Camp Fire Girls packing Community Chest Red Feathers.

Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Girls--Tacoma--1940-1950; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In 1919 the Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 of the American Legion drew together a group of veterans at the Tacoma Armory to consider an organization and elect a delegate to the first national convention of the Legion in St. Louis. Regular meetings started soon afterwards. Since then new veterans are inducted on a regular basis. American Legion post No. 2, veterans of World War II installations, view of eight men receiving their oaths.

Veterans' organizations--Tacoma; Conference rooms--Tacoma; Oaths--Tacoma; American Legion (Tacoma); Murals;

The annual Shipmates' Tea and Style Show was held at the Yacht Club. Rhodes sports shop directed the modeling, which was done by members of the Shipmates. Patricia Eberhardt on right side with unidentified Shipmates' club member, they are wearing two piece pant suits while planning their next Puget Sound excursion. Model ship in background (T. Times, 4/13/46, p. 2).

Clubs--Tacoma; Fashion shows--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Yacht Club (Tacoma);

The annual Shipmates' Tea and Style Show was held at the Yacht Club. Rhodes sports shop directed the modeling, which was done by members of the Shipmates. View of unidentified woman striking a pose to show off her one piece swimsuit with open midriff area (T. Times, 4/13/46, p. 2).

Clubs--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Fashion shows--Tacoma; Bathing suits; Women--Clothing & Dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Yacht Club (Tacoma);

University Union Club. On June 10, 1939 the Union Club, founded in 1888, and the University Club, founded in 1906, merged together. They became the University Union Club and had over 350 members. This building at 539 Broadway was designed by the architectural firm headed by Stanford White. His firm also designed the original Tacoma Hotel. White was shot and killed in 1906 by Harry Thaw, apparently out of jealousy over the relationship between Thaws's wife and White.

Clubhouses--Tacoma; Fraternal lodges--Tacoma; Flagpoles--Tacoma; University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma)--Buildings;

In February of 1946, the Red Cross was offering an "equal opportunity" class in home nursing at Clover Park High School. Instructor Mrs. John Steele, RN, was trekking to the school four days a week to teach three classes of nursing students. One of the classes was made up only of boys, the first all male home nursing class in Pierce County. In the photograph, the group of male students surrounded the bed where a Red Cross nurse, possibly Mrs. Steele, was tucked in. One of the boys brought a tray of medicines to help treat her. Many of the boys wear aprons. An unidentified man watched from the far right as the good natured nurse played an invalid. (TT 2/19/1946, pg. 10- article)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Nursing; Teenagers; Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clover Park High School (Lakewood);

In February of 1946, when this photograph of three teenage boys from Clover Park was taken, the Red Cross was just starting its 1946 fund drive. Tacoma's hospitals were overcrowded, and there was a shortage of nurses. These boys are getting ready to help by learning home nursing skills. The boy at the far left seems to be making a cup of tea. The one at the right is holding a copy of the Red Cross Home Nursing handbook. For some reason the Red Cross did not use this photo in their newspaper campaign.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Nursing; Teenagers; Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clover Park High School (Lakewood);

With the end of WWII in the Pacific, over 16,000 servicemen and women were brought to Tacoma during December of 1945 on troop ships. Each ship was met by Red Cross volunteers handing out milk, doughnuts and other items to the troops. Three hardy volunteers wrapped against the weather greet the arriving troops returning from overseas. (T.Times, 12/11/1945, p.1-article on troop return) TPL-1954

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Milk; World War, 1939-1945--Military demobilizations;

A young woman from the Red Cross with two baskets meets troops coming home from the Pacific through the Port of Tacoma. Troops are smiling reaching into one of the baskets for something to eat. Other troops in the background can be seen drinking milk which was also given out by the Red Cross. The Tacoma area was suffering under record low temperatures this holiday season and the Red Cross volunteer has worn heavy clothes to try to keep warm.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Milk; Gifts; World War, 1939-1945--Peace--Tacoma;

A unidentified young man holds one container of small milk bottles and has several more at his feet. At least fifteen troop ships brought 8,000 to 16,000 service men and women to Tacoma during December 1945. Each ship was met by Red Cross volunteers handing out milk, doughnuts and other items to the troops. (T.Times, 12/11/1945, p.1)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Milk;

A young family is seeking a place to stay from the Home Service. They are providing information to a woman helping them at the service window who is completing a form for them. This is another service provided by the Red Cross in Tacoma.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Home Service--Tacoma; Families--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The Tacoma/Pierce County League of Garden Clubs met in December of 1945 to make Christmas decorations to be used at Madigan Hospital. Their goal was to make 500 decorations. The all-day work program was held at the Red Cross building at 702-04 Broadway. Members were asked to bring evergreen clippings from their own gardens and their own pruning clippers. Holly was requested as well as Christmas tree trimmings and pine cones. (T.Times, 12/19/1945, p.10-article)

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Christmas decorations; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; League of Garden Clubs (Tacoma);

Two Red Cross volunteers are transporting materials using their "Woody" truck. One woman holds several baskets and the other is wheeling a large beverage container on a dolly.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Orthopedic Guild group. Twenty-two women gather around two large tables in their new quarters at Pierce County Health Center. Volunteers assembled at the health center to begin training for clinics beginning in September. The association has sponsored examinations and care for disabled children since 1921. Names listed in Tacoma Times. (T.Times, 8/30/1945, p.11)

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hats--1940-1950; Tacoma Orthopedic Association (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Dr. Hinton D. Jonez (back row, 2nd from left) holds the bottle of cognac that will go to the last survivor of the Past Commanders' Last Man Club of the Edward B. Rhodes Post No.2, American Legion. Each year the post membership feted the post commanders at a banquet. The banquet for November 1945 was held in the Army and Navy Room at the Hotel Winthrop. The six flag draped chairs represent the six past commanders who had died before 1945. Names listed. (T.Times, 11/28/1945, p.7)

American Legion Club (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Flags--United States; Jonez, Hinton D.; Last Man Club (Tacoma);

Traveler's Aid, "10,000th" person placed. When Pvt. and Mrs. Lowell Haines checked in at the Travelers Aid desk at Union Depot they became the 9,999th and 10,000th visitors to be given temporary housing by the USO - Travelers Aid since April 1, 1942. Edith Clayton was behind the counter to assist them. Flight Officer and Mrs. John Wilmering are waiting in the background. (T.Times, 6/4/1945, p.1) TPL-6420

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Travelers' Aid (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; Clayton, Edith; Wilmering, John; Haines, Lowell; Union Station (Tacoma); Railroad travel--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Camp Fire Girls at Madrona Woods. A young woman and two girls are sitting on a log tying a string on a stick they found in the woods.

Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Madrona Woods (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma; Girls--Tacoma--1940-1950;

During WWII part of Tacoma's Union Station at 1717 Pacific Avenue was set aside for use as emergency sleeping quarters by the Travelers Aid. This view, taken in September of 1944, shows the comfortable rest area set aside for women at the Depot. Cribs, twin-size beds with ruffled bedspreads, stuffed chairs and wooden chairs of all sizes were provided. The United Service Organizations - Travelers Aid Service provided general information, assistance to newcomers and travelers, emergency overnight sleeping accommodations for servicemen, military wives and others who were in need of services during WWII. TPL-10332

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Travelers Aid (Tacoma); Beds; Union Station (Tacoma);

USO Union Depot. The United Service Organization Travelers Aid Service provided general information, assistance to new-comers and travelers, emergency overnight sleeping accommodations and activities for servicemen, military wives and others who were in need of services. View of five unidentified people in the Troop-in-Transit Lounge at the USO located in Union Depot on September 26, 1944. Background view of two murals featuring Paul Bunyan, painted by Tacoma artist, Peggy Strong. TPL-10380

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Military personnel--Tacoma; Union Station (Tacoma); Murals--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In September of 1944 five unidentified soldiers were photographed while resting in the temporary sleeping quarters provided in Tacoma's Union Station by the USO. During WWII the United Services Organization Travelers Aid Service provided assistance and general information to service men and their wives, newcomers, and other travelers in need of help. They could also provide spartan, overnight sleeping accommodations when called on.

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Beds; Military Personnel--Tacoma; Union Station (Tacoma);

USO 13th and Fawcett. The United Service Organization Travelers Aid Service had different activities going on every day of the week. Servicemen regularly visited the centers and spent time with USO volunteers. View of unidentified female artist sketching unidentified serviceman.

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Sketches; Military personnel--Tacoma;

Orthopedic Guild pictures. The Tacoma Orthopedic Association are sponsoring "Village Green", a play at the Tacoma Little Theatre, as part of a benefit for their organization. The women gathered to discuss how to make their event a success. Seated left to right are Gunderson, Brandes and York. Standing left to right are Rothermel, Brown and Haines (T. Times, 11/4/44, p. 3).

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Women--Organizations--Tacoma; Tacoma Orthopedic Association (Tacoma);

Red Cross volunteers were photographed in 1944 posing with their vehicle outside of their new headquarters at 702-04 Broadway. In August of 1944, the International Committee of the Red Cross celebrated the 80th anniversary of the first Geneva Convention. The International Red Cross was also awarded the 1944 Nobel Peace Prize. In Tacoma, the local Red Cross was founded in 1898. In July of 1916 Tacoma became an official chapter and in 1931 it was renamed the Pierce County Chapter. After several mergers, in 2008, the local Red Cross became the American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter, serving Pierce, Thurston, Mason and Lewis counties.

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations' facilities--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Red Cross pictures. In August 1944 Red Cross celebrated its 80th anniversary. The first recorded notice of Red Cross activities in Tacoma date back to October 1898. In July 1916 Tacoma became an official chapter and in 1931 it was renamed the Pierce County Chapter. View of Red Cross volunteers by Red Cross vehicle, outside of new building.

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations' facilities--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Red Cross feeding children at Children's Industrial Home. After a furnace and boiler exploded in the basement of the Children's Industrial Home, the American Red Cross stepped in and offered assistance. Red Cross volunteers are helping feed children and transport them to and from school. View of Pearl L. Sohlberg, Red Cross Volunteer, distributing food to children (T. Times, 9/26/44, p. 1).

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children's Industrial Home (Tacoma); American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Sohlberg, Pearl L; Children--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In August of 1944, Camp Fire Girls Donna Lee Schaller, Nancy Lee Coons, and Florence Neu helped prepare campaign supplies for the upcoming Community War Chest drive. These girls decided to volunteer for the campaign and spend their last few days of summer vacation helping the Tacoma Community Chest and Council office. Camp Fire Girls giving ten hours of community service were eligible for the National Service emblem, with a Red Star added for each additional twenty five hours. (T. Times, 8/25/44, p. 5; TNT 8-26-44, p. 14-alt. photograph).

Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma); Tacoma Community Chest (Tacoma); Schaller, Donna Lee; Coons, Nancy Lee; Neu, Florence;

United Service Organization Travelers Aid Service. The social committee of the Travelers Aid Society, comprised of junior hostesses and service men, is kept busy by frequent events at the USO. Weekly birthday parties celebrating the service men's birthdays, quiz programs, Sunday coffee hour and afternoon roller skating at the Roller Bowl are just a few of the events taking place.

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Patriotic societies--Tacoma;

In April of 1944 the U.S.O. Travellers Aid Service at 13th and Pacific hosted a special Easter egg hunt. The two lucky winners who found the golden eggs that were hidden in the service center each received the special prize of a free telephone call home. As four service men and two travellers aid employees listened in, Pvt. H. Shaboby (left) of Chicago, Illinois and Seaman 1/c Michael V. Moauro of Canton, Ohio waited for their calls to go through. When Seaman Moauro's mother heard her son's voice she wept, and couldn't talk to him; his father came to the phone. (The woman at the far right is Mrs. Louise Rohrback, assistant director at the center.) (T. Times, 4/11/44, p. 16).

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Easter egg hunts--Tacoma; Telephone booths--Tacoma--1940-1950;

United Service Organization Travellers Aid Service Easter Egg Hunt. Pvt. H. Shaboby of Chicago, Illinois and Seaman 1/c Michael V. Moauro of Canton, Ohio found the golden eggs in April of 1944, which entitled them to make a free telephone call home. The two winners holding up their golden eggs, unidentified USO staff and servicemen in photo (T. Times, 4/11/44, p. 16).

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Easter egg hunts--Tacoma; Moauro, Michael V.; Shaboby, H.;

USO scrap books for Navy. United Service Organizations Travellers Aid Service sold scrap books at the Fisher Branch Public Library, they were asking individuals to purchase scrap books and help complete them. Once scrap books are completed they may be returned to USO, where they will be shipped and distributed. The Navy has already requested 1000 books. View of four unidentified women working on scrap books.

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Scrapbooks; Women--Arts & crafts;