Studio portrait Carl W. Broome. Mr. Broome strikes a emphatic pose by pounding his fist into his other palm in a studio portrait taken on December 20, 1956. Carl Broome owned the Lake Geneva resort in the 1950's which was located in southwest King County, two miles southwest of Auburn. People could enjoy swimming and other family activities lakeside. Photograph ordered by Carl W. Broome.

Broome, Carl W.;

An unidentified employee of Pacific Telephone & Telegraph smiles pleasantly as she demonstrates the long-distance board at the phone company on December 17, 1956. The telephone operator is wearing a headset while plugging a call into the switchboard. Over 300 operators would be on hand to handle Christmas Eve and Christmas Day calls. More than 55,000 telephone calls were expected in and out of Tacoma. Photograph ordered by Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (TNT 12-23-56, A-7) TPL-9272

Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma)--Employees--1950-1960; Telephone companies--Tacoma; Telephone operators--Tacoma--1950-1960; Telephone switchboards--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Moon family studio portrait. The George F. Moon family, including a bevy of children, posed for a sepia family portrait on December 15, 1956. According to the 1956 City Directory, Mr. Moon was a grain handler for Archer-Daniels-Midland. He and his wife Jeanne resided at that time at 411 No. "D" St. Photograph ordered by Mrs. George F. Moon.

Moon, George F.--Family; Moon, George F.; Moon, Jeanne; Group portraits;

View of tanks and building. Several large fuel tanks are placed in close proximity to one another in a photograph taken on December 13, 1956. One horizontal tank has the name "Chapman Chemical Co., Tacoma, WN" clearly marked on its base. These possibly could have been used by the National Paint & Oil Companies, refiners and manufacturers, both located at 3011 So. Fife. Photograph ordered by National Paint & Oil Co.

Storage tanks; National Paint & Oil Co. (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

Mrs. Ted Fix, wearing a clown's outfit and strumming an Eddie Cantor banjo, and Mrs. Clarence Todd were the co-chairs for the Christmas party held on December 20, 1956 for the wives of the Fircrest Golf Club members. The theme for the party, held in the course club house, was "Kiddieland." Decorations featured oversized toys and all the party goers and their guests were asked to come dressed as kiddies or as storybook characters. (Photograph ordered by the Fircrest Golf Club.) (TNT 12-16-56, D-5)

Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banjos; Fircrest Golf Club (Fircrest);

Two boys, looking remarkably like twins, smile at the chef bearing a platter of cooked ham at the Carstens Packing Co.'s Christmas party. A variety of meats was offered for hungry guests at the December 9, 1956, gathering. Carstens was the largest independent meat packing company on the West Coast. Photograph ordered by Pacific National Advertising Agency, Seattle.

Carstens Packing Co. (Tacoma); Christmas--Tacoma; Meat;

Jobs Daughters installation. Participants in the 35th installation of Bethel 8, Job's Daughters on December 8, 1956, clasp their hands in prayer. Those kneeling in white garments have positioned themselves in the shape of a cross. Three of the young girls are wearing tiaras; Queen Carol Berglund at the foot of the "cross" is carrying long stem flowers. "Winter Fantasie" was the theme of the public installation ceremonies held in the Gothic Room, Masonic Temple. Sepia photograph ordered by Mrs. Carl Berglund. (TNT 12-5-56, C-11)

International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Berglund, Carol;

Job's Daughters installation. Carol Berglund, center with roses, was crowned honored Queen at the 35th installation of the Bethel #8, International Order of Job's Daughters on December 8, 1956. She was wearing a lovely satin floor length gown, a ceremonial wrap, and a tiara. Carol is the daughter of Carl and Ellen Berglund. Sepia photograph ordered by Mrs. Carl Berglund. (TNT 12-5-56, C-11)

International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Berglund, Carol;

Job's Daughters installation. Participants and guests at the 35th installation of the Bethel #8, International Order of Job's Daughters on December 8, 1956, place hands over hearts while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. All eyes are focused on the flag to the foreground which is being held by a member of Tacoma Chapter, Order of DeMolay. Sepia photograph ordered by Mrs. Carl Berglund. (TNT 12-5-56, C-11)

International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flags--United States;

Reno Odlin stands under the 96 foot tall Puget Sound National Bank electric sign which displayed both the temperature and time in this photograph from December 5, 1956. Erected in June, 1953, the double "T" sign was one of the first in the country. Reno Odlin was the long-time president and chief executive officer of the bank. He successfully led Puget Sound National Bank for several decades, positioning it as the "hometown bank" and increasing branches to 33. He retired in 1974, leaving the bank to be led by former son-in-law, Bill Philip, and passed away in 1979. (Provorse: Banking on Independence, p. 130)

Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; Bankers--Tacoma; Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clocks & watches;

Aerial photographs were taken on December 4, 1956, at the request of U.S. Oil & Refining Co. of the petroleum tank "farm" on the Tideflats heading toward town. The huge light-colored cylinders dot the landscape. U.S. Oil had broken ground in July, 1955, for a new 10-million dollar oil refinery on an 120 acre site in the Tideflats. TPL-5897

Aerial photographs; Storage tanks--Tacoma; US Oil & Refining Co. (Tacoma);

At the annual Cheney Lumber Company football banquet in December of 1956 the boys who played on one of the Cheney Studs football teams that year gathered around a large group photo, trying to find themselves in the picture. In 1956 the Cheney Lumber Co. fielded rookie, bantam, peewee and midget teams in the local leagues. The rookie league was new in 1956 and consisted of boys 11 years old and less than 90 pounds. The Cheney Lumber Co., headed by philanthropist Ben Cheney, poured money into sports for children, enabling many Tacoma area youngsters to experience the fun of sports. Ben Cheney had been instrumental in the founding of the kids football program; by 1956, the program had 30 competing teams.

Cheney Lumber Co. (Tacoma); Football--Tacoma--1950-1960; Football players--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Ani studio portrait. The Frank Ani family posed for a sepia studio portrait on December 1, 1956. According to the 1957 City Directory, Mr. Ani, a former merchant marine, worked in the upholstery department of the F.S. Harmon Manufacturing Co. while wife Bergit was a waitress at Vern's Sandwich Shop. They, with their small son, are all dressed in bright tropical clothing. The Anis resided at 2502 Olympic in University Place. Photograph ordered by Mrs. Bergit Ani.

Ani, Frank--Family; Ani, Frank Kapunihana Kaualii ; Ani, Bergit; Families--University Place;

Selden's, in 1956, had two convenient locations in the Tacoma area: one in the downtown area on Broadway and the other in the Lakewood Center. The store had made its name in being "first in floor coverings" but also offered interior decorating and electrical appliances. View of household appliances department at Selden's, including Frigidaire refrigerators and stoves and Moore heaters. Photograph ordered by Selden's.

Seldens, Inc. (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Road signs. View of Pacific Avenue around 26th Street on a busy November 30, 1956, shows heavy traffic. Traffic signs warn that the speed limit is 25 mph and to be careful of a railroad crossing. A large metallic sign hanging on a sturdy pole gives motorists the choice to heading toward Bremerton, Portland, or Seattle. Puget Sound Auto Electric is to the right of the photograph with the Travel Lodge and Hauge's Gateway Service across the street. Photograph ordered by Condon Co. TPL-8384

Traffic signs & signals--Tacoma--1950-1960;

On Friday December 14, 1956, (l to r) Charles Gay, Harold Hayward, and Jeannie Causin, dressed as Santa's helpers, showed Diane Williams one of the new dolls that Santa would be delivering for Christmas. They were participating in the "Christmas for Angels" program at the Tacoma Yacht Club sponsored by the Shipmates. The club was decorated for the party with a spotlighted tree, pink and silver stars and silver angels. (TNT 12-9-56, D-6)

Children performing in theatrical productions; Children playing with dolls; Gay, Charles; Hayward, Harold; Causin, Jeannie; Williams, Diane;

Road signs. Directional road signage at the corner of Bay & Portland Ave. give a motorist plenty of choices on how to proceed. Bay is the street at top with Portland intersecting on the right. An overhead metal sign indicates Seattle is northward, using Hwy. 99, while Hwy. 99 heading south would take you to Olympia and Bremerton. Smaller signs point out the direction of downtown's city center, or Hwy. 410 heading west. Photograph ordered by the Condon Co.

Traffic signs & signals--Tacoma--1950-1960; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Streets--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Thanks to the popularity of the Lawrence Welk hour, the accordion was so admired that the young accordion students of Bob Kieszling line the stage of the College of Puget Sound fieldhouse from side to side. Most of the students lean slightly backwards with the weight of the instrument, although a few hold guitars, trumpets, saxophones or no instruments. At the top of the group stand Bob (R.A.) and Agnes Kieszling, the directors of the school. The Bob Kieszling Accordion Studio was located at 3710 No. 25th, which was also the Kieszling's home. Lessons cost $1.50 a week and students received an accordion to take home. Part of the cost of the lesson applied toward the accordion purchase.

Music education--Tacoma--1950-1960; Children playing musical instruments--Tacoma--1950-1960; Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960; Accordions; Music ensembles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Kieszling, Robert A.; Kieszling, Agnes;

Judy Reed appears to be carefully watching her figure eights while she is on the ice at the Lakewood Ice Arena in this photograph dated November 29, 1956. Hair pulled back in an attractive ponytail, Judy is wearing a short black jumper and white blouse with three-quarter length sleeves. Sepia photograph ordered by Carl Reed.

Reed, Judy; Ice skating--Lakewood--1950-1960; Lakewood Ice Arena (Lakewood);

John "Sandy" Swanson does a turn on the ice as the young figure skater is photographed at the Lakewood Ice Arena on November 29, 1956. He placed 4th in the Pacific Coast Junior Men's competition in 1954 and in 1956, was 2nd in the Northwest Junior Men's. He is neatly dressed with pullover sweater and tie and wears his hair in a modified crew cut. "Sandy" was a member of the Lakewood Winter Club. Photograph ordered by Walter Swanson.

Swanson, John; Ice skating--Lakewood--1950-1960; Lakewood Ice Arena (Lakewood);

Hair flying and arms extended, Joan Schenke is captured leaping into the air on the ice at Lakewood Ice Arena. The young figure skater from Clover Park High School is wearing a short skating dress with rows of white buttons and white skates. Figure skating was very popular in the 1940's and 1950's, with many local champions taking honors at nationals and appearing in traveling ice shows. Joan was the daughter of Fred Schenke and resided with her parents at 612 South "I". She was a member of the Lakewood Winter Club and won the U.S. Junior Ladies Figure Skating championship in March, 1956. Photograph ordered by Fred Schenke. (TNT 1-6-57, B-8)

Schenke, Joan; Ice skating--Lakewood--1950-1960; Lakewood Ice Arena (Lakewood);

Marianne Beeler may have been in the process of completing a jump at the Lakewood Ice Arena on November 29, 1956. She has her arms extended, along with one leg, while the other leg is bent. Her attention is focused off to the side. Marianne is dressed in a button-up sweater over a black skating dress. Photograph ordered by Al Beeler.

Beeler, Marianne; Ice skating--Lakewood--1950-1960; Lakewood Ice Arena (Lakewood);

The Elks Club appears packed on November 28, 1956, as members wait for promised entertainment on Old Timers Club night. The orchestra is seated, sheet music open and ready. The piano bench is empty although there is an organist at his keyboard. Elks members with 25 or more years of service were honored annually with dinner at the Elks Club plus an evening of music and skits. Photograph ordered by the Elks Club.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

A sepia photograph of a large family group was taken on November 28, 1956. This is possibly the Bjorkman family. All are dressed nicely as they pose in front of a large porch; they may be celebrating a family event. Photograph ordered by Mrs. Cecil Nicholson.

Group portraits; Families--1950-1960; Houses--1950-1960;

Exterior view of J.C. Penney store. Built in 1916 and known as the Frye Building, the J.C. Penney department store made substantial renovations to the building with its occupancy in the 1930's, prompting a visit from company founder, J.C. Penney in 1934. Ornamental frieze and the Italianate style of architecture make an interesting contrast to the more modern display windows found on the first floor. Photograph ordered by the J.C. Penney Co.

J.C. Penney Co. (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Facades--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Construction continues on the overpass on Highway 99 at Olympia in November, 1956. A Lorain moto-crane is shown lifting steel sections. Piles of concrete and steel are stacked nearby. Photograph ordered by the Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel Corporation.

Road construction--Olympia; Elevated highways--Olympia; Hoisting machinery; Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel Corp. (Seattle);

Home portrait of two little girls. Two pigtailed little girls, possibly the daughters of Mrs. Bruce Gilpin, serve their dolls a nourishing meal on an indoor picnic table. Janie and Muffett are wearing identical dresses and little bows in their hair. Sepia photograph ordered by Mrs. Bruce Gilpin, whose husband was vice-president of Northwest Chair.

Children playing with dolls--Tacoma--1950-1960; Children playing with toys--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Interiors of Wood Convalescent Home. In late 1956, the former John S. Baker home became the Wood Convalescent Home. Built in 1887 in the Queen Anne style of architecture, the rest home had semi-private rooms with hospital-style beds and modern trays. Comfortable period furniture was available for either patient or guest. The Wood Convalescent Home was owned and operated by Agnes H. Wood. It had room for 34 beds and each bed was equipped with a modern buzzer button to summon nurses. Three sitting rooms were provided for quiet visits from guests or just relaxing. Patients enjoyed 24 hour patient care and visitors were welcome at any time. Remodeling was done by Cameron Construction Co. Photograph ordered by Wood Convalescent Home. (TNT 12-2-56, B-13)

Wood Convalescent Home (Tacoma); Rest homes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Nursing homes--Tacoma;

Highland Hills Shopping Center. Originally called the Highland Hill Shopping Center, it was completed in 1956 and celebrated its grand opening on December 12, 1956. The Big Bear Market was its first tenant and had begun operations there in 1955. The city's West End was growing rapidly and it was felt that a shopping center would best fit the needs of the expanding community. Situated on Sixth Avenue near Pearl Street, it was centrally located for West End customers, including the University Place and Fircrest communities. Original tenants also included the Sun Drug Co., Roy's Shoe Repair, Lads and Lassies Clothing and the Highland Hill Barber Shop. Covered walkways protected customers from inclement weather; Highland Hill was planned as an up-to-date one-stop shopping center. Photograph ordered by the Condon Co. (TNT 12-11-56, B-2)

Highland Hills Shopping Center (Tacoma); Highland Hill Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma; Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

The Highland Hills Big Bear store at 5915 6th Avenue, near Pearl Street, opened in 1955 to serve the growing West end, including the areas of University Place and Fircrest. The Big Bear was the first tenant of the Highland Hills Shopping Center, which had its Grand Opening in December of 1956. When completed, the shopping center had 21 stores with a pedestrian mall in the center and five acres of parking.

Big Bear Stores (Tacoma); Supermarkets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs;