North Fort Lewis had made special accommodations in the mid-1950's for military servicemen stationed far away from home. Pacific Telephone & Telegraph installed a bank of telephone booths especially designated for long distance calls. Each booth had closing glass doors for privacy and was labeled with a number. Pictured on January 21, 1957, are two high ranking non-commissioned officers using the new facilities. A woman is either placing the call for one of the men or listening to the conversation on the other end. Photograph ordered by Pacific Telephone & Telegraph.

Telephones; Telephone booths--Fort Lewis; Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma); Military personnel--Fort Lewis;

Construction at Fort Lewis remained strong in the mid-1950's as the military population continued to grow. February 12, 1957, aerial photographs show two company barracks and utilities structures being built at the south end of Gray Field. Donald M. Drake Co. of Portland, Oregon, apparently were involved in Contract #3706. Photograph ordered by the Donald M. Drake Co.

Aerial photographs; Building construction--Fort Lewis; Donald M. Drake Co. (Portland, Or.);

Exterior bowling alley. Bowling alleys were often located in nondescript buildings. A large neon sign directs customers to this bowling alley's entrance. Metered parking was available for those choosing to park on the street. This has been identified as University Bowl at 1104 E. 45th, Seattle. Bowling continued to be very popular in the 1950's; leagues flourished, often sponsored by employers, and results of tournaments continued to be reported in local newspapers. Photograph ordered by Western Bowling, Inc. (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Bowling alleys--Seattle; University Bowl (Seattle); Electric signs--Seattle--1950-1960;

A Lorain crane continues to hoist materials needed for the construction of a new power building at McChord Air Force Base on February 26, 1957. Trusses are being installed on this date by the Western Electric Co., Inc. This is project #1557. Photograph ordered by Western Electric Co., Inc.

Building construction--McChord AFB; Hoisting machinery; Western Electric Co., Inc.;

On February 28, 1957, a series of photographs were taken apparently at an unidentified testing laboratory. Several technicians were pictured running tests on various machines. This man is intently gazing at the meter, which is registering all zeros, and has a notepad with calculations close at hand. The machine was manufactured by the Tinius Olsen Testing Machine Co. of Philadelphia. Part of the machine is labeled "Massachusetts Institute of Technology Folding Endurance Testing". Working in conjunction with the Tinius machine is a speed reducer from Janette Mfg. Co. of Chicago. Photograph ordered by Merchandising Factors, Seattle.

Electrical apparatus; Machinery; Testing; Merchandising Factors, Inc. (Seattle);

Instead of cutting the traditional ribbon, Mayor John Anderson saws through a foil-wrapped board on Opening Day of the 1957 Tacoma Home Show. Norman Jardeen, general Home Show chairman for the Tacoma Master Builders Association, smiles broadly as does General J.W. Schwartz, commanding officer of the Madigan Army Hospital. Mayor Anderson is ably assisted by four Tacoma candidates for Daffodil Parade queen in this March 19, 1957, photograph. The four young women pictured wearing hats were (L-R): Joan Weller, Sherry Holmes, Debbie Dean and Janice Methven. Miss Methven would be later chosen queen. Not identified was the woman without a hat who was standing next to Mayor Anderson. Photograph ordered by National Home Show, Inc. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.; Jardeen, Norman; Schwartz, J.W.; Weller, Joan; Holmes, Sherry Lee; Dean, Debbie; Methven, Janice; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Free admission and a chance to view innovative furnishings and design drew thousands to the Tacoma Master Builders Association's 1957 Tacoma Home Show model home in March, 1957. Here, crowded streets and a long line of people testify to the interest shown in the annual model home open house. "Oakhurst" was located in the Southgate neighborhood; its location was not revealed until the day before the home show opened. Built by Master Builder Sherman L. Rowland, "Oakhurst" lived up to its name with plenty of Northwest woods and a comfortable floor plan. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Master Builders Association. (TNT 3-19-57, C-5)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Queues--Lakewood;

Members of the Tacoma Association of Classroom Teachers gathered to model a variety of hats on March 14, 1957. Most of the hats seemed to be made of paper and could easily be used for crafts in local schools. The hats pictured were to be sold at the March 20th variety show sponsored by the Classroom Teachers Association to raise funds for the Tacoma Teachers Home Corp. The Teachers Home Corp. was dedicated to raising money for the construction of a retirement home for Tacoma teachers. From left to right are: Marvin Christel, Wilfred Jewell, Al Moffat, Harry Erickson, William Ravey. In the center is Eula May Taylor, chairman of the event. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Association of Classroom Teachers. (TNT 3-18-57, p. 9)

Hats; Tacoma Association of Classroom Teachers (Tacoma); Teachers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The National Bank of Washington opened temporary quarters in a 40 foot trailer at the Villa Plaza in April, 1957, while their permanent Lakewood branch was being constructed. Flowers were planted in concrete block borders for a homey effect. Here on April 1, 1957, two men shake hands on the steps leading to the bank. The man to the left is believed to be branch manager, Marc H. Miller. The permanent branch, built on the Villa Plaza's north wing, would celebrate its open house on July 13, 1957. Customers would enjoy a rare "behind-the-scenes" look at bank operations during the open house. The new 50' X 104' structure would officially open for business on July 15, 1957. Photograph ordered by National Bank of Washington. (TNT 3-15-57, p. 9, TNT 7-11-57, A-6)

National Bank of Washington (Lakewood); Banks--Lakewood; Banking--Lakewood; Signs (Notices);

The sidewalks were packed on March 1, 1957, as potential car buyers streamed into Steven Motor Co.'s open house. Local residents were asked to "look around" at all the different used cars for sale to see how much money they could save that evening. Convenient terms to suit each individual buyer could be arranged. Steven Motor Co. was a Chrysler and Plymouth dealership, selling both used and new cars. Photograph ordered by Steven Motor Co.

Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Folk dancers entertain the large crowd gathered for May Festival activities on the campus of Pacific Lutheran College in May, 1957. Fellow students in the orchestra watch closely just a few feet away. The dancers form a circle as they in turn link arms and twirl. The women are dressed in long dark skirts with light borders and vests of varying shades. The men are wearing sashes and light-colored clothing. Photograph ordered by Pacific Lutheran College.

Students--Parkland--1950-1960; Folk dancing--Parkland--1950-1960; Festivals--Parkland--1950-1960; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

On March 8, 1957, as the vast empty rain-swept parking lot indicated, stores at the newly constructed Villa Plaza in Lakewood were not yet open for business. The location of the new shopping center was formerly the 200-acre Visitation Villa, a Catholic boarding and day school for girls and a summer retreat for women operated by the Sisters of Visitation. The school closed in 1954 and the property sold to developers. The buildings were demolished, oak groves pulled down, the creek filled in and stores constructed. The Villa Plaza later changed its name to the Lakewood Mall. Photograph ordered by the Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan.

Villa Plaza Shopping Center (Lakewood); Shopping centers--Lakewood--1950-1960;

Mauer Construction built this tidy one-level apartment complex in 1957. Located at 3315 Sixth Avenue, it consisted of four brick units with large view windows. It appears that a new sidewalk has just been constructed in front of the complex. A stylish street lamp is located near a corner of the apartments. According to the 1957 City Directory, Mauer Construction Co. was located at 8307 Nixon S.W. in the Lakewood Center area.

Apartment houses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sidewalks--Tacoma; Mauer Construction Co. (Lakewood);

The First Presbyterian Church Orchestra practices arrangements from the Tabernacle Hymns on March 21, 1957. The young musicians are shown playing violins, clarinets, trumpets, trombone and cello with piano accompaniment. They are performing in one of the many rooms located in the massive brick Romanesque structure which was designed by famous architect Ralph Adams Cram of Boston. Photograph ordered by First Presbyterian Church.

First Presbyterian Church Orchestra (Tacoma); Youth orchestras--Tacoma--1950-1960; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma;

Exterior- Inferno restaurant. As their large signage indicates, the Inferno restaurant specialized in charcoal broiled steaks and chicken in 1957. Flames roar under the Inferno's name on their neon sign. A canopy covers the long walkway to the front door; awnings in the same material on windows provide shade. The Inferno was located in a modest wooden one-story building at 7430 Pacific Avenue. TPL-9663

Inferno Charcoal Broiler Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Awnings--Tacoma;

Abundant cabinet space was provided in this contemporary suburban kitchen built by George Barclay Builders. Tiled countertops and a double sink, a built-in General Electric stove with ceiling vent and separate oven made this kitchen attractive as well as useful. Photograph ordered by George Barclay Builders.

Kitchens;

The Normanna Male Chorus, led by Gunnar Malmin of Pacific Lutheran College, posed for a group picture on March 7, 1957. Professor Malmin, dressed in a dark tuxedo, is seated in the front row. Normanna Male Chorus was the oldest Norwegian singing organization in the west. It was formed in 1888 by Tacoma and Parkland men, and held its first Sangerfest in Tacoma in 1906. The first director was Professor Carlo Sperati; the present conductor Malmin has held the title since 1947. Normanna Male Chorus has approximately 50 members. Photograph ordered by Normanna Male Chorus. (TNT 2-25-57, p.5)

Normanna Male Chorus (Tacoma); Choirs (Music); Singers; Malmin, Gunnar J.;

Employees of the Tacoma Dental Lab are shown hard at work on March 12, 1957. Dental impressions can be seen in trays accompanied by charts. Lee Siler was listed as president of the firm according to the 1957 City Directory; it was located in the Medical Arts Building. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Dental Laboratory.

Tacoma Dental Laboratory (Tacoma); Molds (Shaping tools);

The John and Julia Uglicks residence at 11604 Mount Brook Lane was set in the suburban community of Rhododendron Lanes. Nestled among tall trees, the contemporary rambler style home had an extended porch, shutters and attached two-car garage. A long, wide paved driveway was an added amenity. According to the 1958 Tacoma Suburban Directory, John Uglicks was in the U.S. Army. Photograph ordered by George Barclay Builders.

Uglicks, John--Homes & haunts; Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Students at Annie Wright Seminary gather outdoors on May 18, 1957, for the annual Dads Day festivities. These girls look like they are enjoying the activity before them. They may be cheering on their personal favorites. Most of the girls are wearing the traditional uniforms with a few dressed in more sporting gear. Photograph ordered by Annie Wright Seminary.

Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Private schools--Tacoma; Spectators--Tacoma;

A little dark haired girl in a light ruffled dress grasps a baby calf on April 30, 1957. Older cattle peer over the fence in the background. The black and white calf appears to be patient as the child touches it; it is not in motion. Photograph ordered by the Washington Cooperative Farmers Association.

Children & animals; Cattle--Washington; Washington Cooperative Farmers Association (Tacoma);

Ribbon cutting ceremonies at the new J.C. Penney's store in the Villa Plaza Shopping Center. Store and Plaza officials look on as Miss Tacoma, Connie Mernaugh, does the honors. For this big event, she became "Miss Penney's of the Villa Plaza." From left to right are: Eldon J. Kahny, Villa Plaza Penney's assistant mgr.; O.M. Robinson, Penney's district mgr.; Howard E. Haley, Villa Plaza Penney's mgr.; Miss Mernaugh; Lowell H. Paup, South Tacoma Penney's mgr.; E.J. Zarelli, Villa Plaza Development Co. and Lysle G. Paterson, downtown Penney's mgr. Additional Penney's staff are in the background. Penney's anchored one block of the shopping center; its 33,000 square foot store was the first shopping center Penney's in the Northwest. It was also the first Penney's to have all public business conducted on one floor. (TNT 5-15-57, B-4-assorted articles & alt. photographs)

J.C. Penney Co. (Lakewood); Building dedications--Lakewood--1950-1960; Department stores--Lakewood--1950-1960; Villa Plaza Shopping Center (Lakewood); Mernaugh, Connie; Haley, Howard; Paup, Lowell; Paterson, Lysle; Zarelli, E.J.;

Eager shoppers gather at the entrance of the new J.C. Penney store in the Villa Plaza Shopping Center for the grand opening ceremonies on May 16, 1957. They were prepared to charge forth into the store after the ribbon was snipped and the ceremonies concluded. Villa Plaza Penney's new manager, Howard E. Haley, is at the microphone addressing the crowd with Miss Tacoma, Connie Mernaugh, at his side. Miss Mernaugh would have the honor of snipping the red ribbon, officially opening the store. Store and Plaza officials in line were (left to right): Asst. store mgr. Eldon Kahny, District mgr. O.M. Robinson, Mr. Haley, E.J. Zarelli of the Villa Plaza Development Co., and downtown Penney's mgr. Lysle Paterson. The Villa Plaza Penney's was the third in the area after the downtown and South Tacoma locations. The 33,000 sq.foot building had offices and staff rooms upstairs and all sales departments on the main floor. It was the first J.C. Penney store in the Northwest to have all sales areas on one floor and also the first "shopping center" Penney's in the Northwest. The west-facing grand entrance shown above was on Gravelly Lake Dr. S.W. (TNT 5-15-57, B-4-assorted articles & alt. photographs)

J.C. Penney Co. (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1950-1960; Building dedications--Lakewood--1950-1960; Shopping--Lakewood--1950-1960; Villa Plaza Shopping Center (Lakewood); Mernaugh, Connie; Haley, Howard; Zarelli, E.J.; Paterson, Lysle;

Mayor John Anderson, in his office at (Old) City Hall, admires a bouquet of rhododendrons held by Mrs. John Skupens of the Washington Rhododendron Society. Mrs. Skupens had called on the mayor to invite him to the upcoming 9th annual Tacoma Rhododendron Show. The two day show would take place at the Oakland Community Center with free admission. Publicity photo for Tacoma Rhododendron Society. (TNT 5-9-57, C-6) ALBUM 14

Mayors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.; Rhododendrons; Skupens, John--Family;

Group portrait- Pacific Telephone & Telegraph. Twenty employees of Pacific Telephone & Telegraph, all women, were honored with service pins on April 26, 1957. They were also presented with lovely corsages. Pacific Telephone & Telegraph made it a practice to hold teas and other celebrations to honor long-time employees. Photograph ordered by Pacific Telephone & Telegraph.

Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma)--Employees--1950-1960; Celebrations--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Rex F. Adams & Co. were local manufacturers of peanut butter, extracts and spices and were located at 2914-16 6th Ave. They were well known for their Adams peanut butter which came in several varieties. View of Adams Old Fashioned Peanut Butter in glass jar. The peanut butter was made using only salt and selected peanuts. Oil occasionally rose to the surface but consumers were advised merely to stir well. Photograph ordered by Rex F. Adams & Co.

Peanut butter; Rex F. Adams & Co. (Tacoma);

Exterior- Puget Sound National Bank. The 84th & Pacific branch of Puget Sound National Bank was a long-time fixture in the city's southend. It was headed by Ralph Hubbard from its inception. Mr. Hubbard treated his customers with his own personal touch. According to "Banking on Independence," Mr. Hubbard had a following of customers who would not bank with anyone other than Ralph." Puget Sound National Bank followed the philosophy that allowed them to name branch managers who were capable of running their branches profitably and were able to attract and retain customers. Puget Sound National Bank, long known as the largest independent bank in the state, was purchased by KeyBank in the early 1990's. The 84th & Pacific branch is still open for business at the same location. Photograph ordered by the Condon Co., possibly for advertising purposes. (Provorse: Banking on Independence, p. 107-08)

Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1950-1960;

An out-of-town entry in the 1957 Daffodil Parade was a float sponsored by the Beach Haven Resort on Orcas Island. The large float was decorated in daffodils and green foliage. It had a castle on the top level and the slogan, "Where Your Vacation Dreams Come True." Photograph ordered by Beach Haven Resort.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1957 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Beach Haven Resort (Orcas Island); Signs (Notices);

A genuine cable car from the Municipal Railway of San Francisco was the Steve's Gay '90s entry in the 1957 Daffodil Parade. A Dixieland band on board entertains parade spectators while women and children, dressed in costumes of long ago, peer out of the conveyance. A multitude of daffodils cover the base of the cable car. View of Steve's entry as it passes 11th & Pacific; the 11th Street Bridge is in the background. Photograph ordered by Steve's.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1957 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cable railroads--Tacoma; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma);

Keep the Home Fires Burning was the Oil Information Committee of Pierce County's entry in the 1957 Daffodil Parade. A profusion of daffodils decorate this float with the vehicle pulling the float completely covered with flowers. A smaller truck advertising oil heat is also bedecked with blossoms as well as the little girl's house. The small child keeps a firm grip on the lamppost as the parade continues down Pacific Avenue. This entry won first place in the Wholesale and Industrial Division. Photograph ordered by the Oil Information Committee of Pierce County. (TNT 4-14-57, A-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1957 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Oil Information Committee of Pierce County (Tacoma);