Interiors of the 1956 Tacoma Master Builders model home "The Klahanie." The name of the home comes from a Chinook Indian word meaning "out of doors." Designed by architect Gordon Norman Johnston, the home featured an open floor plan for the living, dining and kitchen areas that flowed out onto a wooden deck - creating a comfortable home for outdoor living. The kitchen has a contrast in textures with slate flooring, granite look counter tops and wooden cabinets. The built in range top is located on the surface of the cabinet with an up draft fan above; the oven is recessed into the wall at right. The counter to the right of the room has a double sink and a built in hardwood cutting board. The kitchen featured the latest in built in appliances, including a dishwasher, metal lined drawers and organized utility storage and was flooded with light from a skylight located over the rear entry. (TNT 5/10/1956, pg. C-1 & C-2)

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

The College of Puget Sound fieldhouse is being readied for the 1956 Tacoma Home Show. Booths are being set up, featuring goods and services of interest to home owners. A truck with an extended ladder is being used to set the cascading streamers and the lights. More than 100 local and national companies would participate in the 8th annual show held on May 11-20th at the CPS Fieldhouse. A special stage was being erected for a new feature- a complete Broadway style variety revue headlined by Helen O'Connell that would perform twice nightly with an added matinee on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. (TNT 5/10/1956, section C)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Exhibit booths--Tacoma;

The Tacoma Master Builders were the sponsors for the Greater Tacoma Home Show. The Master Builders were a group of contractors that banded together and operated by a set of guidelines that assured quality control. Each year, one contractor was selected to build the Home Show model home. The TMB also participated in the annual Parade of Homes. The display is a "translite" display, where light shines through transparencies of photos of interiors and exteriors of local homes built by TMB members. (TNT 5/10/1956, section C)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma);

ca. 1956. Living room of the 1956 Greater Tacoma Home Show Model Home "The Klahanie," from a Chinook Indian word meaning "out of doors." Designed to be the perfect home for a family of two adults and two children building on a budget, the living, dining and kitchen are on an open floor plan, flowing into one another and out onto a wooden deck that forms an outside living space. Simplicity and livability are the key ingredients of its design. Exposed beams give the room height and high windows flood the room with light. (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); Living rooms--University Place--1950-1960;

Launching of the A.M.S. (motor minesweeper) #97 in 1953. The last Naval minesweeper would be sliding off the ways at Tacoma Boatbuilding as the fifth one was launched. Mrs. Henry F. Agnew, wife of the Commandant of the Tacoma Naval Station, was sponsor (holding bouquet of roses), Nicola Tollefson, daughter of the Mayor Harold Tollefson, was flower girl and Capt. J.R. Topper was the speaker. Arne Strom, in suit, owner of the company, was the master of ceremonies. (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); Strom, Arne; Agnew, Henry F.--Family;

Patrica Ann Woods, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Woods, and David Keith Curry wedding at Assembly of God Church, Puyallup. Reception at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Large family portrait, with bride and groom in center, taken at reception on November 14, 1953.

Weddings--Puyallup--1950-1960; Woods, Patricia Ann--Marriage; Curry, David Keith; Brides--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Wedding clothing & dress--1950-1960;

Alsco Northwest, Inc. booth at 1957 Tacoma Home Show. Storm doors and windows were the speciality of Alsco Northwest, Inc., located at 2704 Sixth Avenue. Their booth at the March, 1957, Tacoma Home Show exhibited samples of their products. Signs on the booth indicated that Alsco was the world's largest all aluminum storm window and door manufacturer and was the only manufacturer recommended by Parents Magazine, Good Housekeeping and Today's Health. They were sponsoring a drawing for a free Starlighter picture storm screen door, installation included, with the lucky winner to be picked on March 24th. Photograph ordered by Alsco Northwest, Inc.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Alsco Northwest, Inc. (Tacoma); Windows--Tacoma; Aluminum; Signs (Notices);

1957 Tacoma Home Show exhibit. A model comfortably sits on the attractive tile and stone bench adjacent to the open stone fireplace during the 1957 Tacoma Home Show. The Georgia Pacific Plywood Corporation supplied the massive wall unit which holds a set of Compton's encyclopedias and various curios. The last shelf was designed to slant, displaying magazines which would be highly visible and convenient to reach. The Tacoma Home Show was held March 19-23, 1957, at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. Photograph ordered by Georgia Pacific Plywood Corporation.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Bookcases--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fireplaces--Tacoma--1950-1960; Georgia Pacific Plywood Co. (Olympia);

Sponsored by the St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Co., Dorothy and friends on the "Over the Rainbow" float pass by 9th & Pacific during the 1957 Daffodil Parade. Rain or shine, the parade always brought out thousands of spectators. Those sitting on Morley Studio's upstairs sign and the marquee next door had excellent views. Crowds of 200,000 saw the 24th annual parade proceed through Tacoma, Puyallup and Summer. The 60 foot "Over the Rainbow" float won the inaugural President Award Plaque for the best use of daffodils. Katherine Bennett, 13, of Olympia was chosen to portray "Dorothy." Photograph ordered by St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Co. (TNT 4-13-57, A-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1957 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Spectators--Tacoma; St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Co. (Tacoma);

AMS #118 prepares to be launched on April 14, 1953. The minesweeper was built by Pacific Boat Building Co. Several boat building firms in Tacoma had received contracts to build minesweepers for the Navy, including Pacific Boat Building and J. M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. AMS #436, the USS Energy, had been launched just two months before by Martinac. The 118 was the third of the 144 foot minesweepers built locally. Mrs. Charles M. Bevis sponsored the AMS #118; Rear Admiral Arthur D. Ayrault, USN (Ret.) was the principal speaker. (TNT 4-15-53, p. 6)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Pacific Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

National Auto Parts meeting at the Odd Fellows Hall. For Mr. Johnston. Unidentified speaker conducting meeting on stage of fraternal hall in early April of 1953. Advertisements for "Miracle Power," promoted as "the fountain of youth for all engines you service."

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

Oliver and Whittmann wedding. On April 11, 1953, this bride and groom stood at the gate to the Little Church on the Prairie in Lakewood. Bride is wearing a Princess-length gown of organdy and lace.

Weddings--Lakewood--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Wedding clothing & dress--1950-1960; Little Church on the Prairie (Lakewood);

Oliver and Whittmann wedding. Bride signing marriage license. Minister, groom, best man and maid of honor grouped around her in church office. Room features a bay window upon which ivy or philodendron hangs from valance above drapes. The couple were wed on Saturday, April 11, 1953 in Lakewood's Little Church on the Prairie.

Weddings--Lakewood--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Wedding clothing & dress--1950-1960; Wedding attendants; Clergy--Lakewood--1950-1960;

Children perched high on a ladder get a good bird's eye view on May 15, 1953, of the launching of two vessels built by the Tacoma Boat Building Co. for the Navy. They, and the large group of spectators, listen intently to a guest speaker at the podium. The two 57-foot minesweepers, MSB-16 and MSB-17, were launched within minutes of each other. (TNT 5-17-53, B-7)

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

Two 57-foot minesweepers are side-by-side shortly after being launched on May 15, 1953. Built by Tacoma Boat Building under a Navy contract, the vessels were launched minutes apart. The MSB-17 is accompanied by the tug, Drew Foss, while the MSB-16 is escorted by the Peter Foss. Tacoma Boat Building also was awarded contracts to build several 144-foot mindsweepers during the early 1950's. (TNT 5-17-53, B-7) TPL-9620

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

Northwest Territory Centennial, round up of men without beards. The detainees wait anxiously in the "stubble pen" in front the Junior Chamber of Commerce's famous "Deathless Days" sign at the 900 Block of Broadway. A bewigged Magistrate Bertil Johnson sentences a clean shaven man for not growing a beard, as required by Centennial Beard chairman Swan Johnson. All Tacoman men were required to throw away their razors and get in the pioneer spirit by growing beards for the Territorial Centennial.

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

Washington State Historical Society, ladies dressed in costume for the Centennial. Ordered by the TNT. One of the events planned in Tacoma to help celebrate the Washington State Territorial Centennial was a Pioneer Tea held at the Washington State Historical Museum. The tea was intended to showcase the Museum's fine collection of artifacts. It was sponsored by the Tacoma & Steilacoom chapters of the Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington and three chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (the Mary Ball, Virginia Dare & Elizabeth Foley chapters) who served in period costumes. A musical program was provided by the Ladies' Musical Club. Pictured, left to right, Janet Judson Russell, Nellie Hartl, Josephine Alexander, Mrs. William Sechler, Josephine Bertschy, Minnie Birkie, Mrs. P.M. Simons, Isabel Wells, Mildred McCallum, Flora Blackwell and Mrs. F.L. Gordon (TNT 8/23/1953, pg. D-4 & photo TNT 8/30/1953, pg. D-7)

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

With a mighty swing, Jeanne Martin Soares christens the new "Blue Pacific" on March 29, 1967. The vessel was launched at Tacoma Boat Building. She was a 176-foot steel tuna seiner built for Capt. Roger Soares of San Diego who placed her in operation for White Star- Van Camp Seafoods. The "Blue Pacific" was the largest tuna fishing boat built from the keel up at the time. She was constructed in the Port Industrial Yard (the former Tacoma Naval Station) by Tacoma Boat Building. Moments after the christening, the "Blue Pacific" eased down the ways and came to a standstill before she finally floated free. Five Foss tugs assisted when the boat was hung up. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boat Building. (TNT 3-12-67, A-23, TNT 3-29-67, A-1) TPL-9061 (Corrected identification provided by a reader)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Soares, Jeanne Martin;

1967 Daffodil Parade. Snow White and friends accompanied the Tacoma Vocational-Technical Institute Daffodil float on the streets of downtown Tacoma in April, 1967. Flower-bedecked float #4 is pictured passing by large crowds at 11th & Pacific while two clowns with a cart full of popcorn cross behind. "Fun 'n Fantasy" was the theme of the 34th Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival where 31 floats, 28 bands, 21 drill teams and eight mounted units paraded before 55,000 Tacoma spectators. (TNT 4-8-67, A-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1967: Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Clowns;

The second annual Red Rose Cotillion, sponsored by the Unique Social & Community Club, was held in the Crystal Ballroom of the Winthrop Hotel on December 22, 1967. The debutantes being introduced to society were all graduates of Stadium High School and all were attending college. In attendance were : (standing at top, left to right) Brenda Jackson, Gloria Austin; (standing on floor left to right) Donna Dorsey, Rose Underwood; (seated left to right) Roberta Morris, Audrey Capers; (standing on floor at right) Gwendolyn Lang, Marcia McDaniel. Following the girls' promenade and first waltz with their fathers, a stately minuet was performed by the debutantes and their escorts. Their fathers presented them with red rose bouquets and a champagne toast was offered by their mothers. (TNT 9-17-67, D-6, TNT 12-27-67, A-6) (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Balls (Parties)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Unique Social & Community Club (Tacoma); Evening gowns--Tacoma--1960-1970; Debutantes--Tacoma--1960-1970; African Americans--Social life--1960-1970;

These elegantly dressed young men with their spotless white gloves were escorts for the 30 women making their debut into society at the Red Rose Cotillion on December 20, 1968. The beautifully decorated room was the Crystal Ballroom in the Winthrop Hotel, 773 Broadway, scene of many formal balls and events. The Unique Social & Community Club held this Christmas-time cotillion, dubbed the "Red Rose" since the debutantes all carried bouquets of long stem American Beauty red roses, to formally introduce the young women to society. Names of the escorts were listed in the News Tribune article dated December 22, 1968. Color photograph ordered by the Unique Social & Community Club. (TNT 12-22-68, D-4)

Balls (Parties)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Unique Social & Community Club (Tacoma); African Americans--Social life--1960-1970; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Bedroom in 1968 Model Home. The "Barcelona," located in the Westgate subdivision, was one of the Model Homes open to the public at the 21st Tacoma Home Show in March, 1968. Built by builder Bud Crest, it was located at 2824 Claremont Dr., off Pearl at No. 28th St. Prior to the opening of the Home Show, photographs were taken of the model home's exterior and interior. One of the home's three bedrooms, pictured above, was spacious enough to hold a double bed, large chest of drawers and bedside drawers. This could be used as a guest bedroom. There is an unusual lamp created out of a doll displayed on the large chest of drawers. The "Barcelona," built in a modified Mediterranean design, was constructed out of rough-sawn plywood. It totaled 1035 square feet and could be purchased for a modest $14,700 plus land costs. Photograph ordered by Home Builders Association of Greater Tacoma. (TNT 3-18-68, p. 31, 32, 33)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Model houses--Tacoma; Bedrooms--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Ship's sponsor. The U.S. Navy patrol gunboat, the "Tacoma," is ready for launching into Commencement Bay on April 13, 1968. Mrs. Arne Strom, the ship's sponsor, is holding a bouquet of longstem red roses. Her husband, standing next to her, is the chairman of the board of Tacoma Boat Building. Mrs. Strom would have the honor of christening the new vessel with the traditional bottle of champagne. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boat Building Co. (TNT 4-14-68, A-4)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Gunboats--United States; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Strom, Arne; Strom, Arne--Family;

Entertainment at the Women's Traffic & Transportation Club convention. These dancers show off the latest dance steps at the 20th annual West Coast convention of the Women's Traffic & Transportation Club held at the Winthrop Hotel February 23-25, 1968. 130 delegates from 13 clubs were expected to be in attendance. Photograph ordered by the Women's Traffic & Transportation Club of Tacoma.

Meetings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Entertainers--Tacoma--1960-1970;

What's a convention without some skits? These intrepid women participated in a costumed skit during the Women's Traffic & Transportation Club's 20th annual West Coast convention held at the Winthrop Hotel in late February, 1968. The Tacoma branch of the national club served as hosts for the convention. Mrs. Terrance Lazzari was general chairman of the event. Photograph ordered by Women's Traffic & Transportation Club of Tacoma.

Meetings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Costumes;

1968 Daffodil parade. Throngs of spectators are bundled up against a cold, brisk wind as they watch the 35th annual Daffodil Festival parade roll down Pacific Avenue on April 6, 1968. Float #13, decorated in golden daffodils, is the St. Regis Paper Co. entry, "King Midas' Golden Touch," which won the Mayor's trophy for best use of the parade's namesake flower. St. Regis was a perennial award-winning entrant in the parade. The 1968 parade was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who had been assassinated two days before. Color photograph ordered by St. Regis Paper Co. (TNT 4-6-68, A-1, TNT 4-7-68, B-4)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1968 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; St. Regis Paper Co. (Tacoma)--1960-1970;

1968 Daffodil parade. Yabba dabba do! The Flintstones, #22, won the Daffodilian trophy for most humorous entry in the 35th annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival held on April 6, 1968. Fred is perched atop a hardworking dinosaur at the quarry while baby Pebbles and her mom, Wilma, scoot along in steamroller car, pedaled by foot-power. Baby Bam-Bam visits outside the Flintstones home. The colorful float, one of 26 in the parade, was entered by the Tacoma Vocational-Technical Institute. The festival's theme was "Tales & Legends." Color photograph ordered by the Tacoma Vocational-Technical Institute. (TNT 4-6-68, A-1, TNT 4-7-68, B-3)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1968 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma);

Post-wedding photo of University of Washington graduates Luana Chizuru Uyeda and Dr. Keith Hiroshi Yoshino in a Ford Crown Victoria.

Thousands of local residents flocked to downtown Tacoma to enjoy both the sunshine and the many dazzling floral floats in the 1958 Daffodil Parade. Pierce County Oil Information Committee's Float #33 was evidently "The Old Woman in a Shoe". Wearing a shawl and granny glasses, the shoe's owner is apparently keeping her eye on the four visible children seated on the flower-bedecked float. The float won second place in the Wholesale and Industrial Division. There were forty floats entered in various divisions among 100+ parade entries. (TNT 4-13-58, B-9)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1958 : Tacoma); Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Festivals--Tacoma; Pierce County Oil Information Committee (Tacoma);

Tacoma Boat Building launched MSC-277, a 145-foot minesweeper built for the Navy, on June 30, 1958, in Sitcum Waterway. During the early 1950's, Tacoma's shipbuilding companies had garnered several contracts to build vessels for the government. This wooden minesweeper, however, was the first to be formally launched in nearly two years by a Tacoma firm. Tacoma Boat Building was awarded a contract to build four minesweepers for the Navy at a cost of approximately $7 million. Since then, the firm had received contracts totaling $4.25 million for six more Navy craft. The ship's sponsor was Mrs. Guy Garland, wife of the commander of the Tacoma Naval Station. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (TNT 6-27-58, A-1, TNT 6-29-58, B-2, TNT 7-1-58, A-6))

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