Tacoma Centennial Parade. The theme of the June 28, 1969, parade was "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" with entries alluding to those time frames. Representing the past was the Foremost Stage Lines coach drawn by four ponies. The horses were owned and driven by J. H. Lawson. His co-driver, holding rifle, was not identified.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Stagecoaches--Tacoma; Lawson, J.H.; Ponies;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Traveling from Seattle for the 1969 Tacoma Centennial Parade was that city's fire department entry, an antique fire engine. This was originally an 1898 horse-drawn pumper. It was motorized in 1914 and then rebuilt in 1964 by off-duty Seattle Fire Department employees at their own expense. The fire pump had a capacity of 750 gallons per minute.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Fire engines & equipment; Fire fighters;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Spectators oohed and ahhed at the sight of these antique automobiles during the June 28, 1969, Tacoma Centennial Parade. Both the Tacoma chapter of the Model "T" Club and members of the Galloping Gertie Model "A" Club drove their basic-black vehicles sedately down Pacific Avenue. This group is believed to be the Model "T" Club. Even the drivers and passengers were dressed in turn-of-the-century clothing to the added enjoyment of thousands of parade viewers.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Ford automobile;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Purchased by the City of Tacoma in 1890, this horse-drawn patrol wagon was used for 18 years by the city's police force. It has been restored as close as possible to its original form. Overall length of the paddy wagon was 23 feet. On board during the June 28, 1969, Tacoma Centennial Parade were Tacoma's own Keystone Kops. (TNT 6-29-69, p. 1)

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Horses--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Police Department (Tacoma);

Tacoma celebrated its 100th anniversary with eight days of fun for the entire family in June of 1969. On June 28th a grand parade travelled down Pacific Avenue. Sitting atop the backseat of a 1960 Pontiac Bonneville convertible Chief Robert "Bob" Satiacum of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians waved to the crowds enjoying the Tacoma Centennial Parade. Chief Satiacum is wearing a headdress; the other man seated next to him is unidentified. Chief Satiacum was an Indian rights activist and an advocate of native treaty fishing rights. He would pass away in 1991 at the age of 62.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Satiacum, Robert; Indians of North America--Puyallup; Pontiac automobile;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. U.S. Senator Henry M. Jackson and Mrs. Jackson acknowledge the thousands lining the streets of downtown Tacoma during the June 28, 1969, Tacoma Centennial Parade. They were riding in an antique automobile, believed to be a Model T. Washington's congressional delegation appeared in force at the parade with Senator Warren G. Magnuson and U.S. Representative Floyd Hicks also in attendance.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Jackson, Henry M., 1912-1983; Legislators--Washington--1960-1970; Ford automobile;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Entry #17 was the float sponsored by the International Order of Job's Daughters, Bethel 27. Accompanied by the chapter's drill team, the queen and her court, dressed in regalia, waved to spectators massed alongside Pacific Avenue on Saturday, June 28, 1969. Job's Daughters have a Masonic heritage and are comprised of young women between the ages of 10 and 20.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Drill teams;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Capturing the award for "best built float" was the Royal City Float. This entry had traveled all the way from New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. Seated on the float was Miss Royal City for 1968-69, Mary Ellen Kinsey. The Canadian float was one of 23 floats in the June, 1969, parade.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Kinsey, Mary Ellen;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Thousands of area residents lined the streets of downtown Tacoma to watch history pass in review. The two-hour parade started from Stadium High School, headed south on Stadium Way and Pacific Ave. to 21st and Pacific. The bells in the Old City Hall clock tower started ringing at 10 a.m. and continued until the color guard passed. Although the sky was dark and threatening, it did not rain and spectators were able to enjoy the parade under cool and dry conditions. The June 28, 1969, parade was a mixture of 23 floats, 25 horse units, 16 bands, 13 drill teams and about 40 antique automobiles. Standing several rows deep along Pacific near 11th, parade watchers saw the McChord AFB honor guard plus units from other services accompany the Command Module 101 above. (TNT 6-29-69, p. 1)

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Spectators--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Celebrating onboard a 1926 Doane Flatbed truck is a small Dixieland band and several ladies, courtesy of the Seattle Transfer & Storage Co. The morning's cloudy conditions did not deter the group, and spectators, from enjoying the music and all the sights of the Tacoma Centennial Parade. The truck holding the group was in daily use until 1947. It didn't move very quickly but had a tremendous load capacity.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Trucks--Tacoma;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. "Special Delivery" was the aptly titled float sponsored by the Post Office Centennial Belles. Employees were dressed in 19th century costumes as they strolled next to the red "locomotive;" while a beautifully dressed young family rode on the float. Two modern day postal trucks accompanied the entry, depicting postal service from past to present.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; United States Post Office (Tacoma); Post offices--Tacoma;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. June 28, 1969, was selected as the date of Tacoma's Centennial Parade, honoring the city on its 100th birthday. One of the many outstanding entries in the parade was the Minnetonka, Northern Pacific Railway's first locomotive. Measuring 28 feet long, 11 feet 2 inches from the bottom of the wheels to the top of the smoke stack, the Minnetonka weighed about 14 tons. It cost $6,700 at the time of purchase in July of 1870. The Minnetonka was still in perfect running condition although only used for exhibitions. Local residents also had the chance to view the Minnetonka during the 1969 Daffodil Festival parade.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Railroad locomotives--Tacoma; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Tacoma City Light's "Progress of Power" float won the Sweepstakes Award for the June 28, 1969, Tacoma Centennial Parade. It depicted the power generation from 1893 to the 21st century. At the float's center is a model of the Mossyrock Dam which was dedicated in May of 1969. The rear of the float had a representation of City Light's first generation facility built in Gallagher's Gulch in 1884. Leading the float (not pictured) was Graydon Bailey. Centennial Belles on board were Arlene Klein, Sharon Jenkins, Marion Plaquet, Jean Callison, Wilma Kowalchuk and Elizabeth Sand. John Purvis and John Canonica escorted the float.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Entries from the American Indians of the Tacoma Area included a mixture of Native American tribes of North America. They sponsored a float (not shown) entitled "Tacoma's First People" which represented the Puyallup, Colville, Yakima, Umatilla, Muckelshoot, Kaw and Nisqually as well as Arizona's Navajo and Oklahoma's Cree tribes. A group of Native Americans wearing ceremonial dress are shown above aboard a Buck & Son flatbed truck.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations; Indians of North America--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Bethel 27 of Steilacoom, International Order of Job's Daughters, was one of 23 floats participating in the 1969 Tacoma Centennial Parade. The chapter's drill team accompanied the white and purple float filled with Bethel 27's royalty. Tacoma was celebrating its 100th anniversary with a lavish parade and a myriad of activities including a costumed historical pageant held at the Lincoln Bowl and citizens, both private and public, wearing an array of old-time clothing styles.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Drill teams;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Making a colorful splash in the 1969 Tacoma Centennial Parade was the Culinary Belles entry from local area restaurants. The bright red 40-foot float carried examples of nearly-forgotten kitchen accessories including an antique butter churn and an 1889 coffee grinder. A waitress, dressed in long white gown and cap, appeared more like a nurse than a restaurant employee. Visiting "customers" were elaborately dressed in clothing styles and hats of the past. Entertaining at the piano was Marilyn Ogburn of the Cable Car Room of Steve's Gay '90s.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Ogburn, Marilyn; Pianos; Churns;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. With steam billowing befitting its nickname, "Old Snorter" gave parade viewers a good look at logging equipment of the past. The Lake Cushman Development Co. entry was a restored 70-year-old steam donkey. "Old Snorter" had been used for logging in the Olympic Peninsula where it loaded logs onto railroad cars at landings and also yarded logs in the woods. Aboard the steam donkey were Bill Parsons, Syd Anderson, George Mueller, Gene Visser and Lyle Linton.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Steam donkeys; Parsons, Bill; Anderson, Syd; Mueller, George; Visser, Gene; Linton, Lyle;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. These passengers, aboard a miniature Union Pacific train, were treated to a ride of a lifetime during the June, 1969, Tacoma Centennial Parade. The two-hour parade was met by thousands of spectators as it wound its way from Stadium High School down to 21st & Pacific. Union Pacific had established a presence in Tacoma beginning in 1911.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Union Pacific Railroad Co. (Tacoma);

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Representing the 1969 Lakewood Summer Festival came that city's entry, "Lakewood Water Wonderland," with the festival's four princesses aboard an elaborate gondola. Claudia Bucklew and Martha Nojd of Lakes High School and Jana Oglesbee and Linda Boyle of Clover Park waved to the crowd, with many reciprocating; the princesses were accompanied by gondolier Dick Zarelli. Spectators may not have been as numerous as predicted, due to threatening weather conditions, but thousands still managed to watch the two-hour parade from sidewalks, buildings and even billboards. They were rewarded as the rain held off and it remained cool and dry.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Bucklew, Claudia; Nojd, Martha; Oglesbee, Jana; Boyle, Linda; Zarelli, Dick;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Two matched and registered Belgian draft horses, owned and driven by Bob Smith of Montesano, pull the float "Farm Festival" during the 1969 Tacoma Centennial Parade. The two girls sitting on a bale of hay in front of the red painted "barn" and silo are members of the Farm Festival court.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Horses--Tacoma--1960-1970; Smith, Bob;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Entry #22 was the Bates (formerly Tacoma) Vocational-Institute's contribution to the Tacoma Centennial Parade which was held on June 28, 1969. The "Centennial Queen," a replica of an old stern-wheel paddle boat, majestically rolled down Pacific Ave. with the school's queen and her two princesses gracefully waving to the crowd. This float captured the prestigious Judges Award during the 1969 Daffodil Festival Parade, held earlier in the spring, and was honored with the Grand Trophy award for best in theme for the Centennial Parade. Tacoma was celebrating its 100th anniversary with much fanfare, fully participating in the theme of "Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow."

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma);

Boat launching. The 160-foot all-aluminum ferry, the "Avalon," was successfully launched on October 25, 1969, by Martinolich Shipbuilding from their plant on the Port Industrial Waterway. The sleek vessel had a 27-foot beam and tipped the scale at 182 tons displacement. Four marine gas turbines powered the twin variable-pitch propellors. The "Avalon" was built for Holiday Services for use in shuttling passengers to Santa Catalina, about 26 miles from Los Angeles. She could carry up to 500 passengers with speeds of 25-28 knots. Built for more than $2,000,000, the "Avalon" would be delivered to the San Pedro area about two weeks after its launch date. Mrs. Robert Sprague, wife of one of the ship's owners, had christened the vessel with the traditional bottle of champagne. Photograph ordered by Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 10-12-69, D-12; TNT 10-27-69, p. 6) tnt (A)-052A

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Ferries--Tacoma--1960-1970; Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Boat launching. The YFB-87 is pictured on December 18, 1969, as she slid down the ways at Western Boat Building's new plant at 1720 Marine View Dr. on the Hylebos Waterway. The 165-foot double-ended car and passenger ferry was built for the Navy and would be towed to Hawaii in May of 1970. She was patterned after the Hiyu which now traveled between Point Defiance and Vashon Island. Photograph ordered by Western Boat Building Co.

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Ferries; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

The Winthrop Hotel was the site of the October, 1969, state lodge and temple convention of the Knights of Pythias. Members of the Washington Temple and Tacoma Temple, Pythian Sisters also attended. Eleven Pythian Sisters are pictured above on October 6, 1969, in the hotel's Bayview Room. State Chief Goldie A. Boldman would preside over business sessions in the hotel. A reception honoring the incoming State Chief Mrs. Sarah Baxter would be held on Tuesday, October 7th. Photograph ordered by the Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7. (TNT 10-3-69, A-14 - article on convention)

Meetings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Knights of Pythias; Pythian Sisters;

Boat launching. An interested crowd watches as the 165-foot tuna seiner, the "John F. Kennedy," slides down the ways into City (now Thea Foss) Waterway on December 20, 1969. Built by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp., the ship had a 650-ton frozen fish capacity and would be delivered to Star-Kis Foods on Terminal Island, California. She was a sister ship to the "Mary Antoinette" which had already been delivered to her owners. December 20th also saw the launching of the USS Benicia gunboat by Tacoma Boatbuilding. (TNT 12-21-69, A-4) TPL-9451

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Post-launching. The "Polaris" was successfully launched into Commencement Bay on March 7, 1970, by Mrs. Joseph A. Gann, wife of the ship's co-owner. The Gann family watched as the 165-foot "Polaris" slid down the ways from Martinac Shipbuilding facilities. The "Polaris" had a 650-ton frozen fish capacity and was owned by Joseph and Edmund Gann of San Diego. This would be one of three fishing boats built by Martinac Shipbuilding for the Gann brothers and was expected to be delivered in May. The "Polaris" was destined for fishing operations in South America and Africa. Photograph ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 3-8-70, C-23- article) TPL-9453

Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1970-1980; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Boat launching. Mrs. Robert Sprague of Los Angeles performs the customary duties of ship sponsor as she christens the new all-aluminum ferry, "Avalon," at Martinolich Shipbuilding, on the Port Industrial Waterway, on October 25, 1969. Mrs. Sprague was the wife of one of the ship's owners. The "Avalon" was the largest all-aluminum passenger ferry ever built and would be delivered to Holiday Services in San Pedro, California, two weeks after launching. The ferry, with a 27-foot beam, could carry up to 500 people at once. She would be used to shuttle passengers to Santa Catalina, some 26 miles from Los Angeles. With a maximum speed of 28 knots, the "Avalon" would replace outdated and too expensive steamships. Martinolich built a big new shipshed, with height of 40-feet, to house the ferry while under construction. Photograph ordered by Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 11-20-68, p. 1; TNT 10-12-69, D-12; TNT 10-27-69, p. 6)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Ferries--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sprague, Robert--Family;

Boat launching. The Hawaii-bound ferry, YFB-87, was successfully launched at Western Boat Building's new facilities on the Hylebos Waterway on December 18, 1969. The 165-foot car and passenger ferry had a 38 car/500 passenger capacity. Built for the U.S. Navy, she would be towed to Hawaii in May of 1970, for use traveling to and from Ford Island to Pearl Harbor. Photograph ordered by Western Boat Building Co. (TNT 12-19-69, A-3)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Ferries; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

The YFB-87, built for the U.S. Navy, was the first vessel launched from Western Boat Building's new shipbuilding plant at 1720 Marine View Dr. N.E. on the Hylebos Waterway. The 165-foot ferry, christened by Mary Petrich, slid down the ways on December 18, 1969. This ferry was not built to operate in Washington waters but instead was towed to Hawaii where she was used for the Pearl Harbor - Ford Island runs. She was completed in May, 1970 and christened "Moko Holo Hele" which means "Ship that goes back and forth". YFB-87 is no longer in service between Pearl Harbor and Ford Island. She went out of service when the Admiral Bernard "Chick" Clarey Bridge opened in April, 1998. (Photograph ordered by Western Boat Building Co.) (TNT 12-19-69, A-3)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Ferries; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Boat launching. Mary Petrich, daughter of Western Boat Building vice-president James Petrich, christens the new Pearl-Harbor bound YFB-87 ferry on December 18, 1969. The traditional bottle of champagne has exploded upon impact. The YFB-87 ferry was the first vessel launched at Western Boat's new shipbuilding plant on the Hylebos Waterway. Photograph ordered by Western Boat Building Co. (TNT 12-19-69, A-3)

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Ferries; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Petrich, Mary;