Even at 6 o'clock in the morning, cranes plus electric signs still equaled a fascinating draw for spectators. Military personnel are among those viewing the erection of a new Pierce County Federal Savings & Loan sign on the edge of the narrow building. The savings & loan was located between Hunt's Office Supply and the Bank of California on Pacific Avenue. A large sign on the side of the building indicated that a 3 1/2% dividend was paid currently on accounts with savings federally insured up to $10,000. Photograph ordered by Cappy Ricks & Associates, Seattle.

Pierce County Federal Savings & Loan (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices); Hoisting machinery;

National Bank of Washington manager A.M.(Lee) Nordi bids a customer goodbye on August 29, 1963. He is standing next to the open doors facing the north side of the building; that side of the bank was almost entirely plate glass and polished aluminum. The bank, located at So. 54th & Pacific Ave., had been built in 1955. This picture was used in a large ad run in the October 29, 1963, News Tribune, which advised that customers could expect to receive a cordial welcome from Mr. Nordi, a veteran banker, and financial counseling tailored to their specific needs. National Bank of Washington was advertised as the "Bank of Personal Service." (TNT 10-29-63, p. 2)

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1960-1970; Nordi, A.M.;

Three employees of Puget Sound National Bank are prepared to put the bank's new IBM 1419 check-sorting machine into operation on September 30, 1963. The main office's basement was fully equipped to handle bank processing matters. Gene Amar, assistant cashier in the electronic department, Mary Lee Fanger and Eleanor Anderson (seated) look at the machine which is capable of sorting and reading 96,000 checks an hour. In 1962 Puget Sound National Bank processed some 10.4 million checks and deposits. Photograph ordered by Puget Sound National Bank. (TNT 10-6-63, B-7)

Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Machinery; Amar, Gene; Fanger, Mary Lee; Anderson, Eleanor;

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;

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;

Exterior of bank. The above photograph, taken on January 4, 1964, is believed to be the National Bank of Washington branch at McChord Air Force Base managed by John Helm. The National Bank of Washington had 14 branches in the Tacoma area, including Fort Lewis and McChord. The modern branch had wall-to-wall glass windows and a convenient night deposit drop near the main entrance. The McChord branch at 550 A St. was officially opened on October 25, 1963, when Chairman Goodwin Chase and base commander Co. Kenneth Glassburn cut a dollar-bedecked ribbon.

National Bank of Washington (McChord); Banks--McChord;

The National Bank of Washington held the Northwest's biggest ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. on August 8, 1964 at its new Tacoma Mall Branch located at 4301 So. Steele Street. A 350-foot ribbon completely encircled the building and the public was invited to join the ceremony. A "bank-warming" with refreshments, gift corsages for the ladies, and door prizes followed. The 8,300 square foot circular, glass-enclosed building was designed by Tacoma architects Lea, Pearson & Richards and built by Strom Construction. This building was torn down around 1995. (Photograph ordered by the News Tribune.) (TNT 8-7-64, p. 4)

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Occupants of the second-floor patio deck and people in the courtyard below could all enjoy the sight and sound of George Tsutakawa's bronze water fountain located on the premises of Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association's downtown main office. Shaped in the form of a dark lily, the fountain would provide many years of pleasure before it was moved ten years later to the savings and loans' new Lakewood branch near the Villa Plaza. It would be replaced with a "dandelion" fountain. Photograph ordered by Lea, Pearson & Richards, architects.

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

In June of 1965 the employees of the Puget Sound National Bank dressed in costumes from the "Gay 90s" to celebrate the bank's 75th anniversary. A beautiful, multi-layer cake with a giant 75 on top was baked for the occasion. The bank, originally named the Puget Sound Savings Bank, opened on June 10, 1890 at 2422 Pacific Avenue. From 1890 to 1965 the bank survived the financial panic of 1893, the Great Depression and several name changes. In the 1990s they were taken over by KeyBank. (Photograph ordered by Puget Sound National Bank.)

Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Anniversaries--Tacoma--1960-1970; Cakes--Tacoma--1960-1970;

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);

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;

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;

The Stadium branch of United Mutual Savings Bank would celebrate its grand opening on June 26, 1972. Free Elgin watches would be given out to depositers of fifty or more dollars. The chalet-styled bank building was located at North 1st and Tacoma Avenue North. Photograph ordered by United Mutual Savings Bank. (TNT Ad 6-25-72, A-16)

United Mutual Savings Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;

Seattle-First National Bank. Two Sixth Avenue banks would open their doors in December of 1972; Seattle-First National Bank celebrated its grand opening on December 9th with Washington Mutual Savings following on December 13th. This is a view of the Sea-First branch taken a few months later on April 29, 1973. A large sign with the now-familiar red "1" welcomed customers and invited them to use the expeditious motor banking. The "Highland Hills" branch had moved from old quarters at Sixth & "L" but remained a full service facility with three drive-up windows. Color photograph ordered by Seattle-First National Bank, Seattle.

Seattle-First National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Signs (Notices);

United Mutual Savings Bank. This photograph of the new headquarters of United Mutual Savings Bank was taken on January 28, 1975, just two weeks before its formal dedication. This is a view of the six-story precast concrete building from the 11th & Broadway side. Photograph ordered by United Mutual Savings Bank.

United Mutual Savings Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Facades--Tacoma--1970-1980;

It was a brisk 49 degrees in April 1971 when this photograph of the National Realty Building, then Puget Sound National Bank, was taken from a building across the street. The building was sandwiched between Peoples department store and the National Bank of Washington (later home to the Tacoma Art Museum). The landmark structure, with its familiar spire, was at one time the tallest building on the West Coast, and the first built to withstand earthquakes. Puget Sound National Bank, established in 1890, would promote itself as an independent, "hometown" bank. It would merge with Key Bank in 1993. Photograph ordered by De Vac, Minneapolis, MN.

Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Peoples (Tacoma);

Branch managers of the Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association met at the Main office on February 18, 1972, to have their annual photograph taken in the courtyard. Gerrit VanderEnde (seated third from left) had just retired as chairman of the board. He had come to Tacoma in 1948 to serve as president of Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan. Mr. VanderEnde had previously been president of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and also been the city manager of Berkeley, California. Deposits were $42 million when Mr. VanderEnde first arrived; in 1972, deposits had skyrocked to more than $565 million. Pacific First Federal had become the 20th largest savings & loan in the country. It now had ten branches and two loan offices in Washington and Oregon. H. Dewayne Kreager, president, (believed to be seated in dark suit next to Mr. VanderEnde) would remain as president and also become chairman of the board. Mr. VanderEnde would continue as director and as chairman of the board's executive committee. (TNT 2-6-72, D-11 article; TNT 2-9-72, D-11 article) Color photograph ordered by Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association.

Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Bankers--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1970-1980; VanderEnde, Gerrit;

This photograph from November 1920 shows one of the huge 32 ton beams of the framework for the Scandinavian -American Bank nearing its resting place. The erectors stand on top of the beam, ready to secure it in position. The design for the bank called for 16 stories with 22 rooms per floor with 5,000 feet of rentable space. The 11th Street entrance would open on a 26 foot wide court with a huge colored glass dome forming the ceiling for the massive banking room below. The bank failed in January of 1921 and construction was halted. The building, after a re-design, was completed in 1925 and was renamed the Washington Building. (TDL 11/14/1920, pg. B-7) BU 10, 759, Boland B 3235

Scandinavian-American Bank (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930; Construction industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;

The Roy State Bank was built in 1908 in the peaceful farming community of Roy near McNaught and Water Streets. Bank robbers brought unwanted excitement to the small town in the 1920s. It was held up in 1921, 1924, and 1928; this photograph was taken on the day of the last robbery, April 2, 1928. A young male bandit stole $3500 in currency just before closing time. Impacted by the Depression, the bank closed in 1931; it burned down the following year. TPL-2547; G73.1-064 (TDL 4-3-28, p. 1-article on bank robbery)

Banks--Roy; Roy State Bank (Roy); Robberies;

ca. 1909. Post card showing the First Bank of Wilkeson, Washington, circa 1909. From the collection of N.P. Anderson.

Banks--Wilkeson--1900-1910;

ca. 1909. The First Bank in Wilkeson, WA. Four men stand in front of the bank. The man at the far right is probably Tobie J. Anderson, the cashier at the bank. The man in the long coat and bowler hat is probably W. H. Pringle, the president of the bank. From the collection of N. P. Anderson. TPL-9752

Banks--Wilkeson--1900-1910; First Bank (Wilkeson);

ca. 1972. Puget Sound National Bank, University Place Branch Robert Billsbrough Price - Architect

Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Assn. building at night. The ultra-modern Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Assn. building shines brightly into the night in January in 1970. Sheer glass walls and modern fixtures have replaced the massive ornate original structure. The venerable Bernice Building next door was also demolished to create a much larger Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Assn. building in 1964. Photograph ordered by Jewel Electric Products. TPL-5668

Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Unidentified executive enjoying view of the Tacoma tideflats from his office in the new Bank of Washington Plaza on February 23, 1971. His desk is placed next to one of the many bronze windows of the 24-story tower. Photograph ordered by Lennen & Newell-Pacific.

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Windows--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Washington Mutual Savings Bank building. Washington Mutual Savings Bank entered the Pierce County market by establishing a branch at Sixth & Mildred in December of 1972. Local architect Robert Billsbrough Price designed the single story building using a new brickwork technique. Rather than having individual bricks laid in place by hand, Mr. Price decided to have entire brick walls and column piers prefabricated, cut to fit and later erected on the foundation. Space would also be allowed for a 44-car parking lot. Fitzpatrick-McIntyre were the general contractors of the $750,000 project. Photograph ordered by Washington Mutual Savings Bank. (TNT 7-23-72, D-8 -article on plans; TNT 12-12-72, p. 36-article on opening)

Washington Mutual Savings Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Facades--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Washington Mutual Savings Bank. Washington Mutual Savings Bank opened their first Pierce County branch in mid-December of 1972. The single-story building was located at 6616 Sixth Ave. (Sixth & Mildred) and featured a new brickwork technique utilized by noted local architect Robert Billsbrough Price. David C. Van Hoose was the branch's first manager. Color photograph ordered by Washington Mutual Savings Bank, Seattle.

Washington Mutual Savings Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;

Board of Directors- Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association. Retired Chairman of the Board Gerrit VanderEnde (seated, far left) and current Chairman and president H. Dewayne Kreager (next to Mr. VanderEnde) were among the directors of the Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association who met on April 16, 1975. Retired Puget Sound National Bank Chairman Reno Odlin was also present, seated on the extreme right. The color photograph was taken on the thrid floor, reception area. Photograph ordered by Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association.

Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Bankers--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1970-1980; VanderEnde, Gerrit; Kreager, H. Dewayne; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979;

New downtown United Mutual Savings Bank building. Located on 11th St. between Broadway & Commerce, the statewide headquarters of United Mutual Savings Bank was formally dedicated on Friday, February 14, 1975. Mayor Gordon Johnston presided over the noontime dedication ceremonies. He and United Mutual Savings Bank president Howard Scott placed documents in a sealed time vault. The six-story structure, built of precast concrete, cost $6,000,000. It was designed by Tacoma architects Lea, Pearson & Richards. The bank would subsequently take out several large ads in the News Tribune thanking the public for their attendance at the dedication. (TNT 2-13-75, B-2 - article; TNT 2-17-75, A-16 - ad)

United Mutual Savings Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Facades--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Bank of Washington Plaza Building. The staff and management of Pacific National Bank of Washington stand before the brand new 24-story Bank of Washington Plaza tower in late December of 1970. Although the building would not be formally dedicated until January 9, 1971, staff had already moved into their new home. The Pacific National Bank of Washington was created in 1970 with the merger of Tacoma's National Bank of Washington, who had begun construction of the plaza, and Seattle's Pacific National Bank. This photograph was used for a full page ad in the News Tribune on January 7, 1971, inviting one and all to attend the official dedication of the new skyscraper in two days. The address listed for the plaza was One Washington Plaza. Photograph ordered by Pacific National Bank of Washington. (TNT ad 1-7-71, D-1)

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;

Bank of Washington Plaza with no visible exterior signage. Sunlight reflects off the multitude of bronze windows in the new Bank of Washington Plaza at 12th & Pacific. An unusual part of the building complex is the large fountain accessible by curving stairs beneath the level of the actual tower. Seven trees are planted in the concrete surrounding the fountain space. The 24-story Bank of Washington Plaza was dedicated on January 9, 1971.

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Fountains--Tacoma; Stairways--Tacoma--1970-1980;