Newly remodeled trust department of Bank of California. During the summer of 1968, the Bank of California began an extensive remodeling project of its Pacific Ave. location. One of the areas affected was the bank's trust department. Polygon-shaped overhead lighting and arched windows combined with rows of elongated desks add modern touches to the venerable building. Static-free carpeting was added. The Bank of California would celebrate its grand opening from December 11, 1968, to January 10, 1969. Photograph ordered by Bank of California. (TNT full page ads 12-10-68, p. 10, 11; TNT 12-10-68, p. 39)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Office equipment & supplies;

Safe-deposit boxes. The Bank of California had undergone extensive remodeling in 1968 totaling $600,000. One of the areas being improved was the vault room in the Italian Renaissance-styled building. View of rows of safe-deposit boxes, each requiring two keys for opening. Conveniently located freestanding tables were attached to the ends of the cabinets holding the boxes; bank customers had plenty of room to spread out contents of their boxes for inspection. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Safe-deposit boxes--Tacoma; Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma;

Vault in the Bank of California. A direct look into the vault area of the Bank of California indicates that the bank took the issue of protecting customers property very seriously. Not only did the customer have to proceed through a glassed-in entry and through the rounded vault steel doorway, but also needed to pass through a final entrance secured by bars. Only then could the customer gain entry to the safe deposit boxes within the vault room. The Bank of California spent $600,000 in extensive remodeling which concluded in late November, 1968. Beside the vault area, the main lobby and trust departments were among those refurbished. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Safe-deposit boxes--Tacoma; Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma;

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;