More Unsuitable Swimwear

Swimsuit weather is well and truly behind us as December draws near, so it feels like the right time to share these photos of bathing-suited beauties not only out of season, but out of context. For starters, why is Ms. Jensen dancing atop this pile of rubble at a motel groundbreaking ceremony?

Model Karen Jensen directs the groundbreaking activities for the new Handlery Motor Inn on O’Farrell Street. Foreground: Hotelier Paul Handlery. No photographer attributed, 1963.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P324, Folder: Handlery, Paul — Hotels

Are Officers Hamilton and Prather issuing a ticket for failure to wear a DOT approved motorcycle helmet?

Oakland police officers Les Hamilton and William Prather foster good will amongst the citizenry, Lee Shelton and Delphine Warren specifically. Photographer: Albert “Kayo” Harris and Associates, 1949.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P322, Folder: Hamilton, L.

You may recognize the solicitous solicitor conferring with Ms. Huntingdon in the photo below; the actress is playing the part of a suspected murderess in an episode of the popular television show “Perry Mason,” of course.

19-year-old Californian Terry Lynn Huntingdon, crowned Miss USA of 1959, confers with actor Raymond Burr about her role in an episode of “Perry Mason.” Associated Press Wirephoto, 1959.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P375, Folder: Huntingdon, Terry Lynn

The 1959 date of this next photo gives us a hint; Cuba, Castro, revolutionaries … wearing bathing suits!

Pat McLauchlin models the latest in revolutionary garb. United Press International Telephoto, 1959.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P522, Folder: McLauchlin, N – Z

The following two photos place us in more familiar territory, that well-loved intersection of sports and pretty women:

Sondra Hayes competes for the title of “Miss Football 1958″ in the 13th annual National Football Festival, held in Berkeley. No photographer attributed, 1958.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P338, Folder: Hayes, S.

Judy Howard gets ready to tee off (golf cleats and high heels are interchangeable, apparently) at the the 4th annual Tournament of Champions. Photo by Wilbur Clark’s Desert Inn, 1958.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P368, Folder: Howard, J.

And another time-honored tradition: attractive women displaying the goods at trade shows.

Nancy Howard demonstrates electrical safety concepts at the International Association of Electrical Inspectors Convention. INP Soundphoto, 1957.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P368, Folder: Howard, N.

One final fish out of water: Hawaiian surfing legend and Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku poses (with a couple of friends) in front of the nascent administration building on Treasure Island, in an early promotional shot for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exhibition. Kahanamoku was the sheriff of Honolulu at the time, which explains everything.

Helen Lachman, Duke Kahanamoku, and Carmen Molero; 1937. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P401, Folder: Kahanamoku, Duke — Swimmer

The Swimsuit Issue

September 22 marked the autumnal equinox, so let’s bid farewell to summer with a few remarkable swimsuit photos.

First up is Carol Johnson, shown here placing the flags for a snowshoe race at Alpine Meadows. No doubt the minimalist outfit gives Ms. Johnson an aerodynamic advantage over her competitors.

Carol Johnson at Alpine Meadows ski resort, 1962. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P389, Folder: Johnson, Carol — All

Another wintery ensemble is modeled by Miss Alaska, as she competes in the Miss Universe pageant of 1954. That outfit is certainly a winner!

18-year-old Miss Universe contestant Charlein Lander during a pre-pageant visit to San Francisco, 1954. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: 443, Folder: Lander, A – Z

A Vegas-style mink coverup is seen here on Jackie Loughery, relaxing poolside at the Flamingo. Well, maybe not exactly relaxing … Ms. Loughery was crowned the winner in the first Miss USA pageant, held in 1952. (The Examiner caption got the screen name, film name, year and contest name wrong, but they were right about the rest!)

Screen name of Ellen Avery has been selected by delightful Jackie Loughery, the “Miss America” of 1953. Lucky, easy-on-the-eye, Jackie is now on location in Arizona for “Parder,” the Lewis-Martin comedy. [S.F. Examiner caption] International News photo by Jack Pepper, 1955.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P477, Folder: Loughery, Jackie

At first glance, Kathy Lyon’s suit resembles a Yorkshire Terrier pelt, but is actually a “Roaring ‘20s” flapper costume designed for the Mills College Water Follies show of 1962. Can you envision an underwater Charleston?

Mills College student Kathy Lyon practices her routine for the aqua-pageant “Anyway, USA,” in the I.W. Hellman Memorial Pool, 1962. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P484, Folder: Lyon, K.

Two more beauty contest winners round out this assortment of alluring and stylish swimsuit models: Raymond Lang and Peaches Roesner were chosen from a field of 300 children as winners of the Baby Adonis and Baby Venus of San Francisco titles. The two were awarded silver loving cups, and we can certainly see why!

Raymond Lang and Peaches Roesner, 1925. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P445, Folder: Lang, Raymond

Arthur Brown, Jr. Revisited

The Cal campus is jolting back to life this week as the students return in full force for the fall semester. No better time to remember one of UC Berkeley’s most illustrious graduates, architect and Oakland native Arthur Brown, Jr.

Arthur Brown, Jr. No date. Photographer: P. Nadarz[?]/Paris

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P071, Folder: Brown, Arthur and Mrs.

Born in 1874, raised in Oakland, son of a Southern Pacific Railroad chief superintendent, Beta Theta Pi and graduate of UC Berkeley class of 1896, Arthur Brown Jr. received a B.S. in civil engineering, but his passion was for architecture.

Along with UC classmates Julia Morgan and John Bakewell, Brown was fortunate enough to fall under the tutelage of Bernard Maybeck. Following in Maybeck’s footsteps, Brown went to Paris to study architecture at the École des Beaux-Arts immediately after graduating from Cal. (Julia Morgan was the first woman admitted to the Architecture Department at the École des Beaux-Arts a few years later, in 1898.) After many years of study and travel abroad, Brown returned to the Bay Area to establish a partnership with his old schoolmate, John Bakewell, Jr.

The devastation wreaked by the 1906 earthquake created many opportunities for a budding architecture firm, and the classical Beaux-Arts style was much in vogue at that time. The list of commissions undertaken by Bakewell & Brown, and by Brown alone after the partnership was dissolved, is long and noteworthy. To name a few San Francisco landmarks we’re all familiar with: the War Memorial Opera House and Veteran’s Building, the old City of Paris department store, the PG&E building, San Francisco City Hall, Coit Tower (more modernist than Beaux-Arts), the San Francisco Art Institute – in fact, Arthur Brown appears in the 1931 Diego Rivera mural housed at the Art Institute, titled “The Making of a Fresco Showing the Building of a City.”

Even closer to home, Arthur Brown gave us Berkeley City Hall and many UC campus buildings including Minor Hall, the Valley Life Sciences building, Sproul Hall and our very own Bancroft Library! Brown served as the UCB campus planner and chief architect from 1936 to 1950, and the Bancroft was the last building he designed.

The photo below captures an assortment of luminaries receiving honorary Doctorate of Law degrees on Charter Day, 1931. Arthur Brown appears on the far left, Dr. Robert G. Sproul, then-president of UCB, appears at right.

Left to right: Arthur Brown, Jr., Nicholas Murray Butler, Willa Cather, Robert G. Sproul, 1931. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P071, Folder: Brown, Arthur and Mrs.

Appropriately enough, the Bancroft Library houses the Arthur Brown Jr. papers, a special collection described in detail at the Online Archive of California: http://www.oac.cdlib.org

Arthur Brown Jr.’s architectural aesthetic is a living presence in the Bay Area – thank you, Arthur Brown Jr.!

Zoe Dell Lantis, GGIE Theme Girl

Miss Zoe Dell Lantis was the Golden Gate International Exposition’s theme girl. The fair was first held in 1939, yet Zoe spent years prior to its opening traveling and promoting it. Some of my favorite images of Zoe are below. Be sure to also check out a previous blog post for more GGIE photographs, The Fair on Treasure Island.

Below, Miss Lantis returns to San Francisco from New York via United Airlines. Taken in 1937, Zoe had visited New York to promote the upcoming Exposition. She was barred from the Mayor’s office until she changed her pirate costume for a dress.

Zoe Dell Lantis aboard United Airlines, 1937. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029-PIC, Carton P446, Folder: Lantis, Zoe Dell

In 1938 Zoe demonstrates California attractions. Below she wears shorts while skiing in Yosemite Valley.

Zoe Dell Lantis in Yosemite Valley, 1938. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029-PIC, Carton P446, Folder: Lantis, Zoe Dell

Zoe poses before a redwood …

Zoe Dell Lantis beside the stump of a redwood 2200 years old, 1937. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029-PIC, Carton P446, Folder: Lantis, Zoe Dell

And on a redwood!

Zoe Dell Lantis posing on a redwood, 1939. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029-PIC, Carton P446, Folder: Lantis, Zoe Dell

Releases pigeons to invite folks in Texas to visit the Exposition …

Zoe Dell Lantis releasing pigeons, 1939. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029-PIC, Carton P446, Folder: Lantis, Zoe Dell

Poses with Mayor Angelo Rossi …

Zoe Dell Lantis and Angelo Rossi, 1938. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029-PIC, Carton P446, Folder: Lantis, Zoe Dell

Asks bartender Bill Empey for a Treasure Island Cocktail …

Zoe Dell Lantis and bartender Bill Empey, 1938. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029-PIC, Carton P446, Folder: Lantis, Zoe Dell

And participates in the fitting for “America’s perfect foot”, with other contestants (left to right): June Wilson, Betty Knight, Thelma Eaton, Ann Smith, Jeanette Adams and Evelyn Lane.

Zoe Dell Lantis in America’s perfect foot contest, 1939. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029-PIC, Carton P446, Folder: Lantis, Zoe Dell

Fifteen years after the fair, in 1954, Zoe returns for the 15th birthday celebration. Posing with Captain R.S. Bertschy below, she looks as lovely as ever!

Zoe Dell Lantis and Captain R.S. Bertschy, 1954. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029-PIC, Carton P446, Folder: Lantis, Zoe Dell

Tigers and stingrays and ponies … oh my!

From miniature ponies at the circus, to photographing dolphins underwater, we have some more fantasic animal shots to share from the Examer’s print team!

Below, Robert Hayward, chief taxidermist of the British Museum, London, uses a dentist drill to prep a tiger’s tooth for an exhibit (1955).

Robert Hayward with tiger, 1955. International News Service photograph.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P339, Folder: Hayward, M – Z

Have an extra straw?

Nerice Moore with poodle, 1962. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P545, Folder: Moore, Nerice Fugate

Photographer Peter Stackpole makes a friend below (1965).

Peter Stackpole photographing dolphin, 1965. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P734, Folder: Stackpole, Peter and Mrs.

“Well, moo me down!” (Actual Examiner text.) Jackie McDonald, a Carnation queen at San Francisco’s Cow Palace, poses in this 1956 shot from the Grant National Livestock Exposition.

Jackie McDonald poses at the Cow Palace, 1956. San Francisco Examiner Photo.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P515, Folder: McDonald, J.

The photo below was taken in 1931, and is of Janet Ford, a screen player with two adorable circus ponies.

Janet Ford with circus ponies, 1931. International News Reel Photo, Los Angeles.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P253, Folder: Ford, Janet — All

The photo below is titled in its Examiner article “Hero of the Klondike.” The photo text reads “This famous huskie, Klondike Skipper, “mushed” alone through blizzards and drifts 85 miles into Dawson to summon aid for a United States mail carrier trapped in a storm. The dog, owned by Mrs. Estelle Gray Lhevinne of Alameda, will be a feature attraction at the dog show, which opens Saturday evening at the Oakland Auditorium.” This story ran in 1930.

Estelle Gray and her huskie Klondike, 1930. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P465, Folder: Lhevinne, Estelle Gray & son

Below, Emeryle McHale has won a trip to New York, having been judged the “finest outdoor girl in California” at the 21st Annual California Rodeo held in Salinas. McHale was chosen to reign as “sweetheart of the rodeo” and enjoyed a thrilling trip to Manhattan!

Emeryle McHale, 1932. International News Photo

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P520, Folder: McHale, Emeryle

Enjoy!

Here Comes the Sun

All this rain we’ve had lately makes me think about … swimming, of course! Today the sun emerged, and what better way to celebrate the vernal equinox than with a selection of bathing beauties, spanning the early decades of 20^th century Examiner photographs.

San Francisco natives will recognize the graphic on Al de Farrari’s classic swimming costume, the “winged O” of the Olympic Club. Founded in 1860, the Olympic Club bears the distinction of being the oldest athletic club in the United States. Mr. de Farrari does the Olympic Club justice!

Al de Farrari, 1925. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P158, Folder: de Farrari, A – Z

Here we see a couple of Mr. de Farrari’s clubmates participating in the 1928 New Year’s day run and swim, presumably at Ocean Beach (although that water looks pretty calm). San Francisco lawyer William F. Humphrey served as president of the Olympic Club for 46 years.

L-R: Robert McArthur and William F. Humphrey. 1928. No photographer attributed

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P373, Folder: Humphrey, William F.

Pictured below is Joan Fore, an 18-year-old Sebastopol girl vying for the title of  “Queen of the Golden Gate.” 1937 marked the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge, roundly celebrated with a weeklong extravaganza called the Golden Gate Bridge Fiesta. And what bridge opening would be complete without a beauty pageant?

Joan Fore on the Sonoma County coast, candidate for Queen of the Golden Gate Bridge Fiesta. 1937. No photographer attributed.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P254, Folder: Fore – Forf

Speaking of beauty pageants, here we see three hopefuls for the title of Miss California, 1945. It appears that Polly Ellis, the classic California blonde in the middle, won the day despite (or perhaps because of) her more conservative one-piece attire.

L-R: Pat O'Hara, Polly Ellis and Martha Clemons. 1945. International News Photo.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P213, Folder: Ellis, Polly

Well, maybe not so conservative when viewed in a different light –

Polly Ellis en route to Atlantic City, where she will compete for the title of Miss America. 1945. International News Photo.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P213, Folder: Ellis, Polly

The Golden Gate International Exposition had its share of fleshy attractions, including the wildly popular “Billy Rose’s Aquacade.” Aquabelle Marie Martel exudes sophistication while perched atop her inflatable mount!

Marie Martel in Aquacade, water beauty pageant at the Fair. 1940. Photographer's credit obscured.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P501, Folder: Martel, A – Z

These small charmers grew up to be springboard diving champions a few years beyond the date of this picture. Could you have guessed that from their posture? Diving competitions and beauty queen contests – don’t underestimate the importance of the bathing suit.

L-R: Hoerger sisters Mary (2 years old), Helen (4), and Ruth (6). International News Photo, 1935.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P358, Folder: Hoerger, A – Z

Rain Maker from Glendale, California

This morning we had some showers in Berkeley, CA, that were much appreciated. But what if it were your job to make the rain? Charles M. Hatfield from Glendale, CA, had just that job! According to the Examiner, Mr. Hatfield asserts that he can produce rain by releasing chemicals into the atmosphere from 24-foot towers. He claimed to have successfully filled “scores” of contracts in Italy, Alaska and Honduras.

Also according to the Examiner caption, in 1916 the Morena Dam, which supplied water to San Diego, CA, was dangerously low. Charles Hatfield was called in … he remembers that he brought about a downpour, but couldn’t stop it! He later sued for the $10,000 he was contracted for, but San Diego brought counter action against him for bringing a dangerous flood.

Charles M. Hatfield. Not dated. International Newsreel.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P623, Folder: Hatfield, Charles M.

In the photograph below from 1924, Charles Hatfield explains his contract to an Examiner representative, in which Mr. Hatfield is offered $8,000 for producing 2 inches of rain.

Charles M. Hatfield, 1924. Photographer: Amois DuBois

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P623, Folder: Hatfield, Charles M.

In the below photo from 1931, is Hatfield, who has been offered a contract to produce rain in the San Bernardino Mountains. A Chamber of Commerce organization said it would give him $10,000 if he could raise the level of the Big Bear Lake twenty-nine feet.

Charles M. Hatfield, 1931. Associated Press Photo.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P623, Folder: Hatfield, Charles M.

The below photo from 1937 shows Mr. Hatfield with his fiance, Mrs. Martha Priester MoLain, his school-mate from forty years prior. The Examiner caption says they will be married the following day.

Charles M. Hatfield & Mrs. Martha Priester MoLain, 1937. Wide World Photos.

BANC PIC 2006.029–PIC, Carton: P623, Folder: Hatfield, Charles M.