The Puget Sound Navy Orchestra, from Seattle, performed jazz at the second annual music festival on July 28, 1946, at Point Defiance Park. The orchestra was under the direction of Ensign William Paul Currence. Watching and waiting for their turn to play, right, was either the 448th Special Service Band or Sharps and Flats, both groups from Fort Lewis. The newspapers classified their sound as "Boogie-Woogie." The 448th was under the direction of Sgt. Benjamin W. Martin; Sharps and Flats was under the direction of Joe Jordan. The concert, held in the natural amphitheater at the entrance to the park, 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)

This photograph from the Helen Stafford collection is dated July 29, 1945, meaning it was taken at the first USO music festival at Point Defiance. Six thousand attendees sat on the grass to listen to the 362nd Army Band from Fort Lewis play Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Also performing were the 29th Special Service Band directed by Sgt. Earnest Hayden and the 25 voice Naval choir from Bremerton. (TNT 7/29/1945, PG. 1; Photograph by F.L. Powell of Tacoma)

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Photograph by Bob Rudsit

Striking gasfitters and electrical workers stall in talks with employers. The strike had been in progress for 69 days. About 340 union members from parts of King, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston, and Lewis counties have been affected, with an additional 260 members of other unions striking in support. Photo by staff member Bob Rudsit.

Demonstrators show their support for the La Girls show by holding signs. After being cancelled at three Tacoma-area locations, the La Girls show was performed at the Sherwood Inn. The event brought both supporters and opponents of the La Girls show.

Back of Photo:
Homosexuals

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Demonstrations

Two protestors in warm clothing stand in the center of the photograph, holding signs that read "Chunksa Yuha Is Not Our Messanger," and "Hell No Hanta Yo Is Not Our "Roots."

Native American protesters confront author Ruth Beebe Hill over claims her book Hanta Yo is filled with misinformation about Indigenous history, specifically Hill’s saga about two Sioux families.

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Demonstrations

Around 40 Iranian students marched nine miles through Tacoma, bringing attention to the revolution occurring inside Iran. They were protesting the Iranian state and the shah. Demonstrators, wearing masks, carry banners and signs reading, "Down with the Shah- the puppet of US Imperialism," "Stop and Shah's Bloodbath," and "Independence and democracy for Iran." Staff photo by Bob Rudsit.

Back of Photo:
Demonstrations

Two demonstrators march outside of the Metropolitan Development Council office. One holds a sign reading, "What is MDC doing for Puerto Rican Community?" Another sign says, "MDC does not serve us (Puerto Ricans) at all!"

1972 Daffodil Parade. Close-up of prize-winning St. Regis Paper Co. float. A bouquet of giant daffodils is the focus of the float, seemingly much larger than the attendants waving to the throngs waiting on Pacific Avenue. St. Regis was a perennial winner in the Grand Floral Parade; in 1972, it won the Mayor's Trophy for best use of daffodils.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1972 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1972 Daffodil Parade. The first float in the annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival parade has traditionally been the Queen's Float, a non-competitive entry of Tacoma City Light. In 1972, designer Graydon Bailey, preparing for the often unpredictable spring weather, even equipped the festival queen, Paula Achziger, with a bubble top umbrella. 58,000 golden daffodils were used to blanket the float. (TNT 4-9-72, A-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1972 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980; Achziger, Paula;

Miss Downtown Tacoma. A beaming Cherie Scalf was selected as the first Miss Downtown Tacoma on February 12, 1973, during ceremonies occuring at O'Brien's Restaurant, 1201-23 Pacific Ave. She represented Pacific Northwest Bell. Miss Scalf works in the public relations department of the phone company as a service representative. As Miss Downtown Tacoma, she will attend grand openings, building dedications and special promotions in the downtown area. The 25-year-old is a graduate of Springfield High School in Oregon and attended Eugene Bible School. Miss Scalf is holding a bouquet of roses and a square silver tray from Dahnken's. Photograph ordered by the Downtown Tacoma Association. (TNT 2-13-73, p. 6)

Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Scalf, Cherie M.;

Bank grand opening. Mayor Gordon Johnston(far right) addresses attendees at the grand opening of Washington Mutual Savings Bank's first Pierce County branch on December 13, 1972. The bank was located at 6616 Sixth Ave., at the corner of Sixth & Mildred. Construction of the single story brick structure had begun in late July and was completed in about four months. This would be the 27th branch of the bank statewide. David C. Van Hoose was vice-president and the first manager of this branch. Photograph ordered by Washington Mutual Savings Bank. (TNT 7-23-72, D-8 -article on bank plans)

Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Washington Mutual Savings Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.;

Boat launching. Holding the traditional bouquet of red roses and cradling a bottle of champagne is Denise Andrade, daughter of Captain Manuel Andrade of San Diego. Denise was the official sponsor undertaking christening duties of the new tuna seiner, "Sea Royal," which was launched at Tacoma Boatbuilding's Hylebos location on November 11, 1972. With the young sponsor are members of her family. At 9:00 a.m., Denise would take a two-handed swing and officially launch the 225-foot fishing boat. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding. (TNT 11-7-72, p. 24- article; TNT 11-12-72, B-6 -article) TPL-9757

Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Andrade, Denise;

Shoppers in the region rejoiced at the opening of the new west end extension of the Tacoma Mall on July 25, 1973. 20 more stores were added to the popular shopping center bringing its total to about 110. 1973 Daffodil Queen Sherri Murrey, Mayor Gordon N. Johnston, and Tacoma Mall executive vice-president Marvin Boys (next to the mayor) were among the dignitaries participating in the addition's ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Mall Corporation.

Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Murrey, Sherri; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Boys, Marvin;

1973 Tacoma Home Show. In lieu of the traditional ribbon snipping, Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston (extreme r) and County Commissioner Clay Huntington (2nd from left) put some muscle into the 8-foot logger's saw as it sliced through a 2 x 4. They officially opened the 27th edition of the Tacoma Home Show at the Tacoma Mall. This was a new venue for the Home Show; for the past 23 years it had been located at the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse and prior to that, at the Tacoma Armory. Admission to the Home Show was free. Hundreds attended opening day to look, try, and dream about the 70+ Home Show exhibitions. The Tacoma Home Show would run from March 13-18th. Photograph ordered by the Home Builders Association of Greater Tacoma. (TNT 3-13-73, p. 2 -article)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Huntington, Clay; Saws;

1973 Tacoma Home Show. County Commissioner Clay Huntington (left) and Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston (right) lend a hand in the grand opening festivities of the 1973 Tacoma Home Show. For the first time in its 27-year history, the Home Show was held at the Tacoma Mall. As the signs held by the officials indicate, the event running from March 13-18 was free and those in attendance need not have worried about cold/rain/hail or sleet as the Mall was covered and climate controlled. Both Mayor Johnston and Commissioner Huntington wore hard hats and overalls -and ties- during the ceremony. They had used the 8-foot logger's saw to snap the 2 x 4 wooden "ribbon." This was also the first year without longtime Home Show promoter, Patrick O'Toole; Mr. O'Toole had died in a car accident in California ten months ago. Photograph ordered by the Home Builders Association of Greater Tacoma. (TNT 3-14-73, C-8)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Huntington, Clay; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Saws;

1974 Tacoma Home Show. For the second year in a row, the Tacoma Home Show was held at the Tacoma Mall. Among the many exhibitors was the Boedecker Co., a Tacoma cleaning company in business since 1919. Their booth outside of the Jay Jacobs clothing store featured the "Rug" Doctor. Those wishing to get their carpets thoroughly cleaned could rent the "Rug" Doctor, by appointment only. Rental rates posted indicated that a 4-hour rent would run $12, all day (actually 8 1/2 hours) at $20 and overnight for $15. For really dirty carpets, a $25 charge for nearly 24 hours was also offered. A "Rug" Doctor and strip of carpet awaited customers eager to try out the product. Organizers of the 28th annual Tacoma Home Show would later report that attendance at the five-day event was about 300,000, roughly the same as the previous year. Color photograph ordered by the Boedecker Co., Inc.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1970-1980; Cleaning--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floor coverings; Signs (Notices);

The Islander. The "Islander" was a model home constructed for the 1974 Tacoma Home Show. It was located at 6675 E. Grandview in the Gregory Park subdivision and also featured in the 1974 Spring Tour of Homes. Built by the Orville Island Construction Co., the contemporary one-story residence had a recessed entry and exterior faced with stone. A two-car attached garage was included by the builder. Photograph ordered by the Homebuilders Association of Greater Tacoma.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Model houses--Tacoma--1970-1980; Houses--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1975 Daffodil Festival Parade. This Lakewood Summer Festival entry was one of the 34 floats enjoyed by parade spectators during the 42nd annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival parade. The cheerful display of this multi-part float incorporating bright goldens, pinks, reds and pure whites in summer suns added to the overall sunny day. The float won the best festival award for the 1975 parade.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1975 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1975 Daffodil Festival Parade. Traveling from Vancouver, B.C., was the entry from the Pacific National Exhibition entitled "Pageant of the Pacific." A small orca leaps among the rolling waves while two women wave to the throngs lining Pacific Avenue. An "ancient" vessel with sails is mid-center on the float. The PNE float won second place in "Towns over 5000" category.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1975 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;

In April of 1970, a group of students from Stadium High School prepared to plant trees on Pacific Ave. between 7th & 9th Sts. as part of a beautification project. This project was in connection with the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. The trees were part of a grant given to the students by the Metropolitan Development Council. The girl in the picture has been identified as Madelyn McKenna, who also organized 90 speakers on Earth Day topics at the school, including Senator Henry M. Jackson. Earth Day, originated by Senator Gaylord Nelson at a conference in Seattle, brought together a grassroots movement 20 million strong demanding that protecting the environment become a national priority. (Additional information supplied by Ms. Madelyn McKenna McDougall)

Tree planting ceremonies--Tacoma; Teenagers; Students--Tacoma--1970-1980; McKenna, Madelyn;

Sponsor at launching. The 184-foot fishing vessel, "Aquarius," was launched on December 5, 1970. She was built by Martinac Shipbuilding who had built the "Conquest" for the couple to the left, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Madruga, two years before. The other couple in the photograph is believed to be the Richard Madrugas, co-owners of the tuna seiner. The Madruga brothers operated a tuna fleet for Van Camp Sea Foods. The new ship carried a crew of 16 and had an 850-ton frozen fish capacity. Photograph ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (TNT 12-7-70, p. 36 - article) TPL-9530

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

On February 8, 1971, approximately 30 retired barbers assembled at the Tacoma Labor Temple, 1355 Market St. Seven women along with one man posed for a photograph on that day; the women may have been involved in the barbering business themselves or simply have accompanied their husbands to the gathering. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Labor Advocate.

Meetings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Labor unions--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Launching party. The "Anela," a 100 x 25-foot steel tuna fishing sampan was launched at Martinolich Shipbuilding facilities on the Blair (formerly Port Industrial) Waterway at high tide in the early morning hours of October 18, 1971. Posed before the ship is the official launching party, including Martinolich president, Anthony Martinolich. Miss Rosemary Shinsato, daughter of owner Jack Shinsato, was the ship's sponsor; she was assisted by her mother, Mrs. Masae Shinsato. Both women are holding large bouquets of long stemmed roses. As a nod to the Hawaiian origins of the owners, fresh flower leis are being worn by everyone in the group. Photograph ordered by Martinolich Shipbuilding. (TNT 10-18-71, p. 9 )

Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1970-1980; Sampans--Tacoma; Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Shinsato, Rosemary; Shinsato, Masae; Martinolich, Anthony J.; Roses--Tacoma;

"SES-100A" experimental craft. The 100-ton surface effect ship (SES) was christened on July 24, 1971, at Tacoma Boatbuilding Co.'s facility on the Hylebos. A joint project of Tacoma Boatbuilding and California's Aerojet-General Corporation, the ship rides on a cushion of air at speeds far surpassing the swiftest of destroyers. Propulsion is provided by high capacity waterjets driven by gas turbine engines adapted to marine use. Mrs. Warren G. Magnuson performed the sponsor's duty of christening the craft with the traditional bottle of champagne; her husband, senator from Washington, was the principal speaker. View of the SES-100A along with empty reviewing stand. (TNT 7-14-71, A-1- article; TNT 7-25-71, A-19)

Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Ground-effect machines; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Side-and-rear view of the "SES-100A," a revolutionary 100-ton prototype craft produced in conjunction with Tacoma Boatbuilding Co., Aerojet-General Corporation of California, and the U.S. Navy. The ship was christened by Mrs. Warren G. Magnuson in ceremonies occurring on July 24, 1971, at Tacoma Boatbuilding facilities. According to the Christening Ceremony Program, the high-speed Surface Effect Ship (SES) was to be tested to provide data for design of multi-thousand ton SES of the future. It was built from several modern materials, principally of a welded aluminum alloy, so that it would have longevity at sea. Ship construction and outfitting was done by Tacoma Boatbuilding. Photograph ordered by Reynolds Metal, Portland. ("Christening Ceremony Program")

Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Ground-effect machines; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

1971 Daffodil Parade. Dressed in sharp blue blazers, white skirts, blue berets and white boots, the Renaissance Drill Team of Seattle marched in formation down Tacoma's downtown streets before thousands of waiting spectators. The girls were one of 19 drill teams participating in the 1971 Daffodil Parade.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1971 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Drill teams;

1971 Daffodil Parade. The view of the Old Public Safety Building (former Northern Pacific Railroad headquarters) retreats in the background as the cadets of Marymount Academy march down Pacific Ave during the 1971 Daffodil Parade. The young men perform rifle maneuvers as the crowd watches. The group from Marymount was one of 19 drill teams entered in the parade.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1971 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Drill teams; Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway);

1971 Daffodil Parade. This was the Tacoma Fire Department's entry to the 1971 Daffodil Festival Parade. Its appearance generally signified the end of the parade as evidenced by the movement of the crowd. According to information received from a reader, this was a 1970 American LaFrance which was housed at the now-closed old Fire Station #12, a station still located on the south side of East 11th between Thorne Rd. and the Port of Tacoma Rd. It was Tacoma Truck Co. #4, a ladder truck which did not carry water or hoses. (Additional information/identification from a reader)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1971 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma);

1971 Daffodil Parade. The Afifi Oriental band, a motley assembly of musicians representing the Afifi Temple, banged their tambourines and drums to the delight of thousands of spectators as the band paraded down Pacific Avenue during the 1971 Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival parade. The Oriental Band was one of 30 bands participating in the annual parade.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1971 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Marching bands; Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Schillinger-Rouse wedding. Rev. Eldon Lyso of Seattle officiated at the wedding of Susan Lynn Schillinger and Richard Warren Rouse on June 19, 1971, at Peninsula Lutheran Church in Gig Harbor. The couple are pictured in the act of lighting candles. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald W. Schillinger of Vaughn. She attended Pacific Lutheran University where she was a member of the Homecoming court and graduated from Clarke College in Iowa. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rouse of Kirkland. He is a Pacific Lutheran University graduate and is studying for the Lutheran ministry. The newlyweds will make their first home in Waverly, Iowa. Photograph ordered by Mrs. R.W. Schillinger. (TNT 6-21-71, E-3)

Weddings--Gig Harbor--1970-1980; Brides--1970-1980; Grooms (Weddings); Wedding clothing & dress; Peninsula Lutheran Church (Gig Harbor); Lyso, Eldon;