When erected in 1910, Puget Sound National Bank's main branch was the tallest building west of the Missouri River. Later buildings were constructed to rival the bank's height but it remained a focal point on Pacific Avenue. It dwarfed its neighbors, Peoples store and the National Bank of Washington. A large plaque on the side of the building indicates that the bank was established in 1890. Puget Sound Bank was the first to use a T & T sign, clearly visible, which gave the time and temperature to passersby. A "hometown bank," Puget Sound National Bank was absorbed by Key Bank in the early 1990's. Photograph ordered by the Condon Co. TPL-6569

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

Umbrella display. Puget Sound National Bank vice-presidents Arvie Harris and Vince Carlstrom pose with the bank's umbrella display on April 29, 1963. The accompanying sign states that people could borrow umbrellas when needed on rainy days and return them when the weather became sunny. Customer Ann Ball smiles at the bank officials while trying out a borrowed umbrella. The new free loan service of 36 umbrellas was located at the Main branch's entrance on Pacific Ave. (TNT 5-2-63, A-23)

Umbrellas; Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Signs (Notices); Harris, Arvie; Carlstrom, Vincent A.; Ball, Ann;

Informal portrait of Puget Sound National Bank president Reno Odlin. He led the Tacoma-based bank for 26 years, seeing deposits grow almost 50% between 1950 & 1960, and rewarding shareholders with cash plus stock dividends. He accomplished this growth internally, without buying or merging other banks. In 1964, Puget Sound National Bank was officially designated the largest bank in Tacoma with deposits exceeding $121 million. Mr. Odlin was also for many years president of the Washington State Historical Society. (Provorse: Banking on Independence)

Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; Bankers--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1960-1970;