View of the Grand Rapids' stern taken on March 3, 1970. Tacoma Boatbuilding was nearing an end to the 12-boat contract with the Navy to build aluminum gunboats for the US Navy. The Grand Rapids would be launched on April 4, 1970, with then-House Minority Leader and future President Gerald R. Ford and family in attendance. The Grand Rapids, the second ship of that name in the Navy, was named for the city in Michigan, the hometown of Gerald Ford. She would be commissioned five months later in September, 1970, and decommissioned in 1977. (www.navsource.org/archives; Marine Digest, April 11, 1970) Photograph ordered by US Steel.

Gunboats--United States; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Members of the Radiological Defense Division of the Tacoma Civil Defense Corps gather at the home of Dr. Stevens S. Sanderson (center), division chief, to plan their work in the event of an atomic attack. The Division was responsible for designing a procedure for defense against radioactivity should Tacoma be hit by an atomic bomb. Training classes were designed and implemented for local personnel to lead technicians into radioactive areas, offer medical aid, monitor radioactivity, and defend against atomic attacks. The Division was responsible for immediate survey work following an attack and control of decontamination monitoring instruments. US involvement in Korea had only heightened the fear of atomic attack and civil defense organizations were active all over Tacoma. (TNT 1/9/1951, pg. 10-see article for names)

Korean War, 1950-1953--Civil defense--Tacoma; Sanderson, Stevens S.;

Civil Defense Night, sponsored by Elks Lodge 174, at the Elks Club. Lloyd Wynans, Exalted Ruler, appointed Harold Duncan, Leading Knight, to preside at the meeting intended to help coordinate civil defense divisions and further the Elks aim to support, uphold, and defend the American way of life. Wynans stated that adequate civil defense requires thousands of residents volunteering time and energy to minimize death and casualties in the event of a disaster. The film "Pattern for Survival" was shown. Civil defense officials, headed by Mayor John Anderson and Civil Defense Director Frank S. Evans, were in attendance. The Elks Temple underwent a $80,000 remodel the previous Fall, with over half of it going to renovations on this hall. One of the changes was the new wall to wall Saxony Wilson broadloom carpet in green and ivory. (TNT 1-22-1951, pg. 5) TPL-8450

Korean War, 1950-1953--Civil defense--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Soldiers and female volunteers, wearing "hostess" ribbons, gather around the piano on March 10, 1951 for a song fest at the United Churches Service Center, sponsored by the Tacoma Council of Churches. The young lady atop the piano sings loud and clear as she wears a borrowed serviceman's hat. The center offered recreational services for soldiers stationed in the Tacoma area.

Soldiers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Military uniforms--United States; Pianos; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; United Churches Service Center (Tacoma); Korean War, 1950-1953--Social aspects--Tacoma; Korean War, 1950-1953--Military personnel;

Members of the Radio Club of Tacoma, Inc. The Tacoma Club was one of the oldest radio clubs in the US, having been organized and in continuous operation for more than 35 years.The Club was relied on heavily by the Communications Division of Civil Defense and expected to facilitate communication in the case of an emergency. The Club members were fully trained and licensed amateur radio operators. The Club owned its own equipment consisting of two complete transmitting and receiving stations, one used for Civil Defense emergencies and one for Red Cross emergencies. In addition, they owned four auxiliary lighting units for nighttime emergencies and 15 members had mobile communication units in their cars. The emergency frequency band used by the Club was monitored 18 hours a day by Mrs. Irma Aufang. The constant monitoring was made possible by a "squelch" receiver, developed by Max Bice and Dick Engh- engineers at KTNT. The receiver remained silent unless activated by the "squelch" receiver signal initiated by an emergency. Members are- back row, left to right: Ernest Ripola, Roy Devigh, Sid Sowers, Engh, Dale Cook, Alex Braidwood, President of the Club, Richard McDonald & Art Paul. Row behind transmitters: Ray Estep, Bruce Ross, Dr. F.C.J. Spike, Charles Emigh & Walt King. Seated: Mrs. Aufang. In front of transmitters: Charles Aufang, Tacoma Emergency Co-ordinator, Bice, Cliff Osborne, Jr., Gene Dodge & Ralph Upright. (TNT 4/29/1951, pg. A-19)

Korean War, 1950-1953--Civil defense--Tacoma; Radio Club of Tacoma, Inc. (Tacoma); Aufang, Irma; Bice, Max; Engh, Dick; Braidwood, Alex; Aufang, Charles;

Intersection at Ft. Lewis for Farmers Insurance. In the center of the picture is the Red Cross field office. To the left of the field office is the Post Exchange. A sign in front of the field office points to the left, the direction of the Reserve Headquarters.

Military camps--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fort Lewis (Wash.);

A small vehicle, resembling a jeep, is parked inside the Mt. Rainier Ordnance Depot on November 2, 1954. This possibly could be a paint spray booth located within a warehouse on Fort Lewis. Hoses are attached to the sides of the booth which has doors that close. Photograph ordered by Sprayking, Inc., Los Angeles.

Sprayking, Inc. (Los Angeles, Calif.); Military vehicles--Fort Lewis;

Marymount Military Academy, new east wing extension to grounds. Marymount, the only military school in the state of Washington, was located south of Tacoma and conducted by the Dominican Sisters. The Dominican Sisters, a teaching order, purchased "Shangarry," the 97 acre country estate of the late J. Shields, in 1920. Ground was broken on 7/1/1922 for a modern $200,000 Catholic school for boys. Architects Lundberg & Mahon of Tacoma contributed the plans. The school was dedicated in May of 1923 and the central building officially named St. Edwards Hall, Marymount. It replaced the Dominican St. Edwards Hall for Boys in Tacoma, which opened in 1907.

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

The interior of one of the kitchens at the Veterans Administration Hospital. Sinks are set below the windows along the far wall. The floor is covered with tile for ease of cleaning. Metal counters and stacked baking pans are seen to the right of center.

American Lake Veterans' Hospital (Lakewood); Military hospitals--Lakewood--1950-1960; Kitchens--Lakewood--1950-1960;

The interior of one of the kitchens at the Veterans Administration Hospital located in a quonset-style building. Refrigerators stand against the left wall with boxes of straws sitting on top. A worktable and stove stand in the middle of the room. A row of spice boxes are seen along the right edge of the work table. Dish washing equipment lines the right wall. Storage areas have been provided in the back for utensils and canned goods.

American Lake Veterans' Hospital (Lakewood); Military hospitals--Lakewood--1950-1960; Kitchens--Lakewood--1950-1960;

An interior view at the Veterans Administration Hospital at American Lake showing two gurneys against the windows, a folding screen at the left and a few other pieces of hospital equipment. TPL-10388

American Lake Veterans' Hospital (Lakewood); Military hospitals--Lakewood--1950-1960; Medical equipment & supplies;

A portrait of a young soldier in his US Army uniform taken at the Post Studios.

Korean War, 1950-1953--Military personnel; Military uniforms--United States; Soldiers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A snack bar was included in the Canteen at Veteran's Administration Hospital. A soda fountain and hospital store are seen off a central hallway through the quanset-hut style building. The reflective, curved ceiling material was joined by numerous connections. TPL-8215

American Lake Veterans' Hospital (Lakewood); Military hospitals--Lakewood--1950-1960; Gift shops--Lakewood; Snack bars--Lakewood; Soda fountains--Lakewood;

Two workmen are installing steel rebar in the plywood forms for the reinforced concrete walls for the new barracks at Fort Lewis. The reinforcing steel came from Bethlehem Steel. Ordered by Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel Corporation.

Fort Lewis (Wash.); Reinforced concrete construction--Fort Lewis; Building construction--Fort Lewis; Barracks--Fort Lewis; Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel Corp. (Seattle);

At least three new barracks are under construction for the new regimental areas at Fort Lewis. This view shows three barracks buildings, a crane and the several smaller buildings and automobiles scattered around the work site. Ordered by Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel Corporation. TPL-10393

Fort Lewis (Wash.); Reinforced concrete construction--Fort Lewis; Building construction--Fort Lewis; Barracks--Fort Lewis; Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel Corp. (Seattle);

The United States fleet visiting Tacoma. View of two battleships in Commencement Bay from Northeast Tacoma looking toward the city. Ships seen in the distance over the druins of a wharf and log boom. (T. Times).

Battleships--1930-1940; Celebrations--Tacoma--1930-1940;

United States fleet visit to Tacoma. Four battleships in Commencement Bay near the Port of Tacoma. View is taken from Northeast Tacoma and shows Mount Rainier in the background. (T. Times).

Battleships--1930-1940; Celebrations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rainier, Mount (Wash.);

United States fleet visits Tacoma. Four battleships in Commencement Bay near the Port of Tacoma. Mount Rainier is visible in the distance. (T. Times).

Battleships--1930-1940; Celebrations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rainier, Mount (Wash.);

The 148th Field Artillery Band at the Washington National Guard encampment in 1936, "Camp Wesley LLoyd." The band is led by long-time drum major Steve Monland (spelled Moreland in the Richards records,) in front with baton. Members are standing in a field with trees, tents, and small buildings in the background at Camp Murray. (T. Times 6/17/1936, pg. 1)

Camp Murray (Wash.); Military personnel--1930-1940; Military bands; Washington National Guard, 148th F.A. Band (Tacoma);

Washington National Guard encampment, "Camp Wesley Lloyd." 148th Field Artillery, Battery E Field Telephone group. Soldiers standing by supply tent.

Camp Murray (Wash.); Military personnel--1930-1940; Washington National Guard, 148th F.A. (Tacoma)

ca. 1941. Fort Lewis soldiers demonstrate artillery techniques on the main parade ground in this 1941 photograph. The base chapel can be seen in the background at left. The citizens of Pierce County donated the land for a federal military base in 1917. Camp Lewis was named for Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. The named was changed to Fort Lewis in 1927.

Fort Lewis (Wash.); Chapels--Fort Lewis; Artillery (Weaponry )--Fort Lewis;

Citizens Military Training Camp, the C.M.T.C., at Camp Murray. Group of young men in civilian clothing drinking coffee and eating donuts. Some of the new arrivals are wearing tags on strings around their necks. Camp buildings in background. These young citizen volunteers will soon be donning uniforms and learning about military life as they take part in training as soldiers. The C.M.T.C. provided a body of trained young men that could be called into duty if needed. (T. Times 7/9/1936, pg. 14).

Citizens Military Training Camp--Tacoma; Camp Murray (Wash.); Washington National Guard (Tacoma); Military camps--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Third Division Reunion at Fort Lewis. Military unit on parade grounds. The 3rd Division, American Expeditionary Force, fought three major engagements in France: at Marne, St. Mihiel, and Argonne- Meuse (T. Times 7/15/1937, p 1).

Events - Military Events - Military Reunions - Fort Lewis - 3rd DivisionFacilities - Military Facilities - Washington - Fort Lewis

Army Day. Iva (Mrs. Wesley) Lloyd with a group of women and a young girl standing under an oak tree. Mrs. Lloyd is the widow of the late US Congressman Wesley Lloyd. The Lloyds lived in Tacoma at 3919 No. 34th. The 1936 annual encampment of the Washington National Guard was named "Camp Wesley Lloyd" after the late congressman. It was held in June of 1936 at Camp Murray.

Fort Lewis (Wash.); Lloyd, Iva;

Army Day at Fort Lewis. 9th Field Artillery Battalion stepping off to the parade grounds for the review of troops. Soldiers in parade formation in front of 3-story, brick building. (T. Times 4/6 & 4/7/1936, pg. 1)

Fort Lewis (Wash.); Soldiers;

Army Day. Nine monoplanes flying flying in formation over an open field. Two Army trucks and several automobiles are traveling over a dirt road. Mt. Rainier visible in background.

Fort Lewis (Wash.); Soldiers; Aircraft--1930-1940;

Washington National Guard encampment, "Camp Wesley Lloyd." Mock retreat. Military band dressed in outrageous outfits.

Military bands; Washington National Guard (Tacoma); Camp Murray (Wash.); Military personnel--1930-1940; Costumes;

Governor's Review of troops at Fort Lewis. Parade unit marching in formation followed by mules. A military band is marching on the infield. An expansive line of automobiles is parked along the parade grounds in the distance. Thousands of spectators were present to view the largest military review to date at Fort Lewis. 14,000 regular army and national guard troops paraded past the stand where the governors of Washington, Oregon and Montana, along with military officials, stood in review. Eleven bands marched with the units to which they were attached. Tanks, mules, motor trains including full motorized equipment, and men passed in formal review during the three hour show of military might. (T. Times, 8-21-37, p. 1, 8-23-37, p. 1)

Military parades & ceremonies--Fort Lewis;

Third Division Review, held at Fort Lewis on May 13, 1937. Soldiers stand beside mules hitched to spoke-wheel field artillery. a memorable transition to a modern motorized army of tanks and aircraft. The mules still played an important role in the military despite the mechanization of the army. (T. Times 5/14/1937, pg. 1)

Military parades & ceremonies--Fort Lewis; Fort Lewis (Wash.); Military facilities--Wash.; Mules;

Governor Clarence Martin's Review of troops on Fort Lewis. Large crowd on hillsides observing parade of military vehicles and personnel in an open field. A dirigible from the 3rd Balloon Co. is flying overhead. Army officials made sure there was plenty of parking for the thousands of spectators who wanted to see the impressive display of American military power. The three hour pageant included thousands of troops plus tanks, mules, horses and motorized equipment. (T. Times, 8-21-37, p. 1, 8-23-37, p. 1)

Military parades & ceremonies--Fort Lewis; Spectators--Fort Lewis;