This vast parking lot will not be empty for long as the relocated Bon Marche prepares for its grand opening at the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center in the summer of 1964. The Bon would be the first store in the new shopping center located on 83 acres west of the freeway between So. 43rd and So. 48th Sts. View of imposing four-story Bon Marche with Cascade Room restaurant attached taken on July 27, 1964. The three million dollar structure was built by Nelson Construction of reinforced concrete with distinctive red-brick facing. It was the largest department store in Southwest Washington. (TNT 8-2-64, A-1)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma;

Fine linens at the Bon Marche. Although paper napkins were becoming more popular as people discovered their convenience, table linens were still promoted and sold in fine department stores in the 1960's. Lace doilies, cloth napkins and linen tablecloths are exhibited in elegant open display cases at the new Bon Marche, Tacoma Mall. Located on the third (or top) floor, the fine linens section would be decorated with gold lamps, imported gold wallpaper and walnut paneling. The Bon would celebrate its grand opening on August 3, 1964. (TNT 8-2-64, B-9)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tablecloths; Textiles;

An attentive crowd, including Governor Albert Rosellini and Miss Tacoma Angela Nicholson (seated on stage, front row), observed the flag ceremonies at the official August 3, 1964 opening of the $3 million dollar Bon Marche department store at the new Tacoma Mall. Other dignitaries visible on stage included City councilman Maurice Finnigan, County commissioners Fritz Geiger and Pat Gallagher, and Bon managing director Darrel Vannice. The speaker at the podium has been tentatively identified as Tacoma Deputy Mayor Arnold Herrmann. The grand opening attracted 150,000 visitors causing massive traffic jams. The Bon offered free bus service from downtown Tacoma several times daily to their new location and also advertised the acres of free parking available for shoppers. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche.

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Nicholson, Angela; Flags--United States; State flags;

Grand opening of Bon Marche at the Tacoma Mall. 150,000 people attended the official opening on August 3, 1964, of the first occupant of the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. The parking lot is crammed full of cars, including a charter bus. Although the News Tribune had run several articles on driving directions, including alternative ways to get to the Mall, massive traffic jams would occur anyway. Even when visitors managed to get to the Mall, paved parking was quickly snapped up and many were forced to park in unpaved areas. Once completed, paved parking lots would hold up to 6000 cars. Hordes of shoppers would await opening day speeches from various dignitaries including Governor Albert D. Rosellini before the doors finally opened. A few intrepid souls are perched on the roofs of the massive four-story department store, giving them a good bird's eye view of the swirling activity. (TNT 8-4-64, p. 18) TPL-9645

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970; Automobiles--Tacoma--1960-1970; Crowds--Tacoma;

Glassware section in the new Bon Marche. A week prior to its August 3, 1964, grand opening, the Bon Marche, first store at the new Tacoma Mall Shopping Center, was primed and ready to go. A look into the glassware shop area saw widely spaced display tables filled with elegant stemware and vases located near the china, gift and silver shops. This is the view from the west entrance to the Mall level. The store's bridal registry was here as well. The Bon had relocated from its longtime downtown spot to the new Tacoma Mall; the four-story store would have over 250,000 square feet and be able to showcase merchandise more effectively. (TNT 8-2-64, B-5)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tableware; Glassware; Vases;

Washington governor Albert Rosellini, flanked by two flag bearers, addressed the massive crowd gathered for the opening of the new Bon Marche building at the Tacoma Mall on August 3, 1964. Both the American flag and the state flag were on display. Gov. Rosellini had flown in by helicopter to attend the ribbon-cutting of the largest department store in Southwest Washington. Also on the temporarily erected stage were various city and county officials plus Darrel Vannice, the Bon's managing director. The Bon Marche was the first occupant of the Tacoma Mall as the rest of the shopping center would not be officially opened until October the following year. TPL-6175

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Public speaking--Tacoma; Flags--United States; State flags;

Candy department at the Bon Marche. Mouth watering displays of wrapped candy are ready for customers to purchase at the soon-to-be opened Bon Marche located in the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. Russell Stover assorted chocolates and Blum Almondettes were just two of the many brands of candy on sale in the Bon's lower level near the Cascade Room. A bakery with fresh-daily goods was located next to the candy shop and apparently specialized in fancy cakes. (TNT 8-2-64, B-7)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Candy--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Portrait studio, Bon Marche. Framed portraits, particularly of young children, line the walls of the portrait studio located on the third (or top) floor in the new Bon Marche at the Tacoma Mall. A variety of frames, both ornate and modern, could be purchased along with the pictures. As one photograph on display on the counter testifies, the Bon would be able to make reproductions of old prints. The portrait studio was a new endeavor for the Bon. (TNT 8-2-64, B-5)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Photographic studios--Tacoma--1960-1970; Portraits; Picture frames;

Snip! Governor Albert Rosellini and Angela Nicholson, Miss Tacoma, cut the bright yellow ribbon for the new Tacoma Mall Bon Marche store on August 3, 1964. The Bon Marche was the first store to open in the new mall; the mall didn't have its official opening until October, 1965. The new Bon Marche was a massive four-story building with 256,000 square feet. The closing of the store's longtime downtown location was deemed necessary because of the antiquated conditions of the building and the lack of suitable parking. The downtown store, formerly the Fisher's Department Store, closed at 5:30 p.m. on July 25, 1964. Dignitaries present at the ribbon cutting included Dr. Arnold Herrmann, deputy mayor, David Rowlands, city manager, county commissioners Harry Sprinker, Fritz Geiger and Pat Gallagher, and city councilmen Maurice Finnigan and Hal Murtland, and Darrel E. Vannice, managing director of the Bon. (TNT 7-19-64, p. 1, TNT 8-4-64, p. 18) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Nicholson, Angela; Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Vannice, Darrel E.;

Governor Albert D. Rosellini and Miss Tacoma, Angela Nicholson, cut the ribbon for the new Tacoma Mall Bon Marche store. The governor and assorted dignitaries, including Bon Marche managing director Darrel E. Vannice, are facing the new store. A crowd of eager shoppers look poised to storm the doors of the Bon Marche which had moved its presence from its longtime downtown location. An estimated 150,000 people visited the store on its first day of business, causing massive traffic jams. The four-story 256,000 square foot store would be the largest department store in Pierce County. The closure of the downtown store at 11th & Broadway was necessary because of the antiquated building and fixtures and the shortage of parking. J.C. Penney's and Thriftway supermarkets had already signed leases for the new shopping center which would open officially in October, 1965, with an additional 53 stores and 900,000 square feet of selling space. ALBUM 10. TPL-454 (TNT 7-19-64, p. 1, TNT 8-4-64, p. 18)

Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Nicholson, Angela; Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Vannice, Darrel E.;

Silver and silverplate display at the Bon Marche. The August 3, 1964, opening of the Bon Marche, first store at the Tacoma Mall, would truly be a gala event. Prior to the grand opening, photographs of the interior and exterior were taken by the Richards Studio on July 27, 1964. A dazzling display of tableware, including trays, candlesticks, serving pieces and coffee/tea dispensers would certainly catch the eye of the thousands expected to view the new building's merchandise. The silverware shop was located adjacent to the china and glassware sections near the west end of the Mall level. (TNT 8-2-64, B-8)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tableware;

Bon Marche. By March of 1970, the Bon Marche located in the Tacoma Mall was nearly six years old. It was the first store opened in the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center and at 256,000 square feet, the largest department store in Pierce County. It attracted crowds of 150,000 on its first day of business causing massive traffic woes. Even though the Bon Marche would be the only occupant in the mall for nearly a year, business continued to thrive. The lure of plenty of free parking, quality of products and services offered, and easy freeway access drew thousands to shop at the Bon. View of the Bon Marche and attached Cascade Room restaurant; the restaurant was accessible both from inside the mall and outside the building. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche.

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980;

The focus of this April, 1973, aerial is the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center and its environs. Located in the city's south end, the Tacoma Mall enjoyed easy access from the freeway and acres of free parking space. Customers could choose from about 100 stores, all under one climate-controlled roof. Rhodes Bros. would be the next large department store to open in the newly expanded Mall, a move that would eventually mean the closing of its flagship downtown location in late 1974. This view, looking east, also shows South Tacoma Way at the bottom. Photograph ordered by Puget Sound National Bank.

Aerial views; Neighborhoods--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Express highways--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Shoppers in the region rejoiced at the opening of the new west end extension of the Tacoma Mall on July 25, 1973. 20 more stores were added to the popular shopping center bringing its total to about 110. 1973 Daffodil Queen Sherri Murrey, Mayor Gordon N. Johnston, and Tacoma Mall executive vice-president Marvin Boys (next to the mayor) were among the dignitaries participating in the addition's ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Mall Corporation.

Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Murrey, Sherri; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Boys, Marvin;

1973 Tacoma Home Show. In lieu of the traditional ribbon snipping, Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston (extreme r) and County Commissioner Clay Huntington (2nd from left) put some muscle into the 8-foot logger's saw as it sliced through a 2 x 4. They officially opened the 27th edition of the Tacoma Home Show at the Tacoma Mall. This was a new venue for the Home Show; for the past 23 years it had been located at the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse and prior to that, at the Tacoma Armory. Admission to the Home Show was free. Hundreds attended opening day to look, try, and dream about the 70+ Home Show exhibitions. The Tacoma Home Show would run from March 13-18th. Photograph ordered by the Home Builders Association of Greater Tacoma. (TNT 3-13-73, p. 2 -article)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Huntington, Clay; Saws;

1973 Tacoma Home Show. County Commissioner Clay Huntington (left) and Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston (right) lend a hand in the grand opening festivities of the 1973 Tacoma Home Show. For the first time in its 27-year history, the Home Show was held at the Tacoma Mall. As the signs held by the officials indicate, the event running from March 13-18 was free and those in attendance need not have worried about cold/rain/hail or sleet as the Mall was covered and climate controlled. Both Mayor Johnston and Commissioner Huntington wore hard hats and overalls -and ties- during the ceremony. They had used the 8-foot logger's saw to snap the 2 x 4 wooden "ribbon." This was also the first year without longtime Home Show promoter, Patrick O'Toole; Mr. O'Toole had died in a car accident in California ten months ago. Photograph ordered by the Home Builders Association of Greater Tacoma. (TNT 3-14-73, C-8)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Huntington, Clay; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Saws;

A massive crowd gathered to listen to welcoming speeches at the Grand Opening of the Tacoma Mall addition on July 25, 1973. At the podium was executive vice-president of the Tacoma Mall Corporation, Marvin Boys. The Mall had built an extention on its west side that would hold 25 new stores and increase the size of the mall by some 80,000 square feet. The 20 stores opened that day would include Bed & Bath Shop, Ben Bridge Jewelers, Cameras Etc., Cards & Things, Jay Jacobs, Orange Julius, Osborn & Ulland, Papa John's, Tinder Box and Waldenbooks. Scheduled to open in 1974 was the Rhodes/Liberty House department store. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Mall Corporation. (TNT 7-24-73, insert on mall expansion)

Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Public speaking--Tacoma; Boys, Marvin;

1974 Richards stock footage. Aerial view of the Tacoma Mall and surrounding south end neighborhoods. This May, 1974, view by air makes it plain that one of the main attributes of this popular shopping center was its ready access by freeway and its enormous free parking lots. Should a visitor to the Mall decide to bypass the freeway, the Mall would still be accessible through well traveled local streets such as Pine, South 38th and South 48th. The Mall had opened its west end addition in July of 1973 to add 20 more stores to the shopping center; in May of 1974, construction was proceeding rapidly with the new Liberty House/Rhodes department store at the far west end of the shopping center. TPL-5876

Aerial views; Aerial photographs; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Express highways--Tacoma--1970-1980; Neighborhoods--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1974 Tacoma Home Show. For the second year in a row, the Tacoma Home Show was held at the Tacoma Mall. Among the many exhibitors was the Boedecker Co., a Tacoma cleaning company in business since 1919. Their booth outside of the Jay Jacobs clothing store featured the "Rug" Doctor. Those wishing to get their carpets thoroughly cleaned could rent the "Rug" Doctor, by appointment only. Rental rates posted indicated that a 4-hour rent would run $12, all day (actually 8 1/2 hours) at $20 and overnight for $15. For really dirty carpets, a $25 charge for nearly 24 hours was also offered. A "Rug" Doctor and strip of carpet awaited customers eager to try out the product. Organizers of the 28th annual Tacoma Home Show would later report that attendance at the five-day event was about 300,000, roughly the same as the previous year. Color photograph ordered by the Boedecker Co., Inc.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1970-1980; Cleaning--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floor coverings; Signs (Notices);

1977 Tacoma Home Show. Once again, the annual Tacoma Home Show was held at the Tacoma Mall where visitors could stroll comfortably under cover to view the latest ideas for remodelers, redecorators, home builders and landscapers. Among the many exhibits was the well-known Atlas Van Lines hydroplane U-76, whose appearance was sponsored by Ed's Moving & Storage, 1632 E. 26th. Ed's Moving & Storage was an agent for Atlas Van Lines. A scale model of the hydroplane would be given away in a free drawing. The U-76 was piloted and owned by Bill Muncey. (TNT 3-21-77, Tacoma Home Show insert-article)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1970-1980; Hydroplanes--Tacoma; Ed's Moving & Storage (Tacoma); Atlas Van Lines (Tacoma);

Orange Julius. The Richards Studio photographed a number of Orange Julius locations in Western Washington during December of 1978. Pictured above is the Orange Julius located in the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center next to the Osborn & Ulland sporting goods store. As its name indicates, Orange Julius promoted its "freshly squeezed" healthy drink and dedicated a special "speedline" for drinks only. Burgers and other food orders could also be placed. The small eating establishment was brightly decorated in warm colors of orange and yellow. Enlarged pictures of the Tacoma Mall and vicinity adorned the walls. Color photograph ordered by S & W Management.

Orange Julius (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fast food restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980;

ca. 1972. 1972 Richards stock footage. Display of portraits of the officers and directors of the Greater Tacoma Chamber of Commerce surrounding pillars within the Tacoma Mall. Shoppers at the mall in 1972 were invited to meet the area's business leaders via their color portraits taken by the Richards Studio. A label identifying the individual was in the corner of each gold and wood framed picture.

Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Portraits;

Tacoma Mall West expansion. Work progresses on the west side expansion of the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center in September of 1972. 25 more stores would be added to the southend shopping center, increasing the size of the mall by some 80,000 square feet. Prior to this construction, the Tacoma Mall had 85 stores. In addition, Nordstrom (then known as Nordstrom Best) would be adding a second floor of 17,000 square feet, to feature lingerie, junior wear and ready-to-wear fashions. Photograph ordered by Rushforth Construction Co., contractors of the Tacoma Mall West expansion project. (TNT 9-2-71, A-1- article on expansion)

Progress photographs; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Building construction--Tacoma--1970-1980;