In October of 1951, Associated Grocers was celebrating the opening of two stores in Tacoma. John Tipton's Associated Grocers Food Market (pictured), located at South 72nd and Oakes, was new to the organization. Mr. Tipton had 23 years experience in owning and operating grocery and meat markets locally. He was assisted by Roy Mercer in the meat market. His new store had plenty of parking with a large adjoining lot. The other Associated Grocers Food Market at 764 South 56th St. was re-opening after being closed for several months due to a fire. The store was completely renovated and equipped with the latest modern machinery. The structure was built in 1937 and previously operated as Frank Mosier's Meat Market and Ben's Economy Groceteria. After the 1951 renovation, it was managed by John W. Fagerholm (groceries & produce) and John Hein (meat market.) The total of AG chain stores in the area was now 13 with the addition of these two stores. (TNT ad 10-11-51, A-6; A-9-article)

Tipton's Associated Grocers Food Store (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Produce is displayed along the windows at the A-G Food Store at 56th and Yakima (also South 56th and Park). A-G Food Stores were celebrating the opening of two new stores, this one and another at 72nd and South Oakes. Two long shelving units run the length of the store through the middle and more shelves line the walls along the left and at the rear. Two check-out counters are seen with scales located next to the cash registers. The meat counter is seen in the foreground. (TNT, 10/12/1951, p.A-2)

Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; A-G Food Store (Tacoma); Cash registers; Scales;

In November of 1951, local coffee roaster Wood Coffee Company had an aisle-long display of their one and two pound coffee cans at the Big Bear grocery store in Tacoma's Stadium District. Big Bear was celebrating its redecoration with specials such as Wood's Coffee for 75 cents a pound or two pounds for $1.49. The Wood Coffee Co., located at 1517 Commerce St., was founded by John Wood, Sr., in 1905. Three years after John Wood, Sr. died, in 1951, the Wood Coffee Co. was sold to the Mello-Cup Coffee Co. of Seattle. (TNT 11-7-51, p. 11- ad for Big Bear)

Big Bear Stores (Tacoma); Wood Coffee Co. (Tacoma); Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Interior view of grocery store. Rows of assorted candies, chips, cold remedies and laundry products fill this portion of an unidentified grocery store in a late fall, 1951, photograph. The grocer seems to have made maximum use of a limited space in order to put as many different products out as possible for customers to purchase. A Toledo brand scale stands by to weigh any item necessary.

Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Scales;

View of Tradewell grocery store. Tradewell Stores had three grocery stores in the Tacoma area by the early 1950's. They were modern supermarkets with wide aisles, multiple checkout lanes, and self-service meat and produce departments. Angled view of interior of Tradewell store; rows of canned goods, checkout lanes; bold patterned linoleum. Photograph taken approximately in late fall, 1951.

Tradewell Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cash registers; Scales;

View of grocery store. Tradewell Stores had three grocery stores in the Tacoma area in the early 1950's: 6134 Motor Ave. S.W., 5605 Pacific Ave. and 3601 6th Ave. View of interior of a Tradewell grocery; at least three checkout lanes with scales, cash registers, and cigarettes under the counter. There were wide aisles so customers could shop comfortably; Tradewell also had self-service meat departments where meat was already pre-packaged and ready for purchase. Photograph taken probably in the late fall, 1951.

Tradewell Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Scales; Cash registers;

The Thomas Bros. Foodliner in University Place had its grand opening in September, 1951. Owned and operated by Al, Frank and Joe Thomas, it was a modern supermarket with self-service meat department, refrigerated produce, high speed conveyor checkstands, and even automatic doors. Thomas Bros. carried a wide variety of foods, including this row of Chun King chow mein, mixed vegetables and Hunt's tomatoes. View of canned foods, lightbulbs. (TNT 9-12-51, A-6, A-10, A-11)

Thomas Bros. Foodliner (University Place); Grocery stores--University Place--1950-1960; Merchandise displays; Food--University Place--1950-1960;

Thomas Grocery Company, store interior. Aisle of canned foods and bagged "Red and White" coffee. September of 1951 saw the grand opening of the Thomas Bros. Foodliner in University Place. Al, Frank and Joe Thomas had been in the grocery business since they assisted their family, the Frank Thomas Srs., as youngsters. This supermarket stood nearly at the location of the old family store. It was considered a very modern business, offering customers the convenience of pre-packaged meats, high-speed conveyor checkstands and refrigerated produce. A wide selection of foods was available for the discerning shopper.

Thomas Bros. Foodliner (University Place); Grocery stores--University Place--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--University Place; Food--University Place--1950-1960;

Employees of the Thomas Bros. Foodliner store stand behind the meat counter prior to the grand opening of their University Place supermarket in September, 1951. Self-service meats were one of the many new conveniences at the Red & White Food Store; a customer could easily choose from a variety of pre-packaged meats without waiting for a butcher. Their full page ads on September 12th indicated that sliced bacon was available for 59 cents a pound and pork chops for 75 cents. Other new conveniences were refrigerated produce, high-speed conveyor checkstands and automatic doors. The Frank Thomas, Sr., family had opened their small grocery store 46 years ago at the corner of what was then Regents park and Western road. The Thomas brothers, Al, Frank and Joe, grew up helping to run the family store. The new store, built at nearly the same location of W. 27th and Grandview, has maintained its affiliation with the Red & White Food chain. Photograph ordered by Consolidated Service, Seattle. (TNT 9-12-51, A-6, A-10, A-11) TPL-8774

Thomas Bros. Foodliner (University Place); Grocery stores--University Place--1950-1960; Merchandise displays; Food--University Place--1950-1960;

The Frank Thomas, Sr., family established their small grocery store in University Place 46 years ago. The Thomas brothers, Al, Frank and Joe, grew up helping their mother run the business, working every day including Sundays. They opened up an ultra-modern full scale supermarket in September, 1951, as a Red & White Food Store in University Place. Their two full page ads on September 12, 1951, offered prizes, free balloons and merry-go-round rides for children, and free coffee and cake for all customers. View of showcase of fresh refrigerated fruits and vegetables including squash, peppers, eggplant and tomatoes. Red Tokay grapes were listed in the ads at two pounds for 25 cents; Danver yellow onions at 3 pounds for 10 cents. Stacks of Coca Cola bottles are positioned next to the display counter and there are several elaborate floral arrangements on the shelf above the produce. Photograph commissioned by Consolidated Service, Seattle. (TNT 9-12-51, A-6, A-10, A-11)

Thomas Bros. Foodliner (University Place); Grocery stores--University Place--1950-1960; Merchandise displays; Food--University Place--1950-1960;

A long vegetable case has been installed along one wall at Paul Cook's Market. Mirrors at the back of the case enhance the display of vegetables. A special railing has been added along the top of the case to easily show and change the prices of produce as available. Ordered by Carl Rhodes Sales Company, Seattle.

Paul Cook's Market (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Vegetables--Tacoma; Showcases; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The vegetable case at Ed Greiner A-G Food Store No. 6 is filled with fresh produce. Mirrors have been placed at the back of the cases to enhance the displays of lettuce, carrots, cabage, cauliflower, celery and peppers. Two men stand on the right wearing long aprons. Ordered by Carl Rhodes Sales Company, Seattle.

A-G Food Store No. 6 (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Vegetables--Tacoma; Showcases; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Candy racks in front of the cash registers at Sib's Thriftway are loaded with Nalley's candies, tempting everyone to try them. Ordered by Nalley's, Mrs. Hildreth.

Sib's Thriftway (Tacoma); Food industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Nalley's, Inc. (Tacoma)--Products; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Candy--Tacoma--1950-1960; Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A display of Nestles' prooducts at the Big Bear store including Nestle's instant cocoa, Nestle's Quick, Nestle's cookie mix, and Nestle's chocolate morsels. Ordered by Nalley's, Henry Willis.

Big Bear Stores (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Nalley's, Inc. (Tacoma)--Products; Food--Tacoma--1950-1960; Food industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Two men complete the display of Trend soap at the Midland Thriftway Market (Thriftway Food Stores) by adding a sign announcing, the "Largest Trend display in the World." The store was located at 5402 South Tacoma Way. Ordered by the Purex Corporation.

Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Thriftway Food Stores (Tacoma);

A display of Nalley's potato chips at the Big Bear Store. Potato chips were Marcus Nalley's first product, prepared in his own small kitchen, fried in cooking oil, and packed in paper bags. "This is only the beginning" was his favorite comment during the 1930's and it was certainly true. This rack includes two sizes, 25 cent and 39 cent, of the regional favorite potato chips. Krun-chees and pop corn were 10 cents a bag. Bags of Ruffles Potato Chips hang along the left hand side. Hanging in the middle of the display is a copy of an ad that ran in Sunset magazine. (South on the Sound, Murray and Rosa Morgan)

Big Bear Stores (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Nalley's, Inc. (Tacoma)--Products; Food--Tacoma--1950-1960; Food industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Interior of Hogan's 8th grocery store, at 98th & Pacific Ave., for its Grand Opening March 9-11, 1951. All of the Hogan Grocery Stores were owned by Walter Hogan, who also owned Western Grocery Co., a wholesale grocery outlet for retailers. This store offered Southeast Tacoma and the surrounding rural areas a complete assortment of groceries, meats, produce and dairy. The store had 5600 sq. ft. of merchandising floor space and a color scheme of chartreuse green and wine. The flooring was wine, red and brown. Mirrored produce cases reflected the jewel tones of the fruits and vegetables. The highlight of the opening was the giving away of four barrels of groceries. (TNT 3/8/1951, pg. C-4)

Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hogan's Fine Foods (Tacoma); Farm produce--Tacoma;

Fixture displays at Sib's Thriftway, 1215 So. Union Ave., showing personal care products as of March 1, 1951. Products are Dr. Lyon's Tooth Powder, Rayve Wave Home permanent wave cream, Veto and Mum deodorants, Mennen skin bracer, and Jergens and Woodbury skin creams. The grocery store was owned by Sib L. Carstensen.

Sib's Thriftway (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Toiletries; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Fixture displays at Sib's Thriftway, 1215 So. Union Ave., showing housewares. A rack of household extension cords is located to the left hand side. The grocery store was owned by Sib L. Carstensen. The numbers on the divided bins possibly indicate the prices. Bundt pans, cookie sheets, muffin tins, pots, utensils, potholders and what appear to be dog or cat food bowls are displayed. Everything that the busy 1950's housewife needed in a hurry for her kitchen is here.

Sib's Thriftway (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cooking utensils--1950-1960; Pots & pans--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Fixture displays at Sib's Thriftway, 1215 So. Union Ave., showing personal care products including Colgate, Pepsodent & Ipana tooth paste. The grocery store was owned by Sib L. Carstensen. Groceries line the shelves on either side of the personal product display. What appears to be a butcher shop can be seen at the right rear of the picture. Two unidentified men stand by the display and a fire extinguisher hangs prominently on the post.

Sib's Thriftway (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Toiletries; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A young man has just completed the display of Johnson's Glo-Coat floor wax and applicator at the Park-N-Shop grocery store. Ordered by S.C. Johnson.

Park-N-Shop, Inc. (Parkland); Grocery stores--Parkland--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Housework--Tacoma;

Fruit and vegetable display equipment at Market Street Thriftway. The display cases are filled with fall vegetables: cabbage, carrots, celery, followed by parsnips later on. Oranges and apples are behind the two men wearing green aprons. Small pumpkins sit along the top of the cases. Ordered by Washington Equipment and Sales Company, Seattle. ALBUM 15.

Market Street Thriftway (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Showcases; Fruit--Tacoma; Vegetables--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Shoppers at the self-serve meat department of Park-N-Shop pause to examine the wide variety of meats, fish, and fowl available in August, 1950. Instead of giving an order to a butcher and waiting in line for the order to be filled, the customer could save time by simply selecting from pre-packaged meats. Park-N-Shop was a grocery store located at 9662 Pacific Avenue in Parkland.

Park-N-Shop, Inc. (Parkland); Meat; Grocery stores--Parkland--1950-1960;

Exterior of the new refrigerator case at Cole's Supermarket, modern technology for the preservation of fresh fruits and vegetables installed by Paul's Refrigeration in Tacoma. This photo served as advertising copy for the grand opening of Cole's which featured self service and Pictsweet frozen foods. Free coffee and ice cream for the kids was given at the opening. (TNT 3/3/1950 pg. C-12) TPL-9269

Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Refrigerators; Cole's Supermarket (Tacoma); Produce;

A view of the produce department and apple display at the Tacoma Big Bear Store. An unidentified shopper and Produce Manager Steve Turlis stand between the rows of displayed produce. Large amounts of fresh produce are mounded into the display bins. Bananas, rhubarb, lemons, are shown, but apples are the featured fruit. Posters hang on the walls and from banners. Large sacks and cases of apples stand open in the foreground. Ordered by the Washington State Apple Commission, Jack Sharp.

Big Bear Stores (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fruit; Vegetables--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Apples--Tacoma; Advertising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Turlis, Steve;

Novotney Super Market, Mr. Ole Bernstein, Novotney Super Market. Norman Berger together with Stan and Frank Novotney were making their dreams come true by opening a grocery, produce, feed and meats store at South 78th and Portland Avenue. Norman Berger was formerly associated with his father at H. Berger & Son at 84th Street and Pacific Avenue. Norman Berger was to be in charge of the meat portion of the new business. (T.Times, 9/30/1948, p.8)

Novotney Super Market (Tacoma); Berger's Meat Market (Tacoma); Meat; Showcases; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Grocery stores--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Several interiors and exteriors of stores in Fircrest, Lakewood Log, Charlie Mann. The interior of the Fircrest Food Market. The small market carried a large selection of canned goods on shelving that was wider at the bottom which made it easier to see what was available there. Frozen foods were displayed in a case along the left side wall as well as dairy items in a cold case next to it. A meat counter was housed in the back of the store. Carts for use by customers are seen by the check out stand.

Fircrest Food Market (Fircrest); Grocery stores--Fircrest--1940-1950; Grocery carts; Meat; Food--Fircrest; Canned foods; Dairy products;

New West Coast Grocery Company building at Tacoma, DFPA, Mrs. Leik. Ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association, the exterior of this building shows the use of plywood in concrete construction. The walls were built using plywood and structural lumber as molds with iron rebar to strengthen the poured concrete. Openings were left for windows to be installed.

West Coast Grocery Co. (Tacoma); Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reinforced concrete construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Storehouses--Tacoma;

Big Bear Food Store, Bud Merrell, Grocery store interiors, old "Arney's Market", Colemans. The new Big Bear Store has opened for business and the public are enjoying some of the features of the new grocery store. Some shoppers are coming through the check-out stands and workers are ringing up items at the cash registers and bagging groceries. The store had advertised free coffee, doughnuts and balloons for their grand opening. (TNT, 1/29/1948, p.3 and p.28)

Big Bear Stores (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cash registers; Canned foods; Shopping--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Big Bear Food Store, Bud Merrell, Grocery store interiors, old "Arney's Market", Colemans. Big Bear was opening their first store in Tacoma at the location of the first Stadium Market. Big Bear was well known in Seattle having had several locations there for 16 years. Their policy was, "to provide the foods you want at the lowest prices at which they can be sold". This view features the produce area with displays of fruits, vegetagles and fresh flowers. Dairy products are displayed in the cold cases in the back of the store. A clock hangs on the wall above the dairy cases. (TNT, 1/29/1948, p.3 and p.28)

Big Bear Stores (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fruit; Vegetables--Tacoma; Dairy products; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Flowers--Tacoma--1940-1950;