ca. 1909. Tobie J. Anderson in coat and hat, gloves in hand, selecting a cigar at the Miners Trading Co. general store in Wilkeson, WA. The shelves and display cases of the store are filled with merchandise, and there is a victrola sitting on the counter. From the collection of N. P. Anderson TPL-9750

Miners Trading Co. (Wilkeson); General stores--Wilkeson--1900-1910; Anderson, Tobie J.;

ca. 1929. Office and officers of the Pacific Match Co. Inc. in 1929. Seated at desk, Osee V. Snyder, president-general manager. Standing, 2nd from left, John O. Pasnick, bookkeeper; 6th from left, Tobi J. Anderson, bookkeeper; 5th from right, Fredrick J. Cronkhite, secretary-treasurer. From the collection of N.P. Anderson.

Match industry--Tacoma--1920-1930; Pacific Match Co. (Tacoma);

ca. 1935. Photograph taken of the ruined Tacoma Hotel after the disastrous fire on October 17, 1935. The hotel was totally destroyed by a fire that started out in the north end of the basement in the early morning hours. (photograph courtesy of the Tom Stenger collection)

Fires--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hotels--Tacoma; Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma);

ca. 1887. This street scene of Pacific Avenue looking north from the corner of 11th and Pacific was taken by an unknown photographer in 1887. The brick building at the far left is the Merchant's National Bank Building. Several doors down is the Kaufman & Berliner dry goods store, 948 Pacific. Across the street, at the far right, is Mrs. Mary Fowler's millinery store. The Northern Pacific Headquarters Building is under construction at the far end of the block. The Tacoma Old City Hall will not be built for another four years.

Commercial streets--Tacoma--1880-1890; Business districts--Tacoma--1880-1890; Merchant's National Bank (Tacoma); Fowler Millinery (Tacoma)

West Side Grocery (now the Tides Tavern), 2925 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor . Docked beside it is the "Florence K," a passenger steamer built in Tacoma by Crawford & Reid in 1903. The "Florence K" would end her service career as a ferry called the "Beeline." Buildings to the right in this undated photograph are part of the Skansie Brothers shipyard. TPL-191, BU-12833 (Doecher Collection DOE- N001)

West Side Grocery (Gig Harbor); Grocery stores--Gig Harbor; Skansie's Shipbuilding Co. (Gig Harbor); Steamboats--Gig Harbor;

ca. 1885. Photograph of "The Tacoma" (Hotel) shortly after it was built - before any of the later additions were added. The massive hotel, focus of much civic pride, opened on August 8, 1884. It had cost more than $250,000 to build, an enormous sum at the time, and was the design of architect Stanford White in 1881 who, according to Murray Morgan's South on the Sound, had been commissioned by the Northern Pacific Railroad and Tacoma Land Co. In subsequent years, several additions and renovations were made to further extend the hotel's reputation as "the finest west of the Mississippi and north of San Francisco." The Tacoma Hotel even boasted of having for a time a tame bear named Jack who spent time in the hotel lobby and was a drinker of beer. The elegant hostelry attracted many prominent visitors who enjoyed breathtaking views and luxurious furnishings. It was destroyed by fire on October 17, 1935 and never rebuilt.

Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1880-1890;

ca. 1884. The Tacoma Hotel, 913 A street, with its commanding view of the Tacoma tideflats, was one of the best hotels north of San Francisco. Designed by the famous architect Stanford White, it had its official opening in August of 1884. The scaffolding at the north end of the building suggests that it was still under construction when this photograph was taken. Note the Northern Pacific Railroad tracks crossing the almost completely barren tideflats; mills and manufacturing structures had yet to be fully built. The body of water at the left is the Puyallup River as it flows unfettered into Commencement Bay. The massive Tacoma Hotel was destroyed by fire on October 17, 1935, and was never rebuilt; its annex would be remodeled and called the "new" Tacoma Hotel in January, 1936.

Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma);

ca. 1890. The Arlington Hotel was an impressive sight on Pacific Avenue for forty years before its demolition in 1930. Built by Jim Dorsey with architectural plans by C. Langlois in 1889, the hotel was first listed as 2023 Pacific Avenue before its address was later changed to 1955 Pacific Avenue. The 3+ story structure was built primarily of wood and contained multiple windows. A sample room was installed for the benefit of traveling salesmen to show their wares. Imported and domestic wines, liquors and cigars were available for purchase. Some of the hotel's staff, including the bartender in long apron, and the hotel watchdog, posed at the front entrance in this circa 1890 photograph. (copy of original) Bi-Centennial Project # 75346-2; BU-11870

Arlington Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1906. Interior showroom of the Washington Automobile Co., 710-12 Pacific Avenue, circa 1906. It was the first automobile dealership in Tacoma and remained at this location until from approximately 1905-1909. Most of the gleaming cars shown were roofless although those on the left side had softcover tops that could be attached in case of rain.

Washington Automobile Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1900-1910; Ford automobile;

ca. 1911. The Ford Automobile Agency was apparently only at 1210-16 Tacoma Ave. So. for one year, 1911, with Egbert M. Streeter as proprietor. It is not certain which, if any, of the above photographed men, was Mr. Streeter. He would pass away on May 21, 1939. The 1912 City Directory shows the Ford Automobile Agency had relocated to 223 So. "K" (Martin Luther King Jr. Way), a newly built facility. W. C. Baldwin was listed as manager.

Ford Automobile Agency (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1910-1920; Ford Automobile Agency (Tacoma)--Employees;

ca. 1931. This was how the new drive-in Stadium Market at 618-20 No. 1st Street appeared in 1931. The new market's main appeal was its "expansive" parking, for up to 80 cars, and its modern concept of "park while you purchase." Built to cater to the new motoring public, the store offered no home deliveries. The market formally opened in September of 1931. It was located on the site of the old Annie Wright Seminary in the Allen Motor Co. annex. Upstairs, with street entrance at 629-31 Division Ave., was the Packard Tacoma Company. Renting retail space in the Stadium Market's "spacious" and "ample" enclosure were Pay'n Takit (featured on two exterior signs), Van de Kamp's Bakery, Greens Dairy & Poultry, Stadium Florist, Frank's Fruit & Produce, Stadium Fruit and Produce, Stadium Coffee Shop, E.P. Rowe- tea & coffee, Shenkel Fruit & Vegetable, Marush Fish & Oyster, Stadium Meat Market and Alder Street Bakery. (TNT 9/4/1931, pg. 17)

Grocery stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Stadium Market (Tacoma);

ca. 1870. Beginnings of Tacoma City circa 1870. Photo taken by Anthony Carr, who was Old Tacoma's first photographer. Cabin nearest the two trees on the left is Job Carr's cabin and his farm is in the foreground. The Steele Hotel, Tacoma's first hotel, is the "large" L-shaped building at left of center. (Photo donated by Ron Karabaich) (Caroline Gallacci & Tacoma Historical Society: Old Tacoma, p. 11)

Steele Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1870-1880; Carr, Job--Homes & haunts;

Tacoma was introduced to McDonald's hamburgers in 1963 when the franchised restaurant chain built its golden arches at 802 Tacoma Avenue South. When this photograph was taken, sometime after 1967, the popular fast-food chain had four outlets in Tacoma and was selling 3 million hamburgers each day nationwide.

McDonald's (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fast food restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970;

ca. 1904. This is the exterior of the Rhodes Brothers store at 950 C Street (now Broadway) as it looked from its Grand Opening in November of 1903 until its first remodel in 1907. Rhodes was founded by Henry A. Rhodes in 1892 in a small storefront at 932 C St. Through the years, the tea and coffee shop moved into progressively larger quarters and added glassware, crockery, stationery, books and dry goods to its wares. Henry Rhodes was joined in business by his brothers Will and Albert. In the early 1900's, Henry Rhodes proposed building a grand mercantile establishment on the order of Marshall Fields or Wanamakers. A lease was signed for a new, three story building at 11th and C (Broadway) Sts with Russell & Heath as architects. The new emporium, pictured, had its formal opening November 5-7, 1903, which attracted thousands of admiring visitors. At that time Rhodes Brothers employed 100 clerks and four delivery wagons. (Photo donated by the Rhodes Reunion Comm.) (TDL 11/8/1903, p.17; "A History of Pierce County Washington", Vol. 3, pg 73-77)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1900-1910;

ca. 1917. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1917; Window display of luggage and travel. Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened their grand establishment at 950 Broadway in 1903. Its windows offered a glimpse of the interests and fashions of the time period. Around 1920, there was a sharp increase in tourism nationally. Travelers began to switch from more leisurely horse powered trips to travel by automobile, train and later planes. This Rhodes window display from 1917 displayed the "correct" luggage and accessories for travelers, including one "must have" that is no longer popular- the travelers' trunk. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Department stores--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

Main floor at Rhodes Brothers Store, Christmas season 1937. The main floor at Rhodes was festive with holiday decorations and crowded with boxed holiday gifts. Signs point out suggested gifts- stationery, hose, wool gloves, gowns and games- all boxed and ready to give. A counter in the back was devoted to wrapping and gift slips. A large sign directs children, and their parents, to the special elevator "direct to Toyland" on the fifth floor. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Department stores--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

ca. 1903. Rhodes Brothers horse drawn delivery wagon, circa 1903. When the Rhodes Brothers store opened in 1903, they employed four horse drawn delivery wagons. The name of the store was printed boldly on the side, and the wagons were kept busy delivering throughout the area. By 1912, the horses were retired and replaced by automobiles. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Department stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

ca. 1914. Rhodes Brothers delivery department employees, circa 1914. The men pose on and around one of the store's delivery automobiles. In 1912, Rhodes Brothers retired their horse and wagons and replaced them with gasoline powered automobiles. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Department stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

Organist, Miss Esther Stayner sitting at the organ of the Broadway Theater. BU-11246

ca. 1927. This handtinted photograph of the Tacoma Hotel was taken circa 1927. Built in 1884, and considered by many Tacoma's showcase, the elegant hotel had welcomed many distinguished guests over the decades including Presidents of the United States, actors and sports idols. Magnificent views of The Mountain, Commencement Bay and the City Waterway greeted these visitors. The massive modified Tudor structure occupied an entire block in downtown Tacoma. It was destroyed by fire on October 17, 1935 and not rebuilt. The Tacoma Hotel Annex at 904-06 A St. was remodeled after the fire to serve as the new Tacoma Hotel but never reached the acclaim of the original.

John A. "Jack" Bolton operated Jack's Lunch, "Home of the World's Largest Hot Dog" in Tacoma's Proctor District. Judging from the crowd, it was a popular local gathering place. Jack and his wife Ethel lived in an upstairs apartment. In 1938, he opened Jack's Tavern next door at 2622 No. Proctor. Soon after, it became known as the North End Tavern under new owners. Subsequent owners operated the Steak House restaurant at the 2624 Proctor location for many years.

This photograph, taken in July of 1931, shows one of the many fruit and vegetable stands that were scattered through South Tacoma. The photograph was taken for Wilton Kean, who owned the Center Street Market at 901 Center, but this is not that stand. The Drive In Market was probably further south - around the corner of 48th and South Tacoma Way. Bowen # 310-255

In July of 1931, the Veterans of Foreign Wars drum & bugle corps posed in front of the RKO Orpheum Theater (now the Pantages,) 901 Broadway. Behind the group was a sign stating "March with the Veterans of Foreign Wars to the RKO Orpheum to see RKO Vaudeville Larry Rich and Marion Sunshine." A ticket at the Orpheum got you into to see a movie, Richard Dix in the "Public Defender," and a vaudeville show, with headliner Larry Rich and his Oompahs. Larry Rich was a comic bandleader who toured the vaudeville circuit with his own show, featuring his band the 14 Oompahs and singer Marion Sunshine. Ms. Sunshine would impersonate Maurice Chevalier and Ruth Etting and then sing her own songs, including the one for which she penned the English lyrics, "The Peanut Vendor." Larry Rich was the father of jazz drummer and bandleader Buddy Rich. A crowd had gathered between the VFW and the theater. Bowen #310-26 ?

On August 6, 1931 a fire, caused by defective wiring, gutted the building at 1140-42 Broadway. The fire started at 5:55 a.m. on the second floor, in the Johnson Paint and Wallpaper Company store, and quickly spread to the third floor and roof. The fire raged stubbornly for nearly three hours despite the efforts of more than three dozen firefighters. Bowen # 310-277

ca. 1931. RKO Orpheum Theater, 901 Broadway. Six ushers posed in front of the movie palace dressed as jockeys. Banners on their chests say "Starting Monday, Sweepstakes." "Sweepstakes" was a 1931 RKO Pathe racetrack movie about a jockey and his horse, starring Eddie Quillan, James Gleason, Marion Nixon and Lew Cody. The playbill advertisement in the background refers to the Burns & Allen comedy act "Dizzy."

ca. 1931. Broadway businesses. This is how one side of Broadway appeared circa 1931. The Warburton Building at 1101-03 (far left) was the first concrete building erected in Tacoma. It housed the French Drug Co. on the lower level and the E.R. Parker Painless Dentists above. At the near right was the equally tall Montgomery Ward & Co. store, in the New York Building (1117-19), the former home of the Horgan-Parker and Fair Department Stores. Between the two tall structures were smaller businesses including the Broadway Electric Co. and Kimball's Gun Store.

ca. 1933. Photograph of the Olympus Hotel, circa 1933. The Olympus Hotel was built in 1909 by Dan Gamer and Leopold Schmidt. It was designed by architects Darmer & Cutting. The hotel closed in 1974 and was remodeled in 1978 into apartments.

ca. 1942. G. S. Jacobson. Mobilgas. Maxwell station. M Street at So. 56th Street, Tacoma.

G. S. Jacobson Service Center No. 2. Mobilgas. Puget Sound at So. 54th Street, Tacoma.

ca. 1942. Mac's Service. Mobilgas. Maxwell station. 1942 City Directory shows Claude Jones as owner.