Circa 1912.

Color display of screens. This plain white 3-part folding screen was on display at Schoenfeld's in February, 1964. The towering screen was framed in light wood and would serve to provide a sense of privacy and separation to its owners. Folding screens, particularly the 3-piece variety, had become popular once more in the early 1960's. Photograph ordered by BC Sales Corp.

Screens--Tacoma; Showrooms--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Color display of screens. Screens served as room dividers and to sometimes shorten an elongated space. This was just one of several 3-piece screens from BC Sales Corp. on display at Schoenfeld's in downtown Tacoma on February 18, 1964. Unlike D140796-14C and D140796-15C, this screen did not appear easily movable. Brass poles fastened the screen to the ceiling and the floor and the screen was shorter in height than other folding kinds. Photograph ordered by BC Sales Corp.

Screens--Tacoma; Showrooms--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Color screens on display. The BC Sales Corp., 1746 No. 30th St., sought and received permission from Schoenfeld's to display a variety of 3-part folding screens on their premises in February, 1964. This particular screen is framed in dark wood and has a nature motif with butterflies and foliage. It blends well with the elegant lamp and desk on display and serves as a separation point from the bedroom furniture in the next room. The BC corporation manufactured screens in the $75-100 range that were sold in department stores nationwide. Photograph ordered by BC Sales Corp. (TNT 6-20-65, B-6)

Screens--Tacoma; Showrooms--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Window display at Schoenfelds of the Davy Crockett bedroom furniture group in "silver gulch" finish. The furniture was available in open stock on easy terms. Key pieces were the bunk beds, dressers and student desk. A Crockett coonskin cap is hanging from the hat stand to the right. Davy Crockett was a folklore hero who became a familiar name to the children of the fifties through the popular ballad and the Disney television production. In the summer of 1955, the Disney feature length film starring Fess Parker was making the rounds of the movie theatres. Coonskin caps were the fashionable headgear for fans, causing a shortage of small animal furs. In fact, the "King of the Wild Frontier" was the champion retailer of the fifties, with estimated sales of $300 million dollars worth of Crockett labelled merchandise in 1955.

L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Children's furniture; Furniture stores--Tacoma; Window displays--Tacoma;

Bold checkered linoleum highlights the selection of Frigidaire appliances at Schoenfeld's Furniture in September, 1954. The white stoves and refrigerators gleam when contrasted with the darker flooring. Schoenfeld's occupied a multi-level skyscraper so there was room enough for many displays without the customer feeling close and crowded. There was always much to choose from Schoenfeld's selections in a wide variety of prices and styles.

L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Appliances;

In September of 1954, there was no doubt as to which business occupied 1423 Pacific Avenue--Schoenfeld's blazed their name in massive letters on both sides of the historic Sandberg Building. Owned by L. Schoenfeld & Sons, the furniture and home furnishings store was a downtown fixture for over ninety years. Brothers Herbert and Ralph Schoenfeld were the owners; they were the sons of Louis Schoenfeld who started the business in 1848. They offered the latest styles in furniture, appliances and home decoration. This photograph is of the exterior of the building showing new display windows and a brand new marquee extending the length of the building, including the new adjacent four story addition. Schoenfeld's finally closed its doors in November, 1996. The building was purchased and renovated by Total Renal Care in 1998; they later changed their name to DaVita. (TNT 9-12-54, B-2) TPL-6242

L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Furniture stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Drapery department- Schoenfeld's. Schoenfeld's carried a wide variety of draperies for the discerning homeowner. It was customary for homes to have window coverings, especially drapes, and Schoenfeld's made sure they had plenty to offer inquiring customers. They believed that "Windows are living pictures and deserve frames of beauty" as indicated by the wall motto. Schoenfeld's added a free instruction and workroom for the convenience of their customers in their new four-story addition adjacent to the original twelve story building. Schoenfeld's skyscraper was a landmark in downtown Tacoma for many years until the store's closing in 1996. (TNT 9-12-54, B-9)

L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Draperies;

Exterior-Schoenfeld's. The massive lettering on the Schoenfeld's exterior was visible from miles away. It drew customers from all over the region to shop at the store's spacious facilities. Schoenfeld's was located in the Sandberg Building at 1423 Pacific Avenue; designed by Western Engineering Co. and built by Peter Sandberg in 1907, the building was listed on the City Registry. Later in September, 1954, Schoenfeld's was to announce the grand opening of their Evergreen Auditorium on the fifth floor. It was to prove to be very popular as it was free to civic organizations. The auditorium would seat 200 people and had a complete kitchenette, tables, and powder room. (TNT 9-12-54, B-2)

L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Furniture stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Furniture department- Schoenfeld's. Schoenfeld's was a downtown fixture for ninety four years. L. Schoenfeld & Sons first opened up a store on S. 11th St. in 1902 before moving to the Sandberg Bldg. at 1423 Pacific Avenue in 1924. It occupied a 12-story skyscraper, the oldest reinforced concrete skyscraper on the West Coast. It seemed as if a customer could find anything in the home furnishings field at Schoenfeld's--sofas, chairs, appliances, draperies and televisions. View of sofas, dinettes, chairs and coffee tables; sofa in the foreground has a label stating that "the famous Kroehler" was ready for customers to sample and order. Kroehler four-piece ensembles were on sale for $177 during Schoenfeld's grand opening sale September 13-18, 1954, to celebrate the four story addition adjacent to the original twelve story building. Nearly all of the departments had been remodeled. Schoenfeld's finally closed its doors on November 25, 1996, and its enormous store lettering was eventually erased. (TNT 9-12-54, B-6)

L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Furniture stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Dinette sets were very popular in the 1940's and 50's. Schoenfeld's Furniture carried a wide selection of inexpensive kitchen furniture. Dinette sets were made out of chrome and generally had four chairs, with plastic covers, although some came with only two. Most popular shape appears to have been rectangular. Modern wrought iron styles were also becoming popular. Kitchen sets and televisions were located on the sixth floor close to the appliance section. (TNT 9-12-54, B-9)

L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Dining tables;

Television department-Schoenfeld's. Schoenfeld's was a downtown fixture for ninety-four years. Occupying the oldest reinforced concrete skyscraper on the West Coast, it had a well-known reputation for quality goods and service. There was always a wide selection of merchandise to choose from; view of television sets on display on the sixth floor. An August 26, 1954, News Tribune article mentioned that there were 362,000 black and white television sets in the Puget Sound region. Shoppers could certainly have purchased one of those sets from Schoenfeld's. (TNT 8-26-54, D-4)

L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Televisions--1950-1960;

Furniture department- Schoenfeld's. Schoenfeld's Furniture, formally known as L. Schoenfeld & Sons, occupied the Sandberg Bldg. on Pacific Avenue since 1924. The 12-story, 180 foot skyscraper was the oldest reinforced concrete skyscraper on the West Coast. It was designed by builder Peter Sandberg and Western Engineering Co., architects, to allow for a 24-story building. Schoenfeld's was well known for its quality furniture and appliances. View of elegant wing chairs and sofas; photograph taken on September 7, 1954. The period and contemporary upholstered furniture was placed in the new Design-For-Living Terrace located on the second floor. (TNT 9-12-54, B-6)

L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Furniture stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Chairs;

ca. 1979. Sign for one of Tacoma's oldest businesses, L. Schoenfeld & Sons, Inc. Furniture, 1423 Pacific. The furniture store did business for 94 years (1924- 1996) from this location in the Sandburg building. The building was built in 1907 and is on the City Registry.

L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Furniture stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Signs (Notices)--Tacoma;

Uniformed delivery drivers for L. Schoenfeld & Sons pose in front of their trucks in June of 1924. The man on the far right with white shirt, tie and overalls is George Bader, son of Adolf Bader founding member of Holy Rosary Parish. The men had recently been supplied with uniforms patterned after the military, including knee high boots. Customers were able to readily identify these Schoenfeld representatives. The home furnishings store had just moved to their new location in the remodeled Sandberg Building, 1423 Pacific Avenue, two months before. Schoenfeld's was proud of their new home: the public had been invited to inspect the new quarters on Tuesday, April 29, 1924, but there would be no sales the first day. The entire staff acted as guides to show visitors around the 12-story skyscraper and nothing was sold. Schoenfeld's would remain in the same location for the next 72 years before closing in November of 1996. The 12-story concrete building, with the Schoenfeld name blazed in multi-foot lettering, was a familiar sight for the thousands who traveled on Pacific Avenue throughout the years. Additional information provided by Mr. Bader's grandson, Mark. TPL-1875; G35.1-009 (TDL 7-20-24, A-9, alternate photograph)

L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); L. Schoenfeld & Sons--Employees; Uniforms; Home furnishing stores--Tacoma--1920-1930; Furniture stores--Tacoma--1920-1930; Trucks--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1933. Schoenfeld's Furniture, Toy Department. Advertising display. Studio setup of dolls, one a baby with layette. (WSHS)

Dolls; Furniture stores--Tacoma; Home furnishings stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma);

ca. 1933. Schoenfeld's Furniture, Toy Department. Electric Train set with station and tunnel. The area around the train has been whited out for advertising display purposes. Toy Department shelves, octagon columns of building with stenciled decoration at tops in background. (WSHS)

Model railroads; Toys; Furniture stores--Tacoma; Home furnishings stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma);

Schoenfeld's Furniture. Studio display of toys. Automobile service station model toy. (filed with Argentum)

Dictating machines; Toys; Furniture stores--Tacoma; Home furnishings stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma);

Schoenfeld's Furniture. Studio display of toys. Three dimensional painting kit and "Scotland Yard Detective Kit". (filed with Argentum)

Dictating machines; Toys; Furniture stores--Tacoma; Home furnishings stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma);

Schoenfeld's Furniture, China and Glassware department. (filed with Argentum)

Glassware; Tableware; Art objects; Furniture stores--Tacoma; Home furnishings stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma);

Schoenfeld's Furniture. Studio display of toys. Model of an airport with two circulating planes. (filed with Argentum)

Toys; Furniture stores--Tacoma; Home furnishings stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma);

Schoenfeld's Furniture. Studio display of toys. "Gilbert Fun with Electricity Set", Badminton Set. (filed with Argentum)

Toys; Furniture stores--Tacoma; Home furnishings stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma);

Schoenfeld's Furniture. Studio display of toys. Badminton set on the left and a doctor's kit on the right. (filed with Argentum)

Toys; Furniture stores--Tacoma; Home furnishings stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma);

Schoenfeld's Furniture. Studio display of toys. Archery and golf toy sets. (filed with Argentum)

Toys; Furniture stores--Tacoma; Home furnishings stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma);

Schoenfeld's Furniture, China and Glassware department. Shelves are crammed full of vases and other pottery. Photograph taken in November of 1938. (filed with Argentum)

Vases; Pottery--Tacoma; Art objects; Furniture stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Home furnishings stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma);

The Grandmothers' Club celebrated their third anniversary with a festive valentine tea at Schoenfeld's Evergreen Room. L-R, Mrs. Fremont Snyder, Doris (Mrs. C.A.) Sines, Adeline (Mrs. F.E.) Hoyt, Mrs. W.D. Pattison of Seattle and Zentha (Mrs. L.B.) Garff are ready to serve tea and coffee at the Grandmothers' Tea. Three of the women are wearing eyeglasses and they show the change in styles during the 1950's. All of the women are wearing hats. Ordered by the Tacoma News Tribune. (TNT, 2/16/1952, p.14)

Eyeglasses; Hats--1950-1960; Tea parties--Tacoma--1950-1960; Grandparents; Women--Tacoma--1950-1960; L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Sines, Doris; Hoyt, Adeline; Garff, Zentha; Grandmothers' Club (Tacoma);

Members of the Elks are shopping at Schoenfeld's toy department for their 1950 Stocking Fillers' party for underprivileged children. Rocking chairs, toy baby buggies, wagons and tricycles are displayed in front of them. Electric train sets are set up on the right and dolls and toy stoves are seen in the back.

Clubs--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1950-1960; Toys; Christmas presents; Christmas--Tacoma; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Tacoma Lodge No. 174 (Tacoma); L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma);

The theme of the 1950s is "progress". Using both the concept of "modern" and "progress" plywood signs cover the alterations being made to the Schoenfeld Building and announce what is in store for customers: "New storefront", "modernization" and the city-wide theme "Progressing with Tacoma". Viewing holes for sidewalk superintendents and the junior superintendents have been provided. Ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.

L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma)--Buildings; Furniture stores--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma; Barricades--Tacoma; Plywood; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);

L. Schoenfeld and Sons department store offered their customers one of the most modern home furnishings selection in Tacoma. The company was hosting an appliance demonstration for local Tacoma women. View of large group of women listening to a presentation on the latest washing machines and mangles.

Consumers--Tacoma; Women--Social life--1940-1950; Sales personnel--Tacoma; Appliance stores--Tacoma; Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Washing machines; Irons (Pressing); L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma);

Customers are viewing a mattress display at Schoenfelds. Banners advertising Simmons innerspring mattresses and hide-a-beds line the walls while stacks of mattresses are seen around the large showroom. Several models of hide-a-beds are seen on the floor. Ordered by Simmons Company, Mr. R.J. Rohwer.

Consumers--Tacoma; Sales personnel--Tacoma; Appliance stores--Tacoma; Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Sofas; Advertising--Tacoma--1950-1960;