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)

Flavel ("Bizz") Beattie-Henrietta Foss wedding. The bride's attendants admire her train as they fan it out behind her. The bride is Miss Henrietta Foss. The bride's mother, Agnes S. Foss, stands second from the left. (T.Times, 9/28/1946, p.7) TPL-8714

Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Wedding costume--1940-1950; Brides--1940-1950; Foss, Henrietta--Marriage; Barber, Joan; Smith, Donna Jean; Wilbur, Bettye; Osgood, Marion; Foss, Agnes S.; Foss, Henry O.--Family;

Sadie Hawkins Dance. A young woman playing "Pansy Yokum" with a corn-cob pipe and two young men, one in long-johns, a false nose and bowler hat, the other with suspenders, a floppy wig and large moustache, sit below a sign, "Travlink?". The man on the right has been identified as C. Nathan Lynn. His wife, Grace, was "Daisy Mae" for the Sadie Hawkins Dance. (T.Times, 11/30/1946, p.11) (Additional identification provided by Mr. Lynn's son)

Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Stardust Dance Club (Tacoma); Lil Abner (Fictitious character); Costumes; Comics; Lynn, C. Nathan;

Al Capp's popular comic strip, "Li'l Abner," was the inspiration for the Sadie Hawkins dance sponsored by the Stardust Dance Club in November of 1946. To help advertise the dance Grace M. (Mrs. C. Nathan) Lynn, as "Daisy Mae," tugs on a suspender of Harold Tollefson, "Li'l Abner," while he tries to make his getaway. Club members were invited to dance in true "Dog Patch" style at the Dash Point Community Hall in celebration of Sadie Hawkins Day, when bachelors stepped warily to avoid getting nabbed by marriage-minded girls. Mrs. Lynn and Mr. Tollefson are acting this scene in front of a large fireplace with a poster of "Our Hero" and "Our Heroine" over the mantel - Abner and Daisy Mae in color. Harold Tollefson would later be elected mayor of Tacoma three times. (T.Times, 11/30/1946, p.11)

Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Stardust Dance Club (Tacoma); Lynn, Grace M.; Tollefson, Harold M., 1908-1985; Li'l Abner (Fictitious character); Costumes;

The Tacoma Yacht Club's Shipmates were getting ready to host their annual Valentine's Day Dance. View of Shipmates dressed in Scandinavian costumes, they are deciding which costumes to wear for their upcoming Valentine's Day dance and smorgasbord. Their dance will be held at the University Union Club. Names appear in newspaper (T. Times, 2/1/47, p. 9).

Events--Tacoma; Masquerades--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Social life--1940-1950; Clubs--Tacoma; Costumes--Scandinavian; Tacoma Yacht Club (Tacoma);

Joan Booth and Orville Wick wedding. Two little flower girls stand in front of the altar, smiling as they get their picture taken. The girls are wearing matching dresses, head wear and flower bouquets. Candelabras and a religious statue are in background.

Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Booth, Joan--Marriage; Girls--Tacoma; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Wick, Orville--Family; Booth, Joan--Family; Candelabras;

Alexander S. Melovidoff was the founder and president of the Tacoma Conservatory of Music. For many years he conducted a summer band concert series at Point Defiance Park. This picture shows Mr. Melovidoff and his All-Tacoma Band as they appeared in 1947. Their first concert in the park that year was on June 29th. They played 15 numbers. (T.Times, 6/26/1947, p.13)

Bands--Tacoma--1940-1950; All-Tacoma Band (Tacoma); Cornets; Trombones; Tubas; Brass instruments; Saxophones; Wind instruments; Drums; Conductors; Melovidoff, Alexander S., 1897-1961;

Tacoma's Community Chest Parade officially kicked off the 1947 fund raising campaign. Thousands of people gathered on Pacific Avenue to enjoy one of the most colorful parades in Tacoma history. Tacoma businesses, organizations and community members gathered together in the hopes of making it a successful campaign. View of Tacoma's Junior Chamber of Commerce promoting "Keeping Tacoma Clean", as they march along Pacific Ave. and So. 9th. (T. Times, 10/4/47, p.1).

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Business districts--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma); Coffee Cup Restaurant (Tacoma);

First Aid Booth at Puyallup Fair, American Red Cross, Mrs. Thomson. 8" x 8". A young girl is crying while she looks at a young boy lying under blankets on a stretcher at the first aid booth at the fair. The boy's cowboy hat lies on top of him. Two boy scouts and two emergency medical aid men look after the boy.

Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); First aid--Puyallup; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Ambulances--Puyallup--1940-1950; Boy Scouts (Puyallup); Health care personnel; Children--Puyallup--1940-1950;

Bellarmine's annual Bazaar was a day filled with a variety of activities, including a theatrical production and an evening semi formal dance. The event was sponsored by the Philomathea Club. View of Bellarmine High School students and their guests, it appears they are standing behind the stage back drop, the girls are wearing ball dresses and the boys are wearing tuxedoes.

Events--Tacoma; Bazaars--Tacoma; Balls (Parties)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ball dresses; Bouquets; Tuxedoes; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); Private schools--Tacoma--1940-1950;

ca. 1943. Memorial Day exercise at Liberty Center. Large group of people on platform. The Liberty Center structure displays "V"'s on each upper corner. A "Union Jack" flag and an unidentified flag are also displayed at the upper corners in the front. Buildings in 700 block of Broadway visible on both sides of street.

Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma;

ca. 1943. Memorial Day exercise at Liberty Center. Large group of people on platform with band playing music in foreground. Band members are seated, wearing uniforms. The band fills the entire street. The Liberty Center structure displays "V"'s on each upper corner. A "Union Jack" flag and an unidentified flag are also displayed at the upper corners in the front. Buildings in 700 block of Broadway visible on both sides of street.

Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; Military bands;

Coverage of twin launching at McNeil. The 65-foot tugboat with a 16-foot beam was one of two tugs launched at McNeil Island on June 17, 1943, under a revived shipbuilding program. The tugs were built of Douglas fir except for the stem, sternposts and trim. They ran on Diesel engines. The ships were built using prison labor and there was much anticipation of the launchings by the 100 guests from the mainland plus the proud builders. No ships locally had been built by prisoners since 1907 when Capt. Neil Henley of Steilacoom directed that last construction. Capt. Henley had founded the shipbuilding industry at McNeil prison in 1883. With America now entered into WWII, the necessity of more ships resulted in the revival of the shipbuilding program. T-88 and T-89 were the second and third built for the Army Transport Service by McNeil with the first ship turned over to the Army in November of 1942. (T.Times 6-18-1943, p. 1, 3)

Launchings--McNeil Island; Boat & ship industry--McNeil Island; Tugboats--McNeil Island;

Coverage of twin launchings at McNeil Island. On June 17, 1943 Mrs. H.W. Algeo served as sponsor of one of the two tugboats launched at McNeil Island. Mrs. L. Delmore, Jr., was the other sponsor. Mrs. Algeo is pictured above in the act of christening the boat with a firm smash against her prow. It was reported that both she and Mrs. Delmore were drenched by the exploding champagne bottles. KMO radio broadcast the event as a twin launching was rare and launchings of any sort of prisoner-built vessels even rarer. As the United States was now at war, a revival of using prison labor in boat construction had commenced. 1907 had been the last time locally that a ship was built by inmates. The two tugs would become the second and third built under the revived shipbuilding program at McNeil. (T.Times 6-18-1943, p. 1, 3)

Launchings--McNeil Island; Boat & ship industry--McNeil Island; Tugboats--McNeil Island; Algeo, H.W.--Family;

Coverage of twin launching at McNeil. James V. Bennett (second from left), Seattle Mayor William F. Devin (second from right) and Warden P.J. Squier of McNeil Island (far right) were identified in this group of men who were attending the twin launching of tugboats for the U.S. Army Transport Service on June 17, 1943. The tugs were built with prison labor during a revival of the shipbuilding industry on McNeil, and were highly praised by military and civilian officials. (T.Times 6-18-1943, p. 1,3- various photographs)

Launchings--McNeil Island; Boat & ship industry--McNeil Island; Tugboats--McNeil Island; Bennett, James V.; Devin, William F.; Squier, P.J.;

Coverage of twin launching at McNeil. Mrs. L. Delmore, Jr., smashed a bottle of champagne against the prow of one of the two tugs launched at McNeil Island on June 17, 1943 during the tradition of christening the vessel. Since she did so before the tug slid down the ways, the force of the bottle exploding drenched her from head to toe. The tug was to be turned over to the Army transport service. She was built with labor from McNeil Island inmates. (T. Times 6-18-1943, p. 1, 3)

Launchings--McNeil Island; Boat & ship industry--McNeil Island; Tugboats--McNeil Island; Delmore, L.--Family;

Coverage of twin launching at McNeil. Two sister tugs, T-88 and T-89, slid down the ways on Thursday, June 17, 1943 to loud cheering from spectators. The two ships launched were the second and third under the revived shipbuilding program during WWII. Both of them were to be turned over to the Army. Present at the event were prison officials and honored guests: (from left) master of ceremonies A.F. Lykke, James V. Bennett, Richard McGee, LTC D.M. Jacques of the Army Transport Corp, Seattle Mayor William F. Devin and Warden P.J. Squier of McNeil Island Penitentiary. The point was heavily emphasized that both vessels were built by McNeil Island prisoners. (T.Times 6-18-1943, p. 1, 3)

Launchings--McNeil Island; Boat & ship industry--McNeil Island; Tugboats--McNeil Island; Lykke, A.F.; Bennett, James V.; McGee, Richard; Jacques, D.M.; Devin, William F.; Squier, P.J.;

Western Boat. Western Boat Building Co. is about to launch a tuna clipper. They have recently completed two, as well as many other ships for the Navy. The company is owned by Martin Petrich Sr. and his three sons. View of gathering prior to boat launching. TPL-8867

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Tacoma Housing Authority Valentine Party at Salishan. Salishan began as a community for military, war workers and their families. The first families moved in, in 1943. The community center offered many activities for youth to take part in. The Valentine's Day dance was sponsored by the Tacoma Housing Authority. View of fourteen unidentified youth who attended Valentine's dance.

Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Valentine's Day--Tacoma; Holidays--Tacoma; Salishan Community Center (Tacoma);

Martinac Shipbuilding was founded by Joseph M. Martinac, he established himself as an expert boat builder in Tacoma. Martinac has built minesweepers, purse seiners, sardine and tuna boats, pleasure boats and has converted fishing vessels into Navy patrol boats. View of unidentified launching sponsor and her son standing with unidentified ship crew members.

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Western Boat Building Co. was a well equipped Tacoma shipyard building vessels for the Army, Navy and Coast Guard. Western Boat was about to launch a YP627, self propelled patrol craft, for the navy, in honor of Navy Day. View of unidentified Navy ship crew, their family members and the launching sponsor, Mrs. Kenneth Jones, in center holding roses (T. Times, 10/30/44, p. 7).

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Government vessels--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Jeanne Dittmen and Raymond Horn were married May 26, 1945, at the McKinley Avenue Friends Church. Jeanne M. Horn is wearing her wedding dress with the train spread behind her. She is holding a bridal bouquet of white calla lillies and stephanotis. Her finger-tip veil is crowned with orange blossoms. Lt. Raymond M. Horn serves with the Army Air Corps. (T.Times, 6/12/1945, p.6)

Brides--1940-1950; Dittman, Jeanne M.--Marriage; Horn, Jeanne M.; Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Wedding costume--1940-1950;

Side view of "Hustler"at dock after launching at Western Boat in early June of 1945. Several men are aboard in the stern. The fishing vessel was owned by R. Tom Muchlinski and home port listed as Ketchikan, Alaska. Shortly after being placed in service, the "Hustler" was acquired by the U.S. government.

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Queen and Court of Latter Day Saints at Weyerhauser Hall. Although no further information is available on this picture, it is most probably from the Gold and Green Ball, the winter social event of the church. The dance is sponsored by the Mutual Improvement Association of the Church. The event is named for the colors of the Mutual Improvement Association and it is staged in all stakes and missions of the church.

Beauty contests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Crowns; Evening gowns--Tacoma; Mormons--Tacoma;

Emma Coman reception at Pacific Telephone and Telegraph. Twenty-nine women and one man attend this reception. Two women serve tea and coffee and cookies are also provided. The table is covered by a large lace tablecloth. Candles and a bouquet decorate the table. As of November 1946 Pacific Telephone and Telegraph maintained 9 central offices to care for Tacoma's 7 districts.

Receptions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma); Coman, Emma;

Wedding portrait of Josephine Ellen Hagman and Herbert J. Birchman. The bride and groom are seen from the back and also from the front in the mirror. They both read a note sent upon this most happy occasion. The bride's veil allows a glimpse of her white satin gown. She is holding her bouquet of white carnations and stephanotis. They were married January 19, 1946, at the First Covenant Church. (T.Times, 2/6/1946, p.6)

Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Wedding costume--1940-1950; Brides--1940-1950; Grooms (Weddings)--1940-1950; Hagman, Josephine Ellen; Birchman, Herbert J.;

Woman and girl riding horses in parade event dressed in Spanish style flat brimmed hats with fringed banner overhead. Puget Sound National Bank can be identified in the background.

Armory-Lincoln graduation. Lincoln High School had 706 students graduating in 1946, 226 were Veterans from World War II. The Veterans graduating will wear their military uniforms to the graduation ceremony. Ex-Mayor Harry P. Cain will deliver the graduation address. View of Lincoln High School's graduating Veterans at State Armory (T. Times, 6/6/46, p. 3).

Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Military uniforms; Veterans; State Armory (Tacoma);

College of Puget Sound was holding a ground breaking ceremony for a new men's dormitory. The new dorms would be located on the south side of Jones Hall and will house 122 students. Left to right view of Weson, Thompson, Todd, Morrison, Dugan, Mock, Schryber and McDonald at ground breaking ceremony (T. Times, 7/16/46, p. 1).

Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma; Dormitories--Tacoma; Universities & colleges--Tacoma; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; College presidents--Tacoma;