Christmas decorations on the Little Church on the Prairie are illuminated in this scene from 1939. The church was celebrating its second Christmas season. It had been dedicated in September of 1938. The little woodframe building had previously been a grocery store.

Little Church on the Prairie (Lakewood); Churches--Lakewood--1930-1940; Christmas decorations;

Christmas decorations at Lakewood Center. Night scene of Little Church on the Prairie.

Little Church on the Prairie (Lakewood); Churches--Lakewood--1930-1940; Christmas decorations;

C.C. Garland, left, chairman of the Alaska development committee of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce, and John R. Logan pose at the Hotel Winthrop on December 6, 1939 after Logan addressed the committee on his 2,350 mile motorcycle ride to Seattle on the proposed route of a Pacific International Highway from Alaska. The route travels as near to the coastline as possible through British Columbia and the Yukon Territory and will terminate in San Diego. Logan, 25, and Clyde Charles "Slim" Williams, 58, set out on May 14th from Fairbanks, Alaska on 1 cylinder 300 pound English motorcycles. Their 18 month old Siberian husky "Blizzard" rode with them on a platform welded between the two cycles. The trio travelled through the wild country on trails, sometimes carrying the motorcycles. The six month trek was to prove the feasibility of the proposed highway. Williams, ill with the flu in Seattle, was unable to attend the meeting. Logan has not shaved since the trip began in May. (T. Times 12/7/1939, pg. 12; 12/2/39, pg. 3)

Logan, John R.; Garland, C.C.;

Governor Clarence D. Martin wrapped himself in the Washington State Flag during the Golden Jubilee celebration of Washington Statehood held on November 11, 1939. Washington entered the union on that day in 1889, becoming the 42nd state. Presenting new state and national colors to Governor Martin were: (l to r) Pvt. Donald C. Peterson, Cpl. Howard V. Judson, Pvt. 1st cl. Hadley St. Clair and Pvt. 1st cl. Donald O'Brison. (TNT 11-11-39, p. 2) ALBUM 10.

Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Olympia; Flags; Peterson, Donald C.; Judson, Howard V.; St. Clair, Hadley; O'Brison, Donald;

Big Buddy Day at Marymount Military Academy. Guitarist surrounded by large group of singing men and boys. Big Buddy Day was an annual event at the Academy, where men and boys joined together to ride, shoot, swim, play basketball and participate in group activities. Marymount was a military boarding school for boys ages 6-16. The school had high academic standards and was dedicated to developing the character of students. Many former students went on to hold high offices in government, business and education.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Two small boys dressed in military outfits stood bearing arms on Big Buddy Day, Feb.22,1940, at Marymount Military Academy. Marymount, a Catholic boys' school near Spanaway, was the only military school in the state of Washington and a charter member of the National Rifle Association. Big Buddy Day was an annual event where boys and men could participate in shooting, riding, swimming, basketball and exhibitions such as this one. Students ranged from preschool (age 6) to 9th grade. The school, which was run by the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma, was small, with an total enrollment that was usually under 100. The little soldier to the left is Robert H. Gilroy, Jr., with his father, Robert, Sr., seated beside him.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway; Gilroy, Robert H.;

Bystanders observe traffic accident damage at the Goodrich Silvertown Stores, tire, battery and automobile service station on August 29, 1939. At about 3:30 p.m. on that date, a 6 ton mack truck carrying about 3 tons of groceries lost its drive shaft and brakes on the descent down steep Pacific Ave. at about 32nd Street. The truck gained momentum, flying down Pacific against the lights at about 60 mph with driver Greg Marion swerving to avoid cars and blowing his horn. Near Silvertown, the truck hit a fire hydrant, hurling it 50 yards and demolishing a shed in the center of the gas pump stand, uprooted a gas pump, sent its rear wheels through a plate glass window and came to rest a few yards later. Miraculously, only 2 people were hurt and none seriously. (T. Times 8/30/1939, pg. 1)

Goodrich Silvertown Stores (Tacoma); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Traffic accidents--Tacoma--1930-1940;

National Guard Governor's review at Camp Moss (Murray). Left to right: Unidentified aide, Governor Clarence D. Martin, wearing black overcoat and tall silk hat, Major Gen. Walter C. Sweeney, Ft. Lewis Commander, Brig. General Maurice Thompson, adjutant general of the Guard. Governor Martin watched as the state's 3000 National Guardsmen paraded before him and military officials on June 18, 1939, during the annual Governor's Review. The parade concluded a fifteen day training period for guardsmen. (T. Times 6-19-39, p. 1).

Governors; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Generals; Sweeney, Walter C.; Thompson, Maurice W., 1878-1954;

Mrs. C. Galvin (Doreen) Hopper plays the piano for her children in their home. Left to right: Joanne, Doreen, Jerry, and Clare Hopper. The children focus their attention on her as Mother's Day approaches on Sunday. (T. Times, 5/13/1939, p. 7).

Hopper, C. Galvin--Family; Hopper, Doreen; Hopper, Clare; Hopper, Joanne; Hopper, Jerry; Hopper, C. Galvin--Homes & haunts; Mothers & children--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Tacoma General Hospital. Women working in pathology and clinical laboratories. Ordered by Clarence J. Cummings, Superintendent. See also A8155 image 2.

Hospitals--Tacoma--1930-1940; Tacoma General Hospital (Tacoma); Nurses--Tacoma--1930-1940; Laboratories--1930-1940;

Tacoma General Hospital. Women working in pathology and clinical laboratories. Ordered by Clarence J. Cummings, Superintendent.

Hospitals--Tacoma--1930-1940; Tacoma General Hospital (Tacoma); Nurses--Tacoma--1930-1940; Laboratories--1930-1940;

Aerial view of Hylebos Waterway Bridge in raised position. The bridge was completed in May of 1939, for a cost of $380,000. It was a double leaf bascule design, with a center span that had a vertical lift of 135 feet and a horizontal clearance of 150 feet. It was 1, 060 feet long and connected the communities of Northeast Tacoma with the main part of the city. The bridge had been preceded by a wooden drawbridge and a single leaf bascule bridge built in 1925. (T. Times 5/27/1939, pg. 5)

Hylebos Bridge (Tacoma); Bridges--Tacoma--1930-1940; Aerial photographs; Vertical lift bridges--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Officials gather for ceremonies related to the Hylebos Bridge Opening on May 27, 1939. Front row, left, Bridge Association President A.O. Rowe. Center row (L toR) County Commissioner A. A. Rankin, unidentified, Tacoma Mayor J. J. Kaufman, Assistant State Highway Director James A. Davis, unidentified, developer Norton Clapp, Tacoma Utilities Commissioner Ira Davisson. Back row, right, Finance Commissioner Val Fawcett. The Hylebos Bridge would unite northeast Tacoma with the remainder of the city. (T. Times)

Hylebos Bridge (Tacoma); Bridges--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Clapp, Norton, 1906-1995; Davisson, Ira; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma;

Hylebos Bridge Opening on May 27, 1939. Officials pose in front of a Ford sedan equipped with sound equipment and a banner advertising the bridge opening. They will later ride across the bridge on the running boards of the Ford. Pictured second from left is County Commissioner A.A. Rankin and second from right is Robert Allen. The opening was only ceremonial however; the bridge would not be open to the public until a few days later. (T. Times)

Hylebos Bridge (Tacoma); Bridges--Tacoma--1930-1940; Vertical lift bridges--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rankin, A.A.; Allen, Robert; Celebrations--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Harry Bernie holding the trophy, and 1938-1939 Ice Hockey Champions, Griffin Fuel ice hockey team's eight players, at Lakewood Ice Arena. From left to right: Unidentified, Jim Kotas, Art "Archie" Swanson, Bill Gribble, Bill Anderson, Ed Swanson, Chuck Negali and Morley Barnard. Peering out between the legs of Ed Swanson is his father, Ed Swanson, Sr. (T. Times, 4/20/1939, p. 14).

Ice hockey--Lakewood--1930-1940; Ice hockey players--Tacoma--1930-1940; Griffin Fuel Co. (Tacoma); Lakewood Ice Arena (Lakewood);

Jim Gallucci has asked the Turner Richards studio to take this photograph of his merry-go-round invention. The background will be blocked out in the photo lab so Gallucci can use it to apply for a patent. The four unidentified riders, one with a child on her lap, appear to be rotating the playground equipment from their chair-type seats by pushing and pulling on the arc-shape handles which are attached by cables to the center operating mechanism.

Inventions; Patents; Merry-go-rounds; Gallucci, James;

Jim Gallucci stands beside the stilled playground equipment that he invented. The photograph, with the background blacked out in the photo lab, will be used to apply for a patent. A child occupies one of the seats on the motionless equipment. Each seat is labelled on the back #1 -4. the machinery appears to be propelled by the riders pushing and pulling on the arched hand and foot piece in front of the seat.

Inventions; Patents; Merry-go-rounds; Gallucci, James;

On August 1-3, 1939, the Army was testing civilian "spotters" to see if enemy bombers could approach Washington cities undetected. Tacoma passed with flying colors thanks to George M. Kennedy, perched high above the city on the top of the Tacoma Building, 1017-21 A St. Mr. Kennedy, who ordinarily worked as a lineman for the Puget Sound Power and Light Co., was one of 150 civilian observers across the state. The spotters watched for planes in formation of two or more. If they saw anything, they noted the number of planes, direction of flight and estimated altitude and called it into the PSP & L offices. (T.Times 8/3/1939 p.18)

Kennedy, George M.; World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma;

Group of women making Norwegian foods at home of Mrs. Louick. Two women mixing food ingredients on kitchen table of small breakfast room at end of kitchen. One woman is using a meat grinder attached to the edge of the table. The women are preparing traditional refreshments for the Sons of Norway carnival at Normanna Hall. Two of the dishes to be prepared are Kiskekaker, Norwegian for fish cake, and Kjotkaker, meat cake. (T.Times 10/5/1939, pg. 16)

Kitchens--Tacoma--1930-1940; Baking--Tacoma--1930-1940; Grinding; Grinding machines; Home food processing--1930-1940; Sons of Norway (Tacoma);

Group of women making Norwegian foods at home of Mr. Louick. Lena (Mrs. Hans) Lavik (left) and Karlone (Mrs. Jorgen) Wang, in bakers caps and aprons, sift flour and roll dough on kitchen table. They are making traditional foods for the Sons of Norway dinner and carnival at Normanna Hall. (T. Times 10-5-1939 p.16)

Kitchens--Tacoma--1930-1940; Baking--Tacoma--1930-1940; Lavik, Lena; Wang, Karlone; Sons of Norway (Tacoma); Home food processing--1930-1940;

Masquerade affair at Lakewood Ice Arena given by the Lakewood Club. A large group of "silly" folks gather in the ice area cafe for refreshments and a glimpse of costumed friends. (T. Times, 4/22/1939, p. 8).

Lakewood Ice Arena (Lakewood); Masquerades--Lakewood--1930-1940; Costumes; Ice skating--Lakewood; Ice skating rinks--Lakewood; Lakewood Club (Lakewood);

Masquerade affair at Lakewood Ice Arena given by the Lakewood Club. Ray Thompson dressed as Chinese mandarin with Mrs. M. Morton dressed as a mouse. (T. times 4/22/1939, p. 8)

Lakewood Ice Arena (Lakewood); Thompson, Ray; Masquerades--Lakewood--1930-1940; Costumes; Ice skating--Lakewood; Ice skating rinks--Lakewood; Lakewood Club (Lakewood);

The destroyer USS Wilson (#408) was launched April 12,1939 at the Puget Sound Navy Yard in Bremerton. On hand for the launching were, left to right, Rear Admiral E. B. Fenner, Mrs. Fenner (sponsor), Governor Clarence Martin, Mrs. Arthur B. Langlie, Major General Walter C. Sweeney. Mrs. Sweeney, and Seattle Mayor Arthur Langlie. The vessel was named after Seaman Charles Wilson, who was recognized for distinguished service in the Navy during the Civil War. (T.Times 4/13/1939, pg. 20)

Launchings--Bremerton--1930-1940; Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (Bremerton);Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Governors; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Mayors--Seattle; Fenner, Edward B.; Sweeney, Walter C.;

Uniformed keeper Oscar V. Brown at Brown's Point Lighthouse points to an entry in the lighthouse book and explains its significance to two teenage visitors wearing bathing suits. Shirley Jackson signs the register while Anita Rowe patiently waits her turn to sign. Mr. Brown has been the keeper of this lighthouse for 36 years. He will turn 70 on October 19 and will take mandatory retirement November 1st. The first lighthouse at this location was a shaky wooden structure. It was replaced in 1934 with this white concrete building. (T. Times 6/15/1939, pg. 1)

Lighthouses--Tacoma--1930-1940; Brown, Oscar; Lighthouse keepers--Tacoma--1930-1940; Jackson, Shirley; Rowe, Anita;

From the writing on the blackboard, this night school class appears to be hard at work studying their prefixes. In October of 1939 over 1,700 adults took part in over 60 classes offered at Lincoln High School on Monday and Thursday nights. One of the purposes of the night school program was to help adult students catch up on basic educational tools, such as reading, writing and basic arithmetic. The most popular courses were Naturalization and Americanization, shop and interior design. (T. Times 10/12/1939, pg. 13)

Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Adult education; Classrooms--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Night school classes at Lincoln High School. Figure drawn on the blackboard for an engineering or drafting class. The men at the makeshift table made of sawhorses and boards work with pens and protractors. Over 61 classes were offered in night school during the fall of 1939 covering vocational training, hobbies and education basics. (T. Times 10-12-1939 p.13)

Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Adult education; Vocational education; Public schools--Tacoma--1930-1940; Classrooms--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Four unidentified young men from Lincoln High School share smiles as they examine some sheet music on the school steps in June of 1939. They appear to be a French horn quartet. See D8373, image 2 for another view of the musicians.

Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Students--Tacoma--1930-1940; Musicians--Tacoma--1930-1940; Bands--Tacoma--1930-1940; Brass instruments;

Assembly of St. Paul employees out on strike between 7 and 9:15 a.m. Automobile, several new, parked along street. Group of men milling around. Two-story, wood-frame building in background with large trees in median strip.

Lumber industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Co. (Tacoma); Strikes--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Custer Post Relief Corps reunion at the Armory on Saturday, July 1st.The Post held a luncheon at the Armory to celebrate the Corps 55th birthday. Photograph made for Mrs. Bryan. The man in the center of the seated row is George Manning, a proud member of the Custer Post of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR,) who will be 101 on July 20th 1939. The man to the left of Manning is Commander L.A. Wilcox, also a Civil War veteran, and on the right of Manning is Ruston O. Reed, Departmental Commander. The women are not identified, but are most probably spouses and descendents of Post members.The photograph is damaged on the right hand side, with a line running through part of the picture. (T.Times 7/10/1939, pg. 14)

Manning, George; Grand Army of the Republic, Custer Post; Civil War, U.S., 1861-1865--Veterans--Tacoma; Wilcox, L.A.; Reed, Ruston O.;

Tacoma Mayor J.J. Kaufman at Allenmore Golf Course on May 3, 1939, with skier Gretchen Kunigk and skater Dora Mae Rice for "Hole-in-One" Tournament. Miss Kunigk is posed on her snow skiis with poles hovering while Mayor Kaufman aims to tee off. Miss Rice, in ice skates, is perched on the car's bumper. The new Buick would be awarded to any contestant who aced the hole. In 1948, Gretchen Kunigk Fraser would become the first American to medal in Olympic Skiing. (T. Times, 5-4-39, p. 14).

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Rice, Dora Mae; Golf--Tacoma--1930-1940; Golfers--Tacoma--1930-1940;