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.;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

Washingtonians love the rhododendron so much that they made it the state flower. In honor of their favorite flower, Tacoma was holding its 1st annual rhododendron show on May 5, 1949, in the main lobby of the Bank of California building, 1011-13 Pacific Ave. The show was sponsored by the Tacoma Garden Club and the Capital District, Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs. Visitors were greeted with a wonderland of beautiful azaleas and rhododendrons; so many in fact that it was hard to believe that banking business could still be conducted. A whimsical and colorful feature included rhododendron hats worn by the flower show committee members (T.N.T., 5/1/49, p. D-6 & 5/8/49, p. A-2). TPL-8561

Banks--Tacoma; Lobbies--Tacoma; Azaleas--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rhododendrons--1940-1950; Flower shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bank of California National Association (Tacoma);

Following an action making the rhododendron Washington's official state flower, Verna V. Weiler, Director of the Capitol District of Garden Clubs, and Alice S. Franklin, President of the Garden Club of Tacoma, immediately planned Tacoma's first Rhododendron Show; the flowers will be displayed in the lobby of the Bank of California. View of Alice S. Franklin (left) and Verna V. Weiler admiring azaleas on March 2, 1949 (T. Times, 3/3/49, p. 3).

Banks--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Azaleas--Tacoma; Rhododendrons; Flower shows--Tacoma; Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Franklin, Alice S.; Weiler, Verna V.;

Industrial edition, Banks, Times, Buzz. A view of the exterior of the Pacific 1st Federal. Merchants National Bank had stood at this location from 1890. The name of the building was changed to the Equitable Building in 1898. In 1922 it became the home of the Pacific Savings and Loan Association and the name was changed again in 1939 to become Pacific First Federal Savings and Loan Association. The appearance of the building changed significantly when the cornice, damaged in the 1949 earthquake, had to come down.

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

Industrial edition, Banks, Times, Buzz. A view of the exterior of the National Bank of Washington. The building, designed by Sutton, Whitney and Dugan architects, was built of Wilkeson sandstone in 1921. The building became the home of the Tacoma Art Museum in May 1971 and contained the Dr. Lester S. Baskin Hall, Sara Little Center for Design Research, Helen B. Murray Gallery. TPL-9203

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Tacoma Art Museum (Tacoma); Business districts--Tacoma;

Industrial edition, Banks, Times, Buzz. A view of the exterior of the Bank of California built in 1928 of Wilkeson sandstone and granite. The four ionic columns, which cost $3,500 each to build, stretch three stories up the front of the building. There were numerous banks and savings and loans with their headquarters in Tacoma at this time and they played an important role in the development of industry and the construction of buildings and homes in the area. (T.Times, 2/25/1949, p.12)

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

Pearl Gunn, a teller at Bank of California was held up by a man she described as "tall, dark, very handsome, well dressed, cool and calm". The man approached her window with a large manila envelope, he was holding what appeared to be a gun with a blue and white bandana over it, and asked her to fill it with money. The good looking criminal left with $1500 in $5's, $1500 in $10's, $3400 in $20's, $1000 in $50's and $1000 in $100's totaling $8400. Pearl Gunn stated she was petrified about the incident (T. Times, 5/6/48, p. 1).

Bankers--Tacoma; Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Robberies--Tacoma; Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Gunn, Pearl;

Mr. A.B. Cummings, owner of Porter-Cummings Company, men's clothiers, decided to try the newly opened drive-up banking services at Bank of California in March of 1948. The teller, Wallace H. Waite, is protected by a special bullet-proof glass window and steel bars. Mr. Cummings liked the new service, the first of its kind in Tacoma, and predicted it would help relieve congestion from customers parking along Pacific Avenue to stop for a short visit to the bank. Bank of California had been at this downtown location since 1928 and the drive-up window was located in the alley back of the bank. (T.Times, 3/23/1948, p.9-article & alternate photograph)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cummings, A.B.; Waite, Wallace H.; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The Bank of California was the first bank in Tacoma to offer drive-up banking to its customers. Alfred B. Cummings, owner of Porter-Cummings Co., Inc. a men's clothing store, drove his car along Court A between 10th and 11th Streets behind the bank and handed his deposit to Wallace H. Waite, teller. Publicity shots ordered by Mr. Hernly, Batsford, Constantini & Gardner, Seattle. (T.Times, 3/23/1948, p.9)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cummings, A.B.; Waite, Wallace H.; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950;

North Pacific Bank is one of the oldest banks in Tacoma, beginning operations in 1906. They offered general banking services, safe deposit vaults and had capital, surplus, reserves and undivided profits totaling over $500,000. North Pacific Bank was a member of the Federal Deposit Finance Corporation. In 1947 Peter Wallerich was the bank president and B. M. Wallerich, George O. Weller and Bert R. Magnuson were vice presidents. Exterior view of bank building, customers are standing outside the bank located at the corner of South 54th and South Tacoma Way.

Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; North Pacific Bank (Tacoma);

National Bank of Washington, building exterior, for sign purposes. Shot from across Pacific Avenue, the National Bank of Washington is shown on the corner of 12th and Pacific. This building would later house the Tacoma Art Museum through the year 2000. Puget Sound National Bank Building is next door on Pacific Avenue and the Federal Building is behind on the right.

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

Central Bank Anniversary Banquet. Central Bank was located at 2816 6th Avenue, they started in the banking business back in 1925 with only three employees. Central Bank is a member of the Washington Banker's Association. View of seven Central Bank employees at the 20th anniversary personnel dinner.

Bankers--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Commemoration--Tacoma; Central Bank (Tacoma);

In June of 1944 Pauline Gunstrom, the telephone operator at the Bank of California, 1011 Pacific Avenue, was photographed holding a flask-type pint bottle that had been filled to the brim with dimes. The bottle was brought to the bank by an unidentified shipyard worker at the Todd Pacific Shipyards to purchase a war bond. Once emptied the bottle was found to contain 1,125 dimes, more than enough for a bond. (T. Times, 6/20/44, p. 3).

Banks--Tacoma; War bonds & funds; Bank of California National Association (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;

New United Mutual Savings Bank headquarters. This view of the massive new savings bank building is believed to be looking from So. 11th St. The structure, dedicated on Friday, February 14, 1975, was located on So. 11th between Commerce & Broadway. Other views of the building are shown on D165624, image 3 and image 1. The six-story precast concrete building was designed by the Tacoma architectural firm of Lea, Pearson & Richards and built by McDonald Construction Co. It apparently took nearly two years to complete.

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

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;

Tacoma Commercial Bank's new branch. Tacoma Commercial Bank, a "Tacoma Landmark since 1972," opened their first branch on March 16, 1974, at 7020 Pacific Ave., on what was apparently the site of the old King's Drive In No. 1. The one-story structure was built of wood with a shake roof. It had a drive-up window for patrons' convenience. An imposing stand-alone sign rising high above power lines advertised the bank's presence. Included on the sign was a digital clock feature; it may also have listed the date and temperature as well. Gary M. Hershey was appointed the branch's first manager. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Commercial Bank. (TNT 3-3-74, H-11 article; TNT Ad 3-12-74, A-3)

Tacoma Commercial Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Signs (Notices);

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);

Close-up view of Seattle-First National Bank's "Highland Hills" branch. A row of small trees has been planted along the sidewalk border of the new Sea-First branch on Sixth Avenue. This April, 1973, side view of the bank shows the three drive-up lanes of the bank which are under cover. A "cash machine," a concept first introduced in Pierce County by Seattle-First, is outside the front doors. Color photograph ordered by Seattle-First National Bank, Seattle.

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

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;

ca. 1973. 1973 Richards stock footage. Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan presented a colorful sight during the Christmas holiday season with twinkling lights on outdoor landscaping and brightly illuminated building. This is the Commerce Street view of the savings and loan; Puget Sound National Bank's lighted spire can be seen in the background. This snapshot was taken either during the 1972 Christmas season or shortly thereafter.

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