Exterior of C.C. Mellinger Co. Funeral Home. TPL-2430. Photograph ordered by Wally Stabbert to show "Quick Brik" building materials. The colonial style funeral home was built in 1909 and designed by Heath & Twichell, Architects. The adjoining Memorial Chapel was built in 1945 and designed by Earl N. Dugan, Architect. The family owned funeral home was operated by James J. Mellinger, president, his wife Ann as vice president and Martha Mellinger as treasurer.

Morgues & mortuaries--Tacoma; Undertaking--Tacoma; C.C. Mellinger Funeral Directors (Tacoma);

A shining black hearse from the Allen Motor Co. was parked in front of the Mellinger funeral home on April 17, 1931. A black-clad driver is waiting patiently at the wheel of the sleek Studebaker. The C.C. Mellinger Co. colonial-styled mortuary, located at 510 Tacoma Avenue South, was built in 1909 for $65,000 by noted architects Heath & Twichell. The firm was established by Ohio native Charles C. Mellinger who first began on a small scale in Tacoma in 1897. The company grew quickly to become one of the largest in the city. G26.1-135; TPL-1743 Hunt: "Charles C. Mellinger," History of Tacoma, p. 580-582)

C.C. Mellinger Funeral Directors (Tacoma); Morgues & mortuaries--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hearses--Tacoma--1930-1940; Studebaker automobile;

A long line of Civil Defense vehicles parked on Tacoma Ave. So. in front of the Mellinger Company Funeral Home and the Florence Apartments were captured on film during the March 21, 1943 Civil Defense drill. The ambulances belonged to a medical team from Fort Lewis that was assigned to Tacoma in the case of an emergency, such as a bombing.

World War, 1939-1945--Ambulances--Tacoma; Morgues & mortuaries--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma;

Nearly the entire Tacoma police department turned out for the funeral of Vincent J. Hansen held on November 27, 1946 at the C.C. Mellinger Company mortuary, 510 Tacoma Avenue South. The 35 year old patrolman's death was caused by a kidney ailment resulting from yellow fever which he contracted while fighting overseas during WWII. He served 5 years in the army before he and his family moved to Tacoma. He joined the police force in November 1945 and was recently assigned to the motor division. (T.Times, 11/29/1946, p.5) TPL-9601

C.C. Mellinger Funeral Directors (Tacoma); Funerary facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Funeral rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Death--Tacoma; Tacoma Police Department (Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Motorcycles--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Exterior view of C. C. Mellinger Company funeral home showing Mutual Fir Column Company's Ionic columns used on pedimented Colonial-style building with large steeple tower. Photograph was taken on December 3, 1951.

C.C. Mellinger Funeral Directors (Tacoma); Morgues & mortuaries--Tacoma;

Funeral services for August O. Cultum, aged 70, were held at the C.C. Mellinger Co. Funeral Home in November, 1951. Mr. Cultum had resided at 6470 South Sheridan Street. He passed away on November 15, 1951. Born in Renville, Minnesota, Mr. Cultum was a 63-year resident of Tacoma, and a employee of Metropolitan Park district. He is survived by three sons, three daughters and ten grandchildren. There were several large wreaths, primarily chrysanthemums, on display near the bier, as well as smaller potted plants. Sepia photograph ordered by Stewart Cultum. (TNT 11-16-51, p. 33)

Funeral rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Coffins; Wreaths--Tacoma; Cultum, August O.; Cultum, Stewart;