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);
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.
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;
Still under construction in late summer, 1958, was a contemporary ranch-style home on Carolyn Drive in University Place. Equipped with a two-car attached garage, the new home had wood siding and possibly a composite roof. The extended roof of a small porch would help to shade the large picture window. The driveway to the garage had yet to be poured and landscaping was not in place. Photograph ordered by the Condon Co.
Houses--University Place--1950-1960; Building construction--University Place--1950-1960;
View of Richard Kimball residence on Waller Rd. The new home of Richard Kimball was built by the Jardeen Bros. It had a modified Early American style, with a faintly rustic appearance to blend in with the large, wooded lot. The house was constructed basically of wood with brick borders and white trim around the windows and door. Adzed beams, turned posts and antiqued four-panel doors as well as knotty pine kitchen and utility cabinets were specifically mentioned in a News Tribune ad. There seems to have been a one-car garage, perhaps attached, for this home. The builders decided to hold a one-day only open house the day before the new owners took possession. Photograph ordered by the Jardeen Bros. (TNT 9-14-58, p. A-17)
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)
This newly built two-story brick home was constructed in the Sylvan Park neighborhood near Lakewood by Home Construction Co. The home had four bedrooms, a music room and a television room. The kitchen was decorated in knotty pine and bronze hardware. This particular residence was part of the 1958 Tour of Homes sponsored by the Tacoma Master Builders Association. Sylvan Park was a newer upscale housing subdivision of large homes on large lots. Two girls enjoy reading on the concrete patio in the backyard of their Sylvia Blvd. home. Bright light trim focused attention of the patio doors, shutters, and balcony while the cast rock exterior provided a solid, stately appearance. The home seems to have been nestled among tall trees. Photograph ordered by Home Construction Co. (TNT 9-5-58, C-2)
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 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;
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.
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)
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)
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.
Harold and Dagmar Wick's brick home, with awning, is the last house on the left in this March 9, 1958, photograph. Brick homes predominate the row of houses. This 9th & Monroe northend neighborhood was extremely close to Jefferson Park. Photograph ordered by Reyier & Wick Construction Co.
Wick, Harold E.--Homes & haunts; Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Neighborhoods--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Built circa 1950, the lovely brick home at 4017 No. 9th St. was the residence of Harold E. and Dagmar Wick. Mr. Wick was a partner in the construction firm of Reyier & Wick. The traditional style brick home had dormers, a small balcony and an awning for protection against the afternoon sun. It was located in the No. 9th and Monroe neighborhood near Jefferson Park. Photograph ordered by Reyier & Wick.
Wick, Harold E.--Homes & haunts; Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Dormers--Tacoma; Awnings--Tacoma;
ca. 1957. This "L" shaped contemporary Northwest home was built by the Tacoma Master Builders Association in 1957. Built basically of wood with some brick facing, the home has attractive shutters and an attached one-car garage. Tall trees would provide shade during hot summer months. See D105170-3 for another view of the home. This Sherman L. Rowland-built home was chosen as the 1957 Tacoma Home Show model home. Called "Oakhurst," it would be open to the public on the Home Show opening day, March 19, 1957. The house was located in the Southgate neighborhood at 10103 Montrose Avenue S.W. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Master Builders Association. (TNT 3-19-57, C-5)
Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma);
ca. 1957. This house was built under the guidance of the Tacoma Master Builders Association in 1957. The L-shaped contemporary home was primarily constructed of Northwest woods with brick facing. The one-car garage was attached to the longer side of the "L." The home, called "Oakhurst," was the 1957 Tacoma Home Show model home. It was built by Sherman L. Rowland; Rowland also received the honor of building the 1954 Home Show model home, TX 101. The model strolling from the house is Shirley Vanek. According to the 1957 City Directory, Mrs. Vanek was a cashier at the Commonwealth Title Insurance Company. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Master Builders Association. (TNT 3-3-57, C-18, TNT 3-19-57, C-5)
Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Vanek, Shirley;
Santa appears to have made an early stop at the Ben Cheney household in Browns Point on December 23, 1957. Presents of all shapes and sizes, all colorfully decorated, are scattered throughout the living room. Little Piper Cheney and big sister Sandy are dressed in robes; Piper has ensconced herself in a little red wagon and is holding a small gift. Marian Cheney looks up and smiles while displaying a present while husband Ben leans over her shoulder. Ben Cheney was a well-known local lumberman and philanthropist. Sepia photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co.
Christmas time at the Ben Cheney residence meant lots of gifts for the children and mom and dad. Presents are spilling over onto the living room floor, including a nearby coffee table. A bright red Flyer wagon is ready for a small child to hop on for a ride, or load up with toys and pulled. The Norfolk pine tree stands tall, perfectly fitting in with the beautiful wood walls; ornaments can be displayed at their best advantage. Photograph ordered by Cheney Lumber Co.
Exterior of house. This contemporary 1950's style home possibly belonged to K.B. and Audra B. Oberhansly who resided at 4008 - 101st St. South in the Southgate housing development. The home was constructed by the Sherman Rowland Co. It had a low-pitched roof, possible insulated windows, and a small covered porch. Nearby trees would provide welcome shade in the hot summers. Southgate was a suburban housing development, located on a large track of land filled with mature trees, west of Highway 99. The Sherman Rowland Co. was responsible for the construction of many contemporary homes in this development; no two homes were supposedly built alike. Photograph ordered by Sherman Rowland Co.
Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Housing developments--Lakewood--1950-1960; Rowland Construction Co. (Tacoma);
Exterior - Avalon Apts. The Avalon Apartments at 237 Saint Helens Avenue were undergoing some remodeling in August, 1957. Wally Stabbert, Inc., were contracted to plaster and lathe the exterior of the units; scaffolding is already in place. The Avalon Apartments were designed by architect Frederick Heath and built by contractors Olson & Young in 1906. It was twice damaged by fire, in 1933, and finally destroyed on May 2, 1969. Photograph ordered by Wally Stabbert, Inc.
View of Gehri Apartments. These modern three-story apartments, located at 302 North Stadium Way, were built on a sloping lot. The apartment complex was built by Alfred J. Gehri, longtime local builder, and designed by John Sutton & Alan Liddle, architects. The units were completed in August, 1956. Photographed a year later on August 16, 1957, these apartments featured multiple view windows and covered balconies. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.
The beautiful Queen Anne style home at 318 North Yakima Avenue was owned by Mabel Basham. Built in the 1890's, the house had tall, vertical proportions; balconies, overhanging porch, and chimney were added amenities. The lot was landscaped with shrubs and small trees . Sepia photograph ordered by Mabel Basham.
A comfortable Adirondack chair awaits visitors to the backyard of Mabel Basham. The Basham's Queen Anne style home was located at 318 No. Yakima Avenue. It was built in the 1890's and featured typical Queen Anne features such as tall, vertical proportions and decorative shingles. Sepia photograph taken in June of 1957 for Mabel Basham.
