Photography

ELLEN M. BANNER / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Magna Payne, who will turn 99 on Tuesday, poses with daughter Penny Zingg for other family members and friends in the Arctic Club in downtown Seattle, a longtime private club that is now a hotel. Payne worked there as a waitress during World War II and was back with her family Sunday to celebrate her birthday. The Arctic Club, 700 Third Ave, is best known for the terra cotta walruses on the outside and the fancy Northern Lights Dome Room inside. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Courtesy of Payne family

In this row of Arctic Club waitresses from 72 years ago, Magna Payne is center. She said the work wasn't too hard because busboys brought food to tables.

ELLEN M. BANNER / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Magna Payne listens as son Ronald offers a birthday toast Sunday afternoon at the Arctic Club.