Western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry demonstrates the training of his horse Champion during a show at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on July 15, 1949. Champion has his legs balanced on two sturdy blocks. His colt, Champion Jr., is being guided under him by Gene Autry. The crowd of 5000 appeared to have thoroughly enjoyed the musical performances, Champion and son's appearance, and variety acts. A good percentage of the enthusiastic audience was composed of children who would have been very familiar with Mr. Autry through his popular recordings and motion picture appearances. (TNT 7-15-49, p. 13, 7-16-49, p. 3) ALBUM 8.

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

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;

A woman member of western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry's troupe, likely acrobatic dancer Audrey Haus, displays one of her talents backstage at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on July 15, 1949. The limber dancer is photographed kneeling and gripping the three-inch heels of her ankle strapped shoes. She is wearing black fishnet stockings and a short sequined and fringed garment. Gene Autry had brought his troupe of western stars and radio entertainers to Tacoma for a one-night-only performance on July 15th. A crowd of approximately 5000 enthusiastically enjoyed the variety program although the public address system was criticized in the News Tribune. (TNT 7-16-49, p. 3) ALBUM 8

Acrobats; Dancers--Tacoma; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

On July 15, 1949, western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry and his horse Champion took a bow during a show at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. The well-trained horse was kneeling on his forelegs with Mr. Autry, in western garb, in the saddle. The audience of 5,000 was treated to singing, skits and the special appearances of Champion and his son, Champion Jr., during the joint College of Puget Sound - Tacoma Athletic Commission one-night variety show. Gene Autry was America's favorite "Singing Cowboy" and he became famous in film, radio, television, and live theater and rodeo performances. (TNT 7-15-49, p. 13, TNT 7-16-49, p. 3; www.autry.com) ALBUM 8.

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

The Second Annual Tacoma Home Show was held at the C.P.S. Fieldhouse from March 21-26, 1950. Over 100 exhibitors brought for display everything imaginable for building, modernizing, decorating, landscaping and equipping a home. Barnes Radio and Television, at 3823 No. 26th had on display the latest in home entertainment, including Motorola televisions. A smiling little girl, dressed in her Sunday best with a brimmed hat, wrist length white cotton gloves, and a miniature handbag, selects the winner of their door prize - a brand new, Zenith radio.

Barnes Radio & Television Co. (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Radios; Girls--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hats--1950-1960; Gloves; Handbags;

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;

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;

Seven women model the latest in outerwear from sensible raincoats to swing coats with wide sleeves and rolled-up cuffs in a style show that was a fund raiser for the Orthopedic Guild and the Tacoma Day Nursery. A stage and runway was built at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse for the event that drew nearly 4000 people.

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

The Acme Construction Co. was one of the over 100 exhibitors at the 1953 Greater Tacoma Home Show. Over 50,000 interested spectators would visit the Home Show that year to see new products and become acquainted with local area businesses. As their sign indicated, the Acme Construction Co., owned by Leonard Hunt and Howard Underwood, specialized in residential remodeling, re-roofing and re-siding. They were located at 604 South 13th St. Basement foundations, cement and block work were also jobs that could be undertaken by the company. View of Acme Construction Co. exhibit booth at the College of Puget Sound's Fieldhouse showing G.E. heating, air conditioning and insulating products.

Acme Construction Co. (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1950-1960; Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); HVAC systems--Tacoma; Signs (Notices);

The Tacoma Master Builders Association was a group of area contractors and others in the building industry whose members were proud of their quality workmanship. As the sign in their 1953 Tacoma Home Show booth indicated, if a home was built by a Master Builder, it was "The Sign of Good Construction." Each year they sponsored the Greater Tacoma Home Show, held at the College of Puget Sound's Fieldhouse, to demonstrate to the growing homeowner public new styles in construction, landscaping and furnishings. In 1953, over 100 exhibitors took part in the Home Show, held on May 20-24th. The Master Builders also built a home annually whose location was kept secret until just before the show opened. Del Belfoy was the 1953 president of the association. View of Tacoma Master Builders Association booth; includes star bunting surrounding booth with architectural models of homes and photographs of members' construction above.

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

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);

Members of the Tacoma Master Builders Association annually sponsored the Tacoma Home Show for many years. It was a good opportunity to acquaint Tacomans with the newest in home styles and conveniences and good advertising for local contractors and businesses. Here, Tacoma Home Show princess Jackie Durant of Lincoln High School models a strapless evening gown adorned with daisies on May 19, 1954; she is gazing at photographs of homes constructed by various Master Builders, including the Peltier Construction Co. (TNT 5-20-54, C-2)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Durant, Jackie;

Employees of Hal Moeller's Inc. pose with Pfaff sewing machines and Hamilton automatic clothes dryers during the 1954 Tacoma Home Show held at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. Hal Moeller's was the Pfaff Sewing Machine Center, located at 781 Broadway; Pfaff's motto was "Pfaff makes everything but a mistake." Hamilton clothes dryers and clothes press were also featured in the Moeller exhibition booth.

Hal Moeller's Inc. (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Sewing machines; Greater Tacoma Home Show (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);

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);

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);

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);

In May of 1954, seven children were happily at play in a house just their size at the Tacoma Home Show, held at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. Twelve of the children's playhouses were given away free during the Show. Each playhouse was carefully built and designed by a member of the Tacoma Master Builders Association who sponsored the annual Home Show. The Korsmo Brothers constructed this particular model with Johnson-Austin Associates as designers. Since children under twelve were admitted free while accompanied by parents, many thousands were able to view these miniature homes.

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

Art's Glass & Upholstery were auto glass experts located at 816 Tacoma Avenue South. Their exhibit booth in the 1954 Tacoma Home Show indicated that they also provided hand tailored seat covers; customers ordering at the home show would be able to purchase these at the special price of $47.50. Large signs indicated that convenient bank terms would be available and that new blue-green tinted glass was now ready for all cars.

Art's Glass & Upholstery Shop (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);

A member of the Afifi Temple leads the color guard into the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on December 4, 1954, in the impressive grand entry ceremony. Behind the color guard march the Afifi Band led by a baton wielding drum major. The band is flanked by two sections of Shriners dressed in full regalia. 5000 Shriners wearing traditional red fezzes attended initiation and ceremonial meetings, including a special ceremony to honor Floyd C. Kinnear's 25 year span as recorder for the Afifi Temple. Eleven ceremonial units, such as the Afifi Temple Band, Afifi Temple Oriental Band, Gizeh Temple Patrol and Grays Harbor Shrine Club Patrol, participated in the weekend's events. (TNT 12-3-54, p. 1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Flags; Memorial Field House (Tacoma);

A packed house is on hand to view the Shriners from Afifi Temple in the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on December 4, 1954. Potentate John H. Galbraith, Jr., and his staff are to the foreground; long rows of Shriners wearing Masonic regalia extend to the fieldhouse doors. This was the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Tacoma's grand entry ceremony. 5000 Shriners from around the Northwest converged upon Tacoma to attend the semi-annual ceremonial and initiation of new members. In addition, Floyd C. Kinnear, recorder for Afifi Temple for the past twenty five years, was honored in special ceremonies. (TNT 12-3-54, p. 1)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Uniforms; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Memorial Field House (Tacoma);

A boxer bows his head in apparent defeat as he has just been knocked down by the blond boxer to the left. This action occurred during the eighth annual Golden Gloves boxing tournament held at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on January 20-21, 1956. 59 amateur boxers competed in nine weight categories. They came from six major Northwest cities plus the military. Sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission, winners might have been considered for the upcoming Olympics by the U.S. and Canadian national teams. While no one from Tacoma was declared a champion, Seattle and Portland clubs were well-represented in the finals. Photograph ordered by the 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);

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);

Feet and fists were flying during the eighth annual Golden Gloves boxing tournament held at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on January 20-21, 1956. Sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission, it attracted 59 amateur boxers representing clubs in six major Northwest cities plus the military. Boxing was very popular in the 1950's in this region; local newspapers continually had articles and results of matches. View of two boxers in action with the referee keeping a close eye on the match. 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; Referees; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Golden Gloves tournament. The Tacoma Athletic Commission sponsored the eighth annual Golden Gloves tournament at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse January 20 & 21, 1956. They had expected between 75-80 entries; however, the final count was 59. Boxers from Tacoma, Seattle, Vancouver, B.C., Portland, Olympia and Everett in addition to the military represented their various athletic clubs or cities. Since 1956 was an Olympic year, many boxers hoped to attract the attention of U.S. and Canadian national team officials. View of two boxers in action; one is wearing the trunks of the Oregon A.A.U. The boxer to the right seems to have landed a telling blow to the head of his opponent. 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);

1956 Golden Glove champions. These nine young men are the individual champions in their weight category for the eighth annual Golden Gloves tournament sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. Although six major cities in the Northwest plus the military were represented in the tournament, the majority of champions came from either Portland or Seattle. Kneeling in front are: Tommy Thomas, Portland, 147 pounds, Johnny White, Portland, 132#, and Tommy Takao, Seattle, 112#. Standing left to right are: Tommy Delvecchio, Vancouver, B.C., 139#, Phil Moyer, Portland, 156# , Willie Richardson, Portland, 178#, Bruce Olson, Eugene, heavyweight, Harvey Burke, Portland, 165# and Bobby Hicks, Seattle, 125#. Takao, representing the Royal Athletic Club of Seattle, was the evening's first crowned champion. Hicks, wearing the colors of the George Chemeres Boxing School of Seattle, was voted "Golden Boy" honors, as the most popular fighter. (TNT 1-23-56, p. 17) TPL-10451;

Boxing--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits; 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);