ca. 1891. This was the smoking room of the Union Club, 539 Broadway, circa 1891. The Union Club was built in 1888 by prominent Tacoma businessmen who sought to form a social organization and construct a building where they could spend leisure hours, develop friendships and probable favorable business connections. The clubhouse was a handsome five-story building which overlooked Commencement Bay and faced Broadway (then called "C" St.) The main entrance was on the third floor which also contained the reception room, steward's apartment, dining room, reading and waiting room, and according to the Tacoma Daily Ledger of June 6, 1890, the "general loafing and smoking room." The smoking room opened up on a veranda that ran the full length of the building on the east. The room was furnished with comfortable leather chairs and couches along with gas fixtures and a fireplace. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Smoking rooms--Tacoma;

ca. 1891. The Union Club, built in 1888, provided a serene and relaxing atmosphere for its select membership which initially brought together many of the city's well known businessmen. Membership was limited to 400 in three classes with 200 proprietary members given votes in controlling club affairs, 100 associate members who enjoyed the same privileges as the proprietary without the ability to vote, and 100 non-resident members. Elegant furnishings brought the cost of the club to $40,000 which also included the lots and structure. Pictured above is a view of the front hall and grand staircase, finished in cherry with carved trimmings. Although the photograph by LaRoche & French is labeled "first floor," the main entrance actually opened on the third floor. It was the first, however, of the two main floors which the members would mostly use. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article; Morning Globe, 11-4-1889, p. 8-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Passageways--Tacoma--1890-1900; Stairways--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1891. The Greco-colonial five-story building housing the Union Club was located on the corner of Seventh and "C" (now Broadway) with breathtaking views of Commencement Bay. Among amenities enjoyed by its membership was this large billiard parlor on the fourth floor. The 20 x 32-foot room opened out upon the balcony and was directly above the club room. Four tables, three of which are visible, were available. Nearby were two card rooms that adjoined the porch. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article; Morning Globe, 11-4-1889, p. 8-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Billiard parlors--Tacoma;

ca. 1891. The reading room of the Union Club, 539 Broadway, was accessible by entering the main entrance on the third floor, passing by the grand staircase and down to the north end of the main hall. It measured 14 x 22 feet and had a smaller 7 x 12 foot writing room between it and the grand 12 x 16 foot staircase. Footsteps were quieted by flowered carpets and a serene atmosphere provided by (then) modern lighting, brick fireplace and paintings in gilded frames. A tall bookcase held stacks of newspapers while bound copies of Life and Harpers magazines were available on the ornate table. Comfortable seating was provided with stuffed leather chairs. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article; Morning Globe, 11-4-1889, p. 8-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Reading rooms--Tacoma;

ca. 1891. This familiar Greco-Colonial building was the Union Club, built in 1888 overlooking Commencement Bay. A broad Corinthian balcony extended the entire length of the eastern portion of the building, providing commanding views of Mount Tacoma (Rainier), shipping in the harbor, the Cascades and even the Puyallup Valley. The granite for the structure was quarried at Bellingham Bay. Architects Whidden & Lewis designed the original building but it also underwent several renovations over the years. The Union Club was the oldest of Tacoma's clubs and hosted many prominent visitors including President William Howard Taft in 1909. It had been organized in the summer of 1888 by a group of widely known businessmen including C.W. Griggs, Henry Hewitt, Jr., Theodore Hosmer, George Browne and C.P. Albertson. John S. Baker and Alexander Baillie were also charter members. Its name changed in 1939 when the Union Club merged with the University Club to become the University-Union Club.

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1891. The Union Club, home away from home for prominent Tacoma businessmen, offered their members an extensive selection of wines and other alcoholic beverages. Its basement contained a wine cellar, managed by a steward hired with the stipulation that he not drink. The bar itself, however, was on one of the upper floors, possibly on the third floor near the main entrance. Mention was made in the Tacoma Daily Ledger's June 6, 1890, edition of a "steward's apartment" on that level which had a "large sideboard for the accommodation of members." Since there was no obvious mention of a bar, this may have clued readers to the availability of liquor in the clubhouse. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Bars--Tacoma--1890-1900; Alcoholic beverages;

ca. 1891. "Office Union Club" Various descriptions of the new Union Club, built in 1888, do not specifically mention an office as one of the many rooms in the Greco-colonial building. This photograph could possibly be that of the directors' room which was located on the fourth floor in the southwest corner of the building directly above the reception room. Ledgers are displayed on stands and tables where members dues and business expenses associated with the club were probably noted. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article; Morning Globe 11-4-1889, p. 8-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1891. The Union Club, 539 Broadway, had two dining rooms on the third floor. It is not certain which of the two is pictured above but is possibly the larger of the two, measuring 16 x 25 feet, furnished in oak, and containing a fireplace and sideboard. It fronted the east end of the third floor. The second dining area was a small private banquet hall adjoining the dining room on the north. The space, measuring 12 x 14 feet, was connected to the larger dining room by arched, folding doors. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article; Morning Globe 11-4-1889, p. 8-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Dining rooms--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1891. This circa 1891 photograph by LaRoche & French was labeled "Front Hall 2nd Floor Union Club." Because the massive building had five stories which included in order a sub-basement, basement, two floors and an attic, this particular scene was probably not a basement view but is possibly the floor that contained the directors' room, bath room, billiard parlor and card rooms. This floor, which was accessible by ascending the grand staircase, was actually the second of the two main floors that members would be most interested in. Newspapers of the day called it the "fourth floor" which also had a main hallway. Heavy oak furnishings, a brick fireplace, oil painting and gas fixtures were on display. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article; Morning Globe 11-4-1889, p. 8-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Passageways--Tacoma--1890-1900; Fireplaces--Tacoma--1890-1900;

Standard Oil salesmen pose in front of the Union Club on June 3, 1924. One man is holding the 1924 Red Crown Gasoline Zerolene Trophy which was awarded to Tacoma.

Awards; Standard Oil Co. of California (Tacoma)--People; Union Club (Tacoma);

Rotary Club Scotsmen at the Union Club. James Gifford Newbegin, who would be appointed mayor in 1929 upon the resignation of Melvin G. Tennent, is at extreme right in this April 26, 1928, photograph. With the exception of one properly dressed Scotsman third to the right, the other Rotary Club members have patched together costumes consisting of tablecloth "kilts," wisk brooms in place of sporrans, and vacuum cleaner hoses and bags in lieu of bagpipes. G23.1-157

Rotary Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1920-1930; Union Club (Tacoma); Newbegin, James G.;

Farewell banquet for Harry A. Lehnhardt, Union Club, Jan. 14, 1931, given by the Tacoma Agency Sales Force. 1953 copy of a customer's print.

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Lehnhardt, Harry A.;

ca. 1937. National Guard Dinner at the Union Club. Military men at head table placed in front of stone fireplace.

Union Club (Tacoma); Washington National Guard (Tacoma); Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940; Uniforms--Washington National Guard--1930-1940;

ca. 1937. National Guard Dinner at the Union Club. Eight National Guard men handcuffed in pairs on the interior stairs.

Union Club (Tacoma); Washington National Guard (Tacoma); Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940; Uniforms--Washington National Guard--1930-1940;

ca. 1937. National Guard Dinner at the Union Club circa 1937. Eight National Guard men handcuffed in pairs on the interior stairs. The officer on the left, second man up, has been identified as William M. Adams. He retired after 44 years of service as a full colonel. (Identification provided by a reader)

Union Club (Tacoma); Washington National Guard (Tacoma); Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940; Uniforms--Washington National Guard--1930-1940; Handcuffs; Adams, William M.;

The Golden Anniversary of the Union Club was celebrated September 22, 1938. It was attended by two of the charter members, John S. Baker and Alexander Baillie, as well as members of the "Old Guard" and current members. The Club came into being in the summer of 1888, when a need was recognized for an organization to further the fledgling Tacoma's growing business interests and for a place to entertain distinguished guests. It was organized by the late George Browne, who met with 30 local business men to form the first club. Soon the club had 100 members, paying dues of $250 each. Proceeds were used to build the Clubhouse. (T. Times 9/23/1938, pg. 18)

Union Club (Tacoma);

Two charter members of the Union Club, John S. Baker (left) and Alexander Baillie, toast one another on the Golden Anniversary of the Union Club, September 22, 1938. The Club was founded in the summer of 1888, when a need was recognized for an organization to further the fledgling Tacoma's growing business interests and for a place to entertain distinguished guests. It was organized by the late George Browne, who met with 30 local business men to form the first club. Soon the club had 100 members, paying dues of $250 each. Proceeds were used to build the Clubhouse. (T. Times 9/23/1938, pg. 18)

Union Club (Tacoma); Baker, John S.; Baillie, Alexander, 1859-1949;

The Union Club's 50th anniversary reunion was held on September 22, 1938. Nine members of the "Old Guard" are pictured, left to right: Frank Hale, W. R. Nichols, William H. Miller, John S. Baker, John Dempsey, Alexander Baillie, William Virges, Ralph Metcalf, and Arthur Grafton. The "Old Guard" was organized at a dinner 32 years prior. The Union Club was formed in 1888 to further the business interests of young Tacoma. (T. Times, 9/24/38, p.18)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Reunions--Tacoma; Hale, Frank; Nichols, W.R.; Miller, William H.; Baker, John S.; Dempsey, John; Virges, William; Metcalf, Ralph; Grafton, Arthur; Baillie, Alexander, 1859-1949;

Union Club and University Club charter members hang a new charter over the 1888 fireplace for the merger of the two clubs into the University Union Club. L. to r: Dr. Charles McCreery, Dr. William McCreery, Melville Pugh, John S. Baker, and George P. Fishburne. (T. Times, 6/71939, p. 20).

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); McCreery, Charles; Pugh, Melville; Baker, John S.; Fishburne, George P.; Charters; McCreery, William B.;

On June 9, 1939, the unidentified University-Union Club doorman opened the automobile door for E. F. Cardin, Jr. and Lorain Cousins, in formal attire, to enter the Club under the canvas-covered awning. The doorman's elegant white uniform added glamour to the evening event, attended by 500 guests, celebrating the clubs' merger. By 1938, the Union Club had been located in the elegant building at 539 Broadway for 50 years. In 1939, a decision was reached by the Union Club and the University Club to merge into one, the University-Union Club, at this location. The membership for the joint club was full at 450 members. Mr. Cardin was a trustee for the new organization. (T. Times 6/7/1939, pg. 11; 6/3/1939, pg. 5- articles only)

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Cardin, E.F.; Cousins, Lorain;

Dinner honoring Nancy Hewitt at University Union Club on June 26, 1939. Party was probably in honor of her upcoming marriage on June 28, 1939. (filed with Argentum)

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Hewitt, Nancy;

On August 9, 1939, Emory Reagan Sr., a flagpole painter, used a "bos'n's chair" to ascend the 150 foot flagpole at the University Union Club at 539 Broadway. The pole took 5 1/2 hours to paint, during which time Reagan remained aloft. His young sons Duane, 8, and Emory, Jr., 11, kept him supplied with paint and brushes, sent up by a rope and pulley. Mr. Reagan was 35 at the time of this picture and lived with his wife and family at 5020 6th Ave. (T.Times 8/10/1939 p.1) cropped enlargement of D8738 image 2

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Painting; Reagan, Emory; Flagpoles;

On August 9, 1939, Emory Reagan Sr., a flagpole painter, used a "bos'n's chair" to ascend the 150 foot flagpole at the University Union Club at 539 Broadway. The pole took 5 1/2 hours to paint, during which time Reagan remained aloft. His young sons Duane, 8, and Emory, Jr., 11, kept him supplied with paint and brushes, sent up by a rope and pulley. Mr. Reagan was 35 at the time of this picture and lived with his wife and family at 5020 6th Ave. (T.Times 8/10/1939 p.1)

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Painting; Reagan, Emory; Flagpoles;

The small sons of Emory Reagan Sr. take a break from helping Dad paint the flagpole at the University Union Club. Emory Jr., 11, holds on to the rope that sends supplies up to Dad, eliminating the need for him to go up and down the pole repeatedly. Duane, 8, holds a paintbrush and Mickey, the family's two month old terrier. The senior Mr. Reagan remained aloft on the flagpole for 5 1/2 hours completing his paint job. The boys resided with their mom and dad at 5020 6th Ave. (T. Times 8/10/1939, pg. 1)

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Painting; Reagan, Emory; Reagan, Duane;

University-Union Club formal dance. Group of four society couples gathered for informal portrait in front of large, American flag. The four people in the center of the photo are tentatively identified as Augusta (Mrs. Bartlett) Rummel, Barbara Ball Hewitt, Bill Brown and Henry Hewitt.

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

University-Union Club formal dance. Party-goers in overcoats standing by long, striped canvas awning at entrance. Several women are wearing fur coats, one has her hands tucked inside a matching fur muff.

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

University-Union Club formal dance. Four men are pictured clowning around, all dressed in tuxedos and sporting gruesome false teeth. The men are identified as, left to right, Horace Wright, Norton Clapp, future mayor Harry P. Cain and an unidentified man.

Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Clapp, Norton, 1906-1995 ; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

University - Union Club. General view of clubhouse by Whedden and Lewis, Architects; 1888. (filed with Argentum)

Clubhouses--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma)--Buildings;

ca. 1940. The milkman prepares to leave a few bottles at the door of the University Union Club. He is driving a Diamond T dairy truck. The milk he's delivering is Jersey Milk, from the Grand Pre farm owned by Paul Hebb. Diamond T trucks were commercial trucks and were manufactured by the Diamond T Truck Co., 3811 South Tacoma Way. TPL-4730

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Diamond T trucks; Milkmen & milkwomen--1940-1950; Milk;