Modular home units. A Kenworth truck has just pulled up to the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on March 18, 1970, and will shortly be unloading one section of a modular home which will be displayed during the annual Tacoma Home Show. The modular homes, called "MODS," were manufactured by St. Regis Paper Co. and aimed toward buyers seeking low-cost homes. They could be assembled in one day at the buyer's lot. View of heavy duty truck with "Caution Wide Load" sign and part of modular home; the university's Baker Stadium is in rear. (TNT 3-22-70, D-10- article)

St. Regis Paper Co. (Tacoma)--1970-1980; Trucks--Tacoma--1970-1980; Prefabricated houses;

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;

President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivers an address to an attentive audience at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on October 18, 1956. The President had been barnstorming the western portion of the country. While in Tacoma, he and wife Mamie spent some time at his brother Edgar's American Lake home. Eisenhower's bid for re-election in November was successful. He died in March, 1969, of heart disease. ALBUM 1.

Presidents; Eisenhower, Dwight David, 1890-1969; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1950-1960; Public speaking--Tacoma--1950-1960;

President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the podium, addressing the crowd of 8,000 at the College of Puget Sound (UPS) Fieldhouse. President Eisenhower was in Tacoma on part of an ambitious 5-day air campaign sweep through the West. Eisenhower, who in 1952 had become the first Republican to win the Presidency in 20 years, was running for re-election. While in Tacoma, he stayed at the home of his older brother Edgar Eisenhower and toured many areas of Tacoma by motorcade from his brother's American Lake home to CPS and from CPS to McChord Air Force Base. Series ordered by International News Photo. TPL-8088. ALBUM 1.

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

Instead of cutting the traditional ribbon, Mayor John Anderson saws through a foil-wrapped board on Opening Day of the 1957 Tacoma Home Show. Norman Jardeen, general Home Show chairman for the Tacoma Master Builders Association, smiles broadly as does General J.W. Schwartz, commanding officer of the Madigan Army Hospital. Mayor Anderson is ably assisted by four Tacoma candidates for Daffodil Parade queen in this March 19, 1957, photograph. The four young women pictured wearing hats were (L-R): Joan Weller, Sherry Holmes, Debbie Dean and Janice Methven. Miss Methven would be later chosen queen. Not identified was the woman without a hat who was standing next to Mayor Anderson. Photograph ordered by National Home Show, Inc. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.; Jardeen, Norman; Schwartz, J.W.; Weller, Joan; Holmes, Sherry Lee; Dean, Debbie; Methven, Janice; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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);

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);

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);

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);

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);

The S & S Builders booth at the 1956 Home Show features their new residential development at Tyee Park. Tyee Park was a new million dollar suburban residential community being developed in Lakewood. The new homes had five basic designs and were designed to be the epitome of indoor/outdoor living. The developers planned a community of 99 homes with curving roadways designated with Indian names. Over 15,000 people showed up to view the new homes on their Grand Opening. The 1956 Greater Tacoma Home Show was held May 11-20th at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. The 8th annual exhibition was sponsored by the Tacoma Master Builders. Over 100 local and national firms participated, setting up booths and displays of interest to the home owner or buyer. (TNT 5/10/1956, section C)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Exhibit booths--Tacoma; S & S Builders (Tacoma); Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Housing developments--Lakewood--1950-1960;

Song stylist Helen O'Connell at the May, 1956, Greater Tacoma Home Show exhibit booth sponsored by John E. Amberg Co., distributors for Admiral-Hamilton appliances. Miss O'Connell holds open the door to an Admiral dual temperature refrigerator. To her right is a 1956 Admiral television set. The TV is topped by an Admiral portable radio. Helen O'Connell was an internationally known chanteuse who had recently returned to the music business after retiring to become a homemaker and mother of three daughters. She would be headlining the Broadway style revue at the Home Show. After her father's death while she was still a young teen, she had supported her family by singing in clubs and shows. She sang with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and their recording of "Green Eyes" sold over 3 million copies. (TNT 5/10/1956, pg. C-2-article)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1950-1960; O'Connell, Helen, 1921-1993; Singers--1950-1960;

Booth sponsored by the Honolulu Conservatory of Music at the 1956 Greater Tacoma Home Show held May 11-20th.The Honolulu Conservatory was a franchise opened by Karolyn & Floyd Piper in their home at 617 No. 2nd St. They specialized in Hawaiian music, teaching ukulele, guitar and accordion. They taught music lessons by the Conservatory method with numbers diagrammed inside notes, sold instruments, music and accessories and ran a studio in their home. At the exhibit booth, a posed mannequin band strikes up a tune on banjo, accordion, clarinet and guitar. Instruments are displayed, including accordions, a guitar and a triple neck steel guitar. Another guitar is available to the right to deposit entries for the free drawing for a ukulele, guitar and accordion.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Honolulu Conservatory of Music (Tacoma); Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960; Stringed instruments; Ukuleles;

Cheney Lumber Company's booth at the 1956 Greater Tacoma Home Show. A young Cheney Studs football player poses in uniform with one of the trophies. His uniform features the Cheney "stud" horse logo on the chest. "Studs" were what Cheney renamed the 8 foot 2 x 4 lumber "shorts" that revolutionized the building materials industry. On the back wall are photos of the young man's football team mates, as well as other Cheney teams. One sign points out that the amateur Cheney Studs baseball team was the national runnerup in the 1955 American Baseball Congress.

Lumber industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lumberyards--Tacoma; Lumber--Tacoma; Building materials industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cheney Lumber Co. (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Awards; Football players--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A model of one of Ben Cheney's lumberyards is displayed at the Cheney booth at the 1956 Greater Tacoma Home Show. Miniature stacks of Cheney "studs" dot the landscape. The Tacoma Home Show was held May 11-20, 1956 at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. Over 100 local and national companies set up exhibit booths emphasizing products for the home. Cheney "studs" were 8 foot lengths of 2x4 timber that established the residential ceiling height in America.

Lumber industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lumberyards--Tacoma; Lumber--Tacoma; Building materials industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cheney Lumber Co. (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Models;

Two men are being interviewed in front of the Cascade Electric exhibit booth at the 1959 Home show. The KTVW television camera looks on as the man to his right counts off to air time for the interviewer. Cascade Electric were electrical contractors located at 217 S 38th. Projects for 1959 for the team of Henry and Henry Hofner were the new south end high school, the legal arts building and a proposed 75 unit luxury apartment building. The booth is located next to the one of Rainier Lumber Co.; roofing, siding and remodeling. TPL-9642

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Cascade Electric Co. (Tacoma); Rainier Lumber Co. (Tacoma);

Pictured under the basketball nets at the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on January 15, 1969, is four-year-old Suzy Jo who is being held by Mrs. Marguerite Cousins, director of the Hilltop Day Care Training Center for Mentally Retarded Children. Suzy, a student at the center, and Mrs. Cousins jointly hold a basketball. They are joined by Mel Jackson, associate director of the Hilltop Multi-Service Center (L), and Al Roberts, UPS co-chairman of an upcoming charity match between the University of Puget Sound Loggers and the University of Alaska. Ticket sales for the February 1st game would benefit the "kids on the hill" enrolled in the learning center. A followup story in a January, 1970, News Tribune indicated that proceeds totaling approximately $3000 were raised for the day care center by the 1969 game. Several local firms stepped forward to buy blocks of tickets to distribute to Hilltop youngsters, allowing nearly 1,000 children to view a collegiate basketball game, many for the first time. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc. (TNT 1-26-69, D-14, TNT 1-25-70, B-6)

Basketball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Balls (Sporting goods); Girls--Tacoma--1960-1970; Jackson, Mel; Roberts, Al; Cousins, Marguerite; Fund raising--Tacoma--1960-1970;

All eyes face the camera as an All-State orchestra prepares to entertain a packed house of 4,000 in the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on February 24, 1962. The young members of the orchestra, as well as All-State bands and choruses, were participating in a Washington Music Educators-sponsored event. Seated against the curtains are believed to be members of the All-State choruses. The Washington Music Educators three-day convention was held at the Winthrop Hotel. Approximately 2000 people, including 900 top student musicians, took part in panel discussions, demonstrations, rehersals and concerts. (TNT 2-22-62, p. 8, 2-25-62, D-8)

Youth orchestras--Tacoma--1960-1970; Musical ensembles--Tacoma;

Scenes from 1960 Home Show. Judy Keplar, Miss Home Show, delicately lifts a young man's forearm over the head of a small boy as they watch one of the many demonstrations at the 1960 Home Show. Two other men and another boy in the group sport large grins. The 12th annual Home Show was sponsored by the Tacoma Home Builders Association and held, as usual, at the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse, broke a record in attendance with 53, 784 visitors to the five-day event. The chosen queen, Miss Keplar of 4015 Pacific Avenue, was a long distance operator for Pacific Telephone. (TNT 3-13-60, B-8)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Keplar, Judy;

Washington Natural Gas's booth at the annual Tacoma Home Show. The large exhibition booth located in the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse promoted the gas company's motto, "Good things happen when you're cooking with gas." Washer and dryers, stoves, indoor and outdoor lighting were all run by gas instead of electricity. Washington Natural Gas wanted consumers to "turn to natural gas" and invited show attendees to visit the Granada Model Home in Oakbrook to experience fine living with gas products. Photograph ordered by Washington Natural Gas. (TNT 3-27-67, C-11)

Washington Natural Gas Co. (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

In step for the March 19, 1968, opening day of the 21st Tacoma Home Show are promotor Pat O'Toole, Miss Home Show Barbara Slott, and developer Boyd Lundstrom. O'Toole had promised a different kind of home show in 1968 as he replaced more than half the previous exhibitors. Nothing that did not directly pertain to actually building or equipping a home would be allowed. This would be a "Red Carpet" event as for the first time, the entire floor of the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse would be covered by thousands of yards of red carpet. Anticipation ran high for attendance in the hundreds of thousands as free tickets would be distributed by local banks and utility companies. Photograph ordered by National Home Shows. (TNT 2-11-68, C-19)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1960-1970; O'Toole, Patrick; Lundstrom, Boyd; Slott, Barbara; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Miss Tacoma Home Show lends a hand in the installation of a hanging lamp at "Oakbrook," the model home located near the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on March 12, 1964. Gerry Gennow wears a sash designating her as the reigning queen of the annual Tacoma Home Show. She is a '61 graduate of Wilson High School and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L.F. Gennow, 1954 So. Adams St. Photograph ordered by the National Home Show. (TNT 02-26-1964, B-6)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Gennow, Geraldine;

Professional model Judith Marush is accompanied by Pat O'Toole and Joe Hoots on March 18, 1965, as they examine the Hoots Construction Co. display booth at the 18th annual Tacoma Home Show (now renamed the House & Garden Show). Photographs depicting renovation of the Charles Nelson mansion at Olalla are framed within a walnut credence built in a traditional 1860 style. The Nelson residence was built in the steamboat era. A giant carved "hoot" owl head on top of the panels surveys the interior of the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. More photographs of the Nelson mansion are visible beyond the first display. Joe Hoots Construction had a fully equipped shop and was known for their custom cabinets. They also offered planning and drafting service, new construction and remodeling of both commercial and residential buildings. Photograph ordered by National Home Show. (TNT 3-17-65, p. 1, TNT 3-21-65, B-8)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1960-1970; Marush, Judith; O'Toole, Patrick; Hoots, Joe;

Four-year-old Suzy Jo, a student at the Hilltop Day Care Training Center for Mentally Retarded Children, has her eyes fixed on the bouncing ball while three adults kneel behind her in the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on January 15, 1969. Mel Jackson, associate director of the Hilltop Multi-Service Center, jubilantly holds aloft two fund raising tickets to the upcoming UPS-University of Alaska basketball game to be held on February 1, 1969, at the Fieldhouse. Next to Mr. Jackson are Al Roberts, UPS co-chairman of the upcoming charity event, and Mrs. Marguerite Cousins, director of the training center. Proceeds from the benefit match would go to the help students at the learning center. The following year would see the nationally-ranked cagers from UPS play California's University of Redlands, with ticket sales directed once more to the learning center. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc. (TNT 1-26-69, D-14, TNT 1-25-70, B-6)

Basketball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Balls (Sporting goods); Girls--Tacoma--1960-1970; Jackson, Mel; Roberts, Al; Cousins, Marguerite; Fund raising--Tacoma--1960-1970;

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;

Earl Conklin poses with a sample cup of recently blended Vitene Shake at his booth at the annual Greater Tacoma Home Show in March of 1959. Earl Conklin was the owner of Conklin's Nutrition Center at 403 So. 11th. The company sold high protein foods for weight control, allergy alleviation and dietary food supplements. Vitene was a protein powder with vitamins and minerals that could be mixed with milk or juice for a delicious, healthy shake. The special Home Show price was $3.50 for a 1/2 pound or $6.50 for a full pound, both came with a complimentary trademark "rocket" bottle.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Conklin, Earl; Conklin's Nutrition Center (Tacoma); Nutrition--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Miss 1959 Home Show, Miss Cheryl Thorestad, was photographed while standing on the "porch" of the Landscapers Northwest booth in the College of Puget Sound (now UPS) fieldhouse on March 19,1959. For the first time in the Home Show's eleven year history, a fully landscaped display, complete with landscape architecture, was featured. Miss Thorestad was a 20 year old secretary at the Douglas Fir Plywood Association. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Thorestad of 1415 No. Huson. Landscapers Northwest was located at 7520 Bridgeport Way SW in Lakewood. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 27+)

Landscapers Northwest (Lakewood); Thorestad, Cheryl; Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);