ca. 1926. Stone Fisher Company department store window featuring the "Big 3" electric washing machines with tanks "insulated to keep water hot". Exhibit includes wringer washing machine, galvanized wash tubs, a mangle, and wooden clothes dryer. (Filed with Argentum)

Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1920-1930; Washing machines--1920-1930;

Fisher's store corner window. Fisher's Department Store has been in Tacoma for 57 years, they have recently started a $500,000 expansion and modernization, which will help them serve their customers better. View of window display featuring Springtime fashions, swimsuits and vacation ideas. TPL-9669

Window displays; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Show windows--Tacoma; Bathing suits; Spring--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

Fisher's Department Store opened their bargain basement on Thursday August 18, 1949; they advertised this department as the first of its kind in Tacoma. Interior view of Fisher's new bargain basement; merchandise is neatly arranged in display fixtures, their cash registers are set up throughout the basement to help customers with their purchases (T.N.T., 8/18/49, p. 6).

Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clothing stores--Tacoma; Department stores--Tacoma; Mercantile facilities--Tacoma; Shopping--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

Fisher's Department Store opened their bargain basement on Thursday August 18, 1949; they advertised this department as the first of its kind in Tacoma. Interior view of Fisher's bargain basement; view of ballerina skirts for $1.98, corduroy skirts for $3.98, skirts for $2.98 to $5.98 and rayon crepe blouses for $1.66 (T.N.T., 8/17/49, p. 10-11 & 8/18/49, p. 6).

Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clothing stores--Tacoma; Department stores--Tacoma; Mercantile facilities--Tacoma; Shopping--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

This view shows the shaft built for the escalator being installed inside Fisher's department store. Steel beams have been added to suppport the structure and plywood has been used to cover the exterior of the shaft.

Department stores--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Escalators--Tacoma;

ca. 1910. Originally advertised as the "Great White Store on C Street", the five-story Stone-Fisher Department Store, at the corner of South 11th and Broadway, opened in February, 1906. This photograph from around 1910 shows the building's original facade as designed by Frederick Heath, with tall plate glass windows that could be protected by a giant roll-down awning. In the 1920s a seven-story addition was added to the building, and in 1925 the name was changed to Fisher Company. One of the most popular, and most successful of Tacoma's many department stores, Fisher's spent $500,000 in 1947 to remodel and modernize, including new fixtures in all departments. In 1952 Fisher's was taken over by The Bon Marche, and in 1964 it closed when The Bon moved to the Tacoma Mall. TPL-9913

Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1910-1920; Facades--Tacoma--1900-1910;

Narrows Bridge - McChord Field Celebration. "Legion of 40 et 8" (World War I Veterans) mock jail and courtroom on flatbed truck parked in front of The Fisher Company store, July 1, 1940. Another scofflaw "faces the music" as he pays the penalty for not wearing a Celebration Hat. He will probably join fellow citizens "arrested" for disobeying the "law" in the make-shift pen. A large crowd casts amused looks at the good-natured foolery; this was part of the celebration surrounding the grand openings of both the (first) Narrows Bridge and McChord Field.

World War, 1914-1918--Veterans--Tacoma; Veterans organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Legion (Tacoma); 40 et 8 auxiliary (Tacoma);

The three unidentified ladies examining the merchandise in the jewelry and cosmetics department of Fisher's Department Store, 1104 Broadway, are members of Tacoma's Junior League. They are learning the retail ropes for the League's takeover of the Tacoma department store on September 9, 1935. About 50 League members were to work alongside the store's regular employees on that day. Store general manager Charles L. Hufford had agreed to contribute a percentage of the day's receipts to Junior League charities. (T. Times 8/20/1935)

Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Clothing stores--Tacoma; Department stores--Tacoma; Shopping--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Junior League (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Window display of raincoats at Fisher's Department Store in October of 1940. Mannequins wearing rubber slickers. Photograph ordered by the United States Rubber Co. White coats were recommended for the Northwest, so that wearers would stand out in the gloom.

Window displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mannequins; Clothing stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Raincoats; Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishers Department Store (Tacoma);

The Relle Scatter-Pin Ring, a new innovation in the world of jewelry, was introduced to Tacomans at Fisher's Department Store in November 1949. It was a ring-pin combination; the wearer could choose to add a scatter pin to the ring, twisting securely to make a dinner ring. The creator, Norman Carr, designed brilliant stone-studded scatter pins which could be worn alone, or used in the creation of stuning dinner rings. (photo taken for Marian Wood, Fisher's Jewelry Dept.) (TNT, 11/27/1949, p.A-15)

Department Stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jewelry; Rings;

Fisher's department store was advertising spring and Easter fashions for women, men and children in the Tacoma Times and Tacoma News Tribune. View of unidentified model wearing one of the latest hat styles for spring 1949; Fisher's was advertising the latest hats to go with the latest spring and Easter fashions, available in their hat department.

Fashion models--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Advertisements--Tacoma; Posing; Hats--1940-1950; Department stores--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

Fisher's Department Store was located in Tacoma's downtown business district at 1104 Broadway; Knute Kristall was the managing director in 1949. View of window display featuring five "Maytag" washing machines in a variety of styles, all with exclusive rollers to wring out excess water; Fisher's is also advertising a "Maytag" washing machine contest.

Washing machines; Appliance stores--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Window displays; Department stores--Tacoma; Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

Joan Thrasher tries on a wedding gown at the Bon Marche for the Tacoma News Tribune's "Brides" layout. The exquisite gown is full-length lace with lavish train. (T.N.T.)

Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bon Marche (Tacoma); Wedding costume--1950-1960; Thrasher, Joan; Brides--1950-1960;

This photograph shows the massive multi-storied Bon Marche downtown store, at 1104 Broadway, as it appeared in 1955. The upper portion of the facade included brick and Tenino sandstone and marble facing with metal canopy on the lower section. The structure was built in 1905 by the Cornell Brothers, contractors, for the Fisher Department Store and had been designed by architect Frederick Heath. Fishers underwent a name change in 1952 and emerged as the Bon Marche, part of a chain of stores owned by Allied Stores. The Bon Marche remained in its downtown location until July, 1964, when it moved to the Tacoma Mall. The building remained empty for a while as renovations took place until Rainier Bank moved in during 1980. It is now home to Columbia Bank. Photograph ordered by Bon Marche. (Kipp: Tacoma Redivia, p. 67) TPL-9349

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Fishers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Facades--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Fisher's Department Store was featuring the "Kwan Yin" perfume line. View of Fisher's sales person and four unidentified individuals wearing Asian clothing for the "Kwan Yin" perfume display, including "Cairo" perfume. Photo ordered by O'Connell, Ragan and Richardson advertising company.

Perfumes; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Asian Americans--Clothing & dress--Tacoma;

For Mrs. Coors. Blanche Coors is president of the Ladies Musical Club and is the impresario of the winter season's programs of vocalists sponsored by the club. Blanche Coors is seen here at her desk located at Fisher's store handing tickets to Betty Fisher who has just bought tickets to the Strauss festival. (T.Times, 10/19/1946, p.7)

Coors, Blanche; Fisher, Berry; Ladies Musical Club (Tacoma); Ticket offices--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

USO scrap books for Navy. United Service Organizations Travellers Aid Service sold scrap books at the Fisher Branch Public Library, they were asking individuals to purchase scrap books and help complete them. Once scrap books are completed they may be returned to USO, where they will be shipped and distributed. The Navy has already requested 1000 books. View of four unidentified women working on scrap books.

USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Scrapbooks; Women--Arts & crafts;

This store window at Fisher's is decorated for Christmas and displays pajamas as a gift suggestion. The pajamas and bathrobes for men and boys are shown with stripes and plaids. Gift certificates are also suggested. Order by Mr. Hodos.

Window displays; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Sleepwear;

In January of 1949, almost a year before Volkswagen introduced its Transporter (VW bus) to the world's press, people in Tacoma were viewing a strikingly similar vehicle, the Mustang "Teardrop," at Fisher's department store. Made by Mustang Engineering Corporation in Renton, the streamlined, aerodynamic vehicle featured a 4-cylinder Hercules rear engine, hydraulic 4-wheel brakes, swivel seats, split front window with dual windshield wipers, round Mustang logo, protective front bumper grill, and projecting driver's side mirror. Young Ronnie Warter, at the wheel, and passenger Elizabeth Fynboe envision what it would be like to take the Teardrop on the road with its cruising speed of 65 m.p.h. TPL-6191 (T. Times, 1/2/49, p. 6).

Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Prototypes; Mustang; Mustang Engineering Corp. (Renton); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Walter, Ronnie; Fynboe, Elizabeth;

View of window display at Fisher's Department Store; the display features modern "Morton and Kelvinator" kitchen appliances and cabinets, with a female mannequin on right side. "Morton" pantryettes and kitchen cabinets are along the walls of the display; "Kelvinator" range, freezer, double kitchen sink and refrigerator help give this kitchen all of the modern conveniences.

Department stores--Tacoma; Cupboards--Tacoma; Kitchens--Tacoma--1940-1950; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Window displays; Appliances; Appliance stores--Tacoma; Mannequins; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

Fisher's Department Store, fashion show. Fishers Department Store held a birthday party on May 3, 1947 for the 5th anniversary of Joan Miller's clothing collection. A young model stands by a column with a sign for "Junior World." The fashion show included boys from three of the local high schools as judges of the male-appeal of the dresses. (T.Times, 5/2/1947, p.3)

Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Posing;

Fisher's Department Store, fashion show. Fishers Department Store held a birthday party for the 5th anniversary of Joan Miller's clothing collection. The ten models stand together showing all the dresses from the Joan Miller collection included in the Saturday afternoon fashion show. (T.Times, 5/2/1947, p.3)

Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Posing;

Fisher's Department Store held a birthday party in May of 1947, for the 5th anniversary of the Joan Miller clothing collection. The party included a fashion show of Joan's newest and cutest sport and date fashions, a birthday cake and plenty of ice-cold Coca-Cola. The fashion show drew a large crowd of mostly teenage girls who admired outfits such as the $14.95 double-breasted jacket with stitched bib and full skirt with deep twin pockets worn by the unidentified model above. (T.Times, 5/2/1947, p.3-ad)

Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma--1940-1950; Posing;

Fisher's Department Store at 11th & Broadway opened their bargain basement to the public on August 18, 1949; they advertised this department as the first of its kind in Tacoma. The new department was one of the first moves made by the store during a new expansion project. Interior view of Fisher's bargain basement just after the close of opening day; sales personnel are completely exhausted and the hosiery department is completely destroyed (T.N.T., 8/18/49, p. 6).

Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clothing stores--Tacoma; Department stores--Tacoma; Mercantile facilities--Tacoma; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1940-1950; Shopping--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

Fisher's Department Store opened their bargain basement to the public on August 18, 1949; they advertised this department as the first of its kind in Tacoma. This was one of the first moves made by the store during their large expansion project. Interior view of Fisher's bargain basement; view of house dresses for $1.99 and $2.98, house coats for $3.29, dresses for $4.99 and half size dresses for $7.98 (T.N.T., 8/17/49, p. 10-11 & 8/18/49, p. 6).

Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clothing stores--Tacoma; Department stores--Tacoma; Mercantile facilities--Tacoma; Shopping--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

Fisher's Department Store has been in Tacoma for 60 years at the time of this October, 1945 photograph. They had recently completed a $500,000 expansion and modernization project, which helps them serve their customers better. View of three unidentified Fisher's Department Store window dressers; they are setting up a wedding and chrysanthemum display, featuring a bride and flower girl in the Bridal Room.

Mannequins; Wedding costume--1940-1950; Chrysanthemums--Tacoma; Window displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma);

John Keeler, managing director of the Bon Marche department store, accepts an office mural of the new Slenderella International Salon from Larry Mack, president of Slenderella, on January 17, 1956. Vice president of West Coast operations, Irene Ward, elegantly dressed in a fur wrap, stands between the two men. As its name hints, Slenderella was a weight reducing salon. It would soon open in downtown Tacoma on the sixth floor of the Bon Marche building and be managed by Mrs. Vera Jones. Although Slenderella had 100 stores worldwide, the Tacoma location would be the first in a western department store. Photograph ordered by News Tribune. (TNT 1-22-56, B-5)

Slenderella International, Inc. (Tacoma); Weight loss--Tacoma; Keeler, John; Mack, Larry; Ward, Irene;

Junior League at Fisher's Department Store. Woman shopping in the hat department. Hats are displayed on stands at many different heights. To the right is a seat and mirror for trying on hats. On September 9, 1935, members of the League will take control of the store for 1 day. More than 50 members will fill in as managers, clerks, models and co-workers for the regular store personnel. In exchange, a percentage of the day's receipts will be donated to League charities. (T. Times 8/20/1935)

Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Clothing stores--Tacoma; Department stores--Tacoma; Shopping--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Junior League (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1930-1940; Millinery; Hats;

An unidentified sales clerk at Fisher's Department Store teaches a Junior League member the finer points of selling lingerie. The League member is learning how to sell lingerie in preparation for the League's take over of the store on Sept. 9, 1935. About 50 members filled in that day as managers, clerks and models. Fisher's contributed a portion of the day's proceeds to Junior League charities, including their baby clinic and their library at the County Hospital. (T. Times 8/20/1935)

Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Clothing stores--Tacoma; Department stores--Tacoma; Shopping--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Junior League (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1930-1940; Lingerie;

Junior League at Fisher's Department Store. Two women in "Co-Ed Shop." The Junior League will put on their work aprons, roll up their sleeves and work alongside regular employees at Fisher's on September 9, 1935. In exchange, a portion of the day's profits will be donated to League charities. (T. Times 8/20/1935)

Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Clothing stores--Tacoma; Department stores--Tacoma; Shopping--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Junior League (Tacoma); Clubwomen--Tacoma--1930-1940;