Olympic skier and medalist from Tacoma, Gretchen Kunigk Fraser, was honored with a reception sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission on April 5, 1948. She is shown seated at the daffodil-covered head table with Mayor C. Val Fawcett, T.A.C. ski committee chair Jerry Geehan, and Howard R. Smith, T.A.C. president. A gift of silver candelabras was presented to Mrs. Fraser by Mr. Smith and Mr. Geehan. Mrs. Fraser in the same busy weekend also rode in the 15th annual Daffodil Parade and attended the Tacoma Ski Club's first annual Daffodil races. ALBUM 9.

Athletes; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Smith, Howard R.; Geehan, Jerry; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Commission reception in April, 1948, in honor of Gretchen Kunigk Fraser's victory in the 1948 Winter Olympics. Husband Don Fraser is to her left in photo, Mayor C. Val Fawcett is in background at far left. Olympic rings are hung over a winter backdrop. Mrs. Fraser captured the gold medal in women's slalom. Howard R. Smith, president of the T.A.C., and Jerry Geehan, chairman of the ski committee, present Mrs. Fraser with a pair of silver candelabras. The woman to the rear of the Frasers is believed to be Mrs. Fraser's mother, Clara (Mrs. W.A.) Kunigk. ALBUM 9. (TNT 4-6-48, p. 1)

Athletes; Skiers; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fraser, Don, 1914-1994; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Smith, Howard R.; Geehan, Jerry; Candelabras;

The Tacoma Athletic Commission celebrates the victory of Olympic Gold and Silver Medal winner Gretchen Kunigk Fraser by holding a dinner in her honor at the Top of The Ocean restaurant on April 5, 1948. Mayor Val Fawcett escorts Mrs. Fraser under a salute of crossed ski poles held by an Honor Guard representing the Tacoma Ski Team. Tacoma-raised Gretchen Fraser won in the Alpine skiing races at the 1948 Winter Olympics held in St. Moritz, placing first in the Slalom for a Gold Medal and second in the Alpine Combined race for a Silver Medal. TPL-5699, TPL-5049. ALBUM 9.

Athletes; Skiers; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Tacoma Ski Club (Tacoma);

Showing of 1949 Lincolns, Robert Sconce Advertising Agency. Men are peering under the hoods of the new 1949 model Lincolns. The 1949's featured 152 hp, V-8 engines. Several men also look inside the drivers side of the front seat. The new models had a curved instrument panel with back-light illumination, curved windshields and hydraulically controlled seat adjustment. The Cosmopolitan Town Sedan also had push button windows. The luxury automobiles have wide, white-wall tires. This is a night view from outside the showroom through plate glass windows. (T.Times, 4/15/1945, p.26) TPL-1516

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The Bank of California was the first bank in Tacoma to offer drive-up banking to its customers. Alfred B. Cummings, owner of Porter-Cummings Co., Inc. a men's clothing store, drove his car along Court A between 10th and 11th Streets behind the bank and handed his deposit to Wallace H. Waite, teller. Publicity shots ordered by Mr. Hernly, Batsford, Constantini & Gardner, Seattle. (T.Times, 3/23/1948, p.9)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cummings, A.B.; Waite, Wallace H.; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Mr. A.B. Cummings, owner of Porter-Cummings Company, men's clothiers, decided to try the newly opened drive-up banking services at Bank of California in March of 1948. The teller, Wallace H. Waite, is protected by a special bullet-proof glass window and steel bars. Mr. Cummings liked the new service, the first of its kind in Tacoma, and predicted it would help relieve congestion from customers parking along Pacific Avenue to stop for a short visit to the bank. Bank of California had been at this downtown location since 1928 and the drive-up window was located in the alley back of the bank. (T.Times, 3/23/1948, p.9-article & alternate photograph)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cummings, A.B.; Waite, Wallace H.; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Bellarmine High School and St. Leo's High School are presenting the operetta, "In Old St.Louis" April 8th, 10th and 11th, 1948, at St. Leo's auditorium. James Simpson and Gloria Marinacci have the lead roles supported by Pat O'Leary and Barbara Fox. (T.Times, 4/2/1948, p.16)

Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); St. Leo's Parochial School (Tacoma); Religious education--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Operas & operettas--Tacoma; Stages (Platforms);

Bellarmine High School and St. Leo's High School are presenting the operetta, "In Old St.Louis" April 8th, 10th and 11th, 1948, at St. Leo's auditorium. The entire cast fills the stage. Students dressed as pioneer woodsmen hold their muskets as an honor guard over the leading couple, James Simpson and Gloria Marinacci.. (T.Times, 4/2/1948, p.16)

Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); St. Leo's Parochial School (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Operas & operettas--Tacoma--1940-1950; Simpson, James; Marinacci, Gloria; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Private schools--Tacoma--1940-1950

Bowling team in studio, Tug Boat Annie bowling team, Bill Herdman. The Tug Boat Annie bowling team, sponsored by Henry Foss of the Foss Tug and Boat Company, were champions of the Tacoma Major league two successive years. They were such strong competitors, somewhat feared throughout the Northwest bowling circles, that they went on to take first place in the Northwest Pin Classic - the NIBC (Northwestern International Bowling Congress). The champion bowlers were: L-R, seated, Red Wakefield, Frank McGee and Len Thomas; standing, Kelcy Allen and Ted Wakefield. (T.Times, 5/6/1948, p.16; 5/12/1948, p.11)

Bowlers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tug Boat Annie Bowling Team (Tacoma); Wakefield, Red; McGee, Frank; Thomas, Len; Allen, Kelcy; Wakefield, Ted; Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma);

An unidentified "Pal of the Week" contest winner stands behind her brand new Schwinn bicycle and a large stack of Old Nick and Bit-O-Honey candy bars in this photograph from March 1948. The balloon tire girls bicycle is equiped with a light on the front fender and a horn in its "tank". Pal of the week bicycle winner, Schuttee Candy Division of Universal Match Corp., Wayland Tonning, District Manager.

Candy--Tacoma--1940-1950; Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bicycles & tricycles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Girls--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children eating & drinking--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Group of kids at meat judging contest at Carstens, O'Connel, Ragan, Carstens Account, Bev Bolster. Many students stand around a table with samples of different cuts of meat on display. Several of the students are rating the meat on forms. Older men are seen in the background and a few younger children are seen in the group.

Carstens Packing Co. (Tacoma); Meat industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Teenagers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Group of kids at meat judging contest at Carstens, O'Connel, Ragan, Carstens Account, Bev Bolster. Nine men stand in one of the meat coolers in front of several sides of hung meat. The man second from the left is wearing a ribbon and the designation of "Judge". TPL-8116

Carstens Packing Co. (Tacoma); Meat; Meat industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The Young Men's Business Club and the Tacoma Times sponsored the third annual kite flying contest at Jefferson playfield at North 7th and Madison Streets. The contest was open to boys and girls ages one to nine. A special balloon exhibition was staged by the meteorological section from McChord field. Winners of the events included: James Leonard - best constructed kite, Gary Sundquist - biggest kite, Dickie Kohler - smallest kite, Byron Kulo - highest flying, Eddie Armstrong - most original and Jerry Snow - best flying kite. Jimmie Montgomerie, age 5, was the youngest contestant. To compete for prizes the kites must have been constructed by the contestants and have small Red Cross designs in red on the face of the kite. Many of the children on the left are holding trophies. 7" x 11" format. (T.Times, 3/23/1948, p.1; T.Times, 3/29/1948, p.13)

Children--Tacoma--1940-1950; Kites (Toys); Children flying kites--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jefferson Park (Tacoma); Children & adults--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma is holding a spring clean-up drive April 11 - 21, 1948, sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Young Men's Business Club. The motto this year is, "Clean-up, Paint-up and Fix-up." Forty-four Stadium High School students, wearing letter sweaters with an "S," have arrived with lawn mowers, rakes, an edger, and clipping shears from home. Commissioner of Public Works Jack Roberts, with a white shirt and tie, is right in line with the students who will prune trees and shrubbery along Stadium Way.(T.Times, 4/7/1948, p.6)

Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lawn mowing--Tacoma; Raking (Sweeping)--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cleaning--Tacoma; Stadium High School (Tacoma); Roberts, Jack; Roberts, John S.;

Exalted Ruler and trustee at Elks Club, Jack Brouillard, Elks Club. Two men are playing handball at the Elks Club. They are both wearing tee shirts, shorts, court shoes, and special gloves. The walls of the handball court show the marks of the ball hitting the surface over and over again.

Elks Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Handball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sports & recreation facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sport clothes; Athletes--Tacoma;

The Tabitha Society of the First Lutheran Church gave a tea April 1, 1948, in honor of the women in their congregation that were over 80 years old.. Corsages were given to the guests of honor. L-R, seated, are Ira Norling, Hanna Leif, and Hilda Anderson; standing, Marie Swanson, Minnie Ostberg, Anna C. Bloom, Hilma Johnson and Ida C. Melin. Photo taken for Mrs. Hosmer, News Tribune. (TNT, 4/5/1948, p.5)

First Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Tabitha Society (Tacoma); Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Aged persons--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Float entered in Daffodil Parade, Griffin Fuel Company. The horse-drawn wagon was decorated in daffodils and the young women wore dresses and hats from the turn of the 20th century. The two men driving the team of horses turn to see what all the fun is about. A portion of the Griffin Fuel Company facilities are seen in the background.

Griffin Fuel Co. (Tacoma); Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1948 : Tacoma); Costumes; Horse teams--Tacoma--1940-1950; Horses--Tacoma; Carts & wagons--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Studio portrait of Nancy Hart, Chairman, Signa Phi dance, Anson Hart. Nancy Hart was the daughter of Anson and Margaret Hart. Anson Hart was associated with the City Motor Company for many years. Beta Sigma Phi was a business girl's sorority.

Hart, Nancy; Beta Sigma Phi (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Portrait photographs; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On March 15, 1948, last minute tax filers flocked to the fourth floor of the Washington Building at 1019 Pacific Avenue for help from the Internal Revenue Service with their Federal income tax returns. March 15th was the filing deadline, and the IRS set up tables in the hall outside their offices to deal with the crowd. An estimated 700,000 returns arrived for processing from Washington and Alaska. (T.Times, 3/16/1948, p.1) Paul Sandegren

Income taxes--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tax payers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Offices--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clerks; Internal Revenue Service (Tacoma);

Mack Truck #9 semi, involved in accident of Tacoma-Olympia highway, Jack Evans, adjuster, of J.B. Evans Adjusters. The long tank trailer has four sets of wheels in the back and is pulled as a "5th wheel" by the special hook-up at the back of the cab. The tank has "Mobiloil" painted on it. The cab door is painted, "Maxwell Petroleum Company". A flag is attached to the cab at the back corner on the drivers side and a large horn sits on top of the cab. The skyline of Tacoma is visible in the background. TPL-8461

J.B. Evans Adjusters (Tacoma); Insurance; Traffic accidents--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cityscapes; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Maxwell Petroleum Co. (Tacoma); Petroleum industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Studio shot in ice skating costume, Diane Jacobsen and Patsy Hamm, Mrs. Larry Hamm. Diane Jacobsen (left) and Patsy Hamm appeared in pair and solo numbers in the "Ice Capers of 1948" at Lakewood Ice Arena. The Capers was an 18 act revue. The show was sanctioned by the United States Figure Skating Association. (T.Times, 4/21/1948, p.t)

Jacobsen, Diane; Hamm, Patsy; Ice skating--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lakewood Ice Arena (Lakewood); Ice skating rinks--Lakewood;

Jard Petroleum Company, Serve-Ur Self Station, Mr. Al Taylor, Standard Oil Company. Jard, the new self-service station, was coined in a combination of the first letters of the first names of the four owners; Jack Snyder, Andy Morrill, Rosy Wagner, and Dick Dexter. Customers could ask for assistance in adding oil to their automobiles. Many men and women were seen pumping gasoline and adding oil to their automobiles, however. R.E. Dexter, president, R.A. Wagner, vice president, A.E. Morrill, secretary, and J.E. Snyder, treasurer. (T.Times, 2/27/1948, p.7) TPL-1511

Jard Petroleum Co. (Tacoma); Standard Oil Co. of California (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gasoline--Tacoma; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Jimmy Montgomerie (far left), age 5, watched while his pals Stanley Crawford (center), age 6, and Scot Crawford, age 10, built their kite for the 3rd annual kite flying contest held on Saturday March 27, 1948 at Jefferson Playfield, North 7th and Madison Streets. The contest was staged by the Young Men's Business Club and sponsored by a large group of organizations including the Tacoma YMCA, Tacoma and Pierce County public and parochial schools, and the Red Cross; each kite was required to have a small red cross on its face. The Cammarano Brothers donated 10 cases of pop to help keep the kids who were participating from getting too thirsty. (T.Times, 3/26/1948, p.5)

Kites (Toys); Children flying kites--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children's art; Boys--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Port of Tacoma for Times Special Edition, studio stock, B of R. Lincoln Bowl during construction. Lincoln Bowl is nearing completion. The bowl was first constructed in 1920 and reconstruction was begun in 1941. Work on the playing field was held up until the war was over in 1942. Spectator stands are built on both the east and west sides of the field. (TNT, 3/18/1948, p.32)

Lincoln Bowl (Tacoma); Stadiums--Tacoma--1940-1950; Grandstands--Tacoma--1940-1950; Athletic fields--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Reed Fixtures had moved into a larger building in 1946. They took over a fifty by ninety foot government surplus warehouse located on Center Street. They specialized in business fixtures, display cases and other commercial fixtures. Interior view of grocery store with new Reed fixtures, which included: food shelves, fruit bins, and fixtures for frozen foods. A shopper gets ready to weigh her bananas.

Grocery stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fruit--Tacoma; Vegetables--Tacoma; Food--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Grocery carts; Reed's Cabinet & Fixture (Tacoma);

The Winthrop Hotel was designed by W. L. Stoddard and Roland E. Borhek; it was built by F. A. Pratt and A. I. Watson. It first opened in May 1925 and was named after Theodore Winthrop, explorer and writer. In 1940 they began offering residential apartments on the top floors of the hotel. Exterior view of the Winthrop Hotel; photo ordered by Pioneer Incorporated, a printing, lithography and stationary business.

Hotels--Tacoma; Business districts--Tacoma; Signal lights--Tacoma; Pedestrians--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Pioneer, Inc. (Tacoma);

Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies" was a Paramount picture in Technicolor, opening at the Rialto Theatre on February 11, 1947. The movie posters advertised "It's the nearest thing to Heaven!" View of "Blue Skies" movie promotion movie poster in window display, featuring home cleaning products, brooms and paints at a Tacoma department store.

Motion picture posters; Motion pictures; Actors--Tacoma; Window displays; Crosby, Bing; Rialto Theatre (Tacoma); Housework--Tacoma; Brooms & brushes; Dry goods stores--Tacoma;

In February of 1947, the Tacoma Ice Palace at 3801 South Union Avenue was being prepared for a boxing bout. Plywood flooring was placed over the Ice Palace's skating rink. A boxing ring and a heating system with 12 large blowers was brought in. The main event, organized by Raleigh Sliger, was between the Canadian welterweight Hal Robbins and Chuck "Kid" Brown from Klamath Falls, Oregon. View of plywood floor being placed over Tacoma Ice Palace's skating rink, photo ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association. (T. Times, 2/10/47, p. 10).

Plywood; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Floors--Tacoma; Ice skating rinks--Tacoma; Tacoma Ice Palace (Tacoma); Boxing--Tacoma;

The Top of the Ocean restaurant had their grand opening in December 1946. They were one of the most beautiful and luxurious dine and dance liners in the Northwest. View of Hal Gullett and his orchestra playing at the Top of the Ocean restaurant. Hal Gullett is playing the saxophone and Micky McDougall is singing (T. Times, 1/13/47, p. 7).

Restaurants--Tacoma; Music ensembles--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Gullett, Hal;

The Top of the Ocean had a private suite for the Tacoma Athletic Commission on their top deck. An advertisement stated they have the "most beautiful dance floors in the Northwest"and would be featuring Hal Gullett and his orchestra nightly. View of Micky McDougall on left, and Hal Gullett on right side (T. Times, 1/13/47, p. 7).

Restaurants--Tacoma; Music ensembles--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Gullett, Hal; McDougall, Micky;