Photo series of Eric O. Brown, district manager for the Pacific Telegraph and Telephone Co. Dorothy and Eric Brown prepare to depart on a night on the town. Their son and daughter stay up past their bedtime to admire their parents' evening attire. He is dressed in a tuxedo and she in a cocktail dress. They descend the staircase in their Modern English home, constructed in 1927 and designed by Heath, Gove and Bell, Architects.

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. and his March, 1956, visit to McNeil Island. Mr. Brown (on right) and a man believed to be Warden David M. Heritage read from a pamphlet entitled United States Penitentiary, McNeil Island, Washington. They are standing in front of one of the many buildings at the prison. Mr. Heritage was warden there from 1955 to 1960 before accepting a similar position in Atlanta. He was described as having a "somewhat crusty, no-nonsense approach to prison work." Rules and procedures were tightened but also tempered with improvements in programs for the inmates and better living conditions. (Keve: The McNeil Century, p. 204)

Brown, Eric O.; Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma)--Employees--1950-1960; Prisons --McNeil Island; McNeil Island Corrections Center (McNeil Island);

Penitentiary at McNeil Island. Located 2.8 miles from Steilacoom in the Carr Inlet, McNeil Island has the distinction of being the only prison in the U.S. that started out as a territorial prison, became a federal penitentiary and finally became a state corrections center. It is also the last prison in North America located on an island accessible only by boat. Named in 1841 after William Henry McNeill, boat captain for the Hudson's Bay Company and founder of Victoria, British Columbia, it was homesteaded by Ezra Meeker in 1853. The Federal government purchased 27 acres of the island in 1870 to build a territorial prison. The prison opened in 1875. In 1937, the entire island was purchased by the federal government and all homesteaders were forced to vacate. In 1970, the Federal government decided to close the prison and the state of Washington negotiated to take over the facilities. In 1981, the prison complex was transferred to the Washington State Department of Corrections and became the McNeil Island Corrections Center. TPL-9292

Prisons--McNeil Island; McNeil Island Corrections Center (McNeil Island);

Photo series of Eric O. Brown, district manager for the Pacific Telegraph and Telephone Co. Dorothy and Eric Brown say goodnight to their son and daughter before departing for an evening event. The Browns are attired in formal clothes; their son and daughter are ready for bed.

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. Mr. Brown poses aboard a vessel, possibly the ferry to McNeil Island. Part of this series was taken on McNeil Island, the site of the federal Penitentiary. Mr. Brown had started in the Northwest as a commercial representative for the Tacoma and Seattle areas in September of 1955.

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

Ingersoll-Rand Co.; exposure of stowing machine. The stowing machine, by means of wire ropes and pulleys, is removing a log from the cargo hold of a vessel. The machinery could also be used to load cargo on the ship. One man stands in the hold, probably fastening the chains to the log, while another operates the machinery.

Ingersoll-Rand Co.; Hoisting machinery; Shipping--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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;

Aerial view of the Cheney Lumber Co. at the Port of Tacoma. Lumber is stacked for shipment in the railroad cars at the back of the picture. Log booms float in the water. Ben Cheney started in the lumber business with the production of railroad ties. Soon Cheney was concerned with the waste of the side cut slabs, often 2/3 of the log. His solution was to provide the housing industry with standard 8 ft studding, the same length as railroad ties. Production took off and the new product soon established the standard room height in residential construction in the U.S. by using formerly wasted timber. The 8 ft pieces, formerly known as "shorts" in the lumber trade, were now "Cheney Studs" emblazoned with the logo of a silhouette of a Belgian stud horse Cheney had seen at the Puyallup Fair. ("The Sou'wester" Fall, 2000; Volume xxxv, Number 3) TPL-6329

Lumber industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lumberyards--Tacoma; Lumber--Tacoma; Building materials industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Industrial facilities--Tacoma; Cheney Lumber Co. (Tacoma); Shipping--Tacoma--1950-1960;

View of unpaved road or alley featuring "private property" sign. On February 27, 1956, a section of South 15th and Pine Streets was photographed on behalf of the National Sales Co. A large 3' by 2' sign clearly stating "Private property. right to use may be revoked at any time" was hammered into the ground of a lot near the edge of an unpaved muddy alley. Small oil tanks and a barrel for burning rubbish are also located in the same yard. Photograph ordered by National Sales Co.

Signs (Notices); Alleys--Tacoma; National Sales Co. (Tacoma);

Music was an important part of Lincoln High School in the 1950's. Their orchestra, under the direction of Robert Dezell, was considered one of the finest high school orchestras in the state. Musicians kept busy with many appearances locally, including the Western Washington Fair, Mid-Winter and Spring concerts, and participating in junior high school Christmas Vespers. In addition, 26 orchestral members were selected to join the Puget Sound Festival Orchestra. View of orchestra on stage at Lincoln High School; names of individuals are listed in the 1956 Lincolnian yearbook, p. 83. Photograph ordered by the Lincolnian yearbook. TPL-8135

Orchestras--Tacoma--1950-1960; Youth orchestras--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lincoln High School (Tacoma);

Group portrait of Lincoln High School choir. Lincoln had several choir groups; the most accomplished singers were in the A Cappella Choir directed by Glenn Bergh. They were invited to tour the Western Washington College of Education in Bellingham, along with the Lincoln orchestra, and performed for students and faculty. In addition, they made appearances at several schools on the way back to Tacoma. Their voices added to the entertainment at the Mid-Winter Concert, Christmas Vespers, and Spring Concert. The A Cappella Choir was headed by Ken Reid, president. Names of individuals are listed in the 1956 Lincolnian yearbook, p. 84. Photograph ordered by the Lincolnian.

Choirs (Music); Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lincoln High School (Tacoma);

Studio portrait Murray Morgan. Murray Morgan was a very well known author, historian, journalist and educator. A native of Tacoma, he graduated from the University of Washington and Columbia University and held positions with Time Magazine, CBS World News, and the New York Herald Tribune. His books, "Skid Road" and "South on the Sound" were vibrant histories of Seattle and Tacoma. A selection of thirty years of essays can be accessed through the Murray's People segment of the Northwest Room's web page. Photograph ordered by Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan and used in a small TNT ad on 2-29-56. Mr. Morgan was a radio commentator on KMO Radio, 7:30 a.m. Mondays through Fridays, and sponsored by Pacific First Federal. (TPL-6635, TNT ad 2-29-56, D-5))

Morgan, Murray, 1916-2000;

Studio portrait of author Murray Morgan, 1956. Noted historian Murray Morgan, a native of Tacoma, graduated from the University of Washington and Columbia University. He held positions with Time, CBS World News, and the New York Herald Tribune. Mr. Murray also taught journalism and Northwest history at local institutions of higher learning. His books have been translated into 15 languages. Skid Road and South on the Sound involve Seattle and Pierce County history, respectively, and The Dam was a story about the Coulee Dam. A selection of his essays can be accessed through the Murray's People segment of the Northwest Room's web page. Mr. Morgan passed away in 2000. TPL-9817

Morgan, Murray, 1916-2000;

The Lowell Elementary School PTA sponsored a variety show on February 29, 1956. Two of the acts that evening were a barbershop quartet featuring (l to r) Loren Baker, Phil Jones, Leroy Baldwin and Clarence Monson, the school's principal; and dancer Millicent Bulatao from the College of Puget Sound. Miss Bulatao, who looks a bit bewildered by the quartet's harmonies, dressed in Hawaiian attire and a lei to perform several hulas. Proceeds from the variety show and bake sale went toward purchasing equipment for the school. Photograph ordered by Lowell PTA. (TNT 2-28-56, p. 12) TPL-9879

Singers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bulatao, Millicent; Baker, Loren; Jones, Phil; Baldwin, Leroy; Monson, Clarence;

Studio portrait of Carl Fisher. Eagle Scout Carl Fisher smiles proudly for the camera on February 21, 1956. He is wearing his scout uniform, including a sash displaying the badges he has won. Carl was a member of Troup 54. Sepia photograph ordered by Mrs. M. Fisher.

Fisher, Carl; Eagle Scouts; Uniforms; Awards;

Murray Morgan made Seattle and Tacoma history come alive in his books, Skid Road and South on the Sound. He was a noted writer, historian, journalist and teacher. A selection of thirty years of his essays can be read on the Northwest Room's web page, in the Murray's People segment. Tacoma's 11th Street Bridge has been renamed in honor of Mr. Morgan, who passed away in 2000.

Morgan, Murray, 1916-2000;

Figure skater Sally Price gazes at one of her skating trophies in a studio portrait taken in February of 1956. A larger trophy, a cup, is placed besides her. Her dark hair is neatly pulled back and she is wearing a stylish form-fitting black skating dress and white skates. Sally, a member of the Lakewood Winter Club, won the Northwest Senior Ladies championship in 1956. Photograph ordered by Sally Price. (TNT 6-9-57, B-13-alternate photograph & article on skating show)

Price, Sally; Skaters; Awards; Costumes;

Cranes lower steel sections as work continues on the new Reichhold Chemicals plant on the Tideflats in February, 1956. The frame of the building was made of steel from the Soule Steel Co. of Seattle. The Washington Co-op Farmers Association feed mill can be seen in the distance. Photograph ordered by the Soule Steel Co.

Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Steel; Reichhold Chemicals, Inc. (Tacoma); Soule Steel Co. (Seattle);

Three hundred participants in the ninth annual Northwest Young Buddhist League Convention posed for a group picture in front of the Tacoma Hongwanji Buddhist Church at 1717 Fawcett Avenue on February 19, 1956. The three-day conference was coming to a close. Seated in front row of the mostly Japanese-American gathering, wearing black robes and sashes, were nine Buddhist ministers including Sunya Pratt, the first woman to be ordained a Buddhist priest in the United States. The Tacoma Hongwanji Church had been established in 1915 and its present temple, still in operation, was built in 1930. The temple is on the Tacoma City Register of historic buildings. (Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Young Buddhist Association.) TPL-3691

Tacoma Hongwanji Buddhist Church (Tacoma); Group portraits;

Snow scenes. Snow softly drapes the landscape on a wintery day in February, 1956. The trees to the foreground are completely covered with a coating of snow, which also lays a glimmering carpet on the surrounding groundcover. The buildings and monument in the background jut bleakly into the gray skies. This photograph commissioned by the Richards Studio has been identified as being taken from the north side of Watkins Field on Fort Lewis. The monument is the 91st Division WWI monument and the buildings in the rear are senior officer housing.

Snow; Winter; Fort Lewis (Wash.); Military facilities--Wash.;

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);

Reichhold Chemicals was constructing a new plant in the Tideflats in early 1956. It was a national company, based in White Plains, New York. A group of five railway employees stand in front of the Tacoma Belt Line #905 engine and boxcars. Reichhold would have rail transport directly from its plant, facilitating delivery of its products. Photograph ordered by Reichhold Chemicals, Inc.

Reichhold Chemicals, Inc. (Tacoma); Railroad locomotives--Tacoma--1950-1960; Railroad freight cars--Tacoma--1950-1960;

An additional view of the large, modern kitchen of Dr. J.W. Gullikson's residence on Gravelly Lake Drive in Lakewood was taken on February 7, 1956. The kitchen was well equipped with plenty of storage and counter space. The General Electric refrigerator and dishwasher join the other G.E. appliances. Counter tops with additional small open shelves on the ends were very popular in the 1950's. Photograph ordered by Streamer Link System.

Gullikson, John W.--Homes & haunts; Kitchens--Lakewood--1950-1960; Streamer Link System (Tacoma);

The very modern and up-to-date kitchen of Dr. and Mrs. J.W. Gullikson on Gravelly Lake Dr. was photographed on behalf of Streamer Link System on February 7, 1956. The built-in General Electric appliances, large Nutone ventilator fan, spacious cabinets and new linoleum make the kitchen an attractive and comfortable working place. Dr. Gullikson was listed in the 1956 City Directory as the chief surgeon for the Northern Pacific Hospital.

Gullikson, John W.--Homes & haunts; Kitchens--Lakewood--1950-1960; Streamer Link System (Tacoma);

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);

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;

Exterior Washington Co-op Farmers Association buildings. Located close to the modern feed mill appears to be the Washington Cooperative Farmers Association garage. The Co-op owned several delivery trucks that would transport bulk feeds and petroleum to its customers. They could be stored and maintained at this facility, which included three gas pumps. Photograph ordered by Washington Cooperative Farmers Association.

Washington Cooperative Farmers Association (Tacoma); Garages--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior views of some Washington Co-op Farmers Association buildings were taken on February 1, 1956. The brick Farm Service Store was open Mondays-Fridays from 8 am to 4pm for the convenience of its members. A truck and passenger car are parked at the store's loading dock. A Great Northern boxcar is located close to the truck. Photograph ordered by Washington Cooperative Farmers Association.

Washington Cooperative Farmers Association (Tacoma); Railroad freight cars--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;

An employee of Schneebeck News Agency prepares to slide a wooden display section full of paperbacks into a waiting delivery truck on January 25, 1956. A stack of newspapers can be seen already loaded onto the truck. The paperbacks, possibly on their way to a supermarket or drug store, appear larger than today's versions. A customer browsing could examine Mickey Spillane's "My Gun is Quick", Erskine Caldwell's "Tobacco Road", Han Suyin's "A Many-Splendored Thing", or for a bit of humor, "Baby Sitter's Guide" by Dennis the Menace. Photograph ordered by Schneebeck News Agency. TPL-2533

Schneebeck News Agency (Tacoma); Books; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;