Professor Gunnar J. Malmin, Director of Music at Pacific Lutheran College and well known musician, conductor and composer. He was born April 9, 1903 in Thompson, Iowa. He studied music at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, at the famed St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. and the University of Michigan. He was an active member of the Lutheran Church and the Norwegian community. His career was based around those things most precious to him, singing, teaching and his faith. Malmin was married twice, to fellow musician and composer Dorothy, who died in 1986, and later to Berna Holland Olson, who died in 1999. Malmin died July 23, 2000 at the age of 97 of natural causes. He was survived by four children, Olaf, Jon, Ann and David and six grandchildren. (TNT 8-11-2000)

Conductors; Universities & colleges--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Malmin, Gunnar J.; Composers; Portrait photographs;

Production crew at work. In 1960 Pacific Lutheran celebrated its 70th year of existence along with a change to university status. Now known as Pacific Lutheran University, the school maintained its well-known music and theatrical departments. Students and staff are shown backstage in this April, 1960, photograph preparing for an upcoming event. Props and scenery are being put into place. This may be the Curtain Call Club which furnished the assistant directors and back-stage crews for many campus plays. Membership in the club was open to all students interested in any phase of the theater, from directing to make-up and costume design. (1961 SAGA yearbook, p. 151)

Pacific Lutheran University (Parkland)--1960-1970; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1960-1970; Theatrical productions--Parkland--1960-1970; Stage props;

Pacific Lutheran University students pay close attention to their professor in this April, 1960, photograph. Gordon O. Gilbertson was an associate professor of music and director of the P.L.U. band. These musicians probably make up the woodwind and brass sections of the school band.

Pacific Lutheran University (Parkland)--1960-1970; Universities & colleges--Parkland; Students--Parkland--1960-1970; Musicians--Parkland--1960-1970

Pacific Lutheran College's 1959 May Day Queen and some of her Court. Queen Carolee Chindgren poses in the center of the group. The second row, left to right, are Linda Bloomquist, freshman, Margery Krueger, sophomore, Janice Snyder, junior and Janet Gullekson, freshman. This was the college's 26th annual May Festival. The celebration would be highlighted by gay spring music, colorful folk art and dancing and the coronation of the May Queen. Over 2,000 people attended the celebration. (TNT 4/28/1959, pg. 13, 5/3/1959, pg. D-11)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Festivals--Parkland--1950-1960; Chindgren, Carolee; Bloomquist, Linda; Krueger, Margery; Snyder, Janice; Gullekson, Janet;

The Concert Chorus at Pacific Lutheran College posed for the camera seated in an open fan shape in the Music-Chapel on April 9, 1958. The men all sported tuxedoes while the women were primarily dressed in evening gowns. According to the student yearbook, the SAGA, the popularity of the group was increasing rapidly in the Seattle-Tacoma area. The chorus performed several times on Fort Lewis, at various churches, and at chapel exercises on campus. They were honored to be the first choral group to sing at the new Central Lutheran Church in Tacoma. The Concert Chorus, under the direction of R. Byard Fritts, concluded its year by recording music for the sound track of a technicolor movie to be released by the United Good Neighbors. (1958 SAGA yearbook, p. 94)

Choirs (Music); Universities & colleges--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

Delighted Pacific Lutheran College co-eds applaud the selection of freshman Nadine Bruins of Arnegard, North Dakota, as the Lucia Bride on December 12, 1958. She has her eyes closed as the traditional red sash is wound around her waist. Tammara Oman (L) and Solveig Leraas (R) were selected as her attendants. The Festival of Santa Lucia is a very old Swedish custom, generally held the 13th of December, which features the eldest daughter of each household approaching her sleeping parents dressed in a long white gown with a red sash and wearing a crown of lingonberry leaves in which are set seven lighted candles. She supposedly represents the white-clad maiden, wearing a crown of burning candles, who brought food to starving Swedish villagers. Pacific Lutheran, like many other schools with large Scandinavian populations, celebrated this festival annually with the selection of a lovely Lucia Bride. (1959 Saga yearbook, p. 190-191, TNT 12-13-1958, p. 3)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Festivals--Parkland; Bruins, Nadine; Oman, Tammara; Leraas, Solveig;

Too cool for swimming now that it is November, but Pacific Lutheran College students can still enjoy the presence of the new outdoor swimming pool. The pool was presented to P.L.C. students by President and Mrs. S.C. Eastvold on May 28, 1958. The Eastvolds were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and their 15th anniversary at P.L.C. The swimming pool is adjacent to three women's dorms. It is 20 feet wide, 40 feet long, and nine feet deep at the diving end. Its heating system is powered by propane gas and the pool has a chlorinating system with water changes every 6-8 hours. Surrounded by a chain link fence, use of the swimming pool is restricted to students and staff. Photograph ordered by McCarty Co. of Washington, an advertising agency in Seattle. (TNT 5-29-58, p. 13) TPL-9354

Swimming pools--Parkland; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

Gordon Gilbertson directed both the 27-piece orchestra and the 48-member concert band at Pacific Lutheran College in 1958. He is standing to the extreme left of the January 14, 1958, photograph, next to the bass player. The PLC Concert Band added to the spirit at football and basketball games with cheerful, colorful tunes. They also performed at the Rainier State School, McNeil Island, and the First Presbyterian Church in Seattle. Occupants of Eastern Washington, Idaho and Oregon were privileged to hear the concert band during its nine day tour. The band concluded its year with participation in the graduation ceremonies. Names of band members are listed in the 1958 SAGA yearbook. Photograph ordered by Pacific Lutheran College. (1958 SAGA yearbook, p. 97)

Bands--Parkland--1950-1960; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Gilbertson, Gordon;

Under the direction of Gordon O. Gilbertson, the Pacific Lutheran College Concert Band during the 1956-57 school year performed many concerts, both at school and at neighboring locations, as well as providing added spirit to basketball and football games. The band is pictured here in the Music & Chapel building on January 17, 1957. Photograph ordered by Pacific Lutheran College.

Bands--Parkland--1950-1960; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

Pacific Lutheran College's May Festival. Eight formally attired couples perform a circle dance. The student orchestra looks on, as does the grandstand seating as the couples, some with hands on hips, put their best foot forward in the dance. The program for May Festival included a demonstration of folk art, such as dancing, from the countries of Lithuania, Sweden, Russia, German, Spain and the U.S. The entertainment also included music played by the band with vocal accompaniment. (The 1956 yearbook "Saga")

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Festivals--Parkland--1950-1960; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Folk dancing--Parkland--1950-1960;

Pacific Lutheran College's May Festival. Eight couples perform a folk dance. The entertainment included a demonstration of folk art from Lithuania, Sweden, Russia, Germany, Spain and the U.S. The women are dressed in skirts with contrasting ribboned stripes at the bottom, short vests, white blouses and flower chains in their hair with cascading ribbons. The men are dressed in white shirts and pants with string ties and bright tied scarves at the waist. (The 1956 yearbook "Saga", TNT 4/29/1956, pg. D-2)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Festivals--Parkland--1950-1960; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Folk dancing--Parkland--1950-1960;

ca. 1956. The new West Hall dormitory building at Pacific Lutheran College. The new dorm had been built at a cost of $580,000 and would provide housing for 151 women. Its "L" shape formed a rectangle with the North and South Halls, completed 2 years ago, at the west end of the campus. The building was 3 stories of steel, concrete and masonry construction, with a solid brick exterior. Students posed in front are, left to right, Twila Gillis, Carolee Chindgren and Richard Rhea. 1323 students were expected to start classes at PLC in September of 1956, a 13% increase over 1955. For the first time since World War II, women would outnumber male students 664 to 659. They came from 21 states, 2 territories and 3 foreign countries.They would be taught by 70 full time faculty members and 8 part time teachers. For the first time, a total of 22 majors would be offered. (TNT 10/5/1956, pg. A-8, 10/19/1956, pg. B-1)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Universities & colleges--Parkland; Gillis, Twila; Chindgren, Carolee; Rhea, Richard;

ca. 1956. Housemother Freda Rouze shows the "sign out" book to Nancy Iverson at Pacific Lutheran College's newest dorm, West Hall. Another coed, Katherine Almgren, checks her mail at the dorm mailboxes. West hall was completed in the fall of 1956 and housed 151 freshman and sophomore women. It had much the same plan as the college's North Hall, and offered a main lounge, kitchen for student use, study lounges on every floor and a self service laundry. (1957 "Saga" & TNT 10/19/1956, pg. B-2)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Universities & colleges--Parkland; Rouze, Freda; Iverson, Nancy; Almgren, Katherine;

ca. 1956. Housemother Freda Rouze shows the "sign out" book to Nancy Iverson at Pacific Lutheran College's newest dorm, West Hall. Another coed, Katherine Almgren, checks her mail at the dorm mailboxes. West hall was completed in the fall of 1956 and housed 151 freshman and sophomore women. It had much the same plan as the college's North Hall, and offered a main lounge, kitchen for student use, study lounges on every floor and a self service laundry. (1957 "Saga" & TNT 10/19/1956, pg. B-2)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Universities & colleges--Parkland; Rouze, Freda; Iverson, Nancy; Almgren, Katherine;

ca. 1956. The new West Hall dormitory building at Pacific Lutheran College. The new dorm had been built at a cost of $580,000 and would provide housing for 151 women. Its "L" shape formed a rectangle with the North and South Halls, completed 2 years ago, at the west end of the campus. The building was 3 stories of steel, concrete and masonry construction, with a solid brick exterior. Students posed in front are, left to right, Twila Gillis, Carolee Chindgren and Richard Rhea. 1323 students were expected to start classes at PLC in September of 1956, a 13% increase over 1955. For the first time since World War II, women would outnumber male students 664 to 659. They came from 21 states, 2 territories and 3 foreign countries.They would be taught by 70 full time faculty members and 8 part time teachers. For the first time, a total of 22 majors would be offered. (TNT 10/5/1956, pg. A-8, 10/19/1956, pg. B-1)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Universities & colleges--Parkland; Gillis, Twila; Chindgren, Carolee; Rhea, Richard;

Pacific Lutheran College, exterior of the Music/chapel building with students. The building with the spire is the combination chapel, music and speech building dedicated in 1952 and designed by Lea, Pearson and Richards. The building is now known as the Eastvold Chapel, named after Dr. S.C. Eastvold, president of the college during its greatest period of growth. The three story building is concrete faced with brick and forms a quadrangle with the Science Hall, library (to the left of the picture) and Old Main. The library, science hall, chapel and student union buildings were all built around the same time period. The 126 acre campus had stately Douglas firs and lush green lawns that set off the neat modern buildings. It was considered one the finest small colleges in America. (TNT 10/19/1956, pg. B-1+)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings;

Homecoming Queen and court for Pacific Lutheran College. PLC Homecoming for the school year 1956-57 was a special nod to the Walt and the Mouse with a Disneyland theme. Just like in Cinderella, the queen's glass slipper would only fit Homecoming Queen Carol Bottemiller (center.) Her court included Princess Winnie Mitton (left) and Princess Betty Soine (right.) Queen Carol was from Milwaukie, Oregon and was majoring in physical education. She planned to be a high school teacher. Princess Winnie (Winnifred) was from Milton, Wa., graduated from Fife High School and majored in education. Princess Betty was from Bellingham, Wa., and received a B.A. degree. More than 1,100 people watched the crowning ceremony. Although homecoming had been celebrated at the College for many years, the first Homecoming Queen was elected in 1941. (TNT 10/19/1956, pg. B-1+ and the 1956 "Saga.")

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Bottemiller, Carol; Mitton, Winnifred; Soine, Betty;

ca. 1955. This appears to be a more intimate coffee shop atmosphere on the campus of Pacific Lutheran College in 1955. Students could place their orders at the nearby counter and then relax alongside the large plate glass windows. This photograph was taken in the evening as students enjoyed their ice cream sundaes, pie and milk. The coffee shop, located in a spacious room in the new College Union Building overlooking Wheeler St., seats 90 persons. Photograph ordered by Pacific Lutheran College. (TNT 12-18-55, A-19, TNT 2-5-56, B-6) TPL-9321

Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Students--Parkland--1950-1960; Eating & drinking--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

ca. 1955. Students enjoy tasty meals at one of the dining halls on the Pacific Lutheran College campus in 1955, while lines of people wait to be seated. This may have been taken roughly around Thanksgiving, as trays are filled with plates of turkey, mashed potato, peas, and pumpkin pie. The dining hall appears to be very large with bright overhead lights and plenty of windows. The new dining hall seats 600 persons. Everything is new, including furniture, dishes, silverware, and even trays. Students who board at P.L.C. eat very well on $1.33 a day covering three meals. Photograph ordered by Pacific Lutheran College. (TNT 2-5-56, B-6) TPL-9320

Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Students--Parkland--1950-1960; Eating & drinking--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

Professor Gunnar Malmin, Director of Pacific Lutheran College's Choir of the West, stands at the base of the cross composed of choir members in January of 1956. The choir was taking its annual two-week tour through the Pacific Coast states of Washington, Oregon and California where it presented a sacred music-only program. It appeared before many civic organizations and church groups. Besides the tour, the choir also appeared on many radio broadcasts and gave a concert, for the first time, at the state prison. Names of choir members are listed in the 1956 PLC Saga yearbook. Photograph ordered by Pacific Lutheran College. (1956 Saga yearbook, p. 120-alt. photograph)

Choirs (Music); Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Malmin, Gunnar J.; Students--Parkland--1950-1960;

ca. 1956. College students enjoy some downtime during their busy day by chatting with friends, contemplating a roaring fire, or merely reading. The modernistic lobby contains contemporary curved sofas and chairs. During the day, the large windows would permit plenty of sunshine into the room; at night, large light fixtures would provide lumination. This early 1956 photograph was taken on the campus of Pacific Lutheran College in the new College Union Building, the center of student activity. The College Union Building would also contain a large recreation room with ping pong and pool tables, book store, post office, snack bar, yearbook and student council offices. Photograph ordered by Pacific Lutheran College. (1956 Saga, p. 1, TNT 2-5-56, B-7) TPL-9350

Students--Parkland--1950-1960; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

ca. 1956. These young ladies and gentlemen are preparing for an elegant evening out on the campus of Pacific Lutheran College in January, 1956. One girl checks her bag to make sure it contains all she needs for the evening while a young man reads a copy of the News Tribune while he awaits his date. Two couples appear to be enjoying a casual conversation. This is probably the foyer of the College Union Building which had recently been completed and would be dedicated in February, 1956. Photograph ordered by Pacific Lutheran College. (TNT 2-5-56, B-7)

Students--Parkland--1950-1960; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

ca. 1956. The college bookstore was an integral part of college life. Here a student could purchase books and materials necessary for courses plus "fun" items such as sweatshirts, jackets, and pennants bearing the school's name. Even toys like stuffed dogs could be ordered and paid for. The Pacific Lutheran College self-service bookstore was located in the new College Union Building recently completed in early 1956. Items were neatly displayed making it easy to locate necessary merchandise. Store hours were adjusted to suit the needs of its clientele; in this January, 1956, photograph, the store was open in the evenings past 6 o'clock. All furnishings were custom built. Photograph ordered by Pacific Lutheran College. (TNT 2-5-56, B-7) TPL-9351

Students--Parkland--1950-1960; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Bookstores--Parkland--1950-1960;

ca. 1956. Pacific Lutheran College Chorus. Professor Frederick L. Newnham directed the Pacific Lutheran College Chorus in 1956 due to the absence of R. Byard Fritts. The Chorus had a very active year with many public performances including the Christmas Concert, journeying to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia, and a farewell concert for the servicemen at Fort Lewis. The Chorus was headed by Richard Farness, president. Names of individual chorus members are found in the 1956 Saga yearbook, p. 121. Photograph ordered by Pacific Lutheran College.

Students--Parkland--1950-1960; Choirs (Music); Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

ca. 1955. Pacific Lutheran College's Memorial Gymnasium. Although already in the planning stages, its construction became a necessity when the old gym burned to the ground in June of 1946. The new gymnasium, designed by Lea, Pearson & Richards, was dedicated December of 1947. It was built of reinforced concrete. The interior was 134 x 142 feet and held 3,500 (or 2,500 spectators in bleachers with a 50 x 90 foot playing floor.) The building also had classrooms and dressing rooms and showers for men and women. A 46 x 50 foot addition was available for use by the Varsity football team. The cost of the gym was $250,000 and was built debt free.

Gymnasiums--Parkland; Universities & colleges--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings; Memorial Gymnasium (Parkland); Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

ca. 1955. The lovely Miss Marion Gabrielson of Eugene, Oregon, will be crowned 1955 May Queen at Pacific Lutheran College. Her coronation would take place during a program on May 4, 1955, in the college gym. She was a senior nursing education student. She poses here on the campus grounds in front of what is probably the Science Hall. She is dressed formally in an evening gown and holds a bouquet of spring daffodils and forsythia. (TNT 5/1/1955, pg. D-1, 5/5/1955, pg. A-8)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Students--Parkland--1950-1960; Gabrielson, Marion; Beauty contestants--Parkland--1950-1960; Evening gowns--1950-1960;

ca. 1955. Framed here in a darkened arch, the combination chapel/music/speech building was the religious and cultural center of the Pacific Lutheran College in Parkland. The groundbreaking for the $750,000 structure was in 1949 and the building was dedicated in May of 1952. Dr. S.C. Eastvold was President of the College. The three story building was built of concrete faced with brick, designed by Lea, Pearson and Richards to harmonize with the new library, science and Student Union buildings. It lay to the west of Old Main, forming a quadrangle with the Science Hall, library and Old Main. It held a large chapel/auditorium that seated 1200 with a oversize stage of 36 x 72 ft., a smaller devotional chapel directly under the 150 ft. spire that held 75, radio and speech studios, 17 piano and 2 organ practice rooms, several music studios, a music library and a small stage. In 1967, it was renamed Eastvold Chapel in honor of the retiring President who oversaw much of the growth of PLC. TPL-8607

Universities & colleges--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

ca. 1955. Pacific Lutheran College's "Old Main," renamed Harstad Hall in honor of school founder Rev. Bjug Harstad in 1960. PLC was founded in 1890 by Rev. Harstad. Construction on Old Main began in 1891 and the building was opened for use in 1894. At that time, tuition was $1.00 a week and the six story building on the Parkland prairie 40 minutes from Tacoma (by street car or railroad) was the whole school. It housed dormitories, classrooms, library, chapel, offices and the dining hall and kitchen. Over the years, the building has undergone changes. Its famous ivy was removed in 1950 because it was damaging the building. The cafeteria was moved in 1955 to the Student Union and the offices and classrooms moved in 1960 to the new administration building. The entire building was converted to men's dormitory rooms.

Universities & colleges--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

ca. 1955. Framed in a darkened doorway, the Tudor/Gothic library of the Pacific Lutheran College in Parkland can be seen in the distance. Planned in 1937, when the school had an enrollment of 700 and was a Christian Junior College and Normal School headed by Dr. O.A. Tingelstad, the building was dedicated May of 1939. It was designed by the Architectural firm of Heath, Gove & Bell and Architect E. J. Bresemann. The total cost was $104,000. PLC undertook all development at this time on a debt free basis. Therefore, the reading room and offices were not completed until 10 years later in 1948. Severely cramped by the enlarged student body, the library was replaced in 1967 by Mortvedt Library. The dearly loved original building was remodeled and took on new life as Xavier Hall, housing the social sciences and geology departments.

Universities & colleges--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

ca. 1955. The Administration Building, "Old Main," now Harstad Hall, at Pacific Lutheran College. The College was founded in 1891 by Rev. Bjug Harstad and construction began on Old Main. The building was ready for occupancy and the school open for students in 1894. Tuition at that time was $1.00 per week and the school stood on an empty prairie. Through the years, each graduating class planted ivy to climb up the buildings sides until it was covered. In 1950, the English ivy was removed because it was damaging the building and the building was given a modernizing face lift. The building now houses a mens dormitory.

Universities & colleges--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;