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;

President Harry S.Truman receives congratulations after speaking at the Washington National Guard Armory during the 1952 fall campaign. Prominent local civic leaders join in the applause. Reporters gather around the press tables in front of the podium. ALBUM 1.

Presidents; Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972; Visits of state--Tacoma; Hand clapping;

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);

Dr. S.F. Herrman, left, admired the May Wettern rose held by C.M. Murphy during the 30th annual Rose Show, held June 14-15th, 1941 at the Armory. However, judges from the Tacoma Rose Society, sponsor of the show, found the Angelus Mateu raised, and held, by Dr. Herrman to be the Best Rose exhibited. Mr. Murphy's rose was a close second. The pair are standing in front of the display fountain erected by Metro Parks and Tacoma Lights. (T.Times 6/26/2941, pg. 14)

Herrman, S.F.; Murphy, C.M.; Tacoma Rose Society (Tacoma); Roses;

An unidentified couple sip bottles of soda on the sidelines of the enlisted men's dance on November 13, 1940 at the Armory. The dance was the second in a series of dances. Soldiers from McChord, Ft. Lewis and Camp Murray were invited. They came from the local area and from across the country. Young ladies from Tacoma were asked to attend and serve as dance partners for the men, some of whom were far from home. (T. Times 11/14/1940, pg. 1)

Dancers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dance parties; Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; State Armory (Tacoma);

Exterior view of Washington National Guard Armory. (filed w/Argentum)

State Armory (Tacoma); Washington National Guard (Tacoma);

Two young men, small in stature, reported to the Tacoma draft board offices in the State Armory on September 4, 1941. Harold C. Kirkendall, 23, responds to Mrs. W.B. Dickinson, Jr., while Kayo M. Erickson, 22, awaits his turn. It was all in good fun, however, as part of a prank played by the Tacoma Times newspaper. The two were actually entertainers appearing in the Rubin & Cherry Exposition, a traveling sideshow. (T.Times 9-5-41, p. 1)

Kirkendall, Harold C.; Erickson, Kayo M.; Dwarfs--Tacoma; Draft--United States; Dickinson, W.B.--Family; State Armory (Tacoma);

Harold C. Kirkendall (far left) raises his hand and swears to Mrs. W. B. Dickinson, Jr. that the information he has provided on his draft questionnaire is true and complete. On September 4, 1941, as a practical joke, the Tacoma Times sent Mr. Kirkendall and Kayo M. Erickson (center) to the Tacoma draft board offices in the Armory to file their draft questionnaires. Mr. Kirkendall and Mr. Erickson were in Tacoma as performers in the Rubin & Cherry Exposition, a traveling sideshow that featured dancers, midgets, glamorous girls and "20 rides." Kayo Erickson is believed to be the same Carl "Kayo" M. Erickson that appeared in the motion picture, "The Wizard of Oz." (T. Times 09-05-1941 p.1)

Kirkendall, Harold C.; Erickson, Kayo M.; Dwarfs--Tacoma; Draft--United States; Dickinson, W.B.--Family; State Armory (Tacoma);

Interior of new addition to National Guard Armory showing soldiers in formation with twelve wheeled artillery guns. The new addition was constructed in August of 1939 with funds supplied by the state and the PWA. It was 100 by 200 sq. feet with a 30 foot ceiling. Its curved roof replaced the former pillars, providing an unobstructed view. After the extensive remodel, the size of the space had increased by 1/3, with vast improvements also in lighting, ventilation and acoustics. (T. Times 10/7/1939, pg. 1) (filed with Argentum)

State Armory (Tacoma); Washington National Guard (Tacoma); Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940; Uniforms--Washington National Guard--1930-1940; Artillery (Weaponry);

Lincoln High School Class of 1939 graduation at the Armory, held June 9, 1939. The 707 graduating seniors are seated at the rear of the photograph, audience in the foreground. (T. Times 6/10/1939, pg. 11) (filed with Argentum)

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

Norwegian Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Martha at the Tacoma Armory. During his May 23, 1939 address, he spoke of their visit to the U.S., stating that it was well known that "a large number of our countrymen have found Tacoma a pleasant place in which to live and work" and he "was not surprised that you should have chosen this place." The prince spoke in English but concluded his speech in Norwegian, in deference to the mostly Scandinavian audience. The royals' trip encompassed two days, including time for a review of Fort Lewis, visit to Pacific Lutheran College, and some private time at Mount Rainier. (TNT 5-24-39, p. 2, p. 6)

Olav V, 1903-1991; Martha, Crown Princess of Norway; Rulers--Norway; Visits of state--Tacoma--1930-1940

The new Civic Auditorium addition was being added to the Armory in August of 1939. The new construction added a 20,000 sq. ft. National Guard drill hall, that could serve as a public auditorium seating 3,500 on the main floor, and 1,500 in the side balconies. This photograph clearly shows the 9-ton rounded steel trusses that support the new roof, replacing the pillars and providing an unobstructed view the entire length of the hall. The remodel and addition, which cost a total of $163,000, was a P.W.A. project. (T. Times 8/3/1939, pg. 1)

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

Lincoln High School Class of 1938 graduation at the Armory. Audience, band and graduates seated under Lincoln banner. (filed with Argentum)

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

Stumping for his fellow Democrats, Henry A. Wallace tells a crowd of 3000 and a radio audience that a Communist "is a Democrat with a job a Republican wants" at a campaign rally held at the Armory on October 28, 1946. Wallace, Vice President 1941-45, went on to become the Progressive Party's candidate for President in 1948. He was a plant geneticist, agricultural leader, editor, cabinet member, as well as serving as Roosevelt's vice-president in his third term as president. He was asked to resign as Secretary of Commerce by President Truman due to his public criticism of the administration's hard-line policy toward the Soviet Union. Mr. Wallace was to make a run for the presidency in 1948 as the Progressive Party nominee, representing a newly organized third party with a pro-Soviet stance. He received only 2.4% of the vote and left the party in 1950 after disagreeing with its non-support of the Korean War. He withdrew from politics and resumed activity in the agricultural field. (T. Times, 10-29-46, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Wallace, Henry A., 1888-1965; Political elections--Tacoma--1940-1950; Public speaking--Tacoma;

This fetching quintet of Clover Park High School upcoming seniors dressed as hula dancers and performed at the Tyac Club anniversary dance held in the Tacoma Armory at 715 South 11th Street on Saturday June 17, 1944. Two of the girls have been identified: farthest right is Joyce Woodward (Toso); second to right is Phyllis Lofgren. The Tyac Club was started in 1943 to give the students in Tacoma's high schools the opportunity to organize and run their own cooperative recreational program. To celebrate their success as an organization they sponsored the first anniversary dance, complete with a top dance band, floor show numbers provided by each of the high schools, and a birthday cake and punch for refreshments. (T. Times, 6/16/44, p. 6). (Additional information provided by a reader)

Hula dancing--Tacoma; Tyac Club (Tacoma); Women--Dancers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Woodward, Joyce; Toso, Joyce Woodward; Lofgren, Phyllis; Youth organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tyac dance and council. The Tyac Club, a recreational club, hosted their first anniversary dance. Club members consist of high school student council members, they have self governed themselves since the club began. In honor of the first anniversary dance, floor show numbers would be put on by the different high schools. Sixteen unidentified Tyac Club members smile as they get ready to celebrate their first anniversary (T. Times, 6/16/44, p. 6).

Student organizations--Tacoma; Youth organizations--Tacoma; Tyac Club (Tacoma);

A photograph is taken on September 5, 1942 of the Buick Eight ambulance, purchased for the American Red Cross with the proceeds of the "Victory Varieties," parked at 11th and Yakima. Three men watch as Marjorie Cain, wife of Mayor Harry Cain, hands key to to Jessie (Mrs. Clinton) Reynolds of the Red Cross Motor Corps. The three men are, left to right, Al Copp, Irving Thomas and Ed Michlitsch. The $1600 vehicle was purchased with only a portion of the Varieties $6,000 in ticket sales. Funds also went to the purchase of blood plasma and blood donation equipment, first aid equipment and the Tacoma Public School immunization program. Armory and Pierce County Courthouse in background. (TNT 9/5/1942, pg. 1- picture, T. Times 9/5/1942, pg. 3)

Ambulances--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Cain, Marjorie Dils, 1908-1994; Reynolds, Jessie; World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The keys to the $1,600 Buick Eight ambulance, purchased for the Red Cross Motor Corps with proceeds of the "Victory Varieties" show, were presented by show director Al Copp to Mrs. Clinton S. (Jessie) Reynolds of the Motor Corps in September of 1942. Mrs Marjorie Cain, the show's producer and wife of the mayor, is looking on. The other men attending the ceremony are business manager Irving Thomas and Ed Michlitsch of the Tacoma Central Labor Council. The "Victory Varieties" was a Red Cross benefit show given several weeks earlier in the Temple Theater. Ticket sales raised over $6,000. The proceeds were also used to purchase blood plasma and equipment, first aid equipment, and assist the Tacoma Public Schools immunization program. The ambulance was to remain permanently in the hands of the local motor corps to be used to transport materials and people for the Red Cross and Civilian Defense work. Armory and Pierce County Courthouse in background. (T. Times 9/5/1942, pg. 3; TNT 9/5/1942, pg. 1)

Ambulances--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Cain, Marjorie Dils, 1908-1994; Reynolds, Jessie; World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; State Armory (Tacoma);

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;

The 1947 Lincoln High School graduating class at the Tacoma Armory. 885 students were graduated from Lincoln High School in 1947. Honored students are shown here: L-R; seated; Carol Wold, Norma DeBret, Patricia S. Murray, Georgia Damis, Joyse DeLoria and Alice Snodgrass. 2nd row; Paul Arlton, Joyce Northrup, Jean Singletary, Muriel Boston, Rita Hermsen, M. Blythe Callahan, Barbara Valli, and Don Hansler. Back row; Loomis Irish, Janet Summers, Roger Grummel, Karl Neugebauer, Chris A. Nickolas, Lorraine Carlson, Reed Sargent and William Easter. (T.Times, 6/13/1947, p.1)

Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Eastern Star Convention at Armory. Mrs. Arthur W. Slayer, fifth from the left in the front row, is Grand Matron of the Order of Eastern Star for 1947. She presided over the 3-day state convention. (T.Times, 6/19/1947, p.11)

Order of Eastern Star (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Eastern Star Convention at Armory. Mrs. Eva Holland Hamilton of Chicago is on the right. She was the Most Worthy Grand Matron of the General Grand Chapter and was a visitor throughout the 59th annual session of Order of the Eastern Star held in Tacoma in June 1947. Mrs. Stephen J. Chadwick of Olympia, a past Most Worthy Matron of the General Grand Chapter, was affectionately known as "the First Lady" in Washington Eastern Star. She is wearing an overblouse of lace and crochet. Both women wear corsages. (T.Times, 6/28/1947, p.12)

Order of Eastern Star (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hamilton, Eva Holland; Chadwick, Stephen J.--Family;

An overflowing crowd of over 5000 filled the State Armory to the rafters to hear California Governor Earl Warren, Republican Vice-Presidential candidate and future Supreme Court Chief Justice. Local Republicans had anticipated large crowds to hear the popular governor; an additional 1000 seats were borrowed from the College of Puget Sound and the Seattle Armory. Oversized posters of Governor Warren and Presidential candidate Thomas E. Dewey decorated the Armory walls. According to the clock wall, this sepia photograph was taken at 9:50 p.m. on October 14, 1948. (TNT 10-14-48, p. 1, TNT 10-15-48, p. 1) ALBUM 2.

Political Elections - Presidential Elections - Vice Presidential Candidates (Republican) - United States - 1948 - Earl Warren (1891-1974) - Washington (State) - Tacoma

Reserve Officers from Fort Lewis, McCord Field and the Navy were feted with a unification ball at the State Armory on July 17, 1948. The officers will be going to serve in maneuvers in the Australian waters. Prior to the ball, E. C. Anderson will lead the Second Infantry Division Band concert. View of officers and their spouses that attended the Reserve Officers' Ball at the State Armory (T. Times, 7/16/48, p. 6).

Balls (Parties)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ball dresses; Military officers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Military spouses--Tacoma; Military service--Tacoma; Military uniforms; Events--Tacoma; State Armory (Tacoma);

Lincoln High School Class of 1933 Graduation at the Armory. (filed with Argentum)

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

Stadium High School Class of 1934 Graduation at the Armory. Instead of the now traditional cap and gown, the boys wear suits and ties and the girls wear floor length formal dresses and large corsages. The orchestra sits in folding chairs directly in front of the stage with parents and family members beyond. Stadium opened its doors as a high school in 1906; it is still in use today. The gothic spires of the French chateau look-alike at 111 No. "E" have become a Tacoma landmark.

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

Miss Eilene Kezele lights the cigaret of Tommie Attleson, 146th FA National Guard, at the enlisted men's dance on November 13, 1940. The call had gone out for 25,000 young Tacoma girls to serve as dance partners. All enlisted men from McChord, Fort Lewis and Camp Murray were invited to attend. This was the second in a series of dances held at the Armory. (T. Times 11/14/1940, pg. 1 +, 11/8/1940, pg. 17)

Dance parties; Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; State Armory (Tacoma); Kezele, Eilene; Attleson, Tommie;

Miss Helen Johnson and Pvt. 1st Class Warren Daley jitterbug at the Tacoma Armory on Wednesday night, November 13, 1940 while a second unidentified couple watch. All men in uniform from McChord Field, Fort Lewis and Camp Murray were invited to the second in a series of enlisted men's dances. The 148th Field Artillery Orchestra provided the music. A plea was published in the November 8th Tacoma Times for 25,000 girls to serve as dance partners. (T. Times)

Dancers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dance parties; Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; State Armory (Tacoma); Johnson, Helen; Daley, Warren;

On June 8, 1938, Lincoln High School graduated a record class of 709 at the Armory. The building was filled to capacity, with only parents and relatives of graduates allowed to attend. 1938 was the school's 24th annual graduation. After the graduation exercise, the Armory floor was cleared of chairs to provide room for dancing. (T. Times 6/8/1938, pg. 5; 6/9/1938, pg. 2)

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