Waterous Co. booth at the Fire Chief Convention. The Fire Chiefs from the nine western states, Alaska, Hawaii and the Philippines met in Tacoma for the 58th annual Conference of the Pacific Coast Inter-Mountain Association of Fire Chiefs. On Sept. 9th, 1953, the 600 Fire Chiefs and their wives commenced three days of business meetings, shoptalk and social activities, including a fire fighting exhibition at the Lincoln Bowl that was open to the public. Business meetings were held at the Elks Temple, where papers were delivered on fire fighting and prevention. Pictured are Tacoma Fire Chief Harold C. Fisk, 2nd from left, and J.W. Stevens of San Francisco, secretary-treasurer of the organization on the right. (TNT 9/6/1953, pg. B-1 & 9/8/1953, pg. 1)

Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fisk, Harold C.; Stevens, J.W.; Pacific Coast Inter-Mountain Association of Fire Chiefs (Tacoma);

Banquet for Gonzaga University Alumnae Association. Gonzaga alumnae from the Tacoma & Olympia areas and parents of current students gathered at the Top of the Ocean on 11/21/1953 to hear the president's report delivered by the Very Rev. Francis E. Corkery, S.J., president of the University. (TNT 11/15/1953, pg. B-5)

Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Alumni & alumnae--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gonzaga University Alumnae Association (Tacoma);

As a part of the Northwest Territory Centennial celebration in 1953, it was "against the law" for Tacoma to shave from the beginning of August until the end of the celebration on August 29th. Those daring to shave were rounded up by the stubble patrol and transported to stubble pens where they awaited judgement by a bewigged Judge. Those found guilty of lacking appropriate facial hair could buy their way out of "jail" by showing a "stubble pass" or by paying a monetary fine. It was all in good fun, however, and all money collected was used to fund the celebrations. The Judge in this photo is probably either Bertil Johnson who was a real-life judge in Tacoma or Swan Johnson who was chairman of the Beard Committee. The Henry Block, 605 - 607 S. Pine, was pictured in the background. (TNT 8/2/1953, pg. 1)

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma;

Northwest Territory Centennial, "Stubble Patrol" removing a judge from the Courthouse in his chair. As a part of the Centennial celebration, Tacoman men were advised to throw away their razors and grow whiskers or pay the price. Clean shaven men were rounded up by the Stubble Patrol and taken away by paddy wagon to await trial in a kangaroo court. They had two choices; to buy their way out with a "stubble pass" or to pay the fine. All proceeds were used to finance the Centennial celebrations.

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma;

Northwest Territory Centennial, round up of men without beards. The detainees wait anxiously in the "stubble pen" in front the Junior Chamber of Commerce's famous "Deathless Days" sign at the 900 Block of Broadway. A bewigged Magistrate Bertil Johnson sentences a clean shaven man for not growing a beard, as required by Centennial Beard chairman Swan Johnson. All Tacoman men were required to throw away their razors and get in the pioneer spirit by growing beards for the Territorial Centennial.

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma;

Washington State Historical Society, ladies dressed in costume for the Centennial. Ordered by the TNT. One of the events planned in Tacoma to help celebrate the Washington State Territorial Centennial was a Pioneer Tea held at the Washington State Historical Museum. The tea was intended to showcase the Museum's fine collection of artifacts. It was sponsored by the Tacoma & Steilacoom chapters of the Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington and three chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution (the Mary Ball, Virginia Dare & Elizabeth Foley chapters) who served in period costumes. A musical program was provided by the Ladies' Musical Club. Pictured, left to right, Janet Judson Russell, Nellie Hartl, Josephine Alexander, Mrs. William Sechler, Josephine Bertschy, Minnie Birkie, Mrs. P.M. Simons, Isabel Wells, Mildred McCallum, Flora Blackwell and Mrs. F.L. Gordon (TNT 8/23/1953, pg. D-4 & photo TNT 8/30/1953, pg. D-7)

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Washington State Historical Society (Tacoma); Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington (Tacoma); Daughters of the American Revolution (Tacoma);

In August of 1953, Tacoma celebrated the 100th anniversary of the territory that became the State of Washington with a week of activities. These included a big downtown parade, pageant, street dance and salmon derby. Prominent local businessman Steve Pease, arm propped against his old horse-hitched buggy, would be an entrant in the Saturday, August 29th, Centennial procession. Wesley Holmberg is pictured next to Mr. Pease and Leanne Holmberg and Karen Kulp are the ladies riding in the buggy. (TNT 8-23-1953, A-1-article on Centennial; TNT 8-27-1953, A-1, alt. photo)

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Carriages & coaches--Tacoma--1950-1960; Horses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Pease, Stephen O.; Holmberg, Wesley; Holmberg, Leanne; Kulp, Karen;

Northwest Territory Centennial, stubble patrol & stubble pen. 605 - 607 S. Pine in the background (the Henry Block). As a fun part of the festivities surrounding the 100 year anniversary of the Northwest Territory, no Tacoma men were allowed to shave from the beginning of August till the end of the celebration. Those daring to defy the enforced hairiness were brought before a bewigged Judge Bertil Johnson in a kangaroo court and given a monetary fine. The fines helped fund the other parts of the festivities including the outdoor drama based on the settling of the Northwest Territory, street festivals and dances and the parade. (TNT 8/2/1953, pg. 1)

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma;

Northwest Territory Centennial, "stubble patrol" on 6th Ave. The patrol is loading this upright citizen into the paddy wagon for being clean shaven. As a part of the festivities of the Territorial Centennial, Tacomans were to throw away their razors and refuse to shave during the month of August. Those defying this new "law" were take to stubble pens to await trial and monetary fines. The fines helped fund the Centennial celebration and the patrol was diligent in their duties. (TNT 8/2/1953, pg. 1)

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma;

In August of 1953, just being clean shaven in Tacoma could get you arrested, as this unidentified businessman has just learned. As part of the festivities surrounding the 100 year anniversary celebration of the Northwest Territory, Tacoma men were forbidden to shave from early August to the late evening of August 29th. The "stubble patrol" headed up by chairman Swan Johnson began rounding up those without whiskers and transporting them by paddy wagon to a kangaroo court. The only way to avoid arrest was to buy a "stubble pass," these monetary contributions helped fund Tacoma's Centennial celebration. This hapless man was picked up in front of the Washington Building at the northeast corner of So. 11th and Pacific. (TNT 8/2/1953, pg. 1) TPL-9622

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Beards;

One of the most anticipated events held during Tacoma's Washington Centennial Celebration was the judging of the Beard Contest. On August 27, 1953, almost two thousand spectators watched with bated breath as a panel of five distinguished judges pulled at, stroked, and cast critical eyes over the beards grown during the contest by the 52 finalists. The four winners were: (l to r) Homer R. Parks, longest beard; Syl Uhl, homeliest beard; Thomas M. Racca, goofiest growth; and Warren Lasley, handsomest hirsuteness. Each winner received a trophy and a Remington electric razor. (TNT 8/28/1953 p.14)

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Beards; Contests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Awards; Parks, Homer R.; Uhl, Sylvester; Racca, Thomas M.; Lasley, Warren;

On August 27, 1953, these three men were chosen as winners in Tacoma's Washington Centennial Celebration's beard growing contest. Syl Uhl, Homer R. Parks, and Warren Lasley (from left) wasted no time in using their prizes, Remington electric shavers, to shear off a month's worth of hair. The fourth winner, Thomas M. Racca, was not pictured above. Men were encouraged to part with shaving and grow beards during the month of August to honor the pioneer spirit of the Centennial. Contests were held district wide and the 52 finalists from the 18 districts competed to place in one of four categories: longest, homeliest, goofiest and handsomest hirsuteness. (TNT 8-28-53, p. 14-article)

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Beards; Contests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Awards; Shaving equipment; Uhl, Sylvester; Parks, Homer R.; Lasley, Warren;

Washington State Historical Society, ladies dressed in costume for the Centennial pose with Territorial artifacts. Ordered by the TNT. One of the highlights of the week long city wide celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the Northwest Territory was the Pioneer Tea. It was hosted by members of the local chapters of the Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington and the Daughters of the American Revolution attired in pioneer outfits. Pictured, left to right, are Mrs. Clyde Davidson, Della Gould Emmons, Miss Ruby Blackwell, Florence Hoegh and Clara E. Goering, general chairman for the week long city celebration. (TNT 8/20/1953, pg. D-7)

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Washington State Historical Society (Tacoma); Goering, Clara; Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington (Tacoma); Daughters of the American Revolution (Tacoma);

Ben Shandrow, sitting behind the wheel of his 1911 Baker electric automobile watches as Art Cook cleans the windshield and Wally Hager checks the left rear wheel. Bill Gregory attaches a Young Men's Business Club sign to the front as Dick Boyle looks on. The car was being made ready for Tacoma's Washington Centennial Celebration Parade. The parade through the streets of downtown Tacoma was held on Saturday August 29, 1953. It was organized by the Tacoma YMBC. (TNT 8/27/1953, pg. 1)

Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Young Men's Business Club (Tacoma); Shandrow, Ben; Cook, Art; Hager, Wally; Gregory, Bill; Boyle, Dick;

The Tacoma Boat Building Company, 132 Sitcum Waterway, launched two 57-foot minesweepers within minutes of each other on May 15, 1953, Armed Forces Day. The MSB-16 was sponsored by Carmen P. Smith of Seattle and the MSB-17 was sponsored by Mrs. E.A. Watson of Tacoma. MSB grade minesweeping boats did not receive names, they were referred to by their hull number. The Tacoma Boat Building Company received major contracts with the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard for over 40 years, building minesweepers, gunboats, and cutters. (TNT 5-17-53, B-7)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Government vessels--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Two 57-foot minesweepers are side-by-side shortly after being launched on May 15, 1953. Built by Tacoma Boat Building under a Navy contract, the vessels were launched minutes apart. The MSB-17 is accompanied by the tug, Drew Foss, while the MSB-16 is escorted by the Peter Foss. Tacoma Boat Building also was awarded contracts to build several 144-foot mindsweepers during the early 1950's. (TNT 5-17-53, B-7) TPL-9620

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Government vessels--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Tugboats--Tacoma--1950-1960;

ca. 1953. Launching of naval ship #445, the U.S.S. Force, with the skyline of downtown Tacoma in the background. The all wood craft was the fourth of nine contracted 171 foot Naval minesweepers to be built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. Mrs. Thomas D. Wilson, wife of a Navy Captain, served as sponsor and christened the ship with the ceremonial champagne. The band from the U.S.S. Essex played "Anchors Aweigh" as the ship slid down the ways. (TNT 6/21/1953, pg. B-2 & 6/27/1953, pg. 1)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Children perched high on a ladder get a good bird's eye view on May 15, 1953, of the launching of two vessels built by the Tacoma Boat Building Co. for the Navy. They, and the large group of spectators, listen intently to a guest speaker at the podium. The two 57-foot minesweepers, MSB-16 and MSB-17, were launched within minutes of each other. (TNT 5-17-53, B-7)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Government vessels--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

ca. 1953. Launching of naval ship #445, named the U.S.S. Force, the fourth of a series of nine 171 ft. minesweepers to be built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. Mrs. Thomas D. Wilson, wife of the Commander of the Bremerton Group, Pacific Reserve Fleet, was sponsor, assisted by Judith K. Ross as flower girl. M.S. Erdahl served as the master of ceremonies and Rear Admiral Charles D. Wheelock, inspector general for the Navy's bureau of ships, was the principal speaker. Other Naval dignitaries included Rear Admiral H.E. Haven, Commandant of the Puget Sound Naval shipyard, Capt. Linton Herndon, supervisor of shipbuilding Seattle, and Comdr. Lawrence MacKinlay, resident supervisor of shipbuilding Tacoma. The launching was followed by a reception and dinner at the Winthrop Hotel. (TNT 6/21/1953, pg. B-2, 6/27/1953, pg. 1)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Ross, Judith K.;

Shadows darken the interior of Tacoma Boat Building as dim figures of spectators stand and gaze upon the A.M.S. #96 afloat in the distance. The 144-foot mindsweeper was the fourth of five being built by Tacoma Boat Building. The ship had just been launched the late afternoon of May 1, 1953. The launching was captured on television; it was the first launching to be televised in the area. (TNT 5-3-53, B-10)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Government vessels--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

National Auto Parts meeting at the Odd Fellows Hall. For Mr. Johnston. Unidentified speaker conducting meeting on stage of fraternal hall in early April of 1953. Advertisements for "Miracle Power," promoted as "the fountain of youth for all engines you service."

Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Public speaking--Tacoma--1950-1960; National Auto Parts, Inc. (Tacoma);

A large group of spectators await the launching of the A.M.S. #96 on May 1, 1953. Television cameras capture the moment for posterity; it was the first launching televised in this area. Dignitaries on the platform, which would have included Mrs. Marvin H. Glunz, sponsor, and the attentive crowd listen to a naval speaker. This may have been Capt. Christian H. Duborg, who was listed as principal speaker of the event. The A.M.S. #96 was a 144-foot mindsweeper built by Tacoma Boat Building for the Navy. It was the fourth of five being constructed by the firm who had been awarded a Navy contract. (TNT 5-3-53, B-10)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Government vessels--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

National Auto Parts meeting at the Odd Fellows Hall in early April of 1953. For Mr. Johnston. Speaker discussing "Miracle Power" with five men standing beside product advertisements. Signs promote using the additive in oil and gasoline every 1000 miles.

Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; National Auto Parts, Inc. (Tacoma);

A small stage, decorated in red, white and blue bunting, was constructed to be used in the February, 1953, launching of the USS Energy, #436, built by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation. Martinac had landed the contract to build a series of 171-foot mindsweepers for the Navy; this is the second completed after the USS Endurance the previous year. Photograph ordered by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding.(TNT 2-1-53, B-2, TNT 2-14-53, p. 1)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Stages (Platforms);

Loye A. McGee (left), dressed as a circus ring master, stands next to his wife in this photograph taken March 14, 1953 at the Lakewood Recreation Hall. Mr. McGee managed the arrangements for the special Lakewood Dance Club party, based on a circus theme, held at the hall. Invitations to "The Greatest Show on Earth" were designed to look like old-fashioned circus bills. Refreshments at the dance included hot dogs and pink lemonade. Besides dancing, the evening included clowns, animals, trapeze artists and a side show. From left to right are: Mr. and Mrs. L. A. McGee, ringmaster, George Boldt, Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Miller. Photograph ordered by TNT. (TNT 3-18-53, p. 23)

Dance parties--Lakewood--1950-1960; Dancers--Lakewood; Signs (Notices);

A group of six men, two women and a little girl pose in front of the recently constructed USS Energy in preparation for its official launching on February 13, 1953. Four of the men are wearing naval uniforms; one woman is holding a large bouquet of roses. She may be the sponsor, Mrs. Alice McDonald Baughman of Seattle. Captain Clyde Jensen of the Bremerton Navy Yard was to give the principal address. The ship was built by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation, and was to be launched from the Bayview Shipyard. (TNT 2-1-53, B-2, TNT 2-14-53, p. 1)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

AMS #118 prepares to be launched on April 14, 1953. The minesweeper was built by Pacific Boat Building Co. Several boat building firms in Tacoma had received contracts to build minesweepers for the Navy, including Pacific Boat Building and J. M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. AMS #436, the USS Energy, had been launched just two months before by Martinac. The 118 was the third of the 144 foot minesweepers built locally. Mrs. Charles M. Bevis sponsored the AMS #118; Rear Admiral Arthur D. Ayrault, USN (Ret.) was the principal speaker. (TNT 4-15-53, p. 6)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Pacific Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Three Army Q-boats were launched within minutes of each other on April 20, 1954. These 63' crafts were built by Tacoma Boat Building for the Army under Navy supervision. View of several women and small children in front of Q-630; these were members of the christening party. From left to right are: Barbara Rutledge (flower girl), Mrs. Vincent J. Genn, sponsor of Q-630, Shanna Roley (flower girl), Mrs. Wilbert N. Nelson, sponsor of Q-628, Mrs. Alf R. Dahl, sponsor of Q-629, and Linda Dahl (flower girl). (TNT 4-21-54, A-5)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Government vessels--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Members of the Tacoma Master Builders Association annually sponsored the Tacoma Home Show for many years. It was a good opportunity to acquaint Tacomans with the newest in home styles and conveniences and good advertising for local contractors and businesses. Here, Tacoma Home Show princess Jackie Durant of Lincoln High School models a strapless evening gown adorned with daisies on May 19, 1954; she is gazing at photographs of homes constructed by various Master Builders, including the Peltier Construction Co. (TNT 5-20-54, C-2)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Durant, Jackie;

Q-630 was one of three Q-boats launched on April 20, 1954. The 63 foot Q-boats were built for the Army under Navy supervision. The ships were expected to be delivered at Rio Vista, California, in May or June, 1954. The sponsor of Q-630 was Mrs. Vincent J. Genn, wife of the machinery superintendent at Tacoma Boat Building. LTC John Fredin was the principal speaker at the launching. View of participants posed in front of vessel; several women are holding large bouquets of roses. (TNT 4-18-54, B-10)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Government vessels--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);