Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan building at night. This is the 11th & Commerce St. side of the ultra-modern Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Assn. building. The structure, built in 1964, had two entrances - one on Pacific Ave. and the other up the hill on Commerce where George Tsutakawa's bronze "lily" fountain was installed. The glass walls enabled the interior to be clearly visible especially at night when it was extremely well lit. Puget Sound National Bank's lighted spire is in the photograph's background. Photograph ordered by Jewel Electric Products.
Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fountains--Tacoma; Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma);
This distinctive bronze "lily" fountain, designed by the noted Japanese-American sculptor and painter George Tsutakawa, was created for Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan at 1102-08 Pacific Avenue. It was installed outside the entrance at the corner of South 11th and Commerce. Mr. Tsutakawa, who served on the faculty of the University of Washington's School of Art from 1947 until his retirement in 1976, created over sixty public fountains, installed throughout North America and Japan. He sought to explore the relationship of man to nature; his fountain sculptures were "an attempt to unify water--the life force of the universe that flows in an elusive cyclical course throughout eternity--with an immutable metal sculpture." Mr. Tsutakawa died in 1997 at the age of 87; his "lily" fountain was moved to the Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association's new Lakewood branch in 1974. (www.washington.edu/research/showcase/1947a.html)
Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Fountains--Tacoma;
Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Assn. - interior. The carpeted and tiled floor is empty of customers and staff in the evening of January 8, 1970. This area of the Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Assn. building may be the home loans department with the safe deposit vault not visible. Large tables and comfortable arm chairs are spaced far enough apart so that there is a feeling of privacy and the floor is well lit. The open-air arrangement, sans walls, may present a more welcoming atmosphere for clients. Signs guide customers to the various departments; it is possible that the insurance, savings and loan service departments were located on the 2nd floor. Photograph ordered by Jewel Electric Products.
Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Desks; Chairs;
Seattle-First National Bank established itself in Tacoma with its purchase of the Bank of Tacoma's four branches. December 1, 1969, was Seattle-First's first day in town. Pictured above are staff members of the South Tacoma branch, 5813 South Tacoma Way, with Joseph H. Blissenbach continuing as branch manager. This branch had been the original main office of the (then) South Tacoma State Bank. The Bank of Tacoma had only been in business since 1963; its president and board of directors would assume roles in the Seattle-First organization. Photograph ordered by Seattle-First National Bank. (TNT 11-29-69, p. 1)
Seattle-First National Bank (Tacoma); Bank of Tacoma (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Bankers--Tacoma;
Staff of Seattle-First National Bank's South Tacoma branch. December 1, 1969, was the first day for Seattle-First in Tacoma. The bank, largest in the state with 134 offices, had absorbed the four branches of the Bank of Tacoma. All Bank of Tacoma employees would be retained. This is the staff of the South Tacoma branch, headed by Joseph H. Blissenbach. George D. Van de Mark and Ivar Turnquist were the assistant managers. The Bank of Tacoma had been organized in 1963 as the South Tacoma State Bank and the South Tacoma location was the original main office at that time. Photograph ordered by Seattle-First National Bank. (TNT 11-29-69, p. 1)
Seattle-First National Bank (Tacoma); Bank of Tacoma (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Bankers--Tacoma;
Lakewood Summer Festival princess Jana Oglesbee grabs a winning entry at the United Mutual Savings Bank's grand opening of their Lakewood community branch on November 10, 1969. Although the branch officially opened on November 1st, November 10th was selected as the date of the prize drawings. First prize was an 18" portable Admiral color TV; a Polaroid color camera was awarded as the second prize and a short wave radio given away as third prize. Robert E. Kahle was the branch manager in charge of a staff of three full-time employees. Photograph ordered by United Mutual Savings Bank. (TNT 10-29-69, D-15; TNT Ad 10-31-69, C-1)
United Mutual Savings Bank (Lakewood); Banks--Lakewood; Awards; Oglesbee, Jana;
VIP party. The massive banking hall of the Bank of California was filled with people on January 18, 1969, as they enjoyed cocktails and catered buffet dining. The Bank of California had recently concluded a month of celebration regarding the extensive remodeling of the 1928-era building. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.
Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Receptions--Tacoma--1960-1970;
Pacific Lutheran University's Choir of the West performs at the Bank of California. Bringing cheer to customers and staff alike, the Choir of the West made its seventh annual appearance in the Bank of California's grand lobby on December 17, 1968. Business was conducted as usual with the addition of the choir's songs and refreshments offered. Directed by Maurice H. Skones, the Choir of the West also performed in concerts at McNeil Island and Fort Lewis. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.
Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Choir of the West (Parkland); Pacific Lutheran University (Parkland)--1960-1970; Christmas trees--Tacoma;
Bank of California grand reopening. A grand celebration would be held from December 11, 1968 to January 10, 1969, in the newly remodeled Bank of California building, 1011-13 Pacific Avenue. Customers and staff mingled in the banking hall on the first day of the celebration, enjoying refreshments and conducting business. New 8-foot chandeliers with Belgian glass globes would hang in the main lobby along with several side lights visible in the above December 11th photograph. Improvements to the bank would include a new drive-up teller window, walk-up teller window, two-level customer parking lot, static-free carpeting, improved lighting and expanded customer conference areas. The Bank of California was managed by Howard O. Scott. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California. (TNT full page ads 12-10-68, p. 10, 11; TNT article 12-10-68, p. 39)
Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
A cheerful Bank of California employee is ready to welcome visitors to the bank's grand reopening on December 11, 1968, as extensive remodeling has finally concluded. She is perched on the edge of a desk with two winged angel statues before her. The bank was offering free gifts to those opening new accounts or adding to previous ones. Gifts were prominently displayed on the pegboard behind her. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.
Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
Bank of California grand reopening. Bank of California manager Howard O. Scott (L) shares ribbon-cutting duties with two unidentified men on December 11, 1968. The bank had just concluded a massive remodeling project at its facility on Pacific Avenue and would mark the occasion with a one-month celebration from December 11th to January 10, 1969. The Bank of California had been in its Italian Renaissance-styled home at 1011-13 Pacific Avenue since 1928. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.
Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Building dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Scott, Howard O.; Scissors & shears;
Attention is drawn to the polygon-shaped overhead lighting whose angles reflect that of one of the arched windows found in the Bank of California's trust department on November 20, 1968. The golden colored carpet and oak paneling project a sense of comfortable warmth for both employees and their customers. The Bank of California had been built in 1928 and a $600,000 remodeling project beginning in the summer of 1968 installed new carpeting, chandeliers and wall paneling but left most of the unique Italian Renaissance appearance intact. Color photograph ordered by the Bank of California.
Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Office equipment & supplies; Light fixtures;
Bright lighting and wall mirrors make this room in the Bank of California appear larger than it probably was. It is likely that this room was used as an addition to the bank's safe-deposit vault location. The small cubbyholes with separate doors and locks were probably available for bank customers who wished to examine the contents of their boxes in complete privacy. Photograph ordered by Bank of California.
Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
The main lobby of the Bank of California is empty at the moment on November 20, 1968. The bank had undergone an extensive face-lift beginning in the summer of 1968 but had arranged that only one area of the bank would be affected at a time. Employees continued to work during the remodeling process delivering customary service to their patrons. This view is of the saving accounts area on the north side of the building. New 8-foot chandeliers with Belgian glass globes hung from the 45-foot ceiling in the banking hall. In addition, recessed fluorescent lighting in the ceiling improved the lighting in the bank. Photograph ordered by the 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; Chandeliers;
This room in the remodeled Bank of California may have been used for bank staff primarily. It does contain a steel vault and a U-shaped desk with telephone and typewriter. The room overlooks an office area with filing cabinets against the wall. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.
Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma;
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;
It was business as usual at the Bank of California even during remodeling in the summer of 1968. The major face-lifting project was expected to last until the end of November. Although remodeling would entail new carpeting, chandeliers, and oak wall paneling, the elaborate ceiling would be retained. Great sheets of plastic and fresh plywood kept dust and noise at bearable levels as work progressed in the main lobby. The barricade, 75-feet long and 8-feet high in front of the savings teller windows and new accounts area, was on the north side of the office building. A directory board prominently displayed against a check-writing counter helped customers find the temporary location of various services. Detailed maps were also provided on the lower part of the directory board. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California. (TNT 8-18-68, A-19)
Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma--1960-1970; Lobbies--Tacoma--1960-1970;
Three Bank of California officials lend a helping hand in the remodeling process of their Pacific Avenue building in August of 1968. They are building plywood walls in the main lobby to provide noise and dust protection. Daily operations would continue during the construction period with directory boards listing temporary locations of the various departments. Only one area of the bank at a time would be affected during the extensive interior remodeling. John Graham & Co., architects of the original edifice, would also be in charge of the $600,000 project. Photograph ordered by Bank of California. (TNT 8-18-68, A-19)
Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma--1960-1970; Plywood;
Bank of California exterior, taken on July 25, 1968. Built in the Italian Renaissance style of Wilkerson sandstone and granite by J.E. Bonnell & Son in 1928, the Bank of California's four Ionic columns made for an impressive sight on busy downtown Pacific Avenue. A contemporary touch has been added with the installation of a narrow vertical sign to the building's exterior with the bank's name on it.
Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Signs (Notices);
Exterior view of Bank of Tacoma's South Tacoma branch, taken on January 9, 1968. Originally established as South Tacoma State Bank in 1963, the bank changed its name to Bank of Tacoma in 1965. At the same time, it moved its headquarters to downtown Tacoma near So. 11th & Pacific. This contemporary stone edifice at on South Tacoma Way became a branch of Bank of Tacoma. Late in 1967, the Bank of Tacoma opened its newest location on Sixth Ave. and welcomed a new president, David Williams. Photograph ordered by Bank of Tacoma.
Bank of Tacoma (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970;
PLU choir at Bank of California. Customers and employees of Bank of California all enjoyed the musical performance from the Pacific Lutheran University Choir of the West on December 18, 1967. The choir and their audience gathered around the enormous Christmas tree in the lobby of the Italian Renaissance-styled bank building prior to Christmas. It was the sixth annual program of Christmas music direct from the bank's lobby and was broadcast live on KTNT radio. The Choir of the West is led by Maurice Skones, director. Photograph ordered by Bank of California. (TNT ad 12-17-67, A-27)
Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Choir of the West (Parkland); Pacific Lutheran University (Parkland)--1960-1970; Christmas trees--Tacoma;
Informal portrait of Bank of Tacoma president David J. Williams. A peek through the open door finds Mr. Williams hard at work at bank headquarters, in the 1100 block of Pacific Avenue, on November 20, 1967. The Bank of Tacoma, organized in 1963, had moved to the remodeled Publix Garage from its original South Tacoma Way location a few years later and also changed its name from the South Tacoma State Bank. Mr. Williams assumed the presidency in 1967 when Frank Cooper left the bank. Photograph ordered by Bank of Tacoma.
Bank of Tacoma (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Bankers--Tacoma; Williams, David J.;
Exterior view of Bank of Tacoma's Lakewood branch. The Lakewood branch of the Bank of Tacoma celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday, March 21, 1967. Located at 9919 Bridgeport Way, it was managed by Joe Pelky. The bank's name and logo are prominently displayed outside the modern structure. Photograph ordered by the Bank of Tacoma. (TNT ad 3-20-67, p. 15)
Bank of Tacoma (Lakewood); Banks--Lakewood; Banking--Lakewood;
A large Pierce County Federal Savings & Loan sign tilts dramatically as it is being removed from its Pacific Ave. location on January 30, 1967. Two large cranes block part of the roadway while workers stare at the proceedings. Hunt's Office Supply is next door; Security Building in the distance. This same sign was photographed on June 30, 1958, prior to its erection at the savings & loan. (See D115285-12) The savings & loan had decided that they had outgrown their 40-year-old name and therefore sponsored a contest to let the public pick the new name. Prizes included a weekend at the Winthrop Hotel, free dinners, a limo ride, receipt of income on $1,000,000 for five days at 5% annual rate; entries were to be postmarked by 3-31-67. The new name, Lifetime Federal Savings & Loan Association, was announced in an ad in the June 15, 1967, News Tribune. Ralph H. Clawson of Tacoma was the first prize winner. Mrs. Janet A. Pierce of Tacoma and Gertrude Olinghouse of Sumner were the 2nd and 3rd prize winners. Photograph ordered by Pierce County Federal Savings & Loan. (TNT 2-2-67, D-3, TNT 6-15-67, A-4)
Pierce County Federal Savings & Loan (Tacoma); Signs (Notices); Electric signs--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hoisting machinery; Hunt's Office Supply (Tacoma);
Seattle-First National Bank opened a branch in Puyallup in 1966. The contemporary brick building was located at 205 S.W. Meeker (now 2nd Ave. S.W.). Customers could either utilize the drive-up window located under the overhanging roof or park in the bank lot to visit in person. A towering sign informed residents that Sea-First, established in 1870, was now open for business. Photograph ordered by Seattle-First National Bank, Seattle.
Seattle-First National Bank (Puyallup); Banks--Puyallup; Signs (Notices);
Puget Sound National Bank employees vow to "stamp out Firstbank cards" by "boost [ing] the big one" on September 15, 1966. Several bankers are ready to toss Seattle-First National Bank's Firstbank cards into the burning trash can. They sought to promote BankAmericard as a means of obtaining instant loans and credit card purchase. Puget Sound National Bank had announced in June, 1966, that they would be issuing an "all-purpose card" available throughout the greater Tacoma area. PSNB was one of the first banks in the United States licensed to issue BankAmericard, previously only used in California. Card holders would not be required to have accounts at PSNB or Bank of America. Eventually, the card would be able to be used nationwide. Photograph ordered by Puget Sound National Bank. (TNT 6-28-66, p. 38)
Tennis display at Bank of California. Two tanned tennis players in tournament whites stand next to a man holding a large trophy, possible the Thorne Cup, on July 15, 1966. The Bank of California had allowed the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club to display in the bank memorabilia pertaining to the club's Pacific Northwest Tournament. The tournament, held from July 11-17th, would be its 75th annual. Photograph ordered by Bank of California.
Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Awards; Tennis players--Tacoma--1960-1970;
The splashing waters of the George Tsutakawa-designed fountain in the courtyard of the Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association building add to the serenity unexpectedly located in the urban setting of downtown Tacoma. Benches, trees and shrubs were strategically placed so that customers and passersby could enjoy restful moments. On this May 2, 1966, date two flags are prominently displayed above the courtyard: a Washington State flag and the American flag. View was taken from the Commerce St. entrance. Photograph ordered by Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association.
Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Fountains--Tacoma; Courtyards--Tacoma; State flags; Flags--United States;
