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| Title | Daffodilians |
| Finding Aid Identifier | MS 62 |
| Finding Aid Title | Daffodilians [Daffodil Festival, Inc.; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival, Inc.] |
| Subject | finding aid; Daffodilians; Daffodil Festival; parade |
| Abstract | The Daffodil parade has been a colorful annual springtime event in Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Orting since 1934. |
| Biography | The Daffodil Festival began on April 6, 1926 when Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Orton were hosts to civic leaders from 125 towns in Western Washington. The Ortons lived in rural Sumner and opened up their home for a garden party. The garden party was arranged so the guests could see the many varieties of daffodils in bloom in and around their estate. After this first garden party, the event became an annual affair.
In 1934, "Parade" year came into being. Well-known Tacoma photographer and first secretary of the founding group, Lee Merrill, suggested that the daffodil blooms, which at that time were thrown away or used as fertilizer, be used instead as decoration for a Festival Parade. Automobiles were decorated with daffodils; bicycles followed in like fashion; and together, paraded through the city and neighboring Valley towns. The presence of a mounted contingent of riding horses in the area prompted their appearance each year to follow. The idea grew andpresently the Grand Floral Street Parade travels through four Pierce County communities on Parade Day - Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, and Orting. A parade has taken place every year since with the exception of the war years of 1943 – 1945.
The Festival Board of Directors was organized in 1934 to conduct the business of the Daffodil Festival that included putting on special Festival events and providing the financial base for Festival obligations. In 1965 a hosting group - the Daffodilians - was formed to act as the official hosting and visitation unit of the Daffodil Festival. In 1996, the two organizations merged into one and retained the name Daffodilians. The governing body of the Daffodilians, known as the Executive Board, consists of four elected officers and ten appointed vicepresidents.
The Daffodilians are responsible for conducting the business of the Daffodil Festival, putting on special Festival events and providing the financial base for Festival obligations. Other responsibilities are to welcome and host dignitaries and quests from other festivals, make visitations to other festivals, serve as escorts for the Queen and her court, as well as honor guard for the Queen and her float. In addition, the Daffodilians exert influence in the community to increase support and participation in the Festival.
The Daffodil Festival incorporates a variety of events including: Princess Selections, Royal Court Promenade, Queen's Coronation, Magnificent Mutt Show, Junior Parade, Queen's Luncheon, YMCA/Daffodil Fun Run, Grand Floral Street Parade, Daffodil Open Chess Tournament, Orting Pancake Breakfast, Marine Parade, Spring Fair - "The Little Puyallup", Daffodil Classic Bicycle Ride |
| Scope and Content | The Daffodil Festival records consist of an expansive compilation of documents spanning over 60 years of the Festival. The collection is arranged chronologically by year starting in 1934. Each year typically contains folders regarding photos, publicity, correspondence, and board minutes. Early years (30's – 40's) contain limited information concerning the Festival's board and organization. However, numerous news clippings and photos provide a view of the parade and royalty. Some limited correspondence also gives a glimpse of the logistical aspect of planning the parade and selecting a queen and court. Letters to/from the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce, princesses, and sponsors identify various dates, parade routes, and requirements.
Later years give a more complete picture of the Festival. Extensive photos of the parade and the queen and her court exist as well as board member information, budgets, actual expenses, correspondence to/from many active participants (as well as those Festival organizers wanted to be active), advertisements, programs, news clippings, information regarding Festival history, memberships, programs, and royalty.
The collection provides a fairly complete historical record on the Festival. The photos show different eras, styles, and views of society. Other information, such as budgets, correspondence, and news clippings also show the differences in the extent of organization required to coordinate an event of this magnitude. |
| Keywords | finding aid; Daffodilians; Daffodil Festival; parade |
| Inclusive Dates | 1934 - 1997; 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 |
| Restrictions | None |
| Volume | 10 linear feet |
| Accession number | 1998.8 |
| Num of Boxes | 13 |
| Electronic Publisher | Washington State Historical Society |
| Contributors | Washington State Historical Society |
| Object Type | text/pdf |
| Relation | http://research.washingtonhistory.org/collections/findingaids.aspx |
| Coverage | Tacoma, Orting, Pierce County, Washington |
| Rights | Property of the Washington State Historical Society – All Rights Reserved |
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