The Tacoma Chamber of Commerce entertained the armed forces at the Top of the Ocean on Friday night of Armed Forces Week in Tacoma. Henry O. and Agnes Foss are seen on the left. C. Val and Linda M. Fawcett are on the right. Other entertainment for visiting armed forces personnel included theater tickets and the facilities of the Council of Churches Youth Center, the Armed Service Recreation Center and the Christian Service Man'c Center. The crew from the Canadian destroyer "Athabaskan" and the USN fleet oiler "Platt" were in Tacoma for the week. Ordered by the Tribune, Barbara Dana. (TNT, 5/14/1950, p.D-9; 5/24/1950, p.11)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Balls (Parties)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Military uniforms; Ball dresses; Foss, Henry O., 1891-1986; Foss, Agnes S.; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965--Family; Fawcett, Linda;

Front entrance of the Turf Restaurant. The Turf Restaurant was located at 911 Commerce Street. The same building also contained the Turf Smoke Shop and Turf Bar. View of daytime exposure of front entrance to the Turf Restaurant; large neon signs decorate the building, including two with hats and riding sticks on the restaurant's windows. The Turf restaurant celebrated its grand reopening in November, 1951, with full page ads in the News Tribune. It would be open 24 hours a day. (TNT 11-7-51, p. 26) TPL-8119

Turf Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Coney Island room of the newly remodeled New Yorker cafe and nightclub is packed with dancers enjoying the sweet swing sounds of the Art Mineo Orchestra in a November, 1951, photograph. The showroom had hardwood dance floors and a clever two stages-in-one concept. Nightly dancing and big time entertainment were staples of the New Yorker, owned by Mike and Pat DeVoto. (TNT 11-15-51, C-10, 11)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Art Mineo Orchestra (Tacoma); Mineo, Art; Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Legendary jazz pianist Oscar Peterson "jams" with Art Mineo on bass, Dick Morehead on drums, Joe "Flip" Phillips on tenor saxophone and Bill Harris on trombone on November 12, 1951, the opening night of the newly remodeled New Yorker Cafe. Peterson, Phillips and Harris were performing in Seattle with the Jazz at the Philharmonic road show when they called Mineo to sit in at the opening. The jazz greats jammed until closing, creating an unforgettable night of music in Tacoma. Peterson had joined Jazz at the Philharmonic in 1950 as a relative unknown and was rapidly gaining recognition in the jazz world. (information supplied by Art Mineo)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Art Mineo Orchestra (Tacoma); Mineo, Art; Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Peterson, Oscar; Phillips, Joe "Flip"; Harris, Bill; Morehead, Dick;

Jazz greats, left to right, Art Mineo on bass, Joe "Flip" Phillips on tenor saxophone, Oscar Peterson on piano and Bill Harris on trombone deliver sweet sounds for the opening of the newly remodeled New Yorker Cafe in November of 1951. Mineo and his 10-piece orchestra had been hired to play the opening night when Mineo received a call from Peterson, Phillips and Harris asking to sit in. The trio were playing in Seattle with the Jazz at the Philharmonic road show. The result was Tacoma history, as the group jammed into the small hours of the morning, closing the club and sending the lucky audience dancing into the dawn. Art Mineo passed away at age 91 on July 27, 2010. (from information previously supplied by Art Mineo)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Art Mineo Orchestra (Tacoma); Mineo, Art; Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960; Phillips, Joe; Peterson, Oscar; Harris, Bill;

The Dandy Cafe was located at 917 Tacoma Avenue South; it was owned and operated by Fred and Louise Fries. Photographs for license purposes were commissioned by Mrs. Fries of both the exterior and interior of the cafe in September, 1950. The Dandy Cafe had a long counter with stools for quick and casual dining and a back area with upholstered seats and tables for more private occasions. A large jukebox was placed against the wall near a coat/hat rack.

Dandy Cafe (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Jukeboxes; Fries, Fred; Fries, Louise;

The Viking Smorgasbord held their grand opening April 14, 1951, in their recently completed building. The restaurant featured American and Scandinavian foods with a la carte dinners as well as smorgasbord service offered in an atmosphere of old Sweden. A separate entrance has been provided for those attending functions in the banquet room.(TNT, 4/14/1951, p.C-5)

Viking Smorgasbord (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma;

The buffet table at the Viking Smorgasbord boasted one of the finest and largest Swedish smorgasbords in the Northwest with more than 50 Scandinavian and American delicacies displayed on the table which covered an area of 80 square feet. The waitresses wore attractive Swedish Peasant costumes lending authenticity to the Swedish environment. (TNT, 4/14/1951, p.C-5)

Viking Smorgasbord (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma;

The interior of Post House Tavern showing the bar, stools, and booths. The bar and lowered ceiling over the bar have been decorated with padded, studded leather-like material. A cool case is seen against the far wall as well as a pay phone. Ordered by Mrs. Teresa Diseth, owner of the tavern.

Bars--Tacoma--1950-1960; Post House Tavern (Tacoma);

Exterior of Max Frolic's Cafe. Owned and operated by former vaudevillian, violinist and band leader Max Frolic, the restaurant had been in business since May of 1938. It would undergo remodeling in 1958 including a new dining room and spruced-up exterior.

Restaurants--Lakewood--1950-1960; Max Frolic's Restaurant (Lakewood);

John Stanley poses in a publicity photo for opening of Gay Nineties Room of Steve's (Gay '90s) Cafe at 5238 South Tacoma Way. Steve's was owned by John J. Stanley and Stephen O. Pease. The mural on the wall depicts area businesses such as Jordan Bakery and Pantex Cleaners in the "Gay Nineties." Steve Pease began his business around 1941 partnered by Mrs. John Martinolich, of the shipbuilding family, in "Steve's Tavern." After two years, he bought out her interest in the building. When liquor-by-the-drink legislation came along in 1949, he needed a restaurant in order to have a liquor license. He formed a partnership with John Stanley who owned a coffee shop next door to the south. Stanley ran the restaurant and Pease ran the lounge. Much of the area surrounding the original restaurant was bought and remodeled to become part of Steve's. The spot became a tourist attraction and popular hangout of the fifties and sixties. It closed around 1977 and in 2001 is again opening after being converted to retail and restaurant space. (TNT 4/4/1951, pg. B6-B7)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buffets (Cookery)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Stanley, John;

The exterior of the Poodle Dog after the 1949 rebuild. Regarded as one of Tacoma's major tourist attractions, the restaurant had huge photo-murals that encircled both private dining rooms and a portion of the lobby. The photos by the Richards studio displayed both scenic wonders of the area and local industries and businesses. The internal design was a model of labor saving devices including automatic dishwashing and a circular seating counter that surrounded the waitress stations. The chefs worked at stainless steel counters just beyond the service area, allowing counter diners to watch their food being prepared. Parking surrounded the building. TPL-553

Poodle Dog (Fife); Restaurants--Fife--1950-1960;

Publicity photo for the opening of the Gay Nineties Room of Steve's (Gay '90s) Cafe at 5238 South Tacoma Way. Steve's was owned by John J. Stanley and Stephen O. Pease.The stage was entirely surrounded by a hand painted display of signs, handlettered by South Tacoma artist Bill Knabel. Mr. Knabel did the lettering work for the Pantages and Grand theatres when curtain advertising was the only venue available. The signs for local South Tacoma businesses surround the stage where Jane Power and Arnold Leverenz performed nightly on the Hammond organ. Old fashioned lanterns hang from a wagon wheel chandelier. Bold checked tablecloths welcome diners and invite them to enjoy good food in an homely and friendly atmosphere. Another part of the restaurant's decor was old photographs of South Tacoma and old style shadow boxes, created by Mrs. George Kelly of Seattle. (TNT 4/4/1951, pg. B6-B7)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960;

This photograph shows the exterior of Steve's Cafe, 5238-40 South Tacoma Way, (later commonly known as Steve's Gay '90s.) as it appeared in April of 1951. Huge neon signs points the way to South Tacoma's newest dining hot spot. Owned & operated by Steve Pease and John Stanley, Steve's offered a smorgasbord every day (at $1 for lunch) and entertainment in the evening. As the restaurant grew in popularity, it swallowed up all the surrounding real estate becoming the huge conglomeration that became Steve's Gay '90s. Steve's closed in 1977. TPL-8691

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960;

ca. 1934. Photograph is described in Richards' notes as "group at Rausch's Road House." However, associated pictures also show a sign on the building proclaiming that it is "Jay's Log Cabin, Dine & Dance." A group of people is seated in front of the log cabin. Group includes a young couple to the left of the seated row dressed alike in slacks, white shirts and sweaters and a woman in the standing row wearing a "Andre's Market" brown paper bag as a hat.

Rausch's Roadhouse; Jay's Log Cabin; Nightclubs--1930-1940;

ca. 1934. Photograph identified in Richards' log book as "group at Rausch's Road House." Four people standing by door of log building with sign reading " Jay's Log Cabin, Dine & Dance" on the roof ridge and extending from the side of the structure. The two couples outside are possibly the proprieters. One man is dressed in a long apron, as if he has been or is planning to cook. The log cabin is located in what appears to be a rural location. For a closer view of these individuals in a group shot, see image #2.

Rausch's Roadhouse; Jay's Log Cabin; Nightclubs--1930-1940;

ca. 1933. Some "Good Fellows" gaze out into the night form the glass store front of the "Happy Days Here Again" Beer Parlour. Night view of neon-clad exterior of the drinking establishment. Caption: "Where Good Fellows Gather." The tavern was owned by Ido Innocenti and managed by Albert D. Innocenti. Beneath the overflowing stein on the big neon sign, it is stated that the tavern has both "Ladies" and "Gents" service and also serves "Dutch Lunch."

Happy Days Here Again (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1930-1940; Eating & drinking facilities--Tacoma--1930-1940; Innocenti, Albert--Homes & haunts;

ca. 1933. Interior view of the "Happy Days Here Again" beer parlour. All the gents lift a glass to the photographer. This is the "gentlemen's service," a particular area where only men were admitted. White aproned bartenders stand behind the counter. The walls are adorned with what appear to be prints of women. As was proper in this more formal time, most of the men are wearing hats. The male only atmosphere allowed the men to drink, smoke and joke more freely. The glass topped cases in the foreground of the picture contain boxes of cigars available for purchase.

Happy Days Here Again (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1930-1940; Eating & drinking facilities--Tacoma--1930-1940; Innocenti, Albert--Homes & haunts;

ca. 1934. The Rathskeller, beer parlor, owned by Lyle Lane. New establishment showing modern counter, and mirrored walled above cabinets. The establishment was located on the ground floor of the Rust Building, 950 Pacific Ave. (WSHS)

Restaurants--Tacoma; Bars--Tacoma; Barrooms--Tacoma; Alcoholic beverages; Rathskeller (Tacoma);

ca. 1934. The Rathskeller, beer parlor, owned by Lyle L. Lane. New establishment opened at end of Prohibition on the ground floor of the Rust Building. Modern-style wood booths with abstract pattern floor covering. The beer parlor is empty at 11:25 a.m.

Restaurants--Tacoma; Bars--Tacoma; Barrooms--Tacoma; Alcoholic beverages; Rathskeller (Tacoma);

ca. 1934. Interior shot of the Fifteen-Eighteen Cabaret bar. Men raise a toast with glasses in hand. Man in tuxedo and white jacketed servers behind the bar. Men at bar wear overcoats and hats. The room's decorative accents are in the art deco style.

Fifteen-Eighteen Cabaret (Tacoma); Eating & drinking facilities--Tacoma--1930-1940; Eating & drinking--1930-1940; Nightclubs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Bars; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma--1930-1940;

An unidentified carhop delivers a tray holding two large mugs of Triple XXX Root Beer to a smiling customer sitting behind the wheel of his car. Dick Bevington opened his Triple XXX Barrel drive-in restaurant at 924 Puyallup Avenue in May of 1940. The restaurant offered booth, counter and car side service with a staff of six waitresses and six carhops.

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma); Waitresses--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Kruger's Triple XXX Root Beer Barrel drive-in restaurant in South Tacoma. On June 4, 1941, six young carhops in uniforms and boots lined up in front of the building with neon signs on cornice and giant root beer barrels on roof. There are automobiles parked in front of restaurant which was owned and operated by Frank J. Kruger. It had celebrated its grand opening in October of 1936. The drive-in was sold to Bill and Thelma Busch in 1943 and became familiarly known as Busch's Round Table Restaurant.

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Triple XXX Barrel (Tacoma); Restaurant workers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

By June 26, 1938, employees and customers of Dorothy and Joe's Silver Dollar Cafe were settling in at the cafe's new quarters at 905 Pacific Avenue. Proprietors Dorothy and Joseph L. Duckwitz oversaw the move from their old location (910 Pacific) across the street. The Cafe had all new fixtures, including a back bar, that were manufactured in Tacoma. In 1940, Joseph started the Gehri Co. with George Gehri. Dorothy continued to operate the Silver Dollar Cafe until 1945. The Cafe, under new owners, officially closed around 1949. (filed with Argentum) (TNT 7/25/1958, pg. 5)

Silver Dollar Cafe (Tacoma); Duckwitz, Joseph--Homes & haunts;

Pop Reed at banquet held in his honor at Rau's Chicken Diner. Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp.

Restaurants--Graham; Banquets--Graham--1940-1950; Rau's Club (Graham);

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;

Three of the cooks at the Husk Cafe pose with a man in a suit, believed to be Thomas C. Hardwick, owner.

Husk Cafe (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma--1940-1950; Diners (Restaurants)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cooks;

The Steak House and No. End Tavern, exterior.

Diners (Restaurants)--Tacoma; Steak House (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma;

The staff of The Steak House posed for this photogragh on March 24, 1945 shortly after it expanded by taking over an adjoining building. The Steak House was located at 2622-24 No. Proctor, across the street from the Proctor (now Blue Mouse) Theater. At the time this picture was taken, it was owned by Ted Clark. It closed in the mid-50s.

Restaurant workers--Tacoma; Restaurants--Tacoma; Waitresses--Tacoma; Cooks; Uniforms; Steak House (Tacoma);

In August of 1943, the new Antlers Tavern, owned by Jeo E. Andreo, opened at 1142 Pacific Avenue. The original Antlers Tavern, located at the intersection of the Mountain highway and the county highway road, was destroyed by fire on February 4, 1943. The 60 foot long bar in the new tavern was one of the longest in the city. Several mounted deer's heads are hung on the wall above the back of the bar. The man standing at the right behind the bar is believed to be Joe Andreo.(T.Times, 8/9/1943, p.9)

Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Antlers Tavern (Tacoma);