This is the new addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch as it appeared just before its dedication on November 2, 1952. The building was designed by the Silas E. Nelsen firm of architects. Silas Nelsen was a major architect in Tacoma for over 50 years. Besides the Main Branch libary, he was the architect for 150 homes, 15 churches, four branch libraries, the City Light building, and most of the buildings on the campus of the University of Puget Sound. The Main Branch Library was remodeled between 1987 and April of 1990.
Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);
This is the children's area on the second floor of the addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch as it appeared just before its dedication on November 2, 1952. A large fireplace is seen near the center of the photograph. Doors to the right of the fireplace led to the Handforth Gallery. Doors to the right led to the Story Hour room and a second fireplace. The open area is filled with tables and chairs with shelving for books around the walls.
Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);
Patrons peruse periodical racks and shelves of books on the spacious reading room on the main floor of the New Tacoma Public Library Main Branch. Recessed "egg crate" style florescent lights reflect off the modern vinyl floor tile. The vinyl plastic floor was durable, lustrous and easy to maintain throughout the buildilng. (TNT 10-31-1952, C-13-alt. photo)
Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Shelving;
A second fireplace was located in the Story-Hour room in the north-east corner of the second floor of the addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch. It was back-to-back with a larger fireplace that faced into the children's area on the second story. Goodyear vinyl tile provided an attractive appearance and required no waxing.
Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Fireplaces--Tacoma;
A view in from the deck on the third floor of the addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch shows the administrative area with desks, file cabinets, typewriters, table, chair and counter. The main telephone switchboard is the taller, dark object near the center of the photograph. The library was furnished with all new blonde casework.
Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Office furniture; Offices--Tacoma--1950-1960; Telephone switchboards--Tacoma--1950-1960;
An angular view from the corner of South 11th Street and Tacoma Avenue of the addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main branch. The International design was executed with a cantilevered marquee and roof, and a stone and glass fascade. Design by the Silas E. Nelsen firm of architects. BU-11795
Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);
A view of the front elevation of the addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch from the southeast with a small section of the Carnegie Library building visable on the far left The addition is a three-story building on the northwest corner of South 11th Street and Tacoma Avenue designed by the Silas E. Nelsen firm of architects.
Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);
The addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch provided one floor below street level for book stacks, two floors for service and work areas, and administration offices on the third floor. The addition provided much-needed space since Tacoma had outgrown the Carnegie Library built in 1903. The facing of Walker-cut stone consisted of random ashlar on the horizontal lines and large slabs covering the central tower that housed the ventilating system mechanism. TPL-6565
Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);
The addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main branch is shown at night aglow from interior lights which reflect off the wet pavement of Tacoma Avenue. The building was designed by the Silas E. Nelsen firm of architects.
Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);
The Tacoma Avenue entrance of the addition to the Tacoma Public Library Main branch is an invisible wall of glass with two sets of double glass doors at the center. Charging and receiving counters are seen on either side with magazine racks off the central entry that extends to the back wall. BU-11796
Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma; Doors & doorways;
ca. 1952. Two boilers manufactured by Birchfield Boiler, Inc. of Tacoma. The company, located at 2503 E. 11th St., opened in 1921 on the Tideflats as the "first industry in Tacoma to lease land from the port commission." Besides the firm's well-known Birchfield Boilers, they also built steel ships and other steel construction including tanks, hot water heaters, pipes and stacks. Birchfield Boiler, Inc. was owned by Alvin T. Davies.
Birchfield Boiler, Inc. (Tacoma); Boilers; Boiler industry--Tacoma;
A view of the Order Department in the new addition to Tacoma Public Library's Main Branch where clerks added the names of incoming copies of books to the "Shelf List". Book shelves line the walls, two large desks with typewriters are on the left, with one in the center, and a smaller desk on the right. Overhead egg-crate light fixtures are seen against the ceiling. Ordered by Hendricksen & Kent.
Tacoma Public Library (Tacoma); Public libraries--Tacoma;
Two Ford automobile engines are on display in the administrative area of TAM Engineering Corporation. Three people are seen at work in the common work area separated from the shop at the other end of the building. One of the company's executives is seen in a private office with a glass window into the common area. James N. Cutler was manager of the authorized Ford engine reconditioning facility.
Machine shops--Tacoma; TAM Engineering Corp. (Tacoma); Offices--Tacoma--1950-1960; Desks; Office workers--Tacoma--1950-1960;
The interior of the barbershop in the remodeled Canteen at Veteran's Administration Hospital. The Canteen was in a quanset-hut style building on the hospital grounds. The barbershop has been furnished with an older-style barber's chair, round mirrors over the cabinets, and side-chairs in the waiting area. Hair tonic and other toiletries line the counter behind the barber's chair and a cash register sits on the other cabinet.
American Lake Veterans' Hospital (Lakewood); Military hospitals--Lakewood--1950-1960; Barbershops--Lakewood--1950-1960; Cash registers;
The interior of the remodeled Canteen at Veteran's Administration Hospital. A gift shop has been added in the quanset-hut style building with film, clocks, and suitcases on the right and magazines and mens' clothing on the left.
American Lake Veterans' Hospital (Lakewood); Military hospitals--Lakewood--1950-1960; Gift shops--Lakewood;
Remodeled Canteen Building at Veteran's Administration Hospital. Interior of Quanset Hut type building showing dining area with vinyl and chrome chairs and laminated plastic and chrome pedestal tables.
American Lake Veterans' Hospital (Lakewood); Military hospitals--Lakewood--1950-1960; Gift shops--Lakewood; Snack bars--Lakewood;
A snack bar was included in the Canteen at Veteran's Administration Hospital. A soda fountain and hospital store are seen off a central hallway through the quanset-hut style building. The reflective, curved ceiling material was joined by numerous connections. TPL-8215
American Lake Veterans' Hospital (Lakewood); Military hospitals--Lakewood--1950-1960; Gift shops--Lakewood; Snack bars--Lakewood; Soda fountains--Lakewood;
This photograph of the Bekins Moving and Storage Company at 615 Tacoma Avenue South was taken in October of 1952 shortly after they added a 40,000 square foot addition to the south end of their building. Bekins had been at this location since 1925 when they took over the building built in 1916 for City Transfer & Storage Company. In 1931 Bekins hired the architect George L. Ekvall and the Walesby Construction Company to completely rebuild the original building. The First United Methodist Church purchased this building in 2006 and it is being remodeled for use as a church by David Boe, architect.
A display of Del Monte canned fruit, green beans and tomato catsup has been created at the end of one of the aisles at the Big Bear Store in Tacoma. Large cans of Del Monte peaches were 25 cents each and pineapple was four for 98 cents. Del Monte advertised an upcoming "All-Star Revue" to be seen on NBC-TV.
Big Bear Stores (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Food--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Western Brewers Institute's booth at Washington State Tavern Association Convention consisted of a room arrangement with sofa and chairs. A large sign at the rear of the exhibit shows a map of Washington and announces, "87% of your Customers Prefer these Washington Beers" and "8 Friendly Breweries Serving You Dependably." This was the first annual convention of the Washington State Tavern Association held in Tacoma. 500 members of the association attended the three-day session in October of 1952 . (TNT, 10/21/1952, p.2) TPL-8847
Washington State Tavern Association (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Chairs;
Buffet table in Wedgewood Room of Winthrop Hotel set for Washington Brewers Institute. Large, elaborate display of food on table cloth covered tables. Backdrop of metal beer barrels and floral arrangement.
The Washington State Tavern Association hosted a luncheon for women of the association and members' wives at the Top of the Ocean during the three day convention held in Tacoma. The large group of women are seen in front of and on the covered ramp up to the unique restaurant built in the shape of a ship. A sign advertises: "Smorgasbord Daily". (TNT, 10/21/1952, p.2)
Restaurants--Tacoma; Nightclubs--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Washington State Tavern Association (Tacoma); Women--Tacoma--1950-1960;
In April of 1926, Mrs. D. Hamer, 2208 No. 27th, warned the City Council that they would have a fight on their hands if they tried to separate her from her two roosters. An ordnance being considered by the Council banned roosters in the North End and limited a household to 12 hens. The 81 year old Mrs. Hamer pointed out that she relied on her flock for her income. Another opponent of the proposed ordnance was Tacoma's 80 year old Mayor Angelo Fawcett who felt that roosters and hens belonged together. After all the feathers settled, Mrs. Hamer had something to crow about, she and her roosters were victorious. (WSHS- negative A699-0) (TNT 4/20/1926- pg. 1; pg. 8; 4/21/1926- pg. 1)
Roosters; Municipal government--Tacoma--1920-1930;
This one-story clinker brick house with hip roof and basement with single-car garage near South 10th Street and Union Avenue was built by Reyier & Wick Contractors. This home was chosen by Reyier & Wick for an open house in October 1952. It featured a fireplace, three bedrooms, a full basement with a second fireplace, double plumbing, hardwood floors, tile kitchen and bath, birch cabinets, mahogany trim a built-in breakfast nook and a dishwasher and garbage disposal unit. (TNT, 10/19/1952, p.A-13)
The living room in this new home built by Reyier & Wick Contractors was decorated with traditional and maple style furniture by Lindstrom's Home Furnishings in time for an open house held by the contractors in October 1952. A large fireplace with a wooden surround is a strong focal point on the far wall and a television set has been placed in a corner for easy viewing from the upholstered sofa and easy chairs. (TNT, 10/19/1952, p.A-13)
Reyier & Wick (Tacoma); Living rooms--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lindstrom's Home Furnishings (Tacoma);
Frigidaire "proof of value" demonstration booth at Tavern Owners' convention sponsored by Sunset Electric. Counter style Frigidaire unit and air conditioner displayed with motor apparatus.
In addition to the 20,000 square foot building Columbia Breweries was also adding a 39,000 square foot case-goods warehouse and a new receiving and shipping depot. These additions would make Columbia one of the most modern brewing facilities in the Pacific Northwest; the changes were expected to begin in 1949. View of Heidelberg booth at Tavern Owners' convention; General Beer Distributing Company, Tacoma, with Heidelberg beer and Columbia ale products displayed.
Brewing industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Business enterprises--Tacoma; Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--Exhibitions & displays;
Western Distributors featured Lucky Lager and Miller High Life Beers at their booth during the Washington State Tavern Association convention. The convention trade show opened in the Hotel Winthrop's Crystal Ballroom and continued throughout the two full days of the convention. (TNT, 10/18/1952, p.A-6)
Washington State Tavern Association (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma; Beer--Tacoma; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);
