ca. 1942. Marjorie Cain, right in photo, the wife of Tacoma Mayor and later US Senator Harry P. Cain, with other swankily dressed ladies at a club or committee meeting in the basement of the University - Union Club. ALBUM 13

Cain, Marjorie Dils, 1908-1994; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950;

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;

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. "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 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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;

Four women in print, Hawaiian-like dresses, with leis around their necks, posed in August of 1955 to help publicize the University Union Club's Hawaiian Party. Planned for August 18, the party featured an exotic luau, followed by dancing to the strains of a Hawaiian orchestra. Pictured (left to right) are Jeanette (Mrs. William) Shaw, Jean (Mrs. William) Drury, Ruth (Mrs. Thomas) Murphy and Jeanne (Mrs. Frank) Kraucunas. (TNT 8/18/1955, pg. 13, 8/14/1955, pg. D-1)

Clubs--Tacoma; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Dinner parties--Tacoma--1950-1960; Costumes; Shaw, Jeanette; Drury, Jean; Murphy, Ruth; Kraucunas, Jeanne;

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. 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. 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's 15th annual St. Patrick's Day Stag Steak Fry. Club members joined together at this event to don Chefs' attire and cook their own steaks. The kitchen is really crowded as the Club members line up in their pristine personalized aprons and sparkling clean Chef's hats to grill their beef to their own personal taste. The capacity for the dinner at the Club was 300 and it was usually full. After dinner, the Club would offer games and a "great show." (TNT 3/16/1955, pg.8)

Saint Patrick's Day--Tacoma; Cookery--Tacoma; Cooks; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Aprons--Tacoma; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

University Union Club's annual St. Patrick's Day Steak Fry. Club members joined together at this event to don Chefs' attire and cook their own steaks to their personal perfection. The year of 1955 was the Club's 15th annual Stag Steak Fry. The reservation capacity for the St. Patrick's Day affair was 300 and was usually fully attended. The event included not only steak but also a special salad bar, personalized aprons, games and a "great show." (TNT 3/16/1955, pg. 8)

Saint Patrick's Day--Tacoma; Cookery--Tacoma; Cooks; Men--Clubs--Tacoma; Aprons--Tacoma; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

Associated General Contractors, convention. Group picture of women, wives of convention delegates, from all parts of the Northwest gathered on the steps of the University Union Club following Thursday noon luncheon. A full schedule of luncheons and social activities were planned for those wives attending the first annual convention of the Pacific Northwest Branch of the Associated General Contractors of America held February 3-4, 1955 at the Winthrop Hotel. (TNT 2/4/1955, pg. D-5)

Associated General Contractors, Tacoma Chapter (Tacoma); University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Associated General Contractors, convention. Over 100 delegates, contractors from all parts of the Northwest, and their wives gathered in Tacoma for the first annual convention of the Pacific Northwest Branch of the Associated General Contractors February 3-4, 1955 at the Winthrop Hotel. A full schedule of luncheons and social activities were planned for the delegates' wives. The Thursday schedule featured cocktails at the University Union Club followed by lunch at Johnny's Dock and the evening reception at the Crystal Ballroom of the Winthrop Hotel. Friday's schedule was lunch at the University Union club and a dinner dance at the Crystal Ballroom. The Ladies' Day Committee consisted of Mrs. James W. Purvis, Mrs. Robert Earley and Mrs J.A. Woodard. (TNT 2/3/1955, pg. A-8 and 2/4/1955, section D)

Associated General Contractors, Tacoma Chapter (Tacoma); University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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;

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;

Laughing guests of the Archie McLeans attend the McLeans costume party held at the University-Union Club on November 28, 1954. The man on the left is dressed in a Heidelberg beer barrel with a Lucky Lager brand horseshoe attached. One of the women is costumed like Wee Willie Winkie in her striped nightgown and candlestick while the second woman's garb has a faintly Chinese connection. The person most nattily dressed is the man dressed in Spanish attire with cummerbund and black hat. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune for a section on the McLeans party; however, this particular photograph was not included in the December 4, 1954, issue. (other party photos TNT 12-4-54, p. 5)

Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

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;

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.;

Posed around the table laden with Christmas decorations and appetizers at the University Union Club are, left to right, Linda Ross, Eleanor Dickman, Robin Ross, Kay Kelly, Diana Davis, Jill Davis and Charlotte Rowland. Ordered by the Tacoma News Tribune. The UU Women's Christmas Tea was scheduled for December 11th, 1953 from 3-5p.m. The tea had a silver Christmas motif. The day dawned darkly, but rainy skies did not dampen the atmosphere at the candlelit tea. Mrs. Dickman and Rowland poured while the girls served. (TNT 12/9/1953, pg. B-8)

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Buffets (Cookery)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ross, Linda; Dickman, Eleanor; Ross, Robin; Kelly, Kay; Davis, Diana; Davis, Jill; Rowland, Charlotte;

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;

Three costumed men participate in a skit during the Tacoma Printers Association's banquet held at the University-Union Club on December 2, 1952. Two masked men clad in white coats and wearing "Steilacoom" hats are escorting a rather disheveled looking individual in a straitjacket through an open doorway. Although the masked men are unidentifiable, the man in the straitjacket is believed to be longtime Tacoma Public School faculty member Robert C. Evans. Mr. Evans taught English, as well as working with music and drama students. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Printers Association.

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Physical restraints--Tacoma; Tacoma Printers Association (Tacoma); University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

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.;

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. 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;