This group outside Callender's is part of the group that took the Tacoma Athletic Commission's "Fight Special" to Portland via Northern Pacific Railroad on April 7, 1948. Fight and train tickets were on sale at Callender's. The "Fight Special" was an official TAC civic promotion. Mayor Val Fawcett is standing at right, wearing an overcoat. Howard Smith, current president of the Tacoma Athletic Commission is standing at left, with his hand in his jacket pocket under his top-coat. Ordered by Howard Smith, TAC. (T.Times, 4/1/1948, p.20)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Callender's Restaurant (Tacoma); Smith, Howard R.; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Northern Pacific Railway Co. (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boxing--Tacoma--1940-1950;

April 5, 1948, Tacoma Athletic Commission reception in honor of Gretchen Kunigk Fraser, 8th from L, after her victory in the 1948 Winter Olympics. Seated next to Mrs. Fraser is Tacoma mayor C. Val Fawcett. Others at the head table during the Top of the Ocean reception are Leon Titus, 2nd from L; W.A and Clara Kunigk, honoree's parents; her husband Don Fraser, 6th from L; Jerry Geehan of the T.A.C. ski committee, 6th from R; T.A.C. president Howard R. Smith, 4th from R. Mrs. Fraser had won both Gold and Silver medals at St. Moritz. Prior to her award winning performances, Mrs. Fraser had appeared on the silver screen as the skiing double for Sonja Henie in "Thin Ice," filmed at Paradise Inn in 1937. ALBUM 9.

Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fraser, Don, 1914-1994; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Smith, Howard R.; Geehan, Jerry; Titus, Leon E.; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Kunigk, W.A.;

Bowling team in studio, Tug Boat Annie bowling team, Bill Herdman. The Tug Boat Annie bowling team, sponsored by Henry Foss of the Foss Tug and Boat Company, were champions of the Tacoma Major league two successive years. They were such strong competitors, somewhat feared throughout the Northwest bowling circles, that they went on to take first place in the Northwest Pin Classic - the NIBC (Northwestern International Bowling Congress). The champion bowlers were: L-R, seated, Red Wakefield, Frank McGee and Len Thomas; standing, Kelcy Allen and Ted Wakefield. (T.Times, 5/6/1948, p.16; 5/12/1948, p.11)

Bowlers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tug Boat Annie Bowling Team (Tacoma); Wakefield, Red; McGee, Frank; Thomas, Len; Allen, Kelcy; Wakefield, Ted; Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma);

The Tacoma Athletic Commission celebrates the victory of Olympic Gold and Silver Medal winner Gretchen Kunigk Fraser by holding a dinner in her honor at the Top of The Ocean restaurant on April 5, 1948. Mayor Val Fawcett escorts Mrs. Fraser under a salute of crossed ski poles held by an Honor Guard representing the Tacoma Ski Team. Tacoma-raised Gretchen Fraser won in the Alpine skiing races at the 1948 Winter Olympics held in St. Moritz, placing first in the Slalom for a Gold Medal and second in the Alpine Combined race for a Silver Medal. TPL-5699, TPL-5049. ALBUM 9.

Athletes; Skiers; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Tacoma Ski Club (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Commission reception in April, 1948, in honor of Gretchen Kunigk Fraser's victory in the 1948 Winter Olympics. Husband Don Fraser is to her left in photo, Mayor C. Val Fawcett is in background at far left. Olympic rings are hung over a winter backdrop. Mrs. Fraser captured the gold medal in women's slalom. Howard R. Smith, president of the T.A.C., and Jerry Geehan, chairman of the ski committee, present Mrs. Fraser with a pair of silver candelabras. The woman to the rear of the Frasers is believed to be Mrs. Fraser's mother, Clara (Mrs. W.A.) Kunigk. ALBUM 9. (TNT 4-6-48, p. 1)

Athletes; Skiers; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fraser, Don, 1914-1994; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Smith, Howard R.; Geehan, Jerry; Candelabras;

Gretchen Kunigk Fraser accepts flowers from Mayor C. Val Fawcett during a Tacoma Athletic Commission reception in honor of her victory at the 1948 Winter Olympics. Husband Don Fraser is far left in this April 5, 1948, photo. More than 600 people jammed the Top of the Ocean to pay tribute to the hometown gold & silver medalist. Mrs. Fraser won her medals in skiing at the Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland. ALBUM 9.

Athletes; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fraser, Don, 1914-1994; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Roses; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Gretchen Fraser points out her name in the decorations during a Tacoma Athletic Commission reception in honor of her victory at the 1948 Winter Olympics. Husband Don Fraser, a former Olympian, is to her right in this April 5, 1948, photo. Gretchen, the daughter of W.A. and Clara Kunigk, was also welcomed back home as she rode in the weekend's Daffodil Parade. She had won both gold and silver medals in Alpine during the Winter Olympics which were held in St. Moritz, Switzerland. ALBUM 9.

Athletes; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fraser, Don, 1914-1994; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Flower arrangements;

Olympic skier and medalist from Tacoma, Gretchen Kunigk Fraser, was honored with a reception sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission on April 5, 1948. She is shown seated at the daffodil-covered head table with Mayor C. Val Fawcett, T.A.C. ski committee chair Jerry Geehan, and Howard R. Smith, T.A.C. president. A gift of silver candelabras was presented to Mrs. Fraser by Mr. Smith and Mr. Geehan. Mrs. Fraser in the same busy weekend also rode in the 15th annual Daffodil Parade and attended the Tacoma Ski Club's first annual Daffodil races. ALBUM 9.

Athletes; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Smith, Howard R.; Geehan, Jerry; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Mayor C. Val Fawcett escorts Gretchen Kunigk Fraser under crossed ski poles held by a Honor Guard during the April 5, 1948, Tacoma Athletic Commission reception celebrating her victories at the 1948 Winter Olympics. Members of the Tacoma Ski Club smile as they cross poles. Tacoma residents, 600 strong, welcomed back their hometown girl at the T.A.C. reception held at the Top of the Ocean. Also in attendance was Mrs. Fraser's husband, Don, who was a member of the 1936 Winter Olympic team. ALBUM 9. (TNT 4-6-48, p. 1)

Athletes; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Tacoma Ski Club (Tacoma);

First Anniversary party for both papers, TAC, Bob Sanders. The Tacoma Athletic Commission held its Anniversary Party January 19, 1948. Plans for the evening included cocktails, buffet dinner, entertainment and dancing. This was the first anniversary of this popular club at its location at the Top of the Ocean. Howard R. Smith, president of the Tacoma Athletic Association at this time, and his wife, Ethyl A. Smith were among those receiving guests at the event. (T.Times, 1/19/1948, p.9, TNT, 1/21/1948, p.6)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Athletic clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Couples--Tacoma--1940-1950; Smith, Howard R.; Smith, Ethyl A.;

Group of boys learning to box, Times, Chick Garrett, Carter Lee. The walls of the room are painted with mountain scenes.

Boxing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boys--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tommy James had boxed against many prominent Welterweights including Tommy Bell, Lou Woods and Vern Patterson. Tommy James has a number of excellent fights in his record while his losses can be attributed to competing in the "Big Leagues." The Welterweight division is the main event in the upcoming boxing match held in January of 1948. View of Tommy James at Amundsen's Gym, photo ordered by Tacoma Boxing Club (T.N.T., 1/15/48, p. 23).

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boxing--Tacoma; Sporting goods; African American boxers--Tacoma; Tacoma Boxing Club (Tacoma); Amundsen's Gymnasium (Tacoma); James, Tommy;

Tommy James, Chicago-Tacoma Welterweight, will be taking on Tommy Egan of San Francisco, California in January of 1948. The two will be the main attraction in a ten round bout at Tacoma's State Armory in an event sponsored by promoter Raleigh Sligar.This event will be Raleigh Sligar's initial 1948 boxing card. View of Tommy James at Amundsen's Gym, photo ordered by Tacoma Boxing Club (T.N.T., 1/15/48, p. 23).

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boxing--Tacoma; Sporting goods; African American boxers--Tacoma; Tacoma Boxing Club (Tacoma); Amundsen's Gymnasium (Tacoma); James, Tommy;

Brunswick-Balke. This ten-lane bowling alley is empty now. The pins are all lined up and the benches, ball returns and scoring tables stand ready for players to arrive. Ash bins are ready next to the projectors for scores.

Bowling alleys--Tacoma--1940-1950; Brunswick-Balke Co.;

This was Bellarmine High School's varsity basketball team as photographed in the school's gym in December of 1947. The team was coached by Andy Slatt. Team members included Pat Olsen, Dick Jensen, Don Hermsen, Norm Smith and Otto Fink. The month of December would prove to be a successful one for the Lions as they would record victories on the road against Gonzaga (Prep), Shelton and defending state champs, Pasco. (T.Times 12-19-47, p. 10-article only)

Basketball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Basketball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gymnasiums--Tacoma; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma);

The College of Puget Sound basketball team played against Pacific Lutheran College to determine the city's champions in December of 1947. College of Puget Sound beat Pacific Lutheran College with a score of 45 to 38. The game was well attended and was played at the State Armory. View of basketball teams in action, names appear in newspaper (T. Times, 12/18/47, p. 11).

Basketball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Basketball--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1940-1950; State Armory (Tacoma);

In this photograph from October, 1947, Rudy Filion of theTacoma Rocket hockey team practices at the Tacoma Ice Palace, 3801 So. Union Ave. The Rockets played their season opener on Tuesday night, Oct. 21st, against the Portland Eagles. The Rockets won 6 to 1 in one of the roughest stick swinging duels ever witnessed at the local rink. (T. Times, 10/20/47, p. 6).

Ice hockey--Tacoma; Sporting goods; Skaters; Skating rinks--Tacoma; Tacoma Rockets (Tacoma); Coast Ice Hockey League (Tacoma); Tacoma Ice Palace (Tacoma); Filion, Rudy

Tacoma Rockets were ready to begin another winning season. They beat Portland and West Minster and were now getting ready to play against the Vancouver Canucks. Team manager, Dave Downie, felt his team would continue their winning streak. The Tacoma Rockets had their home games at the Tacoma Ice Palace. View of hockey player trying to block the other player's aim.

Ice hockey--Tacoma; Sporting goods; Skaters; Skating rinks--Tacoma; Tacoma Rockets (Tacoma); Coast Ice Hockey League (Tacoma); Tacoma Ice Palace (Tacoma);

Chuck Congdon, Golf Pro, had just won the Intercity Golf Sweepstakes Association Tournament at the Maplewood Golf Course in Renton. He scored five under par. View of Chuck Congdon practicing his swings at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club.

Golf--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sports & recreation facilities--Tacoma; Sporting goods; Athletes--Tacoma; Golfers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Congdon, Chuck; Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma);

College of Puget Sound 1947 homecoming football game was being played against the Willamette Bearcats. CPS football coach, Frank Patricks, was hopeful that their losing streak would end with the homecoming game. The Loggers had played against, San Jose and Whitman, and had lost those games. Coach Patricks stated that although they had not won a game yet, they had improved from last season.

Football--Tacoma; Football players--Tacoma; Sports & recreation facilities--Tacoma; Universities & colleges--Tacoma; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Bellarmine High School won their first city high school championship in 20 years of competition in November of 1947 when they beat Lincoln High School 14-0 at the Tacoma Stadium. It was their first win ever against Lincoln. Their victory over Lincoln guaranteed that the traditional Thanksgiving Day game between Lincoln and Stadium would be the first in 20 years that would not determine the winner of the Tacoma crown.

Football--Tacoma; Football players--Tacoma; Private schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma)--Sports

Bellarmine High School football team is celebrating a victory after playing on a wet and muddy field. Their victory brings them closer to the state title and championship. In spite of the heavy downpour the game was fairly well attended and Bellarmine did not let down their fans. View of muddy football players leaving the field after winning the game.

Football--Tacoma; Football players--Tacoma; Mud--Tacoma; Victory celebrations--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma; Private schools--Tacoma; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma);

Bellarmine High School Football team won the 1947 State championship. The Bellarmine Lions season was over but the returning students were looking forward to next year's team. View of the football team, this photo was taken for the "Cage," Bellarmine's yearbook.

Football--Tacoma--1940-1950; Football players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Private schools--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma)--Sports

In December of 1947, three Alpha Chi Nu sorority sisters chatted with Joe Manley, 155 pounds, at Amundsen's Gym, 719 1/2 Commerce, as he trained for his fight with Dick Elmore. The College of Puget Sound was hosting a "Logger Glove Show" for the first time in many years. College boxers from western Washington met at the CPS gym. There were eight, three round bouts, sponsored by the CPS Lettermen's Club. Joe Manley was trained by Frankie "Chi-Chi" Britt, ex-featherweight of the pro-ring. (T.Times 12/11/47 p.10) View of Alpha Chi Nu sorority girls with Joe Manley at Amundsen's Gym. TPL-8091

Boxers (Sports)--Tacoma; Boxing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Manley, Joe; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Alpha Chi Nu (Tacoma); College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Amundsen's Gymnasium (Tacoma);

In November of 1947, Stationers women's bowling team lined up for a group photo at the Broadway Alleys (739 1/2 Broadway), modeling their matching bowling uniforms- plaid skirts and white blouses with their names on the left side. Left to right were Tiny, Doris, Pat, Nettie and May. The shirts were set off by a plaid tie at the neck. Stationers Inc. sold office and school supplies, business equipment, office furniture, typewriters and mimeographs. C. H. Armstrong was President and J. F. Wilhelmi was Vice President and Treasurer. The company had both women's and men's bowling teams.

Bowlers--Tacoma; Bowling--Tacoma; Bowling alleys--Tacoma; Bowling balls; Women--Sports--Tacoma; Broadway Bowling Center (Tacoma);

Tacoma's Pacific Coast League profession basketball team, the Mountaineers, were ready for their first game in December 1947. There were six northwest teams in the league, including Seattle and Portland. Tacoma played their home games in the State Armory. Left to right, Helen Hayes, team's leader and half time show performer, J. Katica, H. Vallee, S. Sigurdson, B. Graf, Ernie Endress, B. Voelker, J. Voelker, T. Werner, Coach, and Milton Bay, Co-owner and Club President (T. Times, 12/2/47, p. 8; Endress identified by an acquaintance). TPL-8550

Basketball--Tacoma; Basketball players--Tacoma; Drum majorettes--Tacoma; Coast League (Tacoma); Mountaineers (Basketball Team); State Armory (Tacoma);

PLC football players, Metcalf, Times. Gene Strandress and Lowell Knutson jump to throw a long pass. Coach Marv (Thommy) Tommervik observes while the team practices at Pacific Lutheran College on September 10, 1947. They are preparing for their opening game in Tacoma Stadium September 20, 1947, against St. Olaf of Northfield, Minnesota, champions of their league in 1946. (T.Times, 9/16/1947, p.11)

Strandress, Gene; Knutson, Lowell; Tommervik, Marv; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1940-1950; Football--Parkland--1940-1950; Football players--Parkland; Coaches (Athletics)--Parkland--1940-1950;

Stadium High School and Bellarmine High School were getting ready to battle it out for the 1947 City League Title. Both football teams had done exceptionally well during this first part of the season, a tough game was anticipated. The game would be played at Stadium Bowl in Tacoma, view of high school football players getting ready for their big game.

Football--Tacoma; Football players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Athletic fields--Tacoma; Bellarmine High School (Tacoma); Stadium High School (Tacoma); Stadium Bowl (Tacoma);

Close up of several football players for Grid-Go-Round, Tacoma Athletic Commission, Ed Honeywell. LeRoy Little played defensive end for the Lincoln team for the second year. The Grid-Go-Round was played as an elimination affair with the four teams drawing for first round opponents, looser playing looser in the third period and the winners meeting in the final stanza. The Lincoln "Railsplitters" were defending champions in 1947. In the other four years of the Grid-Go-Round Lincoln and Stadium have each won twice. (T.Times, 9/12/1947, p.18; TNT, 9/14/1947, p.A-16)

Football players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Grid-Go-Round (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Little, LeRoy;

Wayne Hanby, a Clover Park High School guard wearing his regulation leather helmet, was ready for action in the upcoming Grid-Go-Round on September 19, 1947 at the Tacoma Stadium. Ten thousand fans attended the 5th annual event, sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission, that pitted Lincoln, Stadium, Bellarmine and Clover Park against one another. Bellarmine came out on top, with Clover Park finishing last. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Athletic Commission, Ed Honeywell. (T.Times, 9/15/1947, p.11)

Football players--Tacoma--1940-1950; Grid-Go-Round (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Hanby, Wayne; Clover Park High School (Lakewood);