ca. 1890. The Arlington Hotel was an impressive sight on Pacific Avenue for forty years before its demolition in 1930. Built by Jim Dorsey with architectural plans by C. Langlois in 1889, the hotel was first listed as 2023 Pacific Avenue before its address was later changed to 1955 Pacific Avenue. The 3+ story structure was built primarily of wood and contained multiple windows. A sample room was installed for the benefit of traveling salesmen to show their wares. Imported and domestic wines, liquors and cigars were available for purchase. Some of the hotel's staff, including the bartender in long apron, and the hotel watchdog, posed at the front entrance in this circa 1890 photograph. (copy of original) Bi-Centennial Project # 75346-2; BU-11870

Arlington Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1890-1900;

Aftermath of truck accident on August 29, 1939 at the Goodrich Silvertown Stores, tire, battery and automobile service station. View from across street, showing station with "Holiday Sale" banner on front. Traffic officer supervises traffic for truck accident nearby. At approximately 3:30p.m., a six ton mach truck, driven by Greg Marion of Seattle, lost the use of his brakes on steep Pacific Ave. at about 32nd Street. The truck gained momentum down the steep slope, but driver Marion was able to steer the truck around surrounding vehicles. At around 21st and Pacific, his luck ran out. The truck grazed a Tacoma Grocery Co. truck, hit a fire hydrant hurling it 50 yards across the street, sent its back wheels through the Silvertown's plate glass office windows, uprooted a gas pump and, its momentum broken, came to rest in the street. Miraculously, only two people were injured and those only slightly. Driver Marion was unhurt. (T. Times 8/30/1939, pg. 1)

Goodrich Silvertown Stores (Tacoma); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Traffic accidents--Tacoma--1930-1940;

A man looks amazed at a large piece of shattered window glass at the Goodrich Silvertown Stores service station on August 29, 1939. The window was shattered by the free flying rear wheels of a 6 ton mach truck that had just careened down Pacific Avenue without brakes. The drive shaft of the truck, driven by Greg Marion of Seattle, tore loose, the engine stopped and the brakes went out about midway down long, steep Pacific Avenue at 32nd Street. The truck gained momentum, speeding down Pacific against the lights with Marion steering around vehicles in the heavy traffic and blowing the horn. At 21st and Pacific, the truck grazed a Tacoma Grocery Co. truck, hit a fire hydrant sending it flying 50 yards and demolishing a shed at Silvertown and sent its rear wheels through the plate glass office windows. Three men were in the office and only Bob Owens suffered a scratch on his cheek. The truck completely uprooted a gas pump and came to rest a few yards later. Miraculously, there were only two slight injuries. Driver Marion was shook up but unhurt. (T. Times 8/30/1939, pg. 1)

Goodrich Silvertown Stores (Tacoma); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Traffic accidents--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Bystanders observe traffic accident damage at the Goodrich Silvertown Stores, tire, battery and automobile service station on August 29, 1939. At about 3:30 p.m. on that date, a 6 ton mack truck carrying about 3 tons of groceries lost its drive shaft and brakes on the descent down steep Pacific Ave. at about 32nd Street. The truck gained momentum, flying down Pacific against the lights at about 60 mph with driver Greg Marion swerving to avoid cars and blowing his horn. Near Silvertown, the truck hit a fire hydrant, hurling it 50 yards and demolishing a shed in the center of the gas pump stand, uprooted a gas pump, sent its rear wheels through a plate glass window and came to rest a few yards later. Miraculously, only 2 people were hurt and none seriously. (T. Times 8/30/1939, pg. 1)

Goodrich Silvertown Stores (Tacoma); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Traffic accidents--Tacoma--1930-1940;

B.F. Goodrich Company, interior. This view shows displays of home goods, light bulbs, pressure cookers and outdoor athletic equipment. A sign at the back advertises convenient terms.

B.F. Goodrich Co. (Tacoma); Automobile equipment & supplies; Sporting goods; Stores & shops--Tacoma;

The exterior of the old B.F. Goodrich building. B.F. Goodrich moved to their new location at 707 Pacific Avenue in May 1950. Lloyd Suiter Tire Company had taken over this location by 1951. Lloyd Suiter had formerly been located at 2302 Pacific Avenue. Lloyd Suiter died in April 1949. Ted L. Fix served as president of the Lloyd Suiter Tire Company in 1951. Wesley Maitland served as secretary. Ordered by Lloyd Suiter Tire Company, Mrs. McGorran.

Commercial facilities--Tacoma; Lloyd Suiter Tire Co. (Tacoma); B.F. Goodrich Co. (Tacoma);