Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939, celebrating Washington's fifty years of statehood. This float, created by KVI Broadcasting, takes a nostalgic look back to the time when the "news" consisted of two women visiting over their backyard fence. The structure on the float is "Ye Olde Woode Shedde."

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

This float celebrating the Narrows Bridge, under construction at this time, was prepared for the Washington Golden Jubilee Parade, July 22, 1939, by Pierce County. Model of bridge, driver in 10 gallon hat, man in Native garb and headdress smoking a "peace pipe" and woman in swimwear. Spectators watch from curb and from windows of Luzon and Baker Buildings at 13th and Pacific. Thousands of Tacomans lined the street and buildings of downtown Tacoma to view the three-hour parade. Crowd was estimated at 100,000. (T. Times 7/24/1939, pg. 3)

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

This float in the July 22, 1939 Golden Jubilee Parade is labelled simply "Viking." The parade was in celebration of Washington's 50th anniversary of statehood. A floral Viking boat in full sail motors down the parade route, ridden by a maiden in formal dress carrying a sword and a pike.

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

The Construction Council of Tacoma entered this float in the Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939. The float bears a model of what is possibly the Exposition Hall, 1616-32 E. 26th, opened in 1940. The wording over the door of the model says simply "Washington." The driver's head and steering wheel can be seen directly in front of the model. The parade was celebrating fifty years of Washington statehood. Several people can be seen in the crowd wearing their "Jubilee Hats."

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

Twenty of the counties in Washington State entered a float in the Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939, held in Tacoma. This one was entered by Chelan County. It is a giant foil covered heart mounted on an oval float. Around the sides of the float are placards with the cities in Chelan county listed. (T. Times 7/24/1939, pg. 3)

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

Golden Jubilee Parade, Tacoma City Light float at Jefferson and Market Streets, on July 22, 1939. Theme of float was Arabian Nights. The float featured a gilded youth as Aladdin, an electric lamp, and four maidens in huge jars. Four spectators in foreground make themselves comfortable by sitting on wooden rounds at the edge of the wooden sidewalk and curb. (TNT 7-23-39, p. 1)

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

Golden Jubilee Parade, Tacoma City Light float, on July 22, 1939. The theme of the City Light float was Arabian Nights. The float featured a gilded youth as Aladdin, an electric lamp, and four maidens in huge jars. Spectators stand several rows deep to watch the parade. (TNT 7-23-39, p. 1) TPL-5198

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

Golden Jubilee Parade, Tacoma City Light float, on July 22, 1939. The Arabian Nights themed float rolls past the photographer. The float featured a gilded youth as Aladdin, an electric lamp, four maidens in huge jars and a smoke machine. Spectators shield their heads from July sun with their Jubilee hats. (TNT 7-23-39, p. 1) TPL-5197

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

This floral tribute, inhabited by young people performing various kinds of work, was contributed to the July 22, 1939 Golden Jubilee Parade by the "National Youth Administration (NYA)." The program was a Works Progress Administration offshoot, heavily supported by Eleanor Roosevelt and intended to educate and start young people out in the workforce. Instituted in June of 1935, it covered youths ages 16-25. Those wishing to remain in school were given part-time jobs and those out of school were given on the job training. The program was abolished in 1943.

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

The sponsor's name cannot be seen on float #46, but it is topped by a huge foil eagle bearing a United States flag in its beak. Signs around the edge of the float promote free speech and a free press. All around the float sit very young girls in white dresses, almost blending into the background. The driver can be seen almost directly beneath the flag.

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

This float was entered in the July 22, 1939 Golden Jubilee Parade by the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. In the back is a floral cornucopia with a young woman in a white or pastel dress sitting at the opening. Two other young women ride on the float and the driver's upper half, wearing a Jubilee hat, can be seen between the pair and the cornucopia, beside a bench. The float has a replica of the Narrows Bridge on the front. Around the sides are placards featuring Tacoma's accomplishments, either current or in the works in 1939, "The Nation's First Air Base" (McChord), "Portland Differential," "Highway Development," "Hylebos Waterway Development," "McNeil Island Purchased by Government," and "Tacoma Transportation Company."

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

This evergreen bough covered float promotes two Tacoma and Northwest pioneers, Job Carr and Dr. Charles H. Spinning. A sign on the float states "1864. Dr. C. H. Spinning locates Job Carr on future townsite of Tacoma." In 1864, Job Carr set up a settlement on the waterfront on property he purchased from the federal government. This settlement was to become Tacoma. Dr. Charles H. Spinning is famous as the "canoe and saddle" Doctor. He settled in 1859 on the site of the present Fern Hill. He served for 9 1/2 years as doctor to the Indian Reservations. The float has a canoe on the front with two native Americans, pioneers in the center and a teepee in the back, almost shielded from view by trees.

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

Float #15 in the July 22, 1939 Golden Jubilee Parade seems to be constructed completely of foil. The float, entered by several service organizations, emphasizes their support programs for young people, "Dedicated to Youth." It has an undersea theme. A fish is pulling an unoccupied seashell throne, while waves lap at the sides of the float. The circles bear the names of sponsors: Rotary International, Gyro Club, Lions Club, Young Men's Business Club (YMBC) and Kiwanis International.

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

Float #19 was submitted to the July 22, 1939 Golden Jubilee Parade by the Lumber Industries. A replica of our beloved Mount Rainier sits ringed by old growth forest. Tacoma was still holding out for the name Mount Tacoma in 1939. At the back of the float is a model house, built from wood cut and processed in the Northwest.

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

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939, celebrating Washington's fifty years of statehood. The graceful Washington State Capital building in Olympia, Wa., is depicted by this model mounted on a float. This float was the contribution to the parade by Thurston County and Olympia. (T.Times 7/24/1939, pg. 3)

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

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939, on Pacific Avenue. Olympia and Thurston County were represented by a float with a model of the State Capitol Building, Washington State Seal and Jubilee Logo. Young woman with hat and robe riding on float and waving. West side, 1300 block of Pacific Avenue in background. (T.Times, 7-24-39, p. 3)

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

A replica of the Narrows Bridge dominates this float entered by Pierce County in the Golden Jubilee Parade, held July 22, 1939 to celebrate 50 years of Washington's statehood. The bridge would connect Tacoma with the remainder of Pierce County lying on the Olympic Peninsula. Two people sit in chairs alongside the bridge, a native American in full headdress in front and a bathing beauty behind. The first Narrows Bridge, later infamous as the "Galloping Gertie," was opened to traffic July 1, 1940. It was destroyed in a windstorm just over four months later in November of 1940. TPL-6195 (T. Times 7/24/1939, pg. 3)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940; Bridges--Tacoma--1940-1950; Suspension Bridges--Tacoma; Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Tacoma);

Golden Jubilee Parade, Carsten's Packing Company float, on July 22, 1939. Man is holding huge carving knife in front of a model of large ham; little girls are sitting on float. Old Chamber of Commerce Building on Pacific Avenue in background.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940; Carstens Packing Co. (Tacoma);

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939, celebrating Washington's fifty years of statehood. A "beary" interesting truck, offered by Buck & Bowers Tire & Oil Co., appears to be pulling a miniature truck, entered by Cavanaugh Lumber. The front truck has a bare tree in the back bed, in which a person in a bear suit with a bear mask is sitting. A bear's head also adorns the hood. A large banner on the side of the truck "We're bears for service." The miniature truck is labelled Cavanaugh Lumber, "Cavanaugh has a plan!" Buck & Bowers was located at 114 Puyallup Ave. They were the distributors of Dayton automobile tires, sunset gasoline, automobile accessories and farm equipment. Parker J. Buck was president. Cavanaugh Lumber Co. was located at 1423 Puyallup Ave. Cecil C. Cavanaugh was the owner. They sold lumber, building materials, paints, and builders' hardware.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940; Cavanaugh Lumber Co. (Tacoma); Buck & Bowers Tire & Oil Co. (Tacoma);

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939, celebrating Washington's fifty years of statehood. Entered by the Douglas Fir Plywood Association (DFPA,) this float promotes the use of plywood, "modern miracle in wood," all over the world. The front is a warren of buildings all built of plywood, including a boat on the water. The buildings are followed by three young women sitting in front of a globe. This is perhaps the last float in the parade as the people in the crowd appear to be turning around and leaving. Someone, maybe a photographer, crosses the street carrying a ladder behind the float.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939, celebrating Washington's fifty years of statehood. The Douglas Fir Plywood Association (DFPA) submitted this float to the parade, extolling the use of plywood as a building material. The float is littered with replicas of buildings built of plywood. One of the swimsuit models sits close to the edge of the float, her foot resting on a side extension. The invention of plywood, several layers of wood bonded together, revolutionized the construction industry. The DFPA was a joint organization, composed of plywood manufacturers and dealers, that promoted the use of plywood.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939, to celebrate Washington's fifty years of statehood. "Miners of '89" float, sponsored by Negro Citizens of Tacoma, features a model of Mount Rainier; this was one of the 60+ floats entered in the parade. Flag on street light reads "Northwest Army Center." Movie camerman working near center of street opposite review stand on 12th and Pacific Avenue.

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

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939, celebrating Washington's fifty years of statehood. This vehicle covered with greenery and studded with dahlias has a sign proclaiming Steilacoom, founded in 1854, as the home of Lee's Dahlia Gardens. A sign on the side of the vehicle reads "Tryon Dahlia Gardens." A young girl in pioneer dress sits atop the float in a straight back chair.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940; Lee's Dahlia Gardens (Steilacoom);

Shaub-Ellison Co., dealers for Goodyear tires, entered this float in the July 22, 1939 Golden Jubilee Parade. The parade was celebrating the fifty year anniversary of Washington's statehood. A little girl rides in front holding an oar in one hand and waving with the other. In the back is a large Goodyear tire with a child riding inside. Shaub-Ellison was located at 1902 Pacific Ave. In 1939, the company was owned by Roe E. Shaub and Charles Ellison Jr.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1930-1940; Shaub-Ellison Co. (Tacoma);

A part of Tacoma's and our nation's past came rolling down Pacific Avenue on July 22, 1939, during the Golden Jubilee Parade. A man and woman dressed in vintage clothing drive a 1906 Model "N" Ford owned by Titus Ford. There is barely enough room for two. A sign on the Ford's roof reads, "50 Year Club." The driver of the car is Dick Frayne, superintendent of Titus Ford Service Department.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ford automobile; Frayne, Dick; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma);

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939, celebrating Washington's fifty years of statehood. Griffin Fuel Co., founded in 1889 by Fred Griffin, participates with a horse drawn wagon decked with a flag and bunting. The wagon also has a sign stating "There's no fuel like an old fuel." The company located at 1910-30 Commerce was also celebrating their fifty year anniversary in the fuel business.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Griffin Fuel Co. (Tacoma);

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939. Covered wagon bearing words "Steilacoom 1854" being pulled by a team of four horses. It is being driven by two people in pioneer clothing. There is a man running alongside wagon with a camera in his hand. Steilacoom sent three floats and the city band to the Golden Jubilee Parade which commemorated fifty years of statehood.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Horse teams--Tacoma; Carts & wagons--Tacoma;

A pioneer couple rides in this crepe paper decorated wagon in the July 22, 1939 Golden Jubilee Parade. He holds an axe, one side of the blade buried in a stump. She leans against him. The driver rides up front. One of the horses bears a large sign "The old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be."

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Horse teams--Tacoma; Carts & wagons--Tacoma;

Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939. Birdseye view of cavalry troops on horseback. Crowd on sidewalk and in street is overwhelmingly large, estimated at 100,000. With 133 entries and 14 miles of parade route, it was the largest parade Tacoma had seen to date. The old brick street and streetcar tracks are still in place.

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

A cavalry unit passes by the reviewing stand at the July 22, 1939 Golden Jubilee Parade. The officer salutes the stand. Tacoma's Mayor Kaufman, Jubilee Hostess Queen Amy Lou Murray, Miss Pierce County Margaret Franich, as well as several military officers can be seen on the stand.

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