Western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry demonstrates trick riding on his horse Champion during a show at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on July 15, 1949. Champion Jr. also joined his famed sire on stage later that evening. The 12-act western musical variety show was sponsored jointly by the Tacoma Athletic Commission and the College of Puget Sound. Mr. Autry's troupe of western motion picture stars and radio entertainers included M.C. assistant to Mr. Autry, comedian Pat Buttram and vaudevillian Rufe Davis. (TNT 7-15-49, p. 13, 7-16-49, p. 3) TPL-148. ALBUM 8.

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers; Autry, Gene, 1907-1998; Horses--Tacoma--1940-1950; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Trick riding--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The Pinafores, a trio of singing cowgirl sisters, are part of western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry's July 15, 1949, variety show at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. Singer/songwriter Johnny Bond is believed to be the guitarist on the left. A total of 12 acts performed during the one-night-only show, headlined by the popular Mr. Autry. The crowd of 5000, with a good many children in attendance, hummed along to renditions of "Back in the Saddle Again" and "Riders in the Sky," enjoyed comedic repartee, and watched Mr. Autry's famed horse, Champion, do trick stunts. The opening of the Memorial Fieldhouse in 1948 brought the Tacoma Home Show, Horace Heidt, and most recently, Gene Autry and his company of Hollywood western and radio stars, to the attention of local residents. (TNT 7-15-49, p. 13, 7-16-49, p.3) ALBUM 8.

Pinafores; Singers--Tacoma--1940-1950; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry, at microphone, and his troupe on stage at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on July 15, 1949. The group may be taking its final bow. The show consisted of 12 acts, including the Pinafores, the identically clad sisters to Autry's left. Others performing were singer/songwriter Johnny Bond, comedian Pat Buttram, Frankie Melvin, Rufe Davis, and the Cass Country Boys trio. Champion and Champion Jr., Mr. Autry's horses, also appeared on stage to thrill the audience with animal stunts. (TNT 7-16-49, p. 3) ALBUM 8.

Singers; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Autry, Gene, 1907-1998; Pinafores; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Several men have joined the fund raiser for the Orthopedic Guild and the Tacoma Day Nursery at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. Two men arrive in a Capri convertible dressed as Adlai Stevenson (Hollis Day) and Dwight Eisenhower (Din Fuhrmeister), waving to the crowd in an election-year spoof.

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Orthopedic Association (Tacoma); Tacoma Day Nursery (Tacoma); Fashion shows--Tacoma--1950-1960; Political campaigns; Presidential elections; Satires (Visual works); Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Bobby Hicks, featherweight from the Chemeres Boxing Club of Seattle (in the dark trunks), takes a vicious punch to the head in his bout with Gil Durey on January 20, 1956. He ultimately beat Durey, an Oregon State College student, in the opening bout of the Eighth Annual Golden Gloves held at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse by decision. Sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission, the tournament attracted 59 entries from six major Northwest cities plus military representations. Going into the fight, Hicks had a record of thirteen knockouts in 29 fights. (Photograph ordered by Tacoma Athletic Commission.) (TNT 1-20-56, p. 20, TNT 1-22-56, B-11)

Boxing--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Golden Gloves tournament. It appears that the boxer is winding up for a massive punch against his opponent during this semi-final match at the eighth annual Golden Gloves tournament on January 21, 1956. The amateur boxer to the left is believed to be Tommy Delveccio, representing the South Hill Club of Vancouver, B.C. His opponent, hair flying, may be Clifford Sam, Burns, Oregon, who lost to Delveccio in a decision. Delveccio went on to win the 139 pound class in a split decision over Ruggles Larson of the Seattle McPhersons Club. The Tacoma Athletic Club once again hosted the Golden Gloves. (TNT 1-22-56, B-11)

Boxing--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

The College of Puget Sound fieldhouse is being readied for the 1956 Tacoma Home Show. Booths are being set up, featuring goods and services of interest to home owners. A truck with an extended ladder is being used to set the cascading streamers and the lights. More than 100 local and national companies would participate in the 8th annual show held on May 11-20th at the CPS Fieldhouse. A special stage was being erected for a new feature- a complete Broadway style variety revue headlined by Helen O'Connell that would perform twice nightly with an added matinee on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. (TNT 5/10/1956, section C)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Exhibit booths--Tacoma;

The Tacoma Master Builders were the sponsors for the Greater Tacoma Home Show. The Master Builders were a group of contractors that banded together and operated by a set of guidelines that assured quality control. Each year, one contractor was selected to build the Home Show model home. The TMB also participated in the annual Parade of Homes. The display is a "translite" display, where light shines through transparencies of photos of interiors and exteriors of local homes built by TMB members. (TNT 5/10/1956, section C)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma);

Miller Construction's exhibit booth at the 1956 Greater Tacoma Home Show, headlining Skyline Terrace. Skyline Terrace was a $30,000,000 addition, featuring 1500 new homes built in the early 1950's. Miller Construction was one of the prime developers. Most of the Miller homes were located on view lots; with views of either the Narrows, mountains or city lights. The homes had been featured for several years in the Tacoma Parade of Homes and in 1954 in Better Homes and Gardens as the Idea Home of the Year.

Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Miller Construction Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma;

There were so many exhibits at the 1954 Tacoma Home Show held at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse that a large tent had to be erected to handle the overflow. Children's playhouses were exhibited under the big top; each playhouse was designed and built by members of the Tacoma Master Builders Association and labeled with the creator's name. Actual landscaping was provided by Firth Nursery in Tacoma. Twelve playhouses were given away during the six day home show run.

Children's playhouses--Tacoma; Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);

The A A Insulation & Roofing Co. packed their small 1954 Tacoma Home Show exhibit booth with a variety of roofing, siding and foundation materials. Asphalt roofing manufactured by the U.S. Gypsum Co. in a number of colors plus asbestos cement siding samples and examples of weather stripping could all be viewed by home show customers. A rotting foundation could be easily replaced with cement blocks by A A Insulation. The company had two locations in this area, one was at 1502 South Tacoma Way and the other on Milwaukee Avenue in Puyallup. Their ad in the 1954 City Directory stated they provided "Always reliable and dependable service."

A A Insulation & Roofing Co. (Tacoma); Building materials; Roofing tiles; Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);

Cowden-Wade, Inc. had a large exhibition booth at the 1954 Tacoma Home Show which was held at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. The home show was sponsored by the Tacoma Master Builders Association and annually drew thousands coming to view the latest in home and furniture design. In 1953, over 50,000 area residents stopped by to examine the various exhibit booths; the Master Builders were anticipating throngs equaling or exceeding that figure in 1954. Cowden-Wade's exhibit featured a complete American kitchen, examples of Steel Wall Tile and Keystone storm doors and windows, promoted the services of Livermore Co., electrical contractors, and advertised low-cost bank financing. Located at South 13th & "K" Street (street now known as Martin Luther King Jr. Way) next to Sepic Electric Co., Cowden-Wade supplied the formica, modern folding doors and "Duratile" Steel Wall Tile for the 1954 Tacoma Home Show model home. (Ad, TNT 5-18-54, C-8)

Cowden-Wade, Inc. (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1950-1960; Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);

On Thursday October 18, 1956, four days after his 66th birthday, President Dwight D. Eisenhower addressed a crowd of over 8,000 Tacomans crammed into the CPS (UPS) Fieldhouse. President Eisenhower was on a campaign swing through the Pacific Northwest. While in Tacoma, Ike stayed at the home of his older brother, Edgar, in Lakewood. Tacoma Mayor John Anderson is to left of Mamie Eisenhower. Series ordered by International News Photo. ALBUM 1.

Presidents; Eisenhower, Dwight David, 1890-1969; Presidents' spouses; Eisenhower, Mamie; Visits of state--Tacoma; Anderson, John H.;

President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the podium, addressing the crowd at the College of Puget Sound (UPS) Fieldhouse. Eisenhower was on an ambitious 5-day air campaign swing through the west. His visit to Tacoma was sandwiched between speeches in Seattle and Portland. While in Tacoma, he stayed overnight with his elder brother Edgar at his American Lake home and made a 12 mile journey by motorcade from Edgar's home to CPS and then to McChord Air Force Base. Cheering school children stood in the rain to catch a glimpse of their President. Series ordered by International News Photo. ALBUM 1.

Presidents; Eisenhower, Dwight David, 1890-1969; Visits of state--Tacoma; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

Alsco Northwest, Inc. booth at 1957 Tacoma Home Show. Storm doors and windows were the speciality of Alsco Northwest, Inc., located at 2704 Sixth Avenue. Their booth at the March, 1957, Tacoma Home Show exhibited samples of their products. Signs on the booth indicated that Alsco was the world's largest all aluminum storm window and door manufacturer and was the only manufacturer recommended by Parents Magazine, Good Housekeeping and Today's Health. They were sponsoring a drawing for a free Starlighter picture storm screen door, installation included, with the lucky winner to be picked on March 24th. Photograph ordered by Alsco Northwest, Inc.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Alsco Northwest, Inc. (Tacoma); Windows--Tacoma; Aluminum; Signs (Notices);

1957 Tacoma Home Show exhibit. A model comfortably sits on the attractive tile and stone bench adjacent to the open stone fireplace during the 1957 Tacoma Home Show. The Georgia Pacific Plywood Corporation supplied the massive wall unit which holds a set of Compton's encyclopedias and various curios. The last shelf was designed to slant, displaying magazines which would be highly visible and convenient to reach. The Tacoma Home Show was held March 19-23, 1957, at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. Photograph ordered by Georgia Pacific Plywood Corporation.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Bookcases--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fireplaces--Tacoma--1950-1960; Georgia Pacific Plywood Co. (Olympia);

Exhibit booth at the 1958 Tacoma Home Show. The North Shore Country Club sponsored a booth at the 1958 Tacoma Home Show held at the C.P.S. Fieldhouse. Topographical maps and architectural drawings are hung in the booth. Robert Billsbrough Price was listed as the residental park's architect along with Charles E. Riggs as engineer. A drawing to be held on the last day of the show would give one lucky winner the choice of any $1500 lot, completely paid for, including utilities and country club membership. Home construction would be started soon in the new North Shore County Club Estates near Browns Point. Construction was delayed due to two years of litigation. Photograph ordered by North Shore Country Club. (TNT 3-14-58, A-3)

Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1950-1960; Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); North Shore Country Club (Tacoma); Maps; Signs (Notices);

Ed Schloredt (L) and Richard Cook (R) listen carefully to judge Mel Pedersen who is pointing at contest designs fastened to a plywood wall. They are entrants in the Apprenticeship Contest in the carpentry division at the 1958 Tacoma Home Show. The 3rd annual Apprenticeship Contest, awarding honors to the top applicants, attracted apprentices in carpentry, millwork, and cabinetry from nine cities statewide. Carpenters would be required to build a partial wall eight feet high. They must fit doors and windows into the wall and trim and inside finish to demonstrate individual skills. Tools of the carpenter trade are leaning against the plywood wall including two saws. The Tacoma Home Show was an annual event held at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse to bring new products and ideas for homeowners to view and perhaps purchase. Photograph ordered by Washington State Council of Carpenters. (TNT 3-16-58, B-24, TNT 3-20-58, D-1)

Plywood; Contests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Carpentry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Schloredt, Ed; Cook, Richard; Pedersen, Mel;

Branham Stereo High Fidelity exhibit booth at the 1959 Home Show, held at the College of Puget Sound fieldhouse. The store was located at 1422 Tacoma Ave. So. and sold stereo equipment and speakers. Covers from stereo LPs surround the sign for the company, including the 1812 Overture, Carmen and Patti Page.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Branham Stereo High Fidelity (Tacoma);

The Hires Root Beer booth at the 1959 Home Show, photograph ordered by the 7 Up Bottling Co. Two men propose a toast to Hires, an "adventure in refreshment." Free samples are being handed out at the booth decorated with the Hires logo and replicas of the Hires bottles. The eleventh annual Home Show was again taking place at the College of Puget Sound fieldhouse. Over 100 exhibitors were displaying over a half million in goods. Record crowds were expected.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Carbonated beverages;

Diane Oliver, Mrs. Home Show of 1962 perches on the bridge of a Fairliner cruiser as visiting Daffodil princesses Jane Garrison, Lois Pedersen, Stevie Condon and Shirley Biehn smile and wave to her in this March 13, 1962, publicity shot of the show's opening day. The annual Tacoma Home Show, which generally gathered thousands of visitors, took place over several days in March in the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. Fairliner, a division of the Western Boat Building Corporation, also contributed in the building of the two model homes shown at the home show. Photograph ordered by National Home Shows, Chula Vista, CA. (TNT 3-9-62, p. 6, 3-14-62, p. 1)

Publicity; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Oliver, Diane; Boats--Tacoma; Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);

As usual, opening night at the annual Tacoma Home Show drew thousands to the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on March 19, 1963, to check out new home furnishings and design ideas, register for prizes, and just plain people-watch. View of crowded aisle in Fieldhouse with many strollers, exhibits jammed together, and one pensive salesman in the foreground gazing at his sewing machine. Photograph ordered for the News Tribune.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Sewing machines; Signs (Notices);

Franklin Elementary Scout Pack 159. The boys and leaders pose in front of their woodworking booth at the annual Scout Expo, being held at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse in May of 1959. The boys in the front in the dark uniforms are Cub Scouts. The boys behind in the lighter uniforms are Boy Scouts. Franklin Elementary was located at 3202 So. 12th St.

Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Franklin School (Tacoma); Cub Scouts (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Boy Scouts (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

1969 Tacoma Home Show. The annual Tacoma Home Show brought fresh new ideas for home improvement to the foreground for local residents. It included not only enhancements for the interior of the home but for the exterior as well. An exhibit booth featuring Landscaping by Carini displayed a variety of native trees and shrubs to create a pleasant atmosphere for the homeowner. Landscaping by Carini was owned and operated by Joseph M. Carini, Jr., 1611 So. Mullen. The display was one of the first exhibits near the entrance of the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. Gazing over the landscaping is Home Builders Assocation executive officer, Clarence Wilson. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune. (TNT 3-30-69, C-25)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1960-1970; Wilson, Clarence;

Several men entertained thousands during the semi-annual benefit for the Tacoma Orthopedic and Day Nursery organizations with an 1952 election year spoof. The stage was decorated as a giant television set. Hollis Day, alias "Stevenson" is on the soapbox, while Din Fuhrmeister, alias "Eisenhower" (far left) awaits his turn. Both sang rousing campaign songs. Mayor John H. Anderson is at far right in photo as a reporter with fellow "Meet the Press" cohorts Len Higgins, Virg Langdon, Norm Runions and Webster Judd. (TNT9-28-52, D-3-article) ALBUM 14.

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Orthopedic Association (Tacoma); Tacoma Day Nursery (Tacoma); Fashion shows--Tacoma--1950-1960; Presidential elections; Satires (Visual works); Anderson, John H.; Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Ten women model evening dresses and suits in a style show that was a fund raiser for the Orthopedic Guild and the Tacoma Day Nursery. An immense crowd, nearly 4,000 people, turned out to find out that the rumors of a super-colossal, musical style parade with impersonations of presidential candidates were true. A stage and runway was built at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse for the event. (TNT, 9/28/1952, p.D-3)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Women--Organizations--Tacoma; Tacoma Orthopedic Association (Tacoma); Tacoma Day Nursery (Tacoma); Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fashion shows--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Advertised as the "World's Most Amazing Dishwasher", the Dishmaster, which sold for $49.50, had an exhibition booth at the 1954 Tacoma Home Show held in the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. Also on display in the S.L. Rowland model home built for the Home Show, the Dishmaster could be installed on any sink. Interested home show visitors examine the dishwashers which attached to the kitchen faucet, and was basically a sink spray attachment with a brush head; an unidentified sales representative is demonstrating the "Scraping Time" feature which was prominently advertised.

Dishwashing machines--Tacoma; Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

The 1954 Tacoma Home Show featured many booths exhibiting the latest in furniture lines for the contemporary home. Architects K. Walter Johnson and John V. Austin also owned North West Contemporary in Lakewood, a furniture dealership, whose display of stark, modernistic furniture is shown in this May, 1954, photograph. The curve of the round coffee table is matched by the rattan clam-style chair, partially hidden chair with curved back and squat lampshade.

Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Chairs; Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

Thousands of Pierce County residents flocked to the 1958 Tacoma Home Show to inspect the latest in product design for the home. Scores of booths were erected, including the Star Brite Stainless Steel Cookware by West Bend. View of crowded booth; two sales associates are prepared to help interested visitors enter the $10,000 contest sponsored by the cookware company. Many have entry cards in hand; contestants had to simply indicate which of the five Star Brite features listed appealed most to them. The drawing would be held the last day of the Home Show and the winner need not be present to win. West Bend promoted the Star Brite cookware as being the world's finest 3-ply stainless steel waterless cookware. A complete 17-piece set could be purchased for $179.50. The surgical stainless steel could be cleaned in seconds, was economical in fuel, and its waterless feature saved vitamins and minerals while preserving food flavors. Photograph ordered by Star Brite Stainless Steel Cookware.

Star Brite Stainless Steel Cookware (Tacoma); Pots & pans; Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);