ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; window display of linens and tea service. Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened their grand mercantile building at 950 Broadway in 1903. Signs posted along the major roads advised travelers that "All Roads Lead to Rhodes," and offered a measurement of the mileage to the store. As Tacoma grew, so did the Rhodes establishment, adding three more stories in 1911 and eventually two annexes. Photograph damaged upper right corner and bottom left corner. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;
ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; appears to be the Ladies' toiletries department. Henry A. Rhodes, with brothers Will and Albert, opened the Rhodes Brothers Department Store at 950 Broadway in 1903. The store was famous for its window displays and seasonal decorations- here parasols, palms, ivy strings and streamers. This appears to be the ladies' toiletries department since pictures behind the counter show a woman applying potions to her face. The sign to the left invites shoppers to visit the Coffee Section where they can "eat, drink and be merry." The plain cable that can barely be seen center, running from behind the counter to the mezzanine, was possibly the pulley that in the early days carried merchandise and payment to a track and onward to the office and its money till. There, articles were wrapped and change made and returned to the customer by the same route. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Department stores--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);
ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Coffee, bottled and canned goods. In this photograph taken inside the Rhodes store, clerks prepare for the Saturday crowds. The coffee department served complimentary hot drinks for Saturday customers. Henry Rhodes started his business in 1892 with a tea and coffee store at 932 C (now Broadway) Street. He moved to progressively larger establishments, offering a wider variety of goods, until he opened this department store at 950 Broadway in 1903. Photo torn at corners and sides. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;
ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store- dry goods storeroom, circa 1904. It is unknown whether this stockroom was actually located at the Rhodes Brothers Department Store or a nearby location. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;
Interior of Rhodes. Christmas time at Rhodes Bros. Department Store meant plenty of festive decorations including trees and fresh garlands to provide a merry atmosphere for its customers. View of interior featuring ladies' fine sweaters, cosmetics and assorted leather handbags taken on December 22, 1958. There was still time for the last-minute shopper to choose from a wide array of gift items. Photograph ordered by Rhodes Bros. Department Store.
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Christmas decorations;
ca. 1938. Rhodes Department Store window display. Two adult and four child mannequins dressed in white rain coats. Signs read, "Wear White Rain Coats For Safety" and " White May Save Your Child's Life!" White raincoats were recommended by the Traffic Authority to help pedestrians shine through the gloom.
Window displays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Mannequins; Clothing stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1930-1940; Raincoats;
ca. 1925. Window display at Rhodes Department Store for Weaver Studios. Living room "set" with fireplace, mannequins, motion picture cameras and studio lights. The H.C. Weaver Productions, Inc. Studio produced motion pictures in Tacoma during this period. In 1925, Weaver filmed "Hearts and Fists" in and around Tacoma. The film was set in the lumber camps.
Motion picture studios--Tacoma; Window displays--Tacoma--1920-1930; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Mannequins; H.C. Weaver Productions, Inc. (Tacoma);
On December 26, 1942, young patriot John Flood perched on a table in the Rhodes Brothers Victory window and purchased enough war stamps to fill out his book and turn it in for a war bond. The department store's windows were devoted to the sale of war bonds and stamps and a huge sign called attention to the "Victory Window" as a center for sales. It was staffed by members of the Tacoma Council of Parent-Teacher Associations from 11-4 each day. Pictured left to right are Mrs. Edward T. Bowman, Mrs. Mary Gehri, Mrs. A. M. Ray, young Master Flood and Mrs. William H. Flood. (TNT 12/28/1942, pg. 8)
Department stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Flood, John; War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma;
Four Stewart Junior High School students "published" the school newspaper "The Evening Star" in a display window of Rhodes Department Store on November 10, 1939 during National Education Week. Mayor J.J. Kaufman watched as (l to r) Clair Cook, Elmore Brolin, Helen Cox and Joan Weber used a mimeograph machine to copy off the pages of the student written paper. Ordinarily, "The Evening Star" was published on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year. The papers staff was composed of 8th and 9th graders who circulated 1,300 copies free to the student body. The newspaper was first published in 1925. (T. Times, 11-10-39, p. 18) ALBUM 11. TPL-5120.
Rhodes toys and game room along with many other departments had recently been remodeled and modernized. The room featured modern fixtures in a renovated spacious room. View of toys and game room. A wide selection of model airplanes, dolls, doll furniture, games, sailboats and many other toys are displayed (T. Times, 5/16/46, p. 10).
Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Toys; Board games--Tacoma; Department stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);
An unidentified boy read one of the "Mary Poppins" books to (l to r) Clark Rowland, Virginia Alvord and Penny Long in April of 1947. The book was one in a collection of titles by P.L. Travers on display in the book department of the Rhodes Brothers Department Store at 950 Broadway. The Junior League of Tacoma was sponsoring a childrens theater production based on the "Mary Poppins" books to be performed by the "Seattle Repetoiry Players" at the Temple Theater on May 17th. (T.Times 5/10/1947 p.12) TPL-9065
Rhodes Bros. department store was featuring "Harriet Hubbard Ayer" cosmetics on the first floor in March of 1945. Here a saleswoman offers a sample to a smiling customer. She may also be in the market for the "True Red" lipstick by "Harriet Hubbard Ayer" which sold for $1.00 or rouge for an additional 65 cents. Both could be worn with the season's bright prints or soft pastels. Harriet Hubbard Ayer was one of America's earliest cosmetic entrepreneurs who made a fortune manufacturing and selling facial creams. She later lost control of her company and became a writer of beauty columns. Her signature was trademarked in 1907 and cosmetics continue to be created under her distinctive name by Ayer Cosmetics International.
Cosmetics; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma)--Employees; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Rhodes Department Store window display #4, Sun Rose Slack Suits. A backdrop is made from a grass mat with a painting of a dragon on it and a woven mat is also used as a carpet.
Window displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Mannequins; Clothing stores--Tacoma; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Children and adults are lined up at Milwaukee Road ticket booth set up in the Rhodes Bros. Department Store in order that the youngsters can catch a ride on the miniature train, the "Hiawatha", which would travel through part of the store. A blackboard indicates that the next scheduled train would depart at 10:00 am at the Hiawatha Ville station. TPL-2475
Miniature railroads--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Queues--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Ticket offices--Tacoma;
Rhodes window "Lilli Ann" suits. Rhodes Bros. has been in business in Tacoma since 1892. They were located in the Tacoma business district among other fine stores. View of display window number nine at Rhodes featuring part of the fall collection by top California designer, "Lilli Ann".
Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Window displays; Mannequins; Fashion designers; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);
New neon sign lights up the night over the entrance to Rhodes, Tacoma's largest department store at 11th and Broadway. Rhodes was founded in 1892 by Henry A. Rhodes as a tea and coffee shop. The small shop operated in various downtown locations until it opened at its Broadway location in 1903 as a grand department store, on the model of Wanamaker's or Marshall Fields. The store continued to expand until 1925 when Henry Rhodes retired and the family business was sold. The store eventually became part of the Western Department store chain, until it closed in 1974.
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Rhodes Brothers Department Store offered Tacoma one of the largest and most complete shopping selections available. Rhodes had remodeled and enlarged many of their departments over the past few years. View of building and remodeling progress at Rhodes Brothers Department Store during December of 1948 where laborers are applying glue and sealant to the plywood panels.
Building construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Remodeling--Tacoma--1940-1950; Plywood; Construction workers--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);
Rhodes Brothers Department stores had been remodeling and modernizing their facilities for many years, since World War II had ended. Rhodes was one of the nicest stores in Tacoma, located on Broadway in the downtown district. View of building and remodeling progress on Rhodes Brothers Department Store, laborers are applying plywood panels to ceiling of building; photo ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.
Building construction--Tacoma; Department stores--Tacoma; Plywood; Construction workers--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);
A day shopping at the downtown Tacoma Rhodes Department Store in October of 1956 was not necessarily just a quick shopping junket; it could be an elegant all-day affair including a luxurious shampoo and style at the pictured beauty salon and lunch at the store's cafe. The store at 950 Broadway was elegantly appointed and intended to provide a full shopping experience with a beauty shop, restaurant and full selection of goods and services. The store's new Beauty Salon was located on the 6th floor and offered skin care, hair styling and tinting and nail care. It was open until 9 p.m. on Monday through Friday. For this publicity photograph, the stylists posed beside their stations. The men wore coats and ties and the women dresses with corsages. The Rhodes store opened in 1903 and closed in 1974, a victim of the desertion of downtown for suburban shopping. The most forward stylist on the left is believed to be Paul Faust and behind him, Bernard Natucci. The front two stylists on the right are believed to be Lee Amundson and Lorraine Hudson. (TNT 11/11/1956, pg D-11- see ad for individual stylists' pictures) (Additional identification provided by a reader)
Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Beauty shops--Tacoma--1950-1960;
ca. 1904. This is the exterior of the Rhodes Brothers store at 950 C Street (now Broadway) as it looked from its Grand Opening in November of 1903 until its first remodel in 1907. Rhodes was founded by Henry A. Rhodes in 1892 in a small storefront at 932 C St. Through the years, the tea and coffee shop moved into progressively larger quarters and added glassware, crockery, stationery, books and dry goods to its wares. Henry Rhodes was joined in business by his brothers Will and Albert. In the early 1900's, Henry Rhodes proposed building a grand mercantile establishment on the order of Marshall Fields or Wanamakers. A lease was signed for a new, three story building at 11th and C (Broadway) Sts with Russell & Heath as architects. The new emporium, pictured, had its formal opening November 5-7, 1903, which attracted thousands of admiring visitors. At that time Rhodes Brothers employed 100 clerks and four delivery wagons. (Photo donated by the Rhodes Reunion Comm.) (TDL 11/8/1903, p.17; "A History of Pierce County Washington", Vol. 3, pg 73-77)
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1900-1910;
ca. 1917. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1917; Window display of luggage and travel. Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened their grand establishment at 950 Broadway in 1903. Its windows offered a glimpse of the interests and fashions of the time period. Around 1920, there was a sharp increase in tourism nationally. Travelers began to switch from more leisurely horse powered trips to travel by automobile, train and later planes. This Rhodes window display from 1917 displayed the "correct" luggage and accessories for travelers, including one "must have" that is no longer popular- the travelers' trunk. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Department stores--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);
Main floor at Rhodes Brothers Store, Christmas season 1937. The main floor at Rhodes was festive with holiday decorations and crowded with boxed holiday gifts. Signs point out suggested gifts- stationery, hose, wool gloves, gowns and games- all boxed and ready to give. A counter in the back was devoted to wrapping and gift slips. A large sign directs children, and their parents, to the special elevator "direct to Toyland" on the fifth floor. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Department stores--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);
ca. 1903. Rhodes Brothers horse drawn delivery wagon, circa 1903. When the Rhodes Brothers store opened in 1903, they employed four horse drawn delivery wagons. The name of the store was printed boldly on the side, and the wagons were kept busy delivering throughout the area. By 1912, the horses were retired and replaced by automobiles. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Department stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);
ca. 1914. Rhodes Brothers delivery department employees, circa 1914. The men pose on and around one of the store's delivery automobiles. In 1912, Rhodes Brothers retired their horse and wagons and replaced them with gasoline powered automobiles. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Department stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);
