Entry #49 in the 1957 Daffodil Parade was the charming "Hi Diddle Diddle" float sponsored by the Independent Order of Foresters. A cat fiddles merrily away as a cow attempts to jump over the crescent moon. The dog has his mouth open in a wide smile while the dish extends its arms to an unseen spoon. This float took 2nd place for the Nursery Rhyme Division. Photograph ordered by the Independent Order of Foresters. (TNT 4-14-57, B-8)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1957 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Independent Order of Foresters 327 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Peter Cottontail and pals wave to spectators as the Shop Rite Food Centers prize-winning float continues on its Daffodil Parade route on April 13, 1957. A 7 foot Peter is seated before an enormous yellow daffodil; his assistants, dressed in bunny outfits, are perched in flower shells. Judy Roetker, in flowing evening gown, sits among the field of daffodils. "Here Comes Peter Cottontail" was given the Sweepstakes Parade Award at the 24th annual Daffodil Parade. The float was the biggest allowed under parade rules at 39 feet long, 16 feet wide and 14 feet tall. 60,000 daffodils and 6,000 Esther Reed daisies graced the enormous float. Photograph ordered by West Coast Grocery Co. (TNT 4-13-57, A-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1957 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Shop Rite Food Centers (Tacoma); West Coast Grocery Co. (Tacoma);

Jack McLin, advisor, stands with Rifle Club members outside the steps of Lincoln High School on April 12, 1957. The Rifle Club at Lincoln had a long tradition of safety in shooting. It was established in 1927 and since then, had had no record of accidents. Each member was careful when shooting, in practice or in matches, and all new members were instructed by old members on the proper use of firearms. Generally the club shot at a range of 50 yards, nearly always holding matches indoors. Lincoln participated in a league with teams from Stadium, Clover Park, Everett, Franklin Pierce, Sumner and Puyallup. The Girls' team finished first in its league. Photograph ordered by the Lincolnian yearbook. (1957 Lincolnian, p. 110)

Rifle Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; McLin, Jack; Rifles;

Maintaining a sportsmanlike atmosphere at all athletic events and encouraging participation in all sports at all levels were two of the primary goals of the Lettermen's Club at Lincoln High School. Three of the officers during the 1956-57 school year were: (l to r) Jerry Cecchi, sergeant at arms; Dick Pruett, Vice-president; and Roger Coleman, secretary-treasurer. All three lettered in two or more sports during their high school careers. For some reason club president Herm Magnuson was not photographed with the other officers. Photograph ordered by the Lincolnian yearbook. (1957 Lincolnian, p. 107)

Athletes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cecchi, Jerry; Pruett, Dick; Coleman, Roger; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960;

An Aaberg's employee appears to be in the process of removing a cleaning filter from his truck in an April 9, 1957, photograph. He may be preparing to clean this customer's ductwork. Aaberg's provided Desert Dry fuel oil delivery with their radio-dispatched trucks on a 24 hour phone service basis. Aaberg's, located at 1713 Puyallup Ave., also provided furnace cleaning with the same quick service. View of new Chevrolet truck with cleaning supplies in back. Photograph ordered by Aaberg's. TPL-10243

Aaberg's Fuel Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Chevrolet trucks; Fuel trade--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Building construction continues slowly on the new County-City Building at 930 Tacoma Avenue South in April, 1957. After many years of argument and delay, construction finally began in July, 1956. It would not be completed until 1959, and dedicated in April of that year. View of concrete slip at the building site; forms are in place. The building would eventually be 12 stories high. A glimpse of the old County Court House can be seen; the Romanesque building of grey freestone would be used until the new building was complete and then torn down for a parking lot. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.

County-City Building (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);

Holroyd Co. cement mixers are on hand at the site of the new County-City Building on 9th and Tacoma Avenue South in April, 1957. Concrete forms are in place as work slowly progresses. Although voters had approved building joint city and county offices in November, 1952, it was not until July, 1956, that construction actually began. Delays occurred as site selections were debated, property condemned, architectural choices argued, and administrative officials scrapped. The County-City building would eventually top off at 12 stories and be dedicated on April 10, 1959. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.

County-City Building (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Progress photographs; Concrete mixers; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);

A worker balances on a slender board high above the ground as he directs the placement of a steel truss on the new gym-auditorium at Hudtloff Junior High, under construction for the Clover Park School District. A crane is slowly lowering the steel joist so it joins others in line. The joists are 82 feet in length, the longest ever made by Arcweld Mfg. of Seattle for use in the Northwest. Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel provided the steel used in the construction. G. Kirkebo & Sons are the contractors for the new school; it will replace the present Hudtloff Junior High upon completion. Photograph ordered by Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel Corporation. (TNT 4-26-57, p. 22)

Building construction--Lakewood--1950-1960; A.G. Hudtloff Junior High School (Lakewood); Steel; Steel industry; Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel Corp. (Seattle);

Mayor John Anderson (left) assists Edwin L. Cliffe, superintendent of the Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Co. of Washington, with a chemistry demonstration on April 3, 1957. Mr. Cliffe was explaining the benefits of the chemical industry to the mayor in preparation for National Chemical Progress Week April 8-12th. The Tacoma area, home to Hooker Electrochemical, Kaiser Aluminum, Pennsalt, Reichhold Chemicals, St. Regis Paper Co., and DuPont de Nemours of DuPont, was the hub in the Pacific Northwest for the production and sale of chemicals. Publicity for Pennsalt Chemical Company. (TNT 4-10-57, D-3 article) ALBUM 14

Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.; Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Co. of Washington (Tacoma); Pennsalt (Tacoma); Cliffe, Edwin L.; Chemical industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Tacoma Art League sponsored the 17th annual South & West art exhibit in the College of Puget Sound's Jones Hall beginning on April 3, 1957. 64 entries were accepted out of the 204 submitted. Robert Feasley, C.P.S. art instructor, won "Best of Show" for his oil "City Night." First prize in watercolors went to Ruth Babbit for her "Riot." Three men and a woman with corsage are pictured gazing at a framed painting at the art show preview. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Art League. (TT 3-31-57, D-14, TNT 4-7-57, D-14)

Tacoma Art League (Tacoma); Art exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The National Bank of Washington opened temporary quarters in a 40 foot trailer at the Villa Plaza in April, 1957, while their permanent Lakewood branch was being constructed. Flowers were planted in concrete block borders for a homey effect. Here on April 1, 1957, two men shake hands on the steps leading to the bank. The man to the left is believed to be branch manager, Marc H. Miller. The permanent branch, built on the Villa Plaza's north wing, would celebrate its open house on July 13, 1957. Customers would enjoy a rare "behind-the-scenes" look at bank operations during the open house. The new 50' X 104' structure would officially open for business on July 15, 1957. Photograph ordered by National Bank of Washington. (TNT 3-15-57, p. 9, TNT 7-11-57, A-6)

National Bank of Washington (Lakewood); Banks--Lakewood; Banking--Lakewood; Signs (Notices);

It might have been somewhat cramped in this trailer but the National Bank of Washington strove to provide good service to their customers while their permanent Lakewood branch was being constructed. It appears that the temporary quarters of the Villa Plaza branch was set in the middle of a parking lot during April, 1957. John R. Whisler, assistant cashier, and Marc H. Miller, manager, have nameplates on adjoining desks; there is also room for two teller windows. Photograph ordered by National Bank of Washington. (TNT 3-15-57, p. 9)

National Bank of Washington (Lakewood); Banks--Lakewood; Banking--Lakewood;

A baby elephant teeters on an elevated board under the steady guidance of an unidentified man in a March 26, 1957, photograph. Whether the elephant is performing tricks, or merely testing the strength of plywood, cannot be determined. The board bends under the weight of the elephant but apparently does not break. Sepia photograph ordered by the Condon Co., Inc., an advertising agency.

Elephants; Plywood; Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

The singing group, the Clef Dwellers, pose for a group portrait at the Y.M.C.A. on March 26, 1957. Sponsored by the Tacoma Arts & Science Club, they would be performing in concert on April 3 in the Weyerhaeuser Hall. The Clef Dwellers are a popular 24-voice mixed chorus specializing in songs from Broadway hits. Formed two years ago, they are directed by Patricia Hellenkamp. Donna Welbes provides the accompaniment. Photograph ordered by the Clef Dwellers. (TNT 3-31-57, D-14)

Cleft Dwellers (Tacoma); Singers;

Lobby- bus station. Riders are patiently waiting for perhaps the next Greyhound bus to arrive at the Greyhouse Bus Lines on March 25, 1957. The customer base included a sailor, women in suits and hats, and men in a variety of sport coats. Greyhound would eventually build an ultra modern terminal upon purchasing the Federal Block at 13th; it would open to the public on April 3, 1959. Photograph ordered by Greyhound Lines. TPL-9352

Greyhound Lines (Tacoma); Bus terminals--Tacoma;

A studio portrait of Mrs. A.W. Hoskins was taken on March 25, 1957. She is wearing a flattering small cloth hat decorated with artificial flowers. A double strand of pearls encircles her neck. She also is wearing large square earrings. This portrait was finished in sepia tones. The Hoskins family owned the Lakewood Radio-TV-Appliances store on Gravelly Lake Drive. Mrs. Hoskins is pictured modeling one of the hats that will be auctioned at the Bonnet Parade on April 10, 1957. Sponsored by the Ida S. Baillie Orthopedic Guild, ninety orthopedic guilds would model and auction hats to benefit the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Photograph ordered by Mrs. A.W. Hoskins. (TNT 3-31-57, D-1)

Hats; Pearls; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hoskins, Margarete

Cars fill the parking lot of the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on March 25, 1957, as the annual Tacoma Home Show continues to draw thousands of local residents. All the space in the massive Fieldhouse would be necessary to house the multitude of booths and exhibits from local businesses designed to attract potential customers. Here a family of four are spotted marching toward the entrance of the Fieldhouse past rows of automobiles. Photograph ordered by National Home Shows, Inc. TPL-9353

Parking lots--Tacoma--1950-1960; Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Memorial Field House (Tacoma);

The location of the annual Tacoma Home Show model home was always kept secret until the day before the show opened. In 1957, the model home, "Oakhurst," was constructed in the Southgate neighborhood at 10103 Montrose Avenue S.W. in Lakewood. Streets around the new home are crowded with cars and there is a long line of people waiting to tour the house. The model homes were built under the auspices of the Tacoma Master Builders Association, a group of contractors, builders and architects who prided themselves on quality workmanship. Sherman L. Rowland was the builder of the 1957 model home; he had also built the 1954 model home, the TX 101. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Master Builders Association. (TNT 3-19-57, C-5)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Queues--Lakewood; Automobiles--Lakewood--1950-1960;

Free admission and a chance to view innovative furnishings and design drew thousands to the Tacoma Master Builders Association's 1957 Tacoma Home Show model home in March, 1957. Here, crowded streets and a long line of people testify to the interest shown in the annual model home open house. "Oakhurst" was located in the Southgate neighborhood; its location was not revealed until the day before the home show opened. Built by Master Builder Sherman L. Rowland, "Oakhurst" lived up to its name with plenty of Northwest woods and a comfortable floor plan. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Master Builders Association. (TNT 3-19-57, C-5)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Queues--Lakewood;

Alsco Northwest, Inc. booth at 1957 Tacoma Home Show. Storm doors and windows were the speciality of Alsco Northwest, Inc., located at 2704 Sixth Avenue. Their booth at the March, 1957, Tacoma Home Show exhibited samples of their products. Signs on the booth indicated that Alsco was the world's largest all aluminum storm window and door manufacturer and was the only manufacturer recommended by Parents Magazine, Good Housekeeping and Today's Health. They were sponsoring a drawing for a free Starlighter picture storm screen door, installation included, with the lucky winner to be picked on March 24th. Photograph ordered by Alsco Northwest, Inc.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Alsco Northwest, Inc. (Tacoma); Windows--Tacoma; Aluminum; Signs (Notices);

1957 Tacoma Home Show exhibit. A model comfortably sits on the attractive tile and stone bench adjacent to the open stone fireplace during the 1957 Tacoma Home Show. The Georgia Pacific Plywood Corporation supplied the massive wall unit which holds a set of Compton's encyclopedias and various curios. The last shelf was designed to slant, displaying magazines which would be highly visible and convenient to reach. The Tacoma Home Show was held March 19-23, 1957, at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. Photograph ordered by Georgia Pacific Plywood Corporation.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Bookcases--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fireplaces--Tacoma--1950-1960; Georgia Pacific Plywood Co. (Olympia);

Exterior view of mausoleum. In the mid-50's, the Mountain View Memorial Park added a Garden Mausoleum. With the addition of the mausoleum, their facilities were complete for all kinds of interment; a customer could now choose between earth or crypt burial and cremation. The one-story Garden Mausoleum appeared to be built of stone and brick with a flat, overhanging roof. Photograph ordered by Clark Richardson Advertising.

Mountain View Memorial Park (Lakewood); Cemeteries--Lakewood; Tombs & sepulchral monuments--Lakewood;

Close-up view of mausoleum as seen in March of 1957. The Garden Mausoleum was the Mountain View Memorial Park's latest addition. Mountain View Memorial's claim was "Everything in one place"; it combined a funeral home, cemetery, crematory, mausoleum, chapel and columbarium into one facility. The overhanging flat roof of the mausoleum provided shelter from harsh Northwest elements. Stone benches were available for mourners. Small metal vases were provided where flowers could be left to honor the deceased. Photograph ordered by Clark Richardson Advertising.

Mountain View Memorial Park (Lakewood); Cemeteries--Lakewood; Tombs & sepulchral monuments--Lakewood;

This happy family takes a walk on the red carpet leading to a chauffeured automobile as they apparently have won V.I.P. treatment from Carstens Hygrade Packing Co. Mrs. Ray J. Freitag is wearing a large V.I.P. button on her coat; sons Gregory and Ronald help to wheel out boxes of groceries, including Carstens smoked products, from the supermarket. Daughter Nicki carries a large box of White King detergent; Mr. Freitag is a salesman for the White King company. According to an advertisement by Thriftway, the Freitags were the first V.I.P family of the week chosen by Carstens. They resided at 6138 Yakima Ave. So. Photograph ordered by Pacific National Advertising Agency. (Ad- TNT 3-20-57, C-7)

Freitag, Ray J.--Family; Freitag, Ray J.; Freitag, Gregory; Freitag, Ronald; Freitag, Nicki; Shopping--Tacoma--1950-1960; Children shopping--Tacoma--1950-1960; Carstens Packing Co. (Tacoma); Contests; Grocery carts; Chauffeurs; Red carpet;

The First Presbyterian Church Orchestra practices arrangements from the Tabernacle Hymns on March 21, 1957. The young musicians are shown playing violins, clarinets, trumpets, trombone and cello with piano accompaniment. They are performing in one of the many rooms located in the massive brick Romanesque structure which was designed by famous architect Ralph Adams Cram of Boston. Photograph ordered by First Presbyterian Church.

First Presbyterian Church Orchestra (Tacoma); Youth orchestras--Tacoma--1950-1960; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma;

A bartender tops off a glass of Heidelberg for a waiting customer as other customers already have schooners in hand. Beer was cheap in March, 1957; Heidelberg on tap cost 10-15 cents a glass, 20 cents for a schooner, fifty cents a pitcher and only $1.25 for an entire gallon. If you wanted to take home a six-pack of Heidelberg, it would only cost $1.15 or should you splurge, $2.25 for two. The bartender could also supply his customers with eggs, pickles, pepperoni, and sardines. He could even whip up clam nectar, oyster or beef stew and chili for those hungry. Photograph ordered by Heidelberg Brewing.

Bars; Alcoholic beverages; Heidelberg Brewing Co. (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Exterior bowling alley. Bowling alleys were often located in nondescript buildings. A large neon sign directs customers to this bowling alley's entrance. Metered parking was available for those choosing to park on the street. This has been identified as University Bowl at 1104 E. 45th, Seattle. Bowling continued to be very popular in the 1950's; leagues flourished, often sponsored by employers, and results of tournaments continued to be reported in local newspapers. Photograph ordered by Western Bowling, Inc. (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Bowling alleys--Seattle; University Bowl (Seattle); Electric signs--Seattle--1950-1960;

Customers in the 1950's could purchase bottled beer in bars to take home. A waitress hands over a six-pack of Heidelberg costing $1.15 to a smiling customer as three other men enjoy a glass of suds at the bar. Although Heidelberg was heavily advertised behind the bar, other name brands such as Olympia, Lucky Lager, and Hamm's were also available for consumption. This bar also carried candy, sodas, eggs, night gowns and even roaring gorilla toys for the discerning consumer. Photograph ordered by Heidelberg Brewing. TPL-8155

Bars; Alcoholic beverages; Heidelberg Brewing Co. (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

This aerial view of Tacoma's West End and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge was taken in March of 1957. 6th Avenue cuts upward through the center of the picture curving to the right as it feeds onto the Narrows Bridge. The road starting at the bottom right and running into 6th Ave. is Pearl Street, with the Tacoma Auto View Theater, 1202 North Pearl near the right edge. The buildings at the corner of 6th and Pearl are the early Highland Hills Shopping Center, 5915 6th Ave.. The bare land just above and to the right of the Auto View became the Highland Hills Golf Course.

Aerial photographs; Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Tacoma); Neighborhoods--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Instead of cutting the traditional ribbon, Mayor John Anderson saws through a foil-wrapped board on Opening Day of the 1957 Tacoma Home Show. Norman Jardeen, general Home Show chairman for the Tacoma Master Builders Association, smiles broadly as does General J.W. Schwartz, commanding officer of the Madigan Army Hospital. Mayor Anderson is ably assisted by four Tacoma candidates for Daffodil Parade queen in this March 19, 1957, photograph. The four young women pictured wearing hats were (L-R): Joan Weller, Sherry Holmes, Debbie Dean and Janice Methven. Miss Methven would be later chosen queen. Not identified was the woman without a hat who was standing next to Mayor Anderson. Photograph ordered by National Home Show, Inc. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.; Jardeen, Norman; Schwartz, J.W.; Weller, Joan; Holmes, Sherry Lee; Dean, Debbie; Methven, Janice; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1950-1960;