Passersby glance at the clearance merchandise in the windows of the J.C. Penney's downtown Broadway store in early September, 1965. Penney's would be relocating its main store to the city's southside, in the new Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. The downtown store would close on October 2, 1965, with the new Tacoma Mall store to open on October 13th. Penney's need for more parking and more area to expand led them to move the main store to the mall with its 7,000-car parking lot. New departments added to the store would include a 50-seat coffee shop, gun department, and a separate auto center. Photograph ordered by Puget Sound National Bank. (TNT 8-24-65, p. 1)
J.C. Penney Co. (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);
J.C. Penney's had a gas station and auto center located right next to their new store at the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center in 1965. A 1960 Chevy El Camino truck and a 1965 Ford Mustang are ready to be serviced at the outdoor pumps. Customers and attendants were protected from Northwest weather by the auto center's extended roofline. The auto center and the main store opened on October 13, 1965. Lysle G. Paterson was manager of the Tacoma Mall Penney's. Photograph ordered by News Tribune. TPL-498
J.C. Penney Co. (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1960-1970;
As part of the 77th Anniversary celebration of the Peoples department store chain, the Mercy Boys rock band with lead singer Jim Brady (later of the Sonics) played on October 9, 1965 in the Junior World Department of their flagship store in downtown Tacoma, 1101-07 Pacific Avenue. Also appearing at the store was Australian TV star and disc jockey Rhett Hamilton Walker 1st, or R.H.W. One as he was officially known on KOL radio. His show was broadcast daily from 3 to 6 p.m. The Peoples store closed in 1983 and was remodeled becoming the Puget Sound Plaza in 1985. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT 10-5-65, D-1) (Additional identification provided by a reader) TPL-9173
Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Musicians--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mercy Boys (Tacoma);
The Tacoma Mall Thriftway supermarket had its grand opening on October 13,1965. The store was decorated throughout with wooden panels and murals that, through color and design, imitated Pacific Northwest Indian art motifs without reproducing actual design elements from any particular tribe. In the Bakery Department, shelves offered a variety of freshly baked goods and apparently offered wedding cakes as well since a variety of bride-and-groom ornaments were displayed. The supermarket became part of the Lucky's chain in the early 1970's and was converted later into the Mall's food court. (Photograph ordered by Associated Grocers.) (TNT 10-12-65, C-8, C-9 Ad, C-13)
Night exposure of LeRoy Jewelers- facade and merchandise displays. Established in 1941 by Irving Farber and Jack Slotnick in the Fidelity Building at 11th & Broadway, LeRoy Jewelers was known as the "Diamond Store of Tacoma." After the Fidelity Building was torn down in 1949, the store relocated to 1132 Broadway. After Irving Farber's death in 1965, Hazel Farber moved the business to 919 Broadway and reopened in May, 1966. Display windows facing the street are full of valuable merchandise, including rings and watches. Customers could peek into the store through the glass entryway below the large electric sign. The outside of the store was finished in white marbelique flecked with gold dust. There were bands of gold anodyzed aluminum against white stucco. Photograph ordered by LeRoy Jewelers. (History of Pierce County, Vol. 1, p.434, TNT 5-8-66, B-13)
LeRoy Jewelers (Tacoma); Jewelry stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Window displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Electric signs--Tacoma--1960-1970; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970;
The splashing waters of the George Tsutakawa-designed fountain in the courtyard of the Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association building add to the serenity unexpectedly located in the urban setting of downtown Tacoma. Benches, trees and shrubs were strategically placed so that customers and passersby could enjoy restful moments. On this May 2, 1966, date two flags are prominently displayed above the courtyard: a Washington State flag and the American flag. View was taken from the Commerce St. entrance. Photograph ordered by Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association.
Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Fountains--Tacoma; Courtyards--Tacoma; State flags; Flags--United States;
Outer walls go up in the construction of a new West Coast Grocery facility in May, 1966. A large crane is being utilized for the heavy lifting while workers make sure the walls are firmly in place. West Coast Grocery was building a new meat storage unit at 1525 East D. Photograph ordered by West Coast Grocery.
West Coast Grocery Co. (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hoisting machinery;
Three can-can dancers in fishnets, ruffles and plumes, entertain at Steve's Gay '90s in May, 1966. They included Connie and Callie Mernaugh. Steve's, a South Tacoma fixture for decades, offered good food and entertainment at very reasonable prices. Floor shows, including the above dancers and rollicking piano tunes, were suitable for the entire family. Steve's would be marking its 17th anniversary with a new show, "World of Burlesque" with performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 6-16-66, D-11)
In late May of 1966 Mrs. Hazel Farber (far left), wearing a stylish dress with an elaborate fur collar, assisted two customers while an unidentified salesman showed a young woman several ring sets in the new LeRoy Jewelers store at 919 Broadway. The firm had recently moved from its longtime location at 1132 Broadway following the death of Mrs. Farber's husband, Irving Farber in 1965. Well-known for their selection of fine jewelry, they also sold china, silverware and Elgin timepieces. In addition, the LeRoy gallery displayed paintings by Bill Colby, William A. Phillips and Paul Michaels. (Photograph ordered by LeRoy Jewelers.) (TNT 5-8-66, B-13)
LeRoy Jewelers- interior. Recessed lighting adds to the air of quiet elegance located in LeRoy Jewelers' new store at 919 Broadway. This May 26, 1966, photograph was taken when the store was closed to customers. Glassed cherry cabinets of watches and jewelry line the walls on the left; fine china and other home essentials are displayed on the right. Walnut paneling blended with colonial blue interior walls. A scale joins a dinner setting on a table in the foreground. Photograph ordered by LeRoy Jewelers. (TNT 5-8-66, B-13)
Hi-Ho Shopping Center. View taken from across the street of the Hi-Ho Shopping Center in Puyallup. The shopping center was located at the intersection of Meridian North and River Road close to the Puyallup River. Hi-Ho prided itself for its "one-stop shopping" as it included a Sears, Elvins department store, drug store, laundry and gas station. 14 retailers and a bank were located in the shopping center's 25 acres. Gross sales of over $9,000,000 were reported in 1965. Photograph ordered by Butler Manufacturing, Kansas City, MO. (TNT 5-11-66, C-15)
Tennis display at Bank of California. Two tanned tennis players in tournament whites stand next to a man holding a large trophy, possible the Thorne Cup, on July 15, 1966. The Bank of California had allowed the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club to display in the bank memorabilia pertaining to the club's Pacific Northwest Tournament. The tournament, held from July 11-17th, would be its 75th annual. Photograph ordered by Bank of California.
Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Awards; Tennis players--Tacoma--1960-1970;
Puget Sound National Bank employees vow to "stamp out Firstbank cards" by "boost [ing] the big one" on September 15, 1966. Several bankers are ready to toss Seattle-First National Bank's Firstbank cards into the burning trash can. They sought to promote BankAmericard as a means of obtaining instant loans and credit card purchase. Puget Sound National Bank had announced in June, 1966, that they would be issuing an "all-purpose card" available throughout the greater Tacoma area. PSNB was one of the first banks in the United States licensed to issue BankAmericard, previously only used in California. Card holders would not be required to have accounts at PSNB or Bank of America. Eventually, the card would be able to be used nationwide. Photograph ordered by Puget Sound National Bank. (TNT 6-28-66, p. 38)
Seattle-First National Bank opened a branch in Puyallup in 1966. The contemporary brick building was located at 205 S.W. Meeker (now 2nd Ave. S.W.). Customers could either utilize the drive-up window located under the overhanging roof or park in the bank lot to visit in person. A towering sign informed residents that Sea-First, established in 1870, was now open for business. Photograph ordered by Seattle-First National Bank, Seattle.
Seattle-First National Bank (Puyallup); Banks--Puyallup; Signs (Notices);
A large Pierce County Federal Savings & Loan sign tilts dramatically as it is being removed from its Pacific Ave. location on January 30, 1967. Two large cranes block part of the roadway while workers stare at the proceedings. Hunt's Office Supply is next door; Security Building in the distance. This same sign was photographed on June 30, 1958, prior to its erection at the savings & loan. (See D115285-12) The savings & loan had decided that they had outgrown their 40-year-old name and therefore sponsored a contest to let the public pick the new name. Prizes included a weekend at the Winthrop Hotel, free dinners, a limo ride, receipt of income on $1,000,000 for five days at 5% annual rate; entries were to be postmarked by 3-31-67. The new name, Lifetime Federal Savings & Loan Association, was announced in an ad in the June 15, 1967, News Tribune. Ralph H. Clawson of Tacoma was the first prize winner. Mrs. Janet A. Pierce of Tacoma and Gertrude Olinghouse of Sumner were the 2nd and 3rd prize winners. Photograph ordered by Pierce County Federal Savings & Loan. (TNT 2-2-67, D-3, TNT 6-15-67, A-4)
Pierce County Federal Savings & Loan (Tacoma); Signs (Notices); Electric signs--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hoisting machinery; Hunt's Office Supply (Tacoma);
The cast of "The Drunkard" posed for a variety of shots on February 27, 1967. The 1890's melodrama, directed by Dorothy Jean Heffernan, was held at Steve's Gay '90s, 5238-40 South Tacoma Way, in March and April of 1967. Kathie McCulloch, as Mary Wilson, is pictured above with her hands aloft and mouth open in dismay at the appearance of the play's mustached villain, Jack Richardson, who stars as Lawyer Cribbs. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 3-3-67, A-6)
Exterior view of Bank of Tacoma's Lakewood branch. The Lakewood branch of the Bank of Tacoma celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday, March 21, 1967. Located at 9919 Bridgeport Way, it was managed by Joe Pelky. The bank's name and logo are prominently displayed outside the modern structure. Photograph ordered by the Bank of Tacoma. (TNT ad 3-20-67, p. 15)
Bank of Tacoma (Lakewood); Banks--Lakewood; Banking--Lakewood;
Night exposure of Kmart, Sixth Ave. The newly built Kmart department store, 5132 Sixth Ave., provides a beacon of light in the early fall darkness of October 2, 1967. Large neon letters spell out the store name. The store, the 200th in the Kmart chain, was located west of Orchard St. on Sixth Ave., next to Busch's Sixth Ave. Drive-In. It is still there 38 years later in 2005. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune. (TNT ad 10-1-67, A-23, TNT 10-4-67, A-4)
Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Electric signs--Tacoma--1960-1970;
Tires section, Kmart department store. John Harvey (L) and James Fought pause during the set-up of the tires/auto accessories section of the new Kmart department store on Sixth Ave. on October 2, 1967. Built across the street from the First Christian Church and next door to Busch's Sixth Ave. Drive-In, Kmart was prepared to offer West enders a complete discount department store where automotive, appliance, clothing, and household needs could be met. The store would celebrate its grand opening on October 5, 1967. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune. (TNT ad 10-1-67, A-23, TNT 10-4-67, A-4)
Interior aisles of Kmart, Sixth Ave. Kmart department store, 5132 Sixth Ave., prepared for its grand opening in October, 1967. Standing next to a matching washer-dryer set is general manager Robert Emery Armstrong. Mr. Armstrong was a Kmart manager for many years and later worked in the company office. The massive store totaled 105,000 square feet; with its wide aisles, customers had plenty of room to maneuver. A sampling of merchandise in the store included records, party goods, hobby shop products, appliances, and housewares. Multiple check-out registers ensured that customers could shop and pay for items quickly. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune. (Additional information provided by a reader)
Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Armstrong, Robert Emery;
Informal portrait of Bank of Tacoma president David J. Williams. A peek through the open door finds Mr. Williams hard at work at bank headquarters, in the 1100 block of Pacific Avenue, on November 20, 1967. The Bank of Tacoma, organized in 1963, had moved to the remodeled Publix Garage from its original South Tacoma Way location a few years later and also changed its name from the South Tacoma State Bank. Mr. Williams assumed the presidency in 1967 when Frank Cooper left the bank. Photograph ordered by Bank of Tacoma.
Bank of Tacoma (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Bankers--Tacoma; Williams, David J.;
The three new can-can dancers at Steve's Gay '90s (l to r) Vickie Conner, Kathy Tamburelle and Pamella Conner posed while on stage in December, 1967. They were photographed while performing a special Christmas holiday stage show which was presented on weekends.The dancers had a variety of costumes but all featured tall plumes, ruffles and fishnet stockings. The new dancers replaced the can-can trio of Connie Moisio, Callie Mathews and Hazel Gjerde, who retired in November, 1967, after 14 years at Steve's. Steve's Gay '90s was a longtime South Tacoma fixture that offered reasonably priced cuisine along with entertainment harking back to the America of the 1890's. (Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.) (TNT 11-9-67, D-11, TNT 12-22-67, p. 20) TPL-9874
Two entertainers at Steve's Gay '90s; photograph taken on December 8, 1967. Both are dressed in the fashions of bygone days. The woman seated at the piano was identified as "LuluBelle" in a News Tribune ad later on February 19, 1968; she carries a paper fan. LuluBelle was proclaimed being "back in town," and entertaining each Saturday evening at the Old Piano Table. The man is believed to be Jack Richardson, "King of the MCs." Steve's Gay '90s was a very popular restaurant in South Tacoma that offered family-styled entertainment. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.
Two can-can dancers on stage at Steve's Gay '90s. Dressed in plumes, fishnet stockings, and ruffled costumes, the dancers were part of Steve's famous floor shows which provided family-oriented entertainment for its diners. Pamella Conner and Vickie Conner were part of a new trio of dancers who replaced the dancing Mernaugh sisters, Connie (Moisio) and Callie (Matthews) and Hazel Gjerde. The Mernaughs had been performing at Steve's for 14 years. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 11-9-67, D-11, TNT 12-22-67, p. 20)
PLU choir at Bank of California. Customers and employees of Bank of California all enjoyed the musical performance from the Pacific Lutheran University Choir of the West on December 18, 1967. The choir and their audience gathered around the enormous Christmas tree in the lobby of the Italian Renaissance-styled bank building prior to Christmas. It was the sixth annual program of Christmas music direct from the bank's lobby and was broadcast live on KTNT radio. The Choir of the West is led by Maurice Skones, director. Photograph ordered by Bank of California. (TNT ad 12-17-67, A-27)
Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Choir of the West (Parkland); Pacific Lutheran University (Parkland)--1960-1970; Christmas trees--Tacoma;
Tacoma Mall on a misty December, 1967 day. One of the features of the shopping center that drew many to sample its wares was the abundance of free parking. No longer did the shopper have to pay to park outside of stores or to hunt for available parking. Hundreds of cars are parked steps away from the enclosed, climate-controlled, Tacoma Mall. The Bon Marche, pictured above, was the first occupant of the Tacoma Mall and opened in August, 1964, well before the rest of the mall was completed. An estimated 150,000 visited the store on the first day of business, causing massive traffic jams. Color photograph ordered by Bell & Stanton, New York City.
Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970; Automobiles--Tacoma--1960-1970;
ca. 1967. Doughnut Shop at Fort Lewis. Fort Lewis was, in essence, a miniature city. The Army military base provided its soldiers and their families with goods and services that could normally be found off-base. Here in 1967 soldiers could enjoy doughnuts at the Doughnut Shop pictured above or "take 'em home." Color photograph ordered by Puget Sound Area Support Center, Fort Lewis.
South Tacoma Motor Company, three men around a desk in office. South Tacoma Motor Co. was an authorized Chevrolet dealership located in the 5600 block of South Tacoma Way. The company had been at the same site since 1924. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970;
South Tacoma Motor Company, service area. Mechanic works under the hood of a 1968 Chevrolet Impala 2-door hardtop with 307 - V8 engine. Chevrolet pickups in extreme foreground and beyond Impala, other automobiles in background. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Chevrolet trucks; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1960-1970;
South Tacoma Motor Company's second showroom with customers admiring 1968 Chevrolets. Clockwise from left: Impala 4-door sedan with 327 V8 engine, Camaro RS-327 convertible, Camaro SS-350. Sales personnel are on hand to answer questions; cubicles are nearby to close the deal. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1960-1970;
