A woman, possibly Laura Lee Babcock, reclines on one arm as she poses in her terry cloth bathing suit. She has a Cheney Studs necktie wrapped snugly around her neck in this December, 1955, photograph. Ben Cheney, lumberman and philanthropist, sponsored many amateur teams under the name "Cheney Studs"; perhaps the best known was the amateur baseball team whose members were composed of local high school and college stars. Photograph ordered by Laura Lee Babcock.
Fashion models--Tacoma--1950-1960; Neckties; Babcock, Laura Lee;
Product testing was constantly occurring at the Georgia Pacific Plywood Company's Olympia offices in the 1950's. Here an employee of the plywood company is carefully pounding in nails around the edges of a square piece of plywood. The nails are of a variety of sizes. The stack of plywood squares remaining indicates that many more tests wait to be completed. The results would be then recorded on the large nearby notepad. Photograph ordered by Georgia Pacific Plywood Co.
The large staff of Lincoln High School apparently enjoyed a Christmas gathering on school grounds prior to the 1955 Christmas break. Corsages were given to all women staff members. There were probably skits as entertainment; at least three ladies in the first row are dressed in cancan outfits while a few men have their pant legs rolled up. A gaily decorated tree covered with tinsel and bright ornaments is in the left corner. Photograph ordered by Lincolnian yearbook.
Group portraits; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Christmas trees--Tacoma--1950-1960;
For their plant safety campaign, Kaiser Aluminum used this young unidentified bikini clad model to demonstrate the correct way to use a gas hole bar in December of 1955. Besides her swimsuit she wore fireproof covers over her shoes, thick gloves, safety glasses and a hard hat. Six metal poles labeled "pot rake, puddle rake, pot skimmer, smasher, stud straightener, gas hole bar" are on a cart behind her. A simplified painting of Kaiser's industrial facility on the tideflats, complete with Mt. Rainier, served as a backdrop. Photograph ordered by Kaiser Aluminum.
Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp. (Tacoma); Aluminum industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Equipment; Fashion models--Tacoma--1950-1960;
All Aboard! Washington's Sea Cadets wave goodbye as they climb aboard a San Francisco cable car on January 9, 1956. A large banner on the side of the car helps to raise awareness of the March of Dimes' continuing battle against the ravages of polio. Despite the recent Salk vaccine, polio was still a threat to Americans. The Flying Squad composed of the Sea Cadets of Washington would do their part to help the March of Dimes. From left to right are: Lt. Lawrence Williams, Harlan Sharon, squadron captain, Lt. Cmdr. John Bolden, Fred Harper, Jim Gasteli, Cliff Chapman, and Kent Knudson. The Sea Cadets, a two-year organization, provided practical training of young men ages 14-18 in navigation and seamanship. They hoped to interest teenagers in sea-going careers either with the U.S. Navy or Merchant Marines. Photograph ordered by the March of Dimes. (TNT 1-12-56, A-4)
March of Dimes (Tacoma); Washington Sea Cadets; Cable railroads; Signs (Notices);
The moving of houses in the 1950's may not have been much different than the procedure is now. The home needed to be jacked up and the foundation (if any) removed before the house itself could be moved. It appears that part of the home has been boarded up, or the siding removed, by the workers shown in this December 16, 1955, sepia photograph. Bits of lumber and pilings are scattered near the home. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co.
Employees of the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. participated in skits in December, 1955. The women participating in this particular production have a variety of outfits on, including stylish dresses, appropriate work attire, and casual, sporting gear. A few of them may have assumed the roles of tomboys, with their letterman sweaters and boys caps. A small covered stand, on which "Wally's Hi-Jinx" is neatly printed, is center stage; one woman seated directly behind it is dressed in a man's fedora, bow tie and suit. Photograph ordered by Pacific Telephone & Telegraph.
Exterior of TAM Engineering Corporation. TAM Engineering was an authorized Ford engine rebuilding shop. Its machine shops would rebuild Ford V-8 engines as well as assemble carburetors and automobile brake shoes; all of these would be bench tested when finished. View of exterior of TAM building on South Lawrence St.; four cars are parked close to the building and a trailer labeled "Ford Exchange Engines" is next to the loading dock. Photograph ordered by TAM Engineering.
TAM Engineering Corp. (Tacoma); Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1950-1960; Machine shops--Tacoma;
A striking memorial to the men and women who served in our nation's armed forces was located at the Mountain View Memorial Park in Lakewood. The stone memorial had an engraving representing the four branches of military service, marching in step behind the waving flag. A cross is anchored on top of the monument. Photograph ordered by Clark Richardson Advertising Agency.
Cemeteries--Lakewood; Mountain View Memorial Park (Lakewood); Monuments & memorials--Lakewood;
Stone benches flank the war memorial at Mountain View Memorial Park in a December 12, 1955, photograph. There is a plot of freshly trimmed lawn before the memorial which is framed behind the stone perimeters. The war memorial commemorates the sacrifices of the men and women who served in our nation's armed forces. Mountain View Memorial Park was located on Steilacoom Blvd. in Lakewood and contained a funeral home, cemetery, mausoleum, columbarium, crematory, and chapel. Photograph ordered by Clark Richardson Advertising Agency.
Cemeteries--Lakewood; Mountain View Memorial Park (Lakewood); Monuments & memorials--Lakewood;
Interior views of Anacortes hardboard plant. An Anacortes Veneer, Inc., worker appears almost dwarfed by the enormous machinery before him as he inspects gauges in the plywood plant on December 29, 1955. Anacortes Veneer was only the second worker-owned venture in the industry, following the example of Olympia Veneer. More workers would become owners in the near future. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.
Machinery; Lumber industry--Anacortes; Anacortes Veneer, Inc. (Anacortes); Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);
Interiors hardboard plant in Anacortes. Sheets of veneer are stacked upright at the Anacortes Veneer plant on December 29, 1955. The plywood on carts would then be easily transported via tracks. Anacortes Veneer was the second worker-owned in the lumber industry, after Olympia Veneer in 1927, and after much trial and tribulation, peeled its first log on November 27, 1939. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association. (Cour: The Plywood Age, p. 123-127)
Plywood; Lumber industry--Anacortes; Anacortes Veneer, Inc. (Anacortes); Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);
Interior views of U.S. Plywood plant. Full sheets of plywood are being roughly sanded at the Seattle plant of U.S. Plywood in early January, 1956. One man carefully turns the wheels controlling the machine as the second man, standing at one end, removes the smoother sheet. See also D95927-3 for additional view. Photograph ordered by U.S. Plywood Corporation.
Plywood; Lumber industry--Seattle--1950-1960; United States Plywood Corp. (Seattle);
Ground has been broken and dirt excavated for a new Reichhold Chemicals plant on January 16, 1956. Plywood forms are partially in place; they may later be reinforced with concrete. Large pools of water dot the landscape; there are also many power lines in the background as well. Photograph ordered by Reichhold Chemicals, Inc..
Building construction; Dirt; Reichhold Chemicals, Inc. (Tacoma);
Studio portrait Murray Morgan. Murray Morgan was a very well known author, historian, journalist and educator. A native of Tacoma, he graduated from the University of Washington and Columbia University and held positions with Time Magazine, CBS World News, and the New York Herald Tribune. His books, "Skid Road" and "South on the Sound" were vibrant histories of Seattle and Tacoma. A selection of thirty years of essays can be accessed through the Murray's People segment of the Northwest Room's web page. Photograph ordered by Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan and used in a small TNT ad on 2-29-56. Mr. Morgan was a radio commentator on KMO Radio, 7:30 a.m. Mondays through Fridays, and sponsored by Pacific First Federal. (TPL-6635, TNT ad 2-29-56, D-5))
Studio portrait of author Murray Morgan, 1956. Noted historian Murray Morgan, a native of Tacoma, graduated from the University of Washington and Columbia University. He held positions with Time, CBS World News, and the New York Herald Tribune. Mr. Murray also taught journalism and Northwest history at local institutions of higher learning. His books have been translated into 15 languages. Skid Road and South on the Sound involve Seattle and Pierce County history, respectively, and The Dam was a story about the Coulee Dam. A selection of his essays can be accessed through the Murray's People segment of the Northwest Room's web page. Mr. Morgan passed away in 2000. TPL-9817
Music was an important part of Lincoln High School in the 1950's. Their orchestra, under the direction of Robert Dezell, was considered one of the finest high school orchestras in the state. Musicians kept busy with many appearances locally, including the Western Washington Fair, Mid-Winter and Spring concerts, and participating in junior high school Christmas Vespers. In addition, 26 orchestral members were selected to join the Puget Sound Festival Orchestra. View of orchestra on stage at Lincoln High School; names of individuals are listed in the 1956 Lincolnian yearbook, p. 83. Photograph ordered by the Lincolnian yearbook. TPL-8135
Orchestras--Tacoma--1950-1960; Youth orchestras--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lincoln High School (Tacoma);
ca. 1956. This venerable building at the corner of 11th and Pacific was constructed in 1891 as the home of the Merchants National Bank. Proctor & Dennis were the architects with Barrett & Herold, contractors. It was of Romanesque architecture, using stone and brick with Roman arches. In 1897, the name was changed to the Equitable Building, to reflect occupancy of the Equitable Life Assurance Society. In later years, the Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association moved in and made many renovations, including the first escalator in Tacoma, and the first revolving clock of its kind on the Pacific Coast. Earthquake damage in April, 1949, necessitated the removal of the cornice. The massive structure had entrances on both Pacific and South 11th St. View of Pacific First Federal Building was probably taken in 1956. TPL-5667
Pacific First Federal Building (Tacoma); Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
The Lowell Elementary School PTA sponsored a variety show on February 29, 1956. Two of the acts that evening were a barbershop quartet featuring (l to r) Loren Baker, Phil Jones, Leroy Baldwin and Clarence Monson, the school's principal; and dancer Millicent Bulatao from the College of Puget Sound. Miss Bulatao, who looks a bit bewildered by the quartet's harmonies, dressed in Hawaiian attire and a lei to perform several hulas. Proceeds from the variety show and bake sale went toward purchasing equipment for the school. Photograph ordered by Lowell PTA. (TNT 2-28-56, p. 12) TPL-9879
Snow scenes. Snow softly drapes the landscape on a wintery day in February, 1956. The trees to the foreground are completely covered with a coating of snow, which also lays a glimmering carpet on the surrounding groundcover. The buildings and monument in the background jut bleakly into the gray skies. This photograph commissioned by the Richards Studio has been identified as being taken from the north side of Watkins Field on Fort Lewis. The monument is the 91st Division WWI monument and the buildings in the rear are senior officer housing.
Snow; Winter; Fort Lewis (Wash.); Military facilities--Wash.;
An additional view of the large, modern kitchen of Dr. J.W. Gullikson's residence on Gravelly Lake Drive in Lakewood was taken on February 7, 1956. The kitchen was well equipped with plenty of storage and counter space. The General Electric refrigerator and dishwasher join the other G.E. appliances. Counter tops with additional small open shelves on the ends were very popular in the 1950's. Photograph ordered by Streamer Link System.
Gullikson, John W.--Homes & haunts; Kitchens--Lakewood--1950-1960; Streamer Link System (Tacoma);
ca. 1956. College students enjoy some downtime during their busy day by chatting with friends, contemplating a roaring fire, or merely reading. The modernistic lobby contains contemporary curved sofas and chairs. During the day, the large windows would permit plenty of sunshine into the room; at night, large light fixtures would provide lumination. This early 1956 photograph was taken on the campus of Pacific Lutheran College in the new College Union Building, the center of student activity. The College Union Building would also contain a large recreation room with ping pong and pool tables, book store, post office, snack bar, yearbook and student council offices. Photograph ordered by Pacific Lutheran College. (1956 Saga, p. 1, TNT 2-5-56, B-7) TPL-9350
Students--Parkland--1950-1960; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;
ca. 1956. These young ladies and gentlemen are preparing for an elegant evening out on the campus of Pacific Lutheran College in January, 1956. One girl checks her bag to make sure it contains all she needs for the evening while a young man reads a copy of the News Tribune while he awaits his date. Two couples appear to be enjoying a casual conversation. This is probably the foyer of the College Union Building which had recently been completed and would be dedicated in February, 1956. Photograph ordered by Pacific Lutheran College. (TNT 2-5-56, B-7)
Students--Parkland--1950-1960; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;
ca. 1956. The college bookstore was an integral part of college life. Here a student could purchase books and materials necessary for courses plus "fun" items such as sweatshirts, jackets, and pennants bearing the school's name. Even toys like stuffed dogs could be ordered and paid for. The Pacific Lutheran College self-service bookstore was located in the new College Union Building recently completed in early 1956. Items were neatly displayed making it easy to locate necessary merchandise. Store hours were adjusted to suit the needs of its clientele; in this January, 1956, photograph, the store was open in the evenings past 6 o'clock. All furnishings were custom built. Photograph ordered by Pacific Lutheran College. (TNT 2-5-56, B-7) TPL-9351
Students--Parkland--1950-1960; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Bookstores--Parkland--1950-1960;
Three hundred participants in the ninth annual Northwest Young Buddhist League Convention posed for a group picture in front of the Tacoma Hongwanji Buddhist Church at 1717 Fawcett Avenue on February 19, 1956. The three-day conference was coming to a close. Seated in front row of the mostly Japanese-American gathering, wearing black robes and sashes, were nine Buddhist ministers including Sunya Pratt, the first woman to be ordained a Buddhist priest in the United States. The Tacoma Hongwanji Church had been established in 1915 and its present temple, still in operation, was built in 1930. The temple is on the Tacoma City Register of historic buildings. (Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Young Buddhist Association.) TPL-3691
Tacoma Hongwanji Buddhist Church (Tacoma); Group portraits;
ca. 1956. Copy portrait of Co-Host Hugh Downs of NBC-TV's "Home, " possibly taken in 1956. Ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association; the "Home" program in 1956 gave their viewers ideas on how to best utilize the affordable fir plywood in built-ins, outdoor furniture and decorations. Starting off his career as a radio announcer, Mr. Downs would go on to further television renown on Jack Paar's Tonight Show before hosting Concentration, the Today show, and 20/20. ALBUM 7.
Photo series of Eric O. Brown, district manager for the Pacific Telegraph and Telephone Co. The Brown family prepares to depart on a fishing trip. Mr. Brown loads the Evinrude outboard into the family station wagon, while his wife Dorothy and son and daughter prepare to stow the net, rod and tackle box. The Brown's modern English home was constructed in 1927 and designed by Heath, Gove and Bell, Architects.
Brown, Eric O.--Homes & haunts; Brown, Eric O.--Family; Brown, Eric O.; Brown, Dorothy; Fishing--Tacoma; Fishing & hunting gear; Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma)--Employees--1950-1960;
Photo series of Eric O. Brown, district manager for the Pacific Telegraph and Telephone Co. Eric Brown and an unidentified man stand in front of a telephone arrangement with two large bells. Above the phone is a framed picture of McNeil Island in 1948. McNeil was the site of the federal penitentiary, located in the south end of Carr Inlet. This picture was possibly taken on the island.
Brown, Eric O.; Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma)--Employees--1950-1960;
Photo series of Eric O. Brown, district manager for the Pacific Telegraph and Telephone Co. Mr. Brown (right) and Warden David M. Heritage stroll in front of the prison facilities at McNeil Island in March of 1956. Warden Heritage was appointed in February of 1955 to replace Fred Wilkinson. He took over McNeil when it had a peak population of 1,350 inmates and tightened up application of rules and regimen. He also supported a number of improvements in prisoner living conditions and educational and therapeutic programs. In 1960, Warden Heritage left for a similar position in Atlanta. (Keve: the McNeil Century, p. 204-07) (Additional identification provided by a reader)
Brown, Eric O.; Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma)--Employees--1950-1960; Heritage, David M.; Prisons --McNeil Island; McNeil Island Corrections Center (McNeil Island);
Eric O. Brown, district manager for the Pacific Telegraph and Telephone Co., waits on Steilacoom dock for a ride to McNeil Island aboard the "Captain Conner," one of McNeil Island penitentiary's private vessels, in March of 1956. At that time McNeil Island was a federal prison. Then, as now, it could only be reached by a 20-minute boat ride. It is the last prison in North America located on an island accessible only by boat. Small vessels like the "Captain Conner," which could carry 57 passengers, were used to transport visitors and inmates to the island. (Additional information provided by a reader)
Brown, Eric O.; Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma)--Employees--1950-1960; Prisons --McNeil Island; McNeil Island Corrections Center (McNeil Island); Boats--Tacoma;
