Publicity for Community Chest. Phil Brown at Standard Brands - 1308 South K. Mr. Philip S. Brown had accepted the chairmanship of the district payrolls division for the upcoming fund raising campaign, October 15-30, 1942. (T.Times 8/4/1942, pg. 2) (Corrected identification provided by a reader)

Brown, Philip S.; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Standard Brands, Inc. (Tacoma);

Reopening of Central Cafe, for Nick A. (Vic) Zvolis. The "Sagebrush Racketeers," two men and two women in Western outfits, with a guitar and a bass, on stage. "Kitty" box for tips at right.

Central Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950;

After wedding portrait of Catherine Norton Chambers and Lt. Ridgeway Foust. The happy couple pose inside a home, in front of the fireplace.

Chambers, Catherine Norton--Marriage; Foust, Ridgeway; Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950;

After wedding portrait of Catherine Norton Chambers and Lt. Ridgeway Foust. The wedding party poses in what appears to be a residential area. The bride and her attendant are in floor length formal wedding garb, the men are in uniform.

Chambers, Catherine Norton--Marriage; Foust, Ridgeway; Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950;

October 15-30, 1942 was the fund raising campaign for Tacoma's War Chest. The War Chest was a branch of the Community Chest that specifically funded wartime charities, such as the USO and refugee relief groups. Part of the publicity for the upcoming drive was a play that emphasized that volunteers would be going to homes and businesses to collect donations and pledges for the drive.The campaign was very successful, it went over the top of the goal at $369,822, two days before the end of the drive.

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Publicity for Community Chest. A group of teachers gathers at a table in the Tacoma Community Chest office, Room 409, Provident Building. This group of educators had recently been appointed to a committee formed to educate Tacoma students about the War Chest and its goals. Pictured, left to right, are Frank Gorow, Miss Lola E. Friars, Miss Mary T. Pakenham, Mrs. Myrtle MacLennan and Mrs. M.D. (Blanche) Wilkinson. (TNT 8/13/1942 p.9)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma); Teachers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gorow, Frank; Pakenham, Mary; MacLennan, Myrtle; Friars, Lola; Wilkinson, Blanche;

In October of 1942, the children of the Ling family heard that there was a key to the city and came up with a great idea for the local "Keys to Victory" key collection drive. Ling Shun Chow (left), age 10, and Ling Jing Nge, seven, watch as Ling Shun Hung, eight, tries to put the mayor's mammoth key into a collection can held by Mayor Harry Cain. The "Key Kans" were placed all over the city for people to deposit unneeded housekeys. Most keys were made of high grade metal, mostly nickel, that was needed for war materials. The youngsters were the children of Ling Yu Nan, a local medicine manufacturer.(T. Times 10-09-1942 p.2)

Chinese Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Chinese American families--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Scrap drives--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979;

An unidentified woman is pictured on the phone, spreading the word about "War Chest," a very live and voluble duck used in the October 1942 fund raising campaign to help the participants work a little harder. "War Chest" was awarded to the individual raising the least amount of money. He was required to feed and care for the duck until he improved his financial position and then pass the duck on to the next low man. Most workers spent the two weeks of the campaign trying to "duck the duck."

Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ducks;

On October 20, 1942, a quintet of African American singers from Fort Lewis provided the entertainment at the War Chest report luncheon. The men harmonized on spirituals. The musical group was composed of, in no particular order, Pvt. Chester Crowell, Pfc. Henry Graham, Pvt. Scott Blackshear, Pvt. Matthew Harris and Pfc. Theodore Scott. We have been unable to determine the significance of their identical hand gestures and would appreciate any information available from our readers. (TNT 10/20/1942, pg. 1- story only)

Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma vehicle owners line up at an area high school on November 19, 1942, the last day to register in the first group for gasoline ration books. Those drivers registering at this time would receive "A" booklets, allowing them four gallons of gasoline per week. The purpose of the ration was double fold, it also cut down on the wear and tear of tires since rubber was in short supply due to the war in the Pacific.

Consumer rationing--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma;

On November 19, 1942, Lt. William Vacin of Gray Field, Fort Lewis, completed the registration forms for his gasoline ration booklet, with the aid of his wife and four year old son Billy. He was presented with an "A" decal for his vehicle by first grade teacher Ruth Erickson, right, of Lowell Elementary. The "A" decal entitled him to four gallons of gasoline a week. Prior to being called up for active duty, Lt. Vacin had operated a flight school in Enid, Oklahoma. He had been at Fort Lewis for about a month. (T.Times 11/20/1942, pg. 11)

Consumer rationing--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Vacin, William; Vacin, William--Family; Erickson, Ruth;

Home portrait of Mrs. Lindmark and family. Portrait of one of the couples pictured in D13524 image 4 group picture.

Couples--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In December of 1942, newly elected Pierce County Sheriff Lee Croft and his wife Pearl pose with one of their three children and a grandchild. The trio are photographed at the Croft Hotel, which Mr. Croft owned as well as resided there.

Croft, Lee; Croft, Pearl; Croft, Lee--Family; Sheriffs--Pierce County--1940-1950; Hotels--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hotel Croft (Tacoma);

Bing Crosby arrived at Tacoma's Union Station in August of 1942 to help out with WWII bond sales in the town of his birth. Harry Lillis Crosby was born in Tacoma in May of 1903 when his family lived at 1112 North J Street. While in town with a USO troupe to entertain the soldiers at Fort Lewis, he graciously agreed to headline a show on August 6th at 12 noon at the Liberty Center in an effort to promote bond sales. The Paramount Studios star sang a number of popular songs. Also appearing were Hollywood comedians Phil Silvers and Rags Ragland. The Tacoma local of the Boilermakers union were noted as buying $50,000 worth of war bonds. (T. Times 8-5-42, p. 1; T. Times 8-6-42, p. 1-article)

Crosby, Bing; Singers; Entertainers; Celebrities--Tacoma; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma;

Chin Sang, attired in a brilliant native costume, performed a ribbon dance at the Liberty Center for the War Chest's opening program on October 8, 1942. The 20 foot ribbon was replaced in a later dance by swords. (T.Times 10-09-1942 p.1)

Dancers--Chinese--1940-1950; Clothing & dress--Chinese

On October 9, 1942, Chin Sang , attired in a brilliantly colored Chinese costume, performed a traditional ribbon dance as part of Tacoma's first War Chest program. It was China's Day at Liberty Center, 1000 Pacific Avenue. A medium-sized crowd watched and listened to a group of Chinese singers and dancers, accompanied by a Chinese orchestra. They also heard a stirring speech by Dr. Kalfred Dip Lung, commissioner of overseas affairs for China. (T.Times 10-09-1942 p.1)

Dancers--Chinese--1940-1950; Clothing & dress--Chinese;

On December 14, 1942, members of the Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 completed the last step of their year long service project. They were boxing up gifts at the home of Mrs. Warren Gilman for shipment to the Shriners Hospitals in Spokane and Salt Lake City. Clubwomen are, left to right, Victoria (Mrs. John) Ismay, Mrs. Katherine Neff, Avis (Mrs. Warren) Gilman, Mrs. Alexander White and Lou (Mrs. E.J.) Doherty. All year the women made and collected toys, quilts, dresses, bibs and other gifts to send to the Shriners Hospital for crippled children. (T.Times 12/21/1942, pg. 8)

Daughters of the Nile Zora Temple No. 5 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ismay, Victoria; Neff, Katherine; Gilman, Avis; Doherty, Lou; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On July 13, 1942, members of the Delta Theta sorority, left to right, Jeanne Johnson, Doris Nelson, Dee Whitham and Kathryn McDonald, have gathered to plan their upcoming dance at the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club. The dance will have a nautical theme and benefit the Navy Relief fund. (T. Times 7/18/1942, pg. 2)

Delta Theta Sorority (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma; McDonald, Kathryn; Whitham, Dee; Johnson, Jeanne; Nelson, Doris;

Publicity for Community Chest, showing soldiers' accommodations. With the draft in effect and the increase in enlistment after Pearl Harbor, the local military bases were crowded with men in uniform. As the local "big city," Tacoma offered the weekend bright lights and entertainment. Unfortunately, Tacoma just didn't have enough rooms to house her military guests. Local churches opened their doors as weekend dormitories to the men in uniform. When that space was exhausted, some of the larger homes offered dormitory space.

Dormitories; World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma;

Studio portrait of Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Elliott. The only W.L. Elliott listed in the 1942 City Directory is Willford L. His wife's name was Bettie. Mr. Elliott was a driver for the Tacoma Transit Co.

Elliott, W.L.--Family;

On March 22, 1943, the Tacoma Civilian War Council was presented with the cash return for salvaging in Pierce County. The Salvage for Victory Committee presented them with a check for $2,000, the proceeds from Sunday sortings of 3,000 tons of scrap metal by fraternal and civic organizations. Pictured at the presentation of the check are, left to right, Joe Dightman, Rev. Harold L. Booch, C.N. Curtis, John Jacobs and Sam I. Powell. The scrap metal, any metal that was not currently being used, had been evicted from area basements, yards and homes and taken to "Scrap Iron Acres," near the Pacific Match Co., where it was sorted by type for recycling into materials of war. (T. Times 3/24/1943, pg. 2)

Scrap drives--Tacoma--1940-1950; Recycling--1940-1950; Salvaging--1940-1950;

Sea-Tac (Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation) Pipefitters, Pierce County Inter-League basketball team, another team on court. (T. Times)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma)--People; Basketball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma;

Photographs from a dinner for Charles D. Gillet, hosted by the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard. Mr. Gillet is listed in the 1942 City Directory as a "loftsman" at Sea-Tac. He and his wife Louise resided at 5112 N. 46th St. The location of the dinner party is unknown.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma)--People; Gillet, Charles D.--Celebrations;

Initiation of SeattleTacoma Shipbuilding Corporation employees at Elk's Club. Man at microphone on stage. [Also dated 03-29-1943]

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Elks Club (Tacoma);

Before a crowd of numerous friends and hundreds of spectators, Louise Shugars and James Ross, in center, became man and wife at a public ceremony held January 7, 1943 at the Eagles Hall. Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Polley served as best man and maid of honor during the ceremony performed by Judge W. A. Richmond. Both the bride and groom were active in labor circles. Mr. Ross was the business agent for the Engineers' local #606 and Mrs. Ross was active in the Cooks and Waiters local #61. James Ross was the brother of Police Chief Tom Ross. (T Times 1/8/1943, pg. 18)

Shugars, Louise--Marriage; Ross, James; Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Brides--1940-1950; Grooms (Weddings)--1940-1950; Labor leaders--Tacoma;

Canceling a concert at Tacoma's Temple Theater, Paul Robeson, singer and actor, is hospitalized for several days with laryngitis at St. Joseph's Hospital in March, 1943. To pass the time, Robeson engages in a game of chess with nurse Thressa Tien. Robeson was known for his bass-baritone voice in interpreting Negro spirituals and for the roles he played as a stage actor including "Showboat" and "All God's Chillun Got Wings." Following World War II, he became a political activist supporting socialism and black civil rights. (T. Times, 3-20-43, p. 1). ALBUM 8.

Singers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976; African Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tien, Thressa; Hospitals--Tacoma; St. Joseph's Hospital & School of Nursing (Tacoma); Chess;

Mrs. James Hayes, made up in black face, remarks in the mirror at her resemblance to the "Mammy" doll sitting on the dressing table. The dolls were made by the Spinster Club members to decorate the tables at their 5th annual Dixie Ball in May of 1943. The other two women are Katherine Foss and Penny (Mrs.H. J.) Croteau. The ball would be held at the Roof Garden at the Hotel Winthrop. The 1943 ball was a benefit for the Army/ Navy Relief Fund. (T.Times 5/5/1943,pg.4)

Spinster Club (Tacoma); Dolls; Foss, Katherine; Croteau, Penny;

In the early morning of April 23, 1943, a storm struck Tacoma doing extensive wind damage. Mrs. V. H. Jennings of 2716 No. Mason was awakened by a tree falling across her front porch. The 100 foot poplar uprooted itself during the storm, smashed a telephone pole into splinters and came to rest on the front of her home. The tree, measuring five feet through the base, had formerly grown next door to the Jennings. (T. Times 4/23/1943, pg. 1)

Storms--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jennings, V.H.--Homes & haunts;

When St. Paul and Tacoma Lumber Co. looked for a face to feature in their February 1943 advertising, they decided to use their own employee Axel Stuckrath. Mr. Stuckrath had 40 years of continuous service with the company and was a testimony to company loyalty.(T. Times 2/25/1943, pg. 26)

Stuckrath, Axel; Lumber industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Co. (Tacoma);

Group of boys at dance at Murials (spelling?). Robert S. (Bob) Sypher is standing the back row, third from left. He had enlisted in the Marine Corps on January 30, 1943, so this is possibly a goodbye party.

Sypher, Robert S.;