Two employees of the U.S. Plywood Corporation examine sheets of plywood in their Seattle plant on January 6, 1956. They were manufacturers of the "Weldwood" brand of Douglas fir plywood. U.S. Plywood had two locations in Seattle including a lumber division on E. Marginal Way. It also had plants in Mapleton, Oregon, and a 60 million foot capacity mill in Anderson, California. By 1954, with the addition of Associated Plywood Mills' two holdings, U.S. Plywood was capable of 342 million feet annually. (Cour: Plywood Age, p. 158-59)

Plywood; Lumber industry--Seattle--1950-1960; United States Plywood Corp. (Seattle);

Two cuddly chinchillas huddle amidst frosted Christmas decorations in a December 8, 1955, photograph. Chinchillas were bred for their fur, used in women's coats and wraps, but also were sold as pets. They originated in South America's Andes Mountains and had very soft pearly gray fur. Photograph ordered by Gold Seal Chinchilla, Inc.

Rodents--Tacoma; Christmas decorations; Gold Seal Chinchilla Enterprises (Tacoma);

View of the Rowland Pontiac-Cadillac dealership from rear. This January 12, 1956, photograph shows boxcars on the railroad tracks adjacent to the business. The body shop area has assorted Pontiacs, Cadillacs and other automobiles parked behind the building. There is a billboard advertising the " New '56 Nash - Sanford Nash Company" planted in the hillside across the street from the Rowland Pontiac-Cadillac Co. Irwin-Jones Motor Co.'s Truck Department had formerly occupied this dealership's space. Photograph ordered by Rowland Pontiac-Cadillac Co. TPL-8153

Rowland Pontiac-Cadillac Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Railroad freight cars--Tacoma--1950-1960; Railroad tracks--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A classroom of beaming young girls greet the photographer on December 8, 1955. This was one of the primary grades at Annie Wright Seminary. The little girls are all wearing uniforms with white collars. Sandra Cheney, daughter of Ben Cheney, is seated on the extreme right, last seat. Sepia photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co.

School children--Tacoma--1950-1960; Classrooms--Tacoma; Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Private schools--Tacoma; Cheney Lumber Co. (Tacoma); Cheney, Sandra;

Five unidentified members of the Pacific Coast Division of the American Pulp & Paper Mill Superintendents Association performed a "space age" skit involving a hodgepodge of space visitors and robots at their annual conference held at the Hotel Winthrop, 773 Broadway, in December of 1955. Following panel and group discussions on sulphate pulping, sulphite pulping, and papermaking, the delegates ended their annual meeting with an informal banquet in the Crystal Ballroom and a dance in the Wedgewood Room. (Photograph ordered by American Pulp & Paper Mill Superintendents Association.) (TNT 12-4-55, B-11)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Costumes; Robots; Signs (Notices); American Pulp & Paper Mill Superintendents Association (Tacoma);

Marjorie Eileen Webster McDaniel poses on the altar after her December 23, 1955 wedding with her little sister and flowergirl Joyce Webster. The bride was the daughter of Martin Frederick and Jeanett Webster. She and Malcolm Craig McDaniel were wed at the Asbury Methodist Church with a reception following at the V.F.W. Hall, 6229 South Tacoma Way. Both girls look lovely in full dresses and carry winter bouquets.

Webster, Marjorie Eileen--Marriage; Webster, Joyce; Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Wedding clothing & dress--1950-1960;

Night exposure - Lou Johnson, Inc. Lighted storefront windows provide a flattering look at elegant evening wear and lingerie offered by Lou Johnson, Inc.'s main store on Broadway. Elaborate wreaths are the only wall decorations within the showcases; this causes attention to be focused upon the mannequin and its clothing. A neon sign is the sole indication of the store's name; it juts out from the marbled facade. Lou Johnson, Inc. specialized in women's fine apparel and accessories. With three locations in the Tacoma area alone, it was a well-known business. Photograph ordered by Lou Johnson, Inc.

Lou Johnson Inc. (Tacoma); Clothing stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mannequins; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Interiors of Lou Johnson, Inc. Elegant period furniture is scattered throughout this spacious waiting area located in Lou Johnson Inc.'s main store on Broadway. Beautiful evening wear is displayed in an uncluttered manner; one outfit per focal point. Lou Johnson's specialized in women's apparel and accessories. The firm was owned by Lucie Palmer, president, and consisted of three stores in the Tacoma area in addition to a store in Yakima. Photograph ordered by Lou Johnson Inc.

Lou Johnson Inc. (Tacoma); Clothing stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sofas;

Coved ceilings accentuated the spaciousness of Lou Johnson, Inc.'s main store on Broadway. Lou Johnson's specialized in women's apparel and accessories. The lower level contained the shoe and hat departments. An elegant curved staircase led to an alcove where fine dresses were located. A bit of Christmas was brought into the store with the use of an enormous wreath attached to the railing on the second level. Lou Johnson, Inc., had three locations in the Tacoma area, including one near Division Avenue and another in Lakewood. There was also a store in Yakima. Photograph ordered by Lou Johnson, Inc.

Lou Johnson Inc. (Tacoma); Clothing stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Stairways--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Lou Johnson, Inc., had three stores in the Tacoma area, specializing in women and misses apparel and accessories. They were owned and operated by Lucie Palmer, president. The Lakewood store in the newly expanded Lakewood Center was decorated in muted grays and accents of pink and exhibited a beautiful colonial crystal chandelier. Portions of the shop's interiors show displays of fine jewelry, lingerie, and hats. There was an uncrowded feel to the store with merchandise spread throughout the floor and plenty of walking space between them. Photograph ordered by Lou Johnson, Inc. (TNT 11-16-55, C-8)

Lou Johnson, Inc. (Lakewood); Lingerie; Clothing stores--Lakewood--1950-1960;

An unidentified man stands in front of the National Shuffleboard Sales Company located at 1119 Tacoma Avenue South across the street from the Main Branch of the Tacoma Public Library. Both the Stanley Amusement Co. and the National Shuffleboard Sales Co. of Tacoma were owned by Stanley Kolitzoff and George Sellers in the mid-1950's. The shuffleboard company was the exclusive distributor of shuffleboards for the entire state. Trophies were on display in the storefront windows as well as clocks, blankets and other items used for prizes. The Stanley Amusement Co. sold and serviced coin machines, including apparently riding horses like the one located in the store's display window. This store, originally built in 1922, is currently being restored. ( Photograph ordered by Stanley Amusement Co.)

Stanley Amusement Co. (Tacoma); National Shuffleboard Sales Co. of Tacoma (Tacoma); Facades--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A brightly colored studio close up of a Brown & Haley Easter Egg candy was taken in December, 1955, possibly for use in advertising. The candy was photographed against a rosy tinted carpet-like backdrop. The Easter Egg bar had a smiling cartoon rabbit on the cover and cost a mere nickel. Brown & Haley was noted for their chocolate and Almond Roca products; they also made specialty candies like these as well. Photograph ordered by Brown & Haley.

Brown & Haley (Tacoma); Candy--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Architectural plans are being discussed at the James Fowler residence in the Rhododendron Lanes community on January 26, 1956. A young couple, presumably James and Georgia Fowler, examine with interest the plans that are being shown to them by an unidentified man. Fowler was employed by the Douglas Fir Plywood Association. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.

Architectural drawings; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Fowler, James--Homes & haunts; Fowler, James; Fowler, Georgia;

1956 Golden Glove champions. These nine young men are the individual champions in their weight category for the eighth annual Golden Gloves tournament sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. Although six major cities in the Northwest plus the military were represented in the tournament, the majority of champions came from either Portland or Seattle. Kneeling in front are: Tommy Thomas, Portland, 147 pounds, Johnny White, Portland, 132#, and Tommy Takao, Seattle, 112#. Standing left to right are: Tommy Delvecchio, Vancouver, B.C., 139#, Phil Moyer, Portland, 156# , Willie Richardson, Portland, 178#, Bruce Olson, Eugene, heavyweight, Harvey Burke, Portland, 165# and Bobby Hicks, Seattle, 125#. Takao, representing the Royal Athletic Club of Seattle, was the evening's first crowned champion. Hicks, wearing the colors of the George Chemeres Boxing School of Seattle, was voted "Golden Boy" honors, as the most popular fighter. (TNT 1-23-56, p. 17) TPL-10451;

Boxing--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

A boxer bows his head in apparent defeat as he has just been knocked down by the blond boxer to the left. This action occurred during the eighth annual Golden Gloves boxing tournament held at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on January 20-21, 1956. 59 amateur boxers competed in nine weight categories. They came from six major Northwest cities plus the military. Sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission, winners might have been considered for the upcoming Olympics by the U.S. and Canadian national teams. While no one from Tacoma was declared a champion, Seattle and Portland clubs were well-represented in the finals. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. (TNT 1-20-56, p. 20, TNT 1-22-56, B-11)

Boxing--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

In January of 1956 Joan Oliver, Janet Shull and Esther Gerald (far right) were already calculating how many boxes of chocolates they could sell during the 8th annual Tacoma Camp Fire and Blue Bird Girls "Candy Mint Sale". The sale ran to February 22, and proceeds went to the development and operations fund for Camp Wakoma. Prizes were awarded to the Camp Fire Girls who sold the most boxes, including an all-expense overnight stay at Camp Wakoma. It is still a tradition for Camp Fire Girls to sell mints. Photograph ordered by the Camp Fire Girls. (TNT 1-29-56, D-6)

Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Children--Clubs--Tacoma; Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gerald, Esther; Oliver, Joan; Shull, Janet; Blackboards;

Reichhold Chemicals was constructing a new plant in early 1956. Work had barely gotten started in this marshy lowland area where pools of water dot the landscape. A road of sorts has been carved out of the area; piles of excavated dirt are stacked on either side. Photograph ordered by Reichhold Chemicals, Inc.

Dirt; Dirt roads; Reichhold Chemicals, Inc. (Tacoma);

Bowling team. The Pacific Telephone & Telegraph women's bowling team posed for a group portrait on February 3, 1956. Bowling was a popular sport in the 1950's and many businesses sponsored company teams. Photograph ordered by Pacific Telephone & Telegraph.

Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma)--Employees--1950-1960; Bowlers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bowling alleys--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bowling balls;

Company officials and contractors stand in front of a sign welcoming Reichhold Chemicals, Inc.'s Tacoma plant on February 15, 1956. Reichhold were manufacturers of chemicals for Pacific Northwest industries. In the background is the first train to run on a new railroad spur into Tacoma from the chemical plant. Those in the photograph are: Richard Rose, Tacoma representative for Reichhold, Ernie Skyeta, general manager of the Northwest Division of Reichhold, Harold Warner, Seattle plant manager in charge of construction, and Ed Ekrem, general contractor. Photograph ordered by Reichhold Chemicals, Inc.

Reichhold Chemicals, Inc. (Tacoma); Railroad locomotives--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Construction continues on a new junior high school in Puyallup in February, 1956. Workers from the T Steel Corporation of Seattle were busy putting on a new steel roof. 160 tons of galvanized sheets were needed for the roof decking. The galvanized sheets were provided by Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel who also supplied 150 tons of structural steel to the fabricator, Star Iron & Steel Co. The architect of the project is Robert Billsbrough Price; general contractors are Ostruske-Murphy, Inc. Photograph ordered by Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel. Corporation. (TNT 2-29-56, D-3)

Building construction--Puyallup; Steel; T Steel Corp. (Seattle); Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel Corp. (Seattle);

ca. 1956. Hugh Downs and Arlene Francis, co-hosts of NBC-TV's "Home." Photograph taken about 1956 as the pair are preparing for broadcast. Note the size of microphones as compared to those used in the 21st century. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association, possibly because Miss Francis was used in advertisements promoting fir plywood. TPL-2337 ALBUM 7.

Downs, Hugh; Francis, Arlene; Television broadcasting;

ca. 1956. Pacific Lutheran College Chorus. Professor Frederick L. Newnham directed the Pacific Lutheran College Chorus in 1956 due to the absence of R. Byard Fritts. The Chorus had a very active year with many public performances including the Christmas Concert, journeying to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia, and a farewell concert for the servicemen at Fort Lewis. The Chorus was headed by Richard Farness, president. Names of individual chorus members are found in the 1956 Saga yearbook, p. 121. Photograph ordered by Pacific Lutheran College.

Students--Parkland--1950-1960; Choirs (Music); Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

Photo series of Eric O. Brown, district manager for the Pacific Telegraph and Telephone Co. Eric and Dorothy share a snack with their two children in front of a roaring fire in the fireplace.

Brown, Eric O.--Homes & haunts; Brown, Eric O.--Family; Brown, Eric O.; Brown, Dorothy; Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma)--Employees--1950-1960;

Photo series of Eric O. Brown, district manager for the Pacific Telegraph and Telephone Co. Eric and Dorothy Brown pose with their two children in front of the Immanuel Presbyterian Church. The man greeting them is possibly the Rev. Harold B. Long. The mission style church was built in 1908 and designed by Russell and Babcock, architects.

Brown, Eric O.; Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma)--Employees--1950-1960; Brown, Dorothy; Brown, Eric O.--Family; Immanuel Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

Ordered by the Douglas Fir Plywood Association, this is a progress photograph of cedar siding being applied over sheathing at the Jim Fowler residence. James Fowler was the Director of the DFPA and this is possibly his home at 37 Beverly Drive SW in Rhododendron Lanes in Lakewood. Fowler was adding a new extension to his Lakewood home. The extension was designed by Architect Donald F. Burr.

Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Remodeling--Lakewood; Fowler, James--Homes & haunts;

Snow plows have cleared one of the roads at Mount Rainier National Park, banking it higher than the roof of the Richards paneled station wagon at the side of the road. The surrounding trees appear to be dead, possibly from the Kautz Creek flood.

Mount Rainier National Park (Wash.); Snow; Roads;

Two youngsters try out the old fashioned telephones at the Pacific Telegraph and Telephone informal Open House. The phone models are the versions used in 1902 and 1907. The young man in the cowboy shirt seems to be listening intently to his call. A hand from behind the display grasps the female toddler's leg so she doesn't fall during the photo taking session.

Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma); Telephone companies--Tacoma; Telephones; Children using telephones--Tacoma;

Ordered by the Douglas Fir Plywood Association; plywood being used in the construction of a commercial "chicken house." Plywood is being attached to the exterior of the beams to form the curved roof of the chicken house. The entrance area and a ventilation window can be seen. This is the back of the house. This is possibly the Fife farm of the Guy Conine family. The family raised poultry in three chicken houses, one conventional and two of the quonset hut design. They raised Van Tress hybrid crosses, Washington Whites and Lancaster Whites. The laminated beam construction of the two quonset hut variety eliminated the need for posts for support. All feeding and watering was automatic. (TNT 10/28/1956, pg. B-6)

Plywood; Construction; Poultry houses; Poultry industry;

Twelve princesses for the 1956 Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival, dressed in Easter dresses and hats and holding baskets of flowers. Preparations were well underway for the 23rd annual Daffodil Festival to be held on April 9-15, 1956. Twelve candidates were vying for Queen. Seated left to right in row 1 are Dianne Divelbiss of Sumner and Judy Poolman of Sumner. 2nd row: Donna Kaelin of Sumner, Nancy Rosario of Sumner, Cheryl McDonald of Tacoma, Evelyn Strandley of Puyallup. 3rd row: Frances Delano of Puyallup, Connie Vandewall of Puyallup, Judy Nelson of Puyallup, Margaret Strachan of Tacoma. Top Row-Kathy Gustafson of Tacoma and Betty Zevenberger of Tacoma. Margaret Strachan was crowned Queen by Governor Arthur Langley April 9th in Spartan Hall in Sumner. The 18 year old Stadium High School senior was the first Tacoma girl ever elected Queen. Princesses were Diane Divelbiss, 17 year old Sumner senior, and Evelyn Strandley, 16 year old Puyallup junior. (TNT 4/1/1956, pg. D-1, TNT 4/10/1956, pg.1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1956); Divelbiss, Dianne; Poolman, Judy; Kaelin, Donna; Rosario, Nancy; McDonald, Cheryl; Strandley, Evelyn; Delano, Frances; Vandewall, Connie; Nelson, Judy; Strachan, Margaret; Gustafson, Kathy; Zevenberger, Betty;