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)

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);

ca. 1904. Roy J. Clark, proprietor of Clark's Livery and Club Stables at 1210 A Street, at the reins of one of his buggies in this circa 1904 photograph. Rigs were furnished on short notice at Clark's and hacks available for weddings and funerals. The establishment paid special attention to the boarding of horses. (Photograph donated by Mr. Clark's daughter, Gladys M. Jones) (Arthur French Collection)

Clark, Roy J.; Carriages & coaches--1900-1910; Horses;

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. 1904. The Northern Pacific Railroad built a passenger station at 1701 Commerce Street in its western terminus city in 1883. By 1892, Tacoma had become a major West Coast city; this prompted the railroad to relocate its industrial repair shops to South Tacoma and move the station to the shops' former site on Pacific Avenue, shown here. Tacomans were outraged when NP President Henry Villard refused to build a grand station to complement the city's cosmopolitan architecture and disdainfully referred to the small building as the "Villard Depot". It was finally demolished in 1909 and replaced with the present Union Depot structure.

Railroad stations--Tacoma; Cityscapes--Tacoma;

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; window display of china. Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened at this location in 1903. Part of the appeal of the structure at 950 Broadway was its many merchandise display windows. This display was of china and small figurines. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma; Tableware; Porcelain;

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; this appears to be the Crystal and Glass Department. Henry A. Rhodes opened his grand department store at 950 Broadway in 1903. This appears to be the glass department on the first floor, with a clear view of the mezzanine, center. The mezzanine held the ladies' lounge and the office, complete with wrapping paper for purchases and a money till. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; Parasol and streamer decorations with lace collars, purses and accessories. This photograph showed the Rhodes Brothers Department Store not long after opening. The mezzanine with its railing can be seen in the back. The department appears to be ladies' accessories. Photograph damaged lower left corner. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Women's apparel, dresses and suits. The Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened at 950 Broadway near the end of the year in 1903. The womens' ready-to-wear department was an important department in the store. Mannequins model the latest fashions, brought back from the fashion capitals back east to Tacoma. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma; Clothing & dress--1900-1910;

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; China and glassware. What appear to be mirror topped tables and mirror backed shelves reflect the china and glassware in this photograph of the Rhodes Department Store around 1904. Rhodes was an institution in Tacoma at 950 Broadway from 1903 until it closed in 1974. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma; Tableware; Porcelain;

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. 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. 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. 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. 1904. A window display of wedding dresses at the Rhodes Brothers Department Store, circa 1904. When Henry A. Rhodes opened his three story grand emporium at 950 Broadway in November of 1903, it quickly became famous for its lavish decorations and extensive window displays. Huge plate glass windows presented the most current fashions by seasons. The store employed a full time window trimmer and decorator, Herbert A. Foster, who had an office and studio on the third floor of the store. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee) (TDL 11/8/1903, pg. 17)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma; Wedding clothing & dress--1900-1910; Window displays--1900-1910;

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; Mezzanine with piano overlooking first floor. The mezzanine was located on a balcony between the first and second floors. The ladies' lounge was located here with comfortable chairs where shoppers could rest or visit. The restroom was also located in this area. Entertainers playing the piano here would be heard throughout the first floor. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; Millinery department. The Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened in a three story building at 950 Broadway at the end of 1903. The structure was one of the first big building projects in Tacoma after the "Panic" in the 1890's. As most women wore hats whenever they went out in the early 1900's, the store included its own millinery department. At that time, buyers for the store travelled back east once or twice a year to buy "model" hats in the latest fashion. The "models" were quite expensive and were used by local hat makers to make copies for sale to the public. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Art and rug departments. The Rhodes Department Store in the early 1900's, although considered well stocked by the standards of the time, appears cramped, crowded and dark by today's standards. In the back right are rugs, or rolls of fabric, on tables, as well as folded on shelves behind the tables. On the left are tables of matted art and on the right are tables piled with framed art. Larger framed landscapes hang from the walls. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Corsets and "white wear." In the early 1900's, the silhouette was important to fashion and the silhouette was formed by the garments underneath the outfit, primarily the corset. The Rhodes Department Store had a sign for Kabo corsets, one of the major brands. The back shelves contain boxes with various styles of corsets. In the same department was "white wear," lingerie for use with the corset, namely corset covers, chemises, pantaloons and petticoats. Also on the pillar is a sign, "We give buyers green stamps." Speery & Hutchinson (S& H) introduced green stamps in 1896. They were given to reward loyalty to a merchant and were redeemable for merchandise. Photo damaged lower center. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma; Clothing & dress--1900-1910;

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Pillows and housewares. This department is believed to be located on the first floor of the store. It is crowded with pillows, mats, lace scarves or napkins (displayed on a grid.) The fine china can be seen up one floor. Tassels hang down from the ceiling. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store- wooden barrels in the china department stockroom, circa 1904. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers staff, circa 1904. The Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened at 950 Broadway late in 1903 with a staff of 100 clerks. The clerks were well screened and trained in efficiency and courtesy. The female clerks wore dark dresses with white collars and cuffs in the winter and fall and dark skirts with white blouses in spring and summer. The men dressed in suits. Photograph damaged at corners. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma)--Employees--1900-1910; Department stores--Tacoma;

ca. 1903. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 2910 North Starr St, as viewed circa 1903. The tiny 21 x 45-foot wood church is considered to be Tacoma's oldest church, built in 1873 on land donated by Edward S. "Snookum" Smith and Capt. Starr with timber donated by the Hanson-Ackerson Mill. The unusual bell tower is actually a fir tree cut at 48 feet with its bell donated by the Sunday School of St. Peter's Church in Philadelphia. A windstorm in 1935 resulted in a new tower which replaced the unique Old Town fir tower. St. Peter's is on both the City and National Registers.

St. Peters Episcopal Church (Tacoma); Episcopal churches--Tacoma;

ca. 1901. Local photographer Arthur French captured a moment in time on busy, bustling Pacific Avenue circa 1901. This glimpse of vibrant downtown Tacoma was taken looking south from the corner of South 9th St. Sidewalks were crowded with people spilling over into the street on this late spring/summer day. Little boys and some grown men are decked out in straw hats crossing Pacific while others, some hatless, wheel their bicycles across the tracks, barely avoiding streetcar #17 approaching above. Horse drawn carriages and wagons shared space on the street along with the many pedestrians. Women were out and about that day, perhaps running errands or just perusing the many store windows. On the left side of the photograph was Elder & Albright, wallpaper and paints store, located at 905 Pacific Avenue. The Palace Grocery Co. was on the right side of the street at 904 Pacific Avenue. (Photo donated by Chiho Kato)

Commercial streets--Tacoma--1900-1910; Street railroads--Tacoma--1900-1910; Pedestrians--Tacoma; Elder & Albright (Tacoma); Palace Grocery Co. (Tacoma);

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