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);

Puget Sound National Bank advertised that they had the most competent, well trained people and specialists in every area of money management. They have steadily and continuously grown and by 1970, Puget Sound had 24 bank branches throughout the Tacoma area. Interior view of Puget Sound National Bank Tacoma Lincoln Branch and their staff.

Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bankers--Tacoma; Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma);

Puget Sound National Bank opened its first branch in Tacoma in 1895. They have continually grown and expanded throughout the years. They provide a highly localized financial service to many new businesses and industries, and assist with the expansion of established firms. Exterior view of Puget Sound National Bank of Tacoma Lincoln Branch. TPL-8202

Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Facades--Tacoma--1940-1950; Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma);

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);

When this photograph was taken in February of 1948, the venerable Bowes Building, 100 So. 9th St., was home to Tacoma Savings and Loan, one of the pioneer financial institutions on the Pacific Coast. The company had purchased the building in 1920 and added their neon sign above the entrance in 1941. The Bowes Building was designed by the architectural firm of Heath & Twichell and built of white Vermont marble. It was named after its developer Major Edward J. Bowes, who achieved national fame for his "Amateur Hour" radio program. It is on the City, State and National Registry of Historic Buildings. Photo ordered by William D. Hopping, president Tacoma Savings and Loan. (T.Times, 2/26/1948, p.29)

Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Bowes Building (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--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;

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;

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;

Copy of architect's drawing of National Bank of Washington, ordered by National Bank of Washington, Miss Lindquist. A drawing of the new Parkland Branch by Lea, Pearson & Richards Architects. The drawing shows a tall, single-story building.

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

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 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;

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.;

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);

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;