Bryant Elementary School had been in existance since 1891 at its location on Ainsworth Avenue. Named after poet William Cullen Bryant, it was a beautiful three-story building that housed both high school and elementary students. 125 students graduated from Bryant during the school's first eight years. By 1958, however, the school was slowly deteriorating. The Citizens Committee for School Support requested photographs be taken in October, 1958, to show the badly water damaged walls of the school. Elementary students are shown paying apt attention to their teacher and her cursive lesson with a backdrop of heavily stained walls. Bryant Elementary was to close in 1961. The old school was razed and a new Bryant emerged nearby on Grant Avenue. (Olsen: For the Record, p. 65) TPL-10141

Bryant Elementary School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Classrooms; School children--Tacoma--1950-1960; Teachers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Mark Mitchell Roofing Co., located at 662 E. 11th St., offered free estimates of moss removing to potential customers. An employee is shown in action on October 17, 1958, on top a tiled roof. The elevated ladder aboard the Mitchell truck was evidently used to transport the man and his equipment to the roof of the brick home. Photograph ordered by Mark Mitchell Roofing Co.

Mark Mitchell Roofing Co. (Tacoma); Roofs;

A sunny day in autumn was perfect weather for the Mark Mitchell Roofing Co.'s removal of moss from this home's roof. A Mitchell employee perches on an extended ladder emerging from a heavy duty truck. He has a long tool in his hand which may have been used to scrape the clinging moss from the roof and dormers. A regular wooden ladder may not have been tall enough to reach the roof; it lies flat on the grass. Photograph ordered by Mark Mitchell Roofing Co.

Mark Mitchell Roofing Co. (Tacoma); Roofs;

The Washington State Restaurant Assn. held their annual luncheon at the Elks Club on October 15, 1958. The meal was prepared entirely by Chef James Osenton's class at the Tacoma Voctional School and served by the waitresses of Local #61. Names of those pictured can be found in the News Tribune's October 16, 1958, issue. October was deemed National Restaurant Month; the Washington State Restaurant Assn. traditionally had offered a free meal to the city's leaders to demonstrate the importance of restaurants to the area's economy. Over 500 Chamber of Commerce and civic leaders attended. (TNT 10-5-58, B-3; TNT 10-9-58, C-5; TNT 10-16-58, p. 23)

Group portraits; Cooks; Waitresses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Washington State Restaurant Association (Tacoma);

Buchan's Baking Co. employees stand beneath a newly erected sign mounted on the exterior of the bakery's brick building on South 38th & Yakima Ave. Buchan's heavily advertised their "Bonnie Good Bread Baked in Tacoma" in its familiar tartan wrapping. It was white enriched bread. These men pictured on October 11, 1958, were in all likelihood part of the Buchan's delivery staff. They are neatly dressed in dark uniforms with bowties and white shirts. The man on the extreme right, front row, is probably Alan G. Buchan, bakery owner. Photograph ordered by Buchan's Baking Co.

Buchan's Baking Co. (Tacoma); Bakeries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Buchan's Baking Co. had recently erected a new sign on their brick building at South 38th & Yakima Ave. Twenty-two men assembled beneath the sign on October 11, 1958, for a group portrait. All the employees, with the exception of the man on the extreme right first row, wore neat uniforms, white shirts and bowties. Each uniform had the company name on a label above a chest pocket. The suited man may have been Alan Buchan, company owner. Buchan's had a large fleet of delivery trucks; it is likely that these men were the bakery's drivers. Photograph ordered by Buchan's Baking Co.

Buchan's Baking Co. (Tacoma); Bakeries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Alan Buchan and his large staff of delivery truck drivers posed outside the Buchan's Baking Company bakery at 3802 Yakima Avenue South on October 11, 1958. The Buchan family had been in the bakery business in western Washington since 1913. The Buchan bakery in Tacoma opened in 1955 when they purchased the Morning Fresh Bakery at the corner of 38th and Yakima Avenue South. The building was originally built in 1919. The patriarch of the Buchan family business became a baker at the age of 14 in his native Scotland. The bakery was known for their "Bonnie Good Bread Baked in Tacoma" which was made of the choicest Northwest wheat and enriched with protein and vitamins. The Tacoma Buchan's was owned and operated by Alan G. Buchan; it closed in 1968 and the building has since been demolished. (Photograph ordered by Buchan's Baking Co.) TPL-9897

Buchan's Baking Co. (Tacoma); Bakeries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Nativity display at Panther Woodworking. Douglas Fir Plywood Association set up a Christmas nativity scene for the do-it-yourselfer at George Panther's Woodworking on East 26th St. prior to the Christmas decorating season. These patterns were made of fir plywood and came with easy to follow instructions. After cutting out the patterns, they would need to be painted. Customers were urged to order their patterns at this location. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.

Woodworking--Tacoma--1950-1960; Christmas decorations; Creches (Nativity scenes)--Tacoma; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);

On October 6, 1958, a dairy farmer, possibly Kenneth Dedle, demonstrated a Chore-Boy Roll-O-Measure rigid weigh jar which appears to be filling up with milk. The weigh jar, among many other approved models, was used by both the dairyman and the DHI (Dairy Herd Improvement) programs to weigh the amount of milk each cow produced. Also, the weigh jars had a sampling valve that allowed for a milk sample to be obtained from each cow which was analyzed for milk fat and other components. The dairyman was then able to make management decisions about his herd. The Roll-O-Measure was manufactured in Cambridge City, Indiana. Sepia photograph ordered by Washington Cooperative Farmers Association. (Additional information on Chore-Boy Roll-O-Measure was provided by a reader)

Dairying; Milk; Washington Cooperative Farmers Association (Tacoma);

View of pre-fabricated domical roof on new Nell Hoyt Primary School. Mrs. Hoyt was a PTA leader and a national pioneer of the "preschool" movement. The four-room school adjoined Washington Elementary at North 28th & Union Streets. The school was dedicated on February 20, 1959, Mrs. Hoyt's 80th birthday. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association. (Olsen: For the Record, p. 81-82)

Nell Hoyt School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Roofs--Tacoma;

Although Annie Wright Seminary had been at this location, 827 Tacoma Ave. No., only since 1924; it was in the process of celebrating its Diamond Jubilee in October of 1958 when this picture was taken. The first class of 93 girls entered Annie Wright in the fall of 1884 in the school's first building at Tacoma & Division Avenues. Annie Wright experienced financial troubles due to decreased enrollment in the 1930's and increased expenses during the early part of WWII; the school was nearly forced to close in 1943. Headmistress Ruth Jenkins and the Board of Trustees were given 48 hours to raise enough money to pay the most outstanding debts. Friends, alumnae and students rallied to save the school. Annie Wright Seminary continued to expand with a new wing added in 1957. In 2002, the school had pupils from seven states and eight countries and was planning to add a 10.3 million three story addition. (The Shield:1959, TNT 9-30-02, B-1)

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

The Clan Gordon Pipe Band was founded in 1955 with support from the Clan Gordon Lodge of Scottish Clans. The original band consisted of seven pipers and four drummers led by pipe major John Montgomery. First limited to Scottish males, today band membership is open to anyone with an interest in Scottish music. The act is a traditional favorite in the Daffodil Parade and other community events. The group posed for this photograph in 1958.

Timber! A logger watches as a tall tree makes its slow descent to the ground in a September, 1958, photograph. Limbs may already have been pruned before the tree was toppled. Stumps and tree debris indicate that logging has already occurred in this area. Photograph ordered by Malcolm McGhie, industrial consultant. TPL-9430

Lumber industry; Logs; Loggers;

Improved machinery helped workers in more efficient harvesting of designated logs. Cable lines attached to the rear of a bulldozer haul away two smaller logs. Another log waits its turn to be removed. The bulldozer would also serve as an earth remover to clear paths in the forest. Photograph ordered by Malcolm McGhie, industrial consultant. TPL-9429

Bulldozers; Lumber industry; Loggers; Logs;

Still under construction in late summer, 1958, was a contemporary ranch-style home on Carolyn Drive in University Place. Equipped with a two-car attached garage, the new home had wood siding and possibly a composite roof. The extended roof of a small porch would help to shade the large picture window. The driveway to the garage had yet to be poured and landscaping was not in place. Photograph ordered by the Condon Co.

Houses--University Place--1950-1960; Building construction--University Place--1950-1960;

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;

According to the 1958 City Directory, longtime Shell Oil district manager Lawrence Hausam had his offices on the Tideflats at 702 East D Street. The plant had been built in late 1949. All of Shell's receiving, packaging, and distribution facilities in the area were consolidated at the new waterfront terminal. View of exterior of plant; water transportation and rail facilities were close at hand. A warning sign posted on one building advised drivers to check the railroad tracks before backing up to prevent accidents. Photograph ordered by Shell Oil Co.

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Petroleum industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Railroad tracks--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Richards Studio went aloft on a cloudy September 22, 1958, to take views of the Tacoma landscape. Smoke billows from the industrial Tideflats area. View of city's downtown area includes 11th St. Bridge, City (now Thea Foss) Waterway, heavily wooded Wright Park, and new County-City Building. Streets are neatly aligned with trees on most residential lots. The Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club can be spotted near the right lower corner with its unusual curved streets.

Aerial photographs; Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club (Tacoma);

Eleven Reichhold Chemicals team members pose with the trophy honoring them as the commercial champions of the year in softball. Most of the men are wearing a RCI logo on their uniforms. Reichhold, like many other large companies, sponsored recreational teams for their employees. These men were part of the eighty employed by the company in 1958; the company had an annual payroll of $500,000. Plans were announced in November, 1958, to build a major phenol producing plant, necessary to plywood production, with a $1 million payroll and 150 added employees. Construction was to start the latter part of 1959. Photograph ordered by Reichhold Chemicals, Inc. (TNT 11-2-58, A-1)

Softball players--Tacoma--1950-1960; Reichhold Chemicals, Inc. (Tacoma); Awards;

Aerial photographs of the Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Co. of Washington were taken on September 22, 1958. The Tacoma plant covered nearly 40 acres of land in the Tideflats near the Hylebos Waterway. It had easy access to motor and rail transportation as well as water routes. Despite its name, the firm did not manufacture table salt but was a thriving chemical concern, initially focusing on pulp and paper customers. TPL-6577

Aerial photographs; Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Co. of Washington (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Employees of Abar, Inc., smile happily for the camera on September 19, 1958, prior to the beginning of the work day. These men and women were part of the Seattle and Tacoma Abar workforce. Abar sold aluminum doors, windows and screens, directly from the factory to their customers. According to the 1958 City Directory, Roy V. English was listed as president of the firm. Photograph ordered by Abar, Inc.

Abar, Inc. (Tacoma);

Seattle and Tacoma employees of Abar, Inc., form a long line in front of the store on Pacific Avenue on September 19, 1958. In addition, four delivery trucks stand ready to transport Abar products to their customers. Abar sold aluminum storm doors and windows and screens direct from the factory. Roy V. English was listed in the 1958 City Directory as president of the firm. Photograph ordered by Abar, Inc.

Abar, Inc. (Tacoma);

View of County-City Building ordered by Fentron Industries, Seattle. The modern County-City Building stands nearly completed on September 19, 1958, a stark contrast to the Old City Hall that it will be replacing. The main tower would be twelve stories high: ten for office space, basement storage and a penthouse used for mechanical equipment and a lunchroom. This particular shot was taken by a Richards Studio photographer who apparently climbed to the third floor of the Old Courthouse located to the rear of the new facility.

County-City Building (Tacoma);

Drying cleaning equipment at Woolen Cleaners. View of clothes pressers, possible hot water boilers and large dryer located at the new Woolen Cleaners at 5411 Lake Steilacoom Ave SW. Shirts and shag rugs could be cleaned professionally at Woolen Cleaners; shag rugs up to 50 pounds could be washed and dried. The customer could also decide to use the self-service laundromat facilities at reasonable cost, or utilize the fluff dry laundry service where clothes were washed, dried, folded and wrapped. Photograph ordered by Woolen Cleaners. (TNT 9-25-58, A-6)

Cleaning establishments--Lakewood; Woolen Cleaners (Lakewood);

Laundry facilities at Woolen Cleaners. Besides professional dry cleaning, Woolen Cleaners at 5411 Lake Steilacoom Ave SW offered a self-service laundromat. Customers could use the coin-operated washers and dryers at very reasonable prices: 20 cents per wash and 10 cents for drying. View of long row of Westinghouse washers and Cossell dryers. The facility was open 24 hours a day. It was the second Woolen Cleaners in the area; the main store and plant was in Tacoma on South "K" Street. Both were owned by John Schiller; the Lakewood plant was managed by Cliff Antonson. Photograph ordered by Woolen Cleaners. (TNT 9-25-58, A-6)

Cleaning establishments--Lakewood; Woolen Cleaners (Lakewood); Washing machines;

Exterior of Woolen Cleaners & Laundromat. Woolen Cleaners opened a new location at 5411 Lake Steilacoom Ave SW in 1958. It provided one-day dry cleaning service but the customer could also choose to wash and dry their own laundry. The large sign above the building indicated that it would cost 20 cents to wash a load and 10 cents to dry. Shirts and shag rugs could be cleaned with ease. The modern glass and brick building was separated in two parts with two doors; the dry cleaning portion and the self-service laundromat. Woolen Cleaners was open 24 hours a day and located near the Lakeview Village in the Lakes District. Cliff Antonson, with 27 years experience in the laundry and tailoring industry, was the manager. Woolen Cleaners was owned by John Schiller. Photograph ordered by Woolen Cleaners. (TNT 9-25-58, A-6)

Cleaning establishments--Lakewood; Woolen Cleaners (Lakewood); Facades--Lakewood--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Interior of Woolen Cleaners. Dry cleaning hang neatly on metal racks ready for customer pickup at the new Woolen Cleaners at 5411 Lake Steilacoom Ave SW. Some of the pants and coats are covered with plastic bags. Toward the rear of the facility a man stands in front of a pressing machine. He has bundles of clothing that need to be pressed. One finished man's suit is on a stand behind him. Woolen Cleaners also employed a competent seamstress. Its main plant was on "K" Street in Tacoma; it had been in business for 49 years. John Schiller was the owner of both Woolen Cleaners. Photograph ordered by Woolen Cleaners. (TNT 9-25-58, A-6)

Cleaning establishments--Lakewood; Woolen Cleaners (Lakewood);

Cheerleader Barbara Bisceglia flashes a broad smile as she kneels during a studio portrait taken in September of 1958. It is possible that her cheerleading outfit which included two pompoms represented Mason Junior High School. She was to later graduate from Stadium High School, Class of 1961, as Sahasa Tri-Dels president, Castle Retailers Parliamentarian, and membership in the PTA and Pep Club. (1961 Tahoma yearbook, p. 132)

Bisceglia, Barbara; Cheerleading--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The enormous Grandstand at the Western Washington Fair had been expanded since its construction circa 1908. W.H. Paulhamus served as president of the fair from 1906 to 1925; he acted as announcer and master of ceremonies for the grandstand acts. Hawaiian musicians, Arabian tumbling acts, and parades of livestock entertained viewers in the fair's early days. Later, horse racing became one of the most popular of all attractions on the fairgrounds. View of 1958 Western Washington Fair: Grandstand, exhibition halls, restaurants, and packed parking lots. Emmett Kelly, the world-famous, sad-faced clown, would be making his first West Coast appearance in eight years in twice-daily grandstand shows. For a $1.50, ticketholders could see Kelly, watch the three Zacchinis shot from cannons, admire the Dancing Dalmations, and cheer on three horse races and the cattle parades. Photograph ordered by Puyallup Fair Association. (Souvenir Booklet 50th Western Washington Fair, 1953, TNT 8-20-58, ad) TPL-9295

Aerial photographs; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Grandstands--Puyallup;

This aerial view of the 46-acre Western Washington Fairgrounds, better known as the Puyallup Fair, and the surrounding area was taken on September 15, 1958. Several designated parking lots are crammed full of thousands of cars. Crowds stroll the Midway, enjoying the carnival rides and fair exhibits. The first fair opened on October 5, 1900, and it has run continuously since then, except for the war years of 1942-45. The complete fairgrounds can be seen including the Grandstand, exhibition halls, Midway, restaurants and the three official parking lots. (Photograph ordered by Puyallup Fair Association.) TPL-9273

Aerial views; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Grandstands--Puyallup;