Enthusiastic members of the newly formed (South) 38th Street Boosters Club wanted to let prospective customers know that they were ready to "talk turkey" (sales lingo meaning to "make a deal"), so they held a turkey derby in December of 1939. Members attempted to coax 30 turkeys to race to a feed bag at the end of a set course. At the event's conclusion, birds were to be given free to spectators. Ordered by "Ryan's Weekly." (T. Times 12/7/1939, p. 5).

Events--Tacoma--1930-1940; Racing--Tacoma; Turkeys; Costumes; 38th Street Boosters Club (Tacoma);

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Parade, Tacoma Central Labor Council automobile. 1940 was a political campaign year; the Central Labor Council made its presence known in the parade with its late model sedan, flags stuck in the grill, and large banner. Four people are pictured in this July 1, 1940, photograph, perched on the car's running board. Civic, fraternal and labor organizations worked together to put forth a massive celebration of the new Narrows Bridge and the opening of the country's latest airbase, McChord Field. (T. Times, 7-2-40, p. 1)

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

The Carstens Packing Company was represented in the Tacoma Narrows Bridge/McChord Field Parade of 1940 by two company princesses and "Ham Head." They rode on a large float during the 1 1/2 hour parade that passed through downtown Tacoma streets. Crowds were apparently delighted with the bowing Ham. Carstens was founded in 1897, and was one of the early Tacoma businesses to locate on the tideflats. In 1952 the company was sold to Hygrade Food Products Corp. Hygrade closed its Tacoma plant in 1990. (T. Times 7-2-1940, p. 1)

Events--Tacoma--1940-1950; Narrows Bridge/ McChord Field Parade; Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Tacoma); Meat industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Carsten's Packing Co. (Tacoma);

June, 1940 Commencement at College of Puget Sound. Solemn graduates in traditional black gowns are walking up the steps to Jones Hall, the school's main building. Man on the left appears to be photographing the moment.

Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Jones Hall (Tacoma); Students--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Getting ready for the upcoming Sadie Hawkins Day dance in March of 1941 is Alfred Copp, chairman of the planning committee. He is swigging down a drink with assistance from Dr. Carroll Carlson and Muriel McDonald. Other committee members are (staircase down): Unidentified man in top hat, James Will, Dolores Carlson, Helen D. Mann, unidentified woman in bonnet, Miss McDonald, and Frances Parlaman. (T.Times 3-11-41, p. 9)

Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Copp, Alfred E.; Carlson, Carroll; McDonald, Muriel; Will, James W.; Carlson, Dolores; Mann, Helen D.; Parlaman, Frances; Costumes;

Alfred Copp, far right, was the chairman for the "Sadie Hawkins" costume ball planning committee in March of 1941. He had to hand crank the committee's "jalopy" to get everyone to their pre-party rehearsal. The dance was to be held at the University Union Club and everyone attending the "Dogpatch" themed affair was encouraged to dress like one of the characters in the popular "Lil' Abner" comic strip. The other committee members are: (l to r) Dr. Carroll Carlson, Miss Frances Parlaman, James Will, Miss Muriel McDonald, Mrs. Helen D. Mann and Mrs. Dolores Carlson. The "jalopy" is a 1906 Model N Ford which was owned by Leon Titus. ( T.Times 3/11/1941, pg. 9)

Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Copp, Alfred E.; Carlson, Carroll; Parlaman, Frances; Will, James W.; McDonald, Muriel; Mann, Helen D.; Carlson, Dolores; Ford automobile;

Pacific Coast Fire Chiefs Convention. Five story building false front erected in Stadium Bowl for demonstration of Fire Fighting equipment. (T. Times)

Events - Conventions - Tacoma Facilities - Stadiums - Stadium Bowl

Pacific Coast Fire Chiefs Convention. Five story building false front erected in Stadium Bowl for demonstration of Fire Fighting equipment. (T. Times)

Events - Conventions - Tacoma Facilities - Stadiums - Stadium Bowl

Pacific Coast Fire Chiefs Convention. Five story building false front erected in Stadium Bowl for demonstration of Fire Fighting equipment. (T. Times)

Events - Conventions - Tacoma Facilities - Stadiums - Stadium Bowl

Publicity for the premiere of "Tugboat Annie Sails Again" on October 18, 1940. Lifeboat drill on the Coast Guard cutter Atlanta: left to right: Donald Crisp, Alan Hale, Sr.(seated), Ronald Reagan, Marjorie Rambeau, Hedda Hopper. Actors Crisp and Reagan managed to balance well as the lifeboat was hooked to the top of its davits and then swung back back and forth. Miss Rambeau, who played the title character, appeared a bit concerned while Miss Hopper sported a large grin.

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reagan, Ronald Wilson, 1911-; Hale, Alan; Rambeau, Marjorie; Crisp, Donald; Hopper, Hedda; Lifeboats--Tacoma;

Publicity for the premiere of "Tugboat Annie Sails Again." Lifeboat drill aboard the Coast Guard cutter, Atlanta, on October 18, 1940 (L-R): Alan Hale, Sr., Donald Crisp (standing), Ronald Reagan, Marjorie Rambeau, Hedda Hopper. Mr. Hale and the two women are wearing white sailor caps.

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reagan, Ronald Wilson, 1911-; Hale, Alan; Rambeau, Marjorie; Crisp, Donald; Hopper, Hedda; Lifeboats--Tacoma;

Young Marianna Van Rooy shares a quiet smile with handsome actor Ronald Reagan during an event connected with the Tacoma premiere of the motion picture film "Tugboat Annie Sails Again" on October 18, 1940. She is perched on one of his thighs as he holds one arm around her. Mr. Reagan took the part of Eddie Kent in the sequel to 1933's popular "Tugboat Annie." His wife, Jane Wyman, also appeared in the sequel but was not present during the Tacoma premiere. She had stayed at home as the young couple was expecting their first child.

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reagan, Ronald Wilson, 1911-; Van Rooy, Marianna Catherine;

Crowd milling around door of Rust Building near South 11th and Commerce Streets, many automobiles stopped in street. Taken in connection with the "Tugboat Annie Sails Again" premiere on October 18, 1940. The chance to see actual Hollywood stars lured thousands to downtown Tacoma where the film "Tugboat Annie Sails Again" would be shown in three theaters - the Roxy, Music Box and Blue Mouse - in one night. Actors Marjorie Rambeau, Alan Hale, Sr., Ronald Reagan, Hedda Hopper and Donald Crisp would be making personal appearances at each theater as well as a celebratory banquet at the Winthrop.

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Crowds--Tacoma;

Presentation of ship models by N.C. Garrison at Mayor's reception for "Tugboat Annie Sails Again" premiere on October 18, 1940, at the Winthrop. Left to right: Mayor Harry P. Cain, Donald Crisp, N.C. Garrison, unidentified woman, Hedda Hopper, and Marjorie Rambeau. Mr. Garrison, a well-known model shipbuilder, is holding one of his creations, a square rigger, which he would eventually present to Hedda Hopper. He had earlier presented a model of the "Narcissis" tugboat to Miss Rambeau. ALBUM 6. (T.Times, 10-21-40, p. 6)

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Rambeau, Marjorie; Crisp, Donald; Hopper, Hedda; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Garrison, N.C.; Model ships;

Tugboat Annie Sails Again actors and other with "Key to City" of Steilacoom. Left to right: Mrs. Harry (Marjorie) Cain, Ronald Reagan, Alan Hale, Marjorie Rambeau, Donald Crisp, Margaret Rust, and unidentified.

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Presidents; Reagan, Ronald Wilson, 1911-; Cain, Marjorie Dils, 1908-1994; Hale, Alan; Rambeau, Marjorie; Crisp, Donald; Rust, Margaret;

Tugboat Annie Sails Again actors and others with "Key to City" of Steilacoom. Left to right: Ronald Reagan, Alan Hale, Marjorie Rambeau, Donald Crisp, Margaret Rust. Cast members arrived by train and traveled to Tacoma by boat.

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Presidents; Reagan, Ronald Wilson, 1911-; Hale, Alan; Rambeau, Marjorie; Crisp, Donald; Rust, Margaret;

Marjorie Rambeau, who played the lead role in "Tugboat Annie Sails Again," holds the book upon which the film was based during voyage from Steilacoom to Tacoma for the motion picture's premiere on October 18, 1940. The movie was a sequel to the box-office hit, "Tugboat Annie," which starred the late Marie Dressler and Wallace Beery in 1933. Coincidentally, two-time Academy Awards nominee Marjorie Rambeau had appeared with Marie Dressler in 1930 in the hit "Min and Bill" as Miss Dressler's slatternly waterfront rival. ALBUM 6.

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rambeau, Marjorie; Books;

Publicity for the premiere of "Tugboat Annie Sails Again." Sailors lend a helpful hand during a Lifeboat drill aboard the Coast Guard cutter Atlanta on October 18, 1940. Left to right are Hollywood stars : Donald Crisp, Alan Hale, Sr., Ronald Reagan, Marjorie Rambeau, Hedda Hopper. Mr. Hale and the two actresses prudently take their seats while Mr. Crisp and Mr. Reagan decide to stand. All were in town on October 18, 1940, for the premiere of "Tugboat Annie Sails Again," a sequel to the popular 1933 "Tugboat Annie."

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reagan, Ronald Wilson, 1911-; Hale, Alan; Rambeau, Marjorie; Crisp, Donald; Hopper, Hedda; Lifeboats--Tacoma;

Alan Hale, Sr. watches Marjorie Rambeau at the helm of a Foss tugboat on October 18, 1940. The two actors played the main characters Captain Bullwinkle and Tugboat Annie Brennan, rivals in the tugboat industry, in the motion picture, "Tugboat Annie Sails Again." Miss Rambeau and Mr. Hale were joined by co-star Ronald Reagan and actors Donald Crisp and Hedda Hopper for the world premiere of the film held at three different Tacoma theaters the evening of October 18th. ALBUM 6.

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Helms; Tugboats--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rambeau, Marjorie; Hale, Alan;

Actress Marjorie Rambeau hangs onto her hat deckside on a Foss tugboat on October 18, 1940. Publicity for the premiere of "Tugboat Annie Sails Again." Miss Rambeau played the lead role as Tugboat Annie in the 1940 film which also starred Alan Hale, Sr., Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman. Tacoma was chosen as the site of the world premiere with Mr. Hale, Mr. Reagan and Miss Rambeau making appearances. The film was a sequel to 1933's popular "Tugboat Annie" which starred the late Marie Dressler as Annie. ALBUM 6.

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tugboats--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rambeau, Marjorie;

Actors Marjorie Rambeau and Alan Hale, Sr. aboard a Foss tugboat on October 18, 1940. Publicity for the premiere of "Tugboat Annie Sails Again." Miss Rambeau and Mr. Hale played competitors in the tugboat trade in the sequel to the box-office success, "Tugboat Annie." They, along with co-star Ronald Reagan and Hollywood celebrities Donald Crisp and Hedda Hopper, journeyed to Tacoma for the Friday, October 18th, world premiere which was shown at three Tacoma theaters. ALBUM 6.

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tugboats--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rambeau, Marjorie; Hale, Alan;

Hedda Hopper and Marjorie Rambeau aboard Foss tugboat on October 18, 1940. Publicity for the premiere of "Tugboat Annie Sails Again" which was said to be based on Thea Foss, matriarch of Foss Launch and Tug Company of Tacoma. Miss Hopper, famed Hollywood columnist and commentator, made a special visit to Tacoma to be present for the world premiere and to interview her longtime friend, Marjorie Rambeau. "Hedda Hopper's Hollywood" would be broadcast live on KVI radio. ALBUM 6.

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tugboats--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rambeau, Marjorie; Hopper, Hedda;

Publicity for "Tugboat Annie Sails Again" premiere. Marjorie Rambeau, Donald Crisp and Alan Hale, Sr. aboard a boat, likely the "Arthur Foss" or "Peter Foss" on October 18, 1940. Women at front are believed to be Mrs. Chance Wiman of Quartermaster Harbor, Mrs. Dolly Lewis of Everett and Mrs. Anna Grimison of Seattle, real life tugboat skippers. Miss Rambeau played the title character with Mr. Hale as her rival in the tugboat business. ALBUM 6.

Motion picture premieres--Tacoma--1940-1950;Tugboats--Tacoma; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rambeau, Marjorie; Hale, Alan; Crisp, Donald; Lewis, Dolly; Grimison, Anna;

The launching of the U.S. Navy Destroyer 408, the U. S. S. Wilson, took place April 12, 1939 at the Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton. At 90% complete, the vessel was 341-feet-long with 1725 tons displacement. It carried a complement of 9 officers and 175 men. It was commissioned July 5, 1939 and received eleven battle stars for service in World War II. After sustaining damage during the war, it was selected as a target during the atom bomb test at Bikini Atoll in July of 1946. It was decommissioned in August of 1946 but remained afloat and was finally scuttled off Kwajelein in March of 1948. (T. Times, 4/13/39, p.20)

Launchings--Bremerton--1930-1940; Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (Bremerton); Naval yards & naval stations--Bremerton--1930-1940; Government vessels; Warships--Bremerton--1930-1940;

Launching of the U.S. Navy Destroyer #408, the U. S. S. Wilson, on April 12, 1939. The ship was decorated with pennants and bunting and photographed at dock in the Puget Sound Navy Yard at Bremerton. Ship launchings at the Navy yard differed from those at Tacoma Shipyards. The craft was built in a construction dock which was flooded for launching, much like a bathtub. The launching consisted of the gates being opened and the boat towed out into the Sound. The destroyer under construction in the background was almost entirely submerged during the ceremony. (T. Times 4/13/1939, p. 20)

Launchings--Bremerton--1930-1940; Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (Bremerton); Naval yards & naval stations--Bremerton--1930-1940; Government vessels; Warships--Bremerton--1930-1940;

30,000 Tacomans stood on the tarmac at Mueller-Harkins Airport in sweltering heat to view the final event of the Golden Jubilee celebration on July 23, 1939. The Air Show, sponsored by the Tacoma Young Mens Business Club, was the last big featured Jubilee event. Here a vehicle owned by Ace Service, at 8533 South Tacoma Way, smashes through a wall with the driver laying flat on the hood. The service station was owned by Orville, Roy and Franz Nettlebeck. The majority of the stunts, however, were performed in the air by Tex Harkin, movie stunt pilot, and his "Southern Aces." (T. Times 7/24/1939, pg. 1)

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Air shows--Tacoma--1930-1940; Events--Tacoma--1930-1940; Young Mens Business Club (Tacoma);

Downtown Tacoma prepares for the Golden Jubilee Parade on July 22, 1939. Elevated view of Pacific Avenue, looking north. Celebration banners are strung across Pacific Ave on wires. Schoenfelds's in right foreground (at 1423 Pacific, with their annex at 1411-17 Pacific), Puget Sound Bank and other buildings in background. For Fisk Flag Company.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Decorations--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Broadway is hung with banners on July 22, 1939 in preparation for the Golden Jubilee parade. Looking north from 13th & Broadway, there are also signs welcoming the fleet as the Navy arrives for the celebration. The fleet arrived July 20th with a contingent of six battleships and 8,000 men. All of Tacoma joined in the week long festivities as Washington State entered its 50th year of statehood. To the left can be seen the sign for the Happy Days are Here Again Tavern at 1302 Broadway. Sears is on the same side of the street at 1148 Broadway. Crossing the street, you can see Broadway Drugs at 1301, Neff Floor Coverings (1155-57), Knapp's Business College (1151 1/2) and, further down, the sign for the Blue Mouse Theater at 1131 Broadway. TPL-1909

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Decorations--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Intersection at Broadway and South 15th Street, looking north. American flags, Washington State Golden Jubilee emblem, Welcom Navy sign hanging overhead, Sears Roebuck Building on left, business district in background. Traffic on street.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Tacoma; Decorations--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1930-1940; Business districts--Tacoma;

People standing in line at Olympia Post Office to buy first day issue of new Golden Jubilee postage stamps commemorating 50 years of statehood, placed on sale in Olympia only at 8a.m. November 11, 1939. Sign on wall promotes "Washington State 50th anniversary stamps for 3 cents." The stamp honors Washington and three other states marking their 50th anniversary. The other states are Montana, South Dakota and North Dakota. The stamp is of map design, portraying the four states and indicating the location of their capital cities.

Washington State Golden Jubilee, 1939--Olympia; Postage stamps; Queues--Olympia;