The Tacoma Rhododendron Society held their sixth annual flower show May 8-9, 1954, in Normanna Hall. The public was invited to attend at no charge. The University of Washington Arboretum sent plants to display as well as the U.S. government's Ballard Canal Locks. The offerings from Tacoma growers included those plants grown specially in greenhouses. View taken of stage at Normanna Hall; stage is covered with rhodys with Maypole in center. Example of rockery with flowering plants can also be seen facing stage. (TNT 5-6-54, A-7)

Tacoma Rhododendron Society (Tacoma); Rhododendrons; Normanna Hall (Tacoma); Flowers--Tacoma;

The sixth annual rhododendron flower show sponsored by the Tacoma Chapter, American Rhododendron Society was expected to attract more than 6000 individuals during its two day run in the Bank of California lobby in May, 1954. There were more than one hundred varieties of rhododendrons on display, many in tall planters, along with azaleas and a waterfall in a natural woodland setting. The colors of the flowers ranged from scarlet to deep white, soft yellows and gentle pinks. Rhododendrons ranged in size from twelve feet high to mere inches off the ground. Local growers were proud to exhibit their prize specimens although it was decided this year that the show would be noncompetitive in nature. 9TNT 5-12-54, B-1, TNT 5-16-54, A-2)

American Rhododendron Society, Tacoma Chapter (Tacoma); Rhododendrons; Flowers--Tacoma

A beautiful selection by A.R. Hieneman of Milton was just one of the many entries in the sixth annual rhododendron show sponsored by the Tacoma Chapter, American Rhododendron Society in May, 1954. The more than 100 varieties of rhododendrons displayed in the Bank of California lobby on Pacific Avenue attracted thousands of interested flower aficionados. There were also azaleas and a waterfall in the natural woodland setting. Carl P. Skoog was listed as the staging chairman. (TNT 5-12-54, B-1, TNT 5-16-54, A-2)

American Rhododendron Society, Tacoma Chapter (Tacoma); Rhododendrons; Flowers--Tacoma;

May was a prime month for rhododendrons. The Tacoma Chapter, American Rhododendron Society held their sixth annual flower show on May 15-16, 1954, in the Bank of California lobby. Exhibitors were concerned that an early May 1st frost had damaged the supply of rhododendrons but the more than 100 varieties entered eased their fears. As in previous years, the bank lobby was landscaped with specimen plants as the background for entry exhibits; view of lobby filled with rhododendrons. This year it was decided that the flower show would be noncompetitive and no prizes awarded. (TNT 5-12-54, B-1, TNT 5-16-54, A-2)

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

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);

Many Tacoma Master Builders Association members enjoyed the Spike Banquet at the Top of the Ocean on November 16, 1954. Seated are Ed Miller, Gordon Korsmo, and Walter Witte. Standing are Robert Cowden, Leo Nelson, two unidentified women, Don Murphy and Art Manley. Del Belfoy was absent in this sepia photograph. Of interest to the membership is a large banner behind the group promoting the N.A.M.B. convention and exposition in Chicago the following January

Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Group portraits;

Newly elected officers for 1955 of the Tacoma Master Builders Association pose at the Tacoma Athletic Commission's headquarters on December 3, 1954. Art Manley, president, is shown pounding his beribboned gavel, the Master Builders hammer. Smiling broadly with Manley are Bob Good and Walter Witte. Also enjoying the camaraderie are (standing) Ralph Peltier, Howard Wilson, Gordon Korsmo, and Del Belfoy. Sepia photograph ordered by Tacoma Master Builders Association. (TNT 12-8-54, C-5)

Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma);

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.;

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. 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.;

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.;

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);

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;

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;

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;

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;

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);

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;