September, 1971, view of the 2700 block of South Tacoma Way. At the corner is the Oxygen Sales & Service Co., distributor of Union Carbide welding products and Linde gases. Propane was also for sale. Next door to Oxygen Sales & Service was the Steven Motor Co., a Chrysler-Plymouth dealership. According to their full page ad in the 1971 City Directory, Steven Motor Co. had 50 continuous years in the automobile business in Tacoma. They had been at the South Tacoma Way location since 1959; prior to that, they had been based in downtown Tacoma on Broadway for many years. Everett T. Steven was president of the firm with Pete Lisicich as manager and Norm Gordon as used car fleet and lease manager. Photograph ordered by Steven Motor Co.
Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1970-1980; Oxygen Sales & Service Co. (Tacoma);
Awaiting construction of their new district office building is the staff of Allstate Insurance Company. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on August 31, 1971, at the south end location adjacent to the Tacoma Mall. Costs for the new building were expected to run $200,000. The 9,450-foot one-story structure, faced with Marblecrete, a quartzite white gold aggregate, would be built on the southwest corner of Ferry and South 48th St. Once completed, Allstate's staff would move from 622 Tacoma Avenue South where their office had been since 1956. Allstate's district office served nine southwest Washington counties. (TNT 8-22-71, B-8; TNT 9-1-71, A-7 article)
Groundbreaking ceremonies for Allstate Insurance Company's new district office near the Tacoma Mall were held on the morning of August 31, 1971. Three Allstate employees in hard hats man the shovels in front of piles of dirt. A large drawing of the anticipated building is on display. The new $200,000 office building would be erected on the southwest corner of Ferry and South 48th St. The one-story structure would be built of reinforced concrete by the Jack A. Benaroya Co. of Seattle. In addition to underground parking for 18 cars, an outdoor lot with 42 spots would be provided. Once completed, staff would relocate from Allstate's present office at 622 Tacoma Avenue South. (TNT 8-22-71, B-8 - article; TNT 9-1-71, A-7 article)
Body Shop at Peoples. August, 1971, view of colorful "Body Shop" display on the second floor of the Peoples department store. These were eye-catching long sleeved body suits in a variety of vibrant colors including a purple one-piece outfit on a green chrome stand. Color photograph ordered by Peoples.
Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Clothing & dress--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);
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.
Bank of Washington Plaza. Towering over its neighbors is the new Bank of Washington Plaza on 12th & Pacific in downtown Tacoma. The National Bank of Washington and Pacific National Bank had merged effective August 16, 1970. The bank's new name was the Pacific National Bank of Washington with headquarters in Seattle. The Tacoma headquarters would remain in the 24-story plaza tower shown above. Goodwin Chase, former Chrm. of the Board of (National) Bank of Washington, became the president of the consolidated bank. The highest tenant level of the Bank of Washington Plaza tower was actually the 22nd floor with air conditioning units and other service facilities on levels above. View of the Bank of Washington Plaza taken on February 23, 1971. Occupants peering through the nearly 2000 solar bronze windows would have sweeping views of Mount Rainier and the Tacoma landscape. Photograph ordered by Lennen & Newell-Pacific. (TNT 5-17-70, p. 1- article; TNT 8-17-70, p. 30 -article)
National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
Modern barber shop in the Bank of Washington Plaza. Portraits of four presidents overlook the customers of this modern barber shop in February of 1971. Walls are painted with bold stripes and checkered linoleum is found in the shop's work areas. A man reads a newspaper while he is waiting for his hair to be cut. Photograph ordered by Lennen & Newell-Pacific.
National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Barbershops--Tacoma; Barbers--Tacoma;
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;
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)
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;
Bank of Washington Plaza. Diners are pictured leaving the new O'Brien's restaurant located below street level in the Bank of Washington Plaza complex on February 23, 1971. People could use the large curving staircase to journey from the tower building to the restaurant and shops located beneath. A large circular fountain added to the peaceful view. Photograph ordered by Lennen & Newell-Pacific.
National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Fountains--Tacoma; Stairways--Tacoma--1970-1980; O'Brien's Restaurant (Tacoma);
Circular fountain at the Bank of Washington Plaza. Diners at the new O'Brien's restaurant have a lovely view of the large fountain and courtyard outside their floor-to-ceiling windows. A spiral staircase leads from the street level down to the fountain and restaurant. The fountain is illuminated at night. Photograph ordered by Lennen & Newell-Pacific. (TNT 11-1-70-, A-16 - Emily Walker column)
National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Fountains--Tacoma; O'Brien's Restaurant (Tacoma);
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.
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)
ca. 1970. Southcenter Theatre. The single screen auditorium had 1,228 seats. Due to the giant 88 x 32-foot high curved screen, patrons would have had good views from any seat in the house. The screen was flanked by floor length curtains. The Southcenter Theatre opened in April of 1970 and went dark in August of 2001. The first film shown was Alfred Hitchcock's "Topaz," and the last, "Moulin Rouge." Photograph ordered by Southcenter Theatre, Tukwila. (ww.cinematour.com)
ca. 1970. Southcenter Theatre--lobby. The circular snack bar stands empty of customers in this 1970 color photograph of the new Southcenter Theatre in Tukwila. Its burnished wood tones and colored display screen of fiery gold and muted blues complement the gold-and-brown mixed pattern carpet. There was an abundance of soft recessed lighting. The theater celebrated its opening night on April 1, 1970, with Alfred Hitchcock's "Topaz" as the feature presentation. Color photograph ordered by Southcenter Theatre.
ca. 1970. Southcenter Theatre. "Ben Hur" was the feature presentation at the Southcenter Theatre in Tukwila during part of the summer of 1970. The theater had just opened in April of that year with a special guest appearance by actor John Forsythe promoting his film, "Topaz." Patrons enjoyed the free parking supplied by the theater as well as the building's modern facilities. Southcenter Theatre was a single-screen movie house and run by United Theaters.
ca. 1970. Southcenter Theatre. Elevated view from the screen's prospective of auditorium in the new Southcenter Theatre in 1970. Most of the 1,228 red plush seats are visible above. The rows of chairs were marked and spaced widely enough for patrons to pass through without inconveniencing those already seated. Elegant floor-length curtains are visible on all sides of the auditorium. Color photograph ordered by Southcenter Theatre.
ca. 1970. Southcenter Theatre. The newly opened Southcenter Theatre in Tukwila invited the public to view "Ben Hur" in its ultra-modern facilities in 1970. The film had been released in 1959 and won a (then) record-setting 11 Academy Awards. Because Southcenter Theatre was reportedly the last 70-mm Cinerama-capable theater built in North America, moviegoers could watch the thrilling chariot race on the 88 x 32-foot curved screen without missing the panoramic shots or outstanding audio. Photograph ordered by Southcenter Theatre. (www.cinematour.com; en.wikipedia.org) TPL-6197
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. Pacific National Bank of Washington wished its customers, and all of Tacoma, happy holiday greetings from its recently completed Bank of Washington Plaza, 1201-23 Pacific Ave., in December of 1970. Sparkling red bulbs in the windows of two of the upper floors spelled out "Merry Christmas." Tacoma's National Bank of Washington and Seattle's Pacific National Bank had merged effective August 16, 1970, to create the Pacific National Bank of Washington with headquarters in Seattle. The Bank of Washington Plaza in downtown Tacoma would become the Tacoma headquarters. With assets over 700 million dollars, the new merged bank would have over 1800 employees and 60 branches. The Pacific National Bank of Washington would formally open its doors in Tacoma on Monday, December 14, 1970. (TNT 8-17-70, p. 30 - article; TNT 12-9-70 - article) Color photograph ordered by the public relations department, Pacific National Bank of Washington.
National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Electric signs--Tacoma--1970-1980;
Shoe department - Peoples. In 1970, ladies shoes and handbags were displayed at Peoples not in racks cluttering the floor but on shelves in recessed walls and in open cabinets. One tree rack of leather boots was located near a mirrored column. A few comfortable modern chairs were set back-to-back with foot stools. This left an impression of spaciousness and elegance. The women's shoe department was located on the first floor; this photograph was part of a full page advertisement in the November 4, 1970, News Tribune. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT 11-4-70, D-12)
Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Shoes;
Ladies wear at Peoples. This section featuring fashionable ladies wear is believed to have been taken at Peoples downtown store in October of 1970. Both pant suits and one-piece jumpers appear to be popular items. Peoples had three locations in the local area including one in Lakewood and another in Lacey. By 1970, the store advertised Sunday shopping hours, possibly to compete with the Tacoma Mall. This photograph was part of a full page ad in the News Tribune on November 4, 1970. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT ad 11-4-70, D-12
Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1970-1980;
Sportswear department - Peoples. A large section of fashionable sportswear awaits customers of the Peoples department store in October of 1970. Racks are packed with women's clothing, including both bold prints and plain solids. Peoples had recently completely remodeled their second floor and invited customers to come take a look at the variety of women's stylish fashions. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT 11-4-70, D-12)
Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1970-1980;
Foundations department - Peoples. The women's foundations section at Peoples in October of 1970 displayed a wide variety of undergarments including slips, bras, panties and nightgowns. A small sign advised customers to "Stretch on - Shape up!" Peoples had recently remodeled their second floor featuring women's clothing and accessories; this photograph was part of a full page ad in the News Tribune's November 4th issue. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT 11-4-70, D-12)
Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Underwear; Signs (Notices);
On October 13, 1970 a photographer from the Richards Studio leaned out of an unfinished window of the Bank of Washington building at 1201-23 Pacific Avenue and captured this abstract image of the plaza below. The spiral at top center is the unfinished staircase that when completed would lead to the fountain, restaurant and shops that were planned for the lower level of the plaza. The small circles that surround half of the spiral were designated to hold trees. On the lower edge, two men are working on a scaffold suspended from the side of the building. The plaza became Wells Fargo Plaza in 1997. (Photograph ordered by Labor Advocate Publishing Co.) TPL-9547
National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Fountains--Tacoma; Stairways--Tacoma--1970-1980;
Wig department - Peoples. In 1970 women were still sporting wigs and Peoples department store had a special wig boutique with many styles on display. A wig specialist helps a customer adjust a bouffant model while gazing in the large mirror. Shorter, curlier wigs in a variety of colors seem to be the trendy look. This photograph was part of a full page ad in the News Tribune's November 4, 1970, edition. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT ad 11-4-70, D-12)
Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Wigs;
Color photograph of the Bon Marche department store, parking lot, and Tire Center in the fall of 1970. At this time of day, the large Tacoma Mall parking lot is fairly empty of cars. There are several automobiles parked, however, close to the Bon Marche Tire Center which was directly across the small shopping center roadway from the main Bon store. The Tire Center offered batteries, shock absorbers, mufflers, brakes, and wheel alinements. There is still an automotive shop offering the same services 36 years later, however, it is now a Courtesy Tire Service Center featuring Goodyear.
Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Bon Marche Tire Center (Tacoma); Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma;
Woolworth's offered "Golden Fried Chicken" to-go by the bucket, bag or piece in 1970. Located in a corner of the store by the lunch counter, local business people or the casual shopper could satisfy their hunger at reasonable prices. A Woolworth's employee in white uniform poses next to the display of paper buckets and serving stand in this June, 1970, photograph. TPL-6408
