Jane Powers is at the Hammond organ and Arnold Leverenz is holding the microphone at Steve's (Gay Nineties) Cafe. Jane Powers entertained diners with music during the dinner hour and Leverenz was the featured song stylist of Gay 90's music. These two performers both wear costumes from the 1890's to match the Gay Nineties theme of Steve's Cafe. A sign board lists the show times behind Arnold Leverenz. A scroll painting decorates the back of the organ and a mural of Mount Rainier has been painted on the wall by Knabel. (TNT, 1/10/1952, p.21) TPL-4542

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1890-1900; Powers, Jane; Leverenz, Arnold; Musicians--Tacoma;

Portrait of cooks and servers standing behind buffet-style table at Steve's (Gay Nineties) Cafe. Street scene on wall with representations of Tacoma businesses by Knabel.

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buffets (Cookery)--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Between 1950 and 1960, this little building at 3838 South Tacoma Way was the home for at least three diners. When this photograph was taken it was Smitty's Coffee Mug. The owner was Hugh O. Smith, who also owned Smitty's Drive In on Puyallup Avenue. By 1954 it had been taken over by Vernon Gjerstad, and from 1955 to 1963 it was known as Gail & Vern's Coffee Mug. TPL-7944

Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Diners (Restaurants) --Tacoma--1950-1960; Smitty's Coffee Mug (Tacoma); Storefronts--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A Viking warrior, ready for battle, stands above the large neon sign for the Viking Restaurant. Apparently the restaurant offered exceptional food with dining available from 5:00 p.m. It was situated in a rectangular building with large plate glass windows; a striped awning hung over the main entrance. The word "cheese" is painted in large letters on a tall triangular column near the corner of the restaurant. The Viking Restaurant had previously been known as the Viking Smorgasbord, specializing in Scandinavian and American foods. TPL-2510

Viking Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices); Awnings--Tacoma;

Hugh O. Smith owned two restaurants in Tacoma; Smitty's Drive In on Puyallup Avenue and Smitty's Coffee Mug on South Tacoma Way. View of interior of Smitty's Coffee Mug in November, 1952; a customer could either sit at the U-shaped counter on a stool or choose to sit in a booth. Besides purchasing a cup of coffee, one could select a soda from their "soda bar" or enjoy some Medosweet ice cream. Photograph ordered by Smitty's Coffee Mug.

Smitty's Coffee Mug (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Stools;

Smitty's Coffee Mug was a small restaurant located at 3838 South Tacoma Way. It was owned and operated by Hugh O. Smith. Besides offering coffee as a beverage, a large sign also promises a "soda bar". View of business storefront with large electric sign, other signage. The Tahoma Motel, "best known motel in Tacoma", is located next door at 3836 South Tacoma Way. Photograph ordered by Smitty's Coffee Mug.

Smitty's Coffee Mug (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Storefronts--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices); Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tahoma Motel (Tacoma);

Combed redwood was featured in the Terrace Room that was added when Lakewood Terrace was remodeled in 1952. The face of the bar, the tops of the small tables and a portion of the walls were covered with redwood. To soften the back-of-the bar lighting a redwood egg-crate lattice was added overhead. The stools had redwood-slat seats on top of tall black iron legs. A brick floor was chosen to add to the textural highlights in the room. (TNT, 10/31/1952, p.C-1)

Lakewood Terrace (Lakewood); Eating & drinking facilities--Lakewood; Lounges--Lakewood;

The entrance to the new cocktail lounge, the Terrace Room, that was added when Lakewood Terrace was remodeled, has been decorated with a continuation of the highly textured theme that was chosen for the lounge. Black-framed panels of straw-woven linen separate the waiting room alcove from the lounge. One of the famous Terrace roosters has found a new home in the greenery of the red brick planter and vines and philodendron provide more texture. (TNT, 10/31/1952, p.C-1)

Lakewood Terrace (Lakewood); Eating & drinking facilities--Lakewood; Lounges--Lakewood;

The main dining room at Lakewood Terrace maintained its quiet reserve following remodelling in 1952. The grandfather's clock still ticks against the far wall. The huge colonial white-paneled fireplace with its 20-foot mantel still dominated the room. An "Anglo-Persian" carpet was added, however, as well as new wallpaper featuring huge clusters of rose-red blossoms and a dado which topped the wainscot for an extra colonial touch. Harold F. Chavis was manager of the restaurant and cocktail lounge at this time. Ordered by the Lakewood Development Company. (TNT, 10/31/1952, p.C-1)

Lakewood Terrace (Lakewood); Eating & drinking facilities--Lakewood; Restaurants--Lakewood;

A new cocktail lounge, the "Terrace Room", was added when the Lakewood Terrace was remodeled in 1952. Mrs. Edwin Booth created a unique atmosphere decorating with combed redwood, black wrought iron against stark white, with bits of brick here, panels of grass-woven linen there and living greenery. The small tables set about the floor were made of redwood planks. The chairs were white matchstick plastic and each table had a white ash tray and a black plastic basket housed a big white candle. (TNT, 10/31/1952, p.C-11)

Lakewood Terrace (Lakewood); Eating & drinking facilities--Lakewood; Lounges--Lakewood;

The remodeled Lakewood Terrace included the Snack Shop for lunches, dinners, after-the-show snacks. It had been re-done and enlarged. A lunch counter with stools is seen on the left and tables and booths are seen along the right an in the rear. (TNT, 10/31/1952, p.C-4).

Lakewood Terrace (Lakewood); Eating & drinking facilities--Lakewood; Snack bars--Lakewood;

The Washington State Tavern Association hosted a luncheon for women of the association and members' wives at the Top of the Ocean during the three day convention held in Tacoma. The large group of women are seen in front of and on the covered ramp up to the unique restaurant built in the shape of a ship. A sign advertises: "Smorgasbord Daily". (TNT, 10/21/1952, p.2)

Restaurants--Tacoma; Nightclubs--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Washington State Tavern Association (Tacoma); Women--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Six men take a break from their duties at the Top of the Ocean. Three of the men wear white uniforms and chef's hats. Magazines and an ash tray are seen on the table in front of them.

Restaurants--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Men--Tacoma--1950-1960;

John E. Barcott, Jr., celebrated the grand opening of his Barcott's Sea Food restaurant in May of 1953. The new restaurant was located at 3832 South Pine Street, in what was dubbed "the center of the city," on Pine just off South 38th St. Mr. Barcott had 15 years experience in restaurants and was a member of a pioneering Tacoma restaurant-operating family. A large rooftop neon sign had an arrow pointing downwards, drawing the eyes to smaller neons of the "chops, seafood, steaks" menu. There was also a whimsical lighted sign of a smiling fish with large bubbles nearby. The water theme continued in the interior of the restaurant with fishing gear and nets decorating the spacious dining room. The structure was built by Walter C. Witte, general contractor, and fixtures supplied by Andrew's Fixture Co. Fifty years later, the location is now occupied by the Pine Street Landing eatery and is across the street from the Evergreen Post Office. (TNT 5-28-53, p. 15) TPL-8122

Barcott's Sea Food (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Kit Kat Tavern was celebrating its third anniversary in April, 1954. Overhead view of tavern's interior; all seats seem to be occupied with happy customers. People could enjoy a drink while playing what appears to be a form of bingo. Budweiser, Lucky Lager, and Rainier beers were some of the beers available for purchase. The Kit Kat Tavern was located at 746 Pacific Avenue and owned by Elmer Gardner and Patricia White.

Bars--Tacoma--1950-1960; Kit Kat Tavern (Tacoma);

Steve's (Gay 90's) Cafe, photographed for the Douglas Fir Plywood Association. Steve's was owned and operated by Steve Pease and John Stanley. The fantasticly popular restaurant and nightclub included many internal rooms like this one. All were decorated with an old time flair. This room features tall wooden booths and round tables. Above the wainscoting is wallpaper picturing nineties gents stepping up to the bar and ladies at round tables, just like the ones in this room. On the walls are museum framed and lighted photographs of the original Red Front Saloon where Steve's back bar came from. Through the open doorway to the right, you can see a counter with seats or stools. These two rooms may have been the original 20 seat coffee shop and tavern run by Stanley and Pease.

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Dupont Works, E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. - annual dinner and 25 year club at the New Yorker. Eight five pensioners and 25 year men were honored at the dinner at the New Yorker. C.H. Miller, service manager of the explosives department, paid tribute to the DuPont old timers. (TNT 10/30/1953, pg. 3-- see article for names)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Business people--Tacoma--1950-1960; E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. (Dupont)--People;

Grand Opening, Blue Moon Tavern, John Monta. Interior of the tavern with Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Long (Marcia J. Long) by the bar. The couple look proud of the work they have put into preparing the tavern for their grand opening. The lights over the mirror are turned on, the bouquets from well wishers and the shiny equipment make a welcoming interior. Format 5' x 8'

Blue Moon Tavern (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Long, Charles L.; Long, Marcia J.; Bars (Furniture); Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Grand Opening, Blue Moon Tavern, John Monta. Interior of the tavern showing seating along one wall, a pay phone, electric game board and the juke box. More bouquets sent from well wishers decorate the tables. Large paintings of mountains and the ocean are hung along the walls.

Blue Moon Tavern (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jukeboxes; Telephones; Pinball machines--Tacoma;

Grand Opening, Blue Moon Tavern, John Monta. The Blue Moon Tavern, 8402 Pacific Ave., was about to open in May of 1948. Stools line the counter where customers can choose their favorites on the jukebox from the lists at the counter. Behind the counter are storage drawers and shelves, a large cooler and decorations made with fishing gear. Liquor bottles are on display under the back counter. Above the mirrors are neon beer signs for Bohemian Club Beer, Schlitz, and Rainier. A large painting of a mountain and a lake is hung on the back wall. The back counter displays many bouquets sent wishing the owners success with their new establishment.

Blue Moon Tavern (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Stools; Jukeboxes; Beer--Tacoma; Alcoholic beverages;

On April 5, 1948, the Top of the Ocean had out a Welcome banner for Gretchen Kunigk Fraser, the first American skier to win an Olympic event. Mrs. Fraser won a Gold Medal (first place) for the special slalom and a Silver Medal (second place) for the Alpine combined downhill and slalom in the 1948 Winter Olympics. The Tacoma Athletic Commission was hosting a dinner at the Ruston Way restaurant for Mrs. Fraser. More than 600 people, including Tacoma mayor C. Val Fawcett, crammed the restaurant to its ceilings to honor the former Tacoma resident. (T.Times, 4/6/1948, p.5) TPL-2220

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Club Dinner for Gretchen Fraser. More than 600 people jammed the Top of the Ocean to pay tribute to the Olympic Champion, Gretchen Kunigk Fraser. The Tacoma Ski Team was also honored that evening. Several young men line the outdoor stairway to the top of the Top of the Ocean singing and holding ski poles. (TNT, 4/6/1948, p.1) TPL-2220

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Medals; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Ski Team (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Commission Dinner for Gretchen Fraser. Gretchen Fraser, winner of the 1948 Olympic Gold Medal for the special slalom, was the first American skier to win an Olympic event. Here she is seen presenting the Tacoma Athletic Commission perpetual trophy for the Women's Daffodil Cup race to Janette Burr, winner and holder of the National Women's downhill title. The perpetual trophy was to be known as the Gretchen Kunigk Fraser Trophy. (TNT, 4/6/1948, p.14)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Medals; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Burr, Janette;

Tacoma Athletic Commission Dinner for Gretchen Kunigk Fraser. Tacoma skier Gretchen Kunigk Fraser, winner of 1948 Olympic Gold and Silver medals for Alpine skiing, in a publicity photo for the Tacoma Athletic Commission on April 5, 1948. Gretchen is seen here with her mother, Clara Kunigk, of Tacoma. The man on the left is not identified. The man on the right is possibly her brother, Bill Kunigk. The Tacoma Athletic Commission honored Gretchen Fraser with a dinner/reception at the Top of the Ocean; over 600 people were in attendance.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Kunigk, Clara;

On February 6, 1948 the first Tacoma Panhellenic day luncheon was held at the Top of the Ocean. The theme for the day was "Wear Your Pin", and all Tacoma alumnae of national college sororities were invited. A prize was given to the sorority having the largest attendance. At the close of the formal program, the guests were escorted to the Tacoma Athletic Commission rooms for an afternoon of bridge. (T.Times, 2/2/1948, p.11)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Panhellenic Conference (Tacoma); Playing cards; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Smoking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cigarettes;

Tacoma Panhellenic Conference at Top of the Ocean, TNT, Frank Lockerby. Over 200 alumnae of national college sororities met at the Top of the Ocean for luncheon and bridge playing afterwards on Saturday, February 7th, 1948. "Wear Your Pin" was the theme of the first Tacoma Panhellenic Day. The ladies above were not identified. (T.Times, 2/2/1948, p.11-article; TNT 2-9-48, p. 4-article & various photographs)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Panhellenic Conference (Tacoma); Playing cards; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Panhellenic Conference at Top of the Ocean, TNT, Frank Lockerby. The Panhellenic Association chose the theme of "Wear Your Pin" for their luncheon and bridge party on February 7, 1948. The decorations followed the sorority pin theme with large replicas of the embossed gold pins of each national sorority. A valentines motif was followed in the table decorations with red candles and heart-shaped table markers. Greek symbols are seen on the drapery behind these women. (T.Times, 2/2/1948, p11)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Panhellenic Conference (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Candles;

In November of 1947, Tacoma's Top of the Ocean was in such high demand, that the restaurant had to reduce the general operating hours for the public. Clubs and organizations now had more time options in reserving private dining rooms. Interior view of the main dining room and dance floor. Orchestra area in background, where Hal Gullett's Orchestra appeared on the weekends, photo ordered by Condon Advertising. The Top of the Ocean was also home to the Tacoma Athletic Commission. They maintained their own private club on the upper level with its own private entrance. (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5). TPL-8248

Dance floors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Table settings & decorations; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Interior decoration; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Photograph taken in November of 1947 of the Captain's Quarters at the Tacoma Athletic Commission's Club, located on the upper level of the Top of the Ocean, 2217 Ruston Way. Top of the Ocean housed Tacoma Athletic Commission, which retained its own private Club on the top level. The lower portions of the facility were open to the public. Organizations could also rent the facilities for parties. A cocktail area in the TAC Club is pictured; with a small dance floor, cocktail tables and comfortable chairs, a full bar and slot machines against the back wall. Photo ordered by Condon Advertising. (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5).

Dance floors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Captain's Quarters at the Tacoma Athletic Commission's Club located at the Top of the Ocean restaurant. Tacoma's Top of the Ocean was likely the most popular place in town. It was conveniently located in Tacoma's Old Town waterfront. Interior view of a smaller dining room with dance floor and jukebox, bar in foreground, photo ordered by Condon Advertising (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5).

Dance floors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jukeboxes; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Interior decoration; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);