• Prominently featured in this areial view are the 17 story Medical Arts Building (now the Municipal Building) and the Music Box Theater with the distictive turrets. circa 1940.
• Printed on front: Aerial view of Broadway and St. Helens Tacoma, Wash.

• Currently the Tacoma Municipal Building
• Printed on front: 9th Street, Tacoma, Wn

• Currently the Tacoma Municipal Building
• Printed on front: Medical and Dental Bldg, Tacoma, Wash.

Circa 1930.

Five women, believed to be employees of Pacific Northwest Bell, pose with Thanksgiving table decorations related to phone company functions on November 3, 1965. "Gabby the Gobbler," "Good-Service Pilgrims," and "Chief Sells" were all numbered. Photograph ordered by the Pacific Northwest Bell Co.

Telephone companies--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cut paper works; Table settings & decorations;

Telephones on display. A well-dressed woman gracefully extends a telephone for perusal in this May 31, 1962, photograph. The four phones, probably the Princess model, appear to be more streamlined than older, bulkier models. Photograph ordered by Pacific Northwest Bell for sales promotion in the company magazine.

Telephones; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Employees of the Tacoma Dental Lab are shown hard at work on March 12, 1957. Dental impressions can be seen in trays accompanied by charts. Lee Siler was listed as president of the firm according to the 1957 City Directory; it was located in the Medical Arts Building. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Dental Laboratory.

Tacoma Dental Laboratory (Tacoma); Molds (Shaping tools);

Different views of streets around the Medical Arts Building. This view is from the intersection of 9th and Market looking north. On the right are the Rialto Apartments, the Art Deco Medical Arts building, the parking entrance for Medical Arts, the new home office for United Pacific Insurance Co., the rear entrance of the Berk Apartments and further down the Webster Apartments. On the left hand side can be seen Bertucci & Morris Texaco gas station, the B&B Glass & Paint Co. and further down the brick facade of the YMCA.

Medical Arts Building (Tacoma); Health care facilities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Office buildings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Young Men's Christian Association (Tacoma); United Pacific Insurance Co. (Tacoma);

This is how the view from St. Helens and 7th looking south appeared in January of 1955. Looking right to left, are the Berk Apartments above Don Harter's Drycleaning, Landis Shoe Repair, Trovani's Junior Bootery, and Mousley's Cantilever Shoes, followed by the new United Pacific Insurance Co. Building, and the towering Medical Arts Building. In the distance, across South 9th Street, is the Music Box Theatre. The United Pacific Insurance Company building was built in 1954 and opened in January of 1955.

Commercial streets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Streets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Medical Arts Building (Tacoma); Health care facilities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Office buildings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Berk Apartments (Tacoma); United Pacific Insurance Co. (Tacoma);

Different views of streets around Medical Arts Building. The 17 story Art Deco building was built in 1930 & housed medical professionals. This photograph is looking south down Market St. From left to right are the rear of the Berk Apartments, the new home office for United Pacific Insurance Co., parking structure for the Medical Arts Bldg. and the Medical Arts building itself.

Medical Arts Building (Tacoma); Health care facilities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Office buildings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Berk Apartments (Tacoma); United Pacific Insurance Co. (Tacoma);

Interior-Medical Arts Building. The hallway is empty in this September 15, 1954, photograph of the Medical Arts Building lobby. Hanging lamps illuminate the ornate ceiling and marbled floors and walls . The Medical Arts Drugs Store entry is on the right facing the multiple bronze elevator doors. The Medical Arts building was a prime example of Art Deco architecture; it was designed and engineered by noted architect, John Graham, Sr. It was a new concept in medical care which called for a full service building in the central business district to handle all aspects of health care. Built of Romanite stone, it was 17 stories tall and was the tallest building in Tacoma at the time of construction in 1930. It is on all three registries--City, State and National. Photograph ordered by Comfort, Davis & Blangy. (Tacoma Rediviva, p. 79)

Medical Arts Building (Tacoma); Ceilings--Tacoma; Passageways--Tacoma--1950-1960;

On September 15, 1954, the real estate and insurance firm of Comfort, Davis & Blangy requested several photographs of the Saint Helens and Market St. business area. This photograph taken at South 7th and Saint Helens Ave.shows primarily the Medical Arts Building, partially completed United Pacific Insurance Co. addition, Mousley's Cantilever Shoes, Trovani's Jr. Bootery, Landis Shoe Repair, Don Harter's drycleaning and tailoring establishment with the Berk Apartments overhead. The Medical Arts Building, at 17 stories, looms over neighboring businesses.

Medical Arts Building (Tacoma); United Pacific Insurance Co. (Tacoma); Commercial streets--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior- Medical Arts Building. Originally known as the Rhodes Medical Arts Tower, the Medical Arts Building was designed by architect John Graham, Sr. with Heath, Gove & Bell, associate architects and completed in 1930. Built in the New York Art Deco style, the building had 17 stories and was 233 feet tall. It was a full-service health care facility in Tacoma's central business district. Occupants included physician offices, laboratories, pharmacy, library, coffee shop and auditorium. An attached garage with ramped connection provided much needed parking. There were two entrances to the Medical Arts Building, one on Market St. and the other on Saint Helens. United Pacific Insurance would purchase the building for its home offices in 1941 and later build a five-story addition next to the structure. The sixth floor would be remodeled for the Washington Minor Hospital in 1955. The City of Tacoma purchased the Medical Arts Building in 1977 as it needed additional office space and wanted to increase the downtown business core's economic base. It was subsequently renamed the Tacoma Municipal Building. Photograph taken on September 15, 1954, on behalf of Comfort, Davis & Blangy. (Tacoma Rediviva, p. 79)

Medical Arts Building (Tacoma); Parking garages--Tacoma;

Two employees of United Pacific Insurance Company at company headquarters in the Medical Arts Building examine data being printed probably involving policyholders on October 28, 1954. The man in the suit is pointing at a particular entry on the list while the other man observes. Three more employees are in the background possibly handling data entry cards. Photograph ordered by United Pacific Insurance.

United Pacific Insurance Co. (Tacoma); Insurance companies--Tacoma; Office workers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Machinery;

A variety of departments in the United Pacific Insurance Company were photographed in one day, October 28, 1954, as requested by the firm. Three employees appear to be determining the layout of a publication, perhaps the company magazine The Gryphon, as there is a large photograph, a drawing and text laid out on a desk. United Pacific had its headquarters in Tacoma in the Medical Arts Building and provided employment to many local residents. Photograph ordered by United Pacific Insurance Company.

United Pacific Insurance Co. (Tacoma); Insurance companies--Tacoma; Office workers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Employees of United Pacific Insurance Company are shown scrutinizing typed reports at company headquarters on October 28, 1954. The man seated is possibly Morris Brown, company vice-president. United Pacific Insurance had 15 branch offices throughout the county in addition to several claims offices. It was not just a local firm but was a presence nationally in 32 states plus the District of Columbia and Alaska. United Pacific moved into new quarters in January, 1955, as a $500,000 addition to the Medical Arts Building was finally completed. Photograph ordered by United Pacific Insurance.

United Pacific Insurance Co. (Tacoma); Insurance companies--Tacoma;

Although organized in Seattle in the 1920's, United Pacific Insurance Company decided to move their headquarters to Tacoma after purchasing the Medical Arts Building in the early 1940's. Their new addition to the Medical Arts Building would open in early 1955 and contain new quarters for their company. Here two employees of United Pacific Insurance look over data from the Sanborn Map Co. concerning information about North "E" Street on October 28, 1954. Several other Sanborn Map volumes are filed nearby, including Vol. 2 for Tacoma and three volumes for Portland. Photograph ordered by United Pacific Insurance Co.

United Pacific Insurance Co. (Tacoma); Insurance companies--Tacoma; Office workers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Maps;

ca. 1931. Rhodes Medical Arts Building and Garage, 747 Market, Tacoma. Originally known as the Rhodes Medical Arts Tower, this Art Deco structure was built by the United Rhodes Realty Corp. John Graham, Sr., was the primary architect with the local firm of Heath, Gove & Bell serving as associate architects. The building was dedicated on January 31st, 1931. At 17 stories, it was the tallest building in Tacoma at the time of its construction. It was a full-service medical care building in Tacoma's central business district. An attached garage provided much needed parking. There were two entrances to the Medical Arts Building, one on Market St. and the other on Saint Helens. It was purchased by the City of Tacoma in 1977 for use as government offices and was renamed the Tacoma Municipal Building in 1977. It is currently listed on the Tacoma and national registry of historic structures.

Medical Arts Building (Tacoma); Parking garages--Tacoma; Office buildings--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1943. Medical Arts Building. Exterior view looking southwest from side street to Saint Helens facade circa 1943. Designed by noted architect John Graham, Sr., and dedicated on January 31, 1931, the Medical Arts Building was the tallest building in Tacoma when built. It would be purchased by the City of Tacoma in 1977 for use as the city hall and renamed the Tacoma Municipal Building in 1981.

Medical Arts Building (Tacoma);

Interior view of lobby, Medical Arts Building. John Graham, Sr., Architect. Details include walls lined with stone, chandeliers, and exposed, carved wooden beams. Elevator openings and a staircase are shown. The Physicians and Dentists Business Bureau is at the end of the lobby. They display a sign, "Recruiting Station Army and Navy Nurse Corps".

Health care facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Buildings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Medical Arts Building (Tacoma);

Interior view of lobby, Medical Arts Building. John Graham, Sr., Architect. Elevator doors are open and the details of the stair rail are shown. Shallow steps in the foreground lead down. TPL-6671

Health care facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Buildings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Medical Arts Building (Tacoma);

Mrs. Rose F. MacLean holds the loving cup that she won in the ladies singles competition in lawn bowling on September 9, 1945. The tournament was held on the lawn bowling green in Wright Park. Ironically, Mrs. MacLean and her husband Dr. Sydney M. MacLean had purchased the cup that she won, and donated it to be given as a prize. Mrs. MacLean worked with her husband as his office assistant. (T.Times, 9/13/1945, p.16)

MacLean, Rose F.; Lawn bowling--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lawn bowlers; Awards; MacLean, Sydney M.--Family;

Pediatric fluoroscope at Shaw Supply. Reverend Robert P. Shaw was the first president of Shaw Supply Co. The business grew steadily and expanded quickly. They offered surgical and medical supplies. View of pediatric fluoroscope used for x-rays.

Radiography; Medical equipment & supplies; Shaw Supply Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Braley's drug store was the first to receive a commercial lease in the Medical Arts building, the 10 year lease was given to Ed R. Braley in 1930. Mr. Braley is the owner and a licensed pharmacist, he also has another Braley's drug store in Seattle. Interior view of Braley's, medicines are lined up against the left wall, other drug store items are on counter next to cash register.

Drugstores--Tacoma; Medicines; Showcases; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Braley's, Inc. (Tacoma); Medical Arts Building (Tacoma);

Braley's had been in the prescription drug business since 1918. The store was accessible from both Medical Arts Building entrances on Market Street and St. Helens Avenue. Interior view of Braley's drug store in the Medical Arts building, the store was approximately 600 square feet. View of display counters fully stocked with over the counter drug items, prescription medications are behind counters on shelves and other drug store merchandise.

Drugstores--Tacoma; Medicines; Showcases; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Braley's, Inc. (Tacoma); Medical Arts Building (Tacoma);

Medical Arts Building from Saint Helens Avenue, Holroyd Company, Jim Holroyd. The exteriors of the street front shops have been modernized. The Custom Boot Shop's and Raitano's Jewelry's exteriors now feature cement block - probably produced by the Holroyd Company. The exteriors of Columbian Optical, Braley's Inc. Drugs, and further up the street are decorated with dark squares of stone or tile.

Medical Arts Building (Tacoma); Holroyd Co. (Tacoma); Custom Boot Shop (Tacoma); Raitano's Jewelry (Tacoma); Columbian Optical (Tacoma); Braley's, Inc. (Tacoma); Buildings--Tacoma;

A momentous and gratifying occasion for the members of the Tacoma Orthopedic Guild Association; the opening of the bids for the construction of what would be called the Mary Bridge Childrens Hospital. On 2/15/1954, 21 basic construction bids were opened in the Medical Arts auditorium by officials of the Mary Bridge Hospital organization. The total of the lowest basic construction, plumbing and HVAC and electrical bids was over a half million dollars. The site between So. 3rd and 4th facing L street had been cleared and readied for construction. The group had over a million dollars available to construct and equip the hospital. The funds came from three sources, interest on the Rust trust, the estate of Dr. A.W. Bridge and the Tacoma Orthopedic Guild Association, who originated the idea and strived toward the formation of the hospital. (TNT 2/17/1954, pg. 1)

Mary Bridge Children's Hospital (Tacoma); Hospitals--Tacoma;

Informal portrait of Dr. Homer W. Humiston, physician and surgeon, taken in June of 1952. Dr. Humiston was partners with Dr. Robert N. Evert and they had offices in the Medical Arts Building, suite # 1512. The city directory also lists Dr. Humiston as a City Councilman. Dr. Humiston was married to Mrs. Katherine Z. Humiston, a counselor for Tacoma Public Schools. The couple resided at 3411 N. 24th.

Humiston, Homer W.; Physicians--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The interior of one of Braley's, Inc., drugstores showing glass fronted cases and shelves behind filled with beauty and personal products. Braley's provided free delivery within Tacoma city limits every day except Sundays and holidays. There were two Braley's drugstores advertised in the Medical Arts Building with two separate entrances from Saint Helens and Market St. The above photograph may have been of the Braley's at 749 Market St. (TNT, 6/22/1951, p.B-1-ad)

Drugstores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Braley's, Inc. (Tacoma);

Braley's, Inc., Drug Store showing the interior of the store with a clerk behind one of the counters and two pharmacists at work. Braley's had been located in the Medical Arts Building since the 1930's. By 1951, Braley's was advertising the presence of two drugstores in the Medical Arts Building. The photo above may have been of the 738 Saint Helens location. Braley's carried a staff of pharmacists: George Norton (who doubled as manager), Paul Lapp, A.J. DuWane, Nancy Hogg and Viola Strait. Marie Reddy, Marjorie Robbins and Mary Helen McMurry were clerks. (TNT, 6/22/1951, p.B-1-ad)

Drugstores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Braley's, Inc. (Tacoma); Pharmacists--Tacoma--1950-1960;