Informal portrait of L.T. Murray, Jr. Lowell Thomas Murray, Jr., was photographed in his office in July of 1978. He was the president of the Murray Pacific Corporation, encompassing the West Fork Timber Co., Pan Pacific Trading Co. and Pan Pacific International Corporation. His father, Lowell T. Murray, Sr., had founded West Fork Timber. It is not clear whether the man in the enlarged photograph near Mr. Murray was Mr. Murray Sr. or himself. The family had long been established in Lakewood where the elder Murrays had an extensive estate. "Tom" Murray was born in Tacoma on January 2, 1926. He attended the Taft School in Watertown, Conn., and graduated from Yale University in 1946. He had actual logging experience as a gandy dancer and chokerman for St. Regis Paper Co., worked on a high lead side for Ladd Logging and set dogs for Buffelen Lumber's sawmill. He continued his education at the University of Washington and obtained a Masters degree in forestry. He became executive vice-president of West Fork Timber Co. in 1954, and later assumed the presidency of the corporation. Photograph ordered by Murray Pacific Corporation. (Caterpillar Tractor Co.: Men of Timber, p. 77)

Murray, Lowell Thomas;

The newly selected Ms. Downtown Tacoma, Donna McNamara, receives a buss on the cheek from Stan Naccarato, master of ceremonies for the June 24, 1974, event held at O'Briens Restaurant. Representing the Bank of California, she is carrying a bouquet of long stemmed red roses. Ms. McNamara, 23, is a loan processor in the real estate department of Bank of California. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Woody Harter and married to Frederick McNamara. A graduate of Lincoln High School, she had danced with the Tacoma Civic Ballet and Ballet Tacoma. Ms. McNamara was chosen from nine other young women representing downtown Tacoma businesses. She would be making many public appearances at parades, ribbon cuttings, and grand openings during the next year. (TNT 6-17-74, B-2 article on contestants; TNT 6-25-74, A-14-article on Ms. McNamara)

Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1970-1980; McNamara, Donna; Naccarato, Stan;

Air conditioning duct work. An unidentified young worker in hard hat stands with his arms akimbo in front of the large air conditioning ducts at the newly completed Bank of Washington Plaza, 1201-23 Pacific Ave., on November 12, 1970. The air conditioning apparatus may have been placed on the building's 23rd floor. Photograph ordered by R.L. Purits Sheet Metal, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Air conditioners--Tacoma; Air conditioning industry--Tacoma;

Bank of Washington Plaza. Towering over its neighbors is the new Bank of Washington Plaza on 12th & Pacific in downtown Tacoma. The National Bank of Washington and Pacific National Bank had merged effective August 16, 1970. The bank's new name was the Pacific National Bank of Washington with headquarters in Seattle. The Tacoma headquarters would remain in the 24-story plaza tower shown above. Goodwin Chase, former Chrm. of the Board of (National) Bank of Washington, became the president of the consolidated bank. The highest tenant level of the Bank of Washington Plaza tower was actually the 22nd floor with air conditioning units and other service facilities on levels above. View of the Bank of Washington Plaza taken on February 23, 1971. Occupants peering through the nearly 2000 solar bronze windows would have sweeping views of Mount Rainier and the Tacoma landscape. Photograph ordered by Lennen & Newell-Pacific. (TNT 5-17-70, p. 1- article; TNT 8-17-70, p. 30 -article)

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;

Modern barber shop in the Bank of Washington Plaza. Portraits of four presidents overlook the customers of this modern barber shop in February of 1971. Walls are painted with bold stripes and checkered linoleum is found in the shop's work areas. A man reads a newspaper while he is waiting for his hair to be cut. Photograph ordered by Lennen & Newell-Pacific.

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Barbershops--Tacoma; Barbers--Tacoma;

Unidentified executive enjoying view of the Tacoma tideflats from his office in the new Bank of Washington Plaza on February 23, 1971. His desk is placed next to one of the many bronze windows of the 24-story tower. Photograph ordered by Lennen & Newell-Pacific.

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Windows--Tacoma--1970-1980;

O'Brien's Restaurant. O'Brien's Restaurant is crowded on February 23, 1971, as people enjoy fine dining in the oak-paneled and red brocade room . The ceiling is covered with small light bulbs, creating an image of a star-filled sky. In addition, the restaurant was illuminated at night from the glow of the courtyard and fountain directly outside. O'Brien's was located below street level in the Bank of Washington Plaza complex. There was room for 125 diners and the adjacent bar held 92 customers. Dave Porter, singer-guitarist, was appearing in the restaurant's lounge at this time. Photograph ordered by Lennen & Newell-Pacific. (TNT 11-1-70, A-16 - Emily Walker's column)

O'Brien's Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Eating & drinking--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Bank of Washington Plaza. Diners are pictured leaving the new O'Brien's restaurant located below street level in the Bank of Washington Plaza complex on February 23, 1971. People could use the large curving staircase to journey from the tower building to the restaurant and shops located beneath. A large circular fountain added to the peaceful view. Photograph ordered by Lennen & Newell-Pacific.

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Fountains--Tacoma; Stairways--Tacoma--1970-1980; O'Brien's Restaurant (Tacoma);

Circular fountain at the Bank of Washington Plaza. Diners at the new O'Brien's restaurant have a lovely view of the large fountain and courtyard outside their floor-to-ceiling windows. A spiral staircase leads from the street level down to the fountain and restaurant. The fountain is illuminated at night. Photograph ordered by Lennen & Newell-Pacific. (TNT 11-1-70-, A-16 - Emily Walker column)

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Fountains--Tacoma; O'Brien's Restaurant (Tacoma);

Bank of Washington Plaza with no visible exterior signage. Sunlight reflects off the multitude of bronze windows in the new Bank of Washington Plaza at 12th & Pacific. An unusual part of the building complex is the large fountain accessible by curving stairs beneath the level of the actual tower. Seven trees are planted in the concrete surrounding the fountain space. The 24-story Bank of Washington Plaza was dedicated on January 9, 1971.

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Fountains--Tacoma; Stairways--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Bank of Washington Plaza dedication. Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston (center) smiles as he mingles with some of the 300 guests at the January 9, 1971, formal dedication of the Bank of Washington Plaza. Governor Dan Evans was also in attendance and helped to officially "open" the 24-story bank tower. Color photograph ordered by Pacific National Bank of Washington. (TNT 1-10-71, A-1- article)

Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Evans, Johnston, Gordon N.; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Bank of Washington Plaza dedication. The Clan Gordon Pipe Band was a staple in various parades in the local area; on January 9, 1971, they marched to a different venue, up the escalator in the 24-story Bank of Washington Plaza tower. The building was dedicated after nearly two years of construction. Founded in 1955 with help from the Clan Gordon Lodge of Scottish Clans, and first limited to Scottish males, the Clan Gordon Pipe Band is still active in the 21st century and successful in spreading enjoyment of Scottish music to Northwesterners. Color photograph ordered by the Pacific National Bank of Washington. (www.clangordonpipeband.org)

Clan Gordon Pipe Band; Bagpipes; Kilts; Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma);

Bank of Washington Plaza dedication. Cameras flashed and the crowd peered in as Governor Dan Evans (center in dark suit) and Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston (in brown suit) jointly officiated in the formal dedication of the Bank of Washington Plaza on January 9, 1971. The 24-story building was the first major highrise constructed in downtown Tacoma in 40 years. Nearly 400 employees of the merged staff of National Bank of Washington and Pacific National Bank (now called Pacific National Bank of Washington) had already moved into the tower in mid-December. Formal dedication ceremonies were postponed until January 9th to allow for completion of construction and removal of debris. Color photograph ordered by Pacific National Bank of Washington. (TNT 12-13-70, p. 1- article; TNT 1-10-71, A-1 - article)

Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Banks--Tacoma; Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Evans, Daniel J., 1925-; Governors; Johnston, Gordon N.; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Scissors & shears;

Bank of Washington Plaza dedication. Formal dedication ceremonies were held on January 9, 1971, for the massive new skyscraper, the Bank of Washington Plaza, 1201-23 Pacific Avenue. Providing entertainment was the Clan Gordon Pipe Band whose bagpipes and drums resonanted throughout the floors. Color photograph ordered by Pacific National Bank of Washington.

Clan Gordon Pipe Band; Bagpipes; Drums--Tacoma; Kilts; Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma);

Bank of Washington Plaza dedication. Governor Dan Evans wields the giant gold scissors as he snips the white ribbon officially opening the Bank of Washington Plaza on January 9, 1971. Tacoma Mayor Gordon N. Johnston, in brown suit, moves in to assist him. Governor Evans and other dignitaries had arrived for the event in a National Guard helicopter that landed on the 24-story tower's helipad. Color photograph ordered by Pacific National Bank of Washington. (TNT 1-10-71, A-1 - article)

Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Evans, Daniel J., 1925-; Governors; Johnston, Gordon N.; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Scissors & shears;

Bank of Washington Plaza dedication. Military and civic leaders joined Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston in celebrating the official dedication of the Bank of Washington Plaza on January 9, 1971. It was the major highrise built in downtown Tacoma in 40 years. The bank would occupy the first 12 floors leaving room for other offices on the upper levels. Underground parking would be provided. Color photograph ordered by Pacific National Bank of Washington. (TNT 1-10-71, A-1-article; TNT 12-13-70, p. 1-article)

Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Johnston, Gordon N.; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Bank of Washington Plaza dedication. Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston addresses the crowd of approximately 300 people celebrating the official dedication of the Bank of Washington Plaza on January 9, 1971. There is plenty of room in the red carpeted lobby for the men, women and children awaiting the snipping of the white ribbon. Color photograph ordered by Pacific National Bank of Washington. (TNT 1-10-71, A-1-article)

Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Johnston, Gordon N.; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980;

An unidentified couple is shown entering O'Brien's in April of 1971. The restaurant, located on the fountain level of the new Bank of Washington Plaza, opened on February 1, 1971. It was built in a semi-circle around the plaza's fountain and accessible by the curving staircase shown above and also through the bank tower. Photograph ordered by Ballard & Cannon, Inc.

O'Brien's Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fountains--Tacoma;

O'Brien's Restaurant, operated by Jim O'Brien, opened in early 1971 in the Bank of Washington Plaza complex at 1201-23 Pacific Avenue. Six of the restaurant's waitresses dressed in shimmering outfits and glossy shoes posed for a group portrait on January 29, 1971. At far left with her long hair pinned up is Carol Clark (now Yokes). The lady fourth from the right is Edreane Anderson, and the lady second from the right is her sister, Brynda Frazier, both graduates from Lincoln High School. According to a reader, owner Jim O'Brien had scouts out searching for the perfect women for his new restaurant. These six women were handpicked by him out of 200 applicants. Miss Clark had been waitressing at the Top of the Ocean when discovered. O'Brien's Restaurant was located below street level, accessible by a curving staircase and illuminated by the glow of a large fountain. Photograph ordered by O'Brien's Restaurant. Additional info provided by Ms. Frazier's daughter.

O'Brien's Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Waitresses--Tacoma--1970-1980; Clark, Carol; Yokes, Carol;

Bank of Washington Plaza Building. The staff and management of Pacific National Bank of Washington stand before the brand new 24-story Bank of Washington Plaza tower in late December of 1970. Although the building would not be formally dedicated until January 9, 1971, staff had already moved into their new home. The Pacific National Bank of Washington was created in 1970 with the merger of Tacoma's National Bank of Washington, who had begun construction of the plaza, and Seattle's Pacific National Bank. This photograph was used for a full page ad in the News Tribune on January 7, 1971, inviting one and all to attend the official dedication of the new skyscraper in two days. The address listed for the plaza was One Washington Plaza. Photograph ordered by Pacific National Bank of Washington. (TNT ad 1-7-71, D-1)

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;

On October 13, 1970 a photographer from the Richards Studio leaned out of an unfinished window of the Bank of Washington building at 1201-23 Pacific Avenue and captured this abstract image of the plaza below. The spiral at top center is the unfinished staircase that when completed would lead to the fountain, restaurant and shops that were planned for the lower level of the plaza. The small circles that surround half of the spiral were designated to hold trees. On the lower edge, two men are working on a scaffold suspended from the side of the building. The plaza became Wells Fargo Plaza in 1997. (Photograph ordered by Labor Advocate Publishing Co.) TPL-9547

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Fountains--Tacoma; Stairways--Tacoma--1970-1980;

The chef at O'Brien's Restaurant prepares to slice a large, luscious roast for several admiring guests on January 29, 1971. Owner Jim O'Brien, a former bailbondsman, had hosted a special sneak preview that evening. The restaurant would open officially in a few days; it was located in the Bank of Washington Plaza, at the foot of the curving staircase. Photograph ordered by O'Brien's Restaurant. (TNT 1-28-71, A-2 - "Faces & Places" column- article)

O'Brien's Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Cooks;

Bank of Washington Plaza. Pacific National Bank of Washington wished its customers, and all of Tacoma, happy holiday greetings from its recently completed Bank of Washington Plaza, 1201-23 Pacific Ave., in December of 1970. Sparkling red bulbs in the windows of two of the upper floors spelled out "Merry Christmas." Tacoma's National Bank of Washington and Seattle's Pacific National Bank had merged effective August 16, 1970, to create the Pacific National Bank of Washington with headquarters in Seattle. The Bank of Washington Plaza in downtown Tacoma would become the Tacoma headquarters. With assets over 700 million dollars, the new merged bank would have over 1800 employees and 60 branches. The Pacific National Bank of Washington would formally open its doors in Tacoma on Monday, December 14, 1970. (TNT 8-17-70, p. 30 - article; TNT 12-9-70 - article) Color photograph ordered by the public relations department, Pacific National Bank of Washington.

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Electric signs--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Honoree Leonard C. "Bud" Merta (center with boutonniere) poses with family and guests on May 11, 1971. Mr. Merta had just received the "State Small Businessman of the Year Award for 1971" from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Pictured along with Mr. Merta is Pacific National Bank of Washington president Goodwin Chase (extreme left). Pacific National Bank of Washington had nominated Mr. Merta for the state award. Mr. Merta was from Chehalis and president of Moduline Industries, Inc., the state's largest manufacturer of mobile homes. In 1970 the company had produced and sold more than 1500 homes. Moduline Industries employed 225 workers and had a payroll of more than $1,700,000. Photograph ordered by Jay Rockey Public Relations, Portland. (TNT 5-12-71, A-7)

Awards; Merta, Leonard C.; Chase, Goodwin;

Chehalis businessman Leonard C. "Bud" Merta was presented the "State Small Businessman of the Year Award for 1971" on May 11, 1971 at ceremonies held in the Pacific National Bank of Washington Plaza building. The award was from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Mr. Merta is shown above on the left receiving the award from William Strickland, acting director of the SBA's Seattle regional office. Mr. Merta is the president of Moduline Industries, the state's largest manufacturer of mobile homes. Photograph ordered by Jay Rockey Public Relations, Portland. (TNT 5-12-71, A-7)

Awards; Merta, Leonard C.; Strickland, William;

Doing some exterior touch-up work high above street level are employees of Dunkin & Bush Painting, Inc. of Seattle. The men are working on scaffolding attached to the multi-storied Pacific National Bank of Washington building which had opened for business a few short months before. The workers are more than three-fourths the way up the 22+ story structure. Color photograph ordered by Dunkin & Bush Painting, Inc., industrial contractors.

Painting--Tacoma--1970-1980; Scaffolding--Tacoma; Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;

Eleven men and women posed on the winding staircase next to the large fountain outside O'Brien's Restaurant, 1201-23 Pacific Ave., on May 26, 1972. They are believed to be the staff of General Motors Acceptance Corporation, an automobile finance company located at 1004 South "K." (now Martin Luther King Jr. Way) Photograph ordered by General Motors Acceptance Corporation.

Group portraits; Fountains--Tacoma; Stairways--Tacoma;

The three women above were honored by the Women's Traffic Club of Tacoma on May 16, 1972 at O'Brien's Restaurant. Mary Osterberg of the Union Pacific Railroad (r) and Gloria Lazzari (l) display trophies commending them as "Transportation Woman of the Year" for 1971 and 1972. Ms. Lazzari also wore a medallion with wording "World's Greatest Traffic Manager." The woman in the middle has not been identified. Photograph ordered by Women's Traffic Club of Tacoma.

Women's Traffic & Transportation Club (Tacoma); Awards; Osterberg, Mary; Lazzari, Gloria;

Miss Downtown Tacoma. A beaming Cherie Scalf was selected as the first Miss Downtown Tacoma on February 12, 1973, during ceremonies occuring at O'Brien's Restaurant, 1201-23 Pacific Ave. She represented Pacific Northwest Bell. Miss Scalf works in the public relations department of the phone company as a service representative. As Miss Downtown Tacoma, she will attend grand openings, building dedications and special promotions in the downtown area. The 25-year-old is a graduate of Springfield High School in Oregon and attended Eugene Bible School. Miss Scalf is holding a bouquet of roses and a square silver tray from Dahnken's. Photograph ordered by the Downtown Tacoma Association. (TNT 2-13-73, p. 6)

Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Scalf, Cherie M.;

October 20, 1969, progress photograph on the construction of the new (National) Bank of Washington plaza at 12th & Pacific Ave. Heavy duty cranes are being employed to position rebar reinforcing columns for the walls of the new floors being built at the site. Once completed, the new bank building will be the tallest structure in Tacoma, passing its neighbor, the Puget Sound National Bank, by several stories. Photograph ordered by Donald M. Drake Co., Portland, general contractor for the project.

Progress photographs; Building construction--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hoisting machinery; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;