On Friday, September 27, 1963, President John F. Kennedy strode into Cheney Stadium flanked by Pacific Lutheran University president Dr. Robert Mortvedt (l) and University of Puget Sound president Dr. R. Franklin Thompson (r). Senator Henry Jackson followed Dr. Thompson. Special Marine helicopters had just transported the President and other dignitaries from Sea-Tac Airport to Cheney Stadium's cordoned-off parking lot. The President had started a cross-country tour, "a journey to save America's natural heritage," on September 24th, at Milford, PA. It would be a 10,000 mile presidential trip through twelve states. The Tacoma stop was sponsored jointly by UPS and PLU. The President was accompanied to Tacoma by Senators Warren Magnuson and Henry Jackson and Governor Albert Rosilleni. While in Tacoma he met Tacoma Mayor Harold Tollefson and the mayor's brother, Congressman Thor Tollefson, Tokyo-bound for fishing treating negotiatons. (TNT 9-24-63, p. 1-article; TNT 9-26-63, C-12-article; TNT 9-27-63, A-1,2-articles)

Kennedy, John F., 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mortvedt, Robert; Thompson, R. Franklin, 1908-1999; Jackson, Henry M., 1912-1983;

Mayor Harold Tollefson (center) shakes hands with President John F. Kennedy on September 27, 1963, after the President's appearance at Cheney Stadium. The President delivered the short principal address concerning preservation of natural resources and the importance of education. Flanking the President are the presidents of Pacific Lutheran University and University of Puget Sound, Dr. Robert Mortvedt and Dr. R. Franklin Thompson; their schools were instrumental in securing the President's attendance in Tacoma. It was President Kennedy's first visit to Tacoma since becoming President. He had made two prior trips in the 1950s as a U.S. Senator.

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Mortvedt, Robert; Thompson, R. Franklin, 1908-1999; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

A "tanned and healthy" President John F. Kennedy looks over the overflowing crowd crammed into Cheney Stadium on September 27, 1963, as University of Puget Sound president Dr. R. Franklin Thompson examines his notes prior to beginning the invocation. Good weather and the chance to see the President in person caused the predicted 12,000 crowd to swell to 25,000+. Admission was free with 2,200 seats reserved in the infield for special guests. The President's exit from the stadium was delayed twelve minutes by throngs of Tacomans eager to converse and/or touch the President. (TNT 9-27-63, A-1,2-articles; TNT 9-26-63, A-1-article)

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Thompson, R. Franklin, 1908-1999; Public speaking--Tacoma--1960-1970;

President John F. Kennedy is pictured upon his arrival via special Marine helicopter at Cheney Stadium's parking lot on September 27, 1963. He is shaking hands with Tacoma Mayor Harold Tollefson who is standing next to his brother, Congressman Thor Tollefson. Following President Kennedy in the informal reception line are Senators Henry M. Jackson and Warren G. Magnuson and Governor Albert D. Rosellini. Man in bow tie at far left is believed to be Pierce County Commissioner Harry Sprinker. The President had arrived at Sea-Tac Airport at 11:30 am from Salt Lake City and had traveled to Tacoma to deliver a speech at Cheney Stadium. It was the President's first appearance in Pierce County since becoming the Chief Executive. His last visit to Tacoma was in 1959 when he spoke about a labor bill.

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shaking hands--Tacoma; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Legislators--Washington; Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.;

Governor Albert D. Rosellini at podium. The governor, along with federal, county, city and university officials, was on hand to welcome President John F. Kennedy to Tacoma on September 27, 1963. The President had applauded vigorously upon Governor Rosellini's introduction by Dr. Robert Mortvedt (in mortarboard) of Pacific Lutheran University. Governor Rosellini indicated that he was proud to issue a heartful welcome from the people of Washington State and he looked forward to working with the President on conservation issues and the development of outdoor recreation facilities in this state. Visible behind Governor Rosellini are: (left to right) Congressman Thor Tollefson, US Senator Warren G. Magnuson, Dr. R. Franklin Thompson, President Kennedy, Dr. Robert Mortvedt, US Senator Henry M. Jackson, unidentified man, and Mayor Harold Tollefson. (TNT 9-27-63, A-1,2-articles)

Rosellini, Albert D.; Governors; Public speaking--Tacoma--1960-1970; Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Jackson, Henry M., 1912-1983; Mortvedt, Robert;

Mayor Harold Tollefson (arm extended) exchanged pleasantries with President John F. Kennedy when the President made a brief visit to Tacoma in September of 1963. Also smiling are Congressman Thor Tollefson (extreme right) and Pacific Lutheran University president Dr. Robert Mortvedt. The President addressed an overflowing Cheney Stadium crowd estimated at 25,000 on the need to preserve natural resources and the importance of education. His visit was jointly sponsored by the University of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran University, and was part of a 10,000 mile presidential trip through twelve states. (TNT 9-27-63, A-1, 2-articles)

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Legislators--Washington; Mortvedt, Robert;

President John F. Kennedy delivered a short, empassioned address to the 25,000+ people crammed into Cheney Stadium on September 27, 1963. He shared a platform decorated from Western State Hospital's nursery with presidents from local universities, Congressmen and Senators, and municipal officials. From l. to r. are Congressman Thor Tollefson, US Senator Warren G. Magnuson, Dr. R. Franklin Thompson, Dr. Robert Mortvedt, US Senator Henry M. Jackson, Governor Albert D. Rosellini, unidentifed, Mayor Harold Tollefson. The president had received a standing ovation from the crowd upon his introduction by Senator Warren G. Magnuson. He spoke to the cheering audience about preserving natural resources - both in land and resources as in developing men and women who would preserve free government in a difficult and changing world. This was President Kennedy's first appearance in Tacoma since becoming President in 1960. It was to be his last as he was assassinated in Dallas two months later. (TNT 9-27-63, A-1,2-articles) TPL-10565

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Public speaking--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tollefson, Thor C., 1901-1982; Magnuson, Warren G., 1905-1989; Thompson, R. Franklin, 1908-1999; Mortvedt, Robert;

President John F. Kennedy, flanked by Pacific Lutheran University president Dr. Robert Mortvedt (left) and University of Puget Sound president Dr. R. Franklin Thompson (right), entered Cheney Stadium under the watchful eyes of police and Secret Service agents near noontime, September 27, 1963. The President had been invited to speak by the heads of the two universities. He had flown in from Sea-Tac Airport via special Marine helicopter along with U.S. Senators Henry Jackson and Warren Magnuson and Washington State Governor Albert Rosellini. About 25,000 people jammed into Cheney Stadium for this special occasion. TPL-10586

Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mortvedt, Robert; Thompson, R. Franklin, 1908-1999; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);