Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan, DPFA. Pacific 1st Federal Savings adds a new safe deposit vault during modernization of their facilities. Unprecedented growth of savings and loan associations during the 1950s provided funding for construction and new homes. Many of the new homes were financed through government FHA and VA loans created for veterans of World War II and the Korean War.

Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;

Tacoma Savings and Loan, 50th Anniversary, Mr. William Hopping, Sr.Group portrait of Tacoma Savings & Loan Association staff. Unprecedented growth of savings and loan associations during the 1950s provides funding for construction and new homes. In this industry, men predominated as officers and managers. Although some in the industry were progressive, it would be more than two decades before the Women's Rights Movement prompted the banking and finance industries to promote women to management. Standing on the far right is Howard R. Goold, one of the directors, and next to him is Raymond Winden, secretary-treasurer of the thrift.

Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma)--People; Banks--Tacoma; Lobbies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Anniversaries--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Savings and Loan, 50th Anniversary, Mr. William Hopping, Sr. The Tacoma Savings and Loan celebrated its 50th anniversary with a newly remodeled, modern and greatly enlarged facilities at South 9th and A Streets. The savings and loan had started with the tiny capital of fifteen $20 gold pieces which had grown over the 50 years to more than $10 million. The floor plan of the remodeled facilities left all offices open to the public in keeping with the savings and loan's standard of friendliness. (TNT,6/27/1949, p.5)

Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Lobbies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Anniversaries--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A team of technicians, contractors and factory representatives were on hand in July of 1949 when the new 16 ton vault door was installed at the Pacific First Federal Savings and Loan Association, 1102-08 Pacific Ave. Transporting and installing the huge 32,000 pound steel door for the new safe deposit vault was a ticklish operation. The massive, complicated mechanism contained hundreds of gears, tumblers, wheels and other assorted gadgets. The door was 27 inches thick and approximately 8 feet square. In spite of its bulk and weight, it swung with ease. Shown installing the door, starting with the second man on the left, are Joseph Iko (kneeling), foreman in charge of transporting the door; M.L. Larson, contractor; J.T. Downs (on ladder), the manufacturer's representative, and James Opalecky, factory technician in charge of installing the door. The gentleman on the far left was not identified. (TNT, 7/30/1949, p.32) Condon Co., Kay Shinn

Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma; Banks--Tacoma; Iko, Joseph; Larson, M.L.; Downs, J.T.; Opalecky, James;

National Bank of Washington was previously known as the National Bank of Tacoma until 1937, when they changed their name. In 1949 the bank President was Arthur H. Brouse; Charles T. Chandler, Ward Estey, Guy T. Pierce, W. L. Brown, Blake G. Crary, and Harold J. Dille were the Vice-Presidents; Orville T. Olsen, Charles R. Buchanan, J. Kaye Ewart, and Edward T. Ness were the Assistant Vice Presidents. View of employees of the National Bank of Washington reviewing customer accounts.

Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bankers--Tacoma; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma)--People;

National Bank of Washington was located at the heart of downtown Tacoma, at 1123 Pacific Avenue; this building is now used to house the Tacoma Art Museum. The National Bank of Washington Cashier in 1949 was James Byers; the Assistant Cashiers were: Arthur W. James, P. C. Hultman, Blandford W. Marley, Lester W. Nelsen, Harold T. Paulsen, Wilbur F. Rieck, Jerry M. Sandal, Albert L. Taylor, and Sparks O. Washburn; the Pro-Assistant Cashier was Harold R. Carlson. Interior view of bank, two customers are being helped; view of customer files and filing cabinets.

Banks--Tacoma; Customer relations; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bankers--Tacoma; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma)--People;

National Bank of Washington offered their customers full banking services. In 1949 Ashley M. Gould was an Assistant Vice President and Trust Officer; Harry Anderson was an Assistant Trust Officer; and S. Pritchard Miller was an Assistant Cashier and Assistant Trust Officer. Interior view of the National Bank of Washington, a customer is at the transaction window and another customer is standing on the left side.

Banks--Tacoma; Customer relations; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bankers--Tacoma; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma)--People;

Model standing in doorway showing size of vault, Condon Co., Morris. The vault section held 10,000 safe deposit boxes of varying sizes, making it one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest. It was of fortress-like construction with the outer walls of thick concrete and an inner lining, including the floors, of 1-inch and 1 1/2 inch inch steel. The massive burglar-proof circular steel door weighed 22 tons with its frame scaling 17 tons. (TNT, 11/30/1949, p.9)

Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma; Banks--Tacoma;

New safe deposit vault at Pacific First Federal, Condon Co., Roscoe Smith. A view of the street entrance lobby of the new Pacific First Federal safe deposit vault. The garden planting and bright red upholstered couch lend a spirit of charm and warmth to the richly paneled walnut walls. Wall mirrors reflect the lower lobby, the vault, counters and coupon booths. (TNT, 11/30/1949, p.9)

Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma; Banks--Tacoma; Waiting rooms--Tacoma--1940-1950;

New safe deposit vault at Pacific First Federal, Condon Co., Roscoe Smith. Pacific First Federal Savings and Loan was proud of their new safe deposit vault on the ground floor of its building at Pacific Avenue and South 11th Street. The new vault was one the of largest and most modern in the Pacific Northwest, and employed the latest safety devices. Tacoma's first escalator provided convenience to patrons which connected the vault lobby with the savings and loan lobby on the second floor. (TNT,11/30/1949, p.9)

Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma; Banks--Tacoma; Waiting rooms--Tacoma--1940-1950;

This view of the main floor of the National Bank of Washington at 1123 Pacific Avenue was taken in December, 1949 from the bank's mezzanine. The Italian Renaissance style building, with its gracefully arched ceiling, was designed by Sutton, Whitney & Dugan, architects. Construction started in 1920, and the bank, known then as the National Bank of Tacoma, opened in June, 1921. The tellers cages were spaced around the exterior of the large open floor separated from the public by a horse-shoe shaped partial wall that echoed the shape of the tall windows which provided light to the large interior. Desks and card catalogs were kept behind the partition. The name of the bank was changed to the National Bank of Washington in 1937. The Tacoma Art Museum took over the building in 1971. In 2007 it became home to Sound Inpatient Physicians, which provides "hospitalist" physicians to hospitals. TPL-9259

Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Lobbies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The Parkland Branch of the National Bank of Washington was located at the corner of Pacific Avenue and South 112th. The building was recently completed. Architectural studies, ordered by Lea, Pearson & Richards, Charles Pearson.

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Architectural drawings; Architects; Lea, Pearson & Richards (Tacoma);

A view of the lobby of the National Bank of Washington with a tulip display from the mezzanine. More bouquets of tulips stand along the shelf at the top of the tellers' cages. Pilasters along two walls lead to arches at the ceiling that cover the wide lobby. Customers are seen at the teller windows and the two counters at the middle of the room. Ordered by Mrs. Lindquist.

Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Lobbies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A display of Tacoma industries and their products is on view in the lobby at the National Bank of Washington for World Trade Week in May of 1950. Model ships built by N.C. Garrison line the upper molding above the teller's cages. Flags from many countries hang across the back of the lobby. The display featured the American Smelting and Refining Co., Carstens Packing Co., General Hardwood Co., General Mills, F.C. Wolf and Son and Wood Coffee Co. (TNT, 5/24/1950, p.26)

Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Lobbies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Model ships; Commerce;

N.C. Garrison sat on a ladder as he helped prepare the display of 30 of his model ships in the lobby at the National Bank of Washington, 1123 Pacific Ave., for World Trade Week in May of 1950. Mr. Garrison had been building ship models since 1929 and this was the first complete display of his models. Among the models on display were "Old Ironsides," the "Pocahontas" and the "Beaver," which was the first steamship on the Pacific Ocean and was seen on Puget Sound for 50 years. (TNT, 5/24/1950, p.26) Ordered by Mrs. Lindquist. TPL-5044

Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Lobbies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Model ships; Garrison, N.C.;

The exterior of the Bank of California building. The Bank of California was formally established in 1864 in San Francisco. As early as that same year the bank had out-of-state activities in Nevada opening the Virginia City agency. The bank expanded by organizing the Mission Bank of San Francisco in 1903 and purchasing the London and San Francisco Bank in 1905. The London and San Franciso Bank had established a Portland branch in 1882, a Tacoma branch in 1889, and a branch in Seattle in 1901. In 1910 the Bank of California was granted a national charter and its oficial name became the Bank of California, National Association. Prior to that time it had operated as a state bank under California banking laws. Thus, at the time of its admittance as a national bank, the Bank of California was already operating in four states: California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. For many years it was the only national bank to operate in more than two states, until banking laws were changed in the 1980's. (Partners in Progress 1865-1950, James J. Hunter)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Columns--Tacoma;

The exterior of the Bank of California building. The Bank of California opened their Tacoma offices in 1928 in this building of Italian Renaissance style with four Ionic columns. It was built of Wilkeson sandstone and granite with an interior of walnut and Travertine masonry. John Graham was the architect. Ornaments have been added on either side of the engraved name of the bank and at the cornice. TPL-8449

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Columns--Tacoma; Architectural decorations & ornaments--Tacoma;

The employees and their spouses are shown at Tacoma Savings and Loan's annual Christmas party in December of 1950. They are seated at banquet tables arranged in a U-shape. The thrift had been operating in Tacoma since 1899. Ordered by William D. Hopping.

Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma)--People; Financial facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In December of 1950, William D. Hopping (center in suit), president of Tacoma Savings & Loan, joined the "Kornaires"a barbershop quartet, to sing the praises of his company during the thrift's annual Christmas party. Louis Tebeau has been identified as the singer third from left. The following month, Mr. Hopping announced the substantial growth of the thrift during 1950. Savings increased $793,059.34 to a total of $10,830,421.78. Reserves increased to 8.8% of share liability. 35% of assets were represented by cash, US government, state and municipal bonds. Directors were: George B. Guyles, Charles B. Welch, Raymond T. Winden, and President Hopping. (TNT, 1/16/1951)

Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma)--People; Financial facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Barbershop quartets; Hopping, William D.; Tebeau, Louis;

William D. Hopping, president of Tacoma Savings & Loan, poses with the five women employees of the thrift in front of a large poster of him at their annual Christmas party. In June 1949 the company had five women employees and fifteen men employees in addition to their president. Robert N. Ketner, a prominent builder, was elected as a director in June 1950. (TNT, 6/19/1950)

Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma)--People; Financial facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hopping, William D.;

William D. Hopping Sr., president of the Tacoma Savings and Loan Association and State Chairman for the National Thrift Campaign, dropped a coin into the savings bank of seven year old Bonnie Jean Will to kick off Thrift Week, Jan. 17-23, 1951 while Gerrit VanderEnde, Pierce County Chairman of the Thrift Drive, looked on approvingly. The campaign, with the slogan "Save...It's the American way to success," was designed to place emphasis on the old time philosophy of Benjamin Franklin which encouraged thrift and savings to build up individual security and the nation. Thrift Week began on Jan. 17th, the national birthday of Ben Franklin "the Apostle of Thrift." The nation wide campaign was being pushed as an all-out effort to help hold down post-war inflationary forces which were threatening the economy. (TNT 1/16/1951, pg.1 & 8-11)

Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Girls--Tacoma--1950-1960; Coin banks; Hopping, William D.; Will, Bonnie Jean; VanderEnde, Gerrit; National Thrift Week (Tacoma);

The temporary quarters for the new Puget Sound National Bank on K Street were two war-surplus Quonset-type buildings joined by a shared entrance. Located on So. 11th and "L" Streets, the bank was constructed and opened within 10 days. On June 25, 1951, the doors were opened to bank customers. It took an additional 13 months to build the permanent K Street branch. In the meantime, the bank did not lose its sense of humor regarding the temporary branch; it commissioned a commercial artist to paint a sign showing a can opener with the caption, "This is the key to Puget Sound National Bank." (Provorse: Banking on Independence, p. 106)

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

Progress photograph of quonset hut construction in the K Street shopping area. Puget Sound National Bank was providing temporary quarters for their K Street Branch while a new building was constructed. Ordered by Condon Company.

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

Puget Sound National Bank provided temporary quarters while the new K Street Branch was being built. This exterior view shows two quonset-style buildings joined with an entrance between them. TPL-3798

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

Rear view of K Street Branch of Puget Sound National Bank. While permanent quarters were being built on the K Street site in 1951, customers were able to conduct bank business using temporary quonset-style facilities. According to the large sign near the exit, free half-hour parking was provided for customers. K Street in the 1950s was a bustling busy business district and a growing Puget Sound National Bank sought additional customers by expanding in this area not far from downtown Tacoma. This temporary home of the K Street Branch was constructed in 10 days and opened for business on June 25, 1951.

Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Signs (Notices); Parking lots--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Puget Sound National Bank provided temporary quarters while the new K Street Branch was being built. This office interior shows a curved ceiling, three desks and a long counter for paying and receiving. The name plate for Joe Hawthorne, Assistant Cashier, can be seen on the desk in the foreground. R.C. Holmes' name plate is on the desk in the rear.

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

Puget Sound National Bank opened temporary quarters on L Street between 11th and 12th Streets June 25, 1951 in two quonset huts. Although architectural plans had already been drawn up for a permanent bulding, construction was delayed due to national defense building restrictions. Rene Odin, the bank's president, determined that a temporary building should be built to fill the demand for local services from K Street merchants and residents. The permanent building was eventually built at 1120 So. 11th Street. Odlin. Ordered by Condon Company, Roscoe Smith. (TNT, 6/20/1951, p.3)

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

The National Bank of Washington branch at South 12th and Pacific is under construction. Lea, Pearson & Richards were the architects for the project. Warter Construction Company were the general contractors. This two-story building was demolished in 1970 to make way for the new 24-story office building that was to be National Bank of Washington's headquarters but had merged in Pacific National Bank of Washington before that building was completed.

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Architects; Lea, Pearson & Richards (Tacoma);

New Central Bank branch at 12th and K Street. Interior of bank, man standing in foreground and four employees in background.

Business Enterprises - Financial Institutions - Banks - Tacoma - Central Bank

New Central Bank at South 12th and K Street. Interior of bank lobby with many large floral arrangements.

Business Enterprises - Financial Institutions - Banks - Tacoma - Central Bank