• Black and white photograph aerial view of the downtown Tacoma business district. The 11th Street Bridge (now called the Murray Morgan Bridge) is in the upper right of the card, and Fisher's Department Store is in the middle, just below center. circa 1940.
• Printed on front: Tacoma, Wash.

• Colorized photograph aerial view of the downtown Tacoma business district. The 11th Street Bridge (now called the Murray Morgan Bridge) is in the upper right of the card, and Fisher's Department Store is in the middle, just below center. circa 1940.
• Printed on front: Tacoma, Washington

Circa 1910.

Fisher's Department Store, 1104 Broadway. Crowd outside Fisher's store in June of 1931. Vaudeville act in window. Girls in costume, with trumpets, standing on marquee of store. Photo for Fox Broadway Theater. Bowen # 310-240a

Fisher's Department Store, 1104 Broadway. Photograph of crowd several feet deep outside Fisher's store in June of 1931. Vaudeville act in window. Girls in costume, with trumpets, stand on store marquee. Photo for Fox Broadway Theater Bowen # 310-2406

View of window display at Fisher's Department Store; the display features modern "Morton and Kelvinator" kitchen appliances and cabinets, with a female mannequin on right side. "Morton" pantryettes and kitchen cabinets are along the walls of the display; "Kelvinator" range, freezer, double kitchen sink and refrigerator help give this kitchen all of the modern conveniences.

Department stores--Tacoma; Cupboards--Tacoma; Kitchens--Tacoma--1940-1950; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Window displays; Appliances; Appliance stores--Tacoma; Mannequins; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

ca. 1910. Originally advertised as the "Great White Store on C Street", the five-story Stone-Fisher Department Store, at the corner of South 11th and Broadway, opened in February, 1906. This photograph from around 1910 shows the building's original facade as designed by Frederick Heath, with tall plate glass windows that could be protected by a giant roll-down awning. In the 1920s a seven-story addition was added to the building, and in 1925 the name was changed to Fisher Company. One of the most popular, and most successful of Tacoma's many department stores, Fisher's spent $500,000 in 1947 to remodel and modernize, including new fixtures in all departments. In 1952 Fisher's was taken over by The Bon Marche, and in 1964 it closed when The Bon moved to the Tacoma Mall. TPL-9913

Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1910-1920; Facades--Tacoma--1900-1910;

Stores began gearing up for the Christmas shopping season as early as November, even in the 1950's. The Bon Marche set up a Christmas display on its sixth floor where a jolly Santa extends a beribboned gift. Dolls, including a smiling clown, dump trucks, and an electric football game await holiday browsers. Wrapped gifts are positioned under gilded bells to tantalize the curious. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche.

Christmas--Tacoma; Christmas presents; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bon Marche (Tacoma);

This photograph shows the massive multi-storied Bon Marche downtown store, at 1104 Broadway, as it appeared in 1955. The upper portion of the facade included brick and Tenino sandstone and marble facing with metal canopy on the lower section. The structure was built in 1905 by the Cornell Brothers, contractors, for the Fisher Department Store and had been designed by architect Frederick Heath. Fishers underwent a name change in 1952 and emerged as the Bon Marche, part of a chain of stores owned by Allied Stores. The Bon Marche remained in its downtown location until July, 1964, when it moved to the Tacoma Mall. The building remained empty for a while as renovations took place until Rainier Bank moved in during 1980. It is now home to Columbia Bank. Photograph ordered by Bon Marche. (Kipp: Tacoma Redivia, p. 67) TPL-9349

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Fishers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Facades--Tacoma--1950-1960;

John Keeler, managing director of the Bon Marche department store, accepts an office mural of the new Slenderella International Salon from Larry Mack, president of Slenderella, on January 17, 1956. Vice president of West Coast operations, Irene Ward, elegantly dressed in a fur wrap, stands between the two men. As its name hints, Slenderella was a weight reducing salon. It would soon open in downtown Tacoma on the sixth floor of the Bon Marche building and be managed by Mrs. Vera Jones. Although Slenderella had 100 stores worldwide, the Tacoma location would be the first in a western department store. Photograph ordered by News Tribune. (TNT 1-22-56, B-5)

Slenderella International, Inc. (Tacoma); Weight loss--Tacoma; Keeler, John; Mack, Larry; Ward, Irene;

In January of 1949, almost a year before Volkswagen introduced its Transporter (VW bus) to the world's press, people in Tacoma were viewing a strikingly similar vehicle, the Mustang "Teardrop," at Fisher's department store. Made by Mustang Engineering Corporation in Renton, the streamlined, aerodynamic vehicle featured a 4-cylinder Hercules rear engine, hydraulic 4-wheel brakes, swivel seats, split front window with dual windshield wipers, round Mustang logo, protective front bumper grill, and projecting driver's side mirror. Young Ronnie Warter, at the wheel, and passenger Elizabeth Fynboe envision what it would be like to take the Teardrop on the road with its cruising speed of 65 m.p.h. TPL-6191 (T. Times, 1/2/49, p. 6).

Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Prototypes; Mustang; Mustang Engineering Corp. (Renton); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Walter, Ronnie; Fynboe, Elizabeth;

Davis car at Fisher's, Times. Crowds formed all day to look over a stripped down model of a 3-wheeled 1949 Davis automobile outside Fisher's Department Store.The experimental automobile was for sale at $995. The sign above the vehicle announced that dealer franchises were available. This was the newest American automobile design in many decades although 3-wheeled automobiles were manufactured in England during the 1920's and 1930's. Designed by aircraft engineers and designers, it boasts new features including a removable top. Its top speed was 116 miles per hour. It had disc brakes. Gary Davis of Van Nuys, California, planned to manufacture and sell 40,000 of these automobiles in 1949. (T.Times, 1/23/1949, p.7)

Experimental automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Davis automobile; Department Stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Publicity;

On January 22, 1949, a crowd gathered on the first floor of Fisher's Department Store to view the cigar shaped 3-wheeled Davis automobile. The aluminum bodied Davis, manufactured by the Davis Motor Co. of Van Nuys, California, reportedly went faster, stopped quicker, turned shorter and burned less gasoline than almost any other automobile made in America. It was touted as the truly unique automobile of 1949. It was claimed that 50 cars a day would be rolling off the 1949 production line. However, only 15-17 of the automobiles were ever manufactured. Gary Davis, the company's founder, was investigated by the Los Angeles District Attorney's office for fraud and the factory was shut down at the end of 1948. It was estimated that $1,200,000 was raised by Mr. Davis based on his test models. He had sold over 300 franchises that were waiting for their first shipments. Gary Davis was found guilty of fraud. He had designed an excellent vehicle but lacked the business acumen to produce it. (T.Times, 1/23/1949, p.7 and Parade magazine, Davis Automobile Registry online at www.suarezweb.com/davis)

Experimental automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Davis automobile; Department Stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Publicity;

This photograph, taken on November 17, 1937, shows the Fisher's department store on the corner of 11th and Broadway. Designed by Frederick Heath, and built in 1905 by the Stone-Fisher Company, it was the home to Fisher's until they were taken over by the Bon Marche. The Bon Marche occupied the building from 1952 to 1964 when they moved to the Tacoma Mall. Today the main part of the building is occupied by the Columbia Bank-Broadway Plaza Branch. (T. Times)

Department stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Clothing stores--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

ca. 1926. Stone Fisher Company department store window featuring the "Big 3" electric washing machines with tanks "insulated to keep water hot". Exhibit includes wringer washing machine, galvanized wash tubs, a mangle, and wooden clothes dryer. (Filed with Argentum)

Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1920-1930; Washing machines--1920-1930;

Window display at Fisher's Department Store advertising Afifi Shrine Temple's third pilgrimage to China. The tour would be leaving Tacoma January 7, 1933. Illustrations including the Great Wall, Chinese clothing and accessories, model of sailing junk, mannequin in dress and coat beside globe.

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Window displays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

ca. 1934. Repairing windstorm damage at Fisher's Department Store circa 1934. (filed with Argentum)

Fishers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1930-1940;

One of the features of National Education Week in 1939 was a dressmaking class display inside a Fisher's Department Store window. Stadium High students Edrys Berg (at left) and Ruth Webb put finishing touches to an outfit credited to Phyllis Walters of Lincoln High School. Proud parents and curious customers were able to observe students in action behind the large glass-plate store windows. Students from elementary to senior high levels demonstrated skills and achievements, often in downtown store window displays, during November's National Education Week. (T. Times, 11-10-1939, p.18)

Students--Tacoma--1930-1940; Berg, Edrys; Webb, Ruth; Seamstresses; Window displays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Celebration. "Legion of 40 et 8" (World War I Veterans) mock jail and courtroom on flatbed truck parked in front of The Fisher Company store, July 1, 1940. Another scofflaw "faces the music" as he pays the penalty for not wearing a Celebration Hat. He will probably join fellow citizens "arrested" for disobeying the "law" in the make-shift pen. A large crowd casts amused looks at the good-natured foolery; this was part of the celebration surrounding the grand openings of both the (first) Narrows Bridge and McChord Field.

World War, 1914-1918--Veterans--Tacoma; Veterans organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Legion (Tacoma); 40 et 8 auxiliary (Tacoma);

Window display of raincoats at Fisher's Department Store in October of 1940. Mannequins wearing rubber slickers. Photograph ordered by the United States Rubber Co. White coats were recommended for the Northwest, so that wearers would stand out in the gloom.

Window displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mannequins; Clothing stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Raincoats; Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishers Department Store (Tacoma);

On April 17, 1943, the women of the Edward B. Rhodes Post American Legion Auxiliary stepped to the plate at Fisher's Department Store to do their part to raise money for the war loan drive. The national goal was to raise $13 billion. In two days, the women sold $2,525 in bonds and $209 in stamps. Pictured left to right are Lillian (Mrs. Wilfred) Burrows, Maude (Mrs. Ben) Overdahl, Maud (Mrs. Harold) Hofford and Mrs. George Allen. Mrs. Hofford stood inside a booth advertising "Buy War Stamps Here" and a poster of a woman and child with the caption, "For Their Future, Buy War Bonds." (T.Times, 4/21/1943, p.3- picture; TNT 4/21/1943, pg. 18-picture)

War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Group portraits--1940-1950; Burrows, Lillian; Overdahl, Maude; Hofford, Maud;

USO scrap books for Navy. United Service Organizations Travellers Aid Service sold scrap books at the Fisher Branch Public Library, they were asking individuals to purchase scrap books and help complete them. Once scrap books are completed they may be returned to USO, where they will be shipped and distributed. The Navy has already requested 1000 books. View of four unidentified women working on scrap books.

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Scrapbooks; Women--Arts & crafts;

Fisher's store corner window. Fisher's Department Store has been in Tacoma for 57 years, they have recently started a $500,000 expansion and modernization, which will help them serve their customers better. View of window display featuring Springtime fashions, swimsuits and vacation ideas. TPL-9669

Window displays; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Show windows--Tacoma; Bathing suits; Spring--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

Fisher's Department Store was featuring the "Kwan Yin" perfume line. View of Fisher's sales person and four unidentified individuals wearing Asian clothing for the "Kwan Yin" perfume display, including "Cairo" perfume. Photo ordered by O'Connell, Ragan and Richardson advertising company.

Perfumes; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Asian Americans--Clothing & dress--Tacoma;

For Mrs. Coors. Blanche Coors is president of the Ladies Musical Club and is the impresario of the winter season's programs of vocalists sponsored by the club. Blanche Coors is seen here at her desk located at Fisher's store handing tickets to Betty Fisher who has just bought tickets to the Strauss festival. (T.Times, 10/19/1946, p.7)

Coors, Blanche; Fisher, Berry; Ladies Musical Club (Tacoma); Ticket offices--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

Fisher's Department Store, fashion show. Fishers Department Store held a birthday party on May 3, 1947 for the 5th anniversary of Joan Miller's clothing collection. A young model stands by a column with a sign for "Junior World." The fashion show included boys from three of the local high schools as judges of the male-appeal of the dresses. (T.Times, 5/2/1947, p.3)

Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Posing;

Fisher's Department Store, fashion show. Fishers Department Store held a birthday party for the 5th anniversary of Joan Miller's clothing collection. The ten models stand together showing all the dresses from the Joan Miller collection included in the Saturday afternoon fashion show. (T.Times, 5/2/1947, p.3)

Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Posing;

Fisher's Department Store held a birthday party in May of 1947, for the 5th anniversary of the Joan Miller clothing collection. The party included a fashion show of Joan's newest and cutest sport and date fashions, a birthday cake and plenty of ice-cold Coca-Cola. The fashion show drew a large crowd of mostly teenage girls who admired outfits such as the $14.95 double-breasted jacket with stitched bib and full skirt with deep twin pockets worn by the unidentified model above. (T.Times, 5/2/1947, p.3-ad)

Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Posing;

Fisher's Department Store was featuring Johnson & Johnson baby products in their store window display. The window had a mannequin dressed as a nurse standing next to a baby bassinet. An infant scale, blankets and a stork poster all compliment the Johnson & Johnson products display, which includes: baby lotion, baby powder, baby oil and a baby gift pack. All items could be found on Fisher's second floor.

Mannequins; Department stores--Tacoma; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Window displays; Johnson & Johnson; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

Five young women modeled petticoats in March of 1948 for the "Petticoats Pay Off" fashion show at Fisher's Department Store, 1104 Broadway. Three of them have been identified as : (l-r) Marjie Joy Miller (later known as actress Marjie Millar), Barbara Michaelson (now Barbara Diamond) and Corinne Sule. Fisher's held a series of "Saturday Style Shows" on the store's 3rd Floor. The full page ad in the News Tribune declared: "Fisher's is ready with wonderful styles that have all the swish, the rustle, and come-hither that make petticoats so popular." The unidentified intimate apparel employee at the far right announced each model and style. (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Lingerie; Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Miller, Marjie Joy; Michaelson, Barbara; Sule, Corinne;