Exterior Lakewood Thriftway. The sleek modern lines of the Lakewood Thriftway supermarket were photographed on October 3, 1954. The flat overhanging roof jutting out from the concrete block building would provide protection from the weather for waiting customers . The Lakewood Thriftway would celebrate its grand opening October 7-9, 1954, with an impressive array of free gifts. Orchids, coffee, cake, ice cream, merry-go-round and pony rides would be provided free of charge. 7,500 different varieties of foods would be offered for sale in the 12,000 square foot store. Stan Engle was the co-owner and general manager of the new supermarket. Photograph ordered by the Condon Co., Inc., an advertising agency. (TNT 10-6-54, B-5)

Thriftway Food Stores (Lakewood); Grocery stores--Lakewood--1950-1960; Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Exterior shopping center. Lakewood was already a thriving community by 1954 as residents were starting to move from crowded urban areas to more open land in the suburbs. The Lakewood Thriftway supermarket was located in a small shopping center along with a Texaco gas station and Hamlin Cleaners. Built by the March Building Co., it was a concrete block contemporary styled building with a parking lot that would hold 300 cars. The supermarket would hold its grand opening October 7-9, 1954, with free entertainment and gifts for customers, including a performance by Cherokee Jack, merry-go-round and pony rides for children, free orchids, coffee, cake and ice cream plus free groceries. Lakewood Thriftway would offer soft background music played while the customers shopped and seven ultra-modern checkout stands. View of empty parking lot of shopping center with Texaco station to the left foreground and the dry cleaners and Thriftway to the rear. Photograph ordered by the Condon Co., Inc., possibly for advertising purposes. (TNT 10-6-54, B-5)

Thriftway Food Stores (Lakewood); Grocery stores--Lakewood--1950-1960; Signs (Notices); Automobile service stations--Lakewood--1950-1960; Hamlin Cleaners (Lakewood); Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);