In 1948 the Peoples department store chain had an empire of twelve stores. For two days, starting on November 12, 1948, Mildred Davis became president of the Peoples Empire during the semi-annual Women's Day. On these two days, women took over all executive positions. Mrs. Davis, who worked as the company's switchboard operator, was elected by her co-workers to be president and general manager. William P. Fitpold, the real president and general manager, shows plans and duties to Mrs. Davis. (TNT, 11/11/1948, p.2)

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Davis, Mildred; Fitpold, William P.; Events--Tacoma--1940-1950; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Mr. Fitpold at switchboard at Peoples Store, Times, Frank Herbert. Mr. William P. Fitpold, president of the department store, has traded positions with Mildred Davis, the store's switchboard operator, during the two-day Women's days event at the store. Mrs. Davis was elected by her co-workers to serve as president during the event.

Peoples (Tacoma); Fitpold, William P.; Davis, Mildred; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sexism--Tacoma--1940-1950;

William P. Fitpold, president of the Peoples department store, at 1101 Pacific Ave., struggled with the store's switchboard in this photograph from November 1946. Twice a year, during their Women's Days sales, Peoples' officers and managers were demoted and the women employees took over all the management positions held by men. Because Mildred Davis, the store's regular operator, was elected president by the staff, Mr. Fitpold had to take over her regular duties while she ran the store. (T. Times 11-11-1948 p.11) Times, Frank Herbert

Peoples (Tacoma); Fitpold, William P.; Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950; Telephone switchboards--Tacoma--1940-1950; Telephone operators--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Peoples Department Store Building, Carl August Darmer, Architect, 1895. Photograph of store front with scaffolding and steam cleaner, circa May of 1938. Sign reads "This building is being steamed cleaned by Universal Cleaning Contractors." For Ocky Williams, Universal Cleaning Contractors. The structure was built for and occupied by the Peoples Store from 1895-1983 when the store closed its doors. It is now the Puget Sound Plaza. (filed with Argentum)

Department stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Peoples (Tacoma); Cleaning--Tacoma; Scaffolding--Tacoma;

Peoples Department Store Building, Carl August Darmer, Architect, 1895. Photograph of front and side of Peoples Store with man on scaffolding near top corner of store, circa May of 1938. The exterior of the store was being steam cleaned by Universal Cleaning Contractors. The building was occupied by the Peoples Store from 1895-1983. For Ocky Williams, Universal Cleaning Contractors. (filed with Argentum)

Department stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Peoples (Tacoma); Cleaning--Tacoma; Scaffolding--Tacoma;

Peoples Department Store, display of mattresses and bed springs. Area rugs are hung from racks on the level above. A sign announces bargains on used furniture.

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;

Peoples Department Store, Women's wear department. Dresses hang from racks, while sweaters are folded neatly on display tables.

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;

Peoples Department Store, Cosmetic, Perfume and Toiletries Department.

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;

Peoples Department Store, Millinery Department. The large department exudes elegance with 2-3 hats displayed per merchandise counter.

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma; Hats--1930-1940;

Women's Day Executives at Peoples Store. Seven women wearing dresses and hats gathered around table with coffee and light breakfast, featuring boxes of Kellogg's Pep cereal.

Department stores--Tacoma; Peoples (Tacoma);

Santa Claus on his throne surrounded by a crowd of children and mothers at Peoples Department Store after Santa's arrival from airport on November 24, 1939. Santa would be at the Peoples Store until his Christmas Eve gift run, speaking with the children of Tacoma and checking his naughty and nice list.

Department stores--Tacoma; Peoples (Tacoma); Santa Claus--Tacoma; Holidays--Tacoma;

Exterior of Peoples Store after painting.

Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Peoples (Tacoma);