Newly installed Mayor John C. Siegle, center, stands with his fellow city councilmen on June 6, 1938, in (Old) City Hall. From L-R, Val Fawcett - Finance Commissioner, Holmes Eastwood - Safety Commissioner, Dr. Siegle, Ira Davisson - Public Utilities Commissioner and Abner Bergersen - Public Works Commissioner. Dr. Siegle, a leading dentist in Tacoma, was the city's first native-born mayor. The death of his father when the mayor was only ten caused him to drop out of Tacoma public schools; he later studied privately while becoming a card carrying member of the Machinists Union. He worked his way through Northwestern University and obtained his DDS. Mayor Siegle held many leadership titles in the community including being the Past Exalted Ruler of Tacoma Lodge No. 174, BPOE, past president of the Kiwanis Club, past president of the North End community club and past commander of the Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 of the American Legion. His platform urged civic improvement to make Tacoma an ever better city and campaigned for new industry and economic development, especially in the Tideflats. Dr. Siegle passed away on April 12, 1939, of cancer, having served as mayor for less than a year. ALBUM 11. (T.Times 6-6-38, p. 1)
Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Eastwood, Holmes; Davisson, Ira; Bergersen, Abner R.; Municipal government--Tacoma;