ca. 1903. Rhodes Brothers horse drawn delivery wagon, circa 1903. When the Rhodes Brothers store opened in 1903, they employed four horse drawn delivery wagons. The name of the store was printed boldly on the side, and the wagons were kept busy delivering throughout the area. By 1912, the horses were retired and replaced by automobiles. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

ca. 1914. Rhodes Brothers delivery department employees, circa 1914. The men pose on and around one of the store's delivery automobiles. In 1912, Rhodes Brothers retired their horse and wagons and replaced them with gasoline powered automobiles. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

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);

ca. 1937. Rhodes Department Store, showing elaborate linoleum work around elevators. Shoe Repair and Shine station to right, vacuum cleaner in far right foreground. Dress displayed on mannequin and man working behind column at left.

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Mannequins; Department stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Shoe shining--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1907. Copy of photograph of Rhodes Department Store, circa 1907. View of three story building by Ambrose J. Russell and Frederick Heath, Architects, 1903. Photograph was taken after repairs to building. Richards Studio copy made on 11-31-1937. (filed with Argentum)

Commercial buildings--Tacoma--1900-1910; Department stores--Tacoma--1900-1910; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

View of Rhodes Department Store Building, Fredrick Heath and A.J. Russell, Architects, 1903. View from across street, pedestrians and traffic in foreground. Publicity for three day sale.

Business Enterprises - Department Stores - Tacoma - Rhodes Brothers

ca. 1939. Rhodes Department Store, advertising for three day sale. Two young women carrying packages are receiving assistance from two sales clerks in the knit (sweater) department of the store.

Sales personnel--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

Window display at Rhodes Department Store for Boys Department featuring items relating to archery champion Sonny Johns. Sonny Johns was the 1938 Washington State Jr. Archery champion and the Northwest Junior Champion. He won the Northwest title at Portland, Oregon, when he shot three "perfects," a feat never performed before in any world competition. In the display are bow and arrows, photographs and awards. Ordered by father Harry C. Johns, 4911 No. 27th. (filed with Argentum)

Window displays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Johns, Sonny--Associated objects;

ca. 1938. Rhodes Department Store window display. Two adult and four child mannequins dressed in white rain coats. Signs read, "Wear White Rain Coats For Safety" and " White May Save Your Child's Life!" White raincoats were recommended by the Traffic Authority to help pedestrians shine through the gloom.

Window displays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Mannequins; Clothing stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1930-1940; Raincoats;

Four Stewart Junior High School students "published" the school newspaper "The Evening Star" in a display window of Rhodes Department Store on November 10, 1939 during National Education Week. Mayor J.J. Kaufman watched as (l to r) Clair Cook, Elmore Brolin, Helen Cox and Joan Weber used a mimeograph machine to copy off the pages of the student written paper. Ordinarily, "The Evening Star" was published on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year. The papers staff was composed of 8th and 9th graders who circulated 1,300 copies free to the student body. The newspaper was first published in 1925. (T. Times, 11-10-39, p. 18) ALBUM 11. TPL-5120.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Newspapers--Tacoma; Journalism--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1930-1940; Cook, Clair; Brolin, Elmore; Cox, Helen; Weber, Joan; Copying machines;

This group of second grade students from Whitman school were literally put on display for National Education Week during November of 1939. Their library class was held in a display window of the Rhodes department store at 950 Broadway. The students being watched by proud parents and curious shoppers are (l to r): George Mills; Dorothy Powell; Dolores Duncan, writing her name on the blackboard; Ann Truitt, with her back to the camera; Richard McCulloch; and Allyn Hultman with back to camera. (T. Times, 11-10-1939, p.18)

School children--Tacoma--1930-1940; Children reading & writing--Tacoma; Duncan, Dolores; Mills, George; Powell, Dorothy; McCulloch, Richard; Truitt, Ann; Hultman, Allyn;

National Education Week. Whitman School, 2B, holding library class in display window of Rhodes Department Store on November 9, 1939. The proud parents of these seven-year-olds peek from the outside. Glady J. Christie was the classroom instructor. Students were : Dolores Duncan writing her name on the blackboard, (seated) George Mills, Dorothy Powell, Richard McCulloch, and Ann Truitt and Allyn Hultman with backs to camera. (T. Times, 11-10-1939, p.18)

School children--Tacoma--1930-1940; Children reading & writing--Tacoma; Duncan, Dolores; Mills, George; Powell, Dorothy; McCulloch, Richard; Truitt, Ann; Hultman, Allyn;

National Education Week. Whitman School, 2B, holding library class in display window of Rhodes Department Store on November 9, 1939. Dorothy Powell sits reading at the table, looking over her shoulders are Ann Truitt, Allyn Hultman, Richard McCulloch and George Mills. Delores Duncan sits with her back to the camera. Watching through the windows are many pairs of admiring eyes, probably belonging to family members. (T. Times, 11-10-1939, p.18)

School children--Tacoma--1930-1940; Children reading & writing--Tacoma; Duncan, Dolores; Mills, George; Powell, Dorothy; McCulloch, Richard; Truitt, Ann; Hultman, Allyn;

Table setting display at Rhodes Department Store, for Sunset Magazine. (filed with Argentum)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Olympic Peninsula Playground display in window of Rhodes Department Store. American flag, maps and photographs, two mannequins in summer dresses and hats. Photograph taken prior to 1940's 4th of July.

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Window displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mannequins; Flags--United States; Maps;

Publicity for Rhodes Department Store extension sale. Jerry Hurley and Everett T. Smith looking at a map of Pierce County. Smith was the store's General Manager. Hurley (circa 1908-1970) and later Sales Promotion Manager for Rhodes.

Business Enterprises - Department Stores - Tacoma - Rhodes Brothers

Marjorie (Mrs. Harry) Cain, wife of the mayor of Tacoma, was photographed on September 16, 1941, holding an enlarged facsimile of the entry blank for the "Mrs. Typical Customer" contest. The contest was being held in connection with "Retailers for Defense" week, September 15-20, 1941. The local winner would get a $25 defense bond donated by area merchants and the right to compete for the national title. The winning entry would be selected from essays entered on "What the Retail Stores of Tacoma Can Do to Aid the Consumer in This Period of National Emergency." Merchants had vowed to conserve materials and labor vital to national defense. (T. Times 9/18/1941, pg. 3-alternate photograph; T.Times 9-15-41, p. 5-full page ad on Retailers for Defense demonstration)

Cain, Marjorie Dils, 1908-1994; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950;

An unidentified fashion model from Rhodes Department Store stands by a curved glass brick wall in Rhodes Crystal Room. The photograph appeared in the News Tribune Spring Fashion edition. The outfit follows the war industry's plea to conserve and not waste. The hip length jacket is shown over a dress with a box pleated skirt. The dress can be worn alone or with the jacket for two different looks. The hat is of pettipoint straw of tobacco brown and the shoes and bag are of alligator calf. (TNT 3/4/1942, PG. 32)

Clothing and dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

On December 26, 1942, young patriot John Flood perched on a table in the Rhodes Brothers Victory window and purchased enough war stamps to fill out his book and turn it in for a war bond. The department store's windows were devoted to the sale of war bonds and stamps and a huge sign called attention to the "Victory Window" as a center for sales. It was staffed by members of the Tacoma Council of Parent-Teacher Associations from 11-4 each day. Pictured left to right are Mrs. Edward T. Bowman, Mrs. Mary Gehri, Mrs. A. M. Ray, young Master Flood and Mrs. William H. Flood. (TNT 12/28/1942, pg. 8)

Department stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Flood, John; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma;

Rhodes Bros., Tacoma's premiere department store, offered quality merchandise and a plethora of services. One of those services was the 6th floor podiatrist's office of Dr. August C. Mirenta where downtown shopper's aching feet received attention. In this publicity photograph, Dr. Mirenta is describing his trade-marked shoe insert to an unidentified woman patient. Dr. Mirenta was born in Italy and came to Tacoma with his family in 1896. The enterprising podiatrist manufactured foot remedies and deodorants as the A. Mirenta & Co. and the In-No-Scent Corp., served as president of several organizations, and raised peaches at Peach Acres, his property near Chambers Creek where the Charles Wright Academy is located today.

Department Stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Medical offices--Tacoma; Health care; Mirenta, August C.,1888-1951;

At the end of December of 1942, Rhodes Brothers Department store devoted its windows to the sale of war bonds and stamps. The Tacoma Parent Teacher Association staffed the Victory Window, selling stamps and bonds from 11-4 each day.

Department stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma;

In September of 1942, Dr. August C. Mirenta, a Tacoma chiropodist, demonstrated the unique features of his newly designed arch support to an unidentified young women in his office in the Rhodes Department Store, 950 Broadway. Trade-marked under the name "Arch-Releef", the adjustable foot support was manufactured and distributed by the American Foot Appliance Company of Tacoma. According to Dr. Mirenta, his new arch support was the result of many years of experimentation, and is the only support that is fully adjustable by the wearer. (T.Times 9/16/1942 p. 16)

Mirenta, August C., 1888-1954; Physicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Medical offices--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Inventions; Feet;

When a committee of interested citizens decided to play Santa to the men in the Armed Forces in 1942, they went to old St. Nick himself for a few pointers. Santa received them at the Rhodes Bro. Department store, where he was making his naughty and nice list. Tacomans were being asked to buy small inexpensive gifts to be handed out Christmas morning to soldiers in the Puget Sound area. Gift depots were set up all over town for them to leave the packages for distribution. Kneeling at Santa's feet are Mayor Harry P. Cain, left, and Col. Olivia Merrill. Standing, left to right, E.R. Fetterolf, Mrs. C. A. Davidson, Mrs. L. Chall, G.O. Rolstad, Mrs. Will J. Connor, Mrs. Anna M. Neilson, Wilma Zimmerman and Mrs. Wilfred E. Burrows. (T. Times 12/1/1952, pg. 9)

Santa Claus--Tacoma; Holidays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Christmas presents; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979;