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;

Howard Goold, Tacoma Public Schools superintendent, accepts a $1000 check from George Childs, auditor for the Young Men's Business Club, on March 25, 1940 at Central School. The check was for funds raised by the YMBC and Tacoma public schools to send 40 selected musicians to the National Music Educators Music Festival in Los Angeles March 30-April 6th. From left to right are: George Childs (seated); Louis Wersen, supervisor of music for Tacoma schools; Superintendent Howard Goold and Milt J. Evans, chrm. of the YMBC "On to Los Angeles" committee. (T.Times 3-27-1940, p. 1-cropped photograph; TNT 3-27-1940, p. 1-alt. photo)

Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Shaking hands--Tacoma; Central School (Tacoma); Checks; Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; Goold, Howard R., 1886-1971; Wersen, Louis; Childs, George F.; Evans, Milton J.;

Formally attired young folk at a dinner-dance held at the Tacoma Club on March 9, 1940. This was the first of Tacoma Club's formal dinner dances during the 1940 season. The event was held in the club rooms at the top of the Washington Building. President of the Tacoma Club was H.A. Christofferson. (T.Times 3-16-1940, p. 4-different photo, same series)

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Teenagers--1940-1950; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tuxedoes;

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;

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);

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

Publicity shot for Co-Ed Club Committee planning barn dance with photograph taken on October 16, 1939. Seven young women pose by a white picket fence, one in a wheelbarrow, dressed in the theme appropriate straw hats, gingham dresses and overalls. Pictured, left to right, are Louise Button, Janice (Mrs. John) Plowden, Inez (Mrs. Virgil) Cliff (in wheelbarrow), Barbara Rothermel, Susan (Mrs. Donald) McGoldrick, Helen Jaeger and Donna Rue Teats. (T. Times 10/21/1939, pg. 4)

Co-Ed Club (Tacoma); Button, Louise; Plowden, Janice; Cliff, Inez; Rothermel, Barbara; McGoldrick, Susan; Jaeger, Helen; Teats, Donna Rue; Wheelbarrows;

In October of 1939, members of the Co-Ed Club planning committee were busy planning a hoe down to be held at the Dash Point Community House on the 28th of the month. The rustic barn dance gave the young women and their dates a chance to don harvest related costumes. Seven young women posed for this publicity shot, dressed appropriately for the farm in straw hats, overalls and gingham dresses. Pictured, left to right, are Louise Button, Susan McGoldrick, Barbara Rothermel (in wheelbarrow), Janice Plowden, Helen Jaeger, Donna Rue Teats (top of ladder), and Inez Cliff (bottom of ladder). (T. Times 10/21/1939, pg. 4)

Co-Ed Club (Tacoma); Button, Louise; Plowden, Janice; Cliff, Inez; Rothermel, Barbara; McGoldrick, Susan; Jaeger, Helen; Teats, Donna Rue;

Men behind bar at the Tacoma Club.

Tacoma Club (Tacoma);