U.S.O. #2, 713-15 Commerce St., circa 1946. During World War II, although black and white soldiers fought side by side, the United States Army was still segregated. In Tacoma, African American service men and women had their own USO Club at 713-15 Commerce. It was dedicated on September 4, 1942 and closed late in March of 1947. The Kaufman-Wolff building where it was located had previously housed the Soldiers and Sailors Clubhouse during World War I. USO #2 was enlarged in 1944 by adding an annex in the building to the north of the original club. The enlarged structure provided the following facilities: dark room, music room, hobby room, game room, showers, sleeping accommodations, library and snack bar. It was operated by the YMCA and staffed primarily by volunteers. (brochure from Recognition Ceremony USO Number Two on 3/30/1947; photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma).

On October 22, 1945, this group of unidentified individuals were photographed seated around a table after what appears to be a dinner at the USO #2, 713-15 Commerce St. (photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)

On Sunday February 3, 1946, a dinner was held at the Tacoma USO #2, 713-15 Commerce St., honoring the 5th anniversary of USO operation. The United Service Organizations, or USO, was incorporated in New York Feb. 4, 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who believed it was important for private citizens to take responsibility for the on-leave recreation needs of service members. One of the guests of honor for the Tacoma celebration was Mayor Harry Cain, standing center, who attended with his wife Marjorie, last woman seated left. Seated to the right of Mayor Cain was Mr. Arthur Hayes, chairman of the club's operating committee. The other individuals at the table were unidentified. (TNT 2/3/1946, pg. A-7, 2/4/1946, pg. 1: photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)

The performance by the 70 piece Youth Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific Northwest, under the direction of Dr. Francis Aranyi, was one of the highlights of the USO Music Festival held July 28, 1946 at Point Defiance. The festival was held in the natural amphitheater at the entrance to the park. The concert drew over 7,000 listeners. It was also broadcast over the Mutual Network by KMO. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2) Photo by F.L. Powell, YMCA, Tacoma)

An unidentified majorette performs with the Seattle Elks Band at the USO Music Festival at Point Defiance Park on July 28, 1946. The band was one of many performers in the concert attended by over 7,000. (TT 7/27/1946, pg 2 and 7/28/46, pg 1; TNT 7/27/46, pg.1 and 7/29/46, pg. 1& 2; Photo by F.L. Powell, YMCA, Tacoma)

ca. 1947. Orson Welles (standing), noted performer and director of stage, screen and radio, conferred with an unidentified African American pianist in this undated photograph. Two women in hats looked on from the drawing room beyond. The occasion was possibly in March of 1947, when Mr. Welles spoke to 5,000 persons in the Armory as a guest of the Tacoma Jewish Association in observance of Brotherhood Week.

This undated photograph was taken in front of the snack bar at the USO No. 2 in Tacoma. At the head of the table was Arthur Hayes and at the end closest to the camera was Helen B. Stafford, local civic activist. USO No. 2 opened at 713 Commerce Street in September 1942 to serve Tacoma's African American servicemen and closed in March 1947. This location also served servicemen during World War I as the Army-Navy Club.

Undated photograph of the Matrons Club. The woman seated front left is Helen Beck Stafford, one of the founders of the group. Dr. Stafford moved to Tacoma in 1926 to marry Wendell P. Stafford on New Years Eve. Even though she had taught for a few years in Kansas schools, Tacoma school personnel directors refused to hire a black teacher. She stayed at home and cared for her husband and daughter. She and several other women who stayed home to rear their children would get together for a social outlet. In 1927, they formally organized the Matrons Club. The women who attended the meetings often brought their children along and the children would play together. (TNT 2/22/1982- NWR clipping file) (photograph by Liberal Engraving Co., 907 1/2 Commerce)

George F. Cram and Company
1 map; 34 x 51 cm. From page 292-293 of Cram's unrivaled atlas of the world. Relief shown by hachures. Shows counties, cities and railroads. Scale ca. 1:1,300,000 On verso: portion of "City of Portland, Oregon." In lower margin: 292, 293. Index on verso.

Chicago : Rand McNally.
1 map : col. ; 48 x 66 cm. State capitals and County seats identified by symbols. A key to Railroads is located in the lower left. Shows Railroads and Steamship lines. Includes index of cities with a population of 1,000 or more. At top: "Library atlas of the world." Relief shown by hachures and spot highlights. Scale 1 in. = 15 miles [ca. 1:950,400].

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Steam escaped from the broken pipes on the coal-fired engine of the African Queen after she broke down during a news media cruise of Seattle's Lake Union Monday morning. Damage to the 76-year-old African steamer of movie fame evidently came during a January visit to the mid-west during sub-zero cold spell. The tour continued via a tow. The boat will be on display at the Big Tacoma Boat Show this week. The steam pressure valve indicated zero pressure and the boat whistles remained silent because of the broken pipes.
Bruce Kellman

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Marie Schroeder leads The Rockeretts, a troop of senior citizen lady dancers who perform at various fundraisers and community events, through a routine during a practice session at the Milton Senior Center.
Bill Hunter/Photo

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Senior citizens from all over the county danced to the tunes of Pep Perry's Combo, a quartet playing music from the 40's and 50's, at Green River Community College. The college's Special Events Program sponsored the Valentine's dance which was free. Seniors enjoyed refreshments and each got a complimentary photo taken with their sweetheart.
(The program has been going for about 4 years)
Photo by Karen Stallwood

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Tony Daigle makes the stop from his position at short stop during a morning - practice of the "King County Sounders", a coed softball team for seniors. They practice in Des Moines Park, and their first game will be at a jamboree on May 31. More participants are welcome-- especially women.
Haley

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The Yorks are longtime residents here