Eleven-year-old Johnny Sheffield visited Tacoma in June, 1942, to help the War Bond drive. He is pictured here at the Winthrop Hotel with Pierce County War Bond Drive chairman Leon Titus. The woman with corsage next to Johnny is his mother, Mrs. Reginald Sheffield. Perched on the registration counter and examining a visitor's guide to Tacoma, Johnny is wearing the uniform of the Cub Scouts; his uniform is decorated with arrows and service badges. He apparently belonged to the Westwood location. Johnny was making a nationwide tour for the Treasury Department called "Buy Tanks for Yanks." He would be making a speech on "A Boy's Place in America" and be accompanied by a giant 13 ton tank, on display in front of the Roxy Theater. The 84 pound 6th grader was handpicked by Johnny Weissmuller to play "Boy" in eight Tarzan films before finally outgrowing the part. He then went on to star in the Bomba the Jungle Boy series for Monogram. ALBUM 5. (TT 6-15-42, pg. 12-picture; TNT 6-13-42, p. 3, TNT 6-15-42, p. 15)

Sheffield, Johnny; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Titus, Leon E.; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Crowd gathers at Liberty Center, 10th and Pacific Avenue, during appearance by Johnny Sheffield, "Boy" in the "Tarzan" films, during his national "Buy Tanks for Yanks" tour for the Treasury Department. The star spoke on "A Boy's Place in America". The eleven-year-old actor, dressed in his Cub Scout uniform, was accompanied by a giant 13 ton tank. The tank would be on display in front of the Roxy Theater on June 15, 1942. Those purchasing war bonds and stamps would have the added thrill of being permitted to board the tank for a personal inspection. (TNT 6-13-42, p. 3, TNT 6-14-42, A-15)

Sheffield, Johnny; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tanks (Military science)--Tacoma;

Johnny Sheffield, who played "Boy" in eight "Tarzan" films, came to Tacoma in June of 1942 to take part in a war bond rally held on the 15th. While standing on a 30-ton tank parked in Liberty Square in downtown Tacoma, he was given a scrapbook about Tacoma by an unidentified Cub Scout. Standing behind the scout is Leon Titus, Pierce County War Bond Drive Chairman. (The man at the right and the soldier behind Johnny are also unidentified.) The eleven-year-old actor was accompanied to Tacoma by his mother, Mrs. Reginald Sheffield, and his tutor, Fletcher Clark, the former teacher of Mickey Rooney. Johnny was making his fourteenth appearance as a bond salesman for Uncle Sam. Those purchasing war bonds and stamps during the noon ceremony were allowed to board the Army tank for a personal inspection. (TNT 6-14-42, A-15, TNT 6-15-42, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Sheffield, Johnny; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Titus, Leon E.; Tanks (Military science)--Tacoma;

Actress Lana Turner arrives at the Winthrop Hotel in Titus Motor Company's 1923 Lincoln Touring automobile during her visit to Tacoma for a War Bond rally. Mayor Harry P. Cain is pictured between the actress and her mother. A large "Welcome! Lana Turner" banner is strung over the entrance of the Winthrop. The very popular Miss Turner made appearances at Fort Lewis, Seattle-Tacoma Shipyards, and the new Liberty Center downtown. She raised more than $120,000 in war bonds in 24 hours. Miss Turner was not the only celebrity appearing in Tacoma on behalf of the government; child actor Johnny Sheffield of the Tarzan films would be coming to town a few days later. (TNT 6-11-42, p. 1, TNT 6-14-42, p. 1) ALBUM 5. TPL-144

Turner, Lana, 1920-1995; Actresses; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices); Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lincoln automobile;

Actress Lana Turner, right, with Mayor Harry Cain and her mother, Mrs. Turner, in the back seat of Titus Motor Company's 1924 Lincoln Touring during Miss Turner's visit to Tacoma for a War Bond rally. Miss Turner is wearing a wide brimmed hat, patterned dress and a multi-strand necklace of pearls. She spent the war years, besides making films, helping raise funds for the Treasury Department through successful bond appearances. Miss Turner sold more than $120,000 in war bonds in 24 hours, including $25, 625 at the new Liberty Center's dedication. TPL-2335. (TNT 6-14-42, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Turner, Lana, 1920-1995; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lincoln automobile;

Actress Lana Turner poses with two beaming GIs in the back of a Titus Motor Company's 1923 Lincoln Touring Car parked in front of the Winthrop Hotel during her June 13, 1942 visit to Tacoma for a War Bond rally. To help the Treasury Department sell war bonds, Miss Turner made several stops up the coast including Portland and Tacoma, in addition to several smaller towns. She would eventually make her way to Wallace, Idaho, her birthplace.

Turner, Lana, 1920-1995; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Military personnel--Tacoma; Actresses; Lincoln automobile;

Supported by several members of the Roxy Theater U.S.O. Revue and a full Army band, on Friday July 10, 1942 nineteen year old Linda Darnell helped sell war bonds at Tacoma's Victory Square located on South 10th Street between Pacific Avenue and "A". The young Hollywood star promised an autograph for every bond application and a kiss for the person making the biggest purchase. Standing to the left of Miss Darnell is Pierce County War Bond drive chairman Leon Titus. The 20th Century Fox star was on her second volunteer entertainment tour of army camps and naval stations. (T.Times 7/9/1942 p.3)

Actresses--Tacoma--1940-1950; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Titus, Leon E.; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Darnell, Linda, 1923-1965;

Beatrice Houdini, center, widow of the famous magician Harry Houdini admires Ray Gamble's elephant sundial during a party honoring her visit to Tacoma in July, 1941. Ray Gamble is to her left, Addie Gamble to her right. The sundial may have been made out of sandstone; it has the name "Joan" enscribed on the base. Mr. Gamble was known for his large collection of elephants; by the mid-1960's, his collection was viewed as the world's largest at over 3000 pieces. ALBUM 7.

Magicians; Houdini, Harry--Family; Houdini, Beatrice; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972; Gamble, Ray--Family; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972--Homes & haunts;

Beatrice Houdini, widow of the famous magician Harry Houdini, center behind sundial, and other guests at Ray Gamble's "Elephant House" during a visit to Tacoma in July, 1941. Mr. Gamble is at far right. He would be elected president of the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians on July 25, 1941, at the group's ninth annual convention held in Seattle. Mr. Gamble and his fellow magicians would put on a show for 5000 soldiers at Fort Lewis on Saturday, July 26, 1941. ALBUM 7.

Magicians; Houdini, Harry--Family; Houdini, Beatrice; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972--Homes & haunts;

Guests try their luck with the roulette wheel while attending a party at Ray Gamble's "Elephant House" honoring Beatrice Houdini in July, 1941. The Gamble's basement featured celestial painted walls, a stage, and gambling machines hidden in paneled walls. Their view home on No. 30th St. featured a large collection of elephants, including sandstone elephants at the entrance to their rumpus room. ALBUM 7.

Magicians; Houdini, Harry--Family; Houdini, Beatrice; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972--Homes & haunts; Gambling--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Motion picture actress Janis Paige, left of center, signs autographs for awe-struck children at KMO Studios. Miss Paige appeared at the radio station while visiting her home town. After graduating from Stadium High School, Donna Mae Jaden left Tacoma for Hollywood where she became a popular and successful "movie star" as Janis Paige. She had begun a singing career at age 5 in local amateur shows. It was only natural that she became a vocalist with the Hollywood Canteen, a studio-sponsored club for servicemen. Coincidentally, her first feature film upon being signed by Warner Brothers was entitled "Hollywood Canteen." (1944). She also appeared on Broadway with her most successful hit, the Tony award winner, The Pajama Game. From the 1950's onward, Miss Paige appeared on many television programs, including It's Always Jan and more recently, Eight is Enough and All in the Family. ALBUM 5.

Actresses; Paige, Janis; Jaden, Donna Mae; Autographing--Tacoma; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma--1940-1950; KMO Radio Station (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Celebrity touring--Tacoma--1940-1950

In April of 1946, while visiting her parents, Arlene Dahl stopped by the KMO Studios in the Keyes Building on Broadway. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.S. Dahl lived at 4815 No. 10th St. and had been residents of Tacoma for approximately two years. There are many Dahl cousins in Tacoma, Parkland and Seattle. The redheaded MGM actress was born in Minnesota. Her first film was entitled "The Bride Goes Wild". Known for her glamour roles, she appeared in several swashbucklers: "Caribbean", "Sangaree" and "Bengal Brigade". Her best known performances were in "Three Little Words" (1950), "Slightly Scarlet" (1956), and "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1959). Divorced five times, her husbands included the actors Fernando Lamas and Lex Barker. TPL-7149 (T.Times, 4-24-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Actresses; Dahl, Arlene; KMO Radio Station (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Actress/model Arlene Dahl and KMO announcer Arnold Benum exchange big smiles at KMO's Keyes Building studio at South 9th and Broadway in April of 1946. A seated group of young children and adults are waiting for the upcoming live broadcast. Although born and primarily raised in Minnesota, Miss Dahl had many relatives in Tacoma, Parkland and Seattle. Her parents moved to Tacoma about 1944 where her father was employed at Todd Shipyards. She lived for a short time in Tacoma with them at their 4815 North 10th residence before leaving for Hollywood as a result of signing a seven year contract with Warner Brothers. Miss Dahl was to go on to star in many Hollywood films, including "Three Little Words," "Slightly Scarlet" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth." Later her Arlene Dahl Enterprises company marketed lingerie and cosmetics. Her son, Lorenzo Lamas, is also an actor. TPL-7150 (T.Times, 4-24-46, p. 1-article) ALBUM 5.

Actresses; Dahl, Arlene; KMO Radio Station (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benum, Arnold; Celebrity touring--Tacoma--1940-1950;

College of Puget Sound's Campus Playcrafters performed Thorton Wilder's "Skin of Our Teeth" as their spring production. The play depicts man's survival through the ice age, deluge and war. The play starred: Irene Fearn, Troy Strong, Helen Strong, Shirley Milstead and William O'Connell. View of the character, Maggie Anthrobus with pet dinosaur and woolly mammoth.

Actresses; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Costumes; Masks--Tacoma; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

College of Puget Sound's Campus Playcrafters performed Thorton Wilder's "Skin of Our Teeth" as their spring production. The play depicts man's survival through the ice age, deluge and war. The play starred: Irene Fearn, Troy Strong, Helen Strong, Shirley Milstead and William O'Connell. View of the Fortune Teller.

Actresses; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Benches--Tacoma; Universities & colleges--Tacoma; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Play rehearsal at Annie Wright Seminary. Large group of girls dressed in Japanese costumes on stage of school theater. These actors, part of the largest junior class in the school's history, performed the operetta, "The Mikado," in May of 1952. (1952 Shield yearbook -alt. photograph)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Private schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Costumes--Japanese;

Actor Keenan Wynn at the McChord Officers Club dance. Mr. Wynn is seated to the extreme right. The blonde in the November 5, 1951, photograph is believed to be Mrs. Wynn, known professionally as Betty Butler. The Wynns and a cast of eight others visited Fort Lewis, McChord AFB and Madigan Hospital to entertain local armed forces. (TNT 11-6-51, p. 3)

Wynn, Keenan; Actors--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Bob Dickinson's Orchestra had just opened up at the Winthrop Hotel's Wedgwood Room. Bob was a talented musician who could play six different instruments and sing solos. Dickinson had played throughout Washington and California, he had been playing in Seattle for over ten years, and in Tacoma for the past eight. View of orchestra leader, Bob Dickinson (See images D33864-1 & 5).

Orchestras--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma; Portrait photographs; Singing--Tacoma; Portraits; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Dickinson, Bob;

Tacoma's Junior League had their first "Follies" show in 20 years. The "1947 Follies" show would benefit the Occupational Therapy Workshop, which was sponsored by the Tacoma Junior League Chapter. Performances were open to the public and the show proved to be a great hit. View of Junior League members and other volunteers performing "South America, Take It Away" (T. Times, 11/12/47, p. 15). TPL-10524

Actors--Tacoma; Costumes; Musical revues & comedies--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Choreography; Junior League (Tacoma);

The Elks Club was having their annual Father-Daughter program at the Elks Temple in March of 1947. A large number of club members and their daughters and granddaughters would be performing. The show's main attraction was a six year old pianist. View of two Elks club members doing a dancing cow puppet show act (T. Times, 3/6/47, p. 13).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puppets; Puppet shows--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Bob Dickinson (far right) and his Orchestra opened in the Wedgwood Room of the Winthrop Hotel in June of 1948. Dickinson, who could play six different instruments and sing solos, was a longtime friend of Bing Crosby. He and his orchestra had been playing in and around Tacoma for eight years including the old Crystal Ballroom from 1944 through 1946. Previously, he had been music director at both KOMO and KJR radio in Seattle. Sitting on the piano, surrounded by six orchestra members, is vocalist Margie Smith. According to the News Tribune, they are: (left to right) Jan Busbank at the piano, Dave Black, Charles Childs, drums, Francis Coe, bass, Miss Smith, Dean Christian, Tony Bye, saxophone and Bob Dickinson at far right. (T. Times, 6/18/48, p. 8; TNT 6-25-1948, p. 14).

Orchestras--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musical instruments--Tacoma; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Dickinson, Bob; Smith, Margie; Busbank, Jan; Black, Dave; Childs, Charles; Coe, Francis; Christian, Dean; Bye, Tony;

St. Leo's High School and Bellarmine High School presented "The Spanish Belle", an operetta in two acts, at St. Leo's auditorium April 30 and May 2, 1950, under the direction of Sister Mary Lavinia of St. Leo's and Father John Thatcher, S.J., of Bellarmine. Here we see two of the young male actors dressed as Spanish women as part of the humorous sketches that were worked into the action. Ordered by Sister Lavinia. (TNT, 4/30/1950, p.C-13)

Operas & operettas--Tacoma; Stage props; Costumes; Students--Tacoma; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); St. Leo's Parochial School (Tacoma);

College of Puget Sound's Campus Playcrafters were performing their annual spring play in the Jones Hall auditorium. Student thespians were performing "If I Were King", this performance was open to the public. Leading roles were being portrayed by: Barbara Rowe, Dale Nelson, Harold Simonson, Robert D. Peterson and Gretchen Swayze. View of students on stage at Jones Hall (T.N.T., 4/27/49, p. 8).

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Stage props; Stages (Platforms); Universities & colleges--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry (center with white hat) with a group of unidentified men at Cushman Indian Hospital on July 15, 1949. Mr. Autry made the most of his one-day stay in Tacoma with a visit to the Cushman Hospital to visit sick children, a radio broadcast on KMO, and capped it off with the Tacoma Athletic Commission - College of Puget Sound variety show at Memorial Fieldhouse. ALBUM 8.

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers; Autry, Gene, 1907-1998; Hospitals--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cushman Indian Hospital (Tacoma); Indians of North America; Celebrities;

Western singer and motion picture actor Gene Autry demonstrates trick riding on his horse Champion during a show at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on July 15, 1949. Champion Jr. also joined his famed sire on stage later that evening. The 12-act western musical variety show was sponsored jointly by the Tacoma Athletic Commission and the College of Puget Sound. Mr. Autry's troupe of western motion picture stars and radio entertainers included M.C. assistant to Mr. Autry, comedian Pat Buttram and vaudevillian Rufe Davis. (TNT 7-15-49, p. 13, 7-16-49, p. 3) TPL-148. ALBUM 8.

Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Singers; Autry, Gene, 1907-1998; Horses--Tacoma--1940-1950; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Trick riding--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Council of Churches was the sponsoring organization for the original Black Hills Passion Play, this play would be showing four matinees and four evening shows at Tacoma's Temple Theatre. View of one of the actors in full costume, possibly King Herod; he was part of the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma);

Black Hills Passion Play was a great success in Tacoma, this famous play offered a wonderful story with beautiful costumes and talented actors. All performances at the Temple Theatre were very well attended. View of actor, Joseph Meier, portraying Christ; he is fully dressed in his costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Meier, Joseph;

The play is said to have offered their audiences wonderful acting by actors with a great deal of experience and beautiful costumes and scenery. View of actress, Mrs. Joseph Meier, she is portraying Mary the Mother of Christ; she is fully dressed in her costume for the Black Hills Passion Play (T.N.T., 10/5/49, p. 8).

Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Actresses--1940-1950; Costumes; Historical dramas; Biblical events; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Temple Theatre (Tacoma); Meier, Joseph--Family;

Elks Extravaganza, 1955 edition, the hand painted opening curtain for the show. The curtain features advertising from many Elk-owned businesses, with Art Emery's American Outdoor Advertising featured prominently in the center. Many of the ads have caricatures of the business owners. Rinaldo Keasal's reads simply "Out of Business. Retired to the Farm on I Street. Take your problems some where else."

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Entertainers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Reina L. Dougherty presents comedian Chico Marx with the "Key to the City of Tacoma" at the ground breaking of the U.S. Oil and Refining plant on the Tideflats. The blonde "Indian Princess Ah-pu-ya-ki" would be participating in Fun Fair events held in Tacoma that same weekend. Miss Dougherty was the granddaughter of George J. Dougherty, interpreter for Ezra Meeker, and the first Territorial judge of Washington. (TNT 7-21-55, B-6, TNT 7-23-55, p. 5) ALBUM 5.

Actors; Marx, Chico (Leonard), 1891-1961; Dougherty, Reina; Petroleum industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; US Oil & Refining Co. (Tacoma); Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma;