The bridgetender was either in the process of raising or lowering the 800-ton lift span of the Hylebos Bridge on January 6, 1926, although no ship is visible. The bridge casts its reflection in the Hylebos Waterway, the most easterly of the waterways in the Port of Tacoma development of the Tideflats. The Hylebos Bridge was the only bascule type bridge in Pierce County at that time. Costing $80,000 and opened on October 15, 1925, it formed a link between Tacoma and the Browns Point and Dash Point communities of Northeast Tacoma. It replaced an old wooden drawbridge. The Hylebos Bridge was ordered closed by the federal government in 1935 due to insufficient clearance space. A new Hylebos was built in 1939, this time at the cost of $380,000. TPL-9633; G15.1-012 (NWR clipping file: TNT 11-3-25, TDL 5-28-39)

Bridges--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hylebos Bridge (Tacoma); Vertical lift bridges--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Early in January of 1926, Tacoma voters were flooding into the Registrar's office on the third floor of City Hall to qualify to vote in the upcoming city primary and general elections. The throng included three new voters, pictured center of the counter. The trio was composed of Ingeborg Ekberg, Alice Raymond and Vera Landers, all students at the College of Puget Sound and all having just turned 21. According to city clerk Genevieve Martin almost 9,000 voters had registered in the first five days for the elections, which included another run for the Mayor's office by four time incumbent Angelo Vance Fawcett. TPL-3209 (TNT 1/11/1926, pg. 17- cropped picture, TNT 1/9/26, pg. 14-article on registration)

Union Pacific freight house on the Tideflats as viewed on January 15, 1926. Large rectangular brick structure, two-stories, with loading dock. G45.1-003

Storage facilities--Tacoma--1920-1930;

This is 11th & Broadway looking south in early 1926. Cars are parked on both sides of the street while streetcars and a small 6th Ave. bus share the road. On the left side of the street is one of the McMillan Bros. drugstores. Besides being a pharmacy, the McMillan Bros. also sold Brunswick and Victor phonographs and Wurlitzer pianos. Among the establishments on the right side of the photograph is the Feist & Bachrach department store (1114-20 Broadway); the site would later become the J.C. Penney Co. department store. Photograph ordered by Foster & Kleiser. TPL-1582; G59.1-033

Commercial streets--Tacoma--1920-1930; Business districts--Tacoma--1920-1930; Street railroads--Tacoma--1920-1930; Street railroad tracks--Tacoma--1920-1930; McMillan Brothers (Tacoma); Feist & Bachrach (Tacoma);

This was busy, bustling Pacific Avenue near South 9th St. in January of 1926. Although there were stately office buildings on Pacific such as the 17-story newly completed Washington Building (center at 1019) and Puget Sound National Bank (1117-19), there were also many smaller establishments packed in as well. The Carlyle Cafeteria (ground floor of the Provident Building), the Thomas Billiard Parlor, Tabell's featuring chili and tamales, the Argonaut Hotel and Western Union were on the left side of Pacific with Dundee Woolen Mills Tailors, Bennett Typewriter Co., Samuelson & Berg's and Washington Hardware among others on the right. It was possible then to book a room, play pool, dine at a variety of restaurants, get a suit tailored, complete banking transactions, pickup tools for the home, and buy a pair of shoes all within a block or two. Streetcars were available for easy transport as an alternative to driving. G61.1-040

Commercial streets--Tacoma--1920-1930; Business districts--Tacoma--1920-1930; Washington Building (Tacoma); Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Carlyle Cafeteria (Tacoma); Provident Building (Tacoma); Argonaut Hotel (Tacoma);

In January of 1926, an unidentified uniformed usherette stood at attention beside the ornate ticket booth within the exterior foyer of the Pantages Theater, the movie palace located at 901 Broadway. The silent film "A Lovers Oath" starring Ramon Navarro and Kathleen Key opened at the Pantages on January 16, 1926 and ran for the traditional one week. Loosely based on the "The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam," the film was Navarro's first starring role. It was made in 1922 and, unable to find a distributer, laid in the vault until after the 1925 release of "Ben Hur" with Navarro. Also advertised as "now playing" is the Pantages "Songolog" of Joy featuring Arnold Leverenz at the organ. The organ was used to provide musical accompaniment to the silent films. In the fifties, Leverenz would be a featured performer at Steve's Gay Nineties. In the back is a poster for Lew and Mad Wilson in "Nothing in the Mouth" and an advertisement for Mezzo Photography Studio in the Bernice Building. G65.1-021, BU-11192, TPL-10476

Pantages Theater (Tacoma); Movie theaters--Tacoma--1920-1930;

This view is of part of the growing 6th Avenue business district at the intersection of Oakes looking east in January of 1926. Streetcar tracks run down the middle of 6th and the 6th Avenue car is in sight. Businesses on the left include the 6th Ave. Furniture Co. in the Masonic Lodge (2609) and the Pollyanna Cafe. On the right are the Piggly Wiggly, Foultz Variety Store, Frederick Dean Drug Co., Prospect Market and the new Sixth Avenue Baptist Church. TPL-1798; G57.1-065 (TNT 1-21-26, p. 15)

Streets--Tacoma--1920-1930; Business districts--Tacoma--1920-1930; Street railroad tracks--Tacoma--1920-1930; Sixth Avenue Baptist Church (Tacoma); 6th Ave. Furniture Co. (Tacoma); Pollyanna Cafe (Tacoma); Piggly Wiggly (Tacoma);

Reed Mill crane, possibly in Shelton, WA

Industries; Reed Mill; Cranes; Shelton;

Reed Mill crane, possibly in Shelton, WA

Industries; Reed Mill; Cranes; Shelton

Football star Harold "Red" Grange grins for the camera during a very brief visit to Tacoma in late January of 1926. Grange, a charter member of both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame, acquired the nickname of "The Galloping Ghost" for his running prowess while playing at the University of Illinois. While a productive member of the Chicago Bears, Grange would also appear in motion pictures, including 1926's "One Minute to Play" and the 12-part serial series "The Galloping Ghost" in 1931. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Grange)

Grange, Harold; Football players;

Harold "Red" Grange shakes hands with an unidentified man in late January of 1926 while on the rooftop of the Winthrop Hotel. Mr. Grange is on the right. By 1926, he had graduated from the University of Illinois where he was an outstanding football player and was playing pro ball. He was in Tacoma very briefly on Friday, January 29th, to help publicize his Chicago Bears Sunday game against the Washington All-Stars in Seattle. A smallish crowd of about 5000 would see the Bears demolish the All-Stars 34-0. Later that year would come the release of a silent film, "One Minute to Play," starring Mr. Grange. (TDL 1-29-26, p. 1-article; TNT 1-29-26, p. 18-article) (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Grange)

Grange, Harold; Football players; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

Football star and motion picture actor Harold "Red" Grange posed with Helen Nelsen (left) and Corinne Martin on a rainy day atop the Winthrop Hotel in late January, 1926. The ladies are holding a sign "Ice" in front of Mr. Grange; it was his nickname when he was a leading rusher at Wheaton (Illinois) High School. He had worked as an ice hauler while in school which accounted for his nickname ("Ice Man" or "Wheaton Ice Man") and developed his strong physique. Now better known as "The Galloping Ghost" for his blinding speed and elusive running style, Mr. Grange, a three-time all-American at the University of Illinois, had paid a very short visit to Tacoma a couple of days before his Chicago Bears pro team faced the Washington All-Stars in Seattle. He would run for two touchdowns and pass for a third en route to a 34-0 shellacking of the local team. (TDL 1-29-26, p. 1-article & alternate photograph; TDL 2-1-26, p. 8-article on game; www.britannica.com)

Grange, Harold; Football players; Nelsen, Helen; Martin, Corinne;

Seven first graders at Whitman School became thespians in February of 1926 when they re-enacted the story of America's first flag for their school's PTA. The little play was so popular that the cast travelled to American Lake Hospital to perform for the war veterans on the 22nd, the first of several repeat performances. Pictured in their classroom are, left to right, Annell Hewitt, Mariette Gearhardt, Robert Haglund (as George Washington), Patsey Armour (as Betsy Ross), James Paulsen, Richard Stidman and Elva Eikenberry (seated.) (WSHS) (TNT 2/19/1926, pg. 8)

Whitman School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1920-1930; School children--Tacoma--1920-1930; Costumes; Children playing adults; Historical dramas;

A two-story house with a full basement has been built on a hillside with access to the one-car garage in the basement from the lower side. The address for the house is 3116 No. Alder (now renumbered to 3114) and Richards notes list "Lockwood" as the contractor. (WSHS)

Houses--Tacoma--1920-1930;

In 1926, silent films still ruled the screens and Tacoma had over 25 moving picture theaters. It also had its own theater association, the Picture Theater Managers' Association of Tacoma. In February of that year the group posed for a picture after one of their meetings at the Hotel Winthrop. Pictured seated (left to right) are: James Hone, L.A. Drinkwine- owner of the Palace Theater, Walter McNeish- Bijou Theater, Robert McKinnell- Rose Theater, Ned Edris- Blue Mouse, Mrs. DeSilva-Lyric Theater, W.Flint- The Park, and Martin Steffen - The Rex. Standing (left to right) are: M. McIntosh and R. Minkler- Lincoln Th., Louie Peorunko- Sunset Th., R.R. Pratch- Realart, Jean Spear - Capitol, J.R. Pottor- Community Th and H.R. Berg- Shell Th. Most noticeably missing is H.T. Moore of Moore Amusement, the owner of the Rialto. (WSHS) (TNT 2/5/1926, pg. 8)

Group portraits--Tacoma--1920-1930; Picture Theater Managers' Association of Tacoma (Tacoma); Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Motion picture industry--Tacoma--1920-1930; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma;

C.H. Ranschler, Superintendent of Elections, taught new voter Clara Hill how to use a voting machine in anticipation of the Primary Elections taking place in February of 1926. A record voter turnout, estimated to exceed 30,000, was expected at Tacoma's 101 polling places. At stake were the elections of the mayor and two City Councilmen. Five candidates had thrown their hats into the ring for the mayoral election and the two with the most votes in the February 23rd primary would run head-to-head in the March general election. Likely taken on the 2nd floor of the Old City Hall building.TPL-3206 (TNT 2/22/1926, pg. 16)

Aerial view taken in February of 1926 of the Northern Pacific shops in South Tacoma. Known as the "South Tacoma Shops," the plant was composed of 36 separate brick buildings, covering 15 acres. Craftsmen from 20 expert fields were employed to build, rebuild and service anything that travelled on wheels for Northern Pacific west of the Mississippi. The plant operated from 1890 until its closure in 1974. The body of water to the left was a wetlands area commonly called the "South Tacoma Swamp." It has since been filled in. (TNT 2/18/1927, pg. 2)

The intersection of North Prospect at North 15th, looking east, was photographed for court evidence on February 8, 1926. The streets were paved and homes on both sides appear large and well maintained. House on the right corner is 1501 North Prospect; house on the left corner is 1502 North Prospect. Sidewalks and curbs were installed which was not a feature in all neighborhoods. Ornamental street lamps were spaced evenly along both sides of the street. The "90 ft" noted in the photograph's lower left corner is believed to be the distance to the intersection from the camera's viewpoint. G58.1-061 (photograph has been damaged)

Residential streets--Tacoma--1920-1930; Streets--Tacoma--1920-1930; Houses--Tacoma--1920-1930; Street lights--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Boland Studios were requested to photograph the North 15th and Prospect Streets for court evidence. This February 8, 1926, view of North Prospect at 15th, looking west, shows neatly trimmed yards and parking strips. The large home on the left is 1429 North Prospect, across the street is 1430 North Prospect. This part of town had sidewalks and curbs, amenities not enjoyed by all. The streets are nearly empty of traffic with only three parked cars visible. The "120 ft" noted in the lower left corner of the photograph may have been the distance to the intersection from the photographer's viewpoint. G58.1-062

Residential streets--Tacoma--1920-1930; Streets--Tacoma--1920-1930; Houses--Tacoma--1920-1930;

The street at center is North 15th St., looking north from Prospect, on February 8, 1926. This street had ornamental street lamps, neatly trimmed parking strips and yards, curbs and sidewalks. Utility poles were placed so that wires would not impact view of the street. At center right is 1429 North Fife. The other home in the immediate background is 1430 North Prospect. The "60 ft" noted in the left lower corner of the photograph may have been the distance to the intersection. Photograph taken for court evidence. G57.2-013

Residential streets--Tacoma--1920-1930; Streets--Tacoma--1920-1930; Street lights--Tacoma--1920-1930;

View of North 15th at Prospect looking south on February 8, 1926; photograph taken for court evidence. The homes visible appear to be large and well maintained with neatly clipped lawns and parking strips. House on the right is 1429 North Prospect; house on the left is 1501 North Prospect. Trees have been planted along sidewalks in the parking strips. Street visibility is clear with no traffic or parked cars. Utility poles have been placed in alleys rather than in front of the houses. Photographer has once again noted "60 ft" in lower left corner, probably the distance to the intersection from his viewpoint. G57.1-012

Residential streets--Tacoma--1920-1930; Streets--Tacoma--1920-1930; Houses--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Unidentified man on Indian motorcycle in February of 1926. The young man has his sidecar filed with boxes, at least one containing National Mazda lamps. G66.1-142

Motorcycles--Tacoma--1920-1930; Delivering--Tacoma--1920-1930;

In early March of 1926, Albert C.C. Gamer was being loaded down with Tacoma tourist information as he prepared to depart for Paris for the International Hotelmen's Convention. Mr. Gamer, the manager of the Olympus Hotel at 815 Pacific, was approached by area civic organizations as the proper person to carry Tacoma's invitation to Europe. Surrounding Mr. Gamer, left to right, are Joseph Erpelding, carrying Mr. Gamer's bag; Gladys Mase of the City Light Department, giving him facts and pictures of the Cushman power project; Mrs. R.N. Bergen of the Hotel Winthrop; Ruth Edwards (standing) representing the Rainier National Park Co. and Agnes Hansen, representing the Civic Development Bureau of the Tacoma News Tribune. The International Hotelmen met once every three years and the meeting was attending by hosts from all around the world. (TNT 3/11/1926, pg. 1) TPL-6331; Bowen #26141

In March of 1926, Spring arrived early bringing unseasonable warm and sunny weather. In the opinion of J.M. Green of Horsehead Bay, Spring never left at all. For evidence, he holds two bouquets of posies picked outdoors at his place on a sheltered point on the Sound. The lower flowers are multi-colored straw flowers that usually die with the first frost but have bloomed all winter. The other bouquet is of doronicum, yellow spring daisies, that bloomed a full six weeks early. Also making an early appearance were spring vegetables, Delphiniums and Columbine. Horsehead Bay is a small inlet from Case Inlet, west of Arletta, in northwest Pierce County. (TNT 3/23/1926, pg. 1)

Green, J.M.; Flowers; Bouquets; Daisies; Spring; Seasons; Weather;

In March of 1926, Stadium High School initiated its own branch of the national "Longfellows" Club. Members had to measure in at over six feet in height to join. The new club attracted a group of approximately 50 young men who posed in front of Stadium High School at 111 North "E" Street. (WSHS; A-1488 same photo without lettering)

Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1920-1930; Longfellows Club (Tacoma); Students--Tacoma--1920-1930;

On March 9, 1926, Tacomans voted a new "tennent" into the Mayor's office when M.G. Tennent defeated four time Mayor Angelo G. Fawcett by a wide margin of 5,235 votes. At that time, the election had the heaviest vote ever cast in Tacoma with Tennent elected by the largest vote ever given a candidate for the office of Tacoma Mayor. The newly elected Mayor Tennent was photographed on the front steps of his home with his dog. Elderly Mayor Fawcett could not compete with the younger, more progressive Tennent. Mayor Tennent would serve two consecutive terms before being defeated himself by Harry P. Cain. TPL-1493 (TNT 3/10/1926, PG. 1)

Clarence Chesterfield, right, also known by his showbiz moniker "Major Mite," shook hands on the steps of the Tacoma Hotel with George B. Stean, the hotel's new manager, in March of 1926. Maj. Mite had stopped in Tacoma on his way from his home in McCleary, Wa. to New York City. He had recently joined the Ringlings Circus as the Worlds Smallest Man. Although he was 18 years old, he measured in at 28 inches high and weighed 21 pounds. McCleary was located in Grays Harbor, about 49 miles southwest of Tacoma and had a population in 1939 of 1200 persons; making the odds of Maj. Mite being born there 1 to 1,500,000. The venerable Tacoma Hotel was built in 1884 and burned to the ground in 1935. (TNT 3/16/1926, pg. 15; T. Times 6/16/1939, pg. 7) (WSHS- negative A697-0)

Dwarfs; Shaking hands--Tacoma; Chesterfield, Clarence; Stean, George B.; Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma);

In March of 1926, three employees at the Washington Co-Operative Egg & Poultry Association Headquarters, (left to right) Mary Zack, Sarah Gruno and Esther Christoferson, demonstrate how to decorate Easter eggs. Sarah Gruno, in the center, is dyeing eggs with natural dyes made from vegetables, such as beets, spinach and coffee. Mary Zack is cutting out transfers to decorate her eggs, and Esther Christoferson is using a pen and ink to draw faces on her's. The Washington Co-Op packed transfer pictures with every carton of eggs sold around the holidays. (TNT 3/30/1926, pg. 1)