On February 20, 1937, members of the Le Societe des 40 Hommes et 8 Chavaux (aka 40 et 8) of Washington and Oregon gathered in Tacoma for their fifth annual "interstate wreck." The 40 et 8 was a fun recreational branch of the American Legion, whose members were selected because of their exceptional service to the Legion. They were known for their outlandish costumes and propensity to parade; preparing for just such a exhibition were, left to right, an unidentified minuteman, Arnold Leverenz (Tacoma organist) dressed as a clown, Frank Callender (former Police Chief) in a smock, an unidentified officer and an unidentified person from Port Angeles group #29 "La Belle de Armentiers." The wreck was attended by 1,200 members from Washington and Oregon. (T. Times 2/19/1937, pg. 1; 2/22/1937, pg. 12)

American Legion (Tacoma); Veteran's organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; 40 et 8 auxiliary (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Leverenz, Arnold; Callender, Frank T.;

The 40 et 8, the fun division of the American Legion, has gathered in Tacoma for its fifth annual "interstate wreck" February 20, 1937. Pictured are members Frank Callender, former police chief, in smock and Arnold Leverenz, organist, at the keyboard. Mr. Leverenz was a well known musician who was the organist for the Pantages Theater. Members were known for their outlandish costumes and parades. (T. Times 2/19/1937, pg. 1; 2/22/1937, pg. 12) (Corrected identification provided by a reader)

American Legion (Tacoma); Veteran's organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; 40 et 8 auxiliary (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Callender, Frank T.; Leverenz, Arnold;

On February 26, 1937, nearly 300 guests crowded into the American Legion Hall, home of the West Bremerton Post No. 149, for their monthly social. The program included recognition for local teachers and junior high graduates. Selected for recognition on a basis of scholarship, honor, leadership, service and courage were four mid-year graduates from junior high. Pictured receiving their certificates of recognition are, left to right, Patricia Castle, Post Commander Pat Mulvany, Harold Worland, Joan Tatham and Wayne Kirkland. Their bronze plaques, medals and pins were posed on the podium. (Bremerton Sun 2/27/1937, pg. 1).

American Legion, Post 149 (Bremerton); American Legion Hall (Bremerton); Castle, Patricia; Mulvany, Pat; Worland, Harold; Tatham, Joan; Kirkland, Wayne; Awards;

In March of 1937, three members of the Eluti Kiei Camp Fire Girls group were awarded the highest rank in Camp Fire, that of Torch Bearer, at the Grand Council Fire held in Seattle. The girls being honored were photographed in traditional native American garb. Pictured, left to right, are Margaret MacDonald, Kathryn Bates and Jo Ann Oass. In order to receive this award, the girls demonstrated that they are capable of steady leadership. (Bremerton Sun 03-31-1937, pg. 1)

Camp Fire Girls (Bremerton); MacDonald, Margaret; Bates, Kathryn; Oass, Jo Ann; Costumes; Awards;

Walter E. Holman, vice president of the National Junior Chamber of Commerce, was nabbed by Tacoma police and officials as he stepped from a northbound plane on March 12, 1936 bearing the national charter for the Tacoma Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was met by a squadron of three motorcycle policemen who "arrested " him for exceeding the air speed limit and turned him over to the custody of the local club celebrating at the Winthrop Hotel. Pictured, left to right, William J. Ganz, Tacoma's Jr. Chamber vice president, Officer Earl Corneilson, Stanley Bekins, Tacoma's secretary, Holman, Worth W. Caldwell, president Portland's Junior Chamber, Officer O.C. Stitsworth and Donald Sloan, member Portland Jr. Chamber of Commerce. (T. Times 3-12-1936, pg. 5)

Junior Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma); Holman, Walter E.; Ganz, William; Corneilson, Earl; Bekins, Stanley; Caldwell, Worth; Stitsworth, O.C.; Sloan, Donald;

Walter E. Holman, vice-president of the national Junior Chamber of Commerce, received quite a Tacoma welcome when he arrived via plane on March 12, 1936. Three motorcycle policemen greeted him with an "arrest" for exceeding the air speed limit and "released "him to the custody of the Tacoma Junior Chamber of Commerce who was expecting delivery of its national charter. Mr. Holman, center in dark topcoat, took it with aplomb, and presented the charter to the local group, making them official members of the US Junior Chamber of Commerce. From left to right are: Tacoma Junior Chamber of Commerce vice-president William J. Gantz, Officer Earl Corneilson, Secretary Stanley Bekins, Mr. Holman, Portland Junior Chamber president Worth W. Caldwell, Officer O.C. Stitsworth, and Portland Junior Chamber of Commerce member Donald Sloan. (T.Times 3-12-36, p. 5)

Junior Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma); Holman, Walter E.; Ganz, William; Corneilson, Earl; Bekins, Stanley; Caldwell, Worth; Stitsworth, O.C.; Sloan, Donald; Tacoma Police Department (Tacoma);

Walter E. Holman, center, vice-president of the US Junior Chamber of Commerce is detained as he steps off a plane bearing the national charter for the Tacoma Junior Chamber of Commerce. It is all in good fun, however. The Tacoma Jr. Chamber, organized two years ago, became an official member of the US Jr. Chamber of Commerce when the charter was presented by Holman, a resident of Portland, Oregon, to the group. Pictured left to right are William J. Ganz, Tacoma's vice- president, Officer Earl Corneilson, Holman, Officer O.C. Stitsworth and Stanley Bekins, Tacoma's secretary. (T. Times 3/12/1936, pg. 5)

Junior Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma); Holman, Walter E.; Ganz, William; Corneilson, Earl; Bekins, Stanley; Stitsworth, O.C.; Tacoma Police Department (Tacoma);

ca. 1937. Lions Club convention delegates at the Winthrop Hotel circa 1937. Several men gathered around the registrar's table. (T. Times).

Lions Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1937. Lions Club convention delegates at the Winthrop Hotel. Several men gathered around the registrar's table in this circa 1937 photograph (T. Times).

Lions Club (Tacoma); Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Members of the Hunt Club relax on the club house porch for atternoon tea on the day of the horse show: Mrs. Minot Davis, Mrs. J. Fred Kenworthy, Cecilia Schofield, Mrs. James Mathews, Mrs. Frost Snyder, and Iris Bryan. (T. Times, Society).

Organizations - Clubs - Sports Clubs - Riding and Hunt Clubs

Over 51 fishermen took part in the Poggie Club - Junior Chamber Salmon Derby in June of 1936; 24 landed a salmon. The first place winner was Oscar F. Harting, front row 6th from the right, (between the man in sweater and tie and the man in a hat) who caught an 18 pound salmon. First prize was $150 in cash, 2nd was a boat with outboard and third prize was an outboard motor. All successful fishermen were awarded steel fishing knives. Merle Murphy and George Murphy are in the front row, 3rd and 4th from the left, respectively. Les Davis, founder of the Les Davis Fishing Tackle Co., is 2nd from right in the white shirt. Davis began manufacturing tackle in the 1920s in the garage of his home at No. 34th & Stevens. He died in 1983 at the age of 78. Oscar Harting died in Tacoma on February 7, 1992; he retired after 22 years of service with Metropolitan Parks as the Point Defiance Boathouse manager and concession operator. (T. Times 6/15/1936, pg. 11) TPL-9857

Poggie Club (Tacoma); Children fishing--Tacoma--1930-1940; Contests--Tacoma--1930-1940; Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fish; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Beaches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Harting, Oscar F.; Salmon; Davis, Lester;

A large group of people listen to Mayor George Smitley's announcement of the prize winners over a megaphone at the Poggie Club- Junior Chamber Salmon Derby in June of 1936. The mayor, with cash in hand, is standing inside a log structure at Point Defiance. Several hundred spectators turned out to see the awards presented. First place was $150 in cash, 2nd a boat and outboard motor and third an outboard. Fifty one fishermen took part and 24 landed a salmon. (T. Times 6/15/1936, pg. 11)

Poggie Club (Tacoma); Contests--Tacoma--1930-1940; Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fish; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Beaches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Awards;

Javanese Art Exhibit opening, in the Tacoma Art Association gallery at the College of Puget Sound. Ellen (Mrs. Albert H.) Hooker, Jr., member of the Junior League, standing beside a Javanese hand-made puppet. Ellen Hooker, an artist, is widely recognized for her miniature portrait paintings. (T. Times, 2/22/1936, p. 7).

Tacoma Art Association (Tacoma); Aloha Club (Tacoma); Hooker, Ellen; Art objects; Art exhibitions;

The opening of the Javanese Art Exhibit, Tacoma Art Association gallery at the College of Puget Sound. Beatrice Turrell, president of the Aloha Club, and Mrs. A. D. E. Beck, artist, standing in front of quilt/wall hanging. Mrs. Beck is a prominent Northwest artist. The Aloha Club sponsored the exhibit. (T.Times, 2/22/1936, p. 7).

Tacoma Art Association (Tacoma); Aloha Club (Tacoma); Art objects; Art exhibitions; Turrell, Beatrice;

The opening of the Javanese Art Exhibit, the fourth exhibit of the winter, given by the Tacoma Art Association at their gallery at the College of Puget Sound. Marietta (Mrs Hunter) Kennard, president of the Tuesday Study Club and president of the Aloha Club 1934-35, stands beside an unusual cut leather sculpture of a Javanese shadow dancer. The Aloha Club sponsored the opening. The exhibit will run until the first of March. (T.Times, 2/22/1936, p. 7).)

Tacoma Art Association (Tacoma); Aloha Club (Tacoma); Kennard, Marietta; Art objects; Art exhibitions;

Young Men's Business Club (YMBC) airshow at Mueller-Harkins airport June 13, 1937. 25 planes took part in the first annual air circus with nearly 50,000 spectators cheering them on. View of event in progress from roof of airport building. (T. Times, TNT).

Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Air shows--Tacoma--1930-1940; Events--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Young Men's Business Club (YMBC) airshow at Mueller-Harkins airport June 13, 1937. 25 planes took part in the first annual air circus with nearly 50,000 spectators cheering them on. Hundreds of 1920s and 1930s automobiles circle the airfield. Spectators gather around airplanes and sit on the hoods and roofs of vehicles. (T. Times, TNT)

Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Events--Tacoma--1930-1940; Airplanes--Tacoma--1930-1940; Biplanes--Tacoma--1930-1940; Air shows--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1927. Americanization class at Tacoma Rescue Mission ca. 1927. Man reads to five Japanese children. Pulpit with embroidered cloth marked "Jesus" in background. (filed with Argentum)

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Japanese Americans--Tacoma; Reading--Tacoma;

ca. 1927. Americanization class at Tacoma Rescue Mission ca. 1927. Woman at organ leads Japanese children in song. The singing children wave flags and wear paper caps. Man at rear behind pulpit with embroidered cloth marked "Jesus" was pictured in A1956-1 reading to the children. (filed with Argentum)

Tacoma Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Japanese Americans--Tacoma; Singing--Tacoma; Children singing--Tacoma;

Tacoma Little Theater, Drama League, production of "Engaged". Directed by Ann Gordon. Harry P. Cain, future Tacoma Mayor and U.S. Senator, at far right, appeared in the stage play. From 1933 through 1939 the Tacoma Little Theater productions were presented on the stage of the Slavonian Hall at 2306 No. 30th St. In 1940 they moved to their current home at 210-12 No. I St.

Drama Clubs -- Tacoma; Tacoma Little Theatre (Tacoma); Tacoma Drama League (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979;

Tacoma Little Theater, Drama League members. Harry P. Cain, future Mayor of Tacoma and U.S. Senator, is at right.

Drama Clubs -- Tacoma; Tacoma Little Theatre (Tacoma); Tacoma Drama League (Tacoma); Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Drama League "After the Show Party", October 20, 1937. Harry P. Cain, future Tacoma Mayor and U.S. Senator, is third from right, seated on floor.

Drama Clubs -- Tacoma; Tacoma Little Theatre (Tacoma);Tacoma Drama League (Tacoma); Theatrical Productions--Tacoma; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979;

The Tacoma Drama League had a full program of plays scheduled for the 1934-35 season. The first production was a revival of the old fashioned melodrama "The Streets of New York". In their effort to recreate the true atmosphere of an old time play, special scenery, costuming and lighting had to be designed and constructed. From 1933 through 1939 the Tacoma Little Theater productions were presented on the stage of the Slavonian Hall at 2306 No. 30th St. In 1940 they moved to their current home at 210-12 No. I St.

Drama Clubs -- Tacoma; Tacoma Little Theatre (Tacoma);Tacoma Drama League (Tacoma); Theatrical Productions--Tacoma;

Play "Little Black Sambo," presented by the Junior League of Tacoma. Cast on stage. The Junior League presented the childrens' play "Little Black Sambo" February 23-23 at the Little Theatre. (filed with Argentum)

Junior League (Tacoma); Costumes; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1930-1940; Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1932. Memorial building for the American Legion, Edward B. Rhodes Post. The building was constructed in 1930 from a design by Heath, Gove & Bell, architects. Since 1991, it has been home to the Karpeles Manuscript Library.

Clubhouses--Tacoma; Sports & recreation facilities--Tacoma; Patriotic societies--Tacoma; Clubs--Tacoma; American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma);

ca. 1934. Rotary Club Convention. Stage set, on balcony of room, with five women at wheel of steamship. Life preservers are marked "American Mail Line" and "Dollar Steamship Line." Double door below balcony has "Purser" sign overhead. (T. Times)

Rotary Club of Tacoma (Tacoma);

ca. 1934. Rotary Club Convention held in Tacoma circa 1934. Men and women waiting in line at desk with "Rainier National Park Company" sign on curtain backdrop. Woman at desk ready to type on standard typewriter. (T.N.T)

Rotary Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Typewriters;

ca. 1934. Mrs Blakesly's Garden Club. Women in garden next to rock pond. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma News Tribune. (filed with Argentum)

Clubwomen--Tacoma--1930-1940; Gardens;

ca. 1934. Junior League Committee. Five women reviewing planned activity in a living room. Two are sitting on a grill-covered steam heater located under a window. (For Mrs. Brady, T. Times Society) (WSHS)

Junior League (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Sonya (Mrs. Donald) Doud, left, and Gertrude (Mrs. Roger) Peck prepare to open the Junior League Thrift Shop for business. The shop is open Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 10 -4 p.m. Established in 1930, the proceeds of the store support the League's well baby clinic.

Junior League (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1930-1940; Thrift shops--Tacoma--1930-1940; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Junior League Thrift Shop (Tacoma); Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1930-1940; Doud, Sonya; Peck, Gertrude;