The Cliff House restaurant at 6300 Marine View Drive N.E. still has the same commanding view of Commencement Bay and Tacoma's skyline as it did in February, 1960 when this photograph was taken. It was originally built by W.R. "Bill" Keyes in 1925 as the Cliff House Tavern. That building burned to the ground in 1958 when a beach fire got out of control and the flames spread up the bluff. Hugh O. Smith purchased the property and built a new Cliff House (the one shown here), but instead of a tavern, he built a restaurant. The building has been remodeled several times, first in 1977 and again in 1988.

Cliff House Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970;

The billboard perched above the Consolidated Freightways building on April 21, 1960, promised to fulfil all customers' shipping needs. A Freightways truck and trailer are ready at the company's longtime Puyallup Avenue location. A storage tank and possibly pallets are awaiting future transport. Photograph ordered by Consolidated Freightways.

Consolidated Freightways, Inc. (Tacoma); Shipping--Tacoma--1960-1970; Loading docks--Tacoma; Trucks--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

Night exposure of National Bank of Washington sign and parking. The neon signs welcoming patrons to the National Bank of Washington's drive-up windows and indicating the location of customer parking are bright beacons in the surrounding April 25, 1960, darkness. The Motor Bank opened that day in the Old Pioneer Building site on A St. Two walk-up windows for pedestrians and two drive-up windows allowed customers to cash checks, make deposits or loan payments, conveniently and quickly. The covered motor banking unit was located on the north end of the bank parking lot. (TNT 4-24-60, A-4, B-7)

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1960-1970;

View of new National Bank of Washington Motor Bank at night. The National Bank of Washington's Motor Bank opened on April 25, 1960, in the Old Pioneer Building site at 1202 A St. That building was razed in late 1959 and a compact drive-through unit constructed. The motor bank, built out of Wilkeson sandstone, covered 18,000 square feet including a convenient parking lot. The 40-car parking lot was provided by the bank in case more banking transactions were needed to be conducted in person at the Main office or the bank annex across the street. Parking was free for one hour. (TNT 4-24-60, A-4, B-7)

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Interior of Barcott's Sea Food. This May 16, 1960, photograph was taken prior to opening as the dining room is empty. Cloth napkins, silverware and coffee cups have been placed on the rectangular tables. Each table has been draped with a tablecloth. Barcott's emphasized their delicious seafood entries including fried ocean scallops at $2.00; to accompany the meals was a selection of California wines and champagne. Barcott's had been at their Pine St. location since May, 1953.

Barcott's Sea Food (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

Tradewell supermarket exterior. This Tradewell supermarket in University Place, managed by Wilford Noble, was celebrating its grand opening on July 14, 1960. A large banner placed against the store's front windows announced the opening. A multi-arched roof protected customers when entering or exiting the supermarket. It would be the fourth Tradewell in the local area. The grand opening was heavily advertised with four full page ads in the News Tribune. Highlights noted were the "Hot Shop" bakery where bread and pastries were baked in-store, the personal service seafood department, the new "Air Screen" beverage department, a rotisserie in continuous operation, and extra wide aisles. Bargain hunters could find such specials as: 10 lb. bag Tradewell flour for 69 cents, 10 lb. bag C & H sugar for 89 cents, 35 cents a pound fresh Washington fryers and a quart of Nalley's mayonaise for 49 cents. Photograph ordered by Tradewell Stores, Inc., Seattle. (TNT 7-13-60, B-1-4)

Supermarkets--University Place; Tradewell Stores, Inc., (University Place); Signs (Notices);

Night exposure exterior new Doric Hotel. A new convertible is parked under the large Doric Hotel drive-way roof as its occupants prepare to remove luggage and water skis. This July 21, 1960, photograph may have been used as advertising as the motel itself did not open officially until several weeks later. The totally electric 123-unit facility was built at a cost of $1,425,000 including fixtures and furniture. The Doric was part of a Seattle-based chain of motor hotels stretching from British Columbia to Southern California. (TNT 8-12-60, p. 8) TPL-9887

Doric Tacoma Motor Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Exterior of new Doric Hotel, taken pre-grand opening on July 22, 1960. A large overhang would provide protection for motorists unloading luggage and passengers at the new Doric Tacoma Motel Hotel. Parking for 184 cars was conveniently located for the four-story hotel. The Doric was a concrete structure with frame partitions and block ends. The 123-unit, $1,425,000 hotel was built by Merritt Construction and designed by architects Kroma, Wilson & Zigler. The Doric would open on August 13, 1960, at 242 Saint Helens Ave. (TNT 8-12-60, p. 8, 9)

Doric Tacoma Motor Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

Interior of Doric Hotel. Deluxe accommodations included double bed, lounge, table with two chairs and two small coffee tables. In addition, televisions with remote control, clock radios, dial phones, glass-enclosed showers, and heat lamps and ceramic tiles in the bathrooms were provided. Each room had wall-to-wall carpeting and electric blankets. The Doric advertised itself as having "the most comfortable beds in the Northwest." Each of the 123 units in the hotel was soundproof. Closed curtains cover large windows which spanned completely across the room's outer walls. The Doric Tacoma Motor Hotel opened in August, 1960, and was managed by Thomas L. Hill. (TNT 8-12-60, p. 8, TNT Ad 1-31-61, A-7) TPL-9888

Doric Tacoma Motor Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1960-1970;

The four-story Doric Tacoma Motel, at 242 Saint Helens Avenue, opened on August 13, 1960. The motor hotel, which was located within blocks of Tacoma's downtown business district, was equipped with a banquet room, restaurant, barber shop and jewelry store. It offered a heated swimming pool and ample free parking for 184 cars. In 2000 it became Cascade Park Vista, a health care facility. (TNT 8-12-60, p. 8) TPL-9838

Doric Tacoma Motor Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

A young family waits to select from a menu at Steve's Gay '90s as their hostess smiles in this July 27, 1960, photograph. Three can-can dancers and the m.c. are on the stage behind them in the restaurant's Opera Room. Mrs. LeRoy M. Curtis enjoys a free dinner at Steve's as Steve's Gay '90s was one of ten restaurants where Dine Out Every Month Club members utilized the "Buy one, get one free" method of receiving free meals. For $5.00, Dine Out Every Month Club members would receive a coupon book good for ten meals at participating restaurants. With Mrs. Curtis is her husband and daughter Terry; assisting the Curtis' family is Steve's hostess Vicki Tran. (TNT ad 8-2-60, p. 8)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Families--Tacoma--1960-1970; Curtis, LeRoy M.; Curtis, LeRoy M.--Family; Curtis, Terry; Tran, Vicki;

Exterior Tradewell supermarket. This is the 6th & Union Tradewell store, one of four in the local area, on August 18, 1960. Built of Roman brick and featuring plate glass and Van de Kamps bakery, the north end supermarket opened in May, 1953. It would be destroyed by fire on September 16, 1963, and subsequently demolished. Photograph ordered by Tradewell Stores, Inc., Seattle. TPL-9439

Tradewell Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Supermarkets--Tacoma--1960-1970;

View of Manley's parking lot taken from across the street. Cars fill the parking lot of Manley's Supermarket on Steilacoom Blvd. on a clear August, 1960, day. They were probably drawn to the supermarket due to the many sales including 10 lb. of C & H sugar for 89 cents, bag of potatoes for 45 cents or bananas at 10 cents. The store's "Chefs Hat" also featured barbecue and a delicatessen. Manley's had celebrated its grand opening on August 24, 1960, at the brand new Thunderbird Shopping Center. The supermarket along with the adjoining Ludwig Pharmacy would be the first occupants of the shopping center, located on a 48-acre tract of land which once housed an airport and golf course. The site, at Hipkins & Steilacoom Blvd., was chosen because of the potential economic growth in that area of the county. The 15,000 square foot supermarket was a concrete block and glass structure heated by natural gas. (TNT 8-23-60, p. 5)

Manley's Supermarket (Lakewood); Supermarkets--Lakewood; Parking lots--Lakewood; Signs (Notices);

Exterior of Industrial Air Products. According to the 1960 City Directory, Industrial Air Products was located at 1115 Center St. Two trucks, one filled with oxygen or helium tanks, are parked next to the building on August 29, 1960. Industrial Air Products advertised "Everything for Welding & Cutting," promoting Hobart, Black & Decker, Vigor and Arcos products. Photograph ordered by Industrial Air Products for use on calendar.

Industrial Air Products (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

Overview of National Bank of Washington's Motor Bank taken on October 24, 1960. The drive-through unit had opened six months before at the old Pioneer Building site on 12th & A Sts. in downtown Tacoma. Quick transactions could be processed without leaving one's vehicle and access was provided for walk-up patrons. A 40-car parking lot was provided with parking free for one hour. Bank's annex is across the street.

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;

Temporary quarters for the Pierce County Federal Savings & Loan in Sumner would be this 50' house trailer until a permanent building could be constructed at the corner of Alder & Maple Sts. Tacoma architects Lea, Pearson & Richards would be commissioned to design the 1600 square foot permanent structure. Pierce County Federal Savings & Loan had been in business since 1925. On December 2, 1960, Edwin G. Cook III, manager, is photographed just prior to entering the bank. The Sumner branch would hold its open house in its new building on May 5, 1961. Photograph ordered by Cappy Ricks & Associates, Seattle. (TNT 10-12-60, C-12, TNT 5-3-61, A-18)

Pierce County Federal Savings & Loan (Sumner); Banks--Sumner; Trailers--Sumner; Signs (Notices); Cook, Edwin G.;

ca. 1960. Zebra Fireworks stand at night. The Zebra Fireworks stand in 1960 is ablaze in the darkness as eager customers approach to look over the wide variety of products for sale. Wise shoppers could pick up a "Racket Box" assortment on sale for $5.95. There are numerous signs banning smoking near the fireworks.

Zebra Fireworks Co. (Tacoma); Fireworks--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

An unidentified employee of the Puget Sound National Bank put the bank's new IBM 1210 Reader Sorter through its paces for (l to r) Robert G. Gordon, Vice President and Cashier, and Harold Stephens, Assistant Vice-President, on January 13, 1961. In 1959 PSNB became the first bank in the State of Washington - and the second on the west coast - to convert to the use of computers. The other banks in the northwest resisted computerization, and attempted to talk PSNB out of taking this radical step, because they felt that banking customers would not accept being numbered. (Banking on Independence; the first century of Puget Sound Bankcorp, c1990)

Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;

Dining room of the Doric Tacoma Motor Hotel. Upholstered in gold leather and midnight blue, the semi-circular seating provides comfort and some privacy in the dining room of the new Doric Hotel. Walls were constructed of cedar panels and paintings highlighted of Native Americans. The patrons look pleased to be dining at this new facility, the "Tahoma." Chef John Espinoza offered a menu of many speciality dishes, including sauerbraten and wiener schnitzel. The hotel had opened in August, 1960, at 242 Saint Helens Avenue. It was conveniently located to downtown businesses and shopping with ample free parking. (TNT ad, 1-31-61, A-7) TPL-9886

Doric Tacoma Motor Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1960-1970; Dining rooms--Tacoma--1960-1970;

The February, 1961, sun casts a long shadow of the photographer on the dark parking lot of Busch's Sixth Avenue Drive-In Restaurant. The drive-in had opened in 1960 near the intersection of Sixth and Orchard. It was owned by William Busch, who also owned a Busch's Drive-In on South Tacoma Way. View of large lot, with extended roof that offered partial coverage of vehicles and walkway to dine-in service at the restaurant.

Busch's Sixth Avenue Drive-In Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970;

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.

Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Counters--Tacoma;

Exterior of Busch's Sixth Avenue Drive-In. Directional arrows guide hungry customers to the Busch's Sixth Avenue Drive-In on February 16, 1961. This was the second Busch's restaurant in the Tacoma area; the first was the longtime establishment famous for its car hops located on South Tacoma Way. Busch's Sixth Avenue was designed by Percy G. Ball and built in 1960. It featured covered parking and walkway along with dine-in service. TPL-5805

Busch's Sixth Avenue Drive-In Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

Four Safeway employees surveyed newspaper food ads at the University Place Safeway store on March 13, 1961. The store was located at 7506 27th St. W. and was preparing for its grand opening in two days. This would be Safeway's 13th and newest market. Safeway shared space in a new University Place shopping center with Value Store and Thrifty Drug. From L-R: meat department manager Alvin Glasgow, store manager Leslie Carl, produce department manager Robert Arneberg and Tacoma Safety district manager, Fred Bucholtz. Safeway was running a canned food sale for seven days which included 5 cans of Del Monte green peas at $1.00, 3 cans of asparagus spears for 89 cents, 4 cans of Elberta peaches at 95 cents and 7 cans of pork & beans for $1.00. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune. (TNT 3-14-61, p. 6, 7) TPL-6171

Safeway Stores, Inc. (University Place); Grocery stores--University Place--1960-1970; Glasgow, Alvin; Carl, Leslie; Arneberg, Robert; Bucholtz, Fred; Newspapers--University Place;

View of one-story Pacific First Federal Savings building on March 14, 1961. Clock mounted on building indicates it was nearly 3:30 in the afternoon when this photograph of the Villa Plaza branch was taken. Pacific First Federal was a mutual savings institution with branches in the Northwest; established in 1907, its headquarters were in downtown Tacoma. Rudolph J. Tollefson, assistant vice-president, was listed in the 1961 City Directory as being in charge of the Villa Plaza location.

Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Lakewood); Clocks & watches;

Interior of Bunce Rental. A customer completes paperwork as he rents equipment from Bunce Rental on August 2, 1961. Bunce Rental was located at 4516 South Tacoma Way in 1961 and is still in operation there 43 years later. More than 300 different items could be rented there from vacation trailers to bulldozers to baby cribs to silver service. Customers were aware that no gasoline was provided and Bunce charged for the time checked out, not for time used unless a machine was metered. (TNT 9-8-61 Ad, p. 11)

Bunce Rental (Tacoma); Lease & rental services--Tacoma;

Exterior of Bunce Rental. Bunce's motto was "We Rent Most Everything" including party supplies, invalid equipment, vacation trailers, tools and tractors. One of the Bunce Ford vans is parked outside the company office on South Tacoma Way on August 2, 1961; the company advertised prompt delivery service. In the 1961 City Directory, there is one listing for Bunce Rental; by 2004, there were six Bunce Rentals in the Puget Sound region. Photograph ordered by Bunce Rental. (TNT ad 9-8-61, p. 11)

Bunce Rental (Tacoma); Lease & rental services--Tacoma; Ford automobile;

Weisfield's on Broadway underwent extensive remodeling in 1961; view of elaborate dangling ceiling lamps, showcases of rings, watches, and display tables of assorted costume jewelry. The $150,000 renovation of the 45-year-old Tacoma firm included new fixtures, lighting, and glass displays. Their building had been constructed in 1890 and previously housed a furniture store, the Orpheum Theater, offices, shoe and clothing stores before Weisfield & Goldberg Jewelers took occupancy in the late 1930's. The store's name changed slightly to Weisfield's, Inc., with additional emphasis on "credit jewelers." (TNT 9-6-61, A-6,7)

Weisfield's, Inc. (Tacoma); Jewelry stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Night exposure of Weisfield's. Weisfield's, a credit jeweler, was located for many years in the 900 block of Broadway. Under the direction of John Lade, general contractor, the store underwent extensive exterior and interior remodeling in 1961. An August 31, 1961, night exposure of Weisfield's facade shows that exterior remodeling was not quite complete. A desire by general manager Jack Gruber for "something out of the ordinary" lead to an unusual mosaic facade, part of the $150,000 renovation of the 45-year-old Tacoma firm. (TNT 9-6-61, A-6,7)

Weisfield's, Inc. (Tacoma); Jewelry stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Electric signs--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Continental scenes. Since 1928 Continental Baking Co., bakers of Wonder Bread and Hostess Cakes, have been baking Wonder Bread products at their bakery at 701 S. Sprague Ave. Continental has been producing Tacoma products for Tacoma residents in one of the most modern bakeries in the Northwest. There is an oven with a capacity of over 3,500 loaves per hour, a new proof box and other equipment to give the plant a capacity of 90,000 loaves a day. Employees number 95, with an annual payroll of nearly a million dollars. The bakery operates 45 vehicles, distributing as far south as Olympia, Centralia and Chehalis. (TNT 09-01-1961 B5)

Continental Baking Co. (Tacoma); Bakeries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Baking--Tacoma; Bread--Tacoma;

Steven Motor Company, Chrysler and Plymouth dealers, general view of agency. Neon signs on building and posts, new Plymouths in showroom window and on outdoor lot, used car department beyond. Steven Motor Co. was located at 2705 South Tacoma Way. It would once again add Chrysler to the company's Plymouth-Valiant sales and service facilities in 1962. Armand Moceri was the manager and Everett Steven, president. (TNT ad 1-1-62, B-12,13)

Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970;