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;

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, 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);

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;

The newly completed Ben Cheney Stadium stood empty on May 18, 1960 when this aerial photograph was taken. The Tacoma Giants, playing in the Pacific Coast League, were out of town playing the San Diego Padres. The $840,000 Cheney Stadium was completed in just three months, fourteen days. As shown above, the parking lots were not yet paved due to slight sinking but a temporary surface made of sand was being applied. Also planned were bleachers to seat another 650 fans on the left field side of the grandstand. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber. (TNT 5-27-60 p. 23) TPL-9727

Aerial photographs; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

Tacoma Giants owner Ben Cheney and wife Marian on opening day of Pacific Coast League baseball, April 16, 1960. Mr. and Mrs. Cheney enjoying front row seats at the Tacoma Giants - Portland Beavers match in newly constructed Cheney Stadium. Ben Cheney played a major role in luring back Pacific Coast League baseball to Tacoma.

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Cheney, Marian; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Ben Cheney and guest at Tacoma Giants game. Dressed in suit and tie, Tacoma lumberman and baseball fan Ben Cheney, along with a guest believed to be his cousin Francis Cheney, enjoy the June 9, 1960, Giants game at Cheney Stadium. The stadium was dedicated that evening during pre-game ceremonies when Ben Cheney thanked all those who made the new park possible. Mr. Cheney was instrumental in bringing Pacific Coast League baseball back to Tacoma and was named to the Giants Board of Directors. Beside local baseball and government officials, San Francisco Giants president Horace Stoneham and San Francisco Giants farm system director Carl Hubbell were in attendance. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber. (TNT 6-5-60, B-11, 6-10-60, A-1, p. 24)

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

Mark Wojahn of 3592 East "K" Street was photographed in uniform at the Tacoma Giants' opening day game in Cheney Stadium on April 16, 1960. He won the batboy contest sponsored by ShopRite Food Centers and became the Giants' first batboy for 1960. He is wearing a cap with the large letter "T" embroidered above the bill; his hands and a towel are partially covering his baseball jersey. As batboy Mark watched every play in the new stadium from the edge of the field. (TNT 4-12-60, D-1 Ad)

Wojahn, Mark; Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hats--1960-1970;

Seven Portland Beavers look none-too-pleased as they watch the action outside the dugout between their club and the host Tacoma Giants on opening day, April 16, 1960. Opening day was postponed until Saturday, April 16th, due to a 59 mph spring storm which brought traces of snow and lows of 37 degrees. The day/night doubleheader was being played at the newly constructed Cheney Stadium on (then) Bantz Blvd. Over 12,000 baseball fans flocked to see the first Pacific Coast League contests played in Tacoma since 1905. Tacoma would lose its first game 7-2 but blank the Beavers in the nightcap, 11-0, with the strong pitching of future major league star, righthander Juan Marichal.

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

The grandstand was full on June 9, 1960 in Tacoma's new Cheney Stadium for a game pitting the Tacoma Giants against the Vancouver Mounties. Although open since April 16th, the stadium was officially dedicated in pre-game ceremonies on June 9th. Fans attending the game received a free souvenir program which included a color picture of the team and stadium. They also enjoyed special home run hitting, fungo, and throwing contests between the Giants and the Mounties. The 5,012 paying customers went home happy as Tacoma whipped the Mounties 6-0, earning starter Eddie Fisher his third shutout and sixth victory of the season. (Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber.) (TNT 6-5-60, B-11, 6-10-60, A-1, p. 24)

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sports spectators--Tacoma;

The concession stands, nestled under the pre-stressed concrete grandstands of Tacoma's new ballpark, were almost empty when the Tacoma Giant faced off against the Vancouver Mounties on June 9th, 1960 . Before the game the ballpark was formally christened "Cheney Stadium" during a special dedication ceremony. The concession stands offered traditional hotdogs, soda, popcorn and candy. Discriminating fans could also purchased cigars. The area was well lit as one of the stadium's six giant light towers helps to illuminate the night. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber. (TNT 6-9-60, p. 1-article on dedication ceremonies)

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Food vendors--Tacoma;

Workmen are dwarfed beneath the towering pre-stressed, pre-fabricated concrete grandstands of Cheney Stadium. There were 1500 concrete pieces in the stadium all with steel cables running through them. 26 bays, each weighing 42 tons, were located in the stadium. It would be open in just nine days, on April 14, 1960, as the Tacoma Giants would face the Portland Beavers in a day-night match. The last grandstand was put into place on March 25, 1960, and the infield and outfield turf was already installed. The $840,000 stadium would accommodate 8,240 fans, 5740 under the covered grandstand and 2500 in the bleachers. Photograph ordered by the Cheney Lumber Co. (TNT 3-25-60, p. 1, 4-12-60, C-12)

Cheney Stadium (Tacoma); Grandstands--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Line-up of Tacoma Giants baseball team on opening day, April 16, 1960, in the brand new Cheney Stadium. The Giants, managed by John "Red" Davis, were being introduced to the thousands attending the first game held in the new facility. The Tacoma team would be playing the Portland Beavers in day-night matches. Lights installed on six giant towers would provide clear viewing for night games with each tower having a bank of 62 - 1,500 watt bulbs.

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);

Managed by Tommy Heath, the Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League are being introduced to the thousands of spectators at Cheney Stadium on April 16, 1960, opening day of baseball. They would be the hometown Tacoma Giants' first opponent in the new stadium which was completed in three months, 14 days. The stadium was finished in time for the Giants' first game; however, the fickle spring weather did not cooperate and a massive windstorm forced postponement until Saturday, April 16th, of the doubleheader between the two Pacific Coast League clubs. They would split the games, with Portland on top in the first game, 7-2 and Tacoma coming back strong in the nightcap, 11-0.

Baseball--Tacoma--1960-1970; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cheney Stadium (Tacoma);