ca. 1888. A horse drawn streetcar, taken at the Southeast corner of Pacific Ave. and 11th Street. In 1888, this area was considered to be the south borderline of the business district. Photograph shows William P. Jackson Photographer building, 1101 Pacific Ave., and Hewitt and Hill Real Estate, 1105 Pacific Ave. There is an ad for lots in the Oakes Addition on the side of the real estate building. The Oakes Addition was planned to be a high class residential district. The streets were given Indian names. However, before the plots could be sold, the panic of the '90s affected Tacoma and the original plans were never carried out. The streets were renamed by the city council. (T. Times 9/15/1937, pg. 8; 6/4/1936, pg. 5) (copy of photograph also numbered C83 image 1 under Richards file Argentum)

Horse railroads--Tacoma--1880-1890; Mass transit--Tacoma--1880-1890; Business districts--Tacoma--1880-1890; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1880-1890; Hewitt & Hill Real Estate (Tacoma);

ca. 1890. This photograph of the Tacoma Hotel (at left) was taken from below the bluff and possibly while on Commencement Bay. Engine House No. 6, 823 A Street, is the building at right still under construction in 1890. The Tacoma Hotel, 913 A Street, opened in August of 1884 and reputedly was the most beautiful hotel north of San Francisco.

Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1890-1900; Fire stations--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1891. This was the smoking room of the Union Club, 539 Broadway, circa 1891. The Union Club was built in 1888 by prominent Tacoma businessmen who sought to form a social organization and construct a building where they could spend leisure hours, develop friendships and probable favorable business connections. The clubhouse was a handsome five-story building which overlooked Commencement Bay and faced Broadway (then called "C" St.) The main entrance was on the third floor which also contained the reception room, steward's apartment, dining room, reading and waiting room, and according to the Tacoma Daily Ledger of June 6, 1890, the "general loafing and smoking room." The smoking room opened up on a veranda that ran the full length of the building on the east. The room was furnished with comfortable leather chairs and couches along with gas fixtures and a fireplace. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Smoking rooms--Tacoma;

ca. 1891. The Union Club, built in 1888, provided a serene and relaxing atmosphere for its select membership which initially brought together many of the city's well known businessmen. Membership was limited to 400 in three classes with 200 proprietary members given votes in controlling club affairs, 100 associate members who enjoyed the same privileges as the proprietary without the ability to vote, and 100 non-resident members. Elegant furnishings brought the cost of the club to $40,000 which also included the lots and structure. Pictured above is a view of the front hall and grand staircase, finished in cherry with carved trimmings. Although the photograph by LaRoche & French is labeled "first floor," the main entrance actually opened on the third floor. It was the first, however, of the two main floors which the members would mostly use. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article; Morning Globe, 11-4-1889, p. 8-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Passageways--Tacoma--1890-1900; Stairways--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1891. The Greco-colonial five-story building housing the Union Club was located on the corner of Seventh and "C" (now Broadway) with breathtaking views of Commencement Bay. Among amenities enjoyed by its membership was this large billiard parlor on the fourth floor. The 20 x 32-foot room opened out upon the balcony and was directly above the club room. Four tables, three of which are visible, were available. Nearby were two card rooms that adjoined the porch. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article; Morning Globe, 11-4-1889, p. 8-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Billiard parlors--Tacoma;

Once home to the ultimate in refined entertainment, the Alpha Opera House had been reduced to a pool hall, the Brunswick Billiard Hall, in this 1891 photograph by Arthur French. Built in 1882 for Andrew J. Baker, the Alpha Opera house hosted plays, operas, vaudeville, and town meetings including Tacoma's celebration of statehood in 1889. Its heyday ended when the magnificent Tacoma Theater opened in 1890 on C Street, now Broadway. The building was torn down in 1892 and replaced by Chilberg's restaurant. In 1928, the stately Bank of California building was constructed on the site. BU-10258

Brunswick Billiard Hall (Tacoma); Billiard parlors--Tacoma; Alpha Opera House (Tacoma);

ca. 1891. The reading room of the Union Club, 539 Broadway, was accessible by entering the main entrance on the third floor, passing by the grand staircase and down to the north end of the main hall. It measured 14 x 22 feet and had a smaller 7 x 12 foot writing room between it and the grand 12 x 16 foot staircase. Footsteps were quieted by flowered carpets and a serene atmosphere provided by (then) modern lighting, brick fireplace and paintings in gilded frames. A tall bookcase held stacks of newspapers while bound copies of Life and Harpers magazines were available on the ornate table. Comfortable seating was provided with stuffed leather chairs. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article; Morning Globe, 11-4-1889, p. 8-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Reading rooms--Tacoma;

ca. 1891. This familiar Greco-Colonial building was the Union Club, built in 1888 overlooking Commencement Bay. A broad Corinthian balcony extended the entire length of the eastern portion of the building, providing commanding views of Mount Tacoma (Rainier), shipping in the harbor, the Cascades and even the Puyallup Valley. The granite for the structure was quarried at Bellingham Bay. Architects Whidden & Lewis designed the original building but it also underwent several renovations over the years. The Union Club was the oldest of Tacoma's clubs and hosted many prominent visitors including President William Howard Taft in 1909. It had been organized in the summer of 1888 by a group of widely known businessmen including C.W. Griggs, Henry Hewitt, Jr., Theodore Hosmer, George Browne and C.P. Albertson. John S. Baker and Alexander Baillie were also charter members. Its name changed in 1939 when the Union Club merged with the University Club to become the University-Union Club.

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubs--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1891. The Union Club, home away from home for prominent Tacoma businessmen, offered their members an extensive selection of wines and other alcoholic beverages. Its basement contained a wine cellar, managed by a steward hired with the stipulation that he not drink. The bar itself, however, was on one of the upper floors, possibly on the third floor near the main entrance. Mention was made in the Tacoma Daily Ledger's June 6, 1890, edition of a "steward's apartment" on that level which had a "large sideboard for the accommodation of members." Since there was no obvious mention of a bar, this may have clued readers to the availability of liquor in the clubhouse. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Bars--Tacoma--1890-1900; Alcoholic beverages;

ca. 1891. "Office Union Club" Various descriptions of the new Union Club, built in 1888, do not specifically mention an office as one of the many rooms in the Greco-colonial building. This photograph could possibly be that of the directors' room which was located on the fourth floor in the southwest corner of the building directly above the reception room. Ledgers are displayed on stands and tables where members dues and business expenses associated with the club were probably noted. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article; Morning Globe 11-4-1889, p. 8-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1891. The Union Club, 539 Broadway, had two dining rooms on the third floor. It is not certain which of the two is pictured above but is possibly the larger of the two, measuring 16 x 25 feet, furnished in oak, and containing a fireplace and sideboard. It fronted the east end of the third floor. The second dining area was a small private banquet hall adjoining the dining room on the north. The space, measuring 12 x 14 feet, was connected to the larger dining room by arched, folding doors. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article; Morning Globe 11-4-1889, p. 8-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Dining rooms--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1891. This circa 1891 photograph by LaRoche & French was labeled "Front Hall 2nd Floor Union Club." Because the massive building had five stories which included in order a sub-basement, basement, two floors and an attic, this particular scene was probably not a basement view but is possibly the floor that contained the directors' room, bath room, billiard parlor and card rooms. This floor, which was accessible by ascending the grand staircase, was actually the second of the two main floors that members would be most interested in. Newspapers of the day called it the "fourth floor" which also had a main hallway. Heavy oak furnishings, a brick fireplace, oil painting and gas fixtures were on display. (Tacoma Daily Ledger, 6-6-1890-article; Morning Globe 11-4-1889, p. 8-article)

Union Club (Tacoma); Clubhouses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Passageways--Tacoma--1890-1900; Fireplaces--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1892. California Building; view of horse-drawn buggies. The California Block, built in 1889, was located in the 1110-16 Pacific Avenue area of downtown Tacoma. Over the years the building, first known as the Wilson Building, would contain many local businesses. Arthur French, listed as photographer and crayon artist in the 1892 City Directory, both lived and worked in the California Building. He took the above photograph ca. 1892 of the solid Romaneque structure. Built of either stone or brick, there was heavy use of the semi-circular Roman arch. By 1892, occupants included French, the Merrick Bros. clothing and shoe store, St. John's Pharmacy, I.J. Sharick jewelers, and Fidelity Rent & Collection Co. The California Building was demolished in 1931 and the Publix Market & Garage built on that site. G19.1-004; TPL-1034

California Building (Tacoma); Commercial streets--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1892. Wright Park close to Division Avenue, looking east. Very little vegetation is visible in this circa 1892 photograph of Wright Park; a statue and pond are in the center with very few trees. Ornate building to the extreme left is the original Annie Wright Seminary at 611 Division. Other homes in the background are the 1889-built Queen Anne home of John Holgate at 111 So. G and the home built for Charles Clancey in 1890 at 103 So. G. There are several paths leading to the park from the various houses in the neighborhood. TPL-376

Wright Park (Tacoma); Lakes & ponds--Tacoma; Sculpture--Tacoma--1890-1900; Houses--Tacoma--1890-1900; Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--1890-1900;

ca. 1892. Sunday afternoon strolls through Wright Park were already popular before its trees had been planted. Its rolling knolls were seeded in blue grass and woven with two miles of walks. A small lake near I Street and statues, donated by C. P. Ferry, dot the landscape. Annie Wright Seminary, left, and homes along G Street line the horizon. Wright Park is one of several parks designed by landscape gardner and artist E. O. Schwagerl. French-007

Wright Park (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma--1890-1900; Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--Buildings;

Adlai E. Stevenson, the 23rd Vice president of the United States, paid an overnight visit to Tacoma on July 26, 1893, arriving from Portland by train. A Democrat, Stevenson served under Grover Cleveland, and teamed up with William Jennings Bryan in 1900 in an unsuccessful run for president. A parade in his honor in downtown Tacoma included the police harmony band and Puyallup Indian band, police and fire departments, civic groups and representatives of the G.A.R., as the vice-president was also a member. Vice-President Stevenson was formally welcomed to the city by acting mayor John T. Lee, president of the Tacoma city council, and spoke to the crowd at the Tacoma Hotel. He was the grandfather of Adlai E. Stevenson II who would himself become the two-time Democratic nominee for the presidency in the 1950's. Photo from the collection of Roy Clark, Yelm, WA. Mr. Clark furnished the livery for the occasion. (TDL 7-26-93, p. 4, 7-27-93, p. 1) (Also G67.1-177)

Vice presidents--United States; Stevenson, Adlai Ewing--1835-1914; Carriages & coaches--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1893. Ladies' entrance and private dining booths at the Chilberg, 1011-13 Pacific Ave., circa 1893. In the Gay Nineties, women did not dine without male companionship in public and the separate entrance and private dining made dining out possible for them. These booths also served as discreet, private dining rooms for those desiring a more intimate or quiet dining experience. In fact, a private dining booth at Chilberg's was the location of a triple murder in 1898 as a jealous ex-lover shot both his paramour and her new lover and was in turn shot by the woman. The proprietor of the restaurant was Isaac Chilberg. He had opened his first "chop house" in Tacoma around 1887 at 1111 Pacific. He moved to 1003 Pacific in 1888, remaining there until the size of clientele outgrew the establishment. His new restaurant at 1011-13 Pacific was designed by architect C.A. Darmer, and his business was relocated to this site in 1892. The building was three stories high, with the restaurant occupying the first floor and with lodging on the two stories above. By the early 1900's, the restaurant had closed and the structure was demolished in 1924 to make way for the Bank of California building. (TDL 1/1/1893, pg. 15; 6/16/1898, pg. 2-murder)

Chilberg (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1893. The kitchen at The Chilberg, 1011-13 Pacific Ave., circa 1893. The Chilberg had recently moved into the spacious new quarters formerly occupied by the New York Kitchen. The kitchen was spotless. Five visible cooks prepared food (left) over a range, while two more prepared the ingredients (center.) The man and the two young boys to the right appear to be dishwashers. A long table was set left for the staff to take their meals. According to the newspapers of the time, the restaurant was open 24 hours a day. Known for their extensive menu, elegant appointments and attentive service; the restaurant was called "the Delmonico of the West." (Photograph damaged upper left corner and near lower right corner.)

Chilberg (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1890-1900; Kitchens--Tacoma--1890-1900; Cooks; Restaurant workers;

ca. 1893. Lunchtime at The Chilberg, 1011-13 Pacific Ave., circa 1893. The Chilberg was designed by architect C.A. Darmer to provide both mass dining, center, and a more intimate experience in one of the many private dining boxes, left or (seen from the back) right. During lunch, most of the large tables were occupied by businessmen and tradesmen, their hats hung on hooks surrounding the support pillars. Dark jacketed waiters in white aprons waited at the ends of each table, supplying the Chilberg's legendary attentive service. French Collection G45.1-054A

Chilberg (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1893. The table is set at The Chilberg, 1011-13 Pacific Ave., circa 1893; it is laid with a fine white tablecloth, set with damask napkins and heavy silver. Proprietor Isaac Chilberg awaits off camera for the arrival of his guests. The successful restaurateur had started with a chop house at 1003 Pacific Ave. and made his reputation on good food, a spotless dining room and kitchen and personalized service. In May of 1892, he moved his restaurant into the refurbished and more elegantly appointed space at 1011-13 Pacific Ave., formerly the home of the New York Kitchen. The Chilberg soon became known as the "Delmonico of the West," the finest restaurant west of New York City. (Photograph damaged)

Chilberg (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1890-1900; Table settings & decorations; Tablecloths; Tableware;

ca. 1893. Dining room of The Chilberg, 1011-13 Pacific Ave., circa 1893. The Chilberg, Tacoma's finest restaurant, had moved in 1892 from its previous location at 1003 Pacific Ave. to these more spacious and elegant surroundings. The restaurant offered both open tables and rows of intimate dining boxes on the left and, seen from the back, on the right. These miniature dining rooms were for the use of ladies dining without male companionship or for those needing a quieter or more private dining experience. Large windows in the back and also "light wells" in the ceiling provided natural lighting. Tacoma architect C.A. Darmer redesigned the space specifically for proprietor Isaac Chilberg's restaurant and hotel. The restaurant was famous for its fare, but also for its orderly cleanliness and attentive service. Isaac Chilberg spent over 35 years in the restaurant business, running some of the finest restaurants in Tacoma. He died in 1923 at his home in Orting.

Chilberg (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1893. The main entrance at The Chilberg, 1011-13 Pacific Ave., circa 1893. Natural light floods the room from the many windows at the entrance. A table, right, holds a selection of fruit and pastries, while the bar behind displays an array of wines and glasses. The Chilberg had previously been located down the block at 1003 Pacific Ave. This space was redesigned by Tacoma architect C.A. Darmer for proprietor Isaac Chilberg. The restaurant was located on the first floor, with hotel rooms located above. The restaurant was endorsed as the most elegant restaurant west of New York City.

Chilberg (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1890-1900;

Lake in Wright Park. Sepia photograph taken on July 2, 1896, commemorating the coronation of the Queen of Roses, Elizabeth Dunster (Mrs. Harrison G.) Foster. Mrs. Foster was crowned queen in Tacoma's first annual Rose Carnival by Governor John H. McGraw. She was presented the silver key to the city by Mayor Angelo V. Fawcett. 15,000 viewed the coronation exercises held at Wright Park, some of whom are pictured above. (Tacoma Morning Union, 7-3-1896, p. 1)

Wright Park (Tacoma); Lakes & ponds--Tacoma; Rose Carnival (Tacoma);

Pierce County employees posed in the Auditor's office within the County Courthouse in March of 1898. The Auditor at that time was F.H. Gloyd, possibly the man seated behind the desk. W.D.C. Spike, sporting a large handlebar mustache, is seated near the center of the group. Mr. Spike would go on to defeat Republican A.P. Peterson on November 8, 1898, for the Auditor's position, 4,209 votes to 3,617. W.D.C. Spike was a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and came to Tacoma about 1890. He was a widely known businessman involved in the Pacific Coast Gypsum Co. and the American Coal Co. Mr. Spike would go on to serve two terms as County Auditor. He passed away on July 2, 1915, at home. (TDL 7-3-15, p. 11-obit.; Bonney, W.P., History of Pierce County Washington, p. 539-voting statistics)

Spike, W.D.C.; Government officials--Tacoma; Government employees--Tacoma; County government--Tacoma; Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma);

ca. 1900. A tree shaded path in Point Defiance Park. A rustic bench stands next to the path. From the collection of Don Cooper.

Parks--Tacoma--1900-1910; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma)

ca. 1900. A peacock sits on the rustic gate to the fence that surrounds the Lodge at Point Defiance.

Peacocks; Parks--Tacoma--1900-1910; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma)

ca. 1900. Two women sit on a rustic bench, next to a path, in Point Defiance Park. From the collection of Don Cooper.

Parks--Tacoma--1900-1910; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma)

ca. 1900. A view of Wright Park from Division Street looking south circa 1900. The tower of the Pierce County Court House just makes it into the photograph at the far left. The parks two statues stand on pedestals on either side of a gravel road that winds through the park. A bicycle leans against a sapling tree. From the collection of Don Cooper. TPL-8288

Parks--Tacoma--1900-1910; Wright Park (Tacoma); Sculpture--Tacoma--1900-1910; Bicycles & tricycles--Tacoma--1900-1910;

ca. 1900. A man hand feeds a deer as a number of deer crowd around him. The deer are in a fenced in area at Point Defiance Park. A large wooden building stands at the far left in the photograph. From the collection of Don Cooper.

Deer; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma--1900-1910

ca. 1900. A young nanny pushes a baby in an ornate pram through Wright Park in Tacoma. They have stopped by one of the ponds in the park. A white swan is at the edge of the pond. The tower of the Pierce County Court House just makes it into the photograph at the far left. From the collection of Don Cooper.

Wright Park (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma--1900-1910; Governesses;Baby carriages