Snapshot color photograph of Mayor Gordon N. Johnston (center) flanked by (then) House Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford (left) and former mayor Harold M. Tollefson. Mr. Ford was in town for the April 4, 1970, launching of the "Grand Rapids," a Navy gunboat built by Tacoma Boatbuilding and named for Mr. Ford's hometown.
Johnston, Gordon N.; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Ford, Gerald R.; Politicians--Tacoma;
House Minority Leader and future President Gerald R. Ford with daughter Susan, age 12, and wife Betty attend launching of Navy gunboat "USS Grand Rapids" at Tacoma Boatbuilding Co. The ship was named for Ford's hometown in Michigan. Susan christened the PG-98 with a bottle of champagne. Standing next to Susan is believed to be Mrs. Walter Norblad of Slayton, Oregon. She was the widow of the former Oregon congressman and Susan's godmother. ALBUM 1. (TNT 4-5-70, A-1article )
Susan Ford, age 12, daughter of House Minority Leader and future President Gerald Ford, with flowers and bunting-wrapped champagne bottle with which she will christen the Navy gunboat "USS Grand Rapids" at Tacoma Boatbuilding Co. on April 4, 1970. She is wearing a bright red and white dotted dress under a white wool coat. Susan is the youngest of the Ford's four children and the only daughter. (Color image) ALBUM 1. (TNT 4-5-70, A-1)
Ford, Susan; Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Gunboats--United States; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Roses--Tacoma;
Post-launching. The "Grand Rapids" rests alongside Tacoma Boatbuilding's Marine View Dr. facilities after a successful launching on April 4, 1970. The gunboat was named for the hometown of House Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford; Mr. Ford and his family were in attendance at the launching ceremonies. The PG 98 would be commissioned on September 5, 1970. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding.
Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Gunboats--United States; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);
Launching. The crowd at Tacoma Boatbuilding's Marine View Dr. facility has just watched the "Grand Rapids" slide gracefully down the ways on April 4, 1970. The ship was the 11th of 12 gunboats built under contract for the US Navy. House Minority Leader and future president Gerald R. Ford and family were on hand for the festivities as the vessel was named after the Fords' home town in Michigan.
Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Gunboats--United States; Crowds--Tacoma; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);
Susan Ford, age 12, daughter of House Minority Leader and future President Gerald Ford, brandishes a bunting-wrapped champagne bottle with which she will christen the gunboat "USS Grand Rapids" at Tacoma Boatbuilding Co. on April 4, 1970. A Navy officer holds a bouquet of roses which will be presented to the young sponsor. (Color image) ALBUM 1. (TNT 4-5-70, A-1)
Ford, Susan; Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Gunboats--United States; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Roses--Tacoma;
12-year-old Susan Ford, daughter of future President Gerald and Betty Ford, poses in front of PG-98, the USS Grand Rapids, which she christened on April 4, 1970. The gunboat was built by Tacoma Boatbuilding Co. Susan was the ship's sponsor and is holding the traditional bouquet of long stemmed red roses. ALBUM 1. (TNT 4-5-70, A-1- article)
Ford, Susan; Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Gunboats--United States; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Roses--Tacoma;
Two Turner Towing trucks are parked on the company's lot in the 2600 block of Pacific Avenue in April of 1970. Both Kenworth trucks have the company logo, a dragon ("drag-in"), painted on the driver's door. One truck is familiarly dubbed "Little Audrey." Photograph ordered by Pacific Northwest Bell, Seattle, for use in a yellow pages ad.
Actor John Forsythe shakes hands with a young woman during grand opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. Mr. Forsythe was present to greet his fans and address the audience from the stage. His film, "Topaz," was the first film shown at the new theater. It was directed by Alfred Hitchcock and based on the Leon Uris spy novel. ALBUM 7.
Opening night for the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. Building lit up with personal appearance by actor John Forsythe highlighted on marquee. Cars fill the parking lot as moviegoers are attracted both to the appearance of Mr. Forsythe and his film, the Alfred Hitchcock production, "Topaz." The exterior of the building, with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, resembles that of the Tacoma Mall Theater, which had opened just two years before. TPL-6196
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.
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.
Actor John Forsythe on stage during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. Hands in pocket, Mr. Forsythe addresses the crowd attending "Topaz," an Alfred Hitchcock-directed spy film which also starred Philippe Noiret and Michel Piccoli. He eventually became best known for his work in television on "Bachelor Father" and the unseen, uncredited Charlie on "Charlie's Angels." ALBUM 7.
Actor John Forsythe signs an autograph during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. Moviegoers are dressed in their best for the theater premiere. Mr. Forsythe's film, "Topaz," was the first film shown at the new theater located in Tukwila. ALBUM 7.
Actor John Forsythe with two men during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. Mr. Forysthe, on the far right, grasps the arm of an unidentified man as he stolls down the aisle of the new Southcenter Theatre. His film, "Topaz," would be the first movie shown in the new theater. It was directed by Alfred Hitchcock and was one of his two "cold-war" themed motion pictures. ALBUM 7.
Actor John Forsythe on stage during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. The theater, with one of the nation's last mammoth screens, has since been demolished. Mr. Forsythe had made a special appearance at the Tukwila theater to promote his new film, "Topaz." ALBUM 7.
Actor John Forsythe on stage during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. His film, "Topaz," was the first film shown at the theater. It was directed by Alfred Hitchcock and also starred Philippe Noiret and Michel Piccoli. Based on the complex Leon Uris spy novel, Mr. Forsythe played a CIA agent who uncovers Soviet plans to place missiles in Cuba. Mr. Forsythe was perhaps better known in later years as a television star, appearing in "Bachelor Father," the unseen Charlie in "Charlie's Angels," and as oil tycoon Blake Carrington in "Dynasty." ALBUM 7.
Actor John Forsythe on stage during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre April 1, 1970. His name was prominently displayed on the theater's marquee as the star of the Alfred Hitchcock film, "Topaz." Motion picture stars at that time still made personal appearances, when requested, at theater openings. Tippi Hedren and Troy Donahue were among many stars who were invited to the grand opening of the Tacoma Mall Theater in 1968. ALBUM 7.
Guests at Southcenter Theatre. These three men may have been guests at the special V.I.P. night held just before the 1970 grand opening of the Southcenter Theatre in Tukwila. The actual grand opening was on April 1, 1970, with a guest appearance by actor John Forsythe, in town to promote his new film, "Topaz," which had the honor of being the first film shown in the new theater. Two of the men are unidentified; the third (extreme right) is Michael R. Forman. Mr. Forman is associated with Forman United Theaters, owners of the new theater, and also owners of the Tacoma Mall Theater. Photograph ordered by Southcenter Theatre.
Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila); Forman, Michael R.;
Mrs. Tacoma Home Show, Diane Bartleson, assists Tacoma Mayor Gordon N. Johnston and his wife Esther in officially opening the 1970 Tacoma Home Show on March 31, 1970. Unfortunately, Mayor Johnston could not linger to view the 150 displays at the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse; he had to leave to attend a City Council meeting. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune. (TNT 4-1-70, D-16)
Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Bartleson, Diane; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Esther;
Southcenter Theatre. Performing at Southcenter Theatre's V.I.P night were the Taylor Sheppard band. Pictured in the spacious lobby of the new theater was the five-piece band. The Southcenter Theatre would celebrate its grand opening on April 1st; the evening before was set aside for a special V.I.P. night by invitation only. Photograph ordered by Southcenter Theatre.
Empty classroom- Purdy Elementary School. Purdy Elementary was constructed in 1970 and opened in 1971. This appears to be a 4th grade classroom with the teacher's desk angled to face the student tables. There are no traditional student desks in this room as rectangular tables instead are spaced widely apart. Information on primitive man and a globe are located on a table next to the teacher's desk. According to the school's website, four portables, located near Peninsula High School, were used for a year before the school actually opened. It is unclear whether the picture above was taken in one of the portables; it does have paneled walls, bright lighting, and no windows visible. Photograph ordered by Northwest Homes of Chehalis, Chehalis, WA. (www.peninsula.wednet.edu/school/purdy)
Purdy Elementary School (Gig Harbor); Public schools--Gig Harbor; Classrooms--Gig Harbor;
Tacoma Primrose Society. Four Tacoma Primrose Society officials pose with colorful examples of their favorite flower on March 31, 1970. The society would be sponsoring their annual "Breath of Spring" show on April 11-12, 1970, at the Villa Plaza's Bank of Washington. Admission would be free. From L-R are: vice-president Mrs. Frank L. Springer; president Fred Clarke; show chairman Mrs. Herbert Dickson; and treasurer Hunter Carr. (TNT 4-8-70, B-2)
Tacoma Primrose Society (Tacoma); Flower shows--Lakewood; Springer, Frank L.--Family; Clarke, Fred; Dickson, Herbert--Family; Carr, Hunter;
Modular home display. This is the assembled modular home, "MODS," with landscaping located at the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse parking lot in time for the 1970 Tacoma Home Show. For the first time in 24 years, there would be two model homes located in the parking lot; both of them were modular homes manufactured by St. Regis Paper Co. The home was divided into three sections and trucked in to be assembled. St. Regis wanted the buying public to see that low-cost modular homes could be very attractive and affordable. Photograph ordered by St. Regis Paper Co.
St. Regis Paper Co. (Tacoma)--1970-1980; Prefabricated houses;
Gingko model home. The "Gingko" was one of two model homes built on permanent sites for the 1970 Tacoma Home Show. Located in the Forest Green housing development southeast of Puyallup, the "Gingko" was built by Crest Builders, Inc. With a pricetag of $18, 150, the "Gingko" was designed for young families. Nestled low on a wooded lot with plenty of beauty bark spread among the plantings, the attractive two-bedroom one-story home with attached garage utilitzed rough-sawn siding, black roof and trim, tangerine vertical uprights and a green front entry door. A green belt bordered each homesite in Forest Green and utilities were placed underground so that natural settings were undisturbed. Forest Green tied its grand opening to the Tacoma Home Show so that prospective buyers could inspect the "Gingko" model home and other homes for sale in the area. Color photograph ordered by the Home Builders Association of Greater Tacoma. (TNT 3-22-70, D-10 - article; TNT 3-30-70, p. 26 - article; TNT 3-30-70, p. 31 - article)
Model houses--Puyallup; Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);
1970 Richards stock footage. Construction continues on the new parking garage between Pacific & Commerce as walls start to rise. A new sign now tells passersby that the garage's name will be "Park Plaza South." Once completed, the garage will be able to accommodate 381 cars. It was designed by Tacoma architects Lea, Pearson & Richards. A part of the new (National) Bank of Washington Plaza's enormous fountain is shown on the left corner; escalade leading from Pacific to Commerce is near the right edge; Stationers is near the top right.
Progress photographs; Building construction--Tacoma--1970-1980; Parking garages--Tacoma--1970-1980; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Conveying systems--Tacoma--1970-1980; Signs (Notices);
Progress photographs. The Donald M. Drake Co. of Portland was the general contractor for the massive (National) Bank of Washington Plaza being erected in downtown Tacoma. Once completed, it would become the city's tallest building. Groundbreaking occurred on February 13, 1969 and it would be dedicated on January 9, 1971. This is the view of the concrete building on March 20, 1970. A plaza would be subsequently built around the tower building with a set back of 80 feet from Pacific Ave. Photograph ordered by Donald M. Drake Co., Portland.
Progress photographs; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1970-1980;
Progress photographs. March 20, 1970, view of construction proceeding at the site of the new (National) Bank of Washington Plaza. Traffic is zipping by on Pacific Avenue, adjacent to the new bank building, on this Friday morning. Alternating floors have been numbered on the tower which has scaffolding on several sides. The large round pit near Pacific Ave. is possibly a water fountain. Schoenfeld's Furniture and the Greyhound Bus Terminal are located on the same side of the street as the water fountain. Photograph ordered by Donald M. Drake Co., Portland.
Progress photographs; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1970-1980; Greyhound Bus Terminal (Tacoma); L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma);
Scholarship winners. The winners and the Homebuilders Assn. official were not identified. These are believed to be the winners of the sixth annual Residential Design Competion sponsored by the Homebuilders Association of Greater Tacoma. Top scoring high school entrants won scholarships and certificates. Ordered by the Homebuilders Association of Greater Tacoma.
Awards; Homebuilders Association of Greater Tacoma (Tacoma);
