Chi Omega alumnae group at the New Yorker Cafe. The national sorority of Chi Omega added a new chapter at the College of Puget Sound in October of 1953. It was the 115th chapter of the sorority, founded April 5, 1895 at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The day began with the initiation of 75 collegiate and alumnae members of the local group Delta Alpha Gamma into the Tau Epsilon chapter of Chi Omega. The initiation ceremony was held at the Tacoma Lawn & Tennis Club. The celebration concluded with a formal banquet held at the New Yorker Cafe for the initiates, alumnae and out of town members. (TNT 10/15/1953, pg. C-7, TNT 10/20/1953, pg. A-10)

Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Alumni & alumnae--Tacoma; Evening gowns--Tacoma; New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Chi Omega (Tacoma); College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

A display of Mobil tire products was set up at the New Yorker in early January, 1953. Specific tires for snow, truck & bus, commercial and consumer usage were labeled for easy differentiation. A poster indicating that no money down was required at the time of purchase; a customer could take up to six months to pay off the tires. At least four chairs are facing the display; presumably, there would be a presentation extolling the virtues of Mobil products. Photograph ordered by General Petroleum Corp.

Tires; Tire industry--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices); New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); General Petroleum Corp. (Tacoma);

Jazz greats, left to right, Art Mineo on bass, Joe "Flip" Phillips on tenor saxophone, Oscar Peterson on piano and Bill Harris on trombone deliver sweet sounds for the opening of the newly remodeled New Yorker Cafe in November of 1951. Mineo and his 10-piece orchestra had been hired to play the opening night when Mineo received a call from Peterson, Phillips and Harris asking to sit in. The trio were playing in Seattle with the Jazz at the Philharmonic road show. The result was Tacoma history, as the group jammed into the small hours of the morning, closing the club and sending the lucky audience dancing into the dawn. Art Mineo passed away at age 91 on July 27, 2010. (from information previously supplied by Art Mineo)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Art Mineo Orchestra (Tacoma); Mineo, Art; Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960; Phillips, Joe; Peterson, Oscar; Harris, Bill;

The Coney Island room of the newly remodeled New Yorker cafe and nightclub is packed with dancers enjoying the sweet swing sounds of the Art Mineo Orchestra in a November, 1951, photograph. The showroom had hardwood dance floors and a clever two stages-in-one concept. Nightly dancing and big time entertainment were staples of the New Yorker, owned by Mike and Pat DeVoto. (TNT 11-15-51, C-10, 11)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Art Mineo Orchestra (Tacoma); Mineo, Art; Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Attilio (Art) Mineo on bass, Dick Morehead on drums, Oscar Peterson on piano, Joe (Flip) Phillips on saxophone and Bill Harris on trombone "jam" in the Coney Island Room on the opening night of Mike DeVoto's New Yorker, in November of 1951. Peterson, Phillips and Harris were performing in Seattle with the Jazz at the Philharmonic road show when they saw a notice for the opening. They called Mineo and asked to sit in. Musical history was made as they jammed until closing, leaving Mineo's hired orchestra in the audience to enjoy the music. Art Mineo's career in music began in the 1930s with dance bands on the east coast. He moved to Tacoma after the Second World War and stayed after he married Toni Lento, whose father was a well-known Tacoma musician. The Art Mineo Quartet performed three nights a week at the New Yorker, 1501 6th Ave., for over 20 years. (TNT 11-15-51, C-10, 11& firsthand information supplied by Art Mineo)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Art Mineo Orchestra (Tacoma); Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mineo, Art; Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Peterson, Oscar; Phillips, Joe "Flip"; Harris, Bill; Morehead, Dick;

Legendary jazz pianist Oscar Peterson "jams" with Art Mineo on bass, Dick Morehead on drums, Joe "Flip" Phillips on tenor saxophone and Bill Harris on trombone on November 12, 1951, the opening night of the newly remodeled New Yorker Cafe. Peterson, Phillips and Harris were performing in Seattle with the Jazz at the Philharmonic road show when they called Mineo to sit in at the opening. The jazz greats jammed until closing, creating an unforgettable night of music in Tacoma. Peterson had joined Jazz at the Philharmonic in 1950 as a relative unknown and was rapidly gaining recognition in the jazz world. (information supplied by Art Mineo)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Art Mineo Orchestra (Tacoma); Mineo, Art; Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Peterson, Oscar; Phillips, Joe "Flip"; Harris, Bill; Morehead, Dick;

Oscar Peterson and Bill Harris express exaggerated shock at the prices on the menu of the newly remodeled New Yorker Cafe. Holding the menu are possibly owners Patricia and Michael DeVoto. The presence of the jazz greats at the opening was a happy surprise. Peterson and Harris were performing in Seattle with the Jazz at the Philharmonic road show when they called old pal Art Mineo, now settled in Tacoma and hired to provide music for the opening, to "sit in" with his orchestra. The rest is history as the group jammed until closing, providing a memorial night of jazz for the opening night club goers.

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Peterson, Oscar; Harris, Bill;

Art Mineo, at left kneeling with hat in hand, and a group of raucous, laughing musicians. In the top row, third from left is the great jazz pianist Oscar Peterson. This photograph was taken at the opening of the newly remodeled New Yorker Cafe in November of 1951. Peterson, tenor saxophonist "Flip" Phillips (standing, far right) and trombonist Bill Harris (front row center) came down from Seattle, where they were appearing with the Jazz at the Philharmonic road show, to sit in and jam for the opening.

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Art Mineo Orchestra (Tacoma); Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mineo, Art; Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Peterson, Oscar;

The Dixie Ball was the Spinster Club's annual spring event. The Ball was held at the New Yorker Cafe's Rainbow Room. Three couples are shown relaxing at a table decorated with miniature mammy dolls. The women are wearing strapless evening gowns and rhinestone jewelry. Two of the men wear white dinner jackets. Ordered by the Tribune, Dolores Busch. (TNT, 6/28/1951, p.24)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Parties--Tacoma; Single women; Women--Clubs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Spinster Club (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Master Builders combined the installation of their 1951 officers and their Christmas Party for 1950 at the New Yorker Cafe. Ten men and their wives are seated or standing behind the head table. Mel Pedersen, retiring president of the organization, is seated behind the podium. Rex N. Harrington, to the right, was the newly installed president. Ordered by J. Howard Kane, executive vice-president. Other names were listed in the newspaper. (TNT, 12/17/1950, p.C-14)

Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Pedersen, Mel; Harrington, Rex N.; New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The North-West Tacoma Kiwanis Club celebrated their fifth anniversary at the New Yorker November 1950. Shown here are, L-R, Edward and Mrs. Lane. Seated are Gilman O. Rolstad, Mabel B. (Mrs. Roger) Elder, James Montgomerie, Leonie D. (Mrs. L.W.) Siegler and Roger Elder. Standing are Ada E. (Mrs. Gilman) Rolstad, Louis W. Siegler, Emma M. (Mrs. Fred) Diamond, Fred Diamond, Mrs. and Mr. Charles O'Boyle, Marion (Mrs. James) Montgomerie and Edward Adams. (TNT, 11/30/1950, p.14)

Kiwanis Club (Tacoma); New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Anniversaries--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Governor Arthur B. Langlie was the guest of honor at the 14th annual dinner meeting of the Tacoma Council of Churches at the New Yorker. Govenor Langlie's message was that government without God is bound to fail. Governor Langlie and Loyal H. Vickers, executive secretary of the Tacoma Council, are seen seated fourth and third from the right, respectively. Names are listed in the newspaper. (TNT, 5/18/1950, p.B-13)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Vickers, Loyal H.; Clergy--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors;

The Dixie Ball was the Spinster Club's annual spring event, this year with a "Gone with the Wind" theme. The Ball was held at the New Yorker Cafe's Rainbow Room. A spotlight focused on life-sized mammy and pappy dolls and miniature mammy dolls decorated the tables. Patrons and patronesses were Mr. and Mrs. G.R. Waiss, Mrs. Anna Ryan and Michael Harris. Two couples smile from across one of the tables. A brown paper bag is seen on the table along with bowls of ice, glasses and ash trays. Ordered by Tribune, Barbara Dana. (TNT, 4/24/1950, p.5; 4/30/1950, p.D-6)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Parties--Tacoma; Single women; Women--Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Spinster Club (Tacoma);

Dinner at New Yorker, Last Man Club American Legion, December 10, 1949. Nineteen men pose with six empty chairs draped with American flags during their annual meeting held at the New Yorker. The Last Man Club was composed of World War I veterans who were past Commanders of the Rhodes Post of the American Legion. Capt. Chester Chastek became the "Last Man" in February 1992, at the age of 92. c/o Mr. B. Busselle.

American Legion Club (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Flags--United States; New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Last Man Club (Tacoma);

Aquinas Alumni Dance at New Yorker, TNT, Mrs. Hosmer. Five couples of young adults stand outside the New Yorker on their way to the Aquinas Academy Alumnae Association's "Cupid's Dance of Hearts" held February 12, 1949, at the New Yorker. Names listed in newspaper. (TNT, 2/16/1949, p.10)

Aquinas Academy (Tacoma)--Alumnae; New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Couples--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma's ten Junior Orthopedic Guilds were planning their 2nd annual semi-formal dance in January of 1949. The theme was "Stormy Weather," with music by Iverson Cosort's Band. All proceeds would go to help maintain clinics and towards the children's general hospital building fund. View of officers from the Junior Orthopedic Guilds at the "Stormy Weather" dance being held at the New Yorker Cafe (T. Times, 1/16/49, p. 22). From left to right: Ann Cleland, Mary Niethammer, Donna Hatcher, Charlene Boutine, Barbara Gustafson, Barbara Combs, Burtine Beal and Sue Backer. (TNT 1-30-1949, D-1)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clubs--Tacoma; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Tacoma Orthopedic Association, Junior Guild (Tacoma);

Monday Civic Club member, Mrs. Walter Streater, would be giving an exhibition of modern and interpretive hula dance. The decorations would consist of hibiscus and palm trees, and a traditional Hawaiian cuisine would be served. Polynesian music would be played by members of the Honolulu Conservatory of Music. View of Monday Civic Club members dressed in native costumes and some of the guests at the New Yorker Cafe (T. Times, 1/6/49, p. 10).

Parties--Tacoma; Luaus--Tacoma; Leis; Decorations--Tacoma; Costumes; Events--Tacoma; Women--Clubs--Tacoma; New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Monday Civic Club (Tacoma);

Tacoma's Monday Civic Club was hosting a traditional Hawaiian luncheon at noon for its members to celebrate the New Year. The members and guests would board the "S.S. Lurline" for an afternoon of fun; Gladys G. Mahncke was the head of the luncheon committee. View of Monday Civic Club members dressed in native costumes, the ladies have their leis ready to greet the guests at the New Yorker Cafe (T. Times, 1/6/49, p. 10).

Parties--Tacoma; Leis; Decorations--Tacoma; Costumes; Luaus--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Women--Clubs--Tacoma; New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Monday Civic Club (Tacoma);

In December of 1948 the Tacoma Kiwanis Club sponsored a Christmas party for the children who lived at the St. Ann's Home and the Children's Industrial Home. Approximately 40 children attended the party which was held at the New Yorker Cafe, 1501-07 Sixth Avenue. Wilfrid E. Gosselin played Santa. The Underprivileged Children Committee included (order not known) Ray Russell; Kenneth Riffle; Byron Furseth; Fred Diamond, Master of Ceremonies; Dr. Kenneth Hitch, Committee Chairman, and Roger Elder, President of the Northwest Tacoma Kiwanis Club (T. Times, 12/22/48, p. 5). TPL-8105

Christmas presents; Santa Claus--Tacoma; Abandoned children--Tacoma; Orphans--Tacoma; Toys; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Kiwanis Club (Tacoma); Children's Industrial Home (Tacoma); St. Ann's Home (Tacoma); New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma);

Puget Sound Auto Electric is hosting a "Delco" batteries and automotive parts sales convention at the New Yorker Cafe. Delco celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year. An unidentified man, possibly a "Delco" sales representative, stands behind an advertisement for "Delco" automotive radios. The circle of a "Pigskin Pete" sign surrounds six men. Delco Battery Dealers, Tacoma News Tribune and Tacoma Recreation Commission sponsored the event. Ordered by Puget Sound Auto Electric Company.

Signs (Notices); Radios; Automobile equipment & supplies; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Puget Sound Auto Electric Co. (Tacoma); New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma);

Puget Sound Auto Electric Company was hosting a "Delco" batteries and automotive parts sales convention. "Delco" battery signs are advertising the many uses and advantages for choosing "Delco". "Delco" products are ideal for tractors, cars, buses, trucks and diesel operated vehicles. View of "Delco" Battery sales representatives at New Yorker Cafe, photo ordered by Puget Sound Auto Electric Company.

Signs (Notices); Electric batteries; Automobile equipment & supplies; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Puget Sound Auto Electric Co. (Tacoma); New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma);

On July 25, 1948 Patricia Overholt announced her engagement to Nels Sundbom of Seattle, to friends at the New Yorker Cafe, 1501-07 Sixth Ave. The party had a Hawaiian motif with the women wearing leis. Patricia is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Overholt of Puyallup and Tacoma. View of friends and family gathered together to celebrate Patricia Overholt's (second from left, seated) engagement, at New Yorker Cafe (T.N.T., 8/1/48, p. D-5).

Showers (Parties)--Tacoma; Banquets--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Table settings & decorations; Marriage proposals; Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Overholt, Patricia;

Al Miller, Howard Grant and Herman Tietje (left to right) were three of the first members of the Stereotypers and Electrotypers Union Local No. 91 in Tacoma, when it was organized forty years ago. These three charter members were honored for their service in the union; twenty five members attended the celebration at the New Yorker Cafe (T. Times,10/6/47, p. 3).

Labor unions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Charters--Tacoma; Labor leaders--Tacoma--1940-1950; Stereotypers & Electrotypers Union Local No. 91 (Tacoma); New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Miller, Al; Grant, Howard; Tietje, Herman;

Twelve men at New Yorker Cafe, R.W. Russell. Ten men join together in a toast. The man in the middle holds a frame with individual photographs of many young men.

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Men--Tacoma--1940-1950; Toasting--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits--1940-1950;

Eastern Star Convention at the New Yorker Cafe, Margaret Kinnich. These are five of the men and women who attended the banquet for past grand matrons and past grand patrons from the Order of Eastern Star during the session held in Tacoma June 19 - 21, 1947. (T.Times, 6/12/1947, p.10)

Order of Eastern Star (Tacoma); New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Eastern Star Convention at the New Yorker Cafe, Margaret Kinnich. The Grand Chapter of Washington Order of Eastern Star held its session in Tacoma June 19 - 21, 1947. More than 2,000 members and guests were expected from Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and British Columbia. A banquet was held at the New Yorker for past grand matrons and past grand patrons at the New Yorker. (T.Times, 6/12/1947, p.10) Format 6" x 10".

Order of Eastern Star (Tacoma); New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Rainbow Convention. 600 Rainbow girls are seated at tables and some stand along the side and back of the room for the banquet held at the New Yorker shere the initiation of the order was put on with Miss Margaret Arnold, Grand Worthy Advisor presided. The Grand Cross of Color degrees were conferred by the past grand worthy advisors. (T.Times, 6/23/1947, p.1 & p.6)

Rainbow Girls (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns; Teenagers--1940-1950; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Banquet halls--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Sigma Mu Chi was celebrating their 25th anniversary with a dance in the banquet room of the New Yorker. Fifty couples were expected to attend, Walt Gundstrom and his Orchestra would be playing. The banquet hall was decorated in the fraternity colors, silver and blue, and large replicas of the fraternity pins and pledge pins were displayed throughout the room. View of fraternity members with their dates in the New Yorker Banquet Hall (T. Times, 4/25/47, p. 9).

Balls (Parties)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns--Tacoma; Tuxedoes; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sigma Mu Chi Chapter (Tacoma); New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Commemoration--Tacoma;

Union Oil Company. James H. Newberry (4th from right) received his 25 year pin for his years with Union Oil Company at ceremonies held at breakfast at the New Yorker Cafe. Making the presentation is F.K. Cadwell, Tacoma Sales Manager. The man on Jim Newberry's right is G.A. Tooley, resident manager.

Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950; Newberry, Janes H.; Cadwell, F.K.; Tooley, G.A.; Awards; Union Oil Co. of California (Tacoma);

The Sheet Metal Workers Union honored 25-year members at an evening banquet held at the New Yorker on March 21, 1973. Each honored member received a pin. Photograph ordered by the Sheet Metal Workers Union.

Awards; Sheet Metal Workers (Tacoma); Labor unions--Tacoma--1970-1980;