On February 20, 1970, several aerial photographs of North Tacoma were taken on behalf of Puget Sound National Bank. They showed the north end residential neighborhoods extending to Commencement Bay. The beautiful campus of the University of Puget Sound and adjacent Baker Stadium and Fieldhouse are located in the lower left-center. Wright Park is the large wooded area close to downtown Tacoma.

Aerial views; University of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1970-1980; Wright Park (Tacoma); Commencement Bay (Wash.);

A February, 1970, photograph taken on a sunny winter day looking north toward Commencement Bay showed the north end Stadium District. Wright Park, located around Sixth & "I," is on the right lower edge. Across the street from the park is the Greek-ionic styled First Church of Christ, Scientist. The Washington State Historical Society building, Stadium Bowl and Stadium High School are near the right upper edge. The white tower in the upper center is the Vista Manor Apartments; built in 1950, Vista Manor had some outstanding views of the bay. Next door to the Vista Manor at 409 Tacoma Ave. No. is the Central Lutheran Church. A portion of Tacoma General Hospital can be seen at the bottom of the photograph. Photograph ordered by Puget Sound National Bank.

Aerial views; Wright Park (Tacoma); First Church of Christ, Scientist (Tacoma); Stadium High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Washington State Historical Society Building (Tacoma); Vista Manor Apartments (Tacoma); Commencement Bay (Wash.);

Bellevue apartment house. This unidentified apartment house in Bellevue overlooked a tranquil body of water in March of 1970. The contemporary structure's units had balconies on al four floors. The apartments were located at 6001 - 140th N.E., Bellevue. Photograph ordered by W-O Co., Bellevue.

Apartment houses--Bellevue; Bodies of water--Bellevue;

The John S. Baker Junior High School (now Middle School) had many students interested in joining the school band. In February of 1970, the large band posed under the tall firs at the south end school located at 8320 So. I St., near So. 84th and Yakima Ave. Both boys and girls wore vests decorated with the school logo. Photograph ordered by Baker Junior High School.

Baker Junior High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma; Youth bands--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Diane Bartleson posed on January 14, 1970 for an early publicity picture to advertise the Tacoma Home Show which was scheduled to be held at the Puget Sound Fieldhouse in the spring. She is surrounded by bathroom fixtures from "Bathroom Elegance" by Allison. Mrs. Bartleson was the first 2-time holder of the Tacoma Home Show title; as Diane Marshall, she was also the queen in 1965. By 1970 Diane, a 1963 Stadium High School graduate, was married with a son, Davy. The six-day annual exhibition of new home trends, including 150 displays, was to be held March 31- April 5, 1970. Consumers were urged to "spring into the Seventies" by viewing products and features especially geared toward the new decade. (Photograph ordered by the Home Builders Association of Greater Tacoma.) (TNT 1-18-70, A-23; TNT 3-8-70, B-15, TNT 3-15-70, D-7)

Bathrooms--Tacoma; Bathroom Elegance by Allison (Tacoma); Bartleson, Diane; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Bon Marche in 1970. This is believed to be the first floor (mall level) of the Bon Marche, located in the Tacoma Mall. Sturdy columns are interspersed on the floor, separating various departmental merchandise. The showcases in the foreground tastefully display well-known cosmetic manufacturers' products. Women's shoes and stockings are on separate tables. Aisles were constructed wide so that people could walk through easily without bumping into cases/tables or one another. The Bon Marche was the first occupant of the Tacoma Mall, opening for business in 1964 months before other stores. Althought the Bon started as a local business, it became part of a national concern, and in 2003 became known locally as Bon Macy's. By 2005 all stores were just called Macy's. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche.

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Exterior view of Pennwalt Corp. Formerly known as Pennsalt, the chemical producing company was located on 40 acres of land adjacent to the Hylebos Waterway. This view on December 26, 1969, shows one of the large piles of salt used by Pennwalt in daily operations. Doing business in Tacoma since 1929, Pennwalt had originally specialized in caustic soda and liquid chlorine for sale to the Pacific Northwest's pulp and paper industry before diversifying. Photograph ordered by Pennwalt Corp.

Chemical industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Co. of Washington (Tacoma); Pennwalt Corp. (Tacoma);

Ben Cheney (r) happily received a check for $500 written on a wooden baseball bat from two Cheney Studs "alumni," who had benefited from Mr. Cheney's generosity during their boyhood sports careers. In appreciation, a check was issued dated 11-29-69 payable to Mr. Cheney for use in the Ben Cheney Scholarship Fund. Monte Geiger (far left) and Paul Tomlinson of the newly formed Cheney Studs Alumni Association participated in the presentation. In May, $500 would be presented to a graduating high school senior or college senior who played for the Studs. It was the second scholarship awarded in Mr. Cheney's name. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co. (TNT 12-17-69, C-13)

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Geiger, Monte; Tomlinson, Paul; Sporting goods; Checks;

Four officials of the Chrysanthemum Growers Assn. of Tacoma pose behind a beautiful row of 'mums at the home of Wifred Sargeant, 1114 E. 31st St., on October 1, 1969. Mr. Sargeant is standing second from the left flanked by Harold Evans and Ken Ferguson. The man farthest to the right is Hershell Guinn, president of the association. Each year in October the Chrysanthemum Growers Assn. of Tacoma sponsored a show of flowers that was free to the public. "Fair is our land" would be the theme of the 22nd annual Chrysanthemum show held in Visitation Hall, So. 58th & Warner, on October 25-26th. Mr. Ferguson would be awarded "best-in-show" for his enormous white 'mum "Pamela Williams." Photograph ordered by the Chrysanthemum Growers Assn. of Tacoma. (TNT 10-23-69, A-6; TNT 10-26-69, C-22; TNT 10-27-69, p. 2)

Chrysanthemums--Tacoma; Evans, Harold; Sargeant, Wilfred; Ferguson, Ken; Guinn, Hershell;

A large wooden crate marked "447" is being carefully hoisted by a worker in a Clark equipment unit on March 7, 1970. There are three layers of crates stacked in this unidentified warehouse with at least one more mountain of crates in the background. Photograph ordered by Pacific Storage, Inc.

Crates; Shipping; Hoisting machinery; Warehouses;

Three dancers and children. Three tiny tots sit on the laps of three women on the Opera Room stage at Steve's Gay '90s in October of 1969. Each little girl is dressed identically to the woman holding her. The three women are believed to be former dancers at Steve's, including the Mernaugh sisters, Connie (now Moisio) and Callie (now Sternio), and Hazel Gjerde (now Cooper), who were one of the first can-can trios at the family-oriented restaurant. Steve's was celebrating its 20th anniversary with a reunion of many old-time entertainers, including the Mernaughs and Hazel Gjerde. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT ad 10-17-69, p. 10; TNT 10-17-69, p. 12)

Dancers--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Girls--Tacoma--1960-1970; Costumes; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma);

A little blond, blue-eyed boy holds his book tightly against his body as he smiles for the Richards photographer on October 29, 1969. The 2 1/2 year old was having his picture taken at the residence of Ben Drew, Jr., 7113 Citrine Lane S.W. in the Oakbrook community of Lakewood. The child is dressed in a blue, red and green outfit with white sleeves. Seated in a small child-sized captain's chair, his legs do not quite touch the table top. Color photograph ordered by Mrs. Ben Drew, Jr.

Drew, Ben--Homes & haunts; Boys--Lakewood; Books; Children--Clothing & dress--Lakewood--1960-1970;

Molten liquid is being poured into molds at Fick Foundry, 1005 East D Street, in October of 1969. In business since 1924, Fick Foundry were producers of "quality static and centrifugal castings in most ferrous metals, and close tolerance aluminum centrifugal castings." The company had suffered through three major fires and was rebuilt each time. It would finally close in the late 1980's. Photograph ordered by Winston Fournier & Associates, Dallas.

Fick Foundry Co. (Tacoma); Foundries--Tacoma--1960-1970; Founding--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hoisting machinery;

Actor John Forsythe in conversation with an unidentified man during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. Mr. Forsythe's film, "Topaz," was being shown that evening and he was present to greet his fans. Mr. Forsythe has had a long career on Broadway, in motion pictures and on television. He has starred in television's "Bachelor Father," "World of Survival," and "Dynasty." ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila);

Actor John Forsythe escorts a young woman during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. The young lady and the young man accompanying her are dressed in prom fashion; she has a large corsage, elbow-length gloves and evening gown. Mr. Forsythe was in town to greet his fans at the showing of "Topaz," where he appeared as a CIA agent. TPL-6527 ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila); Clothing & dress--Tukwila--1970-1980;

Kiyonaga funeral. 44-year-old Masumi Kiyonaga, chief officer of the MS Toten Maru, was killed when pinned by a 30-foot pontoon he was trying to fasten to the hatch on rough seas between San Francisco and Tacoma. It was the Toten Maru's maiden voyage from Japan. The ship arrived in Tacoma on November 6, 1969, and funeral services for Mr. Kiyonaga were held at the Tacoma Buddhist Church the following day. Members of the crew, church members and Rev. Shoki Mohri posed for a funeral portrait in front of the church at 1717 Fawcett Ave. A framed photograph of the ship's officer and an urn containing his ashes are being held by members of the funeral group. Photograph ordered by P. H. Esshom, district operations manager of General Steamship Co., Seattle.

Funeral rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1960-1970; Kiyonaga, Masumi--Associated objects; Tacoma Hongwanji Buddhist Church (Tacoma); Mohri, Shoki; Clergy--Tacoma--1960-1970;

View of the Grand Rapids' stern taken on March 3, 1970. Tacoma Boatbuilding was nearing an end to the 12-boat contract with the Navy to build aluminum gunboats for the US Navy. The Grand Rapids would be launched on April 4, 1970, with then-House Minority Leader and future President Gerald R. Ford and family in attendance. The Grand Rapids, the second ship of that name in the Navy, was named for the city in Michigan, the hometown of Gerald Ford. She would be commissioned five months later in September, 1970, and decommissioned in 1977. (www.navsource.org/archives; Marine Digest, April 11, 1970) Photograph ordered by US Steel.

Gunboats--United States; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Hercules, Inc. Northeast view of Hercules, Inc., adhesives and resins manufacturer, located at 1754 Thorne Rd. in Tacoma's Tideflats area. The plant itself was located at 1745 Thorne. According to the 1970 City Directory, Ben E. Adams was the district sales manager. Color photograph ordered by Hercules, Inc.

Hercules, Inc. (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1970-1980;

September Song model home. The "September Song" was one of a new line of lower priced homes built by Evergreen State Builders in the new Lacey-area Travera community in 1969. It, along with "April Love" and "Junebug," would be open for inspection the last weekend in September with the official opening of Travera. "September Song" appeared to be a one-and-one half story wood framed building with stone accents; it was designed by architect W.A. Wollander to contain a two-car attached garage and a mansard roof. Prices for the new Evergreen State Builders homes in Travera started at $16,950. Photograph ordered by Evergreen State Builders. (TNT 9-28-69, B-5)

Houses--Lacey; Model houses--Lacey;

Building dedication. With a snip of the giant silvered scissors, Tacoma Mayor-elect Gordon Johnston officially dedicated the Tacoma Mall Office Building on December 12, 1969. The 2.7 million dollar structure was designed by Olympia architects Bennett & Johnson to be soundproof and built of reinforced concrete. Although December 12th was the official building dedication, it had actually already been open for several months. Also present for the dedication were two of the four owners of the building : Joseph A. Price and Mr. and Mrs. John S. Leavitt; Brig. Gen. (Ret) R.L. Scott, J. Henry Helser and Lloyd Beauleaurier, manager of the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. After speeches and champagne, the group toured the building's offices. Photograph ordered by Center Offices, Inc. (TNT 12-13-69, p. 28 - article)

Johnston, Gordon N.; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Building dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Mall Office Building (Tacoma); Scissors & shears;

Official city portrait of Tacoma Mayor Gordon N. Johnston during his first term of office. Mr. Johnston would serve as mayor from 1970-1978. He had defeated incumbent A.L. Rasmussen on November 4, 1969, by 440 votes. ALBUM 14.

Johnston, Gordon N.; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Studio portrait of Tacoma Mayor Gordon N. Johnston. Mr. Johnston, an architect, member of the City Planning Commission, and former master sergeant during WWII, defeated incumbent A.L. Rasmussen in the very close November, 1969, general elections. This was Mr. Johnston's first bid in politics. Gordon Johnston took the oath of office on January 12, 1970, becoming Tacoma's 28th mayor. He would subsequently win re-election. Mr. Johnston passed away on March 6, 2006. Photograph ordered by the City of Tacoma.

Johnston, Gordon N.; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Pierce County Democratic Party banquet. State Senator Martin Durkan of Issaquah at podium; Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston is third from right in photo; State Insurance Commissioner Karl Hermann, fifth from right. Large photos on wall of US Senator Warren G. Magnuson (L) and Congressman Floyd V. Hicks (R). Nearly 700 people attended the $12.50 plate fundraiser for the annual Jefferson-Jackson Day at the Fellowship Hall on April 10, 1970. Commissioner Hermann, featured speaker, indicated that price controls and rationing were better methods to control inflation than the Nixon course of unemployment. (TNT 4-10-70, A-2-article; TNT 4-11-70, p.3-article) ALBUM 14.

Johnston, Gordon N.; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Durkan, Martin; Hermann, Karl; Banquets--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Tacoma hosted the state lodge and temple convention of the Knights of Pythias fraternal organization which opened on Sunday, October 5, 1969, at the Winthrop Hotel. Eight unidentified lodge members posed on October 6th on the rooftop of the Winthrop. Three of the men are wearing special ornate medallions. The Tacoma Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7, joined members of the Washington Temple and Tacoma Temple, Pythian Sisters at the convention. National Chancellor Commander Otto R. Shuman was the honored guest of the Commencement Lodge. Photograph ordered by the Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7. (TNT 10-3-69, A-14- article)

Knights of Pythias, Commencement Lodge #7 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Meetings--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Chief Henry Sicade Orthopedic Guild. Four members of the guild display handmade toys at the home of Mrs. Jim Koch, 2508 Berry Lane E., Fife, on November 13, 1969. The Chief Henry Sicade Orthopedic Guild, a member of the Tacoma Orthopedic Association, would be presenting the 14th annual guild fashion show, this year entitled "Winter Wonderland," where handcrafted holiday fashions would be on display. Christmas bazaar items would also be on sale. The event would take place at the Fife High School auditorium with all proceeds earmarked for the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. From L-R are bazaar chairman Mrs. William Merrill; guild president Mrs. David Hall; show co-chairmen Mrs. William Shilling and Mrs. L.M. Koch. (TNT 11-30-69, E-5)

Koch, Jim--Homes & haunts; Tacoma Orthopedic Association, Chief Henry Sicade Orthopedic Guild (Fife); Women--Clubs--Tacoma; Clubwomen--Fife; Toys;

Boat launching. An interested crowd watches as the 165-foot tuna seiner, the "John F. Kennedy," slides down the ways into City (now Thea Foss) Waterway on December 20, 1969. Built by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp., the ship had a 650-ton frozen fish capacity and would be delivered to Star-Kis Foods on Terminal Island, California. She was a sister ship to the "Mary Antoinette" which had already been delivered to her owners. December 20th also saw the launching of the USS Benicia gunboat by Tacoma Boatbuilding. (TNT 12-21-69, A-4) TPL-9451

Launchings--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Post-launching. The "Polaris" was successfully launched into Commencement Bay on March 7, 1970, by Mrs. Joseph A. Gann, wife of the ship's co-owner. The Gann family watched as the 165-foot "Polaris" slid down the ways from Martinac Shipbuilding facilities. The "Polaris" had a 650-ton frozen fish capacity and was owned by Joseph and Edmund Gann of San Diego. This would be one of three fishing boats built by Martinac Shipbuilding for the Gann brothers and was expected to be delivered in May. The "Polaris" was destined for fishing operations in South America and Africa. Photograph ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 3-8-70, C-23- article) TPL-9453

Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1970-1980; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

The 20th annual missionary conference of the First Presbyterian Church would be held October 5-12, 1969. In keeping with the current space age theme, church members hold signs "lift-off for Missions" asking for prayers and donations. A giant cut-out of the earth with a wooden cross serves as a reminder of Christianity's influence on the world. The public would be invited to a tea honoring participating missionaries on October 9, 1969. Making plans for the tea were: (l-r) music chairman Mrs. James Klouse, Weyer Guild president Mrs. Cecil Meyers, Mrs. Albert J. Lindsey, wife of First Presbyterian's pastor, and president of the Women's Assn., Mrs. Harold Pratt. Photograph ordered by First Presbyterian Church. (TNT 10-5-69, E-3)

Lindsey, Bernice; Klouse, James--Family; Meyers, Cecil--Family; Pratt, Harold--Family; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Christianity--Tacoma;

The Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc. each year sponsored a Christmas party for underprivileged children. Donations were requested from the general public to help make Christmas a happier time for low-income children. Two little children from the day care center at St. John Baptist Church demonstrate how to deposit donations into specially crafted mailboxes while a young lady displays an unfilled pledge card. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma-Pierce County Opportunity & Development, Inc.

Mailboxes--Tacoma; Correspondence; Fund raising--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Studio set-up watch band calendars. For $1.50, your wristwatch could also have a "Dater" inserted in the watch band providing a 12-month calendar display. The watch band calendar was reversible - gold on one side and silver on the other and Sundays and holidays were clearly marked in bright red. The watch band calendar set was packaged in small clear boxes. Photograph ordered by Coast Calendar Co.

Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Calendars;