Pacific Lutheran's Choir of the West participated in many concerts throughout the Pacific Northwest, but they also had countless radio performances, broadcasted over KOMO radio in Seattle. The choir had over fifty of the most talented singers and a number of soloists. View of Pacific Lutheran College's Choir of the West, being conducted by Gunnar J. Malmin; student names appear in yearbook (PLC Saga, 1949).

Conducting--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Events--Tacoma; Concerts--Parkland; Conductors; Universities & colleges--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1940-1950; Choir of the West (Parkland); Malmin, Gunnar J.;

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;

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;

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. 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. 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;

ca. 1955. An exterior view of the Student Union Building at Pacific Lutheran College. This building was constructed in 1947 on the foundation of the gym that was destroyed by fire in 1946. It was designed by Lea, Pearson and Richards, Architects. During its use as the Student Union, it served as the center of student social and extra curricular activities. It contained a bookstore, coffee shop, recreation room, student lounge, auditorium, and stage. It was replaced in 1955-56 by a larger and more modern Student Union and this structure was converted to classrooms.

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

The Concert Chorus at Pacific Lutheran College, posed in the Music Building. The students are attired formally, with the girls wearing evening gowns and the boys in tuxedos. The 93 voice chorus was under the direction of R. Byard Fritts (seated.) The choir performed throughout the year, its productions enhanced by the special effects of staging, drama and costuming. ("1955 Saga" see the yearbook for chorus members names.)

Universities & colleges--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Singers; Choirs (Music); Students--Parkland--1950-1960; Evening gowns--Parkland--1950-1960; Fritts, R. Byard;

Pacific Lutheran College 1939 May Day festivities. Queen Vivian Lunde pictured on her throne surrounded by her court. Queen Vivian was a member of the graduating class of the Normal department of the college. The throne faced the entrance of the college. It was a traditional silver chair backed by a lattice of spring flowers with tall baskets of Dogwood, Apple blossoms, lilac and palms. Included in the Queen's court were High school attendants Barbara Xavier and Betty Jo Forster, Freshmen Anne Lassen and Lenore Rasmussen, Sophomores Carol Haavik and Caroline Hoff and Seniors Ruth Downton and Aagot Gerde. (T. Times 4/20/1939, pg.3; 5/2/1939, pg. 1)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1930-1940; Lunde, Vivian; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1930-1940; Rites & ceremonies--Parkland--1930-1940; Festivals--Parkland--1930-1940;

Queen Vivian Lunde, the 1939 Pacific Lutheran College May Day Queen, and her court pose on a rustic bridge on the campus. They are, left to right, Ann Lassen, Dickie Svare, Carolyn Hoff, Mary Olson, Queen Vivian, Barbara de Berry, Carol Haavik, Constance Hanson and Aagot Gerde. Queen Vivian was a senior at PLC and was studying to be a teacher. (T. Times 5/2/1939, pg. 1)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1930-1940; Lunde, Vivian; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1930-1940; Rites & ceremonies--Parkland--1930-1940; Festivals--Parkland--1930-1940;

At the 1939 Pacific Lutheran College May Day festivities, Queen Vivian Lunde I and her court enjoy the performance of a May Pole dance. Girls in pastel gowns weave in patterns around the May Pole, holding pink and blue ribbons. (T. Times 5/2/1939, pg. 1)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1930-1940; Lunde, Vivian; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1930-1940; Rites & ceremonies--Parkland--1930-1940; Festivals--Parkland--1930-1940; May poles--Parkland--1930-1940;

Pacific Lutheran College's 1939 May Day Queen, Vivian Lunde, on her throne surrounded by her Court. On ground level are, left to right, Student Body president Roy Schmandt, High school attendants (not in order) Barbara Xavier and Betty Jo Forster, and speaker Dr. P.O. Bersell of Minneapolis, president of the Augustana synod. Queen Vivian I's junior attendants are (not in order) Barbara De Berry, Mary Olson, Constance Hanson and Dickie Svare. The back row is the Queen's Court (not in order) Freshmen Anne Lassen & Lenore Rasmussen, Sophomores Carol Haavik and Caroline Hoff and Seniors Ruth Downton and Aagot Gerde. (T. Times 5/2/1939, pg 1)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1930-1940; Lunde, Vivian; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1930-1940; Rites & ceremonies--Parkland--1930-1940; Festivals--Parkland--1930-1940; Schmandt, Roy; May Day--Parkland; Students--Parkland--1930-1940;

Pacific Lutheran College May Day festivities and dedication of new Library Building. Many people inspect library reading room. Ground was broken May 1, 1937 for the new library designed by E.J. Bresemann, of Heath, Gove and Bell, architects. With the construction of a new library in 1968, this building was remodeled and named Xavier Hall. (T. Times, 5/2/1939, p. 4)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1930-1940; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1930-1940; Rites & ceremonies--Parkland--1930-1940; Dedications--Parkland--1930-1940;

Pacific Lutheran College, officials and guests at the dedication of new Library Building on May 1, 1939. Front row: Dr. H.A. Stub of Seattle, Dr. O.A. Tingelstad- President of PLC, Rev. Mikkel Lono- vice president of the Board and Rev. Ludwig of Portland. Back row: Dr. P.O. Bersell of Minneapolis- principal speaker, Rev. Alf Kraabel of Portland, Rev. S.J. Ylvisaker of Stanwood- delivering the dedication address, Dr. S.C. Eastvold of Eau Claire, Wis.- representing the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America and later president of PLC 1943-62, Prof. J.V. Xavier and Rev. Carl A. Bengtson of Seattle. The library was remodeled in 1968 and renamed Xavier Hall. (T.Times, 5/2/1939, p. 4)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1930-1940; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1930-1940; Rites & ceremonies--Parkland--1930-1940; Dedications--Parkland--1930-1940;

On May 1, 1939, as the orchestra played "Pomp and Circumstance," eighteen senior girls gowned in pastel formals advanced bearing ribbons to form an aisle from Old Main to the May Queen throne. Queen Vivian Lunde, preceded by the ladies of her court, marched in procession.

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1930-1940; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1930-1940; Rites & ceremonies--Parkland--1930-1940; Festivals--Parkland--1930-1940;

Library Building at Pacific Lutheran College, now Xavier Hall. Building designed by Tacoma Architect Emanuel J. Bresemann, firm of Heath, Gove and Bell, in 1937. The college broke ground on the building on May 1, 1937 and it was dedicated two years later. (T.Times, 5/2/1939, p. 4)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1930-1940; Universities & colleges--Parkland;

The new officers of the Pacific Lutheran Dormitory Auxiliary No. 2 pose in front of the College library. The group was formed as a fund raising body for the construction of a girl's dormitory at Pacific Lutheran College. The officers are, left to right, Thelma (Mrs. Stanley) Willis, Clarice (Mrs. R. L.) Renwick, Mrs.Gerhard Haakenson, Aileene (Mrs. E.W.) Wegner and Dorothy (Mrs. August F.) Gratzer. (T. Times 6/22/1942, pg. 6)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1940-1950; Willis, Thelma; Renwick, Clarice; Wegner, Aileene; Gratzer, Dorothy;

ca. 1947. Construction photograph of Pacific Lutheran College's Memorial Gymnasium, ordered by the Douglas Fir Plywood Association. The gymnasium was dedicated in December of 1947 and built from a design by Lea, Pearson & Richards, architects. A new gymnasium had been planned as early as 1944, and postponed by the war. A fire of unknown origin razed the old gym in 1946 and brought new urgency to the construction of the new gymnasium. The new building was a part of the move toward capital expansion, headed up by College president Dr. Seth Eastvold, president from 1943-1962.

Educational facilities--Parkland; Education--Parkland; Universities & colleges--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1940-1950;

Laying of Cornerstone at Pacific Lutheran College. Ceremonies were held to lay the cornerstone June 10, 1947, at Pacific Lutheran College for a new, three-story student union building. Dr. C.S. Eastvold, president of Pacific Lutheran College, was the master of ceremonies and the invocation was given by Dr. H.L. Foss, president of the board of trustees. (T.Times, 6/11/1947, p.5)

Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1940-1950; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Parkland--1940-1950; Cornerstone laying--Parkland--1940-1950;

Pacific Lutheran College faculty committee for social activities was organizing a formal reception to welcome new and returning students. Three hundred freshmen and hundreds of students from the other classes were expected to attend. Dr. S. C. Eastvold was President of Pacific Lutheran College in 1947. View of faculty and students gathered together to plan the upcoming festivities.

Universities & colleges--Parkland; Students--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1940-1950;

The new Pacific Lutheran College Memorial Gymnasium was dedicated at the first basketball home game of the season. The new gym has a sound proof radio booth, electric scoreboard, portable bleachers, classrooms, laundry facilities and a trophy ornament area. The $250,000 gym is considered one of the best in the West. View of Pacific Lutheran College and University of Washington basketball game (T. Times, 12/2/47, p. 9).

Gymnasiums--Parkland; Basketball--Parkland; Students--Parkland; Basketball players--Parkland; Sporting goods; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1940-1950;

Pacific Lutheran College was formally founded in 1891, when the first cornerstone was laid. The school was well established within a few years, and after World War II enrollment dramatically increased and the school grounds expanded. Lea, Pearson and Richards were the architects that designed PLC's Memorial Gymnasium. The dedication ceremonies were planned for December of this year. Exterior view of PLC's Memorial Gymnasium, photo ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Saga, 1948).

Gymnasiums--Parkland; Universities & colleges--Parkland; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings; Memorial Gymnasium (Parkland);

Pacific Lutheran College was first known as Pacific Lutheran Academy between 1898 and 1919, in 1920 they changed Academy to College. In 1944 PLC officially stated they intended to build a new gymnasium, but building was delayed until the end of World War II. Exterior view of PLC's Memorial Gymnasium, photo ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Saga, 1948).

Gymnasiums--Parkland; Universities & colleges--Parkland; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--Buildings; Memorial Gymnasium (Parkland); Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1940-1950;

The impressive new Science Hall at Pacific Lutheran College was in full operation, classes from the natural sciences department were being taught and departmental offices were relocated into the new building. View of two students working on their science labs, a frog skeleton, gas nozzles and microscopes are all available for the students (Saga, 1948).

Universities & colleges--Parkland; Laboratories--Parkland; Classrooms--Parkland; Science--Parkland; Students--Parkland; Microscopes; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1940-1950;