The Rotary International float at the 1956 Daffodil Parade on Pacific Avenue with North Pacific Plywood Inc. building and water tower in the background. The float is in the shape of a yacht, strung with bunting with a person in a sailing hat at the front.

Pacific Lutheran Church's Parkland of Playland float in the 1956 Daffodil Parade on Pacific Avenue with North Pacific Plywood Inc. building and water tower in the background. A person rides under a candy cane canopy over the slogan, "Learn to Work, Play, Live Better."

Jordan's Sunbeam Bread float in the 1956 Daffodil Parade on Pacific Avenue. Children are on float waving and Union Station can be seen in the background.

Unidentified float in the 1956 Daffodil Parade on Pacific Avenue with North Pacific Plywood Inc. building and water tower in the background. The float depicts a mountain made out of daffodils, a sheet for the snowcap and green crepe paper grass. There is a Paul Bunyan character skiing down the mountain with a beard and a red cap.

Shriner Circus float in the 1956 Daffodil Parade on Pacific Avenue with North Pacific Plywood Inc. building in the background.. The float has a large clown head at the top and pushes a small see saw cart that is occupied with jesters. Two Shriners flank the float.

Tillicum Tacoma Summerland float in the 1956 Daffodil Parade on Pacific Avenue. People wave in swimming suits and baseball caps with North Pacific Plywood Inc. building and water tower in the background.

Marching band on Pacific Street with view of the Olympic Hotel in the distance.

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, 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;

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. 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. 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, 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, 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. 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;

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. 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, 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);

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, 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, 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;

Japanese American representation at the Narrows Bridge/McChord Field Parade. On June 29, 1940 Tacoma began six days of events to celebrate the openings of both the 1st Tacoma Narrows Bridge and McChord Field, and the 4th of July. The events on July 1, 1940, included the official ribbon cutting ceremony at the bridge and a grand parade. The Japanese communities of Tacoma and Seattle were represented by a float which was preceded by a score or more of marching Japanese young women. Each of the marchers was attired in a Japanese kimono, and each carried a brightly colored, bell covered wand. Marching ahead of the women were the drum & bugle corps of the First Hill district, Seattle Boy Scouts (not pictured.) Businesses in background: left to right, The Laurel Apartments, Rowland - Hulscher Adams Brake Service, Northern Laundry Cleaning and Pressing. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 3). TPL-2174

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

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, 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, 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, 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);

McKinnon's Department store's contribution to the 1956 Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival parade is dedicated to "Peter, Peter, Pumpkin eater." It is the story of a man who couldn't hang on to his wife, so he put her in a pumpkin shell where she seems quite content to remain in this picture. A bevy of beautiful girls with daffodil chain crowns ride on the front of the float. This float won third place in Division 8, retail stores, behind Sears and Rhodes.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1956 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; McKinnon's Department Store (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Retail Trade Bureau seems to have transported this float directly from the Arabian Nights to the Daffodil Festival. Two harem girls in black two piece outfits adorn the front of the float, while the sultan sits cross legged in the rear. The two Nubian slaves appear to be floral mannequins. The flower bedecked float adheres to the 1956 theme of "Storytime in Daffodils" and won first place in Division 6, other clubs and organizations.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1956 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Retail Trade Bureau (Tacoma);