Exterior view of The Old Spaghetti Factory. The Jefferson Avenue building housing The Old Spaghetti Factory once held a cracker plant, the Blake, Moffitt & Towne warehouse and a storage facility before the popular restaurant opened in July of 1971. This exterior view, shot in January of 1973, shows the plain three-story structure with five striped awnings. It was owned by Ed & Edna Groman and Guss Dussin. Color photograph ordered by The Old Spaghetti Factory.
The Old Spaghetti Factory (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Facades--Tacoma--1970-1980; Awnings--Tacoma;
Bar area of The Old Spaghetti Factory. Turn-of-the-century memorabilia was found in abundance within The Old Spaghetti Factory, located in the 1700 block of Jefferson Ave. The restaurant itself was located in a 1904-vintage building, former home to the Tacoma Biscuit & Candy Co. and the Blake, Moffitt, & Towne warehouse. Included among various antiques was the 24-foot oak bar and backbar from the Savoy Hotel, then 75 years old. in addition, booths and benches were made from old bed stands. The Old Spaghetti Factory, opened on July 19, 1971, had a floor space of 10,000 square feet and could seat 200 diners. Color photograph ordered by The Old Spaghetti Factory. (TNT 7-18-71, B-7 - article on opening of restaurant) TPL-6394
The Old Spaghetti Factory (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma;
Bar area of The Old Spaghetti Factory. Turn-of-the-century memorabilia was found in abundance within The Old Spaghetti Factory, located in the 1700 block of Jefferson Ave. The restaurant itself was located in a 1904-vintage building, former home to the Tacoma Biscuit & Candy Co. and the Blake, Moffitt, & Towne warehouse. Included among various antiques was the 24-foot oak bar and backbar from the Savoy Hotel, then 75 years old. in addition, booths and benches were made from old bed stands. The Old Spaghetti Factory, opened on July 19, 1971, had a floor space of 10,000 square feet and could seat 200 diners. Color photograph ordered by The Old Spaghetti Factory. (TNT 7-18-71, B-7 - article on opening of restaurant) TPL-6394
The Old Spaghetti Factory (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma;
Interior view of The Old Spaghetti Factory, possibly lobby area. Diners at The Old Spaghetti Factory, 1731-37 Jefferson Ave., could relax on turn-of-the-century styled chairs and couches while waiting to be seated. A quaint white gazebo, pictured above in this January, 1973, photograph, appears to have contained a bar, with casks of beer. Color photograph ordered by The Old Spaghetti Factory.
The Old Spaghetti Factory (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Street railroads--Tacoma;
Staff of Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House. In 1972, Crystal Corbin (far left) and Susan Pettit (far right) were hostesses at the new restaurant with the long name - Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House - located on Ruston Way. Beth Pritchard (third from right) was one of the waitresses. Employees of Clinkerdagger's wore outfits reminiscent of pub fashions worn in London of the 1800's. Many of the young ladies shown above in April of 1972, shortly after the restaurant's opening, were students at the University of Puget Sound. Photograph ordered by Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House.
Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Waitresses--Tacoma--1970-1980;
View of lobby with "antique" furnishings, large brick fireplace. The young serving staff of Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House, 3327 Ruston Way, relax in the restaurant's lobby on April 5, 1972. Many, if not all, of the waitresses and hostesses were selected from the campus of the University of Puget Sound. Crystal Corbin and Susan Pettit (both standing extreme left) share smiles with their co-workers; the wait staff wore ruffled skirts and blouses, white stockings, and caps resembling the clothing of 19th century London pub employees. Even the men employed at the newly opened establishment sported white hose, buckled shoes and ruffled shirts. Photograph ordered by Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House.
Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Waitresses--Tacoma--1970-1980;
Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House located at 3327 Ruston Way opened in March of 1972. The $350,000 "pub" style restaurant was built on pilings over Commencement Bay. Red Baron, Inc., were the owners and operators of the building, designed by Robert Billsbrough Price & Associates. The interior was decorated with heavy wooden tables and sturdy tableware, and the waitresses wore costumes reminiscent of the clothing worn in Elizabethan England. The restaurant has changed hands several times since 1972; in 2006 it became "Duke's Chowder House". (Photograph ordered by Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House.) (TNT 3-12-72, D-11)
Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980;
Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House in city's "Old Town." The "pub" style wood-framed restaurant was scheduled to open in March of 1972. It was designed by Tacoma architects Robert Billsbrough Price & Associates and built by the Rome Co. on pilings over Commencement Bay. The unusual name of the restaurant came from names common in 18th century London. The interior of the restaurant would be decorated with heavy wooden tables and sturdy tableware and employees would be dressed in the fashions of England past. The restaurant changed hands several times; in 2006, it is now called "Duke's Chowder House." Photograph ordered by Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House. (TNT 3-12-72, D-11)
Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980;
Staples at Steve's Gay '90s restaurant, 54th & South Tacoma Way, were his talented staff who entertained diners on weekends in the Gay '90s Revue, providing fun for the entire family. Gathered around the newly restored Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ in October of 1971 were believed to be Dorothy Jean, "gay '90s queen;" Mr. Banjo, Ray Johnston; Bob Shonack & his Cable Car Conductors; and Steve's trio of can-can dancers. Diners were invited to enjoy the clean entertainment while devouring Steve's " mile long smorgasbord" for $3.80. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT ad 9-3-71, p. 8; TNT ad 11-5-71, p. 11) TPL-6700
An unidentified couple is shown entering O'Brien's in April of 1971. The restaurant, located on the fountain level of the new Bank of Washington Plaza, opened on February 1, 1971. It was built in a semi-circle around the plaza's fountain and accessible by the curving staircase shown above and also through the bank tower. Photograph ordered by Ballard & Cannon, Inc.
The chef at O'Brien's Restaurant prepares to slice a large, luscious roast for several admiring guests on January 29, 1971. Owner Jim O'Brien, a former bailbondsman, had hosted a special sneak preview that evening. The restaurant would open officially in a few days; it was located in the Bank of Washington Plaza, at the foot of the curving staircase. Photograph ordered by O'Brien's Restaurant. (TNT 1-28-71, A-2 - "Faces & Places" column- article)
O'Brien's Restaurant, operated by Jim O'Brien, opened in early 1971 in the Bank of Washington Plaza complex at 1201-23 Pacific Avenue. Six of the restaurant's waitresses dressed in shimmering outfits and glossy shoes posed for a group portrait on January 29, 1971. At far left with her long hair pinned up is Carol Clark (now Yokes). The lady fourth from the right is Edreane Anderson, and the lady second from the right is her sister, Brynda Frazier, both graduates from Lincoln High School. According to a reader, owner Jim O'Brien had scouts out searching for the perfect women for his new restaurant. These six women were handpicked by him out of 200 applicants. Miss Clark had been waitressing at the Top of the Ocean when discovered. O'Brien's Restaurant was located below street level, accessible by a curving staircase and illuminated by the glow of a large fountain. Photograph ordered by O'Brien's Restaurant. Additional info provided by Ms. Frazier's daughter.
O'Brien's Restaurant. O'Brien's Restaurant is crowded on February 23, 1971, as people enjoy fine dining in the oak-paneled and red brocade room . The ceiling is covered with small light bulbs, creating an image of a star-filled sky. In addition, the restaurant was illuminated at night from the glow of the courtyard and fountain directly outside. O'Brien's was located below street level in the Bank of Washington Plaza complex. There was room for 125 diners and the adjacent bar held 92 customers. Dave Porter, singer-guitarist, was appearing in the restaurant's lounge at this time. Photograph ordered by Lennen & Newell-Pacific. (TNT 11-1-70, A-16 - Emily Walker's column)
Two can-can dancers appearing at Steve's Gay '90s pose for a hoe-down on June 2, 1970. These barefoot young ladies have their knees held very high, showing the edges of their polka-dotted pantaloons. Steve's had celebrated its 20th anniversary in October of 1969. The South Tacoma eatery was well known for its nourishing yet inexpensive menu and wholesome family entertainment. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.
Can-can girls at Steve's Gay '90s. A staple at the South Tacoma restaurant, Steve's Gay '90s, was the trio of can-can dancers in full costume. Joining the newest members on June 2, 1970, was Hazel Gjerde (r) who had danced at Steve's for 14 years before retirement. This picture was used in the News Tribune large ad on June 18th to advertise Steve's 3-day celebration entitled "Good Ol' Days." The Gay 90s Revue would feature 25 entertainers, free noisemakers and free hats. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. TPL-8254 (TNT ad 6-18-70, C-17)
ca. 1943. End cup of coffee rationing. A smiling waitress happily holds a trayful of coffee mugs as her co-worker begins to fill them for waiting customers in this circa 1943 photograph. WWll saw many shortages for common items as Americans learned to be patient and abide by federal rationing regulations. (T. Times).
Two can-can dancers on stage at Steve's Gay '90s. Dressed in plumes, fishnet stockings, and ruffled costumes, the dancers were part of Steve's famous floor shows which provided family-oriented entertainment for its diners. Pamella Conner and Vickie Conner were part of a new trio of dancers who replaced the dancing Mernaugh sisters, Connie (Moisio) and Callie (Matthews) and Hazel Gjerde. The Mernaughs had been performing at Steve's for 14 years. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 11-9-67, D-11, TNT 12-22-67, p. 20)
Two entertainers at Steve's Gay '90s; photograph taken on December 8, 1967. Both are dressed in the fashions of bygone days. The woman seated at the piano was identified as "LuluBelle" in a News Tribune ad later on February 19, 1968; she carries a paper fan. LuluBelle was proclaimed being "back in town," and entertaining each Saturday evening at the Old Piano Table. The man is believed to be Jack Richardson, "King of the MCs." Steve's Gay '90s was a very popular restaurant in South Tacoma that offered family-styled entertainment. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.
The three new can-can dancers at Steve's Gay '90s (l to r) Vickie Conner, Kathy Tamburelle and Pamella Conner posed while on stage in December, 1967. They were photographed while performing a special Christmas holiday stage show which was presented on weekends.The dancers had a variety of costumes but all featured tall plumes, ruffles and fishnet stockings. The new dancers replaced the can-can trio of Connie Moisio, Callie Mathews and Hazel Gjerde, who retired in November, 1967, after 14 years at Steve's. Steve's Gay '90s was a longtime South Tacoma fixture that offered reasonably priced cuisine along with entertainment harking back to the America of the 1890's. (Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.) (TNT 11-9-67, D-11, TNT 12-22-67, p. 20) TPL-9874
ca. 1967. Doughnut Shop at Fort Lewis. Fort Lewis was, in essence, a miniature city. The Army military base provided its soldiers and their families with goods and services that could normally be found off-base. Here in 1967 soldiers could enjoy doughnuts at the Doughnut Shop pictured above or "take 'em home." Color photograph ordered by Puget Sound Area Support Center, Fort Lewis.
The cast of "The Drunkard" posed for a variety of shots on February 27, 1967. The 1890's melodrama, directed by Dorothy Jean Heffernan, was held at Steve's Gay '90s, 5238-40 South Tacoma Way, in March and April of 1967. Kathie McCulloch, as Mary Wilson, is pictured above with her hands aloft and mouth open in dismay at the appearance of the play's mustached villain, Jack Richardson, who stars as Lawyer Cribbs. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 3-3-67, A-6)
Three can-can dancers in fishnets, ruffles and plumes, entertain at Steve's Gay '90s in May, 1966. They included Connie and Callie Mernaugh. Steve's, a South Tacoma fixture for decades, offered good food and entertainment at very reasonable prices. Floor shows, including the above dancers and rollicking piano tunes, were suitable for the entire family. Steve's would be marking its 17th anniversary with a new show, "World of Burlesque" with performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 6-16-66, D-11)
The cooks and waitresses of the Husk Cafe at 1211 Pacific Avenue posed at 3:30 pm on January 25, 1943 following the lunch hour rush. They are standing behind the lunch counter with its miniature juke box selectors. Mrs. C. Isabelle Hardwick and Thomas C. Hardwick opened the Husk in 1934. According to a posted sign under the clock, customers could not get counter service unless they were prepared to spend at least 10 cents. For 20 cents, you could get a bowl of hot chili or some pie and ice cream to go with your coffee. The Husk Cafe closed in the late 1950s.
Six uniformed waitresses pose with a woman in a dark dress at the Husk Cafe, 1211 Pacific Ave., in January of 1943. The women wear little caps, almost like a small nurses cap, pinned in their hair.
Reopening of Central Cafe, for Nick A. (Vic) Zvolis. The "Sagebrush Racketeers," two men and two women in Western outfits, with a guitar and a bass, on stage. "Kitty" box for tips at right.
Central Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Reopening of the Central Cafe, for Nick A. "Vic" Zvolis. Mr. Zvolis, the owner, is standing behind the counter on the right. To the left of Mr. Zvolis are four women and one other man, probably employees. Mr. Zvolis was widely known in wrestling circles as a former performer and a referee.
Central Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Zvolis, Nick;
Reopening of the Central Cafe, for Nick A. "Vic" Zvolis. Mr. Zvolis, the owner, is standing behind the counter on the right in this October 24, 1942, photograph. To the left of Mr. Zvolis are four women and two other men, probably employees. Mr. Zvolis was widely known in wrestling circles as a former competitor and a referee.
Central Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Zvolis, Nick;
Interior of Bar-B-Q Inn at Tillicum. Made for Pabst salesman. Three men, one is a soldier or marine, sitting on bar stools. Woman behind bar. Bottles of Pabst beer displayed.
Bar-B-Q Inn (Lakewood); Beer--Eating & drinking; Diners (Restaurants)--Lakewood;
At 10 till 1 on a hot day in July of 1942, it's time for a cold refreshing Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. Two business men and a soldier wait their turn to be served by the waitress at the Bar-B-Q Inn, Lakewood. Bottles of Pabst beer are on the counter, but the cooler behind also contains Rainier and Canadian Club. Pabst under a variety of owners has been brewing beer since 1840. Photograph ordered by Pabst.
Bar-B-Q Inn (Lakewood); Beer--Eating & drinking; Diners (Restaurants)--Lakewood;
