The foreman and crew of "erectors" for the Scandinavian-American Bank being built at 1019 Pacific Avenue were photographed during a pause in work in November of 1920. The erectors were responsible for raising the 32-ton beams and 60-foot steel columns into position. The 12 men were handpicked for their steady nerves, even tempers and ability to work as team players. The first two floors alone contained over 1,000 tons of steel. The planned 16 story building rose beam by beam until January of 1921 when the bank failed and construction was shut down. The building was eventually completed in 1925 for the Washington-California Co. and named the Washington Building. (TDL 11/14/1920, pg. B-7) BU-10760, Boland B 3244, TPL-9548

Scandinavian-American Bank (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930; Construction industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;

One of the "erectors" dangles high in the air in this November 1920 photograph, attaching chains and wires that will pull the 60 foot column into position at the Scandinavian-American Bank (now the Washington Building) construction site. The skeleton of the building was put together by the erectors, who were followed by the riveters. As designed, the building would ascend to 16 stories. Over 1,000 tons of steel were used in the first 2 floors alone. (TDL 11/14/1920, pg. B-7) BU 10, 756, Boland B 3212

Scandinavian-American Bank (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930; Construction industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;

The "erectors" get one of the massive 32 ton steel beams into position at the construction site of the Scandinavian-American Bank (later the Washington Building) in this November 1920 photograph. The beams were lifted into place by a pulley system and then rivetted. Because the main banking room, when completed, would be the largest open space on the Pacific Coast without a supporting pillar or post, the massive cross beams required specially designed lifting equipment. When completed, the room was to measure 60 feet frontage, 100 feet deep and 30 feet from floor to ceiling. However, construction was halted when the bank failed in 1921. The building was resold, redesigned and completed in 1925 as the Washington Building. (TDL 11/14/1920, pg. B-7) BU 10, 758, G17.1-122 TPL-9944

Scandinavian-American Bank (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930; Construction industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;

This photograph from November 1920 shows one of the huge 32 ton beams of the framework for the Scandinavian -American Bank nearing its resting place. The erectors stand on top of the beam, ready to secure it in position. The design for the bank called for 16 stories with 22 rooms per floor with 5,000 feet of rentable space. The 11th Street entrance would open on a 26 foot wide court with a huge colored glass dome forming the ceiling for the massive banking room below. The bank failed in January of 1921 and construction was halted. The building, after a re-design, was completed in 1925 and was renamed the Washington Building. (TDL 11/14/1920, pg. B-7) BU 10, 759, Boland B 3235

Scandinavian-American Bank (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930; Construction industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1925. The Washington Building under construction. Construction on the modern American skyscraper in downtown Tacoma began in 1919 for the Scandinavian American bank, but halted a couple of years later when the bank closed. The steel structure sat deserted until it was completed in 1925 for the Washington-California Co. and dedicated on June 29, 1925. At 17 stories, it was the second tallest building in the Northwest. (WSHS)

Washington Building (Tacoma); Office buildings--Tacoma--1920-1930; Business districts--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1925. Washington Building at 1019 Pacific Ave. and on the left, the Rust building at 950 Pacific Ave.The Washington Building was finished in 1925. At 17 stories, it was the second tallest building in the Northwest. The Rust building measures in at 12 stories. It is named after its builder William R. Rust. (WSHS-negative A695-0)

Washington Building (Tacoma); Rust Building (Tacoma);

ca. 1925. The new Washington Building had its Grand Opening in June of 1925. Construction of the building was begun in 1919 for the Scandinavian American Bank and halted in 1921 when the bank failed. It was completed in 1925 and was, at that time, the second tallest building in the Northwest. The main tenant at its opening was the Brotherhood Cooperative National Bank. The Cooperative Bank was the first of its kind in any Northwest City. Although it was part of the Brotherhood group of banks, strong in the eastern part of the country, the local bank had local supporters, management and share holders, many of them working men. It was approved by both the Federated Improvement Clubs of Tacoma and the labor unions. (TNT 6/30/1925, pg. 14)(WSHS)

Washington Building (Tacoma); Brotherhood Cooperative National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1925. Construction on the Washington Building started in 1919 for the Scandinavian- American Bank, but halted when the bank went bankrupt. The steel framework sat deserted until it was purchased by the Washington-California Co. In 1925, the building was completed. The steel framework was clothed in white terra cotta, which was glazed. It was fireproof. It had 1925 technologically superior Otis elevators, which could take visitors from the bottom to the top in 16 seconds. The building was completed with an investment of 1 1/2 million dollars. (TNT 6/30/1925, pg.1) (WSHS)

Washington Building (Tacoma); Office buildings--Tacoma--1920-1930; Business districts--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1925. The 17 story Washington Building near completion. The building was officially opened at the end of June, 1925. The ground floor was occupied by the Brotherhood Cooperative Bank, Theodore Knutson's cigar store, Henrietta McNerthney's Purity Pharmacy and the "Orange Bower," the first orange mill in Tacoma. The orange mill's specialty was fresh squeezed orange juice, that you could watch being processed by a machine. (TNT 6/30/1925, pg. 13)(WSHS)

Washington Building (Tacoma);

ca. 1925. Washington Building as completed. Started 1919 by the Scandinavian-American Bank, unfinished when bank failed. The steel framework was completed by a group established for that purpose, the Washington-California Co. Frederick Webber, Original Architect; Doyle and Merriam, Architects for completion. The Washington Building opened at the end of June in 1925. (WSHS & Argentum)

Washington Building (Tacoma);

ca. 1925. The Washington Building, 1019 Pacific Ave., under construction. This modern structure was originally designed by Frederick Webber in the style of the Chicago School for the Scandinavian American Bank. Construction began in 1919 and halted when the bank failed. It was completed in 1925 when the Washington-California Co. purchased the steel skeleton and completed the building. At 17 stories, it was the second tallest building in the Northwest. When it opened, it contained 350 office suites, including its main occupant, the Brotherhood Co-Operative National Bank. (WSHS) (TDL 6/28/1925, pg. 2B)

Washington Building (Tacoma); Business districts--Tacoma--1920-1930;

The top of the Washington Building tower, circa 1925. At 17 stories, almost everyone had to look up at this building, it was the second highest in the Northwest. The Washington Building was innovative in grouping its tenants by fields and making offices specific to those fields. The top floors were dedicated to doctors and medical offices. Some floors were huge open spaces on completion, for large concerns who would dictate where partitions would be placed. (TNT 6/30/1925, pg. 1) (WSHS)

Washington Building (Tacoma);

Washington Building under construction in April of 1925. Started 1919 by the Scandinavian-American Bank and left unfinished when the bank failed, the building was completed and opened in June of 1925. At 17 stories, it was one of the skycrapers changing the skyline of Tacoma. The building is of steel framework, completed with glazed white terra cotta. The investment in the building was 1 1/2 million dollars. (filed with Argentum)

Washington Building (Tacoma); Office buildings--Tacoma--1920-1930; Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1934. Washington Building. 17 story steel framed office building started by Scandinavian-American Bank in 1919, left unfinished when bank failed. Completed in 1925. Frederick Webber, Original Architect; Doyle and Merriam, Architects for Completion. (filed with Argentum)

Washington Building (Tacoma);

Tacoma Club. Facilities on 17th Floor of Washington Building. Hallway opening off elevators. Two mirror tables accent the walls between the three elevator doors. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Times for coverage of the Club's Grand Opening May 10, 1937. (WSHS)

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Interior of new facilities for The Tacoma Club on the 17th Floor of the Washington Building. President, John P. Weyerhaeuser, Jr. Dining room with cloth-covered tables and modern chairs. The Grand Opening for the new club was held May 10, 1937.

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Dining rooms--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Interior of the "Lounging Room" of the new Tacoma Club on the 17th Floor of the Washington Building. The Tacoma Club was the city's newest and most exclusive social club, catering to local business tycoons. Corner lounge with heavy, upholstered furniture, tables, lamps, and console radio. (WSHS)

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Game and card room at Tacoma's newest and most exclusive club, the Tacoma Club, located on the top floor of Washington Building. The Grand Opening for the Club's new quarters was held May 10, 1937. It was an invitation only event for members and their guests. Photograph is of the game room with several square game/card tables. Room features knotty pine paneling on structural columns and checker board patterned flooring. (WSHS) (T. Times 5/10/1937, pg. 1)

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940;

The Game and Card room at the Tacoma Club, located on the 17th Floor of Washington Building. Photographs were taken for coverage of the Club's Grand Opening May 10, 1937. Interior wall features glass block above knotty pine paneling. (WSHS) (T. Times 5/10/1937, pg. 1)

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940;

The "Lounging Room" at the Tacoma Club, located on the top floor of Washington Building. The Grand Opening for Tacoma's newest and most exclusive social club was held May 10, 1937. Lounge with sofa, upholstered chairs, desk, tables and lamps. (WSHS)

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Sam Perkins, left, and G. Herbert Raleigh, members of Tacoma's newest and most exclusive club- the "Tacoma Club," check over the furniture in the club's "lounging room" prior to the Grand Opening the evening of May 10, 1937. The Tacoma Club, located on the top floor of the Washington Building, was organized and incorporated in November, 1936. The original roster of members included leaders in lumber, retailing and manufacturing, banking, real estate, medical, and legal fields. S.A. "Sam" Perkins, newspaper publisher, was one of the first presidents of the club. George Herbert Raleigh was the manager of the Bank of California in 1937. (T.Times 5/10/1937, pg. 1; History of Pierce County, Vol. 3, p. 96)

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Perkins, S.A.; Raleigh, George Herbert;

Interior of the "Lounging Room" of the Tacoma Club on the 17th Floor of the Washington Building. This photograph was taken for publicity for the club's Grand Opening May 10, 1937. Lounge with sofa and upholstered chairs. (WSHS)

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Interior of the new facilities for The Tacoma Club, located on the 17th Floor of the Washington Building. The new, exclusive club had its Grand Opening on May 10, 1937. The first club President was John P. Weyerhaeuser, Jr. Picture of a hallway with open, arched doorways in Classical-style woodwork. The hallway leads to the Clubroom. (WSHS) (T.Times 5/10/1937, pg. 1)

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940;

The "Women's Lounge" at the new Tacoma Club on the top floor of the Washington Building. The Grand Opening for the new club, Tacoma' s most exclusive, was held the evening of May 10, 1937. J. P. Weyerhaeuser, Jr. was the club's first President. Corner lounge with sofa, upholstered chairs, tables and lamps. (WSHS) (T. Times 5/10/1937, pg. 1)

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Interior of new facilities for The Tacoma Club on the 17th Floor of the Washington Building. The Club, for business and professional men, opened in May of 1937. John P. Weyerhaeuser, Jr. was president. Bar with glass block wall shown in photograph. (WSHS)

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1938. Annie Wright Seminary, circa 1938. Luncheon in honor of seniors given by Joan Burnmister at the Tacoma Club. Approximately 30 women and girls seated around luncheon table. (filed with Argentum)

Private schools--Tacoma; Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--1930-1940; Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Students--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Gathering of men at the Tacoma Club in the Washington Building to celebrate Sam Perkins 73rd birthday. Group of men seated and standing around dinner table, Perkins far left; Mayor Smitley third from left.

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Perkins, S.A.--Commemoration; Birthday parties--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Sam Perkins, seated on the right, and three other men pose for a portrait to celebrate Perkin's 73rd birthday. The event was held at the Tacoma Club in the Washington Building. Mr. Perkins had a long and varied work history in Tacoma. Sam Perkins and W.P. Bonney were partners in a wholesale and retail drug business in the late 1880s- 1890s. They went out of business in the depression of the early 90's when customers dried up. Mr. Perkins became the secretary of Mark Hanna, chairman of the Republican election committee for William McKinley. After the election, Perkins stayed on with Hanna for a while. Mr. Perkins returned to Tacoma in the late 90's as the owner of the Tacoma Daily Ledger and the News. His party at the Tacoma Club was attended by over 100 of his friends and business associates. (T. Times 5/5/1938, pg. 1)

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Perkins, S.A.--Commemoration; Birthday parties--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Dinner at Tacoma Club for 73rd birthday of Sydney Albert "Sam" Perkins, local tycoon and former newspaper editor. The dinner was attended by over 100 of Mr. Perkins's friends and business associates. During his 50 years in Tacoma, he had served as the partner of W.P. Bonney in a wholesale and retail drug business, in Washington D.C. as the secretary of Mark Hanna and as owner of the Tacoma Daily Ledger and the News.

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Perkins, S.A.--Commemoration; Birthday parties--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Five men dressed in tuxedos pose for a portrait at Sam Perkins' 73rd birthday event held at the Tacoma Club.

Tacoma Club (Tacoma); Perkins, S.A.--Commemoration; Birthday parties--Tacoma--1930-1940;