Winthrop Motor Company, Plymouth and De Soto dealers. View through agency windows, crowd admiring 1949 De Soto as salesman discusses its features. Neon signs in windows, advertising signs and banners and TV-like slide viewer in showroom. The 1949 Plymouths had a longer, 118", wheelbase, and a lower center of gravity. The body and frame were 23% more rigid and easier to park because of less overhang. Fenders flowed into the body but they were separate and detachable. (T.Times, 3/17,1949, p.17) TPL-9282
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Plymouth automobile; DeSoto automobile; Winthrop Motor Co. (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Studio set-up of model, Peoples Store, Mrs. Ehrlich. A model is seen from the back wearing a street-length coat with a yoke and full sleeves with broad cuffs. She is holding a purse and gloves. She is also wearing nylon stockings with seams in the back and sling-back pumps. Coats similar to this one were on sale at Peoples for $22.00 during February 1949.
Tacoma Drug Company, interior and exterior of new offices, Tacoma Drug Co., Fred Osmers. The interior of the offices of the wholesale drug company showing their modern inventory and invoicing equipment housed in a sound-proofed room. The company used a punch card tabulating system for perpetual inventory control and preprinting invoices. This was the latest in equipment of its type and Tacoma Drug was the first drug firm in the northwest to employ this system. (TNT, 2/15/1949, p.A-14)
Tacoma Drug Co. (Tacoma); Medicines; Business enterprises--Tacoma--1940-1950; Offices--Tacoma--1940-1950; Office furniture; Office equipment & supplies;
Tacoma Drug Company, interior and exterior of new offices, Tacoma Drug Co., Fred Osmers. The wholesale drug company had completed a new warehouse and offices on the Tacoma tideflats. This view of the interior of the offices shows two rows of desks running to the back of the large room. Individual offices with windows into the common area are on the left. The desks had space for telephone order taking, buyers and clerks. (TNT, 2/15/1949, P.A-14)
Tacoma Drug Co. (Tacoma); Medicines; Business enterprises--Tacoma--1940-1950; Offices--Tacoma--1940-1950; Office furniture; Office equipment & supplies;
Following an action making the rhododendron Washington's official state flower, Verna V. Weiler, Director of the Capitol District of Garden Clubs, and Alice S. Franklin, President of the Garden Club of Tacoma, immediately planned Tacoma's first Rhododendron Show; the flowers will be displayed in the lobby of the Bank of California. View of Alice S. Franklin (left) and Verna V. Weiler admiring azaleas on March 2, 1949 (T. Times, 3/3/49, p. 3).
Banks--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Azaleas--Tacoma; Rhododendrons; Flower shows--Tacoma; Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Franklin, Alice S.; Weiler, Verna V.;
Park Hotel was built in 1908 and in 1949, it was owned by William L. and Nelle M. Edwards. The three-story, 50 room hotel was located in downtown Tacoma at South 8th Street and A Street, across from Fireman's Park. In 1977 it was bought by Tacoma Savings and Loan Association; they demolished the hotel and turned the site into additional parking. View of Park Hotel's front desk area, unidentified employees are working with the telephone switchboard.
Hotels--Tacoma; Hotel employees--Tacoma; Telephone operators--Tacoma; Telephone switchboards--Tacoma; Park Hotel (Tacoma);
Mueller-Harkins had been an authorized Buick dealership in tacoma since 1916; they had recently opened their one-stop automotive center at 455 Saint Helens Avenue in Tacoma's business district. View of progress on the "Buick" sign at Mueller-Harkins Motor Company, the dealership had their open house for their new and modern facilities in December 1948. Photo ordered by Comfort, Davis and Blangy, a real estate and insurance business in Tacoma.
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Progress photographs; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Comfort, Davis & Blangy (Tacoma);
Erection of and installed trusses at Washington Hardware Wholesale Building, Timber Fabrication Co., Pete Solberg. Large, solid wooden supporting timbers are being set into bases at the building site for Washington Hardware's new wholesale building. These timbers will support more trusses as work progresses on the building. The new warehouse would have 50,000 square feet one one floor.
Washington Hardware Co. (Tacoma); Progress photographs; Building construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Roof trusses--Tacoma--1940-1950; Timber Fabrication Co. (Tacoma); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;
In 1948, George A. Sample, Jr. took over management of the restaurant in the Rust Building. He changed the name to The Rathskeller, and over the next year, working with the Andrew's Fixture Company, completely remodeled the service area. This photograph from September 1949 shows five unidentified employees standing behind the newly installed counter. The Rathskeller was only in business until 1954, when it was replaced by Lindy's operated by G. Howard Lindholm.
Cafeterias--Tacoma; Restaurant workers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Counters--Tacoma; Building materials; Rathskeller (Tacoma); Rust Building (Tacoma); Andrew's Fixture Co. (Tacoma);
Margie Joy Miller is a student at Stephens College; she is modeling sportswear for the Alma Ayres clothing store. Margie is wearing clothing by "Star Maid of New York"; a suede jersey blouse with a gray plaid English skirt. Alma Ayres would offer Tacoma women the latest fashions. After graduating from Stephens College, Margie (also spelled Marjie) Miller would grace the stage and screen as actress Marjie Millar. (T.N.T., 8/14/49, p. A-8 & 9).
Millinery--1940-1950; Clothing stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Posing; Fashion models--1940-1950; Alma Ayres, Inc. (Tacoma); Miller, Marjie Joy; Millar, Marjie;
Cocktail bar with bartenders, Murphy's cocktail lounge, Mrs. Lund. The bartenders are lined up behind the bar at Murphy's. Several service men and other men have taken most of the stools at the bar. One of the machines where customers could make their selections from the jukebox is seen next to the sailor in the center of the photograph. Mirrors line the wall behind the bar.
Olympus Hotel was owned by Paul Sceva and managed by Virgil West. West had initiated the remodeling project just after he became manager, two years ago. The Frontier Room was accessible through the back entrance and through the main lobby; it was decorated like a 19th century inn, with amber glass and darkened wood rafters, historic murals of Washington State and could accommodate 100 people. Interior view of the Frontier Room, located in the Olympus Hotel; view of bar and restaurant area (TNT 8/29/49, p. 4-5). TPL-3264
Interior of Garden Room, Tacoma Hotel, Armand Marion. A view of the interior of the dining room at the Garden Room at the Tacoma Hotel. Several small tables are set around the room while benches along the walls and rattan chairs provide seating. The room is decorated with floral draperies and plants. The open doorway shows the bar on the other side of translucent glass.
Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Savage-Scofield Building (Tacoma); Garden Room (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lounges--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Interior of Garden Room, Tacoma Hotel, Armand Marion. A view of the exterior of the Garden Room at the Tacoma Hotel. The Garden Room had a separate entrance from the hotel with a stylised neon sign over the doorway. They advertised the "finest of beverages", and "Tacoma's Finest Food and Cocktails".
Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Savage-Scofield Building (Tacoma); Garden Room (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lounges--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Firestone Auto Supply is providing a free brake inspection to automobile owners. A wrecked car with two large signs above is used to advertise the special. A police car used for accident investigation is parked next to the wreck where five men are looking at one of the front wheels where the brakes may have been the cause of the crash. TPL-9367
Internationally known restaurateur, Trader Vic, had brought his world famous menu items to Tacoma. The Winthrop Hotel and Trader Vic enterprises have remodeled the restaurant site, at an estimated cost of $45,000, and opened up the Sabre Room. View of Mayor C. Val Fawcett (center) with Trader Vic (left) and an unidentified man at the grand opening celebration of the new Trader Vic's Sabre Room, located in the Winthrop Hotel (T.N.T., 9/21/49, p. 2).
Hotels--Tacoma; Restaurants--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Sabre Room (Tacoma); Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Bergeron, Victor J.;
National Bank of Washington offered their customers full banking services. In 1949 Ashley M. Gould was an Assistant Vice President and Trust Officer; Harry Anderson was an Assistant Trust Officer; and S. Pritchard Miller was an Assistant Cashier and Assistant Trust Officer. Interior view of the National Bank of Washington, a customer is at the transaction window and another customer is standing on the left side.
Banks--Tacoma; Customer relations; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bankers--Tacoma; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma)--People;
Fife's Poodle Dog restaurant was opened in 1933, added on and renovated in 1939, demolished and rebuilt in 1949 at the same location. The famous restaurant would be rebuilt once more in 1967. Richard's Commercial Photography would be displaying a photo mural at the restaurant. Interior view of the Poodle Dog restaurant in Fife; view of the Dining Room, showing photographs by Richard's Studio and domed jukebox. TPL-9686
The Last Round Cafe was located at 1516 Broadway in Tacoma's downtown district; this building was built in 1889. The restaurant was owned and operated by William M. Hamilton. Exterior view of the Last Round Cafe; restaurant signs and "Open Day & Nite" signs on windows. Photo ordered by the Washington State Liquor Board for the tavern's liquor license.
Restaurants--Tacoma; Business enterprises--Tacoma; Parking meters--Tacoma--1940-1950; Taverns (Inns)--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Last Round Cafe (Tacoma);
The Poodle Dog had just rebuilt their restaurant at the same site; this work was completed in 1949. Interior view of the Poodle Dog in Fife, from the west inside new building showing double horseshoe counters, kitchen and waitress area, murals by Richards Commercial Photo Service on walls; structure was replaced by the current building in 1967. Photo ordered by Tacoma Fixture Company, Incorporated. TPL-9683
Soda fountains--Fife; Equipment; Restaurant workers--Fife; Waitresses--Fife; Diners (Restaurants)--Fife; Poodle Dog (Fife); Tacoma Fixture Co., Inc. (Tacoma);
K Street Club was owned and operated by John J. Hafsos and Lawrence J. Corvari. K Street Club was located at 1111 South K Street, in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood. Interior view of K Street Club, a shuffleboard table is set up in the center, jukebox behind the game table, booths on left side, bar and lunch counter on right side; a cash register behind the bar. Photo was ordered by the Washington State Liquor Board, likely for a renewal of their liquor license.
Taverns (Inns)--Tacoma; Bars--Tacoma; Barrooms--Tacoma; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Shuffleboard; K Street Club (Tacoma);
Removing plywood forms on new Washington Hardware Building, DFPA, McCallum. Workmen are loading the plywood forms onto a truck. Washington Hardware was expanding by adding a wholesale and industrial users' warehouse on Puyallup Avenue. The retail and sports' shop that had been in operation 65 years remained at 918-24 Pacific. The new warehouse would have 50,000 square feet one one floor. (TNT, 7/3/1949, p.A-11)
Washington Hardware Co. (Tacoma); Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reinforced concrete construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Plywood; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Shuffleboard and electric scoreboard at Central Tavern, Champion Sales Distributing Company, Mr. Vern Westby. Two men are trying out the shuffleboard at the Central Tavern. The electric scoring machine is hung on the wall over booths running along one side of the tavern. An edge of the bar and a stool can be seen in the foreground.
Central Tavern (Tacoma); Shuffleboard; Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Interior of new barroom at Mondau's Tug Boat, Andrew's Fixture Company, Andrew Richards. Mondau's, owned by Louie J. Mondau, held a grand opening of the "Wheelhouse Room," an ultra modern cocktail lounge recently completed. Mondau's, having been in business for 25 years, advertised, "A place to bring the Family," with dinners of all kinds, Italian spaghetti, ravioli, famous pizza pie and their new Wheelhouse Room, "the coziest place in town." The remodeled bar has been decorated with a nautical theme. (TNT, 7/20/1949, p.11)
Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency, general view from southwest. Sign of Walker Apartments at far left of photo. Photograph taken on June 23, 1949. Ordered by Bonnell Construction Company.
Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Floor of Olympus Hotel Lobby, Stebner's, Inc., Ed Keenan. A workman is applying an adhesive on top of a tile floor, preparing to lay asphalt tile. Three arcade machines are seen at the end of the hall. Stebner's dealt in floor coverings, wall coverings, linoleum, rugs, carpets, asphalt tile, rubber tile, and household appliances. They were located at 3010 Sixth Ave.
Olympus Hotel (Tacoma); Stebner's, Inc. (Tacoma); Floor coverings;
Titus Motor Company started engine rebuilding during World War II, in order to maintain and improve essential transportation needed during the war. The first month of production they rebuilt 20 engines and designated three mechanics to work full-time on engine rebuilding. Interior view of Titus Manufacturing Company's engine rebuilding shop, men working on Ford engines; tools, parts and supplies in factory area.
I.B.M. offices, ordered by the Douglas Fir Plywood Association highlighting Reeds Fixtures. International Business Machines Corp was located in Tacoma at 12 Tacoma Ave. No. At 11:15, the office is empty. Almost each desk and the area over the rear door is emblazoned with a placard admonishing one to "THINK." Framed portraits, possibly of company founders, hang on the left wall. Fluorescent lighting boxes hang down from the ceiling. The free standing fixture at the front left contains printed information about IBM products and a write up from the Wall Street Journal. Dark tile squares cover the floor.
International Business Machines (Tacoma); Signs (Notices); Logos; Offices--Tacoma--1950-1960; Office equipment & supplies;
This photograph from August, 1956 shows the Kegel's Furniture store at 105-11 South 11th Street shortly before the building was taken over by Selden's carpet and floor covering store. Kegel's, owned by Otto Kegel, had opened in 1938. Built in 1902, this building was demolished in November of 1975, and a parking garage was built on the lot in 1987.
Kegel's Inc. (Tacoma); Furniture stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;
A day shopping at the downtown Tacoma Rhodes Department Store in October of 1956 was not necessarily just a quick shopping junket; it could be an elegant all-day affair including a luxurious shampoo and style at the pictured beauty salon and lunch at the store's cafe. The store at 950 Broadway was elegantly appointed and intended to provide a full shopping experience with a beauty shop, restaurant and full selection of goods and services. The store's new Beauty Salon was located on the 6th floor and offered skin care, hair styling and tinting and nail care. It was open until 9 p.m. on Monday through Friday. For this publicity photograph, the stylists posed beside their stations. The men wore coats and ties and the women dresses with corsages. The Rhodes store opened in 1903 and closed in 1974, a victim of the desertion of downtown for suburban shopping. The most forward stylist on the left is believed to be Paul Faust and behind him, Bernard Natucci. The front two stylists on the right are believed to be Lee Amundson and Lorraine Hudson. (TNT 11/11/1956, pg D-11- see ad for individual stylists' pictures) (Additional identification provided by a reader)
Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Beauty shops--Tacoma--1950-1960;
