Tacoma Garden Club float in 1940 Daffodil Parade. This float took second place in Division 2, after the Central Labor Council entry. The truck bed was filled with a massive garden of blooming spring flowers and was skirted by golden daffodils. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Times. (filed with Argentum) (TNT 3-30-1940, p. 1-description of float)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1940 :Tacoma); Tacoma Garden Club (Tacoma);

Admittance Day Parade in Olympia on November 11, 1939. The parade honored Washington's admittance into the Union 50 years prior and travelled over part of the route of the first statehood celebration promenade in 1889. This parade float features a replica of the covered wagon that brought the first settlers to Tumwater, where the Columbia River branch of the Oregon Trail ended. Sign reads "The End of the Oregon Trail." The float is entered by Cub Scout Pack 5, sponsored by the Eastside Community Center. It is parked on a street with house in background. (T. Times 11/13/1939, pg. 9)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Olympia; Parades & processions--Olympia--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Olympia--1930-1940;

Admittance Day Parade in Olympia on November 11, 1939. Firemen aboard horse-drawn fire engine, sign on side reads "1883." The Admission Day celebration in Olympia was patterned after the original inauguration of Governor Elisha P. Ferry. The two mile parade travelled over part of the route of that original statehood celebration. Ben's Service Station, Maxwell dealer, and houses in background.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Olympia; Parades & processions--Olympia--1930-1940; Fire engines & equipment--Olympia;

Admittance Day Parade in Olympia on November 11, 1939. Since the date was both Admission and Armistice Day, the parade was a mixture of historical floats and pageantry plus a selection of military men and guns honoring the end of World War I. Soldiers are shown marching in formation in the parade with homes on a hill in the background. This Armistice Day in 1939 was particularly turbulent as Europe was already at war again and America appeared ready to follow. Several anti-war demonstrations were held on this date across the country. (T.Times 11/13/1939, pg 9)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Olympia; Parades & processions--Olympia--1930-1940;

Admittance Day Parade in Olympia on November 11, 1939. Soldiers marching along wet street. Since this date was also Armistice Day, honoring the end of World War I, the parade included several contingents of marching men and weapons. This Armistice Day was bittersweet as Europe was already at war and America soon to follow.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Olympia; Parades & processions--Olympia--1930-1940;

Four men, bodies slathered with silver paint, rode atop the YMCA float during the Narrows Bridge/McChord Field Parade on July 1, 1940. Accompanied by a giant globe, they provided visions of brawny Atlas to the 60,000+ parade viewers. A photograph of the same quartet taken from ground level can be seen at D9944-25.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Young Men's Christian Association (Tacoma); Body painting--Tacoma;

On July 1, 1940, there was a parade in Tacoma to celebrate the openings of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Field. The most unusual float was that of Tacoma's YMCA, Phalanx Club. Four young men, their bodies silvered, rode on a float while holding up a large globe. Here are the men - minus the globe. Before the year's end, the bridge, which quickly became known as Galloping Gertie, had collapsed into the Narrows. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 3).

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Young Men's Christian Association (Tacoma); Body painting--Tacoma;

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Tacoma Public Utilities, Light Department float. City Light and its counterpart, Seattle City Light, both sponsored brilliantly lit floats featuring dams during the July 1, 1940, parade honoring the opening of the (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Field. Tacoma City Light's large float was sculpted with representations of the Olympic Mountains, Cushman Dam, and the Narrows Bridge. The small children on the float are fishing, skiing, hunting, and boating. The designated theme was "Gateway to the Olympics." (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1).

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Public utility companies--Tacoma; Power plants;

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade. A shiny delivery van pulls the Brown's floral company float with its "Say It With Flowers" sign during the massive July 1, 1940, parade honoring the opening of the (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Field. A young florist delivery boy sits on the automobile hood with a man, possibly the owner of the company, standing next to the van. Four women are seated on the float decorated with floral sprays. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Brown's Conservatory of Flowers (Tacoma);

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Brown Floral Company float. Four women seated among large baskets of floral sprays during the July 1, 1940, parade honoring the openings of the (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Field. The sight of beautifully decorated commercial floats from Brown's and Carsten's Packing drew enthusiastic responses from the massive throngs viewing the 1 1/2 hour parade. Brown's has been a longtime institution in Tacoma; it is still located at 4734 South Tacoma Way. (T. Times, 7-1-40, p. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Brown's Conservatory of Flowers (Tacoma);

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, July 1, 1940. Sponsored by the Peninsula community, and taking note of the 1940 presidential elections, an automobile festooned with flags, greenery and a portrait of President Roosevelt with caption "He gave us the bridge, he will protect it" injected a political aspect into the July 1, 1940, parade. A solemn "Uncle Sam" rests his hand on the stopped vehicle. The Republicans countered with a Wendell Willkie float of their own. Other signs include: "Watch the Peninsula Grow:" and "Rosedale." The massive parade was just one of the many celebratory events occuring June 29 - July 4 which honored the openings of the new (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Field. Others included the annual Y.M.B.C. water carnival, block parties, and a July 4th extravaganza at Stadium Bowl. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Political campaigns; Signs (Notices); Flags;

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, July 1, 1940. A variety of cars, trucks and floats took part in the 1940 celebratory parade for the new (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge and opening of McChord Flying Field. View of automobile decorated as a float with crepe paper streamers for Skansie Brothers' Richfield Service; it was parked across the street from American Marble on Jefferson Avenue. A woman is seated on the car's fender.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Paper products--Tacoma; Signs (Notices);

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade. Among the sixty or so floats in the July 1, 1940, parade commemorating the grand openings of the (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Flying Field, one of the most charming might have been the float bearing four children riding on playground equipment, a Merry-Go-Round float pulled by a sedan. The name of the company is partially obscured; the four children, all wearing hats, may belong to employees of the firm.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Amusement rides--Tacoma;

Knights of Pythias members ride on a float sponsored by the lodge's Pythian Sisters, Washington Temple No. 6 and Tacoma Temple No. 58, during the 1940 Narrows Bridge-McChord Field Parade. The men, who are outfitted in lodge regalia, pause for a Richards' photographer while waiting for the event to begin. To add a patriotic note, Uncle Sam hitched a ride on the float. Mention was made that one of the Knights lost his beard temporarily as the float passed in front of the reviewing stand. The event celebrated the opening of the first Narrows Bridge and the new U.S. Army Air Corps base. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1).

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Fraternal organizations; Knights of Pythias (Tacoma); Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes;

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, July 1, 1940. Large group of men dressed as Native Americans with war paint. These representatives of the fraternal order "Improved Order of Redmen" marched in the celebratory parade, honoring the grand openings of the new (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the country's newest airbase, McChord Field. Crowds estimated from 60,000-100,000 watched the 1 1/2 hour parade as it wove its way through downtown Tacoma. The Order of the Redmen was founded in 1765 as the Sons of Liberty. It was a secret society dedicated to throwing off the bonds of English tyranny. After the revolution, it assumed its current name. The group is devoted to inspiring a greater love of the United States of America and the principles of American liberty. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Indians of North America--Tacoma; Headdresses; Drill teams--Tacoma; Improved Order of Redmen (Tacoma); Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade;

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Old Tacoma Improvement Club float. Designed by Walt Sutter, the Old Tacoma Improvement Club float was possibly the most original of those entered in the July 1, 1940, celebratory parade. It featured a series of "firsts," replicas of Old Tacoma: first church (St. Peter's Church), first home (Job Carr cabin), first electric power plant, first shipment of lumber, first survey of Puget Sound, and the oldest bell tower in America. Tacoma was celebrating the grand openings of the (first) Narrows Bridge and the country's newest airbase, McChord Field. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices); Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade;

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Port Orchard float. One of two floats entered by Port Orchard in the July 1, 1940, parade depicting an aerial view of the "new" Port Orchard, "Proposed Improvement of Port Orchard's New Waterfront." The aerial view is similar to an architectural model. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)

Parades & Processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices); Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade;

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade. Commercial floats like this one from the Tacoma Retail Trade Bureau were crowd favorites during the 1 1/2 hour parade through downtown Tacoma on July 1, 1940. Three women on the float peek out from decorated large hats. Tacomans probably saved their goofy and stylish hats from the Golden Jubilee celebration the previous year to wear them once again during the weeklong festivities. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices); Hats--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade;

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, July 1, 1940. Farm Maid Dairy Bar/Tacoma Milk Producers/KMO Radio float carrying a large group of young people on back of decorated truck. The children wave merrily to parade viewers as they and their streamer-bedecked truck pass by. The City of Tacoma threw on a huge celebration in honor of the opening of the first Narrows Bridge and the newest national airbase, McChord Flying Field. Crowds estimated between 60,000-100,000 viewed the 1 1/2 hour parade after the bridge dedication. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices); Dairy products industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; KMO Radio Station (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade;

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Gig Harbor - Peninsula float, July 1, 1940. Young women on evergreen-bedecked float with sign: "The Peninsula. Playground of the Northwest. Gig Harbor." Tennis and swimming were two of the activities profiled on the Gig Harbor float. There were over 60 floats entered in the July 1, 1940, parade commemorating the openings of the (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Flying Field. The Peninsula area was heavily represented with floats and other entries from the Gig Harbor, Key Center and Port Orchard communities. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade;

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade. The Tacoma Wholesalers float was one of several commercial floats in the July 1, 1940, parade. It featured an attractive brunet seated in front of a cornucopia. A model of the Narrows Bridge appears on the side. The parade through downtown Tacoma streets dually celebrated the openings of the (first) Narrows Bridge and the newest national airbase. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1).

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade;

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, July 1, 1940. These five children and two adults reportedly represented the Norwegian Community on a float in the Narrows Bridge-McChord Field Parade through downtown Tacoma streets on July 1st. They were not the only international groups as floats representing Switzerland, Sweden and Japan were also entered. Over 60,000 parade viewers enthusiastically greeted all participants. Tacoma set aside June 29-July 4 for celebrating the opening of the (first) Narrows Bridge and the new McChord airbase. (T.Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade;

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Tacoma Elks Lodge #174 Golden Jubilee float. On July 1, 1940, the Elks Lodge float had the honor of being the first float in the massive parade honoring the grand openings of both the (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Field. A stately elk is nearly hidden among the flowers and greenery, while a large clock, encircled with greens, points to 11 o'clock. The lodge was celebrating its 50th anniversary in Tacoma and more than 400 Elks marched in the parade. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p.1, 3).

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Tacoma Elks Lodge #174 Golden Jubilee float. Celebrating the lodge's 50th anniversary in Tacoma and the openings of the (first) Narrows Bridge and new airbase, McChord Field, the Elks contingent was the first float in the massive July 1, 1940, parade. They followed hundreds of marching soldiers and National Guard units. More than 400 Elks marched in the parade; 30-40 members carried a huge U.S. flag and more than 300 were in the Elks Band. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 3).

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Tacoma Elks Lodge #174 Golden Jubilee float. Noted by newspapers as one of the most beautiful floats, the Elks Lodge float had the honor of being the first float in the massive July 1, 1940, parade. Just hours before, Governor Clarence D. Martin had officially opened the new (first) Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The parade was held in honor of the bridge and also the opening of the country's newest and most modern airbase, McChord Field. The lodge was also celebrating its Golden Jubilee, the lodge's 50th anniversary in Tacoma. More than 400 Elks marched in the parade, by far the largest represented group. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 3).

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma);

This float is bearing her royal highness, Queen Marge I, Daffodil Royalty of 1940. Queen Marge I, 1940 Daffodil Queen, is seventeen year old Puyallup High School senior Marge Roscoe. Selected for her photogenic looks, Queen Marge is also a star on the school's debate team. She rides on the float from her home city of Puyallup, with a crown of daffodils and a regal robe of purple. She is flanked by attendants Lillian Kelly and Ella Reno. (T. Times 3/30/1940, pg. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1940 :Tacoma); Roscoe, Marge;

1940 Daffodil Parade; "City of Electric Homes" float, winning first place in the Municipal Division. This float entered by City Lights had a kitchen carpeted with daffodils and filled with various electric appliances. Two women are shown seated in the model home kitchen. Grocery store in apartment building in background. (T. Times 3/30/ 1940, pg. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1940 :Tacoma);

1940 Daffodil Parade. Sumner float. Five young women in portals of a daffodil fan. The float was portrayed in the Tacoma Times as a giant paddle wheel a-la a Mississippi riverboat, with a beautiful girl in each paddle. Adams Brake Service building in background. See series G20.1 image 134 for a another photograph of the same float. (T. Times)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1940 :Tacoma);

1940 Daffodil Parade. Float on truck decorated with daffodils and fir tree branches. Wing-emblem feature of float and also pictured on the girls' sweaters. (T. Times)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1940 :Tacoma);

Comic highlights of the 1940 Daffodil Parade. With the sun only peaking through clouds over the parade route, clowns added a note of humor. They took a "perfect sleeper" mattress from the F. S. Harmon float and threw it out on the route at 9th and Broadway. A steamroller, entered in the parade by Woodworth and Cornell, ran over the mattress, flattening it. A unique moment in daffodil history. (T. Times 3/30/1940, pg. 1)

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1940 :Tacoma);