The Towne House Restaurant, ordered by Carolyn Sholdar Associates. Two men in suits peruse the menu and decide what to order as a uniformed waiter stands by. The men sit at a formica table with straight chairs; booths can be seen around the corner with table settings and candles. A relief of a wild west hero decorates the partition; it is possibly copper toned, carrying out the theme of the room. The hallway has linoleum tiles, while the men's table sits on patterned carpet. Although the Richards appointment book lists the restaurant's location as Auburn, it is most probably the one located at 209 Williams in Renton.
Towne House Restaurant (Auburn); Restaurants--Auburn--1950-1960;
Customers in the 1950's could purchase bottled beer in bars to take home. A waitress hands over a six-pack of Heidelberg costing $1.15 to a smiling customer as three other men enjoy a glass of suds at the bar. Although Heidelberg was heavily advertised behind the bar, other name brands such as Olympia, Lucky Lager, and Hamm's were also available for consumption. This bar also carried candy, sodas, eggs, night gowns and even roaring gorilla toys for the discerning consumer. Photograph ordered by Heidelberg Brewing. TPL-8155
Exterior - Diamond Jim's. Diamond Jim's in Seattle featured family style chicken dinners and steaks in addition to dancing and cocktails. It shared a two-storied building with Aurora Cycle Shop, a Schwinn and Raleigh dealership. Diners at the many windows could view the activity on busy Aurora Avenue. The building formerly housed Hildegard's Restaurant in the early 50's. Photograph ordered by Teleradio Advertisers, Inc., for KTVW. TPL-10400
An unusual two-layer artificial tree is the focus point of this January, 1958, restaurant photograph. There is special lighting concealed in the openings of the tree layers. Directly beneath the tree is an organ, probably used as entertainment for the restaurant's diners. A backdrop of painted leaves framed with a fence provides an apt setting for the tree. Small cards on nearby tables indicate that this was Garski's Grill at 6521 Roosevelt Way in Seattle. Photograph ordered by Teleradio Advertisers, Inc., for KTVW.
A distinctly Western motif greeted customers of the Branding Iron restaurant in January, 1958. Horseshoes, pistols, gates, and even a steer's head decorated the walls. Jukeboxes would be readily accessible for patrons to play their favorite tunes. Owned by Leo Balistreri and Ernie Zarelli, the Branding Iron was located at 8413 Pacific Avenue across the street from Puget Sound National Bank. Sepia photograph ordered by the Branding Iron.
Branding Iron (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Horseshoes; Jukeboxes;
This was the crowded Little J.E.M Dining & Dancing Cafe parking lot on July 16, 1958. Every Wednesday night from 8-12 was "Teen-age Hop" night with admission at 75 cents. The place was packed that Wednesday, crammed with kids anxious to listen and rock to the sounds of the Bluenotes, one of first rock bands in the area. In July of 1958 the Bluenotes included Robin Roberts on vocals, Bill Engelhart on guitar, Buck Ormsby on bass, Frank Dutra on sax and Lassie Aanes on drums. The Little J.E.M. was located on Highway 99 just past the Puyallup Bridge, and outside of Tacoma's city limits. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Little J.E.M was opened from 11 am to 2 am for dancing with live music. (TNT ad 7-23-58, A-10)
Little J.E.M. Cafe (Tacoma); Parking lots--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Exterior - Max Frolic's cafe. Well-known entertainer Max Frolic opened his restaurant in 1938 at the (then) South Tacoma Way location. It was designed and built by Mr. Frolic and William Thornburg because of the rerouting of U.S. Highway 99 from Lakeview Drive to the newly extended South Tacoma Way. On June 20-22, 1958, Max Frolic's celebrated its grand opening to highlight its new exterior and new dining room. Neon signs advertised sea foods and fried chicken as part of the menu. Colorful awnings help to shade the windows of this brick and wood building. Max Frolic was a former vaudevillian, violinist and band leader. He directed the Elks Club Extravaganzas for many years. He also was the music director, arranger and conductor of the Pantages Theatre orchestra from 1920-1932. Mr. Frolic died at the age of 89 on December 14, 1974. Photograph ordered by Max Frolic's Restaurant. TPL-5799. (TNT 6-20-58, p. 4, History of Pierce County, Vol. 1, p. 421)
Max Frolic's Restaurant (Lakewood); Restaurants--Lakewood; Electric signs--Lakewood;
Interior - Max Frolic's cafe. Well-known entertainer Max Frolic opened his restaurant in 1938 at the (then) South Tacoma Way location. It was designed and built by Mr. Frolic and William Thornburg because of the rerouting of U.S. Highway 99 from Lakeview Drive to the newly extended South Tacoma Way. On June 20-22, 1958, Max Frolic's celebrated its grand opening to highlight its new exterior and new dining room. Neon signs advertised sea foods and fried chicken as part of the menu. Colorful awnings help to shade the windows of this brick and wood building. Max Frolic was a former vaudevillian, violinist and band leader. He directed the Elks Club Extravaganzas for many years. He also was the music director, arranger and conductor of the Pantages Theatre orchestra from 1920-1932. Mr. Frolic died at the age of 89 on December 14, 1974. Photograph ordered by Max Frolic's Restaurant. TPL-5799. (TNT 6-20-58, p. 4, History of Pierce County, Vol. 1, p. 421)
Max Frolic's Restaurant (Lakewood); Restaurants--Lakewood; Interiors--Lakewood;
ca. 1958. Exterior - The Pantry, ca. 1958. Brick and wood formed the exterior of The Pantry restaurant in Lakewood's Villa Plaza Shopping Center. It was owned and operated by Eugene and Betty Sobolik and was one of the original 24 occupants of the Plaza, opening on Sunday, May 12, 1957. There was a flowering bed of plants and bushes positioned in a cement planter opposite the restaurant door. Located next to Rhodes Bros. Department Store, the Pantry advertised itself as the only complete dinner restaurant in the Villa Plaza. It featured roast prime sirloin of beef and homemade bread and pastries. The Pantry was a cafeteria until 4 pm and then became a restaurant for evening meals. The restaurant had a colonial-style atmosphere with maple furniture and accessories. It was accessible through Rhodes and the breezeway. The Villa Plaza Shopping Center continued to attract new businesses to their suburban location, including department stores, financial institutions and restaurants. Photograph ordered by the Villa Plaza Development. (TNT 1-30-59, p. 3- Ad, TNT 8-7-57, B-16; TNT 5-10-57, B-10-article)
Exposure of architect's scale model for the new expansion at Busch's Restaurant, ordered by architect Percy Ball. Photograph shot near the Top of the Ocean. Through the power of photography, Buschs seems to have been magically transported from 3505 South Tacoma Way to Tacoma's waterfront. Clouds could have been added later through super imposition of Richards' stock footage.
Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buschs Drive In (Tacoma); Architectural models;
Busch's Drive In restaurant on South Tacoma Way. Busch's had long been a Tacoma landmark famous for its car hops, waitresses that came directly to your car to take and deliver orders. They also featured dine in service. Built in 1936 as the Triple XXX Barrel and purchased by Bill & Thelma Busch in 1943, the building remains today.
Buschs Drive In (Tacoma); Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma;
Interior of restaurant, ca. 1961. This is believed to be the interior of Busch's Sixth Avenue Drive-In Restaurant which opened in 1960 and was owned by William Busch. A long curved laminated counter has room for ten seats; miniature jukeboxes on counter for patrons' listening pleasure. Padded booth seating is also available. Glimpse of diagonal parking with covered walkway.
The Opera House at Steve' s Gay '90s Restaurant. The Opera House opened in 1956 and was the main entertainment venue at Steve's, where a full floor show was performed every Friday and Saturday night. Its crystal chandeliers came from the Seattle Opera House and its walls were adorned with photographs of the beautiful old homes of Tacoma. It was furnished with antiques gathered by owner Steve Pease at estate sales and auctions. In mid June of 1959, Steve's was celebrating its 10th anniversary with "continuous" entertainment Wednesday - Saturday. (TNT 6/16/1959, pg. 8-9)
Staples at Steve's Gay '90s restaurant, 54th & South Tacoma Way, were his talented staff who entertained diners on weekends in the Gay '90s Revue, providing fun for the entire family. Gathered around the newly restored Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ in October of 1971 were believed to be Dorothy Jean, "gay '90s queen;" Mr. Banjo, Ray Johnston; Bob Shonack & his Cable Car Conductors; and Steve's trio of can-can dancers. Diners were invited to enjoy the clean entertainment while devouring Steve's " mile long smorgasbord" for $3.80. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT ad 9-3-71, p. 8; TNT ad 11-5-71, p. 11) TPL-6700
Two can-can dancers appearing at Steve's Gay '90s pose for a hoe-down on June 2, 1970. These barefoot young ladies have their knees held very high, showing the edges of their polka-dotted pantaloons. Steve's had celebrated its 20th anniversary in October of 1969. The South Tacoma eatery was well known for its nourishing yet inexpensive menu and wholesome family entertainment. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.
The chef at O'Brien's Restaurant prepares to slice a large, luscious roast for several admiring guests on January 29, 1971. Owner Jim O'Brien, a former bailbondsman, had hosted a special sneak preview that evening. The restaurant would open officially in a few days; it was located in the Bank of Washington Plaza, at the foot of the curving staircase. Photograph ordered by O'Brien's Restaurant. (TNT 1-28-71, A-2 - "Faces & Places" column- article)
ca. 1979. View of native American style graphics on the window glass of the Anchor Tavern, 1352 Pacific Ave., as well as a neon representation of the emblem for Rainier Beer. The Tavern was located in the former McCormack Bro. Department Store, 1348-56 Pacific Ave, in 1979. McCormack Bro. was located in the Baker-Dickson Building; constructed in 1911, Russell & Babcock, architects. The building was demolished in 2003.
ca. 1979. Photograph, circa 1979, of the C St. Cafe, top of building and signage. In the background is the tower and the top of the Carling (previously the Heidelberg) Brewery Co. at 2120-32 So. C St.
C St. Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980;
ca. 1936. Opening of new, small restaurant with counter and tables. Space in older building with elaborate wood and leaded glass cabinetry, tin ceiling, and arcaded windows with Corinthian columns. Large, uniformed staff standing at designated stations. Probably Feeney's Cafe. Feeney's was owned by Mrs. Jessie Feeney, Mrs. Viola Hinz and Irving Ball.
ca. 1933. Interior of the "Happy Days Here Again" Beer Parlour. This is the "Gentleman's Service," a specific area of the bar where only men were admitted. The men would then be free to drink, smoke and make off color remarks and jokes without offending the ladies. Customers pose with one foot on the railing, while white coated bartenders line up behind the bar. Happy Days offered both gents and Ladies service. The tavern was managed by Albert D. Innocenti.
Happy Days Here Again (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1930-1940; Eating & drinking facilities--Tacoma--1930-1940; Innocenti, Albert--Homes & haunts;
ca. 1926. Unidentified restaurant interior, circa 1926. Build in wicker stools at lunch counter, backbar with leaded glass, two men and two women employees behind counter. (filed with Argentum)
ca. 1936. Restaurant interior. Small, downtown lunch counter, coffee shop with booths and refrigerated display case. Women in kitchen and floral bouquets on counter. For Mr. Goff.
Rose's Hi-Way Inn grand opening. Modern in every way with indirect lighting, a white cellutex interior marbelized in blue, and chromium and bronze trim. A large banner hanging from the roof states the restaurant would open on June 30th of 1939. Manager Rose Wilcox was famous for her chicken and steak dinners. She sold the roadside dinner house in the 1970s with the condition that the once modern restaurant retain its old-fashioned appeal. (T.Times, 6/30/1939, p. 9) (filed with Argentum)
Rose's Hi-Way Inn (Des Moines); Restaurants--Des Moines;
Dick Bevington pours a mug from the Triple XXX root beer barrel dispenser at his new drive-in restaurant in this photograph dated May 29, 1940. The franchise offered round the clock service, carhops and root beer on draft.
Dick Bevington's new Triple XXX Barrel drive-in restaurant. Six waitresses and six carhops lined up on May 29, 1940 in front of the building with neon trim and giant barrels on the roof.The service department included Bea Joyce, Grayce Bailey, Marialyce Johnson, Lola Emerson, Della Reghitto, Betty Emerson, Winnie Cunningham, Lucille Bartholet, Anne Bullard, Irving Fleming and Kenneth Lilly. (T. Times 6/4/1940, pg. 7)
Dick and Gwyne Bevington opened this resplendent, modernistic Triple XXX Barrel curb-service restaurant in 1940. With 19 employees and 75 parking spaces, the Bevington's provided prompt service at curb, booth and counter. Coast Neon Displays designed a symphony of neon lights, shown in this night-time view, to grab the attention of drivers on the Seattle-Tacoma Highway. The orange and black root beer drive-in featured giant root beer barrels on its flat-top roof. Although dramatically altered, the diner remained in service as Marilyn's until it closed in 1999.
Fast food restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobiles--Tacoma--1930-1940;
In May of 1940, the staff of Dick Bevington's new Triple XXX Barrel drive-in restaurant was preparing for its grand opening. G.R. ("Dick") Bevington, center, is flanked by three carhops and five waitresses as he stands in the center of the service area. Peering out from the kitchen are his crew of chefs with more than 50 years of total experience. The modern interior is decorated with indirect lighting and lots of stainless steel. It was built by Bonnell Construction of Tacoma for a total cost of $29,000. The drive-in featured counter service, booths and curb service by brightly uniformed girls with parking for almost 100 cars. The restaurant had a staff of 18. (T. Times 6/4/1940, pg. 7; TNT 6-4-40, p. 4)
The Red Pig, located one-half mile beyond Fife on the Tacoma-Seattle Highway (Highway 99), opened in May of 1937. Operated by Earl Smith, it had a 100% union staff, and a completely modern "all electric" kitchen. The list of electric devices found in the Red Pig included a heavy duty electric range, a 100 gallon electric hot water tank, an electric refrigerator and freezer, and a wide selection of electric appliances. They even had an electric cash register - and a jukebox. This photograph was taken in January of 1938. The restaurant re-opened in October of 1938, under the new management of Joe and Bernice Fox. (TDL 5/23/1937 p.B-9; T. Times 10/26/1938, pg. 7)
Red Pig Restaurant (Fife); Restaurants--Fife--1930-1940;
ca. 1938. "Red Pig," under new management of Joe, behind counter left, and Bernice, right, Fox. It's about eight minutes to twelve and the counter seats are filled with customers being waited on. The "Red Pig" has recently reopened under new management after being remodeled. It is located on the Tacoma-Seattle Highway, about 1/2 mile east of Fife. (T. Times 10/26/1938, pg. 7) (filed with Argentum)
