Bank of California exterior, taken on July 25, 1968. Built in the Italian Renaissance style of Wilkerson sandstone and granite by J.E. Bonnell & Son in 1928, the Bank of California's four Ionic columns made for an impressive sight on busy downtown Pacific Avenue. A contemporary touch has been added with the installation of a narrow vertical sign to the building's exterior with the bank's name on it.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Signs (Notices);

Pacific Lutheran University's Choir of the West performs at the Bank of California. Bringing cheer to customers and staff alike, the Choir of the West made its seventh annual appearance in the Bank of California's grand lobby on December 17, 1968. Business was conducted as usual with the addition of the choir's songs and refreshments offered. Directed by Maurice H. Skones, the Choir of the West also performed in concerts at McNeil Island and Fort Lewis. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Choir of the West (Parkland); Pacific Lutheran University (Parkland)--1960-1970; Christmas trees--Tacoma;

Bank of California grand reopening. Bank of California manager Howard O. Scott (L) shares ribbon-cutting duties with two unidentified men on December 11, 1968. The bank had just concluded a massive remodeling project at its facility on Pacific Avenue and would mark the occasion with a one-month celebration from December 11th to January 10, 1969. The Bank of California had been in its Italian Renaissance-styled home at 1011-13 Pacific Avenue since 1928. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Building dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Scott, Howard O.; Scissors & shears;

Tacoma Giants baseball team display in Bank of California lobby. Customers to the Bank of California would be made well aware of the upcoming opening day of baseball in Tacoma with a large display placed in the bank's lobby. An umpire is graphically calling "out" the sliding player as the Giants catcher tags him. The display both welcomes the Tacoma Giants and reminds everyone that April 14th is opening day. Unfortunately, the date had to be rescheduled as a massive windstorm hit Tacoma and the ensuing rain and cold forced postponement of the inaugural event. The doubleheader with the Portland Beavers finally took place on April 16th with total attendance over 12,000.

Lobbies--Tacoma--1960-1970; Banks--Tacoma; Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Merchandise displays--Tacoma;

Following an action making the rhododendron Washington's official state flower, Verna V. Weiler, Director of the Capitol District of Garden Clubs, and Alice S. Franklin, President of the Garden Club of Tacoma, immediately planned Tacoma's first Rhododendron Show; the flowers will be displayed in the lobby of the Bank of California. View of Alice S. Franklin (left) and Verna V. Weiler admiring azaleas on March 2, 1949 (T. Times, 3/3/49, p. 3).

Banks--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Azaleas--Tacoma; Rhododendrons; Flower shows--Tacoma; Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Franklin, Alice S.; Weiler, Verna V.;

Modern office furniture and boldly geometric flooring provides a distinct contrast to the chandeliers and Italian Renaissance style of the Bank of California building in March, 1954. Two employees are pictured working on a balcony within the building; one is examining the contents of a filing cabinet while the other sits at a wide, metallic desk operating the telephone system. An adding machine and telephone are also visible. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Office Supply Co.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Office equipment & supplies; Chandeliers; Telephones; Tacoma Office Supply Co. (Tacoma);

May was a prime month for rhododendrons. The Tacoma Chapter, American Rhododendron Society held their sixth annual flower show on May 15-16, 1954, in the Bank of California lobby. Exhibitors were concerned that an early May 1st frost had damaged the supply of rhododendrons but the more than 100 varieties entered eased their fears. As in previous years, the bank lobby was landscaped with specimen plants as the background for entry exhibits; view of lobby filled with rhododendrons. This year it was decided that the flower show would be noncompetitive and no prizes awarded. (TNT 5-12-54, B-1, TNT 5-16-54, A-2)

American Rhododendron Society, Tacoma Chapter (Tacoma); Rhododendrons; Flowers--Tacoma; Bank of California National Association (Tacoma);

Exterior of Bank of California. Impressive Ionic columns decorate the exterior of the Bank of California building in the busy business district encompassing Pacific Avenue. Built in the Italian Renaissance style by J.E. Bonnell & Son, contractors, the bank was opened for business on October 8, 1928. By 1957, the Hopper-Kelly Co., dealers in musical instruments and appliances, moved in next door. The portion of Hopper-Kelly fronting Pacific Avenue appears to have had three floors. The building on the other side of the Bank of California was the Pierce County Federal Savings & Loan. Photograph ordered by Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Pierce County Federal Savings & Loan (Tacoma); Hopper Kelly Co. (Tacoma); Facades--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Interior of Bank of California. Sailors and civilians alike utilized the services of the Bank of California in June, 1954. The Italian Renaissance-styled building was built in 1928 by J.E. Bonnell & Son, contractors, and designed by architect John Graham. Graham later was the architect for the Medical Arts Building. The interiors of the Bank of California building contained walnut and Travertine masonry and many arched windows. As shown here, the bank's lobby was very spacious with an abundance of teller windows. The enormously high ceilings, chandeliers and wall sconces provided an elegant, almost cathedral atmosphere. TPL-8453

Lobbies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banks--Tacoma; Bank of California National Association (Tacoma);