Informal shoveling contest during October, 1940, ground breaking at C.P.S.for new Student Union Building. Mayor Harry Cain, in hat and cigarette in mouth, squats at right center. Norton Clapp is to Cain's left in photo. Norton Clapp served as a trustee of the college (later University) for 62 years, 19 of those as chairman of the board of trustees. Students and invited guests chortle at the sight of the unannounced shoveling contest pitting Bishop Bruce Baxter of Willamette University, C.P.S. president Edward H. Todd, Board of Trustees president E.L. Blaine and trustee Albert H. Hooker, Jr., on October 16, 1940. The contest was diplomatically declared a draw. Trustee Hooker was disqualified because his first shovelful of dirt fell on Dr. Todd's neck. Norton Clapp would go on to win the actual 4-man shoveling contest, besting Mayor Cain, the student body president and Chamber of Commerce president. (T.Times, 10-16-40, p. 1, 10-17-40, p. 10 and 1941 C.P.S.annual Tamanawas) ALBUM 12
Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979 ; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clapp, Norton, 1906-1995; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Universities & colleges--Tacoma; Digging--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma;