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The Big Pitch
Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston pitches the first horseshoe as the Metropolitan Park District's new senior citizen's park in the Salishan area was dedicated Friday afternoon. City and Park officials as well as a number of senior citizens attended ceremonies.
Russ Carmack/Photographer

“Low enrollments and inefficient structures may force Tacoma to close some schools, rebuild or remodel others.” Lister elementary was expensive to upkeep and faced several problems. It was 300 students short of its total capacity of 650. The school was initially built as a community center, and gymnasium and additions were later added. The different elements fit together awkwardly. Photo by staff member Warren Anderson.

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School, Lister Elementary
Feb 14 1982

Photo description from Vanna Sing:

When taken: 1980s and 2000s
Where taken: Eastside, Salishan
What memory is contained in these photos? Vanna Sing's childhood in Salishan and Eastside; Growing up in Salishan, spiritual healing. 43 year old survivor from the country of Cambodia. Roots are from SE Asia, Cambodia, Thai, and Laos. Our family escaped the Khmer Rouge in 1978 In July 1979, we entered United States. Our sponsors were from Mineral Wells, Texas. Trying to adapt to the American culture was a struggle. Through the word of mouth, Tacoma, Washington was the place to be. 15 families migrated to Tacoma, WA. We first arrived in Hilltop, Tacoma, around St. Joseph hospital area. We spent a year here. Tacoma Housing Authority supported refugees by providing rental assistance. Department of Social and Healthy Services gave us TANF, food stamp, and medical.

Photo description from Vanna Sing:

When taken: 1980s and 2000s
Where taken: Eastside, Salishan
What memory is contained in these photos? Vanna Sing's childhood in Salishan and Eastside; Growing up in Salishan, spiritual healing. 43 year old survivor from the country of Cambodia. Roots are from SE Asia, Cambodia, Thai, and Laos. Our family escaped the Khmer Rouge in 1978 In July 1979, we entered United States. Our sponsors were from Mineral Wells, Texas. Trying to adapt to the American culture was a struggle. Through the word of mouth, Tacoma, Washington was the place to be. 15 families migrated to Tacoma, WA. We first arrived in Hilltop, Tacoma, around St. Joseph hospital area. We spent a year here. Tacoma Housing Authority supported refugees by providing rental assistance. Department of Social and Healthy Services gave us TANF, food stamp, and medical.

Bryan Johnson from Lister Elementary School introduces a film he made in 2003 with his 5th grade students.

The oral history prompts were available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Marshallese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Somali, and Russian

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Trying to keep 'K' Street safe, Morris McCollum, President of 'K' Street Boosters, far left, has customers and passers-by sign a petition to keep the Hilltop patrolled by the same officers on the crime management team task force for 'K' Street.
Pictured, from left, are McCollum, Diaetta Walker, Henrietta George, Mary Radziski, manager of New Look Clothing on 'K' Street, and Virginia Taylor. The children are Lashwanda Walker, 19 months, in stroller, and Lapaschia Walker, 4-years-old. Both are daughter of Diaetta Walker. They want the streets kept safe so they can shop and let their kids play in the area. (photo by David Brandt)

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Four-year-old Rochelle Atkins plays with a hula hoop at the People's Center playground on S. 15th and K Streets.
K Street Story -- Amy Kunhardt

Taken for the Tacoma News Tribune article titled, "K Street Kids" Aug 19, 1988, Fri p.C1 (see "Hilltop Neighborhood 1988-1992"clipping file)

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Her doll accompanies Aisha Bell most days as the 5-year-old plays in the S. 15th Street neighborhood.
K Street Story -- Amy Kunhardt

Taken for the Tacoma News Tribune article titled, "K Street Kids" Aug 19, 1988, Fri p.C1 (see "Hilltop Neighborhood 1988-1992"clipping file)

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A Sad But Hopeful Look.....Pastor Lynn Farnum (Trinity Presbyterian Church), no stranger to the life on Tacoma's Hilltop and the plight of its children, gives a thoughtful glance down a stretch of streets on the Hill today as she joined a concerned group of local pastors and church leaders who briefly toured the area following a press conference they called to express concern and call attention to the Children's Initiative which they support. In the background (right arm raised) another spokesperson for the group, Rev. Dave Alger (Ex. Director of Associated Ministries) explains the sights to other members of the group.
News/Callahan
Geff Hinds Photo