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;

Wauna Club dance at Winthrop Hotel. Enjoying the "Hia-Wauna" party on January 27, 1940 were Mr. and Mrs. Harold Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Herman Brandes. The couples are dressed in formal attire for this special evening. (T.Times 2-3-1940, p. 4)

Wauna Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Johnson, Harold; Johnson, Harold--Family; Brandes, Herman; Brandes, Herman--Family;

Drill team of the Maccabee Lodge. Group of women dressed in jumper dresses with satin blouses and wearing berets. Three other women and two men in portrait. Group standing in front of elaborately decorated stage on January 24, 1940. Later that evening new tent and hive officers of the Knights and Ladies of Maccabees were installed in public ceremonies. Ethel Koch and Roy Devish are the new leaders. (TNT 1-28-1940, 3-A-photo of officers)

Order of Maccabees; Drill teams--1940-1950;

New officers of the Maccabee Lodge. Group of men wearing suits with boutonnieres and women wearing long gowns with corsages posed in front of an elaborately decorated stage on January 24, 1940. The new tent and hive officers of the Knights and Ladies of Maccabees were installed that evening in public rites. Roy Devish and Ethel Koch are the respective leaders. Names are listed in the News Tribune article of January 28, 1940. (TNT 1-28-1940, 3-A)

Order of Maccabees;

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;

New officers of Young Men's Business Club. Nine men posed, on December 29, 1939, for portrait in office with many signs posted on walls. Man seated at center is Frank Gillihan, president.

Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Gillihan, Frank J.; Community service--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Tacoma Elks handball team. Most men are wearing white Tshirts with the Elk logo and the Lodge number, 174 along with shorts, court shoes and special gloves in this January 5, 1940 photograph. There were apparently more than one handball team among the Elks members. In June of 1940, the News Tribune in a special Elks insert, paid tribute to a Tacoma Elks handball team who had gone undefeated in Class B Puget Sound league that season. Although not the team pictured above, the victorious Elks proved the popularity of the sport. (TNT 6-13-1940, p. 8-special insert)

Elks Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Handball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sports & recreation facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sport clothes; Athletes--Tacoma;

On January 9, 1940 the Tacoma Elks handball team took on the men from the Washington Athletic Club of Seattle in the first Puget Sound Handball League match of the season. Tacoma's team had already been proclaimed the "greatest Tacoma has ever known." The team was comprised of (kneeling, left to right) Bill Boudwin, manager; Orville Stewart and Art Ziegler. Standing are (left to right) Harry Westbrook, Al Howe, Bob Holder and Fred Osmers. The popularity of handball among the Elks had increased with the addition of two courts at the Elks Club. The courts proved popular as a way to keep fit. They were 44 feet long by 22 feet wide and 22 feet high, with a gallery that could seat 100; they were said to have the best lighting of any courts on the Pacific coast. (T. Times 1/9/1940, pg. 10)

Elks Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Handball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sports & recreation facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sport clothes; Athletes--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;

Five men, members of the "Moose Night" baseball committee of the Tacoma Moose Lodge #435, look at a Washington Cheney Stud program at the Moose Club. They are making plans for boosting attendance at the ballgame Saturday night between the Washington Studs and the Spokane Indians. All Moose members are being summoned to root for hometown baseball. Seated are Don Hughes (with program) and E.R. (Jeep) Johnson. Standing, left to right, are Charles C. Mikelson, Don Stewart and Clyde Ruoff. (TNT 8/11/1955, pg. A-15)

Loyal Order of Moose, Tacoma Lodge 435 (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Baseball--Tacoma--1950-1960; Washington Cheney Studs (Tacoma); Hughes, Don; Johnson, E.R.; Mikelson, Charles; Stewart, Don; Ruoff, Clyde;

Members of the Loyal Order of Moose as Seattle Sea Fair Pirates. As part of Tacoma's Fun Fair, on the evening of July 22, 1955 the pirates would raid downtown Tacoma and battle the Indians for control of the city. The city had been returned to the tribes at the opening of the Fun Fair. Posed with the pirates is the platinum blonde "official Indian princess of the Tacoma Fun Fair," Princess Ah-Pu-Yaki, otherwise known as Reina Dougherty. Reina was the granddaughter of George J. Dougherty, the first territorial judge of Washington and the interpreter for Ezra Meeker, founder of Puyallup. The love of the judge's life was Anne Dougherty, a mute Indian girl who was well educated and loved music. He traded a portion of land, now at the heart of South Tacoma, for an organ for her to play. The B& I ad loosely translates Reina's Indian moniker as "Heap Big Smoke but No Fire." Pirate kneeling in the front row second from left has a trick dagger through his head. (TNT 7/21/1955, pg. B-6 B& I advertisement)

Loyal Order of Moose (Seattle); Dougherty, Reina; Pirates; Indians of North America--Tacoma; Daggers & swords; Costumes;

Each troop of Tacoma's Girl Scouts had chosen a project for Christmas 1939, in order to make it a happier time for children and underprivileged adults. These three Girl Scouts, all from different troops, display the dolls they have dressed. From left to right are: Barbara Ann Brotherson, Fern Hill Troop 15; Patsy Kelly, Washington Troop 13 and JoAnn Fitch, Jason Lee Troop 11. (T.Times 12-23-39, p. 4-alt. photograph)

Girl Scouts (Tacoma); Community service--Tacoma--1930-1940; Dolls; Christmas presents; Gifts; Christmas trees--1930-1940; Brotherson, Barbara Ann; Kelly, Patsy; Fitch, JoAnn;

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;

Harold D. Hayward, in the center of the front row, holds the autographed bottle of 1917 Hennessey Five Star cognac that will go to the survivor of the Last Man Club. The members of the Club were World War I veterans and past Commanders of the American Legion, Edward B. Rhodes Post No.2, since its organization in 1919. The second annual meeting, pictured, was held Dec. 4th, 1939 and following meetings scheduled for the first Monday of December each successive year. The flag draped chairs represent deceased members of the Last Man Club. Dr. John C. Siegle, Mayor of Tacoma, was the first to pass on after the club was formed in December of 1938 and the other flag was for Dr. E. A. Rich, who died before the club's inception. Present at the meeting are, back row, left to right: Earl Clifford, A.C. Bjornstad, George A. Allen, Dr. Henry Minton, Charles F. Davidson and Howard Carothers. Middle row: Robert Goldberg, Lee Carter, Robert B. Abel, Leo Barton and Herbert Ward. Seated: Dr. Hinton D. Jonez, Frank T. Callender, Hayward, L.E. Wilkeson and Albert R. Whitman. Capt. Chester Chastek (not pictured) became the sole survivor on Feb. 16, 1992 after the death of Tacoma resident Paul O. Brown. He was 92. He later died Feb. 23, 1997 at the age of 97. He retrieved the bottle from its safe deposit box at Puget Sound Bank, but abstained from the farewell toast. He was a teetotaler. (T. Times 12/5/1939, pg. 10; TNT 2/18/1992, pg. 1)

American Legion Club (Tacoma); Patriotic societies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Flags--United States; Jonez, Hinton D.; Last Man Club (Tacoma);

University Union Club waiters. Seven African-American men dressed in waiters' uniforms posed for a group portrait in November of 1939.

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Waiters--Tacoma--1930-1940; African Americans--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Tacoma District Council. Group of 39; present and past members for the last 20 years. The man in the front holds the framed charter for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. TPL-8379

Labor unions--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Swimming class at Y.W.C.A., Young Womens Christian Association. Five women wearing swimsuits and swim caps gathered around diving board with woman instructor in November of 1939.

Young Womens Christian Association (Tacoma); Swimming pools--Tacoma--1930-1940; Diving--Tacoma--1930-1940; Swimmers--Tacoma--1930-1940; Bathing suits--1930-1940;

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.;

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.;

University-Union Club formal dance. Party-goers in overcoats standing by long, striped canvas awning at entrance. Several women are wearing fur coats, one has her hands tucked inside a matching fur muff.

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

University-Union Club formal dance. Group of four society couples gathered for informal portrait in front of large, American flag. The four people in the center of the photo are tentatively identified as Augusta (Mrs. Bartlett) Rummel, Barbara Ball Hewitt, Bill Brown and Henry Hewitt.

University Union Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

Members of the Woodbrook Hunt Club gathered around the living room fireplace at the club. Several framed hunt scene hang on the plywood paneled walls. The group is amused by three dogs performing tricks.

Woodbrook Hunt Club (Lakewood);

Co-Ed Club barn dance at Dash Point Community House. Three "farmers" patiently watch as a fourth milks a "cow" made from straw and a sawhorse with a jack-o-lantern for a head. The milker looks doubtful about the results.

Co-Ed Club (Tacoma);

Co-Ed Club barn dance at Dash Point Community House. (T. Times).

Co-Ed Club (Tacoma);

Co-Ed Club barn dance at Dash Point Community House. Pictured in rustic surroundings are, left to right, Edward Kinnebrew, Chairman of the party Barbara Rothermel, Hunter Johnson and Club president Betty Liby. (T. Times 11/7/1939)

Co-Ed Club (Tacoma); Kinnebrew, Edward; Rothermel, Barbara; Johnson, Hunter; Liby, Betty;

Co-Ed Club barn dance at Dash Point Community House. (T. Times).

Co-Ed Club (Tacoma);

Co-Ed Club barn dance at Dash Point Community House. (T. Times).

Co-Ed Club (Tacoma)

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;

The third annual Pansy Ring Tea took place at the College of Puget Sound on May 15, 1955. It was sponsored by the active members and alumnae of the Phi Zeta chapter of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. The tea honors senior women and is a tradition of nearly all Tri Delta chapters in the United States and Canada. The tea featured a style show, climaxed by a bridal party. All engaged and recently married seniors received special recognition. (TNT 5/8/1955, pg. D-6)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

A dark haired young woman stands in front of the pansy ring in a Spring suit, during ceremonies sponsored by the Delta Delta Delta sorority of the College of Puget Sound. She wears a dark linen look suit with a straight skirt and long top belted at the waist. A sprig of lilly of the valley is pinned at the hip height pocket and a picture hat and matching dark shoes and handbag complete the look. The third annual Pansy Ring Tea was held on the College campus. The tea honored all senior women, with engaged and recently married seniors stepping through the flower ring. (TNT 5/8/1955, pg. D-6)

Delta Delta Delta (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Flowers--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1950-1960;