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

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Organs; Entertainers--Tacoma--1970-1980;

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.

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Dancers--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma--1970-1980;

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)

O'Brien's Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Cooks;

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.

Anchor Tavern (Tacoma);

ca. 1979. Sign with Chief's head graphics for "Ladies' Nite" on every Tuesday. All drinks 75 cents, pitchers 2.00.

Bars;

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.

Feeney's Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1930-1940; Restaurant workers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

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)

Restaurants--1920-1930; Restaurant workers--1920-1930; Counters;

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.

Restaurants--Tacoma--1930-1940

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.

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma); Bevington, Dick;

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)

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma); Waitresses--Tacoma--1940-1950;

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)

Fast food restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma); Bevington, Dick; Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950;

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)

Red Pig Restaurant (Fife); Restaurants--Fife--1930-1940; Restaurant workers; Fox, Bernice; Fox, Joe;

ca. 1938. The "Red Pig" restaurant's kitchen is the scene for this photograph. The restaurant was under new management. The management team was composed of Joe Fox, at the grill, and Bernice Fox, getting food from the refrigerator. The restaurant was located on (now) Hwy. 99, about half a mile past Fife. It was noted for its modern "all electric" kitchen. The specialties of the house were steak and chicken dinners, although the new management was emphasizing hamburgers. (T. Times 10/26/1938, pg. 7) (filed with Argentum)

Red Pig Restaurant (Fife); Restaurants--Fife--1930-1940; Restaurant workers; Fox, Bernice; Fox, Joe;

Max Frolic's, a distinctively modern "Dreamhouse" diner opened on May 26, 1938, on old Highway 99 in Lakewood. Max Frolic and William Thornburg, owners of the popular Art-deco-style roadside restaurant, provided service 24-hours a day. Frolic, a violinist and orchestra/band leader, decorated the interior with autographed photographs of show business and sports stars. Current owners call the place "Maxie's". Ordered by Johnson Cox Company. (TNT, 5/25/1938, p. 9). (filed with Argentum)

Restaurants--Lakewood--1930-1940; Max Frolic's Restaurant (Lakewood);

This angled view of the Twin Gates restaurant was taken from across the street in January of 1936. The large restaurant was located next to a Richfield service station a short distance south of Tenino in Thurston County. By the 1970's, it was a secondhand store. The building has since been destroyed by fire. (Additional information provided by a reader) G77.1-078, TPL-10521

Twin Gates (Tenino); Restaurants--Tenino; Automobile service stations--Tenino;

ca. 1907. Belle Sharpe (left) and Lillian McPherson stand in front of the Elite Cafe in this circa 1907 photograph. The Elite Cafe was at 2405 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma. The proprietors of the cafe were C.W. Sharpe and Collin McPherson. From the collection of Beverly Knoll.

Elite Cafe (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma--1900-1910; Sharpe, Belle; McPherson, Lillian; Women--Tacoma--1900-1910;

ca. 1893. The table is set at The Chilberg, 1011-13 Pacific Ave., circa 1893; it is laid with a fine white tablecloth, set with damask napkins and heavy silver. Proprietor Isaac Chilberg awaits off camera for the arrival of his guests. The successful restaurateur had started with a chop house at 1003 Pacific Ave. and made his reputation on good food, a spotless dining room and kitchen and personalized service. In May of 1892, he moved his restaurant into the refurbished and more elegantly appointed space at 1011-13 Pacific Ave., formerly the home of the New York Kitchen. The Chilberg soon became known as the "Delmonico of the West," the finest restaurant west of New York City. (Photograph damaged)

Chilberg (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1890-1900; Table settings & decorations; Tablecloths; Tableware;

ca. 1893. Dining room of The Chilberg, 1011-13 Pacific Ave., circa 1893. The Chilberg, Tacoma's finest restaurant, had moved in 1892 from its previous location at 1003 Pacific Ave. to these more spacious and elegant surroundings. The restaurant offered both open tables and rows of intimate dining boxes on the left and, seen from the back, on the right. These miniature dining rooms were for the use of ladies dining without male companionship or for those needing a quieter or more private dining experience. Large windows in the back and also "light wells" in the ceiling provided natural lighting. Tacoma architect C.A. Darmer redesigned the space specifically for proprietor Isaac Chilberg's restaurant and hotel. The restaurant was famous for its fare, but also for its orderly cleanliness and attentive service. Isaac Chilberg spent over 35 years in the restaurant business, running some of the finest restaurants in Tacoma. He died in 1923 at his home in Orting.

Chilberg (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1893. The main entrance at The Chilberg, 1011-13 Pacific Ave., circa 1893. Natural light floods the room from the many windows at the entrance. A table, right, holds a selection of fruit and pastries, while the bar behind displays an array of wines and glasses. The Chilberg had previously been located down the block at 1003 Pacific Ave. This space was redesigned by Tacoma architect C.A. Darmer for proprietor Isaac Chilberg. The restaurant was located on the first floor, with hotel rooms located above. The restaurant was endorsed as the most elegant restaurant west of New York City.

Chilberg (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1890-1900;

A stunning, 1937 Mill Studio model jukebox made by Mills Novelty Co., Chicago, is installed in front of star-studded drapery at Kipper's Korner, on U.S. Highway 99, seven miles south of Tacoma. Cafe patrons can "Dance to the world's best music". Sound adjustment dials and High Fidelity Color Expressors provide the highest quality "big band" sound for dancing. Each of the 12 - 78 rpm records inside the wood-grain cabinet is affixed to its own turntable by a ferris wheel mechanism which is activated by the push-button selection dial.

Little Harlem Rondivoo, Ray Simpson/Al Trustee Group of people, mostly African-american, inside a tavern. A man at the far left is sitting at an upright piano.

In this photograph dated December 15, 1946 the interior of the Old St. Louis Tavern at 1110 Commerce Street shows stools in front of the long bar on the left and booths along the right. The walls over the bar and the booths have been painted with scenes of cowboys and cowgirls riding on the plains. (1110 Commerce was located in the Williams & Rowland Building, common address 1109 Broadway) For Bruno Lavorini and John Lenc.

Cascade Room restaurant - Bon Marche. Sliding wood-paneled doors are partially opened to reveal a small lobby leading to the Cascade Room restaurant found within the Bon Marche. An assortment of modern furniture including black leather chairs can be glimpsed inside the restaurant which contain polished walnut paneled walls and brass wall sconces. A cocktail lounge and Corner House snack shop was included. Johnny Maddox would be the first performer in the Cascade Room Lounge once the Bon Marche opened at the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center in early August, 1964. Located on the lower level, direct entrance was also possible from the parking lot even when the rest of the store had closed. (TNT Ad 7-31-64, p. 21, TNT 8-2-64, B-6)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices); Sconces;

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)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Dancers--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma; Costumes; Mernaugh, Callie; Mernaugh, Connie;

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)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Dancers--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Conner, Pamella; Conner, Vickie; Costumes;