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;

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;

Snip! Governor Albert Rosellini and Angela Nicholson, Miss Tacoma, cut the bright yellow ribbon for the new Tacoma Mall Bon Marche store on August 3, 1964. The Bon Marche was the first store to open in the new mall; the mall didn't have its official opening until October, 1965. The new Bon Marche was a massive four-story building with 256,000 square feet. The closing of the store's longtime downtown location was deemed necessary because of the antiquated conditions of the building and the lack of suitable parking. The downtown store, formerly the Fisher's Department Store, closed at 5:30 p.m. on July 25, 1964. Dignitaries present at the ribbon cutting included Dr. Arnold Herrmann, deputy mayor, David Rowlands, city manager, county commissioners Harry Sprinker, Fritz Geiger and Pat Gallagher, and city councilmen Maurice Finnigan and Hal Murtland, and Darrel E. Vannice, managing director of the Bon. (TNT 7-19-64, p. 1, TNT 8-4-64, p. 18) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Nicholson, Angela; Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Vannice, Darrel E.;

Governor Albert D. Rosellini and Miss Tacoma, Angela Nicholson, cut the ribbon for the new Tacoma Mall Bon Marche store. The governor and assorted dignitaries, including Bon Marche managing director Darrel E. Vannice, are facing the new store. A crowd of eager shoppers look poised to storm the doors of the Bon Marche which had moved its presence from its longtime downtown location. An estimated 150,000 people visited the store on its first day of business, causing massive traffic jams. The four-story 256,000 square foot store would be the largest department store in Pierce County. The closure of the downtown store at 11th & Broadway was necessary because of the antiquated building and fixtures and the shortage of parking. J.C. Penney's and Thriftway supermarkets had already signed leases for the new shopping center which would open officially in October, 1965, with an additional 53 stores and 900,000 square feet of selling space. ALBUM 10. TPL-454 (TNT 7-19-64, p. 1, TNT 8-4-64, p. 18)

Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Nicholson, Angela; Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Vannice, Darrel E.;

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;

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;

The focus of this April, 1973, aerial is the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center and its environs. Located in the city's south end, the Tacoma Mall enjoyed easy access from the freeway and acres of free parking space. Customers could choose from about 100 stores, all under one climate-controlled roof. Rhodes Bros. would be the next large department store to open in the newly expanded Mall, a move that would eventually mean the closing of its flagship downtown location in late 1974. This view, looking east, also shows South Tacoma Way at the bottom. Photograph ordered by Puget Sound National Bank.

Aerial views; Neighborhoods--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Express highways--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Shoppers in the region rejoiced at the opening of the new west end extension of the Tacoma Mall on July 25, 1973. 20 more stores were added to the popular shopping center bringing its total to about 110. 1973 Daffodil Queen Sherri Murrey, Mayor Gordon N. Johnston, and Tacoma Mall executive vice-president Marvin Boys (next to the mayor) were among the dignitaries participating in the addition's ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Mall Corporation.

Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Murrey, Sherri; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Boys, Marvin;

1973 Tacoma Home Show. In lieu of the traditional ribbon snipping, Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston (extreme r) and County Commissioner Clay Huntington (2nd from left) put some muscle into the 8-foot logger's saw as it sliced through a 2 x 4. They officially opened the 27th edition of the Tacoma Home Show at the Tacoma Mall. This was a new venue for the Home Show; for the past 23 years it had been located at the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse and prior to that, at the Tacoma Armory. Admission to the Home Show was free. Hundreds attended opening day to look, try, and dream about the 70+ Home Show exhibitions. The Tacoma Home Show would run from March 13-18th. Photograph ordered by the Home Builders Association of Greater Tacoma. (TNT 3-13-73, p. 2 -article)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Huntington, Clay; Saws;

1973 Tacoma Home Show. County Commissioner Clay Huntington (left) and Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston (right) lend a hand in the grand opening festivities of the 1973 Tacoma Home Show. For the first time in its 27-year history, the Home Show was held at the Tacoma Mall. As the signs held by the officials indicate, the event running from March 13-18 was free and those in attendance need not have worried about cold/rain/hail or sleet as the Mall was covered and climate controlled. Both Mayor Johnston and Commissioner Huntington wore hard hats and overalls -and ties- during the ceremony. They had used the 8-foot logger's saw to snap the 2 x 4 wooden "ribbon." This was also the first year without longtime Home Show promoter, Patrick O'Toole; Mr. O'Toole had died in a car accident in California ten months ago. Photograph ordered by the Home Builders Association of Greater Tacoma. (TNT 3-14-73, C-8)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Huntington, Clay; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Saws;

A massive crowd gathered to listen to welcoming speeches at the Grand Opening of the Tacoma Mall addition on July 25, 1973. At the podium was executive vice-president of the Tacoma Mall Corporation, Marvin Boys. The Mall had built an extention on its west side that would hold 25 new stores and increase the size of the mall by some 80,000 square feet. The 20 stores opened that day would include Bed & Bath Shop, Ben Bridge Jewelers, Cameras Etc., Cards & Things, Jay Jacobs, Orange Julius, Osborn & Ulland, Papa John's, Tinder Box and Waldenbooks. Scheduled to open in 1974 was the Rhodes/Liberty House department store. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Mall Corporation. (TNT 7-24-73, insert on mall expansion)

Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Public speaking--Tacoma; Boys, Marvin;

1974 Richards stock footage. Aerial view of the Tacoma Mall and surrounding south end neighborhoods. This May, 1974, view by air makes it plain that one of the main attributes of this popular shopping center was its ready access by freeway and its enormous free parking lots. Should a visitor to the Mall decide to bypass the freeway, the Mall would still be accessible through well traveled local streets such as Pine, South 38th and South 48th. The Mall had opened its west end addition in July of 1973 to add 20 more stores to the shopping center; in May of 1974, construction was proceeding rapidly with the new Liberty House/Rhodes department store at the far west end of the shopping center. TPL-5876

Aerial views; Aerial photographs; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Express highways--Tacoma--1970-1980; Neighborhoods--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1974 Tacoma Home Show. For the second year in a row, the Tacoma Home Show was held at the Tacoma Mall. Among the many exhibitors was the Boedecker Co., a Tacoma cleaning company in business since 1919. Their booth outside of the Jay Jacobs clothing store featured the "Rug" Doctor. Those wishing to get their carpets thoroughly cleaned could rent the "Rug" Doctor, by appointment only. Rental rates posted indicated that a 4-hour rent would run $12, all day (actually 8 1/2 hours) at $20 and overnight for $15. For really dirty carpets, a $25 charge for nearly 24 hours was also offered. A "Rug" Doctor and strip of carpet awaited customers eager to try out the product. Organizers of the 28th annual Tacoma Home Show would later report that attendance at the five-day event was about 300,000, roughly the same as the previous year. Color photograph ordered by the Boedecker Co., Inc.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1970-1980; Cleaning--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floor coverings; Signs (Notices);

1977 Tacoma Home Show. Once again, the annual Tacoma Home Show was held at the Tacoma Mall where visitors could stroll comfortably under cover to view the latest ideas for remodelers, redecorators, home builders and landscapers. Among the many exhibits was the well-known Atlas Van Lines hydroplane U-76, whose appearance was sponsored by Ed's Moving & Storage, 1632 E. 26th. Ed's Moving & Storage was an agent for Atlas Van Lines. A scale model of the hydroplane would be given away in a free drawing. The U-76 was piloted and owned by Bill Muncey. (TNT 3-21-77, Tacoma Home Show insert-article)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1970-1980; Hydroplanes--Tacoma; Ed's Moving & Storage (Tacoma); Atlas Van Lines (Tacoma);

Orange Julius. The Richards Studio photographed a number of Orange Julius locations in Western Washington during December of 1978. Pictured above is the Orange Julius located in the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center next to the Osborn & Ulland sporting goods store. As its name indicates, Orange Julius promoted its "freshly squeezed" healthy drink and dedicated a special "speedline" for drinks only. Burgers and other food orders could also be placed. The small eating establishment was brightly decorated in warm colors of orange and yellow. Enlarged pictures of the Tacoma Mall and vicinity adorned the walls. Color photograph ordered by S & W Management.

Orange Julius (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fast food restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980;

ca. 1972. 1972 Richards stock footage. Display of portraits of the officers and directors of the Greater Tacoma Chamber of Commerce surrounding pillars within the Tacoma Mall. Shoppers at the mall in 1972 were invited to meet the area's business leaders via their color portraits taken by the Richards Studio. A label identifying the individual was in the corner of each gold and wood framed picture.

Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Portraits;

Tacoma Mall West expansion. Work progresses on the west side expansion of the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center in September of 1972. 25 more stores would be added to the southend shopping center, increasing the size of the mall by some 80,000 square feet. Prior to this construction, the Tacoma Mall had 85 stores. In addition, Nordstrom (then known as Nordstrom Best) would be adding a second floor of 17,000 square feet, to feature lingerie, junior wear and ready-to-wear fashions. Photograph ordered by Rushforth Construction Co., contractors of the Tacoma Mall West expansion project. (TNT 9-2-71, A-1- article on expansion)

Progress photographs; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Building construction--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Progress photograph of Tacoma Mall expansion. Forms are in place as the addition to the west side of the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center proceeds in early June of 1972. Rushforth Construction Co. were the contractors; John Graham & Co. designed the addition. Photograph ordered by Rushforth Construction Co.

Progress photographs; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Building construction--Tacoma--1970-1980;

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;

Cascade Room restaurant - Bon Marche. Sliding wood-paneled doors are partially opened to reveal a small lobby leading to the Cascade Room restaurant found within the Bon Marche. An assortment of modern furniture including black leather chairs can be glimpsed inside the restaurant which contain polished walnut paneled walls and brass wall sconces. A cocktail lounge and Corner House snack shop was included. Johnny Maddox would be the first performer in the Cascade Room Lounge once the Bon Marche opened at the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center in early August, 1964. Located on the lower level, direct entrance was also possible from the parking lot even when the rest of the store had closed. (TNT Ad 7-31-64, p. 21, TNT 8-2-64, B-6)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices); Sconces;

Grand opening - Florsheim Shoes in Tacoma Mall. Crowds of shoppers line up to browse and perhaps purchase the new merchandise at Florsheim Shoes on October 13, 1965. The store, part of a national chain of shoe stores, was celebrating its grand opening at the Mall. Customers appear pleased to accept coupons from the Florsheim employee in top hat, tails and tights while a parrot in a large gilded cage looks on. Florsheim's was located in close proximity to the Bon Marche department store. The Tacoma Mall store did not have doors and opened directly onto the mall. It featured a Gay Nineties barber shop; interiors were built of natural wood and wall-to-wall carpet. Photograph ordered by Florsheim Shoes, Chicago. TPL-2527 (TNT 10-12-65, C-14, C-15)

Florsheim Shoes (Tacoma); Shoe stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Shopping--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Interior of Tacoma Mall taken after the mall's grand opening. The Tacoma Mall officially opened on October 13, 1965. Looking down the wide aisles of the Tacoma Mall on October 14, 1965, towards the J.C. Penney store section are a variety of shops, most of which have vanished 40 years later. Alpine Hut, Foreman & Clark, Thom McAn, Hardy Shoes, Fashion Fabrics, Barbara Johnson and Toys Galore have their doors closed prior to opening for the business day. One or two customers are already present gazing through the shop windows. At that time there were no kiosks in the walkway. A full page ad for the opening of the mall trumpeted the idea of no more parking tickets, no more traffic or weather worries. A mere five minutes from downtown Tacoma, and easily accessible by car and bus, the mall would offer 7,000+ parking spaces and an enclosed shopping area. Photograph ordered by Nelson Construction. (TNT 9-9-65, ad, A-3)

Shopping centers--Tacoma; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Stores & shops--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Interior of Tacoma Mall. 30-foot umbrella columns form a stately forest supporting the structure of the new Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. Plexiglass skylights diffused light and eliminated shadows. Rock walls decorate the exterior of the Bon Marche department store which is visible on the left. The Bon's 110-foot colored glass sliding doors opened for the first time onto the mall on Wednesday, October 13, 1965. A curving staircase led from the Bon's basement level to the mall level. That staircase and the nearby fountain was later eliminated when remodeling. Florsheim Shoes was located directly across the Bon. Photograph ordered by Nelson Construction. (TNT 10-3-65, B-14, 10-12-65, D-2)

Shopping centers--Tacoma; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Stores & shops--Tacoma--1960-1970; Bon Marche (Tacoma); Florsheim Shoes (Tacoma); Columns--Tacoma;

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;

1974 Tacoma Home Show. Visitors to the 28th edition of the Tacoma Home Show appear fascinated at the workings of the "Rug" Doctor as demonstrated in the Boedecker Co.'s exhibit booth. "Rug" Doctors were available at the home show by appointment only, for specified times and rates. They were a new brand of carpet cleaners and carpet cleaning products that were established in 1972. Color photograph ordered by Boedecker Co., Inc.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1970-1980; Cleaning--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floor coverings; Signs (Notices);

Aerial view of Tacoma Mall Shopping Center and Tacoma Mall Office Building. This July, 1969, view of the popular Tacoma Mall Shopping Center and newly opened six-story Tacoma Mall Office Building shows that there is still much room for development of the center. New stores would be built on both sides of the Bon Marche (red building), first occupant of the mall. The dirt acreage bordering the parking lot would eventually become extended parking for the mall and the location of Frederick & Nelson's. The Post Office would build its Evergreen Station also on Pine Street, just beyond the left edge of the photograph. Color photograph ordered by Center Offices, Inc.

Aerial views; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma; Tacoma Mall Office Building (Tacoma); Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970; Bon Marche (Tacoma);