Annual installation of new officers of the Tacoma Athletic Commission occurred on January 19, 1973. The six board members posed for a group portrait above; all but one wore their jackets with the commission's emblem. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Athletic Commission.

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

University of Washington quarterback extraordinaire Sonny Sixkiller visited Tacoma Athletic Commission headquarters, 735 Commerce St., on December 3, 1970. The T.A.C. official standing next to Mr. Sixkiller has not been identified. A sophomore from Ashland, Oregon, Mr. Sixkiller was a full blooded Cherokee. Never highly recruited by Oregon schools because of his (then) size, Mr. Sixkiller would finish his season as the country's #1 passer. His teammates, Rank Baty, Ace Bulger and Rick Huget (pictured in D159368, image 8) accompanied him to Tacoma. The UW rebounded from a dismal 1-9 record the year before to finish at 6-4, including a crushing 61-20 defeat of the UCLA Bruins. Mr. Sixkiller's passing became the Dawgs' chief offensive weapon. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. (TNT 12-8-70, p. 16 - article)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Sixkiller, Sonny;

T.A.C. officials and guests. Husky quarterback Sonny Sixkiller (back row, third from right) and three of his teammates paid a visit to the Tacoma Athletic Commission on December 3, 1970. T.A.C. members seated (left to right) are: Hank Semmern, Tom Paine, professional golfer Ken Still, and president Hal Brotman. Forrest Rodgers (extreme right) is in the back row along with Sonny Sixkiller and his teammates. Teammates Rank Baty, Ace Bulger and Rick Huget are all graduates of Washington high schools. (teammates order unknown) Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. (TNT article 12-8-70, p. 16)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Sixkiller, Sonny; Semmern, Hank; Paine, Tom; Still, Ken; Brotman, Hal; Rodgers, Forrest; Baty, Rank; Bulger, Ace; Huget, Rick;

Six new officers of the Tacoma Athletic Commission posed for a group portrait at TAC headquarters on December 30, 1969. Included in the group are: President Hal Brotman and Frank Ruffo (front); Hank Semmern, Tom Paine, Dick Greco and Forrest Rodgers (standing). Photograph ordered by Tacoma Athletic Commission.

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Brotman, Hal; Ruffo, Frank; Greco, Dick; Rodgers, Forrest; Paine, Tom; Semmern, Hank;

Changing of the guard at the T.A.C. The presidential gravel exchanges hands on January 4, 1968, as new officers of the Tacoma Athletic Commission are announced. Stan Naccarato, seated left, accepts the gravel from outgoing president Tom Cross while Howie Krewson looks on. Standing and observing are : (L-R) Treasurer Joe Macaluso, Secretary Robert Nelsen, Third v.p. - Bill Rohrs and Second v.p., Hal Brotman. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Athletic Commission. (TNT 1-7-68, B15)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Naccarato, Stan; Cross, Tom; Krewson, Howard; Macaluso, Joe; Nelsen, Robert; Rohrs, Bill; Brotman, Hal;

For many years the Tacoma Athletic Commission sponsored a Fourth of July show featuring elaborate fireworks. George P. Sheridan, chairman, and Howard Krewson, ticket chairman, pose with three children and a variety of fireworks on a grassy lot on July 1, 1965. Cecelia Harris rides bareback on a small pony while Denise Michael is perched on a Schwinn bicycle. Patricia Harris holds an enormous firecracker. The bicycle and pony would be given away during the gigantic fireworks show at the Stadium Bowl on Monday, July 5th. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. (TNT 7-2-65, p. 1)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Children & adults; Sheridan, George P.; Krewson, Howard; Harris, Cecelia; Michael, Denise; Harris, Patricia; Ponies; Bicycles & tricycles; Fireworks--1960-1970;

Paul Spruell in action on May 11, 1965, at the Lakewood Ice Arena. He competed in the Novice men category in 1965. Paul was practicing for the "Ice Capers of 1965" presented by the Lakewood Winter Club later in the month. In January, 1966, Paul, 16, would compete in the U.S. Ice Skating Championships in Berkeley, California. It would be his first time at nationals. Photograph ordered by Lakewood Winter Club. (TNT 5-16-65, D-1, TNT 1-23-66, B-12)

Ice skating--Lakewood--1960-1970; Skaters; Spruell, Paul;

In jest, William Gazecki was wrapped in resplendent robes and crowned the new " king" of the Tacoma Athletic Commission on February 12, 1963. Four TAC officers posed with their newly elected president as one member places a gilded crown on his head. William Larson, Peter Stojack, Marv Tommervik and Bob Danhausere form a half-circle around William Gazecki . A more traditional picture of this group was chosen to run in the February 17, 1963, edition of the News Tribune. The TAC is a local volunteer-run sports and civic booster organization. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. (TNT 2-17-63, B-10)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Crowns; Larson, William C.; Stojack, Peter; Tommervik, Marv; Danhausere, Robert; Gazecki, William;

View of head table at banquet. Governor Albert Rosellini was one of the honored guests at the 1963 Washington State Sports Hall of Fame awards banquet on February 6, 1963. The Sports Hall of Fame had been established by the Tacoma Athletic Commission by one of its founders, Clay Huntington, in 1960. Each year a number of candidates are nominated to be voted upon by top sportswriters and sportscasters from throughout the state. Those elected are recognized for their outstanding sports accomplishments and honor they have brought to themselves and the State of Washington. At the head table above in this 1963 photograph are also local lumberman and philanthropist Ben Cheney (seated second to left) and All-star shortstop, Maury Wills (next to Gov. Rosellini). Five men were elected to the Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Hall of Fame: Don Paul, George Wise, Frank Gillihan, Jack Walters and Jack Connor. Those honorees are believed to be standing in the above picture behind the head table; names not necessarily in order. (TNT 2-7-63, C-7) (www.washingtonsportshalloffame.com/index2.htm)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Awards; Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Rosellini, Albert D.; Wills, Maury; Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971;

Ben and Marian Cheney smile broadly as they pose with guest Andy Gilbert (left) at the 1963 Washington State Sports Hall of Fame banquet sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission on February 6, 1963. Also at the top of the stairs on the upper right is Tacoma Athletic Commission president William (Bill) Gazecki. Mr. Cheney was a well known sports fan whose generosity allowed thousands of Tacoma youngsters to participate in organized sports. He was instrumental in bringing the Tacoma Giants Pacific Coast League baseball team to Tacoma to play in Cheney Stadium. Mr. Gilbert was the newly named manager of the Tacoma Giants. His pro career spanned twelve years as he performed at every position other than catcher. In his rookie season in the Ohio State League, Mr. Gilbert broke his neck sliding head-first into second base. Undeterred, he returned to baseball the following year. (TNT 2-4-63, p. 14-article) (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Awards; Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Cheney, Marian; Gilbert, Andy; Gazecki, William;

Festivities continued at the 1963 Washington State Sports Hall of Fame sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. Guests appear to be conversing quietly at the head table while two men stand at the podium. The man to the right is Jack Connor, octogenarian boxing manager and one of the five honored as inductees in the Tacoma-Pierce County Hall of Fame. Present during the February 6, 1963, awards banquet were Governor Albert D. Rosellini (seated with head bowed next to trophy), baseball star Maury Wills, Ben Cheney and William Gazecki, president of the Tacoma Athletic Commission. Comedian Joe E. Brown, principal speaker, is seated on the right side of the head table. (TNT 2-7-63, C-7)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Awards; Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Rosellini, Albert D.; Wills, Maury; Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Gazecki, William; Connor, Jack;

Guest Maury Wills poses next to lumber magnate Ben Cheney (L) during the Tacoma Athletic Commission's Washington State Sports Hall of Fame awards gathering on February 6, 1963. Wills, a shortstop with the L.A. Dodgers, had broken Ty Cobb's record of 97 stolen bases in one season, with a grand total of 104, in 1962. He would be a major force in his fourteen years with the Dodgers, helping them to three World Series. Wills was named the 1962 Athlete of the Year by Associated Press sportswriters and would also be honored as the Washington State Athlete of the Year that evening. During the off-season, Wills made his home in Spokane. (TNT 2-3-63, B-7)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Awards; Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Wills, Maury; Baseball players--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971;

An appreciative crowd greets the speaker, master of ceremonies Clay Huntington, at the podium during the 1963 Washington State Sports Hall of Fame gathering on February 6, 1963. The event was filmed by KTNT-TV. The Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1960 by the Tacoma Athletic Commission's Clay Huntington, well known Northwest sportscaster and radio station owner. Those elected to membership in the Hall of Fame must be at least five years in retirement from the sport involved. Members are recognized for their outstanding sports accomplishments and contributions. The fourth State Sports Hall of Fame gathering combined the State and Tacoma-Pierce County Halls of Fame. (TNT 2-3-63, B-7) (www.washingtonsportshalloffame.com/index2.htm)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Washington State Sports Hall of Fame (Tacoma); Awards;

Eleven Reichhold Chemicals team members pose with the trophy honoring them as the commercial champions of the year in softball. Most of the men are wearing a RCI logo on their uniforms. Reichhold, like many other large companies, sponsored recreational teams for their employees. These men were part of the eighty employed by the company in 1958; the company had an annual payroll of $500,000. Plans were announced in November, 1958, to build a major phenol producing plant, necessary to plywood production, with a $1 million payroll and 150 added employees. Construction was to start the latter part of 1959. Photograph ordered by Reichhold Chemicals, Inc. (TNT 11-2-58, A-1)

Softball players--Tacoma--1950-1960; Reichhold Chemicals, Inc. (Tacoma); Awards;

These four figure skaters were all smiles in March of 1958 when photographed on the ice of the Lakewood Ice Arena at 7310 Steilacoom Blvd. S.W. They were all bound for the National Figure Skating Championships to be held in Minneapolis on March 26-29, 1958. From left to right are: Linda Galbraith (Novice Ladies), Kathleen Seabeck (Junior Ladies), and Judy and Jerry Fotheringill (Junior Pairs). The skaters had earned their tickets to the national championships by placing among the top three at the Pacific Coast competitions held in Seattle in February. All four were members of the Lakewood Winter Club; the Winter Club had established residency at the Lakewood Ice Arena in 1938. One year later, in 1959, Judianne and Jerry Fotheringill won the national junior pairs crown at the figure skating championships when they were held in Rochester. Photograph ordered by the Lakewood Winter Club. (TNT 3-18-58, p. 20)

Ice skating--Tacoma--1950-1960; Skaters; Seabeck, Kathleen; Galbraith, Linda; Fotheringill, Judy; Fotheringill, Jerry;

Cupid, victory cigar in mouth, draws back his bow to attempt a fifth arrow at the telephone target on January 10, 1958. He has already successfully hit the target four times. He does appear to be rather close to the designated target. The archer is dressed in a towel covering his waist and part of his suit wound around his shoulder and hip. Photograph ordered by Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co.

Archery--Tacoma; Bows (Archery); Targets (Sports); Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma);

Cupid retrieves his arrows in a January 10, 1958, photograph. He has apparently hit his target, a telephone in a circle, with all four arrows at a rate of 100%. The smiling archer has a towel wrapped around his waist and perhaps part of his suit draped over his shoulder. He is clutching a large bow. Photograph ordered by Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co.

Archery--Tacoma; Bows (Archery); Targets (Sports); Telephones; Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma);

Maintaining a sportsmanlike atmosphere at all athletic events and encouraging participation in all sports at all levels were two of the primary goals of the Lettermen's Club at Lincoln High School. Three of the officers during the 1956-57 school year were: (l to r) Jerry Cecchi, sergeant at arms; Dick Pruett, Vice-president; and Roger Coleman, secretary-treasurer. All three lettered in two or more sports during their high school careers. For some reason club president Herm Magnuson was not photographed with the other officers. Photograph ordered by the Lincolnian yearbook. (1957 Lincolnian, p. 107)

Athletes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cecchi, Jerry; Pruett, Dick; Coleman, Roger; Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exteriors of the Lakewood Ice Arena. Perched on the shores of Steilacoom Lake, the facility had once been the ballroom for the Oakes Pavilion, which also offered a water stadium for competitive swimming where the tryouts for the American Olympic team were held in the mid twenties. After a brief stint as the Towers, a nightclub, the frame building was purchased by developer Norton Clapp in 1936. In 1938, at the urging of his wife who was a fan of ice skating, the building was remodeled into the Lakewood Ice Arena. The lake area around the club was still available for summer swimming and the Figure Skating Club even kept a dock and float available for members. The Arena was demolished in 1982 and replaced by lakeshore condominiums. ("History of Figure Skating in Pierce County, Lakewood Arena") TPL-5672

Ice skating--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lakewood Ice Arena (Lakewood); Lakewood Figure Skating Club (Lakewood); Ice skating rinks--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lake Steilacoom (Wash.);

Interiors of the Lakewood Ice Arena. An instructor ties his skates surrounded by smiling young students. Although the home of several competitive skaters, the rink also offered affordable lessons to children and adults at all skating levels from beginners on up. Public free skating time was also available and if you didn't own your own skates, they could be rented. ("History of Figure Skating in Pierce County, Lakewood Arena")

Ice skating--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lakewood Ice Arena (Lakewood); Lakewood Figure Skating Club (Lakewood); Ice skating rinks--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Interiors Lakewood Ice Arena. Several young skaters and what appear to be instructors watch while a more experienced skater makes a graceful curve on a thin blade of steel. The building formerly known as the Oakes Ballroom and briefly as the Towers was purchased by developer Norton Clapp, future Weyerhaeuser chairman, in 1936 and converted into the Ice Arena in 1938. The building was remodeled to resemble a Swiss chalet with murals on the walls and a draped ceiling approximating clouds. The Lakewood Figure Skating Club at the Ice Arena produced many champions through the years. The building itself however went through some trying times. In 1948, the roof collapsed and the building had to be restored. There was a major remodel in 1959 and in 1974 a temporary closure by the fire marshalls. In October of 1982, the roof caved in once more, forcing the demolition of the historic building. ("History of Figure Skating in Pierce County, Lakewood Arena")

Ice skating--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lakewood Ice Arena (Lakewood); Lakewood Figure Skating Club (Lakewood); Ice skating rinks--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior of the Lakewood Ice Arena. Lakewood industrialist Norton Clapp purchased the old Oakes dance pavilion on the shores of Steilacoom Lake in 1936, largely due to his wife's interest in ice skating. After two years as a private party place, it was remodeled to resemble a Swiss mountain chalet and opened to the public in 1938. It had parking space for 500, an attractive glass enclosed "Wirtschaft" (snack bar) and spectator seating for 600. The opening crowds were so large that the opening went on for 2 days. Over the years, the Lakewood Ice Arena became known as the "Home of Champions" due to the large number of world class figure skaters that its club produced. In 1974, the building was closed temporarily as a fire hazard. On Oct 1, 1982, the roof and the west wall collapsed; a few months later the building was demolished. ("History of Figure Skating in Pierce County, Lakewood Arena") TPL-9322

Ice skating--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lakewood Ice Arena (Lakewood); Lakewood Figure Skating Club (Lakewood); Ice skating rinks--Tacoma--1950-1960;

These nine young athletes from Holy Rosary won the 1954 parochial track championships. The boys are dressed in track uniforms with the initials "H.R." on their tank top shirts. Don Holmberg (left center) and Serge Grant grasp the trophy awarded to the recent parochial track kings. The Holy Rosary team scored 49 points to win the meet for 7th and 8th graders. Front row, from left to right are: Teddy Fick, John McCarthy, Don Holmberg, Serge Grant, Dick Zimbrick, Tom Hulscher. Second row: Jim Rubattino, Larry Loughlin, Kenneth Miller. Holy Rosary's school was the first Catholic elementary school in Tacoma, started in 1891 by Father William Eversmann. It is still in existence today. (www.holyrosarytacoma.org., TNT 5-30-54, B-5-alternate photograph)

Track athletics--Tacoma; Holy Rosary School (Tacoma); School children--Tacoma--1950-1960; Awards; Holmberg, Don; Grant, Serge; Fick, Teddy; McCarthy, John; Zimbrick, Dick; Hulscher, Tom; Rubattino, Jim; Loughlin, Larry; Miller, Kenneth;

Back of Photo:
Peck Field

Jack Walters Night at the Tacoma Athletic Commission. Jack and Jeanne Walters pose with an unidentified couple plus a statue and caricature of Jack after his triumph in the National Left-handed golf championships. Jack, a winning southpaw golfer since he was 16, won on his seventh attempt at the championship. The golfer, known for his long drives, competed in his first national in 1937. In the 1940s, he took time out from golf to serve with the infantry as a sergeant during the Philippines campaign. He contracted malaria in the tropics and recuperated before returning to golf. His wife was a former city womens and Champion of Champions titlist. (TNT 7/19/1953, pg. B-9)

Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Walters, Jack J.; Walters, Jeanne; Golfers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Four unidentified young players on the hockey team sponsored by the Barbecue Inn take a milk break in front of the Tacoma Arena, 3801 South Union Avenue, in February of 1953. In 1953, Hockey in Tacoma wasn't confined to Tacoma's professional team, the Rockets. Thanks to the Metropolitan Park District and the Tacoma Hockey Club, approximately 250 boys and young men in Tacoma were able to compete in three leagues that played at the Arena on Monday and Thursday nights. No other town on the pacific coast had a hockey program that compared to Tacoma's. The Barbecue Inn was at 8102 Maple Street S.W. in Lakewood. (TNT 2/22/1953 p.B-5) Photograph ordered by Allen Goldfin.

Ice hockey--Tacoma; Ice hockey players--Tacoma; Ice skating rinks--Tacoma; Sporting goods; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

A member of the I.O.O. F. hockey team prepares to enter the game as he swings open the heavy rink door in this February, 1953, photograph. A small, but intent, group of supporters sit behind the team bench. This may be a mixed practice or game as a member of the Barbecue Inn team is on the same Tacoma Rockets bench. It would be expected that the "home team" be assigned the Tacoma Rockets section. Photograph ordered by Allen Goldfin.

Ice hockey--Tacoma; Ice hockey players--Tacoma; Ice skating rinks--Tacoma; Sports spectators--Tacoma;

A young hockey player modestly signs an autograph for two admiring fans in this February, 1953, photograph. He apparently took time off from practice to chat with the spectators as he is dressed in full hockey gear, sans helmet. Hockey was very popular in the 1950's in the Tacoma area; there were many teams involved in the sport ranging from the Under-12's to high school teams. The Tacoma Rockets was the area's semi-pro team whose players and scores were reported on in the daily newspaper on a regular basis. Photograph ordered by Allen Goldfin. TPL-8262

Ice hockey--Tacoma; Ice hockey players--Tacoma; Ice skating rinks--Tacoma; Sports spectators--Tacoma;

All eyes properly follow the puck as it seems to be heading past the goalie toward the open net in this February, 1953, photograph. The goalie is on his knees in front of the net as a member of I.O.O.F. 232 completes his shot. Several players have lost their footing and are resting on the ice. This scrimmage or game apparently took place at the Arena on South Union Avenue. Photograph ordered by Allen Goldfin.

Ice hockey--Tacoma; Ice hockey players--Tacoma; Ice skating rinks--Tacoma;

Even young hockey players get bumped and bruised and deserve a massage. Here a trainer or coach rubs some liniment onto the boy's back while a teammate looks on in this 1953 photograph. The player is lying on a thin mattress placed on a long table in the team's dressing room; uniforms and equipment are hanging from cubicles. Photograph ordered by Allen Goldfin.

Ice hockey--Tacoma; Ice hockey players--Tacoma; Ice skating rinks--Tacoma; Massage;