Members of the Tacoma chapter, Washington Association for Retarded Children attach a "Help Mentally Retarded Children" nametag on Emmett Anderson of Anderson Printing Co. on November 11, 1954. November 14-23 was designated as National Retarded Children's Week and it is possible that Anderson Printing was responsible for printing the brochures and posters. The Tacoma chapter was sponsoring the eighth annual carnival in support of the Washington Association for Retarded Children to be held on November 20th at the Laborer's Hall. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Dyer and Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow Burford were co-chairmen. Funds raised at the carnival would be used for holiday treats and birthday parties for the Rainier State School children, many of them orphans who would not be able to enjoy such entertainment without the Association's support. Photograph ordered by Washington Association of Retarded Children, Tacoma Chapter. (TNT 10-6-54, A-4)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, Emmett T.; Washington Association for Retarded Children, Tacoma chapter (Tacoma);

A member, believed to be Harold Lent, of the Woodbrook Hunt Club holds onto the reins of his horse on October 10, 1954. He is wearing hunting habit with a long jacket and cap. Woodbrook was one of the few hunting clubs in the country that maintained its own pack of hounds. This photograph would have been taken prior to the first hunt of the season. Bob Seney, huntsman, would be leading the pack. Harold Lent, president of the club, will lead the field as field master. (TNT 10-9-54, p. 5)

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood); Horses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Lakewood--1950-1960;

Members of the Edward Rhodes Post No. 2's Last Man Club met for their annual reunion banquet in the Rhodes Memorial Hall on November 12, 1954. Honored attendees were past commanders of the American Legion post who served in WW1. Ten flags are draped over empty chairs in front of the group of men, to honor those commanders who had passed away. A special guest from California was expected to be Frederick J. Shaw, the first commander of Post #2 in 1919, who would be attending the reunion for the first time. The post's Last Man Club was founded in 1937. (TNT 11-7-54, D-15)

American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flags--United States; Last Man Club (Tacoma);

Four women in print, Hawaiian-like dresses, with leis around their necks, posed in August of 1955 to help publicize the University Union Club's Hawaiian Party. Planned for August 18, the party featured an exotic luau, followed by dancing to the strains of a Hawaiian orchestra. Pictured (left to right) are Jeanette (Mrs. William) Shaw, Jean (Mrs. William) Drury, Ruth (Mrs. Thomas) Murphy and Jeanne (Mrs. Frank) Kraucunas. (TNT 8/18/1955, pg. 13, 8/14/1955, pg. D-1)

Clubs--Tacoma; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Dinner parties--Tacoma--1950-1960; Costumes; Shaw, Jeanette; Drury, Jean; Murphy, Ruth; Kraucunas, Jeanne;

Fourteen year old William Bennett was chosen to represent the entire Pacific Northwest at a joint Canadian-American Red Cross study conference held in Ontario, Canada, Aug. 21-31, 1955. The purpose of the conference was to help define the appropriate role of young people in the Red Cross service, locally, nationally and internationally. "Bill," the son of Mrs. Doris Bennet of 3714 No. 16th and J.L. Bennett of 3128 West Sound View Dr., was chosen for his outstanding ability, maturity, background and interest in Red Cross work. Forty seven teenagers from the U.S. and the same number from Canada were to attend the conference, as well as UNESCO sponsored young adult leaders from Yugoslavia, Greece and Japan, and Red Cross leaders from Chile, Uruguay & Jamaica. Bill, who attended Mason Jr. High School, left on Aug. 16th via Great Northern for Chicago, to meet with others travelling to the joint study in Ontario. (TNT 7/24/1955, pg. 1) TPL-9870

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Bennett, William; Teenagers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Bank of California; Rhododendron display in lobby. The Tacoma chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presented its 7th annual Rhododendron Show in the lobby of the Bank of California May 21-22, 1955. The show was free of charge and open to the public. For the show, the lobby was transformed into a Spring garden with evergreens disguising the tellers' cages and forming a backdrop for the colorful display of hybrid and specie rhododendrons. Statues adorned this flower "island" in the center of the lobby and another corner was transformed into a patio garden with a pool with running water. Exhibits were featured by the University of Washington Arboretum, Portland and Seattle chapters of the national organization, Northwest growers and local members. Attendance in 1955 was larger than ever before. (TNT 5/19/1955, pg. A-6 & 5/22/1955, pg A-2)

American Rhododendron Society, Tacoma Chapter (Tacoma); Rhododendrons; Flowers--Tacoma; Bank of California National Association (Tacoma);

1955 American Red Cross annual meeting. A plaque is being presented to Dr. C.G. Trimble by Gordon E. Tatum commemorating Trimble's 30 years of volunteer service with the Tacoma-Pierce County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Pictured, left to right, are Dr. Trimble, Rita Zehnder, president-elect of the Junior Red Cross, Vincent A. Carlstrom, Chapter Chairman and Tatum, member of the Board of Directors. The annual meeting was held at the Top of the Ocean. Aside from awards, the program consisted of the presentation of the annual report and the election of officers. (TNT 2/20/1955, pg C-10)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Trimble, Charles G.; Zehnder, Rita; Carlstrom, Vincent A.; Tatum, Gordon E.;

Lynne Hammond and Sharon Link (l to r) were co-chairmen of the "Hick Hop" held on Saturday May 7, 1955 at the Lake City Community Hall. The costume party had no reservation list, no formality and was intended for Tacoma teenagers. All teenagers were welcome and the proceeds were donated to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. The hall was transformed into a miniature hobo jungle for the affair, with hobo manikins, campfires, trees and the proper atmosphere to make any "hobo" feel at home. Dancing, games and skits provided the evening's entertainment. (TNT 5/1/1955, pg D-10)

Clubwomen--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Orthopedic Association, Vera T. Davis Junior Guild (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Costumes; Hammond, Lynne; Link, Sharon;

1955 American Red Cross annual meeting. Dr. Charles G. Trimble is receiving an award from Gordon E. Tatum commemorating his 30 years of selfless volunteer service with the Tacoma-Pierce County chapter of the American Red Cross. Pictured, left to right, are Dr. Trimble, Vincent A. Carlstrom, Chapter Chairman and Tatum, member of the Board of Directors. Carlstrom was also re-elected this evening as Chairman of the organization. He stated during his acceptance that the Red Cross was not a charity organization, it was a service organization. "When help is needed, the Red Cross is there to help." (TNT 2/20/1955, pg C-10)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Trimble, Charles G.; Carlstrom, Vincent A.; Tatum, Gordon E.;

Clinton S. Reynolds (left), new president of Tacoma Chamber of Commerce, presents outgoing president Charles M. Fogg (center) with a framed check for $1.00, his salary for his tenure as 1954 Chamber President. Looking on at the right is Tom Collins, Kansas City banker and humorist and featured speaker for the event. The presentation was the highlight of the 70th annual Chamber dinner in the Crystal Ballroom of the Winthrop Hotel. A standing room only crowd of 435 attended the event. (TNT 1/20/1955, pg. 1 & A-5)

Tacoma Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma); Fogg, Charles M.; Checks; Collins, Tom; Reynolds, Clinton S.;

Publicity photograph for the Neva Lyness Orthopedic Guild's "Fanfare" Dance. Co-chairmen Mrs. Robert Lynch and Diane (Mrs. Chris) Turlis put the finishing touches on flowering branches that will be used, along with lanterns and fans, as decorations for the dance to be held August 1st at the Towers. Colorful fans and champagne would be given as party favors. All proceeds from the dance will go to the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. The Orthopedic Guilds were instrumental in the establishment of Mary Bridge and funded part of its ongoing operation costs. (TNT 5/29/1956, pg. 9)

Tacoma Orthopedic Association, Neva Lyness Guild (Tacoma); Fans; Flowers; Turlis, Diane;

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;

Twins Melody and Carol Steen, members of the Sheridan School Camp Fire Girls unit, were supplied in January of 1956 with boxes of mints for the eighth annual club fund raiser. The girls sold boxes of candy throughout the month of February. Although most of the sale proceeds went to the development and operations fund for Camp Wakoma, 5 cents from each box went to the local club units.( Photograph ordered by the Camp Fire Girls.) (TNT 1-29-56, D-6, TNT 2-12-56, C-1)

Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Children--Clubs--Tacoma; Uniforms; Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Steen, Melody; Steen, Carol;

Each year in November the Last Man Club of the American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 met for a reunion banquet. Fifteen members were photographed on November 11, 1955; in front of them are flags draped over ten chairs, to honor deceased commanders. The 1955 reunion, the 18th, was held at the Olympus Hotel.

American Legion Club (Tacoma); American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clubs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flags--United States; Last Man Club (Tacoma);

Matthew Fontana received a visit from two of his boyhood friends on January 5, 1956, Pat (left) and Mike McMurtry, while he was confined to his hospital bed at Pierce County Hospital. Fontana had contracted spino-bulbar polio, and had been at the hospital since Sept. of 1955. The McMurtry brothers were in town for the 8th Annual Tacoma Golden Gloves Tournament, scheduled to be held at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. Looking on are Frank Gillihan, Pierce County campaign director for the March of Dimes and co-chairman of the Golden Gloves, and Pat Steele (far right), sports chairman for the March of Dimes. Photograph ordered by the March of Dimes. (TNT 1-20-56, p. 20)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; March of Dimes (Tacoma); National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (Tacoma); Poliomyelitis--Tacoma; McMurtry, Pat; McMurtry, Mike; Gillihan, Frank J.; Steele, Patrick;

Twelve newly capped Gray Ladies, some holding their certificates, pose for a group portrait at Red Cross headquarters on October 5, 1955. Capping ceremonies occurred several times a year; the Gray Ladies were part of the Red Cross volunteer support units. They were a vital part of community services offered at various local hospitals. Seated from left to right are: Mrs. Albert Windsor, Catherine Pentimonti, Mrs. Carl Kerklau, Mrs. Clifton Price, Mrs. Ray Manges. Standing are: Clarreen Thelan, Mrs. Herman Hunt, Judy Trojan, Bobbie Trojan, Mrs. Harold Barwick, Shirlee Allen and Mrs. H.F. Weber. Mrs. Manges and Mrs. Weber were also recipients of service awards; they had been Gray Ladies for sevearl years. These Gray Ladies would be serving at Madigan Army Hospital. (TNT 10-9-55, A-9)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1950-1960; American National Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Uniforms;

Prospective homeowners head toward the Tacoma Master Builders Association's fall Parade of Homes in September, 1955. Each year the members of the Tacoma Master Builders built as many as sixty homes and opened them for the viewing public. This picture was shot on opening day, 1955, at the University Place cluster of 21 new homes. The viewpoint is of homes located on Robin Road; nearby street would be Olympic Drive.

Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Houses--University Place--1950-1960;

ca. 1956. The Camp Fire Girls are gearing up for their annual sale of chocolate mint candies. The candies were manufactured by Brown and Haley in Tacoma. One girls pours the mints from an open box into the waiting hands of the other girl; mints and wrappers spill onto the floor. The girls pose in traditional Camp Fire uniforms, skirts, white shirts with kerchefs and beanies, in front of a heart decoration.

Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Candy--Tacoma;

Publicity photo for the Tacoma Junior Women's Club Christmas dinner dance. The paper mache snowman inspires one woman to break into song, possibly "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" or "Frosty."

Junior Women's Club (Tacoma); Women--Clubs--Tacoma;

The American Legion Auxiliary unit #138; installation of new officers. Twelve women sit or stand in front of a small stage area with ceremonial wall hangings. The standing group are, left to right, Mrs. Anele Larson, Mrs. Gilbert Hougle, Mrs. Nettie Mae Grisham, Mrs. Wilmer Boyer, Mrs. Howard Zachow, Mrs. John Johnson and Mrs. Karl Thomas. The seated row, left to right: Mrs. Thomas Johnson, Mrs. William Miller, Mrs. Carl W. Kruse, Mrs. Richard Lambert and Mrs. Roy Hincliff. (TNT 7/22/1956, pg. B-3)

Clubwomen--Tacoma--1950-1960; Women--Social life--1950-1960; Veterans' organizations--Tacoma; American Legion Auxiliary Unit #138 (Tacoma);

Julia C. Williams Orthopedic Guild square dance committee. The trio were planning the annual square dance called "Roundup Daze" to be held June 30,1956 at the Tacoma Armory. Proceeds from the $.75 admission would go to the Mary Bridge Childrens' Hospital. The poster entreats "We invite you to dance- and help some child to walk." The dance would feature decorations inspired by dude ranches. Pictured, left to right, are Curt Taylor, Master of Ceremonies, Patricia (Mrs. Gordon E. ) Brooks, dance chairman, and Mrs. Bernard C. Crowell, guild president. (TNT 6/28/1956, pg. C-10)

Tacoma Orthopedic Association, Julia Williams Orthopedic Guild (Tacoma); Taylor, Curt; Brooks, Patricia;

The Tacoma Rescue Mission remodeled Recreation Room and library. Tables with fresh daffodils sit surrounded by chairs. Full book shelves line one wall, while a piano waits against another for someone to strike up a tune. Fluorescent lighting illuminates the walls decorated with plaques of selected scriptures. TPL-9087

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma;

The remodeled exterior of the Tacoma Rescue Mission. The location consisted of two buildings, the Keown building at 1512 Pacific Ave. built in 1907 and the Grays Harbor Hotel Building at 1510 Pacific Ave. built in 1901. It was remodeled in 1956 to make it appear as one structure. The buildings that served as the Mission's home for 15 years were closed for four months in 1956 for a $20,000 face lift. The remodel included covering the joined exterior surface with Quikbrik. Quikbrik was finely ground brick mixed with binders and Portland cement applied by plasterers with a trowel. While still pliable, the brick was cut with patented templates and hardened to a brick like finish. The new brick facade gave the mission a bright appealing look. The dedication service for the remodeled building was held April 15, 1956. The neon sign out front read "Eternity Where Jesus Saves." The building was torn down in 2002 to make way for the Convention Center project site.

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Chapels--Tacoma;

ca. 1956. The dedication service for the remodeled Tacoma Rescue Mission was held April 15, 1956. The location consisted of two buildings, the Keown building at 1512 Pacific Avenue built in 1907 and the Grays Harbor Hotel Building at 1510 Pacific Avenue built in 1901. It was remodeled in 1956 to make it appear to be one structure. The remodel included covering the joined exterior surface with Quikbrik. The new brick facade gave the mission a bright appealing look. The building was torn down in 2002 for the Convention Center project. Pictured to the right of the Mission is the Funland Amusement Center, 1506-08 Pacific Ave.; on the left is the Grand Cafe, 1514 Pacific Ave. The Grand Cafe was in the same building as Bimbo's. TPL-9088

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Chapels--Tacoma;

The remodeled chapel of the Tacoma Rescue Mission. The Mission was founded in 1912 as a result of an evangelistic campaign by Gypsy Smith. It provided emergency aid, shelter and Christian fellowship to transient men. This building consisted of the Keown Building at 1512 Pacific Ave., acquired in 1940, and the Grays Harbor Hotel Building at 1510 Pacific Ave., acquired in 1946. The Keown Building was built in 1907 and designed by C.A. Darmer, architect. The Grays Harbor Hotel building was built in 1901 and designed by the same architect. The 1956 remodel made the two buildings appear as one, including a resurface with Quikbrik the plastered brick veneer. The interior chapel was completely redone with new walls and ceilings as well as new offices and pews. The beams were of knotty pine, the walls of mahogany, the pews of fir; indirect lighting and air conditioning would also greet nightly worshipers. The chapel occupied the main floor of the mission. (TNT 1/1/1956)

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Chapels--Tacoma;

The remodeled chapel of the Tacoma Rescue Mission. The Mission was founded in 1912 to provide aid, spiritual counseling and shelter to transient men drawn to the area by the lumber and maritime industries. In the beginning, it consisted of a soup line and chapel services. Services were expanded over the years to include women, children and families and to provide dormitories and dining rooms for transients. The mission acquired this facility on Pacific at two different times and remodeled them in 1956 to appear as one structure. It consisted of the Keown Building, at 1512 acquired in 1940, and the Grays Harbor Hotel Building, at 1510 acquired in 1946. The site also included 1511 Commerce St. The facility included the main chapel, a prayer room, a recreation room, library, kitchen and a 67 bed dormitory. In 2002, the building was demolished to make way for the new Convention Center project site. An emergency shelter was built on South Tacoma Way and other services are spread throughout the city. The Rescue Mission has repeatedly been recognized locally and nationally for the outstanding work that they do helping people to help themselves. (TNT 1/1/1956)

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Chapels--Tacoma;

The Tacoma Rescue Mission kitchen after the 1956 remodel. A large soup pot and a coffee pot occupy the huge black stove to the left. On the long counter rest more soup pots and coffee pots. On the end of the counter hang a bottle opener and the dinner bell. At 9 every evening, the kitchen was thrown open and a hot, nourishing stew prepared by chief cook Richard Reed was served to 65-85 hungry men. (TNT 1/1/1956) TPL-9086

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Kitchens--Tacoma;

Tacoma Rescue Mission's Prayer Room. Providing a quiet place for study and reflection, this room has pews on either side of the room for seating. The Rescue Mission had been at this address since 1940, gradually buying up surrounding buildings. The 1956 remodel made the combined buildings appear as one. In 1956, the mission operated on a budget of $25,000 annually plus donations. (TNT 1/1/1956)

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Chapels--Tacoma;

Scout Jamboree, ordered by Ed Richards. A pack leader poses with his group. They are garbed in Native American regalia, probably to appear in a demonstration. These boys appear to be older and are probably Boy Scouts not Cub Scouts. Scouts involved in the annual Scout Exposition at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse May 4-5, 1956 were between the ages of 10 and 16. Various troops from Pierce County would be performing demonstrations. Lincoln, Lakes and Southeast demonstrations would be on Friday and Northwest, Peninsula and Valley Mountain would perform on Saturday. Demonstrations would include knot-tying, first aid, canoe building, marksmanship and leather craft. (TNT 5/2/1956, pg. A-4)

Boy Scouts (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Costumes;

Mount Rainier Council's seventh annual Scout Jamboree, held in the College of Puget Sound's Fieldhouse May 4-5, 1956, included more than 100 colorful booths staffed by Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. One particular exhibit featured Scouts posing in uniform with a sombrero-clad donkey in front of a wall decorated with Boys Life magazines. Boys Life is a periodical published by the Boy Scouts. The Jamboree also had demonstrations of scouting skills presented by various Pierce County troops. Over 5,000 area scouts were in attendance. Ticket sale proceeds aided 138 Boy Scout and Explorer troops to purchase camping equipment, 88 Cub Scout troops to purchase equipment and training materials and the development of Camp Hahobas on Kitsap Peninsula, an overnight scout camp. (TNT 5/2/1956, pg. A-4-article; TNT 5-5-56, p. 9-article)

Boy Scouts (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Uniforms; Donkeys; Sombreros; Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960;