilee. Tacoma's Golden Jubilee had been designated as the "official statehood celebration." The "Saga" was directed by William Marlatt of the John B. Rogers Co., that specialized in pageants, and boasted a cast of 2,000. Tickets cost 50 cents or 3 for a dollar and the opening night audience totalled over 15,000. The history of Washington, from earliest times to 1939, unfolded on a 200 foot stage.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

Cast members of the outdoor drama "Saga of the West," costumed to represent different time periods, pose in front of the reverse side of one of the massive sets used in the pageant. The outdoor pageant would be produced July 20-22, 1939 as a part of the celebration of Washington's Golden Jubilee. The Saga had a cast of 2,000 and covered the history of Washington from its earliest times to 1939. To eliminate the need for microphones on the stage, all narration was handled by seven actors in the press box speaking over microphones.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

Cast members of the outdoor drama "Saga of the West," costumed to represent different time periods, pose in front of the reverse side of one of the massive sets used in the pageant. The outdoor pageant would be produced July 20-22, 1939 as a part of the celebration of Washington's Golden Jubilee. Tacoma's celebration had been designated as the "official statehood celebration" and it was easily the largest that Tacoma would ever see. The pageant, only one of many Jubilee events, had a cast of 2,000, an orchestra, 200 voice choir, a pipe organ and an opening night audience of 15,000. It would briefly cover the history of Washington from earliest times to 1939, with emphasis on the last fifty years of statehood.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

Searchlights from the Pacific Fleet light up the night sky over the Stadium Bowl during the historical pageant "Saga of the West." The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. Also in port for the Jubilee were six US battleships and 8,000 sailors and officers. Search light drills would be performed nightly at 10:15p.m.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma; Searchlights--Tacoma;

Cast members of the historical pageant "Saga of the West" pose in front of Stadium Bowl seating. The seats are only sparsely occupied for this preview performance, mostly by cast members; the opening night audience would number over 15,000. The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. The pageant was directed by William Marlatt of the John B. Rogers pageant company, was fully costumed and had a cast of 2,000. It also had horses, stage coaches, covered wagons, automobiles and a fire engine.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

Go West young man seems to be the catch phrase for this group of cast members from the historical pageant "Saga of the West." They are all attired as frontiersmen and pose in front of a covered wagon. The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. The extravaganza boasted a cast of 2,000, as well as horses, stage coaches, covered wagons, Indians, cowboys, soldiers and sailors. The actors pantomimed, with all voices portrayed by seven narrators over microphones. Musical accompaniment was supplied by an orchestra, 200 voice choir and an organ.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

During a July 19, 1939 rehearsal, a team of dogs pulled a sled and rider past the massive sets used for the historical pageant "Saga of the West" staged in the Stadium Bowl. The heavily bearded man "mushing" the dogs was Earl Hammond. Hammond stopped in Tacoma on his way to Alaska to take part in the Saga and parade. He was a professional "Santa Claus," performing in Christmas pageants back east. His dogs were white Siberian huskies and white marked black Siberians. The framework at the rear of the sets can be clearly seen and costumed cast members representing different time periods in Washington's history line up to watch the show. The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. (T. Times 7/20/1937, pg. 2)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

As the West was settled, cities were formed. This scene is typical of that lifestyle. A woman reaches down to cluck the toddler in the wicker stroller under the chin while the proud parents look on. The pair of young men on the left appear to be planning some mischief. It was all taking place during the preview performance of "Saga of the West." The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. Three cast members wait for their cues in the stands with bored expressions on their faces. The young man in the checks is tentatively identified as Donald MacDonald and the woman pushing the pram as Barbara Bonnell. The extravaganza, with its cast of 2,000, was made up of 14 scenes. This appears to be from the Gay Nineties street scene.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

Redskins in full body makeup represent the importance of the Native Americans in the West. These cast members took part in the recreation of an early Indian village in the historical drama "Saga of the West." The show opened with the area's earliest native settlers, known as the "Squallys." The pageant was performed July 20-22, 1939 as part of the celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Historical pageants--Tacoma;

The staff of the Tacoma Times poses in front of the newspaper's offices in their Jubilee hats.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Tacoma Times Publishing Co. (Tacoma)--Employees;

Peterman Door Shop employees holding their Jubilee hats to their hearts in salute of Washington State's Golden Jubilee.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Peterman Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma)--Employees;

Group of the Silver Dollar Cafe wearing Jubilee hats.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Silver Dollar Cafe (Tacoma);

Harry P. Cain, center, at Golden Jubilee office. Mr. Cain was the general chairman of the Golden Jubilee celebration held in Tacoma. As chairman, he was constantly on the phone arranging, re-arranging, delegating and simply answering questions. The week long celebration included air shows, "Saga of the West" pageant, a massive parade with 20 counties participating, a water carnival, golf tournament, rodeo, visit from six warships, and concluded with the appearance of Al Schacht, "Clown Prince of Baseball," during the doubleheader between the Tacoma Tigers and Vancouver Capilanos. ALBUM 12.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Offices--Tacoma--1930-1940; Office equipment & supplies; Telephones;

Harry P. Cain at Golden Jubilee office on July 21, 1939. Mr. Cain, later to become the city's mayor and U.S. senator, successfully coordinated the event-packed Jubilee celebration, commemorating Washington's fifty years of statehood. Massive parades, pageants and water carnivals kept residents busy for nearly a week. ALBUM 12.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Offices--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Even the chairman wears a nametag! Harry P. Cain appears to be gesturing with a pipe as he coordinates the massive Golden Jubilee celebration from Jubilee headquarters on July 21, 1939. He has a Washington Golden Jubilee badge pinned to his three-piece suit; his name can faintly be seen on the top part of the badge. Mr. Cain would later be elected mayor of Tacoma in March of 1940. ALBUM 12, 16.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Offices--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Downtown Tacoma prepares for the Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939. Elevated view of Pacific Avenue, looking north. Celebration banners are strung across Pacific Ave on wires. Schoenfelds's in right foreground (at 1423 Pacific, with their annex at 1411-17 Pacific), Puget Sound Bank and other buildings in background. For Fisk Flag Company.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Decorations--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1930-1940;

From this viewpoint of 7th and Broadway looking south, Broadway looks like automotive row. To the right are Pease Brothers wholesale automotive supplies at 708 Broadway, Titus Used Cars at 714, Mueller Harkins Motor Co. at 722 and Irwin Jones Motor Co. at 728. Across the street are Packard and Pontiac dealers. Broadway is decorated with bunting and banners in preparation for the July 22, 1939 Golden Jubilee Parade. All of Tacoma had been celebrating Washington state's 50th anniversary of statehood since July 16th. July 23rd would be the last official day to celebrate. TPL-6464

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Decorations--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Broadway is hung with banners on July 22, 1939 in preparation for the Golden Jubilee parade. Looking north from 13th & Broadway, there are also signs welcoming the fleet as the Navy arrives for the celebration. The fleet arrived July 20th with a contingent of six battleships and 8,000 men. All of Tacoma joined in the week long festivities as Washington State entered its 50th year of statehood. To the left can be seen the sign for the Happy Days are Here Again Tavern at 1302 Broadway. Sears is on the same side of the street at 1148 Broadway. Crossing the street, you can see Broadway Drugs at 1301, Neff Floor Coverings (1155-57), Knapp's Business College (1151 1/2) and, further down, the sign for the Blue Mouse Theater at 1131 Broadway. TPL-1909

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Decorations--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Intersection at Broadway and South 15th Street, looking north. American flags, Washington State Golden Jubilee emblem, Welcom Navy sign hanging overhead, Sears Roebuck Building on left, business district in background. Traffic on street.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Decorations--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1930-1940; Business districts--Tacoma;

From this birds eye view beginning in the 1300 block of Broadway, you can look north and enjoy all of the Golden Jubilee celebration banners waving in the breeze. The city is dressed in her finest, preparing for the July 22, 1939 parade celebrating Washington's 50th year of statehood. On the right is the Mayflower Cafe at 1305 Broadway, followed by Broadway Drugs at 1301. TPL-1901

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Decorations--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Looking north from the 1000 block of Pacific, Tacoma wears her parade finery in preparation for the Golden Jubilee festivities on July 22, 1939. American flags and banners celebrating the Jubilee and welcoming the Navy are strung across the street. Street lamps are hung with flags. Huge flags are draped from the Ionic columns of the Bank of California at 1011-13 Pacific Ave. Near the end of the street on the right can be seen the circular City Hall Annex (formerly the Northern Pacific Headquarters) at 621 Pacific Ave. TPL-2497

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Decorations--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Miss Pierce County Margaret Franich, runner up to Amy Lou Murray as Golden Jubilee Hostess Queen. She is wearing a satin gown with stars embroidered on bodice and a rope tied around waist, cape, and crown set in pearls.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Franich, Margaret;

Golden Jubilee Hostess Queen Amy Lou Murray in her official raiment. She is wearing a satin dress with embellished shirt and long, flowing gold lame' robe. Her crown is of rhinestones.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Murray, Amy Lou;

Two couples with children in Jubilee hats standing in front of Turner Richards' Commercial Photography Studio on July 26, 1939. The two year old boy in the center is holding a cigarette and sporting a beard and moustache. Tacoma was abuzz with folks celebrating the Washington State Golden Jubilee.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Families--Tacoma--1930-1940; Photographic studios--Tacoma; Turner Richards Studio (Tacoma); Richards Commercial Photo Service (Tacoma);

Richards stock footage of the Golden Jubilee. Two fellas in long johns and beards duke it out, much to the shock and consternation of their lady friends.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Costumes; Underwear;

Roberta Rice, wearing a pioneer-style dress and bonnet, and Henry Graham, dressed in a cowboy hat and long coat, pose in front of Turner Richards Commercial Photography Studio in July of 1939. The couple apparently had joined in the spirit of celebrating the Washington State Golden Jubilee.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Photographic studios--Tacoma; Turner Richards Studio (Tacoma); Rice, Roberta; Graham, Henry; Costumes; Richards Commercial Photo Service (Tacoma);

Richards stock footage of the Golden Jubilee. Two men, identified in Richards records as Frank Ross and George Talcott, pose in front of the Richards Photography Studio. Mr. Ross and Mr. Talcott were Washington pioneers.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Ross, Frank; Talcott, George; Richards Commercial Photo Service (Tacoma);