Two women holding bouquets of flowers, roses and carnations, at flower show held in the Tacoma Armory building in April of 1937. Name tags on flowers displayed: Talisman, Dictator, Melrose. (T. Times)

Flower shows--Tacoma--1930-1940; Flowers; Exhibitions--Tacoma--1930-1940; State Armory (Tacoma);

Lincoln High School 1937 Graduation Ceremonies at the Armory. Straight on view of crowd and stage.

Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1930-1940; Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940; State Armory (Tacoma);

Stadium High School's 56th annual graduation exercises, held June 8th at the Armory for the Class of 1939. Students at the back of the photograph, audience in foreground. The graduating class totalled 653 students and the ceremony was estimated to be attended by over 2500 persons. The sign "Education for What?" states the theme of the four student commencement speakers. Betty Binns, Helen Phill, and Robert Elliott tied for valedictory honors, each completing 3 years of study with straight A's. Class president Maynard Miller joined them as a speaker. (T.Times 6/7/1939, pg. 5; 6/9/39, pg. 1; 6/10/39, pg. 1)

Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1930-1940; State Armory (Tacoma); Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Music Conference - 600 piece Symphony Orchestra at the Armory - orchestra on raised wooden platform. Photograph ordered by Mr. Short at the Tacoma Times. (filed with Argentum)

Youth orchestras--Tacoma;

On June 8, 1938, Lincoln High School bestowed 709 diplomas on its graduating class. The graduates sit on a raised platform; the orchestra sits on the floor. Relatives here to see the ceremony sat on either side.

Students--Tacoma--1930-1940; Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); State Armory (Tacoma);

The new Civic Auditorium addition was being added to the Armory in August of 1939. The new construction, funded by the state and the Public Works Administration, added a 20,000 sq. ft. National Guard drill hall, that would also serve as a public auditorium that could seat 3,500 on the main floor, and 1,500 in the side balconies. The new auditorium would be 100 x 200 feet with a covered ceiling 30 feet above the floor. The rounded steel trusses would replace the current pillars and provide unobstructed view all the way down the hall. In regular use, the Armory housed units of the 148th Field Artillery, the Headquarters Troop, 24th Calvary division, the federal instructor and various veterans organizations. The turrets of the old Pierce County Courthouse can be seen in the background. (T. Times 8/3/1939, pg. 1)

State Armory (Tacoma); Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1930-1940;

An addition to the State Armory, South 11th & Yakima, was under construction in August of 1939 with scaffolding surrounding the new barrel-shaped, nine-ton steel roof truss structure. A sign indicates that this is a P.W.A. (Public Works Administration) federal project. The addition would supply the National Guard with an expanded drill hall and the city with a much needed Public Auditorium with room for 5,000. $47,000 was being spent to complete the remodeling program that had a total cost of approximately $163,000. The Pierce County Courthouse with its distinctive clock tower is in the background. (T. Times 8/3/1939, pg. 1)

Progress photographs; State Armory (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1930-1940; Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma);

Lincoln High School Class of 1940 graduation at armory.

Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); State Armory (Tacoma);

Standing outside the Tacoma armory are Comrade David L. Crossen (left) and Commander L.A. Wilcox. Both in their 90s when this picture was taken in 1937, they were officers in the G.A.R. and two of the last civil war veterans living in Tacoma. Mr. Crossen fought with the 11th Pennsylvania volunteers at Bull Run and Antietum. Mr. Wilcox was in Company F of the 4th Wisconsin Infantry. (T. Times, 5/29/1937, p.1)

Civil War, U.S., 1861-1865--Veterans--Tacoma; Veterans' organizations--Tacoma; Grand Army of the Republic (Tacoma); Crossen, David L.; Wilcox, L.A.; Flags--United States;

Lincoln High School 1943 Graduation at Armory. Orchestra and Chorus performing. (T.Times)

Public Schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Youth orchestras--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Stadium High School Class of 1943 graduation at Armory. (T. Times)

Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1940-1950; State Armory (Tacoma); Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma's new "C" Company was inducted into the Washington State Guard during public ceremonies held October 20, 1941 at the National Guard Armory at 715 South 11th Street. Mustering officer Lt. Col. George W. McKenzie is seen issuing orders to the new unit. 72 men had been recently recruited to replace Guardsmen assigned to active duty. They would be drilling once a week. (T. Times 10/21/1941, pg. 4; TNT 10-21-41, p. 4-article)

Oaths--Tacoma; Recruiting & enlistment--Tacoma; State Armory (Tacoma); Washington State Guard (Tacoma); McKenzie, George W.;

Bricker, Gov. and party coverage. Washington State Governor Arthur B. Langlie on left with Ohio State Governor John W. Bricker on right. Gov. Bricker is here for the Pierce County Republican Convention being held at the State Armory (T. Times 4/12/44, p. 1).

Political conventions--Tacoma; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Bricker, John W.;

Armory civilian fire trucks. The State Armory also participated in assisting Pierce County reach the Fifth War Loan Drive goal of $22,000,000 by exhibiting Army equipment. View of Army/Civilian Defense fire trucks on display at State Armory.

World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; War bonds & funds; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma;

Lt. Commander Jack Dempsey, U.S.C.G, the former heavyweight champion of the world, was referee at the main event of a boxing night held at the Tacoma Armory on June 5, 1945 to raise money for the 7th War Bond drive. Johnny Ballange, U.S.M.C., right, defeated Pedro Montez, U.S. Army, in the bout. Jack Dempsey had also visited Tacoma in 1944 in support of a war bond drive. View of boxers touching gloves as referee Dempsey gives instructions; unidentified representatives of the Army and Marines flank their men. ALBUM 9.

Dempsey, Jack, 1895-1983; Referees; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ballange, Johnny; Montez, Pedro;

Armory-Lincoln graduation. Lincoln High School had 706 students graduating in 1946, 226 were Veterans from World War II. The Veterans graduating will wear their military uniforms to the graduation ceremony. Ex-Mayor Harry P. Cain will deliver the graduation address. View of Lincoln High School's graduating Veterans at State Armory (T. Times, 6/6/46, p. 3).

Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Military uniforms; Veterans; State Armory (Tacoma);

Eastern Star at the Armory. This session was the Order of Eastern Star's 59th annual session. They expected 2,000 to attend representing 45,000 in the state from 225 chapters. (T.Times, 6/17/1947, p.6)

Order of Eastern Star (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Renamed Veterans Day in 1953, November 11 was first proclaimed as Armistice Day in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I. That year, on November 13, John Philip Sousa's band played in the Washington National Guard Armory in Tacoma and President Woodrow Wilson spoke there two months earlier. In 1947, a Military Ball was held on Armistice Day at the Armory, where more than 1,500 people were expected to attend. The presentation of colors to the local reserve units of the Army and Army Air Corps highlighted the evening. Army and Navy dignitaries and prominent civilian guests attended the event. View of ceremonies under way at the Armory (T. Times, 11/12/47, p. 7).

Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Washington National Guard (Tacoma); State Armory (Tacoma);

The last Sunday of September has officially been declared Gold Star Mother's Day. In 1949 the Tacoma Chapter of Gold Star Mothers held a special meeting at the State Armory. The club installed new officers and held a special ceremony in their honor. Appointed as new officers were Beatrice Johnson as President; Pearl Joy as Vice-President; Jenny Benson as Second Vice-President; and Nell Sanford as Treasurer. The national organization American Gold Star Mothers was founded in 1928 and is open to all mothers of fallen soldiers of all wars as well as those who died a service-related death. (T. Times, 1/17/49, p. 14)..

Awards; Memorial rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Military decorations--Tacoma; Mothers; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; State Armory (Tacoma); Tacoma Chapter of Gold Star Mothers (Tacoma);

Golden Gloves contest held at the Armory in January of 1949, sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. Eight of the contestants stand inside the ring wearing satin robes, ready to take on all comers. The big two-day fistic feature was sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. Seven rugged fighters from Vancouver, B.C., and others from across the Northwest were in attendance. The Tacoma Times reported that more than 70 boxers entered the competition. (T.Times, 1/24/1949, p.11, 1/27/1949 p.14)

State Armory (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Boxing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1940-1950;

California Governor Earl Warren, Republican Vice-Presidential candidate and future Supreme Court Chief Justice, making a campaign appearance at Tacoma Armory. View of elaborate decorations above the platform. His evening address attracted overflowing crowds of over 5000 which filled the Armory to its rafters. It was the largest indoor crowd to greet Governor Warren on his tour of 31 states except for Chicago. The Dewey-Warren ticket unexpectedly lost in the 1948 elections to Truman-Barkley. Sepia photograph taken on October 14, 1948. (TNT 10-15-48, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Warren, Earl, 1891-1974; Public speaking--Tacoma;

California Governor Earl Warren, Republican Vice-Presidential candidate and future Supreme Court Chief Justice, and his family, with former Governor Arthur Langlie, and his family, and two drum majorettes, on platform during rally at Tacoma Armory. Governor Warren was met by an enthusiastic audience of over 5000 on October 14, 1948. He was introduced by Arthur Langlie, former governor who was running for election. Governor Warren's wife Nina and four of his children accompanied him on this tour of the Pacific Northwest. Sepia photograph was taken on October 14, 1948. (TNT 10-15-48, p. 1) TPL-183 ALBUM 2.

Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Warren, Earl, 1891-1974; Warren, Earl--Family; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966--Family; Drum majorettes--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Henry A. Wallace, center, the candidate for President of the United States in 1948 from the Progressive Party spoke on October 9th, 1948 at the Tacoma Armory. In his speech he attacked the Taft-Hartley Act and the "hot war" being waged against labor unions. While in Tacoma, he met with a group of local Progressive Party candidates including: (l to r) John Green Jr., Vera Keating, Russell H. Fluent, Henry Wallace, Rodney Peterson, Ernest T. Olson, Thomas C. Rabbit. (T.Times, 10/11/1948, p.9)

Wallace, Henry A.; Presidential elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Green, John; Keating, Vera; Fluent, Russell H.; Peterson, Rodney; Olson, Ernest T.; Rabbitt, Thomas C.;

President Harry S.Truman with daughter Margaret and Rep. Hugh Mitchell, Democratic candidate for Governor, at the Tacoma Armory. The retiring President was stumping for Adlai Stevenson and other Democratic candidates during the 1952 fall campaign. He spoke to an overflowing crowd of loyal supporters. His appearance was heavily covered by newspaper, radio and television reporters. ALBUM 1.

Presidents; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Truman, Margaret; Mitchell, Hugh;

Harry S. Truman addresses an attentive crowd at the Washington State Armory in early October, 1952, as he hits the campaign trail for Democratic candidates. An enormous flag hung on Armory walls nearly dwarfs the President and local dignitaries. The President's appearance was big news in our area as noted by the presence of many newspaper, radio and television reporters. His daughter Margaret is seated behind him along with gubernatorial candidate, Hugh Mitchell. ALBUM 1.

Presidents; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Truman, Margaret; Mitchell, Hugh; Flags--United States;

Four Queens were crowned in the Queen of Trays and Keys contest sponsored by the Rhodes Post No. 2, American Legion, during a ball at the Armory. The ten women who won are shown wearing evening gowns and ribbons with the names of different businesses in Tacoma. In the front row are the four Queens: L-R, Rae Allen (Don's Grill) and Millie Broc (Joe's Tavern & Cafe), winners in a tie for Queen of Trays in the silver division; Lorna Schlanbusch (Park "n" Shop), first prize winner in gold division; and Dolores Simcich (Commonwealth Title Insurance), first prize winner and Queen of Keys. All four winners will leave by Hollywood by plane for four exciting days. The back row includes other prize winners, L-R, Patricia Merrill, Ruth Malskey, Myrtle Forgey, Joyce Dyer (Peoples Store), Maxine Knowles and Virginia Thompson (West Coast Grocery). (TNT, 5/1/1951, p.12)

Women--Tacoma--1950-1960; State Armory (Tacoma); American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Allen, Rae; Broc, Millie; Schlanbusch, Lorna; Simcich, Dolores; Merrill, Patricia; Malskey, R.; Forgery, M.; Dyer, J.; Knowles, M.; Thompson, T.;

• The Washington National Guard Armory at 715 So. 11th, built in 1908, was added to the Tacoma Historical register in 1976. The Pierce County Court House in the background was built in 1892, and was located at 1012 So. G Street. circa 1910.
• Printed on front: State Armory, Court House in background, Tacoma, Wash.

Lincoln High School Class of 1935 Graduation at the Armory. (WSHS)

Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1930-1940; Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940; State Armory (Tacoma);

Tacoma's Armory has been transformed by the lavish displays of the flower show sponsored by the Northwest Florists' Association. (T. Times 4/12/1937, pg. 3)

Flower shows--Tacoma--1930-1940; Flowers; Exhibitions--Tacoma--1930-1940; State Armory (Tacoma);

President Harry S.Truman speaks at the Tacoma Armory during the 1952 fall campaign. Daughter Margaret and Rep. Hugh Mitchell, Democratic candidate for Governor, watch from platform. Despite Truman's help, Mitchell was defeated by incumbent Arthur Langlie. ALBUM 1. TPL-8050

Presidents--United States; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Truman, Margaret; Mitchell, Hugh; State Armory (Tacoma); Public speaking--Tacoma--1950-1960; Political campaigns;