Body Shop at Peoples. August, 1971, view of colorful "Body Shop" display on the second floor of the Peoples department store. These were eye-catching long sleeved body suits in a variety of vibrant colors including a purple one-piece outfit on a green chrome stand. Color photograph ordered by Peoples.

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1970-1980;

ca. 1892. The Owen Woods' Building at 1148 Broadway is pictured here shortly after its completion in 1892. It was designed by architects Roath & Mendell with Michael McDonnell as contractor. The building was available for rent at the time of this photograph and interested parties could contact the Tacoma Rent Guaranty Co. The Arcade Store, and later the McCormack Brothers Dept. Store, occupied the building before Sears, Roebuck & Co. purchased it in 1935. Sears added two adjacent buildings to its store during expansion. The building was restored and renamed the Cornerstone Building in 1982.

Department stores--Tacoma--1890-1900;

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Ladies' parasols and intimate apparel. The Rhodes Brothers Department Store was opened at 950 Broadway by Henry A. Rhodes in 1903. It was the grand establishment of his dreams, patterned after Wanamakers and Marshall Fields. From the beginning, they employed Herbert A. Foster as the window trimmer and decorator. This view of the store was festooned with parasols, studded with palms and draped with garlands. The lighting fixtures hanging from the ceiling were gas lights. The shelves were covered with boxes of different sizes, possibly containing accessories or women's intimate apparel. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; Parasol and streamer decorations and unidentified merchandise in boxes. Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened at 950 Broadway in 1903. Each department was not equipped with bags or a cash register, so merchandise was lifted by pulley up to a track and then sent to the office on the mezzanine where it was wrapped and change was made. The cables and tracks in this photograph are believed to have been used for that purpose. Photograph damaged upper left corner. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; Stairway to Mezzanine balcony from first floor. The Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened at 950 Broadway toward the end of 1903. It was, for the time, a modern emporium based on the model of Wanamaker's and Marshall Field's. The store carried a wide variety of merchandise on its three floors. This photograph shows the stairway leading to the mezzanine, where the ladies' lounge and the business office were located. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Shoe and Boot department. Henry A. Rhodes opened his dream emporium in a three story building at 950 Broadway at the end of 1903. The Rhodes Brothers Department Store offered a wide variety of fine merchandise. In the womens' shoe and boot department, chairs were provided for shoppers to sit and try on the shoes. The shelves are lined with boxes of shoes. Shoe models are attached to the pillar right. Decorations- parasols, ivy and palms- are evident in many places. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Art department, with framed and matted art work. Henry A. Rhodes grand mercantile establishment carried a little of everything. This department, believed to be on the first floor, shows art work matted on the left and framed on the right. The staircase to the mezzanine can be seen between the two rows of pictures on the right. Photo torn lower left corner. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Fine china department. The Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened at 950 Broadway toward the end of 1903. At a time period when each middle to upper class home had a set of "good" china, this department was very important to the store. In the background, you can see the stairs to the mezzanine. Clearly visible is the track and pulley that carried merchandise and payment to the mezzanine business office. A sales girl stands to the left. The clerks were well screened and trained in efficiency and courtesy. She is wearing the "uniform" of spring and summer, a dark skirt paired with a white blouse. The store opened with over 100 clerks in its employ. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Fine china department. The Rhodes Brothers Department store had table after table stacked high with fine china- Cups & saucers, plates, serving pieces and beer steins. Although it seems crowded today, shoppers at the time were thrilled with the variety. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904. Copper tea and coffee pots, cooking pots, crockery, pottery, what appear to be birdcages and miscellaneous. Henry A. Rhodes opened his department store at 950 Broadway toward the end of 1903. He had started with a tea and coffee shop in 1892 and gradually moved into larger stores until he expanded into this three story space. Most of the stores, like this one, sold crockery and glassware. Tables are shown piled high with tea services, pots, pans and crockery. Hanging from the ceiling are contraptions with wheels, possibly serving carts. Photograph damaged right edge. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

ca. 1911. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1911; Textiles and dry goods department. By 1911, the store was beginning to look less cluttered, with wider aisles. A counter littered with bolts of fabric supplied a place for shoppers to sit and clerks to cut the fabric. The displayed fabric on top of cabinet was priced at 39 cents per yard. Note on back of photo; image used in 1911 booklet. By 1911, Rhodes Brothers had outgrown the three floors at this location and was adding three more. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

ca. 1917. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1917; Fabric department. Several tables loaded with bolts of fabric dot the room. It appears that the track and pulley system is still in operation, indicating that each department does not have its own cash register. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

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

Shoppers swarmed the McCormack Bros. department store on February 7, 1932, in hopes of capturing great bargains as the store had just settled with its creditors for 20 cents on the dollar. McCormack Bros. had been in downtown Tacoma for many years and had closed the previous December. It reopened on February 5, 1932, under the name of McCormack's, Inc. The McCormack family was still in control of the business with James McCormack as president and his three sons as associates. (TDL 2-4-32, p. 3-article)

McCormack Bros. Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Shopping--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Bon Marche in 1970. This is believed to be the first floor (mall level) of the Bon Marche, located in the Tacoma Mall. Sturdy columns are interspersed on the floor, separating various departmental merchandise. The showcases in the foreground tastefully display well-known cosmetic manufacturers' products. Women's shoes and stockings are on separate tables. Aisles were constructed wide so that people could walk through easily without bumping into cases/tables or one another. The Bon Marche was the first occupant of the Tacoma Mall, opening for business in 1964 months before other stores. Althought the Bon started as a local business, it became part of a national concern, and in 2003 became known locally as Bon Macy's. By 2005 all stores were just called Macy's. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche.

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1970-1980;

The front window display of Woolworth's heavily advertised the store's "Golden Fried Chicken" to-go in June, 1970. Signs hanging on the window and in the store's interior advised that the chicken could be purchased by the bucket, bag or piece. The chicken would be kept hot by use of "Hot Sak," probably insulated bags, or in paper buckets. A female mannequin in apron poses in the window with a sign indicating mom would appreciate a day off from cooking, a hint that fried chicken would be a good substitute.

F.W. Woolworth Co. (Tacoma); Variety stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Signs (Notices); Window displays--Tacoma--1970-1980; Mannequins;

Exterior view of Kmart, 100th & Bridgeport Way. Kmart store #4467 opened on Thursday, July 20, 1972, at 10 a.m. The brick structure was similar in design to the Kmart stores at 72nd & Portland Ave. and on Sixth Ave. with plenty of free parking available in the well-lit lot. Robert W. Henley was the store's first manager; its 150 full-time employees would be a boon to Tacoma's economy. Photograph ordered by SS Kresge Co. (TNT 8-25-71, A-1- article; TNT 7-16-72 Ad A-4; TNT 7-19-72, A-2 -article; TNT 7-21-72, A-9-article)

Kmart (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1970-1980; Parking lots--Lakewood;

Ladies wear at Peoples. This section featuring fashionable ladies wear is believed to have been taken at Peoples downtown store in October of 1970. Both pant suits and one-piece jumpers appear to be popular items. Peoples had three locations in the local area including one in Lakewood and another in Lacey. By 1970, the store advertised Sunday shopping hours, possibly to compete with the Tacoma Mall. This photograph was part of a full page ad in the News Tribune on November 4, 1970. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT ad 11-4-70, D-12

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Sportswear department - Peoples. A large section of fashionable sportswear awaits customers of the Peoples department store in October of 1970. Racks are packed with women's clothing, including both bold prints and plain solids. Peoples had recently completely remodeled their second floor and invited customers to come take a look at the variety of women's stylish fashions. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT 11-4-70, D-12)

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Foundations department - Peoples. The women's foundations section at Peoples in October of 1970 displayed a wide variety of undergarments including slips, bras, panties and nightgowns. A small sign advised customers to "Stretch on - Shape up!" Peoples had recently remodeled their second floor featuring women's clothing and accessories; this photograph was part of a full page ad in the News Tribune's November 4th issue. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT 11-4-70, D-12)

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Underwear; Signs (Notices);

Fred Carleton, vice president of the Peoples Store. See T1030 image #1 for Carleton's wife Sylvania and son Alvin. Peoples Store was located at 1101-1107 Pacific Ave. It opened in 1895 and closed in 1983. The Carletons had recently relocated from Wilkes-Barre, Pa., to Tacoma. (T. Times 9/16/1937, pg. 12)

Peoples (Tacoma); Carleton, Fred;

Santa Claus on his throne surrounded by a crowd of children and mothers at Peoples Department Store after Santa's arrival from airport on November 24, 1939. Santa would be at the Peoples Store until his Christmas Eve gift run, speaking with the children of Tacoma and checking his naughty and nice list.

Department stores--Tacoma; Peoples (Tacoma); Santa Claus--Tacoma; Holidays--Tacoma;

Santa Claus exits his Packard automobile in the 5200 block of South Tacoma Way to greet the children who have been patiently waiting for a glimpse of him. He is on his way from the Mueller Harkins airport, where he arrived by plane, to the Peoples Store, to listen to all the kiddie's wish lists for Christmas. Santa's head can be barely seen above the sea of happy children. Sign for Crabb Drugs, 5343 South Tacoma Way, in the right background.

Peoples (Tacoma); Santa Claus--Tacoma; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Arrivals & departures--Santa Claus;

Samuel Ewing, president of Peoples, (with broom) and merchandise manager Fred Carleton, right, donned overalls as they prepared for the shift in stations to occur on Friday, April 22, 1938, when Peoples Store women employees took over operations and administrative duties for the day. This semiannual custom was taken very seriously by the women on staff. Their slogan for the day was "Planned, Manned and Jammed by Women." This year Mr. Ewing allowed the women to elect their own bosses rather than being appointed to the positions. Mary Youmans, personnel manager, was elected president for the day. (T.Times, 4/19/1938, p.14-alt. photograph).

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ewing, Samuel; Carleton, Fred;

On Friday, April 22, 1938, employees at Peoples Store will reverse roles. Women are assigned to management positions and men, including company president Samuel Ewing, (seated at left), and merchandise manager Fred Carleton, (seated at right), fill work stations held by women for the day. This role reversal was offered by Peoples twice a year, and on this occasion, the employees got to elect their own officers. The employees are, left to right, standing Evelyn Knoell, Isabelle Swanson, Helen Kiracafe, Freida Belle Worden, Elsie McDaniels, Olga Miller, Hazel Kasae, Brownie Davies & G.R. Milstead. Seated are Ewing, President elect for the day Mary Youmans, Amelia Berger and Carleton. (T.Times, 4/19/38, p 14).

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ewing, Samuel; Carleton, Fred; Youmans, Mary;

Peoples Department Store, Millinery Department. The large department exudes elegance with 2-3 hats displayed per merchandise counter.

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma; Hats--1930-1940;

Peoples Department Store Building, Carl August Darmer, Architect, 1895. Photograph of store front with scaffolding and steam cleaner, circa May of 1938. Sign reads "This building is being steamed cleaned by Universal Cleaning Contractors." For Ocky Williams, Universal Cleaning Contractors. The structure was built for and occupied by the Peoples Store from 1895-1983 when the store closed its doors. It is now the Puget Sound Plaza. (filed with Argentum)

Department stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Peoples (Tacoma); Cleaning--Tacoma; Scaffolding--Tacoma;

Retail employees show a dress to two customers at the Bremerton Sears store. The store had recently opened. Sears closed their doors at this location in 1985, when they moved to the Kitsap Mall in Silverdale. The building remained vacant until 2003, when the Bremerton Calvary Chapel opened a daycare at this location. (information supplied by an interested party)

Sears, Roebuck & Co. (Bremerton); Merchandise displays; Department stores--Bremerton;

Exterior of Peoples Store after painting.

Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Peoples (Tacoma);

Rhodes Department Store fabric section.

Business Enterprises - Department Stores - Tacoma - Rhodes Brothers - Fabric Department

ca. 1943. Crowd lined-up on sidewalk at Sears, Roebuck and Company for sale on alarm clocks in this circa 1943 photograph. The department store advertised as "Tacoma's Modern Store" featured an updated facade of stucco with a black glass tiled corner entry. Hooded street lamp.

Sears, Roebuck & Co. (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Crowds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Queues--Tacoma; Shopping--Tacoma--1940-1950;