People of all ages stream through the doors of Gov-Mart South, a discount department store, on October 14, 1964. Gov-Mart was located on a strip of land between Hwy. 99 and and I-5, opposite McChord AFB. 20,000 people flocked to the grand opening of the newly remodeled and expanded store. Previously a membership-only store, those attending on October 14th were admitted without membership requirements. Not only did Gov-Mart expand to 100,000 square feet, it also changed its name to Gov-Mart/Baza'r. Photograph ordered by Gov-Mart. (TNT 10-13-64, p. 8)

Gov-Mart South (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1960-1970; Crowds--Lakewood;

A smiling group of seven men pose in the Gov-Mart South department store on October 14, 1964. Each man is sporting a carnation boutonniere. Most of these men are believed to be Gov-Mart executives present for the official ribbon-snipping. From L-R are Kenneth Smith, unidentified man, District supv. Jerome Alhadeff, unidentified man, Manager Frank Walker, George Branfeld and William T. Triplett, Jr. Photograph ordered by Gov-Mart. (TNT 10-15-64, A-10)

Gov-Mart South (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1960-1970; Group portraits--1960-1970;

Gov-Mart South, a discount department store located between I-5 and Hwy. 99, opened a new expanded food market within the store on October 14, 1964. Besides food bargains such as bananas at 10 cents a pound, and meats and fresh produce on sale, Gov-Mart put 4000 food items on price reductions. Thousands of shoppers took advantage of the low prices. In addition to store expansion and remodeling, Gov-Mart opened its doors to the general public instead of by-membership-only and also changed its name to Gov-Mart/Baza'r. View of shoppers inspecting produce and selecting shopping carts; one man, face and figure blurred, ducks under railing instead of using turnstile. Photograph ordered by Gov-Mart. (TNT 10-13-64, p. 8)

Gov-Mart South (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1960-1970; Supermarkets--Lakewood; Signs (Notices);

Scenes from Gov-Mart. Before there was Costco and Sam's Club in this area, there was Gov-Mart South, which claimed to be the Northwest's first and finest membership department store. Throngs attended the grand opening on October 14, 1964, of a new market and other additions to the store. October 14th saw a change in name and policy, as well as showcasing expansion: store name changed to Gov-Mart/Baza'r and it was now open to the public without membership requirements. 20,000 eager shoppers took advantage of Gov-Mart's one-stop discount shopping that promised complete customer satisfaction with low prices. Photograph ordered by Gov-Mart. (TNT 10-13-64, p. 8)

Gov-Mart South (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1960-1970; Crowds--Lakewood;

October, 1964, scenes from Gov-Mart. Everything from toys to clothing could be purchased at the Gov-Mart South department store in Lakewood. Wide aisles made for easy shopping cart passage and items were stacked and hung attractively. Gov-Mart was a discount department store located in a warehouse setting in Lakewood, between I-5 and Hwy. 99, and opposite McChord AFB. It had opened for business in 1959 with 30 employees in 30,000 square feet. After extensive remodeling and addition, it had expanded to 100,000 square feet. Employees now numbered over 100. Vowing that their customers would never have to pay retail, and would be guaranteed complete customer satisfaction, Gov-Mart changed their policies to allow shopping by the general public instead of by-membership-only and also changed its name to Gov-Mart/Baza'r. Photograph ordered by Gov-Mart. (TNT 10-13-64, p. 8)

Gov-Mart South (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1960-1970; Crowds--Lakewood;

Shoppers looking for bargains attend the grand opening of a new 24,000 square foot supermarket and expansion and addition of other departments at the Gov-Mart discount department store in Lakewood on October 14, 1964. The clock and watch department is crowded with customers perhaps buying early Christmas gifts. Gov-Mart abolished its membership-only requirement and opened the store to the general public. It also changed its name to Gov-Mart/Baza'r. Photograph ordered by Gov-Mart. (TNT 10-13-64, p. 8)

Gov-Mart South (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1960-1970; Crowds--Lakewood;

Grand opening signs are peppered through the many departments at Gov-Mart South, a discount department store located on a strip of land between Hwy 99 and I-5 in Lakewood. October 14, 1964, saw crowds of enthusiastic shoppers inspecting and purchasing everything from clothing to clocks to major appliances. View of washers/dryers, stoves, radio/phonograph consoles and televisions; gas stove on sale for $189 and a dryer on special at $109. With the grand opening of October 14th, Gov-Mart changed its policies regarding membership-only status and also changed its name to Gov-Mart/Baza'r. Photograph ordered by Gov-Mart. (TNT 10-13-64, p. 8)

Gov-Mart South (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1960-1970; Crowds--Lakewood; Washing machines; Appliances; Televisions; Signs (Notices);

Passersby glance at the clearance merchandise in the windows of the J.C. Penney's downtown Broadway store in early September, 1965. Penney's would be relocating its main store to the city's southside, in the new Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. The downtown store would close on October 2, 1965, with the new Tacoma Mall store to open on October 13th. Penney's need for more parking and more area to expand led them to move the main store to the mall with its 7,000-car parking lot. New departments added to the store would include a 50-seat coffee shop, gun department, and a separate auto center. Photograph ordered by Puget Sound National Bank. (TNT 8-24-65, p. 1)

J.C. Penney Co. (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

J.C. Penney's had a gas station and auto center located right next to their new store at the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center in 1965. A 1960 Chevy El Camino truck and a 1965 Ford Mustang are ready to be serviced at the outdoor pumps. Customers and attendants were protected from Northwest weather by the auto center's extended roofline. The auto center and the main store opened on October 13, 1965. Lysle G. Paterson was manager of the Tacoma Mall Penney's. Photograph ordered by News Tribune. TPL-498

J.C. Penney Co. (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1960-1970;

As part of the 77th Anniversary celebration of the Peoples department store chain, the Mercy Boys rock band with lead singer Jim Brady (later of the Sonics) played on October 9, 1965 in the Junior World Department of their flagship store in downtown Tacoma, 1101-07 Pacific Avenue. Also appearing at the store was Australian TV star and disc jockey Rhett Hamilton Walker 1st, or R.H.W. One as he was officially known on KOL radio. His show was broadcast daily from 3 to 6 p.m. The Peoples store closed in 1983 and was remodeled becoming the Puget Sound Plaza in 1985. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT 10-5-65, D-1) (Additional identification provided by a reader) TPL-9173

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Musicians--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mercy Boys (Tacoma);

Winthrop Hotel executive William R. Conant, Sr., and Sonia Fowler (now Sonia Gray) watch as their kimono-clad waitress in the Kokura Restaurant pours a small cup of tea on July 13, 1964. The Kokura was the Winthrop Hotel's latest major improvement, an authentic Japanese restaurant located on the Broadway level. Named after Tacoma's sister-city in Japan, the Kokura served only Japanese food. To add to the atmosphere, the chef and waitresses were of Japanese descent. Customers entered the Kokura through a torii, an orange-red gate, and were directed to small private dining rooms separated by shoji screens. Tables were low and customers sat on padded cushions resting on tatami mats, much as they would in Japan. Bamboo-covered walls and hanging paper-like lighting fixtures added to the dining experience. The Kokura closed in 1971. (Photograph ordered by the Winthrop Hotel.) (TNT 5-10-64, B-10, TNT ad 10-14-64, A-8) TPL-9851

Kokura Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Dining rooms--Tacoma--1960-1970; Waitresses--Tacoma; Kimonos; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Conant, William R.; Fowler, Sonia;

Interior of Kokura restaurant. The next major improvement to the Winthrop Hotel would be the Kokura restaurant in the summer of 1964. Named after Tacoma's sister-city, Kokura, Japan, it would serve only authentic Japanese food prepared and served by Japanese. Located on the Broadway level of the Winthrop, there was seating for 40. Shoji screens would divide the dining areas, providing both privacy and atmosphere. As a glimpse into a dining room shows, customers would sit on thick padded cushions placed on tatami mats. Stone lanterns and simplistic naturalistic decor would add to the serene environment. Photograph ordered by the Winthrop Hotel. (TNT 5-10-64, B-10)

Kokura Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Dining rooms--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Mrs. W.N. Spahn happily accepted the keys to a new Ford Mustang on September 1, 1964, from the Bon Marche managing director Darrel Vannice. She won the car during the Bon's grand opening festivities at the Tacoma Mall. To promote the Bon's new location, all who applied for a Bon credit card were entered into an August 31, 1964, drawing for fabulous prizes; besides the new Mustang, other prizes awarded were a Shetland pony, $100-1000 fully paid charge accounts, and free dinners in the new Cascade Room. Mrs. Spahn, the winner of the Mustang, took delivery of the new car outside the lower entrance to the Bon. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche. (TNT full page ad- 7-20-64, p. 17, TNT 9-2-64, A-2-article)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Awards; Ford automobile; Vannice, Darrel E.; Spahn, W.N.--Family;

ca. 1964. Hardy stalks of bamboo are examined by three unidentified men outside the new Kokura restaurant located on the Broadway level of the Winthrop Hotel. The Kokura, named after Tacoma's sister-city on the island Kyushu, Japan, opened in the summer of 1964. The bamboo plant was probably destined for the restaurant's interior whose furnishings were either directly from Japan or associated with that culture. TPL-5022

Kokura Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Bamboo--Tacoma;

This vast parking lot will not be empty for long as the relocated Bon Marche prepares for its grand opening at the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center in the summer of 1964. The Bon would be the first store in the new shopping center located on 83 acres west of the freeway between So. 43rd and So. 48th Sts. View of imposing four-story Bon Marche with Cascade Room restaurant attached taken on July 27, 1964. The three million dollar structure was built by Nelson Construction of reinforced concrete with distinctive red-brick facing. It was the largest department store in Southwest Washington. (TNT 8-2-64, A-1)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma;

Fine linens at the Bon Marche. Although paper napkins were becoming more popular as people discovered their convenience, table linens were still promoted and sold in fine department stores in the 1960's. Lace doilies, cloth napkins and linen tablecloths are exhibited in elegant open display cases at the new Bon Marche, Tacoma Mall. Located on the third (or top) floor, the fine linens section would be decorated with gold lamps, imported gold wallpaper and walnut paneling. The Bon would celebrate its grand opening on August 3, 1964. (TNT 8-2-64, B-9)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tablecloths; Textiles;

An attentive crowd, including Governor Albert Rosellini and Miss Tacoma Angela Nicholson (seated on stage, front row), observed the flag ceremonies at the official August 3, 1964 opening of the $3 million dollar Bon Marche department store at the new Tacoma Mall. Other dignitaries visible on stage included City councilman Maurice Finnigan, County commissioners Fritz Geiger and Pat Gallagher, and Bon managing director Darrel Vannice. The speaker at the podium has been tentatively identified as Tacoma Deputy Mayor Arnold Herrmann. The grand opening attracted 150,000 visitors causing massive traffic jams. The Bon offered free bus service from downtown Tacoma several times daily to their new location and also advertised the acres of free parking available for shoppers. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche.

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Nicholson, Angela; Flags--United States; State flags;

Grand opening of Bon Marche at the Tacoma Mall. 150,000 people attended the official opening on August 3, 1964, of the first occupant of the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. The parking lot is crammed full of cars, including a charter bus. Although the News Tribune had run several articles on driving directions, including alternative ways to get to the Mall, massive traffic jams would occur anyway. Even when visitors managed to get to the Mall, paved parking was quickly snapped up and many were forced to park in unpaved areas. Once completed, paved parking lots would hold up to 6000 cars. Hordes of shoppers would await opening day speeches from various dignitaries including Governor Albert D. Rosellini before the doors finally opened. A few intrepid souls are perched on the roofs of the massive four-story department store, giving them a good bird's eye view of the swirling activity. (TNT 8-4-64, p. 18) TPL-9645

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

Exterior of the Kokura Restaurant. Located on the Broadway level of the Winthrop Hotel, the Kokura restaurant opened in the summer of 1964. It featured the finest Japanese cuisine which was prepared and served by those of Japanese descent. The restaurant was named after Tacoma's city-sister, Kokura, Japan. The Winthrop would later be sold in 1970 and rooms converted to senior housing. TPL-5021

Kokura Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Washington governor Albert Rosellini, flanked by two flag bearers, addressed the massive crowd gathered for the opening of the new Bon Marche building at the Tacoma Mall on August 3, 1964. Both the American flag and the state flag were on display. Gov. Rosellini had flown in by helicopter to attend the ribbon-cutting of the largest department store in Southwest Washington. Also on the temporarily erected stage were various city and county officials plus Darrel Vannice, the Bon's managing director. The Bon Marche was the first occupant of the Tacoma Mall as the rest of the shopping center would not be officially opened until October the following year. TPL-6175

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Public speaking--Tacoma; Flags--United States; State flags;

Candy department at the Bon Marche. Mouth watering displays of wrapped candy are ready for customers to purchase at the soon-to-be opened Bon Marche located in the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. Russell Stover assorted chocolates and Blum Almondettes were just two of the many brands of candy on sale in the Bon's lower level near the Cascade Room. A bakery with fresh-daily goods was located next to the candy shop and apparently specialized in fancy cakes. (TNT 8-2-64, B-7)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Candy--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Portrait studio, Bon Marche. Framed portraits, particularly of young children, line the walls of the portrait studio located on the third (or top) floor in the new Bon Marche at the Tacoma Mall. A variety of frames, both ornate and modern, could be purchased along with the pictures. As one photograph on display on the counter testifies, the Bon would be able to make reproductions of old prints. The portrait studio was a new endeavor for the Bon. (TNT 8-2-64, B-5)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Photographic studios--Tacoma--1960-1970; Portraits; Picture frames;

Beauty salon, Bon Marche. A large sign directs patrons to the beauty salon of the Bon Marche, now located on the second floor at the new Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. A long reception desk is clearly visible through the open doorway. The Bon' s beauty shop was equipped with modern hairdressing equipment and an experienced staff of fourteen operators. Crystal light fixtures and gold brocade wallpaper enhanced the atmosphere of the walnut and white room. (TNT 8-2-64, B-8)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Beauty shops--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

On July 27, 1964, mannequins wearing the latest evening styles in taffeta and silk stood guard over the fabric department of the soon to open Bon Marche at the Tacoma Mall. The fabric department was located near the elevator on the Mall level of the 250,000 square foot, four story department store. Nearly 150,000 shoppers were on hand on August 3, 1964 for the grand opening ceremony. The Bon Marche was the first occupant of the Tacoma Mall; the rest of the shopping center did not officially open until October of 1965. (TNT 8-2-64, B-5)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Textiles; Mannequins;

Olympia Day at the Bon Marche. A convoy of chartered buses transported Olympians to the newly opened Bon Marche at the Tacoma Mall on October 1, 1964. Although the Bon had a 6000-car parking lot, traveling by bus was just as convenient for out-of-towners. View of Harbor Lines buses parked outside of the Bon; one driver standing by open door. Apartments on the hillside next to the Bon are believed to be the 48-unit Alpine Village apartments, built on the northern boundary of the Tacoma Mall. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche.

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Buses--Tacoma--1960-1970;

This is what the exterior of the Kokura Restaurant looked like in October of 1964. It had opened during the past summer in the Winthrop Hotel with its entrance on Broadway. The restaurant specialized in fine Japanese cuisine served in an atmosphere reflecting its origins. Kokura was named in honor of Tacoma's city-sister in Japan. It would remain open until about 1970 when the hotel was sold.

Kokura Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Glassware section in the new Bon Marche. A week prior to its August 3, 1964, grand opening, the Bon Marche, first store at the new Tacoma Mall Shopping Center, was primed and ready to go. A look into the glassware shop area saw widely spaced display tables filled with elegant stemware and vases located near the china, gift and silver shops. This is the view from the west entrance to the Mall level. The store's bridal registry was here as well. The Bon had relocated from its longtime downtown spot to the new Tacoma Mall; the four-story store would have over 250,000 square feet and be able to showcase merchandise more effectively. (TNT 8-2-64, B-5)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tableware; Glassware; Vases;

Silver and silverplate display at the Bon Marche. The August 3, 1964, opening of the Bon Marche, first store at the Tacoma Mall, would truly be a gala event. Prior to the grand opening, photographs of the interior and exterior were taken by the Richards Studio on July 27, 1964. A dazzling display of tableware, including trays, candlesticks, serving pieces and coffee/tea dispensers would certainly catch the eye of the thousands expected to view the new building's merchandise. The silverware shop was located adjacent to the china and glassware sections near the west end of the Mall level. (TNT 8-2-64, B-8)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tableware;

Six downtown Tacoma department stores had donated decorations on display promoting the "Hawaiian Holiday Sale" during late October, 1961. C&H Sugar, Libby's and other major Hawaiian-related companies graciously allowed their products to be advertised during this sale. View of jewelry section of unidentified department store, possibly Penney's, with palm trees and woven hats placed on countertops. More than 50 downtown businesses would participate in this special three-day sale, culminating in a drawing for the all-expense paid trip for two to Hawaii. Photograph ordered by the Retail Trade Bureau.

Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Palms--Tacoma;

Flags gaily flapping in the wind welcomed shoppers to the J.C. Penney store in Lakewood's Villa Plaza Shopping Center. The large department store was the cornerstone of the block that included Weisfield's, Fashion Shoes, Woolworth's and Mode O' Day. Penney's joined the Rhodes Brothers Department Store at the Villa Plaza; both stores had their main stores in downtown Tacoma. Penney's had its grand opening on May 16, 1957, where the 33,000 square foot store became the first shopping center Penney's in the Northwest. It was also the first Penney's to have all sales departments on one floor; the upper level was for offices and staff rooms. Howard E. Haley was the Villa Plaza Penney's first manager; he had a staff of 60 local employees. Photograph ordered by Norman Iverson & Associates. (TNT 5-15-57, B-1, B-4) TPL-8317

J.C. Penney Co. (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1950-1960; Villa Plaza Shopping Center (Lakewood);