ca. 1907. This view of the west side of the 5200 block of South Tacoma Way dates from about 1907. The Red Front Saloon stands on the extreme left with large signs that advertise full measures sold of Old Taylor, Sunny Brook, King Kentucky and Old Crow, all at reasonable prices. Furnished rooms and lodging could also be obtained upstairs at the Red Front. Other nearby businesses included a tobacco shop, the Mechanics Exchange, the brick Peter Leonard Block building and a rooming house. This block would later be the approximate site of Steve's Gay '90s Restaurant. The bar from the Red Front Saloon was relocated to Steve's. (Photograph ordered by Steve's.) TPL-4762, TPL-5709.

Red Front Saloon (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1900-1910; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1900-1910; Signs (Notices);

Bankruptcy sale. Merchandise from Stanley's Department Store, listed in the 1927 City Directory as 5241 South Union (now called South Tacoma Way), was moved across the street to 5244 South Union for a bankruptcy sale in October of 1927. The store had been operated by Stanley Gornicki. Shoppers were informed that it was a "genuine bankrupt sale" and the store was "sold by order of the court!" Items were clearly marked with sale prices. The L.O. Borish Co. department store had opened in Stanley's old location on October 8th. The building had been remodeled and refinished in stucco and a tile roof. Photograph ordered by the Better Business Bureau. G56.1-103; BU-13,853 (TNT 10-5-27, p. 6-article on Borish Department Store) TPL-10443

Stanley's Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1920-1930; Signs (Notices);

ca. 1910. Five mustached customers and the bartender at the well-stocked bar raise a toast in this circa 1910 photograph. This is believed to be the Red Front Saloon at 5244 South Tacoma Way, on the west side of the 5200 block. The gleaming bar would be later relocated to Steve's Gay '90s restaurant which was built on the approximate site of the block decades later. BU-15779 TPL-10435 (Morgan Collection, Box 95)

Red Front Saloon (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1910-1920; Bartenders--Tacoma--1910-1920; Eating & drinking--Tacoma--1910-1920;

ca. 1910. Peter Leonard and Francis J. O'Leary were the proprietors of the Red Front Saloon located at 5244 South Tacoma Way on the west side of the 5200 block. It is believed the men are standing at the entrance to the bar in this circa 1910 photograph. The other five men may have been customers or saloon employees. Even a curious dog has managed to turn his head to face the camera. The Red Front offered its customers pool and billiards as well as a wide array of wines, liquors and cigars. Furnished rooms and lodgings were available upstairs .

Red Front Saloon (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1910-1920; Eating & drinking facilities--Tacoma--1910-1920; Dogs--Tacoma--1910-1920;

ca. 1904. Interior of the Red Front Saloon, 5244 South Union (now South Tacoma Way), circa 1904. The saloon was located on the west side of the 5200 block of South Union. Besides the usual beer and other alcoholic beverages, the Red Front offered its clientele pool and billiards on at least three tables. The pool tables were covered up to prevent dust or spillage until wanted by customers.

Red Front Saloon (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1900-1910; Eating & drinking facilities--Tacoma--1900-1910; Billiards--Tacoma--1900-1910;