Book Department at Rhodes. Rhodes department store offered their customers just about everything they could want or need. View of six unidentified sales people at Rhodes book department. They are standing around a display featuring books about the home. On right side we can see Betty MacDonald's "The Egg and I" book display.

Bookstores--Tacoma; Books; Bookcases--Tacoma; Sales personnel--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

Rhodes Department Store, Shoe Department. Elevated view of the shoe department which appears to feature men's shoes, taken in April of 1946. Men's attire across the aisle.

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Shoes;

Rhodes department store offered their customers a wide selection of women's wear, men's wear, children's items and household goods. Rhodes' ads said they received new merchandise every day. Interior view of Rhodes bedding department, North Star all-wool blankets, bedspreads and other bedding items are displayed. Pearltone plastic fabric a "post-war marvel" display is visible on right side center.

Bedspreads; Furnishings; Blankets; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Department stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

Rhodes Department Store, "Hi School Shop", Junior's Fashion section. Murals on walls, splatter painted fixtures, many dresses and skirts.

Business Enterprises - Department Stores - Tacoma - Rhodes Brothers

Rhodes Department Store lingerie section.

Business Enterprises - Department Stores - Tacoma - Rhodes Brothers - Clothing Departments - Lingerie Department

Rhodes Department Store trimmings section. This view of the fabric department was taken in late April of 1946. Rhodes had been in business since 1903. It finally closed in 1974.

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Rhodes Department Store lingerie section as photographed on April 29, 1946. The venerable downtown department store was located at 950 Broadway and offered quality merchandise at reasonable prices. Its slogan "All Roads Lead to Rhodes" was famous throughout the Puget Sound region. Rhodes had been in business in Tacoma since 1892 but would close its flagship store in late December of 1974.

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lingerie;

Actor John Carradine, in Tacoma for performances of his Shakespeare Players at the Temple Theater, during a War Bonds rally at Rhodes Department Store. Mr. Carradine is in the front row, extreme right, next to Sgt. Norma Oaks, a U.S. Marine. Mrs. Roy Kneeland, chairman of the PTA War Bonds sales, is next to Sgt. Oaks. Carradine's company presented "The Merchant of Venice," "Hamlet" and "Othello" during their short stay in Tacoma. ALBUM 5. (TNT 11-25-43, p. 20)

Carradine, John; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; War bonds & funds; Marines (Military personnel); Oaks, Norma;

Rhodes windows. William Haley of the U. S. Secret Service and Detective C. O. Rolfson of the local police force set up this display of counterfeit and real money. Crowds of people have seen this window display at Rhodes Brothers Department Store (T. Times, 4/11/44, p. 7).

Window displays; Counterfeiting; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

Rhodes Brothers Department store was one of the finest stores in Tacoma, they were conveniently located in downtown Tacoma. Rhodes always had everything you and your family could need, a few years before they had completely renovated their store and modernized every department. View of Rhodes Boys' Department, featuring "Buck-O-Jeans", the display shows us western and cowboy jeans, shirts, bandannas, hats, guns and many other fun accessories for today's cowboy. TPL-9672

Cowboys--Tacoma; Jeans (Clothing)--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Department stores--Tacoma; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

Rhodes Brothers Department Store window display. Two mannequins dressed in shorts sets, two dressed in jeans and shirts, and one wearing jacket, shirt, and pedal pushers. Scenic background.

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

ca. 1947. Mannequin wearing man's three-piece wool suit shirt and tie in the display window of the Rhodes Brothers Department Store, 950 Broadway, circa 1947. Poster of Yellowstone is behind him alongside another suit on bodyform next to him and a display of accessories and shoes.

Window displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Mannequins; Clothing stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Posters;

View of three piece Mitchell Luggage display at Rhodes Brothers Department Stores in June of 1948. The largest piece has two handles, which allows the suitcase to be moved around much easier; the smaller pieces allow you to conveniently pack your items for any length of travel. Mitchell Luggage was being displayed at Rhodes in downtown Tacoma; the merchandise was promoting summer travel plans and end of the school year trips.

Luggage; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Window displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Mitchell Luggage (Tacoma);

View of five piece Mitchell Luggage display at Rhodes Brothers Department Stores. This set includes four suitcases and a beauty case, the open suitcase allows us to see the convenient pockets which will help keep our items organized. All pieces have double locks and are in an "Alligator skin" finish. Mitchell Luggage was being displayed at Rhodes in downtown Tacoma, the merchandise was promoting summer travel plans and end of the school year trips.

Luggage; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Window displays; Department stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Mitchell Luggage (Tacoma);

Night exposure "back to school" window at Rhodes. August is alway the month for buying school wardrobes and this window shows what the fashionable 1953 student will be wearing that first day of school. Plaid and double breasted coats were the fashion of choice. Girls are attired in dresses and the layered look appears popular. TPL-9346

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Window displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mannequins; Clothing stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The beauty salon at Rhodes Department Store. A day shopping at the downtown Tacoma Rhodes Store in the mid fifties was not just a quick shopping junket; it could be an elegant all day affair including a luxurious shampoo and style at the beauty salon and lunch at the store's cafe. Women would dress up in hats, gloves and dresses to peruse the latest in fashions and home apparel and enjoy the day at the store. The salon is beautifully appointed with elegant lighting, a mirrored makeup table and a receptionist stand with styling stations behind. The standing hair dryers can just be glimpsed in the background.

Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Beauty shops--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Jack Young family is being outfitted for the new school year at Rhodes Department Store on August 22, 1961. Jay is trying on a cap and jacket while Lynda and Lynette are more interested in a new warm coat. School would start in just one week so Mrs. Jack H. Young took advantage of previewing "Back to School" sales. Many downtown stores were staying open late for the school rush and were offering free two-hour parking with purchase. Photograph ordered by Rhodes. (TNT 8-29-61, B-7)

Children shopping--Tacoma--1960-1970; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1960-1970; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Young, Jack H.--Family; Young, Jay; Young, Lynda; Young, Lynette;

Night exposure of window display at Rhodes Brothers Department Store. Five mannequins are dressed in the latest "country look" as Rhodes Bros. promoted the Seventeen Magazine fashion show to be held on August 8, 1963. Large handbags, distinctive hats, and casual clothing are apparently geared toward the high school and older crowd. The theme of the show was "the Look of Knowledge."

Window displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mannequins;

On July 23, 1932 Shriners from throughout the Pacific Northwest, wearing their colorful and distinctive uniforms, marched in formation up Broadway and through the business district of Tacoma. Bands from the Afifi Shriners of Tacoma and the Gizeh Shriners of Victoria, B.C. took part. After a full day of activities in Tacoma, including a band concert in the Stadium Bowl, a large contingent boarded a chartered train at Union Station. They left at 12:30 in the morning on Sunday July 24th for the imperial council to be held in San Francisco the following week. (The tall, twelve story building at the top, center of the photograph is the Fidelity Building, 949-55 Broadway; it was torn down to build the Woolworth Building). TPL-3687

Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma);

Mrs. Don Gordon, formerly Bernita Royse, had been a sales clerk in the stationery department at Rhodes Department Store for 5 years when she was featured in the "Around the Clock" column of the Tacoma Times in January 1936. The bride of two months likened her job as a clerk to sitting in a Parisian cafe watching the world pass by, because sooner or later everyone came to Rhodes. When asked about the changing habits of Tacomans she noted the increasing sales of smoking equipment, such as ash trays, lighters and holders, formerly scandalous items, and the shift away from formalism. The newly wed couple resided at 3502 1/2 McKinley Ave, apartment #2. (T. Times 1/9/1936, pg. 8)

Gordon, Bernita; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma)--Employees; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Interior of Rhodes. Christmas time at Rhodes Bros. Department Store meant plenty of festive decorations including trees and fresh garlands to provide a merry atmosphere for its customers. View of interior featuring ladies' fine sweaters, cosmetics and assorted leather handbags taken on December 22, 1958. There was still time for the last-minute shopper to choose from a wide array of gift items. Photograph ordered by Rhodes Bros. Department Store.

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Christmas decorations;

ca. 1938. Rhodes Department Store window display. Two adult and four child mannequins dressed in white rain coats. Signs read, "Wear White Rain Coats For Safety" and " White May Save Your Child's Life!" White raincoats were recommended by the Traffic Authority to help pedestrians shine through the gloom.

Window displays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Mannequins; Clothing stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1930-1940; Raincoats;

ca. 1925. Window display at Rhodes Department Store for Weaver Studios. Living room "set" with fireplace, mannequins, motion picture cameras and studio lights. The H.C. Weaver Productions, Inc. Studio produced motion pictures in Tacoma during this period. In 1925, Weaver filmed "Hearts and Fists" in and around Tacoma. The film was set in the lumber camps.

Motion picture studios--Tacoma; Window displays--Tacoma--1920-1930; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Mannequins; H.C. Weaver Productions, Inc. (Tacoma);

On December 26, 1942, young patriot John Flood perched on a table in the Rhodes Brothers Victory window and purchased enough war stamps to fill out his book and turn it in for a war bond. The department store's windows were devoted to the sale of war bonds and stamps and a huge sign called attention to the "Victory Window" as a center for sales. It was staffed by members of the Tacoma Council of Parent-Teacher Associations from 11-4 each day. Pictured left to right are Mrs. Edward T. Bowman, Mrs. Mary Gehri, Mrs. A. M. Ray, young Master Flood and Mrs. William H. Flood. (TNT 12/28/1942, pg. 8)

Department stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Flood, John; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma;

Four Stewart Junior High School students "published" the school newspaper "The Evening Star" in a display window of Rhodes Department Store on November 10, 1939 during National Education Week. Mayor J.J. Kaufman watched as (l to r) Clair Cook, Elmore Brolin, Helen Cox and Joan Weber used a mimeograph machine to copy off the pages of the student written paper. Ordinarily, "The Evening Star" was published on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year. The papers staff was composed of 8th and 9th graders who circulated 1,300 copies free to the student body. The newspaper was first published in 1925. (T. Times, 11-10-39, p. 18) ALBUM 11. TPL-5120.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Newspapers--Tacoma; Journalism--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1930-1940; Cook, Clair; Brolin, Elmore; Cox, Helen; Weber, Joan; Copying machines;

Rhodes toys and game room along with many other departments had recently been remodeled and modernized. The room featured modern fixtures in a renovated spacious room. View of toys and game room. A wide selection of model airplanes, dolls, doll furniture, games, sailboats and many other toys are displayed (T. Times, 5/16/46, p. 10).

Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Toys; Board games--Tacoma; Department stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

An unidentified boy read one of the "Mary Poppins" books to (l to r) Clark Rowland, Virginia Alvord and Penny Long in April of 1947. The book was one in a collection of titles by P.L. Travers on display in the book department of the Rhodes Brothers Department Store at 950 Broadway. The Junior League of Tacoma was sponsoring a childrens theater production based on the "Mary Poppins" books to be performed by the "Seattle Repetoiry Players" at the Temple Theater on May 17th. (T.Times 5/10/1947 p.12) TPL-9065

Private libraries--Tacoma; Children reading & writing--Tacoma; Bookstores--Tacoma; Books; Rhodes Brothers Lending Library (Tacoma);

Rhodes Bros. department store was featuring "Harriet Hubbard Ayer" cosmetics on the first floor in March of 1945. Here a saleswoman offers a sample to a smiling customer. She may also be in the market for the "True Red" lipstick by "Harriet Hubbard Ayer" which sold for $1.00 or rouge for an additional 65 cents. Both could be worn with the season's bright prints or soft pastels. Harriet Hubbard Ayer was one of America's earliest cosmetic entrepreneurs who made a fortune manufacturing and selling facial creams. She later lost control of her company and became a writer of beauty columns. Her signature was trademarked in 1907 and cosmetics continue to be created under her distinctive name by Ayer Cosmetics International.

Cosmetics; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma)--Employees; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Rhodes Department Store window display #4, Sun Rose Slack Suits. A backdrop is made from a grass mat with a painting of a dragon on it and a woven mat is also used as a carpet.

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

Rhodes Department Store window #2 featuring a Mademoiselle line. Two mannequins are shown near a large copy of a page from Mademoiselle.

Window displays; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);