This one story rambler with its attached one car garage was built by Miller Construction in Skyline Terrace. The 1500 home project, designed by Ed Miller, featured homes of many designs and price ranges. This home was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Tom McGraw. A community recreation center was being planned by Miller for the addition. It would have 2 pools, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a picnic area and a large clubhouse. A family membership would be included with the home purchase.
This one story home has a view of the mountains through its one car carport. It is located in scenic Skyline Terrace. Skyline Terrace was designed by developer Ed Miller and was noted for its views. This home is made of brick, cedar and siding. The home had already been sold to its first owner Claude Harris.
This modest one story home with its one car garage was built in Skyline Terrace by Miller Construction. The development by Ed Miller was 1500 homes, of varying designs and prices. The development was located in the growing Westgate area, around the path that the future 16 freeway would take to the Narrows bridge.
Exterior shot of the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso," taken at night with flaring gas torches for light. The 1959 home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. It was located in Glenwood Acres in Lakewood. This shot is taken from the patio area, with its privacy fence, looking into the glass walled living room area. The home was a "whole site" development, where the entire site was incorporated into the home. The patio area is extensively landscaped. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 30)
Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);
The exterior of the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso." The 1959 Glenwood Acres home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. The fenced patio lies to the left of the two car carport. Another fenced outdoor living space is in the back of the home. These areas are fenced with an opaque material for privacy. The use of the outdoors as additional living space for this small home won it national awards. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 30)
Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);
Interior of the living room of the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso." The 1959 Glenwood Acres home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. The home was decorated for the Home Show by his wife and fellow architect Joan Price. The furniture is the square, spare, utilitarian style of the fifties. The glassed wall and door at the rear of the living room leads to the outdoor living space, screened for privacy. The house features an open floorplan where one room flows into another & then continues on to the outdoor living spaces. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 30)
Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Living rooms--Lakewood--1950-1960;
Interior shot of the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso." The 1959 home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. It was located in Glenwood Acres. The home was decorated by Price's wife and fellow architect Joan Price. The home was noted for its open floor plan and integration of the outdoors as a living space. In this picture, the centrally located kitchen flows into the dining area and out the glass doors to the outdoor patio. A white privacy plastic screen-fence protects the homeowners from curious eyes. The home later won national awards for its use of space and the outdoors. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 30)
Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);
The exterior of the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso." The 1959 Glenwood Acres home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. A firm believer in the theory that good fences make good neighbors, Price has carried this one step further with glassed walls that look out onto patios, fenced with transluscent multi-colored plastic screens as high as the roofline for privacy. The home has two fenced areas, one off the kitchen-dining area for outside dining and one off the living room area. The home later won national awards for its use of space and privacy. It also has numerous skylights allowing for the introduction of natural lighting. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 30)
Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);
The identifying sign for the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso." The unveiling of the model home was an integral part of the Tacoma Master Builders Association's Home Show. The 1959 home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. It was located near the community pool in Glenwood Acres. A fine example of contemporary architecture, the home had won a design citation by Progressive Architecture magazine, from a field of 600. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 27+)
Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);
The kitchen of the 1959 Home Show model home, "The Calypso." The 1959 Glenwood Acres home was designed by Robert Billsbrough Price and built by Stromberg Construction. The centrally located kitchen has an open floor plan and a free-standing island with a built in gas range top and rotisserie grill. The draft vent for the range has a clock on the outside. A double oven is to the left of the refrigerator. A wide expanse of glass looks out onto the privacy fenced patio. Pegboard makes up some of the walls, blending into the family room with its built-in television. The kitchen could conveniently serve the dining room, family room and outside dining court. (TNT 3/16/1959, pg. 30)
Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Kitchens--Lakewood--1950-1960;
Two children play outside on the swingset behind this view home designed by Miller Construction and located in Panorama Park. Large windows cover the rear of the home to take in the inspiring view of the Narrows Bridge. The home appears to be a split level, the address is unknown.
ca. 1959. One story rambler designed and built by Oscar Hokold. The home has an attached two car garage with living space above it. This home was being used as the display home for Hokold's new addition in the Wapato Lake area. These homes were priced from $23,500- $33,000 and featured built in appliances, a family room with fireplace and large lots. Hokold had sold over 100 new homes in the Wapato Lake area and had plans to built over 100 more at the north end of the lake and 300 at the south end of the lake, to be sold at a variety of prices. Hokold at this time actually resided in this house with his wife Olivann and children Harry (18), Jean (16) and Jack (14). At 44 years of age, Hokold had been in construction since 1939; he formed Hokold Construction in 1947. He was a Tacoma native, born in the southend and a graduate of Lincoln High School. He developed large sections of Tacoma in the fifties and even operated his own millwork and cabinet firm, Viking Millwork. He later developed the Northwest King Oscar chain of motels. (TNT 6/7/1959, pg. B-12)
The new home of Karl and Ruth Johnson at 11309 Loma Place in Rhododendron Lanes. The rambler has a cottage style peaked roof and cross hatched window panes. It features a wide driveway and a two car garage. Picture ordered by Cole & Weber, Bob Harrison.
The Ansonia Apartments, ordered by Ward Smith Inc. TPL-4577. This beautiful example of German- English Renaissance architecture was built in 1914 at an original cost of $135,000. The apartments were designed by the architecture firm of Heath & Gove. Designed as city dwellings for the elite, the building even featured burglar-proof vaults for their jewels and treasures. In 1939, the building was purchased by the Rhodes Investment Company. It became famous for its lush roof top garden. The building has an arched canopy that reaches into Tacoma Ave. No. to shield residents from the elements as they alight from their carriages, and later vehicles. It has several balconies.
Harbor Terrace Apartments, ordered by Ward Smith Inc. These modern apartments were built in 1951 with lots of floor to ceiling glass and balconies to take in the water view. The apartments are terraced so that no apartment blocks the view of the one behind it.
The former Yorktheimer residence, 27 Broadway, taken from Stadium Way; the rear entrance to the home. The ornate home was built in 1887 in the florid style of the eighties. The home was occupied by the Cardin and Chambers families. In 1910, it served as the home of the Gatlin Institute and its alcoholism cure. The home was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Yorktheimer in 1918. The family, consisting of the mother, father and four daughters, moved in on Armistice Day. The 16 room house had an elaborate interior with a massive staircase of hardwood, huge paneled wooden doors and intricately carved wooden lacework. One of the daughters, Miss Blanche Yorktheimer, still resided in the house until 1959. The home was bought by a trio of investors and demolished in 1959 to make way for the 12 story, 108 unit apartment building, Belmont Terrace. (TNT 8/30/1959, pg. 1) TPL-9850
A trio of Broadway buildings, taken from the year entrances on Stadium Way. On the left is the Broadway Apartments at 21 Broadway. The Broadway apartments were built in 1928 based on a Gothic design by architect Stanley Shaw. They were trimmed in Wilkeson sandstone. According to the 1958 City Directory, it had 42 apartments. In the center is the former Yorktheimer home. The 16 room mansion was built in 1887 in the ornate style of the excessive eighties. It was purchased in 1918 by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Yorktheimer. In 1958, it was still occupied by one of the daughters, Miss Blanche Yorktheimer, who listed her profession as music teacher. This home was demolished to make room for the 108 unit Belmont Terrace apartment building. To the right is an unnamed 7 unit apartment building which was also demolished.
The Home Construction Co. designed and built this lovely lakefront home. It may have belonged to Martin Gosselin of Steilacoom Point. Expansive windows draw attention to the still waters outside the dock. Heavy drapes were available if the glare of the sun became too fierce or for privacy at night. An enormous stone fireplace would make evenings cozy for the home's residents. The fireplace would provide double-duty, separating the living room from the dining area. A glimpse of the kitchen can be seen in the background. Photograph ordered by Home Construction Co.
Gosselin, Martin D.--Homes & haunts; Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Fireplaces;
Night exposure of contemporary rambler style home belonging to Martin and Barbara Gosselin of Lake Steilacoom Point. The Gosselins owned Marty's Styling Salon on Sixth Avenue. The drapes are left open so that residents can enjoy the evening view from this wood framed house. Rather than walls, an enormous stone fireplace separates the dining room from the living room. At one end of the home is a more casual TV room with comfortable sofas and an additional fireplace. A partially covered patio appears to run the length of the house. The exterior of the home is gray with pale blue trim and roof. This home was designed and constructed by Mark Hoskins Home Construction Co. Photograph ordered by Home Construction Co.
Gosselin, Martin D.--Homes & haunts; Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960;
A feeling of spaciousness prevails in the Martin Gosselin residence at Lake Steilacoom Point with a "Great room" concept. The kitchen appears to be tucked away between the living room and informal room. There do not appear to be many walls separating the defined living spaces. A large glass door leads to the fenced outdoors which may have a covered patio. Because the flooring appears to be a natural tile, it blends in with the outdoor concrete. A clam-shell style chair and bean-shaped laminated table are prominent in the foreground. This three bedroom home was designed and constructed by Mark Hoskins Home Construction Co. Photograph ordered by Home Construction Co.
Gosselin, Martin D.--Homes & haunts; Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960;
The Oxford Apartments were located in Auburn at 717 A St. N.E. The two-story, twenty-unit apartment complex was built in a L-shape with carports for some renters. Auburn was a growing little community with a population of nearly 7,000 in the 1950 Census. By 1960, the population had sprouted to 11,933. Housing would be needed for new residents with new housing developments and apartments springing up to meet the need. Photograph ordered by S & S Builders.
Southdale, a model home in the Auburn area, was photographed on March 13, 1958, from the viewpoint of another new house across the street. The model home was constructed in the contemporary rambler style; it had a one-car garage and small covered porch. Auburn in the 1950's was still a small "bedroom" community with many residents commuting to Seattle and other King County jobs. Lots appear to have been on the large side and housing relatively inexpensive. Photograph ordered by S & S Builders.
Ribbon cutting ceremonies at the "Blue Flame" home in Glenwood Acres were held on May 18, 1958. The planned community in Lakewood was comprised of 60+ houses built by Stromberg Construction. It was the first housing development to feature natural gas for home heating. View of Mrs. America of 1957, Cleo Maletis, cutting the ribbon with a giant pair of scissors; she is assisted by a smiling Dick Stromberg, president of Stromberg Construction. Standing next to Mrs. Maletis is believed to be Gretchen Brockhoff, 1958 Daffodil Queen, and next to Miss Brockhoff, Judith Williams, Miss Tacoma. For additional view of home, see A114469-18. Photograph ordered by Stromberg Construction.
Eric Hayes may have had his residence on the same piece of property as his new nursery in Purdy, a small community near Gig Harbor. The two-story Dutch colonial home had a porch surrounding the second floor; it would have provided a clear view of the woods and garden plots. There were several rectangular plots of land, contained with borders, which would grow specific plants and shrubs. The Eric Hayes Nursery celebrated an open house on March 22, 1958. Located seven minutes from the Narrows Bridge, the nursery carried a wide variety of trees and shrubs, as well as garden equipment and supplies. Photograph ordered by Eric Hayes Nursery. (TNT 3-21-58, A-9)
A wide driveway, flanked by two small street lamps, leads to a charming one-story home in Lakewood's Glenwood Acres neighborhood. A planned community of 60+ homes constructed by Stromberg Construction, Glenwood Acres was the first to feature natural gas for home heating. This home is built low to the ground and appears nestled under the tall trees. The sweeping shake roofline and crossed framed windows gives the house a cottage-like appearance, French Provincial in design. This was the "Blue Flame" home which was open to the public in mid-May, 1958. All appliances and heating used gas. Glenwood Acres was located on 104th St. S.W. near Hipkins Rd. Photograph ordered by Stromberg Construction. (TNT 5-18-58, B-4-B-11)
The "Blue Flame" home was constructed in the Glenwood Acres community by Stromberg Construction. The one-story home was built in a French Provincial design with clean lines and a fairly steep shake roof. Crossed lines intersect the many windows. The tall trees surrounding the home helped to accentuate the European atmosphere. Glenwood Acres was a newer housing development in the Lakewood area with paved roads and dead-end streets which celebrated its grand opening in October, 1956. Sixty homes were planned for 1956 and possibly more have been built since then. It was the first development to feature natural gas. This model home was located on Delwood Drive close to 104th St. S.W. It featured a two-car garage. Donations of 25 cents were collected during the open house period in May, 1958, on behalf of Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Photograph ordered by Stromberg Construction. (TNT 9-9-56, E-15, TNT 5-18-58, B-4- B-11)
The elegant living room in the Harold W. Meyer residence featured an enormous stone/brick fireplace which occupied an entire wall. A large rug with geometric patterns lies in the center of the tiled floor surrounded by several couches. The wooden beams in the ceiling were probably glue-laminated and provided by Woodlam, Inc. Harold W. Meyer owned Harold Meyer Drugs as well as the Crystalike Photo Service & Color Laboratory and Meyer Camera Shop. He and his wife Louise resided on Gravelly Lake Drive in Lakewood. Photograph ordered by Woodlam, Inc.
Meyer, Harold W.--Homes & haunts; Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Fireplaces--Lakewood; Rugs;
New homes were apparently being built in the 11th & N. Harmon area during 1958. Located near the approach to the Narrows Bridge, this home was part of the 1958 Tour of Homes sponsored by the Tacoma Master Builders Association. View in foreground of new model home constructed with Ytong Corporation building materials; the L-shaped unit had an attached two-car garage and utilized Ytong, a steam hardened cellular stone material resembling lightweight concrete, in its contemporary style. The yard appears to have been landscaped with a few new shrubs and trees planted. There is a covered walkway to the front door and concrete patio. Furniture for the model home was furnished by Stebner's. Photograph ordered by Stebner's. (TNT 9-5-58, C-10,11)
Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Building materials--Tacoma;
The two-story contemporary home at 8501 - 42nd St. W. in University Estates was the 1958 Better Homes & Garden Idea Home. It was a model home, open for public viewing, and recently sold. View of front of the home shows newly laid grass lawn, small windows facing the street. The back of the home is obviously elevated with the second story equipped with a balcony. This split-level home included a recreation room. The 3 bedroom, 2 bath home had vaulted ceilings and appeared much larger than its 1514 square footage. It could be viewed as part of the 1958 Tour of Homes sponsored by the Tacoma Master Builders Association. Rex Harrington was listed as the builder. (TNT 9-5-58, C-4)
Rear view of 1958 Better Homes & Garden Idea Home. Located in University Estates, the home's large picture windows and balcony were planned to take advantage of the trees and water view. The contemporary home had small windows in the front of the house; the large expansive windows were saved for the rear. Occupants could enjoy relaxing on the second floor balcony or in the shade of the covered patio. Rex Harrington was listed as the builder; the house had recently been sold. The split-level, 1514 square foot home had three bedrooms, two baths and a recreation room. It was part of the 1958 Tour of Homes sponsored by the Tacoma Master Builders Association. Photograph ordered by Rex Harrington. (TNT 9-5-58, C-4)
