Fisher's Department Store, 1104 Broadway. Photograph of crowd several feet deep outside Fisher's store in June of 1931. Vaudeville act in window. Girls in costume, with trumpets, stand on store marquee. Photo for Fox Broadway Theater Bowen # 310-2406

View of window display at Fisher's Department Store; the display features modern "Morton and Kelvinator" kitchen appliances and cabinets, with a female mannequin on right side. "Morton" pantryettes and kitchen cabinets are along the walls of the display; "Kelvinator" range, freezer, double kitchen sink and refrigerator help give this kitchen all of the modern conveniences.

Department stores--Tacoma; Cupboards--Tacoma; Kitchens--Tacoma--1940-1950; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Window displays; Appliances; Appliance stores--Tacoma; Mannequins; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

Woolworth's offered "Golden Fried Chicken" to-go by the bucket, bag or piece in 1970. Located in a corner of the store by the lunch counter, local business people or the casual shopper could satisfy their hunger at reasonable prices. A Woolworth's employee in white uniform poses next to the display of paper buckets and serving stand in this June, 1970, photograph. TPL-6408

F.W. Woolworth Co. (Tacoma); Variety stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Signs (Notices);

The front window display of Woolworth's heavily advertised the store's "Golden Fried Chicken" to-go in June, 1970. Signs hanging on the window and in the store's interior advised that the chicken could be purchased by the bucket, bag or piece. The chicken would be kept hot by use of "Hot Sak," probably insulated bags, or in paper buckets. A female mannequin in apron poses in the window with a sign indicating mom would appreciate a day off from cooking, a hint that fried chicken would be a good substitute.

F.W. Woolworth Co. (Tacoma); Variety stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Signs (Notices); Window displays--Tacoma--1970-1980; Mannequins;

View of display window at Woolworth's in downtown Tacoma, June, 1970. Woolworth's had dine-in service but also advertised their Golden Fried Chicken to-go. Chicken could be purchased by the piece, bag, or bucket at reasonable prices. A male mannequin with chef's hat and long apron appears in the window along with a sign indicating "pop" deserved a day off from cooking and hinting that the store chicken might be a good idea.

F.W. Woolworth Co. (Tacoma); Variety stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Signs (Notices); Window displays--Tacoma--1970-1980; Mannequins;

Color photograph of the Bon Marche department store, parking lot, and Tire Center in the fall of 1970. At this time of day, the large Tacoma Mall parking lot is fairly empty of cars. There are several automobiles parked, however, close to the Bon Marche Tire Center which was directly across the small shopping center roadway from the main Bon store. The Tire Center offered batteries, shock absorbers, mufflers, brakes, and wheel alinements. There is still an automotive shop offering the same services 36 years later, however, it is now a Courtesy Tire Service Center featuring Goodyear.

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Bon Marche Tire Center (Tacoma); Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma;

Shoe department - Peoples. In 1970, ladies shoes and handbags were displayed at Peoples not in racks cluttering the floor but on shelves in recessed walls and in open cabinets. One tree rack of leather boots was located near a mirrored column. A few comfortable modern chairs were set back-to-back with foot stools. This left an impression of spaciousness and elegance. The women's shoe department was located on the first floor; this photograph was part of a full page advertisement in the November 4, 1970, News Tribune. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT 11-4-70, D-12)

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Shoes;

Ladies wear at Peoples. This section featuring fashionable ladies wear is believed to have been taken at Peoples downtown store in October of 1970. Both pant suits and one-piece jumpers appear to be popular items. Peoples had three locations in the local area including one in Lakewood and another in Lacey. By 1970, the store advertised Sunday shopping hours, possibly to compete with the Tacoma Mall. This photograph was part of a full page ad in the News Tribune on November 4, 1970. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT ad 11-4-70, D-12

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Sportswear department - Peoples. A large section of fashionable sportswear awaits customers of the Peoples department store in October of 1970. Racks are packed with women's clothing, including both bold prints and plain solids. Peoples had recently completely remodeled their second floor and invited customers to come take a look at the variety of women's stylish fashions. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT 11-4-70, D-12)

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Foundations department - Peoples. The women's foundations section at Peoples in October of 1970 displayed a wide variety of undergarments including slips, bras, panties and nightgowns. A small sign advised customers to "Stretch on - Shape up!" Peoples had recently remodeled their second floor featuring women's clothing and accessories; this photograph was part of a full page ad in the News Tribune's November 4th issue. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT 11-4-70, D-12)

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Underwear; Signs (Notices);

Wig department - Peoples. In 1970 women were still sporting wigs and Peoples department store had a special wig boutique with many styles on display. A wig specialist helps a customer adjust a bouffant model while gazing in the large mirror. Shorter, curlier wigs in a variety of colors seem to be the trendy look. This photograph was part of a full page ad in the News Tribune's November 4, 1970, edition. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT ad 11-4-70, D-12)

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Wigs;

Body Shop at Peoples. August, 1971, view of colorful "Body Shop" display on the second floor of the Peoples department store. These were eye-catching long sleeved body suits in a variety of vibrant colors including a purple one-piece outfit on a green chrome stand. Color photograph ordered by Peoples.

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Exterior view of Kmart, 100th & Bridgeport Way. Kmart store #4467 opened on Thursday, July 20, 1972, at 10 a.m. The brick structure was similar in design to the Kmart stores at 72nd & Portland Ave. and on Sixth Ave. with plenty of free parking available in the well-lit lot. Robert W. Henley was the store's first manager; its 150 full-time employees would be a boon to Tacoma's economy. Photograph ordered by SS Kresge Co. (TNT 8-25-71, A-1- article; TNT 7-16-72 Ad A-4; TNT 7-19-72, A-2 -article; TNT 7-21-72, A-9-article)

Kmart (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1970-1980; Parking lots--Lakewood;

Parking lot at new Kmart. Hundreds of shoppers would be gathering at the site of the new Kmart at 100th & Bridgeport Way a bit later in the morning of July 20, 1972. when store #4467 would be hosting its grand opening. This empty parking lot, capable of holding 700 cars, would not be empty for long. This would be the 11th Kmart in Washington State and third in the Tacoma-area. Photograph ordered by SS Kresge Co. (TNT 8-25-71, A-1- article; TNT Ad 7-16-72, A-4; TNT 7-19-72, A-2 -article; TNT 7-21-72, A-9-article);

Kmart (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1970-1980; Parking lots--Lakewood;

Interior view of new Kmart store. "Satisfaction Always" promised a large Kmart sign hanging from the ceiling of the new Kmart store located at 100th & Bridgeport Way in Lakewood. It opened for business on Thursday, July 20, 1972. Situated on 11 acres on 100th St., the location was the former home of prominent Tacoman Dr. Christian Quevli which was destroyed by fire in the 1930's. Both the exterior and interior of the new store were similar to other Tacoma-area Kmarts: brick exteriors with long lines and interiors that were brightly lit and divided into jewelry, clothing, sporting goods, appliances, household goods and other departments. The Lakewood Kmart had 84,000 square feet of space. Photograph ordered by SS Kresge Co. (TNT 8-25-71, A-1-article; TNT ad 7-16-72, A-4; TNT 7-19-72, A-2-article; TNT 7-21-72, A-9-article)

Kmart (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1970-1980; Signs (Notices);

Tacoma Mall on a misty December, 1967 day. One of the features of the shopping center that drew many to sample its wares was the abundance of free parking. No longer did the shopper have to pay to park outside of stores or to hunt for available parking. Hundreds of cars are parked steps away from the enclosed, climate-controlled, Tacoma Mall. The Bon Marche, pictured above, was the first occupant of the Tacoma Mall and opened in August, 1964, well before the rest of the mall was completed. An estimated 150,000 visited the store on the first day of business, causing massive traffic jams. Color photograph ordered by Bell & Stanton, New York City.

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970; Automobiles--Tacoma--1960-1970;

New eastside Kmart store. Claiming to be the largest discount department store in the world and still rapidly expanding, the new Kmart store, 1414 E. 72nd St., was pristine and already prepared for business thirteen days before its grand opening. The second of two Kmarts in Tacoma, it carried a large selection of name brand appliances, including washers, refrigerators, freezers, rangers, televisions, guitars, hi-fis and stereos. A complete department store, Kmart also carried toys, furniture and clothing for the family. It was managed by Glenn W. Darling. Photograph ordered by News Tribune. (TNT 9-18-68, C-4)

Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Appliances; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Grand opening of eastside Kmart. Mayor A.L. Rasmussen stands safely off to one side as hordes of shoppers rush through the doors of the new Kmart at 72nd & Portland Ave. on September 19, 1968. The grand opening of Kmart, the second in Tacoma, attracted hundreds of shoppers eager to check out the store's merchandise. Photograph ordered by Kmart.

Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Crowds--Tacoma; Shopping--Tacoma--1960-1970; Rasmussen, Albert Lawrence; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970;

The staff of Kmart's newest Tacoma store poses for a group portrait before the doors open to the public for the first time on September 19, 1968. The store, located at 1414 E. 72nd St., was the second Kmart in town; the first was located on Sixth Ave. next to Busch's Drive-In. The eastside Kmart had a large staff, predominantly female who wore either the white uniforms of restaurant workers or the modified aprons of checkers and stockers. The store was managed by Glenn Darling. Photograph ordered by Kmart.

Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Mayor A.L. "Slim" Rasmussen holds part of the just-snipped ribbon at the ceremonies marking the grand opening of the city's latest Kmart department store on September 19, 1968 as Kmart officials and their families stand close by. From L-R are (unidentified woman), W.E. Warburton and R. Archibald Fawcett, Kmart regional officials; Richard Beebe representing Governor Dan Evans; Mayor Rasmussen; Mrs. Glenn W. Darling and store manager Mr. Darling; Robert E. Dewar and Robert H. Griffin, corporate Kmart officials; (unidentified man in back and unidentified women). The store was located on the east side of town, at 72nd and Portland Ave. It followed closely the October, 1967, opening of the first Kmart on Sixth Ave. Kmart provided its customers with discounted department store wares, appliances, auto services and plenty of free parking. Photograph ordered by Kmart. (TNT 9-20-68, C-19)

Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Rasmussen, Albert Lawrence; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Darling, Glenn W.; Dewar, Robert E.; Griffin, Robert H.; Beebe, Richard; Warburton, W.E.;

New Kmart store. This parking lot would not stay empty long. Kmart opened its second store in Tacoma at E. 72nd & Portland Ave. in the fall of 1968. Tacoma's first Kmart was located on Sixth Ave. and had opened just the year before. The newer Kmart was built similarly to the older one; it had an enormous parking lot for customer convenience and provided the Kmart chain of affordable department store wares, auto services and garden supplies. The bright bold Kmart neon sign would attract hundreds of shoppers to the store's September 19th grand opening. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune. (TNT 9-18-68, C-4)

Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Electric signs--Tacoma--1960-1970; Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Parking lot at new Kmart. Kmart's September 19, 1968, grand opening saw an overflowing parking lot at its E. 72nd & Portland Ave. location. Cars are pictured hunting for an empty spot while others have decided to simply park on the grassy strip outside the store lot. This area had been primarily residential and near the city limits of Tacoma; after Kmart opened its large department store, more businesses would eventually establish themselves nearby. Photograph ordered by Kmart.

Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970; Automobiles--Tacoma--1960-1970;

1969 Richards stock footage. Elevated view of part of the Tacoma Mall, featuring the J.C. Penney's store. One of the Tacoma Mall's main drawing points was the abundance of free parking for thousands of cars. Customers shopping at Penney's, located at one end of the mall, could park their vehicles in well-lit spots without fear of feeding the meter. Penney's had closed their longtime downtown store and moved to the Tacoma Mall in October of 1965.

J.C. Penney Co. (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma; Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970;

The remodeling of Peoples flagship store in downtown Tacoma also included updating the Sportswear section on the second floor. A glimpse into the Sportswear area on May 2, 1969, shows crowded racks of pants on spinners and shirts hung on the wall. Folded casualwear is piled high on convenient shelving. A pair of mannequins dressed in the latest styles are posed adjacent to the Sportwear; a functioning jukebox is plugged in next to them. Photograph ordered by Peoples.

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mannequins; Jukeboxes;

Even into the late '60s, wigs were frequently advertised and purchased by women desiring a change of hairstyles or to supplement what nature had originally given them. Peoples downtown Tacoma store had extensively remodeled their second floor which included the Wig Boutique. The store had hired expert stylists to offer advice and fittings. This May 2, 1969, photograph shows the wide variety of styles and colors of wigs on sale. Pre-styled human hair wigs, machine-tied, were on sale at the time for $29.95. Wigboxes and styrofoam heads were included to transport the items home. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT ad 4-30-69, B-2)

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Wigs;

Bon Marche in 1970. This is believed to be the first floor (mall level) of the Bon Marche, located in the Tacoma Mall. Sturdy columns are interspersed on the floor, separating various departmental merchandise. The showcases in the foreground tastefully display well-known cosmetic manufacturers' products. Women's shoes and stockings are on separate tables. Aisles were constructed wide so that people could walk through easily without bumping into cases/tables or one another. The Bon Marche was the first occupant of the Tacoma Mall, opening for business in 1964 months before other stores. Althought the Bon started as a local business, it became part of a national concern, and in 2003 became known locally as Bon Macy's. By 2005 all stores were just called Macy's. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche.

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Bon Marche. By March of 1970, the Bon Marche located in the Tacoma Mall was nearly six years old. It was the first store opened in the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center and at 256,000 square feet, the largest department store in Pierce County. It attracted crowds of 150,000 on its first day of business causing massive traffic woes. Even though the Bon Marche would be the only occupant in the mall for nearly a year, business continued to thrive. The lure of plenty of free parking, quality of products and services offered, and easy freeway access drew thousands to shop at the Bon. View of the Bon Marche and attached Cascade Room restaurant; the restaurant was accessible both from inside the mall and outside the building. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche.

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Night exposure of Kmart, Sixth Ave. The newly built Kmart department store, 5132 Sixth Ave., provides a beacon of light in the early fall darkness of October 2, 1967. Large neon letters spell out the store name. The store, the 200th in the Kmart chain, was located west of Orchard St. on Sixth Ave., next to Busch's Sixth Ave. Drive-In. It is still there 38 years later in 2005. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune. (TNT ad 10-1-67, A-23, TNT 10-4-67, A-4)

Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Electric signs--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Tires section, Kmart department store. John Harvey (L) and James Fought pause during the set-up of the tires/auto accessories section of the new Kmart department store on Sixth Ave. on October 2, 1967. Built across the street from the First Christian Church and next door to Busch's Sixth Ave. Drive-In, Kmart was prepared to offer West enders a complete discount department store where automotive, appliance, clothing, and household needs could be met. The store would celebrate its grand opening on October 5, 1967. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune. (TNT ad 10-1-67, A-23, TNT 10-4-67, A-4)

Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Harvey, John; Fought, James; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Automobile equipment & supplies; Tires;

Interior aisles of Kmart, Sixth Ave. Kmart department store, 5132 Sixth Ave., prepared for its grand opening in October, 1967. Standing next to a matching washer-dryer set is general manager Robert Emery Armstrong. Mr. Armstrong was a Kmart manager for many years and later worked in the company office. The massive store totaled 105,000 square feet; with its wide aisles, customers had plenty of room to maneuver. A sampling of merchandise in the store included records, party goods, hobby shop products, appliances, and housewares. Multiple check-out registers ensured that customers could shop and pay for items quickly. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Armstrong, Robert Emery;