The Century Ballroom, with rooftop sign advertising dancing to the strains of Slim Martin and his Orchestra, known as the "Maestro of Mirth and Melody." During the defense industry boom of the World War II years, the Century Ballroom was one of the hottest venues in the Northwest. All of the big bands played there, the Dorseys, Kay Kyser, the Lombardo brothers and Ted Fio Rito. The ballroom was built by developers Rocco (Mac) Manza and Emilio James (Jimmy) Zarelli in 1934. It was their second business venture, the first being "a little hamburger stand in Fife" called the Poodle Dog, now a recognized landmark. The Century Ballroom was located just north of the Dog. It was built by contractor Bonnie MacDonald and the new developers paid him back as they could. The building had 20,000 square feet of floor space and cost $28,000. It consistently lost money for the first eight years. With the boom in wartime industry, the pair struck pay dirt. The ballroom sometimes ran two shifts of dances with the second starting at 1:30a.m. for the swing shift workers. With the 1950's, big band music was out and rock was in. A fire in January of 1964 gutted the interior of what was once the Century Ballroom. The flames swept the length of the building just under the roof and then burst to heights of 20 to 30 feet and were visible for miles. Nine businesses were housed at this siteΓÇöincluding Toppers IGA Market, FujiΓÇÖs Ten Cent Store, and the Fife City Hall. Toppers IGA and Fuji's Ten Cent Store never resumed business in Fife. (TNT 3/23/1980, pg. D9)

Century Ballroom (Fife); Ballrooms--Fife--1930-1940; Musicians--Fife--1930-1940;

On July 31, 1936, promoter Rookie Lewis outdid himself by staging an authentic "Indian Wedding" as the evening's special attraction during his Walkathon (dance marathon) at the Century Ballroom in Fife. Chief White Eagle conducted the Native American wedding of So-To-Le-O and groom Qua-Le-Ales, with rites performed in sign language. Five different tribes participated in the wedding. The Walkathon was heavily attended by citizens of Tacoma and Seattle, since both cities had local ordinances forbidding such marathons. Approximately 30 people were pictured, first two rows were Native-Americans in costume, others may be some of the remaining participants in the Walkathon. Tribal blankets serve as backdrop. (T.Times 7-31-36, p. 4-article; 8-1-36, p. 5-article; www.historylink.org) (filed with Argentum)

Indians of North America--Clothing & dress; Weddings--Fife; Marathons--Fife;

Policemen's Ball at Fife's Century Ballroom. December 17, 1937, sepia photograph of Mayor and Mrs.George Smitley with two young girls. Isabel Smitley is carrying a large bouquet of flowers, possibly presented to her by the two children. Mayor Smitley is wearing a ribbon indicating that he is a guest at the ball. Proceeds of the ball went to the Police Relief and Benefit Association. ALBUM 11. (TNT 12-18-37, p. 2)

Balls (Parties)--Fife; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Smitley, Isabel; Bouquets; Children & adults--Fife;

On November 16, 1939, Bruno Studios (photographers) sponsored a free dance and social event at the Century Ballroom in Fife. The main draw was the musical stylings of Dale Fitzsimmons and his eleven piece orchestra, the Royalty of Rhythm. The band was a big draw at the Century and had doubled the ballroom's regular attendance. The orchestra had four vocalists, including "Bub" Scott (second from left), the tenor crooner. (Tacoma Times 11/3/1939, pg. 15; 11/17/1939, pg. 15; TNT 11/15/1939- Ad pg.4)

Century Ballroom (Fife); Ballrooms--Fife--1930-1940; Musicians--Fife--1930-1940; Dale Fitzsimmons and his Royalty of Rhythm (Fife);

On November 16, 1939, Bruno Studios sponsored a free dance at the Century Ballroom in Fife. The main draw was the music of Dale Fitzsimmons and his Royalty of Rhythm. The eleven piece orchestra had been entertaining huge crowds at the Century. The number of dancers at the ballroom was up 50 percent. One of the appeals of the orchestra was their four vocalists. Four men were photographed at the microphone in front of a fringed awning, draped stage and orchestra. (T. Times 11/17/1939, pg. 15; TNT 11/156/1939, Ad pg. 4)

Century Ballroom (Fife); Ballrooms--Fife--1930-1940; Musicians--Fife--1930-1940; Dale Fitzsimmons and his Royalty of Rhythm (Fife);

Bruno (photography) Studios threw a free dancing and entertainment event on November 16, 1939 at the Century Ballroom in Fife. The entertainment including dancing to the smooth sounds of Dale Fitzsimmons and his Royalty of Rhythm and a style show of the newest winter fashions by Grayson's Ladies Apparel Shop. Peggy Mason was photographed modeling a daytime dress from Grayson's. Miss Mason had been elected the Snow Queen early in 1939 and in 1940 would be elected Miss Tacoma and represent Washington State at the Miss America contest. The Orchestra was pictured in the background. (TNT 11/15/1939, Ad pg. 4)

Century Ballroom (Fife); Ballrooms--Fife--1930-1940; Musicians--Fife--1930-1940; Fashion shows--Fife; Fashion models--Fife--1930-1940; Clothing & dress--1930-1940; Dale Fitzsimmons and his Royalty of Rhythm (Fife); Mason, Peggy;

Policemen's Ball at Century Ballroom, Fife, on December 17, 1937. Large group of police officers and women standing in lines; a dozen Art Deco style chandeliers hang from the ceiling. Public Works Commissioner Abner Bergersen is second from right in first row. Mayor George Smitley (not pictured) led the Grand March into the ballroom; he was accompanied by several city commissioners and high ranking police officials. The ball benefited the Police Relief Fund and Benefit Association. (TNT 12-18-37, p. 2)

Balls (Parties)--Fife; Bergersen, Abner R.; Chandeliers;

Bruno Studios hosted a free dancing party featuring Dale Fitzsimmons and his Rhythm Orchestra at the Century Ballroom in Fife on November 16, 1939. Part of the entertainment was a style show featuring the latest in winter fashions from Grayson's ladies apparel shop at 939 Broadway in Tacoma. Two of the models were local beauty queens. Pictured third from left is Miss Pierce County Margaret Franich and at the far right is Snow Queen (and future Miss Tacoma) Peggy Mason. The Bruno photography studio was located in the W.R. Rust Building, 950 Pacific Avenue. (TNT 11/15/1939, Ad on pg. 4)

Century Ballroom (Fife); Ballrooms--Fife--1930-1940; Musicians--Fife--1930-1940; Fashion shows--Fife; Fashion models--Fife--1930-1940; Clothing & dress--1930-1940; Dale Fitzsimmons and his Royalty of Rhythm (Fife);

ca. 1935. The Century Ballroom in Fife, located at 1406 - 54th Avenue East, opened in 1934, a few days before New Year's Eve. People danced until dawn that year and again on New Year's Day 1935. Fife's big dance dome was the place to go dance in the 1940s. The ballroom had 20,000 square feet of floor space and cost $28,000 to build. The owners were Mac Manza and Jimmy Zarelli. The first eight years the ballroom operated at a loss, but business boomed during the war years and afterwards. All the big names played in Fife. In 1940, Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra played to a record crowd of 4,752 fans. Kay Kyser drew a crowd of 4,100. During the war, they sometimes ran two shifts of dancing; the first from 9pm to 1am, with swing workers from area defense plants partying beginning at 1:30a.m. As music tastes changed, ballroom dancing fell from favor. In the early 1950's, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey only drew a mere 570 nostalgic fans. The Century closed in 1956 and was converted to stores & shops. The building was destroyed by fire in 1964. (TNT 3/23/1980, pg. D9) also G40.1-025B, TPL-522

Century Ballroom (Fife); Ballrooms--Fife--1930-1940; Musicians--Fife--1930-1940;

The Spinster Club held a "Bowery" dance at the Century Ballroom on February 25, 1938. A couple is pictured dancing next to the band leader. (T.Times, 3/5/1938, p.7)

Spinster Club (Tacoma); Century Ballroom (Fife); Dance parties--Fife--1930-1940;

Spinster Club "Bowery" dance at the Century Ballroom on February 25, 1938. Twelve band members pose for their portrait in front of the bandstand during a break. (T.Times, 3/5/1938, p.7).

Spinster Club (Tacoma); Century Ballroom (Fife); Dance parties--Fife--1930-1940; Big bands; Musicians--1930-1940;

The Spinster Club "Bowery" dance held February 25, 1938 at the Century Ballroom. Two women seated on the low stage in front of a young drummer in the band. (T. Times, 03-05-1938, p.7).

Spinster Club (Tacoma); Century Ballroom (Fife); Dance parties--Fife--1930-1940; Drums (Musical instruments)--Fife;

Policemen's Ball at Century Ballroom on December 17, 1937. Police color guard from the TPD leads into the ballroom a group including Mayor and Mrs.George Smitley, Safety (Police) Commissioner Frank Callender and Public Works Commissioner Abner Bergersen. Ranking police officials and their wives completed the group. This benefit ball was claimed to be the most successful ball given by Tacoma policemen. Hundreds attended the gala which swelled the coffers of the Police Relief and Benefit Association. ALBUM 11. (TNT 12-18-37, p. 2)

Balls (Parties)--Fife; Flag bearers--Fife; Police--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Smitley, Isabel; Callender, Frank T.; Bergersen, Abner R.;

Promenade of city officials and police at the Policemen's Ball held at Century Ballroom in Fife on December 17, 1937. Safety (Police) Commissioner Frank Callender and spouse link arms with Mayor and Mrs. George Smitley as they enter the Century Ballroom in Fife for the Policemen's Ball. Both men are wearing "Guest" ribbons attached to their lapels while their wives are carrying large beribboned bouquets of fresh flowers. Public Works Commissioner Abner Bergersen is directly behind Commissioner Callender. This sepia photograph taken during the Grand March is faded and slightly out of focus. ALBUM 11.

Balls (Parties)--Fife; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Smitley, Isabel; Callender, Frank T.; Bergersen, Abner R.; Bouquets;

Policemen's Ball at Century Ballroom in Fife on December 17, 1937. Mayor and Mrs. George Smitley follow a mustached police officer believed to be Sgt. Jim Dew, across the floor. Several other city councilmen were in attendance at this winter gala including Safety (Police) Commissioner Frank Callender and Public Works Commissioner Abner Bergersen. Others included in the procession were high ranking police officials and their wives. The ball was sponsored by the City of Tacoma's police department with proceeds going to Police Relief and Benefit Association. ALBUM 11. (TNT 12-18-37, p. 2)

Balls (Parties)--Fife; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Smitley, Isabel; Police--Tacoma--1930-1940;

On November 16, 1939, Bruno (photography) Studios played host at a free dance at the Century Ballroom in Fife. The entertainment included a style show by Grayson's Ladies Apparel Shop, with several of the dresses being offered as prizes. An unidentified young woman was pictured modeling a satin gown from Grayson's. In the background was the featured band, Dale Fitzsimmons and his Royalty of Rhythm Orchestra. (TNT 11/15/1939- Ad, pg. 4)

Century Ballroom (Fife); Ballrooms--Fife--1930-1940; Musicians--Fife--1930-1940; Fashion shows--Fife; Fashion models--Fife--1930-1940; Clothing & dress--1930-1940; Dale Fitzsimmons and his Royalty of Rhythm (Fife);

Les Green, Union Secretary, congratulates Frances Taylor, representing Mondau's Tugboat, and Stanley Johnson, Pappy's Cabin; race winners in the 1938 Cooks, Waiters and Bartenders Tray Derby. The "race course" wound from 9th and Broadway, where the competing men and women shot off with trays of bottles, to the Century Ballroom in Fife. Taylor ran in 56 minutes, 15 seconds, behind Johnson, 55 minutes, 17 seconds. (T. Times, 3/18/1938, p. 18).

Racing--Tacoma--1930-1940; Walking races; Restaurant workers--Tacoma--1930-1940; Cooks & Waiters Derby (Tacoma); Taylor, Frances; Johnson, Stanley; Green, Les; Cooks, Waiters, Waitresses & Bartenders Union Local No. 61 (Tacoma);

The Spinster Club held a "Bowery" dance at the Century Ballroom in Fife on February 25, 1938. The costume cabaret dance offered favors as prizes for the best costumes. Three unidentified young women in costumes smile at a man dressed in a sailor's uniform who is lighting a candle placed in the neck of a beer bottle. The bottles with candles in them were then placed on tables as part of the New York decor. (TNT 2/24/1938, p.13-article)

Spinster Club (Tacoma); Century Ballroom (Fife); Dance parties--Fife--1930-1940;

Policemen's Ball at Century Ballroom in Fife on December 17, 1937. Procession walking into the ballroom in rows of eight abreast, led by a police sergeant. Couples include Mayor and Mrs. George Smitley (far R), Mr. and Mrs. Frank Callender (2nd from R) and Mr. and Mrs. Abner Bergersen (far left). Young woman in the middle is not identified; she may be related to the Bergersens as she has her arm linked with Mr. Bergersen. Hundreds attended the Policemen's Ball which was claimed to be the most successful ball given by Tacoma policemen. Proceeds were allotted to Police Relief and Benefit Association. ALBUM 11. (TNT 12-18-37, p. 2)

Balls (Parties)--Fife; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Smitley, Isabel; Callender, Frank T.; Bergersen, Abner R.;

Hundreds were in attendance at Fife's Century Ballroom on December 17, 1937 for the ninth annual Policeman's Ball, including city and police officials from Tacoma, Seattle and Portland. Tacoma Mayor and Mrs.George Smitley led the grand march of men and women entering the ballroom followed by Safety (Police) Commissioner and Mrs. Frank Callender and Public Works Commissioner and Mrs. Abner Bergersen. Ranking police officials and their wives came next. Many of the women carried large flower bouquets. The grand march, capably directed by Sgt. James Dew, was the big event of the evening. Proceeds from the ball benefited the Police Relief and Benefit Association. ALBUM 11. (TNT 12-18-37, p. 2-article; TNT12-17-37, p. 4-article)

Balls (Parties)--Fife; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Smitley, Isabel; Callender, Frank T.; Bergersen, Abner R.;

A quartet of party goers relaxes during the intermission at the Spinster Club "Bowery" dance, held February 25, 1938 at the Century Ballroom. Seated left to right in the booth are Donald Baker, Geraldine Elsbree, Classina Buffelen, and Vivian Sturtridge. Miss Elsbree was the general chairman for the event, which featured appropriately "low rent" decorations, such as the candle in the beer bottle. (T.Times, 3/5/1938, p.7).

Spinster Club (Tacoma); Century Ballroom (Fife); Dance parties--Fife--1930-1940; Baker, Donald; Elsbree, Geraldine; Buffelen, Classina; Sturtridge, Vivian;

ca. 1934. The domed Century Ballroom, on the "Seattle-Tacoma Hi Way" (U.S. 99) at Fife, was constructed by Rocco "Mac" Manza and James Zarelli and patterned after the Washington State Pavilion at the 1933 "Century of Progress" Exposition in Chicago. Bert Smyser was the architect and Bonnie MacDonald was the contractor. The Ballroom opened December 29, 1934. It had 20,000 feet of floor space and was built for $28,000, which the owners Manza and Zarelli paid back a little at a time. All of the big names played there; Tommy Dorsey and Kay Kyser were the top draws. In 1935, the Lombardo brothers, Guy, Carmen, Lebert and Victor, drew a crowd of 2,600 while the Tideflats was under martial law; Governor Clarence D. Martin had called out the National Guard to help with a sawmill workers' strike just a stone throw away. During the war, the ballroom ran two shifts of dancing with the second starting at 1:30a.m. for the swing shift workers at the defense plants. During the 1950's, music tastes were turning to rock and roll and people lost their interest in ballroom dancing. The Century closed in 1956, to be converted to a shopping mall. It burned in 1964. (TNT 3/23/1980, pg. D9)

Century Ballroom (Fife); Ballrooms--Fife--1930-1940; Musicians--Fife--1930-1940;