• The Rhodes Brothers Department Store in downtown Tacoma originally opened in 1903. It was enlarged by three stories in 1911, and then called the Greater Rhodes Brothers Store. The store was remodeled many times over the years, and closed permanently in 1974. The building was then used to house the University of Puget Sound Law School from 1980 to 1999. State offices and courthouses were established after the law school closed.
• Printed: The Greater Rhodes Brothers Store Thoroughly up-to-date in every respect, offers the most superb shopping facilities in the Northwest. Over fifty complete stores under one roof and one management. You can furnish your entire home, outfit your entire family without leaving its doors. The selling floor space covers 120,000 square feet or nearly three acres. Among the many conveniences and improvements embodied in the Greater Rhodes Brothers Store are: Vacuum Cleaning System Independent Electric Lighting System Electric Conveyor System, Cold Storage Plant Perfect Ventilation System When in the Store Visit The Roof Garden The Big Tea Room The Art Exhibit The Pure Food Market The Oriental Rug Exhibit Always feel assured a rousing welcome at the Rhodes Store. It is our policy to treat everyone that enters the doors as an honored guest.

Circa 1909.

Circa 1910.

Circa 1914.

Circa 1915.

• The Rhodes Brothers Department Store Tea Room. Tables are covered with white tablecloths and graced with flowers. circa 1920.
• Printed on front: The pretty Tea Room on the Sixth Floor of Rhodes Brothers Department Store -- Considered by tourists Tacoma's finest eating place. The insert shows the dainty private Dining Room where many Club, Lodge, Church and other committees now hold their noon luncheons.

Exterior of downtown Rhodes Bros. Department Store. This is the 11th & Broadway corner of the venerable Rhodes department store. The photograph was taken in late March of 1974, nine months before the flagship downtown store was to close. Liberty House/Rhodes was building a large, two-story store at the west end of the Tacoma Mall which was scheduled to open in the fall of 1974. Rhodes, which had opened in November of 1903, was well-known for its slogan, "All roads lead to Rhodes." The building staved off demolition for several years and eventually became the new location of the University of Puget Sound Law School in 1980. August 13, 1999 was the last day of the law school in Tacoma as it officially moved to Seattle. Three years before the move, the State of Washington purchased the building to house several state offices but needed to wait until the law school actually vacated the space before remodeling. The Tacoma Rhodes Center was later put up for sale by the state in February of 2007. Color photograph ordered by Liberty House/Rhodes, Oakland, CA.

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Another elevated view of the downtown Rhodes department store as photographed on March 27, 1974, for Liberty House/Rhodes, Oakland, CA. A skybridge connects the upper level of the store to a massive 2000+ car parking garage. Other customers apparently have chosen this day to park on the street outside of Rhodes even though the street has metered parking. Rhodes had already begun construction of a new two-story store in the west end addition of the Tacoma Mall. Once it was completed, it would announce closure of the downtown flagship store.

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Capturing the attention of a full house is Suzanne (Suzy) Christel (now Fox), dressed in a plaid coat with fur collar and dark hat. Seventeen Magazine in conjunction with the Rhodes Brothers Department Store sponsored a "back-to-school" style show at Rhodes' Broadway location on August 8, 1963. The fashion show gave its audience a preliminary look at the newest clothing styles and trends. The Rhodes high school and college fashion board modeled the clothes featured in the August issue of Seventeen Magazine. The fashion board was composed of a representative from each high school in the area who worked part-time at the store and modeled in their fashion shows. (TNT Ad 8-7-63, A-20) TPL-9825

Fashion models--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fashion shows--Tacoma--1960-1970; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1960-1970; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Christel, Suzanne;

Seventeen Magazine coordinated a "back-to-school" style show at the Rhodes Brothers Department Store at 950 Broadway in August, 1963. The models, all members of the Rhodes high school and college fashion board, wore dresses, coats and hats that were featured in the August issue of Seventeen Magazine. The young girl fourth from the right has been identified as Suzanne (Suzy) Christel (now Fox), who was a member of the board representing Stadium High School. (TNT Ad 8-7-63, A-20) TPL-9098

Fashion shows--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fashion models--Tacoma--1960-1970; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1960-1970; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Christel, Suzanne;

On August 8, 1963, Seventeen Magazine, in conjunction with the Rhodes Brothers Department Store, sponsored a "back-to-school" style show at Rhodes' Broadway location, 950 Broadway. Entertainment was provided by Valerie Kiomoto, dressed in traditional kimono, accompanied by the Jerry Sun jazz band. In addition, the Rhodes high school and college fashion board modeled the clothes featured in the August issue of Seventeen Magazine. The fashion board was composed of a representative from each high school in the area who worked part-time at the store and modeled in their fashion shows. (TNT Ad 8-7-63, A-20)

Singers; Kiomoto, Valerie; Jazz musicians; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Jerry Sun Jazz Band (Tacoma);

Rhodes Brothers Department Store's main Broadway location would be the site of the Seventeen Magazine "back-to-school" style show on August 8, 1963. The store's window displays were artfully designed to highlight new clothing fashions for the upcoming school year. The two mannequins in the above photograph are dressed in becoming Bobbie Brooks attire. The handbags, shoes, and clothing are more upscale than those shown in D139059-1's window display.

Window displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mannequins;

Night exposure of window display at Rhodes Brothers Department Store. Five mannequins are dressed in the latest "country look" as Rhodes Bros. promoted the Seventeen Magazine fashion show to be held on August 8, 1963. Large handbags, distinctive hats, and casual clothing are apparently geared toward the high school and older crowd. The theme of the show was "the Look of Knowledge."

Window displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mannequins;

The Jack Young family is being outfitted for the new school year at Rhodes Department Store on August 22, 1961. Jay is trying on a cap and jacket while Lynda and Lynette are more interested in a new warm coat. School would start in just one week so Mrs. Jack H. Young took advantage of previewing "Back to School" sales. Many downtown stores were staying open late for the school rush and were offering free two-hour parking with purchase. Photograph ordered by Rhodes. (TNT 8-29-61, B-7)

Children shopping--Tacoma--1960-1970; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1960-1970; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Young, Jack H.--Family; Young, Jay; Young, Lynda; Young, Lynette;

Window display, Rhodes Bros. Department Store, ordered by Rhodes Bros. Just prior to Christmas Day, a window display at the downtown Rhodes Bros. Department Store highlights a fine selection of glassware and delicate evening wear. A small banner suggests thoughtful ideas for the last-minute shopper could be found in the Gift Department, fourth floor. Rhodes had been in business in Tacoma since 1892 and at their 9th & Broadway location since 1903. Their famous slogan was "All Roads Lead to Rhodes." Sixteen years after this photograph was taken, Rhodes closed the downtown store. It was spared the wrecking ball to become the University of Puget Sound Law School and later purchased by the State of Washington for office space. Photograph ordered by Rhodes Bros.

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Window displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mannequins;

Two mannequins are delicately posed in the storefront windows of Rhodes Bros. Department Store three days before Christmas, 1958. They are dressed in pink nylon gown sets whose prices apparently ranged from $14.95 to $19.95. To accessorize the gowns, soft slippers, creams, makeup and jewelry are displayed nearby. Christmas lights and gift boxes flank the window and help to illuminate the recessed display. Photograph ordered by Rhodes Bros. Department Store.

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Window displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mannequins;

Interior of Rhodes. Christmas time at Rhodes Bros. Department Store meant plenty of festive decorations including trees and fresh garlands to provide a merry atmosphere for its customers. View of interior featuring ladies' fine sweaters, cosmetics and assorted leather handbags taken on December 22, 1958. There was still time for the last-minute shopper to choose from a wide array of gift items. Photograph ordered by Rhodes Bros. Department Store.

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Christmas decorations;

A day shopping at the downtown Tacoma Rhodes Department Store in October of 1956 was not necessarily just a quick shopping junket; it could be an elegant all-day affair including a luxurious shampoo and style at the pictured beauty salon and lunch at the store's cafe. The store at 950 Broadway was elegantly appointed and intended to provide a full shopping experience with a beauty shop, restaurant and full selection of goods and services. The store's new Beauty Salon was located on the 6th floor and offered skin care, hair styling and tinting and nail care. It was open until 9 p.m. on Monday through Friday. For this publicity photograph, the stylists posed beside their stations. The men wore coats and ties and the women dresses with corsages. The Rhodes store opened in 1903 and closed in 1974, a victim of the desertion of downtown for suburban shopping. The most forward stylist on the left is believed to be Paul Faust and behind him, Bernard Natucci. The front two stylists on the right are believed to be Lee Amundson and Lorraine Hudson. (TNT 11/11/1956, pg D-11- see ad for individual stylists' pictures) (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Beauty shops--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The beauty salon at Rhodes Department Store. A day shopping at the downtown Tacoma Rhodes Store in the mid fifties was not just a quick shopping junket; it could be an elegant all day affair including a luxurious shampoo and style at the beauty salon and lunch at the store's cafe. Women would dress up in hats, gloves and dresses to peruse the latest in fashions and home apparel and enjoy the day at the store. The salon is beautifully appointed with elegant lighting, a mirrored makeup table and a receptionist stand with styling stations behind. The standing hair dryers can just be glimpsed in the background.

Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Beauty shops--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The beauty salon at Rhodes Department Store. A day shopping at the downtown Tacoma Rhodes Store in the mid fifties was not just a quick shopping junket; it could be an elegant all day affair including a luxurious shampoo and style at the beauty salon and lunch at the store's cafe. Women would dress up in hats, gloves and dresses to peruse the latest in fashions and home apparel and enjoy the day at the store. The salon is beautifully appointed with elegant lighting, a mirrored makeup table and a receptionist stand with styling stations behind. The standing hair dryers can just be glimpsed in the background.

Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Beauty shops--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A day shopping at the downtown Tacoma Rhodes Department Store in October of 1956 was not necessarily just a quick shopping junket; it could be an elegant all-day affair including a luxurious shampoo and style at the pictured beauty salon and lunch at the store's cafe. The store at 950 Broadway was elegantly appointed and intended to provide a full shopping experience with a beauty shop, restaurant and full selection of goods and services. The store's new Beauty Salon was located on the 6th floor and offered skin care, hair styling and tinting and nail care. It was open until 9 p.m. on Monday through Friday. For this publicity photograph, the stylists posed beside their stations. The men wore coats and ties and the women dresses with corsages. The Rhodes store opened in 1903 and closed in 1974, a victim of the desertion of downtown for suburban shopping. The most forward stylist on the left is believed to be Paul Faust and behind him, Bernard Natucci. The front two stylists on the right are believed to be Lee Amundson and Lorraine Hudson. (TNT 11/11/1956, pg D-11- see ad for individual stylists' pictures) (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Beauty shops--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Rhodes Brothers Department store was one of the finest stores in Tacoma, they were conveniently located in downtown Tacoma. Rhodes always had everything you and your family could need, a few years before they had completely renovated their store and modernized every department. View of Rhodes Boys' Department, featuring "Buck-O-Jeans", the display shows us western and cowboy jeans, shirts, bandannas, hats, guns and many other fun accessories for today's cowboy. TPL-9672

Cowboys--Tacoma; Jeans (Clothing)--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Department stores--Tacoma; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

View of Rhodes Brothers Boys' Department, featuring "Buck-O-Jeans", the back wall is displaying western and cowboy jeans, shirts, bandannas, hats, guns, boot-shoe covers, vests and many other fun accessories for today's cowboy. The showcase has "Levi's" jeans information, bandannas, hats and western shirts on display.

Cowboys--Tacoma; Jeans (Clothing)--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Department stores--Tacoma; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

Rhodes Brothers Department Store offered Tacoma one of the largest and most complete shopping selections available. Rhodes had remodeled and enlarged many of their departments over the past few years. View of building and remodeling progress at Rhodes Brothers Department Store during December of 1948 where laborers are applying glue and sealant to the plywood panels.

Building construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Remodeling--Tacoma--1940-1950; Plywood; Construction workers--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);

Rhodes Brothers Department stores had been remodeling and modernizing their facilities for many years, since World War II had ended. Rhodes was one of the nicest stores in Tacoma, located on Broadway in the downtown district. View of building and remodeling progress on Rhodes Brothers Department Store, laborers are applying plywood panels to ceiling of building; photo ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.

Building construction--Tacoma; Department stores--Tacoma; Plywood; Construction workers--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);

Mrs. Don Gordon, formerly Bernita Royse, had been a sales clerk in the stationery department at Rhodes Department Store for 5 years when she was featured in the "Around the Clock" column of the Tacoma Times in January 1936. The bride of two months likened her job as a clerk to sitting in a Parisian cafe watching the world pass by, because sooner or later everyone came to Rhodes. When asked about the changing habits of Tacomans she noted the increasing sales of smoking equipment, such as ash trays, lighters and holders, formerly scandalous items, and the shift away from formalism. The newly wed couple resided at 3502 1/2 McKinley Ave, apartment #2. (T. Times 1/9/1936, pg. 8)

Gordon, Bernita; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma)--Employees; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1925. Window display at Rhodes Department Store for Weaver Studios. Living room "set" with fireplace, mannequins, motion picture cameras and studio lights. The H.C. Weaver Productions, Inc. Studio produced motion pictures in Tacoma during this period. In 1925, Weaver filmed "Hearts and Fists" in and around Tacoma. The film was set in the lumber camps.

Motion picture studios--Tacoma; Window displays--Tacoma--1920-1930; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Mannequins; H.C. Weaver Productions, Inc. (Tacoma);

Afifi Shrine Temple; display advertising third oriental pilgrimage at Rhodes Brothers. Mannequin dressed in Afifi fez beside luggage and photographs of highlights of trip. (filed with Argentum)

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Window displays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mannequins; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

On July 23, 1932 Shriners from throughout the Pacific Northwest, wearing their colorful and distinctive uniforms, marched in formation up Broadway and through the business district of Tacoma. Bands from the Afifi Shriners of Tacoma and the Gizeh Shriners of Victoria, B.C. took part. After a full day of activities in Tacoma, including a band concert in the Stadium Bowl, a large contingent boarded a chartered train at Union Station. They left at 12:30 in the morning on Sunday July 24th for the imperial council to be held in San Francisco the following week. (The tall, twelve story building at the top, center of the photograph is the Fidelity Building, 949-55 Broadway; it was torn down to build the Woolworth Building). TPL-3687

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma);