Hawaiian musicians prepare to entertain the 500+ employees and their guests of the new Liberty House/Rhodes department store at an employees' luau held at the Top of the Ocean on August 18, 1974. Rufus Kaukani and his Polynesian troupe were part of the evening's show. Liberty House/Rhodes was a division of Amfac Merchandising, a subsidiary of Amfac of Honolulu. Amfac had stores in Hawaii and Northern California and the new Tacoma store, located at the Tacoma Mall's west end addition, would continue the Pacific islands influence. The newest Liberty House would open a week earlier than expected on August 24th. Color photograph ordered by Liberty House/Rhodes.

Liberty House (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Luaus--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Liberty House/Rhodes sponsored a Hawaiian luau for employees on August 18, 1974, held at the Top of the Ocean. The department store would be opening their first Liberty House in the state of Washington on August 24th in the west end extension of the Tacoma Mall. View of banquet area in Top of the Ocean; mounds of dinner plates are ready for the buffet although no food has yet been served. Color photograph ordered by Liberty House/Rhodes.

Liberty House (Tacoma); Luaus--Tacoma; Banquets--Tacoma--1970-1980; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Jubilant United Good Neighbors executives and volunteers celebrated the conclusion of its 1971 fund raising campaign with a luncheon held at the Top of the Ocean restaurant on November 12, 1971. Campaign chairman Robert P. Mallon (l) displays a painting of a ship in full sail. The painting is entitled "The Salesman Ship," and its sails marked with noble attributes - discipline, perseverance, enthusiasm, product knowledge and service, among others. This is believed to be the special award given to Mr. Mallon for his dedicated service and inspired leadership during the campaign. Director Howard Boyle assists in displaying the award. Contributions to the United Good Neighbors Fund totaled $1,351.604 to date which was 70% of the 1971 goal. Even though it had not met the $1,928,000 goal, it still exceeded the previous year's collection mark of $1.250,516. Photograph ordered by United Good Neighbors Fund of Pierce County. (TNT 11-9-71, p. 1- article; TNT 11-12-71, p. 1-article)

United Good Neighbors (Tacoma); Community service--Tacoma--1970-1980; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fund raising--Tacoma--1970-1980; Mallon, Robert P.; Boyle, Howard;

In November of 1971, Mayor Gordon N. Johnston (far right) celebrated with United Good Neighbors executives as the UGN, a predecessor of United Way, reached 70.1% of its 1971 goal. Campaign chairman Robert P. Mallon (center) pointed to the board and the $1,351,604 figure donated to date. The third man in this photograph was Howard Boyle, director. November 12th was the deadline but the UGN was hopeful that more contributions would trickle in so that the goal of $1,928,000 could be met. There were 612 plant rallies in Tacoma and countywide where about 40,000 employees attended to hear about UGN'S charities. UGN executives were on loan from various business and governmental agencies; among those participating were David J. Williams, vice-president and manager of the Tacoma branch of Sea-First Bank and Robert Mallon, the vice-president and general manager of Mallon Motors. Photograph ordered by United Good Neighbors Fund of Pierce County. (TNT 11-9-71, p. -1 -article; TNT 11-12-71, p. 1 - article)

United Good Neighbors (Tacoma); Community service--Tacoma--1970-1980; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fund raising--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Mallon, Robert P.; Boyle, Howard;

Washington State Historical Society president Reno Odlin (r) extends a warm handshake of congratulations to noted sculptor James A. Wehn on November 30, 1968, at the presentation of a plaque commemorating Mr. Wehn's selection as a David Douglas Fellow. The plaque was also signed by secretary Bruce LeRoy and given to Mr. Wehn at the Top of the Ocean. The woman in the photograph is Lillian K. Wehn, his wife. Among his many accomplishments, James Wehn created the iconic Chief Seattle statue in 1912. Photograph ordered by Washington State Historical Society.

Awards; Wehn, James A.; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; Washington State Historical Society (Tacoma); Wehn, Lillian K.; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

These employees of Pacific Northwest Bell were honored with a banquet at the Top of the Ocean on April 12, 1967, for their continued participation in the T.E.R.O. (Telephone Employees Recreational Organization) Galloneer Club. Each man received a certificate denoting the number of units of blood he had contributed. It appears that Cliff Mayfield, seated right, may have been the top donor at 31 units of blood. Other men honored with Leonard Fischer with 24 units, Loyd Wilbur with 17, Joel Stumph with 25, a Mr. Olson, and Jim Newton with 12 units. Gentleman in the center with no certificate was not identified. Photograph ordered by Pacific Northwest Bell.

Awards; Blood donations--Tacoma; Mayfield, Cliff; Fischer, Leonard; Wilbur, Loyd; Stumph, Joel; Newton, Jim;

View of head table at banquet. Governor Albert Rosellini was one of the honored guests at the 1963 Washington State Sports Hall of Fame awards banquet on February 6, 1963. The Sports Hall of Fame had been established by the Tacoma Athletic Commission by one of its founders, Clay Huntington, in 1960. Each year a number of candidates are nominated to be voted upon by top sportswriters and sportscasters from throughout the state. Those elected are recognized for their outstanding sports accomplishments and honor they have brought to themselves and the State of Washington. At the head table above in this 1963 photograph are also local lumberman and philanthropist Ben Cheney (seated second to left) and All-star shortstop, Maury Wills (next to Gov. Rosellini). Five men were elected to the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Hall of Fame: Don Paul, George Wise, Frank Gillihan, Jack Walters and Jack Connor. Those honorees are believed to be standing in the above picture behind the head table; names not necessarily in order. (TNT 2-7-63, C-7) (www.washingtonsportshalloffame.com/index2.htm)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Awards; Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Rosellini, Albert D.; Wills, Maury; Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971;

Ben and Marian Cheney smile broadly as they pose with guest Andy Gilbert (left) at the 1963 Washington State Sports Hall of Fame banquet sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission on February 6, 1963. Also at the top of the stairs on the upper right is Tacoma Athletic Commission president William (Bill) Gazecki. Mr. Cheney was a well known sports fan whose generosity allowed thousands of Tacoma youngsters to participate in organized sports. He was instrumental in bringing the Tacoma Giants Pacific Coast League baseball team to Tacoma to play in Cheney Stadium. Mr. Gilbert was the newly named manager of the Tacoma Giants. His pro career spanned twelve years as he performed at every position other than catcher. In his rookie season in the Ohio State League, Mr. Gilbert broke his neck sliding head-first into second base. Undeterred, he returned to baseball the following year. (TNT 2-4-63, p. 14-article) (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Awards; Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Cheney, Marian; Gilbert, Andy; Gazecki, William;

Festivities continued at the 1963 Washington State Sports Hall of Fame sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. Guests appear to be conversing quietly at the head table while two men stand at the podium. The man to the right is Jack Connor, octogenarian boxing manager and one of the five honored as inductees in the Tacoma-Pierce County Hall of Fame. Present during the February 6, 1963, awards banquet were Governor Albert D. Rosellini (seated with head bowed next to trophy), baseball star Maury Wills, Ben Cheney and William Gazecki, president of the Tacoma Athletic Commission. Comedian Joe E. Brown, principal speaker, is seated on the right side of the head table. (TNT 2-7-63, C-7)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Awards; Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Rosellini, Albert D.; Wills, Maury; Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Gazecki, William; Connor, Jack;

Guest Maury Wills poses next to lumber magnate Ben Cheney (L) during the Tacoma Athletic Commission's Washington State Sports Hall of Fame awards gathering on February 6, 1963. Wills, a shortstop with the L.A. Dodgers, had broken Ty Cobb's record of 97 stolen bases in one season, with a grand total of 104, in 1962. He would be a major force in his fourteen years with the Dodgers, helping them to three World Series. Wills was named the 1962 Athlete of the Year by Associated Press sportswriters and would also be honored as the Washington State Athlete of the Year that evening. During the off-season, Wills made his home in Spokane. (TNT 2-3-63, B-7)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Awards; Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Wills, Maury; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971;

An appreciative crowd greets the speaker, master of ceremonies Clay Huntington, at the podium during the 1963 Washington State Sports Hall of Fame gathering on February 6, 1963. The event was filmed by KTNT-TV. The Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1960 by the Tacoma Athletic Commission's Clay Huntington, well known Northwest sportscaster and radio station owner. Those elected to membership in the Hall of Fame must be at least five years in retirement from the sport involved. Members are recognized for their outstanding sports accomplishments and contributions. The fourth State Sports Hall of Fame gathering combined the State and Tacoma-Pierce County Halls of Fame. (TNT 2-3-63, B-7) (www.washingtonsportshalloffame.com/index2.htm)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Awards;

Women mobilize in the fight against polio with the Mothers March of Dimes annual campaign. Ten women pose on the steps of the Tacoma Athletic Commission's headquarters on Ruston Way on January 20, 1958. They each hold large posters with letters on them; together, they spell out "Mother's March." The Pierce County region was very active in collecting funds for the March of Dimes; the area was divided into several sections and campaigns were carefully planned to solicit donations. Those pictured above were invited by Betty (Mrs. Robert) Drost as representative of the 2000 Pierce County women who would join women across the nation on January 30, 1958, for the traditional grand finale of the drive. They would be calling on neighbors for donations for the continued care and rehabilitation of polio patients. Mrs. Drost is holding the letters "M" and "A" at the top right hand corner. Other names are listed in the News Tribune article of January 26, 1958. Sepia photograph ordered by the March of Dimes. (TNT 1-26-58, D-6)

March of Dimes (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Drost, Betty;

All America City Banquet held January 15, 1957 at the Top of the Ocean. Federal Judge George H. Boldt was chosen as the Master of Ceremonies for this event honoring Tacoma as one of 11 All America Cities selected by Look Magazine and the National Municipal League. Since the award was partially based on Tacoma's success in cleaning up its vice problem, the selection of federal judge Boldt was particularly appropriate. Seated to the right of Boldt is Karen Anderson (only partially visible) daughter of Mayor John Anderson, Tacoma Mayor John Anderson and Mrs. Frank Backstrom, wife of Tacoma's first City Manager. (TNT 1/15/1957, pg. 1 & 1/16/1957, pg 1+) G 10.1-054

Awards; Boldt, George H.;

All America City Banquet held January 15, 1957 at the Top of the Ocean. Seattle businessman Myron Law represented the National Municipal League, co-sponsor of the award. During the presentation he noted the effort to bring Tacoma an efficient form of government but warned that "government is no stronger than its citizens demand." He warned against allowing civic muscles to become weak through disuse and neglect. The All-America City Award recognized progress through intelligent civic action. Tacoma was being singled out for their change from a fifty year old form of government by commission to the council-manager form of government. Great strides had also been made to clean Tacoma of vice and prostitution. (TNT 1/15/1957, pg. 1 & 1/16/1957, pg 1+) G 10.1-049

Awards; Law, Myron;

All America City Banquet held January 15, 1957 at the Top of the Ocean. Tacoma was presented with the All America City award by Look Magazine and the National Municipal League in recognition of progress achieved through intelligent city action. Pictured at the VIP table are Back Row, L-R: Jack (J.D.) Powell- President of the Tacoma Municipal League, an unidentified couple, Mr and Mrs. Myron C. Law- Seattle businessman and council member of the National Municipal League, George B. Leonard - western editor of Look Magazine, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Backstrom- Tacoma's first City Manager. Front Row: Mr. and Mrs. Don Webster- University of Washington, Mr. and Mrs. Roe Shaub- celebration chairman, Judge George Boldt- master of ceremonies, Karen Anderson- daughter of the Mayor and Tacoma Mayor John Anderson. (TNT 1/15/1957, pg. 1 & 1/16/1957, pg 1+) G 10.1 ALBUM 14

Awards; Powell, J.D; Law, Myron; Leonard, George; Backstrom, Frank; Webster, Don; Shaub, Roe; Boldt, George H.; Anderson, Karen; Anderson, John H.; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The City of Tacoma was proud to accept the 1956 All-America City Award on January 15, 1957. A special banquet was held in celebration at the Top of the Ocean. The award was presented to the City in recognition of progress achieved through intelligent citizen action. J.D. Powell, president of the Tacoma Municipal League, accepts the framed award from George Leonard of Look Magazine and Myron Law, Seattle businessman and council member of the National Municipal League. Tacoma was honored as one of the top eleven cities in the nation in the annual contest sponsored by the National Municipal League and Look Magazine. Tacoma's entry was sponsored by the American Association of University Women, the League of Women Voters and the Tacoma Municipal League. Photograph ordered by the City of Tacoma. (TNT 12-23-56, A-7, TNT 1/15/1957, pg. 1+) G10.1-056

Awards; Powell, J.D.; Leonard, George; Law, Myron;

Tacoma Mayor "Big John" Anderson at the microphone after receiving the official plaque declaring Tacoma an "All-America City" at the event banquet at the Top of the Ocean on Ruston Way in Old Town. Four hundred and thirty eight attendees watched on January 15, 1957, as Tacoma was presented the parchment "in recognition of progress achieved through intelligent city action." Only a few years earlier, Tacoma had received a "bad" rating from the American Social Hygiene Association. It was a "wide open" town where vice reigned. Ft. Lewis was threatening to put the city "off limits" and a legislative committee had aired the city's "dirty laundry" on television to the amusement of the rest of the state. The reaction was to change the city's form of government and to bring in a reformer as Police Chief. Tacoma had operated under the commission form of government for over 50 years, where the 5 commissioners as councilmen made the laws and enforced them. The form was changed to council-manager on June 1, 1953 after a hotly contested election. The new city council hired Frank Backstrom as Tacoma's first City Manager. He, in turn, imported Police Chief Roy Kerr who proceeded to stamp out prostitution and vice. Both individuals noted the contribution of John Anderson to the improvement of Tacoma. Anderson had served as Tacoma's mayor under both forms of government. (TNT 1/16/1957, pg. 1+) G 10.1-044 ALBUM 14

Awards; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.;

All America City Banquet held January 15, 1957 at the Top of the Ocean. J.D. (Jack) Powell, president of the Tacoma Municipal League, accepts the award on behalf of the citizens of Tacoma. Tacoma's nomination for the award was made jointly by the American Association of University Women, the League of Women Voters and the Tacoma Municipal League. Standing to the left of Powell are representative of those organizations; Councilwoman Mrs. Clara Goering of the League of Women Voters on the left and Mrs. Lucille Chastek of the Tacoma Municipal League on the right. Mrs. Robert Chamberlin, representing the AAUW, is hidden by Powell. These three women, along with Gerrit VanderEnde, had represented the city at the judging in Memphis Tennessee. Standing to the right of Powell are the representatives of the joint sponsors of the award; George Leonard of Look Magazine on the left and Seattle businessman and council member of the National Municipal League Myron Law on the right. Seated to the right of Powell are Karen Anderson, daughter of the Mayor, Tacoma Mayor John H. Anderson and Mrs. Frank Backstrom, wife of Tacoma's first city manager. (TNT 1/15/1957, pg. 1 & 1/16/1957, pg 1+) G 10.1-047

Awards; Powell, J.D.; Goering, Clara; Chastek, Lucille; Leonard, George; Law, Myron; Anderson, Karen; Anderson, John H.; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Backstrom, Frank--Family;

All America City Banquet held January 15, 1957 at the Top of the Ocean. Celebration Chairman Roe Shaub kicked off the event by paying tribute to "a city of beautiful homes, fine schools and government, progressive business and industries and wonderful people"- the city of Tacoma. The 438 revelers jammed into the upper deck of the Top of the Ocean agreed with him. He suggested a new city slogan- "I like Tacoma." Tacoma was one of eleven US cities recognized in 1956, and one of only 4 in the west, for their dramatic progress through the action of their citizens. In Tacoma's case, the city had voted in the council-manager form of government and made great strides in ridding Tacoma of vice. (TNT 1/15/1957, pg. 1 & 1/16/1957, pg 1+) G 10.1-045

Awards; Shaub, Roe;

Mayor John H. Anderson (far left) and former Mayor and current Councilman Harold Tollefson hold the framed citation declaring Tacoma an All-American City at the recognition banquet held on January 15, 1957 at the Top of the Ocean, 2217 Ruston Way. Standing between them are: (l to r) City Manager David Rowland and Frank Backstrom, Tacoma's first City Manager. The award, presented to Tacoma by the National Municipal League and Look Magazine, noted the achievement that Tacoma had made, progressing from a 1952 "bad" rating to a model for city action. Effective June 1, 1953, Tacoma voted in a council-manager form of government. The council hired Frank Backstrom from Kansas City to serve as the first City Manager. He reorganized the structure of the city government and hired Police Chief Roy Kerr, from Topeka, to clean up the vice. Tollefson served as the first Mayor appointed by the Council, followed by Anderson. Backstrom had recently left Tacoma and was replaced by David Rowlands. (TNT 1/15-16/1957, pg. 1) G10.1

Awards; Anderson, John H.; Rowlands, David; Backstrom, Frank; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960;

All America City Banquet held January 15, 1957 at the Top of the Ocean. Entertainment for the event was provided by vocal soloist Margaret Myles and the Kiwanis Glee Club. Three selections were performed by the Glee Club (pictured.) The soloists in front are Delores Stewart and William Phillips, Glee Club director. Included in the picture are glee club members Bill McCallum, Cliff Myhre, Roy Bertheau, Elmer Hagen, Gene Rickabaugh, Tim Fox, Hal Murtland, Hal Thompson and Dr. Jim Wick, plus several unidentified members. (TNT 1/15/1957, pg. 1 & 1/16/1957, pg 1+, #C-9) G 10.1-046

Awards; Kiwanis Glee Club (Tacoma); Stewart, Delores; Phillips, William;

All America City Banquet held January 15, 1957 at the Top of the Ocean. George B. Leonard, pictured, was representing Look magazine during the presentation of the award. The Award, given jointly by Look magazine and the National Municipal League, honors progress through citizen action. Leonard, the western editor for Look, noted the exceptional progress Tacoma had made since its 1952 "bad" rating by the American Social Hygiene Association. Look magazine had once named Tacoma "one of the worst cities in the United States." Another magazine has termed the city "Seattle's dirty backyard." He felt energetic citizen action had made Tacoma a place to be proud of. Leonard had been an editor with Look for 3 years. One of his articles "What is a Teacher" had received the prestigious School Bell Award for distinguished service. Pictured to his right are Karen Anderson and her father Mayor John H. Anderson. (TNT 1/15/1957, pg. 1 & 1/16/1957, pg 1+, C-9) G 10.1-043

Awards; Leonard, George;

Harry Haruyuki Taniguchi carefully holds his new wife's hand as they cut the elaborate wedding cake at the Top of the Ocean in a July, 1957, sepia photograph. The former Elsie Nobuko Yotsuuye is wearing a Chantilly lace and tule over satin gown with pointed lace sleeves. She has on a bouffant skirt and lace scalloped Sabrina neckline. Her fingertip veil is attached to a small tiara. Her husband has a light colored tuxedo with black bow tie. The nuptials occurred in the Fife Presbyterian Church with the Rev. J. Carey Campbell presiding. The new Mrs. Taniguchi is a senior at the University of Washington; her husband graduated from Washington State College. (TNT 7-21-57, D-6)

Wedding costume--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960; Weddings--1950-1960; Taniguchi, Harry; Yotsuuye, Elsie;

The Empire Crafts Corporation sponsored a pep-rally and dinner at the Top of the Ocean on July 10, 1957. Signs of encouragement are posted on the back wall urging support from employees. There is a wide variety of fine dinnerware and silverware plus a radio which may have been incentive prizes. Photograph ordered by Empire Crafts Corporation.

Empire Crafts Corporation (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

ca. 1956. Telephone Pioneers of America. A group composed of employees from the early days of phone service pose in a group picture around a sign stating "It's fun to be a pioneer." The annual banquet of the Telephone Pioneers was scheduled at the Top of the Ocean. Over 275 pioneers from Washington and British Columbia attended. (TNT 6-11-1956, pg. 26)

Telephone Pioneers of America (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Lt. Governor Emmett T. Anderson and family at testimonial dinner on September 7, 1956. Mr. Anderson, third from left, stands with his wife, daughter and son and their spouses at the Top of the Ocean. From L-R are Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Finnegan, Mr. Anderson and wife Lucille, and Mr. and Mrs. Burr Anderson. An overflowing crowd of nearly 540 people attended the Anderson testimonial. It was meant to be a non-political, non-fund raising event with only a large banner of Dwight D. Eisenhower as an indication of any political leanings. The Anderson family were owners of Anderson Printing Co., Inc. Mr. Anderson was very active in civic and fraternal affairs; he was the Past Exalted Ruler of Elks in Tacoma. He won the Republican nomination for Governor in 1956 but lost to Democrat State Senator Albert Rosellini. (TNT 9-8-56, p. 2) ALBUM 4.

Anderson, Emmett T.; Anderson, Emmett T.--Family; Finnegan, Maurice--Family; Anderson, Burritt B.--Family;

Lt. Governor Emmett Anderson, 1956 Republican nominee for Governor, 3rd from right in photo, with family at a testimonial dinner held at the Top of the Ocean. Mr. Anderson served as Lt. Governor from 1953-1957. He won the Republican nomination for Governor in 1956, defeating fellow Republican and State Attorney General Don Eastvold, but was to lose the general elections in November to State Senator Albert Rosellini, Democrat. (TNT 9-8-56, p. 2) ALBUM 4.

Anderson, Emmett T.; Anderson, Emmett T.--Family; Political elections--Tacoma--1950-1960;

1955 American Red Cross annual meeting. A plaque is being presented to Dr. C.G. Trimble by Gordon E. Tatum commemorating Trimble's 30 years of volunteer service with the Tacoma-Pierce County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Pictured, left to right, are Dr. Trimble, Rita Zehnder, president-elect of the Junior Red Cross, Vincent A. Carlstrom, Chapter Chairman and Tatum, member of the Board of Directors. The annual meeting was held at the Top of the Ocean. Aside from awards, the program consisted of the presentation of the annual report and the election of officers. (TNT 2/20/1955, pg C-10)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Trimble, Charles G.; Zehnder, Rita; Carlstrom, Vincent A.; Tatum, Gordon E.;