The vegetable case at Ed Greiner A-G Food Store No. 6 is filled with fresh produce. Mirrors have been placed at the back of the cases to enhance the displays of lettuce, carrots, cabage, cauliflower, celery and peppers. Two men stand on the right wearing long aprons. Ordered by Carl Rhodes Sales Company, Seattle.

A-G Food Store No. 6 (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Vegetables--Tacoma; Showcases; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Employees of the Thomas Bros. Foodliner store stand behind the meat counter prior to the grand opening of their University Place supermarket in September, 1951. Self-service meats were one of the many new conveniences at the Red & White Food Store; a customer could easily choose from a variety of pre-packaged meats without waiting for a butcher. Their full page ads on September 12th indicated that sliced bacon was available for 59 cents a pound and pork chops for 75 cents. Other new conveniences were refrigerated produce, high-speed conveyor checkstands and automatic doors. The Frank Thomas, Sr., family had opened their small grocery store 46 years ago at the corner of what was then Regents park and Western road. The Thomas brothers, Al, Frank and Joe, grew up helping to run the family store. The new store, built at nearly the same location of W. 27th and Grandview, has maintained its affiliation with the Red & White Food chain. Photograph ordered by Consolidated Service, Seattle. (TNT 9-12-51, A-6, A-10, A-11) TPL-8774

Thomas Bros. Foodliner (University Place); Grocery stores--University Place--1950-1960; Merchandise displays; Food--University Place--1950-1960;

The Frank Thomas, Sr., family established their small grocery store in University Place 46 years ago. The Thomas brothers, Al, Frank and Joe, grew up helping their mother run the business, working every day including Sundays. They opened up an ultra-modern full scale supermarket in September, 1951, as a Red & White Food Store in University Place. Their two full page ads on September 12, 1951, offered prizes, free balloons and merry-go-round rides for children, and free coffee and cake for all customers. View of showcase of fresh refrigerated fruits and vegetables including squash, peppers, eggplant and tomatoes. Red Tokay grapes were listed in the ads at two pounds for 25 cents; Danver yellow onions at 3 pounds for 10 cents. Stacks of Coca Cola bottles are positioned next to the display counter and there are several elaborate floral arrangements on the shelf above the produce. Photograph commissioned by Consolidated Service, Seattle. (TNT 9-12-51, A-6, A-10, A-11)

Thomas Bros. Foodliner (University Place); Grocery stores--University Place--1950-1960; Merchandise displays; Food--University Place--1950-1960;

The Thomas Bros. Foodliner in University Place had its grand opening in September, 1951. Owned and operated by Al, Frank and Joe Thomas, it was a modern supermarket with self-service meat department, refrigerated produce, high speed conveyor checkstands, and even automatic doors. Thomas Bros. carried a wide variety of foods, including this row of Chun King chow mein, mixed vegetables and Hunt's tomatoes. View of canned foods, lightbulbs. (TNT 9-12-51, A-6, A-10, A-11)

Thomas Bros. Foodliner (University Place); Grocery stores--University Place--1950-1960; Merchandise displays; Food--University Place--1950-1960;

Thomas Grocery Company, store interior. Aisle of canned foods and bagged "Red and White" coffee. September of 1951 saw the grand opening of the Thomas Bros. Foodliner in University Place. Al, Frank and Joe Thomas had been in the grocery business since they assisted their family, the Frank Thomas Srs., as youngsters. This supermarket stood nearly at the location of the old family store. It was considered a very modern business, offering customers the convenience of pre-packaged meats, high-speed conveyor checkstands and refrigerated produce. A wide selection of foods was available for the discerning shopper.

Thomas Bros. Foodliner (University Place); Grocery stores--University Place--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--University Place; Food--University Place--1950-1960;

Produce is displayed along the windows at the A-G Food Store at 56th and Yakima (also South 56th and Park). A-G Food Stores were celebrating the opening of two new stores, this one and another at 72nd and South Oakes. Two long shelving units run the length of the store through the middle and more shelves line the walls along the left and at the rear. Two check-out counters are seen with scales located next to the cash registers. The meat counter is seen in the foreground. (TNT, 10/12/1951, p.A-2)

Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; A-G Food Store (Tacoma); Cash registers; Scales;

In October of 1951, Associated Grocers was celebrating the opening of two stores in Tacoma. John Tipton's Associated Grocers Food Market (pictured), located at South 72nd and Oakes, was new to the organization. Mr. Tipton had 23 years experience in owning and operating grocery and meat markets locally. He was assisted by Roy Mercer in the meat market. His new store had plenty of parking with a large adjoining lot. The other Associated Grocers Food Market at 764 South 56th St. was re-opening after being closed for several months due to a fire. The store was completely renovated and equipped with the latest modern machinery. The structure was built in 1937 and previously operated as Frank Mosier's Meat Market and Ben's Economy Groceteria. After the 1951 renovation, it was managed by John W. Fagerholm (groceries & produce) and John Hein (meat market.) The total of AG chain stores in the area was now 13 with the addition of these two stores. (TNT ad 10-11-51, A-6; A-9-article)

Tipton's Associated Grocers Food Store (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;

View of Tradewell grocery store. Tradewell Stores had three grocery stores in the Tacoma area by the early 1950's. They were modern supermarkets with wide aisles, multiple checkout lanes, and self-service meat and produce departments. Angled view of interior of Tradewell store; rows of canned goods, checkout lanes; bold patterned linoleum. Photograph taken approximately in late fall, 1951.

Tradewell Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cash registers; Scales;

View of grocery store. Tradewell Stores had three grocery stores in the Tacoma area in the early 1950's: 6134 Motor Ave. S.W., 5605 Pacific Ave. and 3601 6th Ave. View of interior of a Tradewell grocery; at least three checkout lanes with scales, cash registers, and cigarettes under the counter. There were wide aisles so customers could shop comfortably; Tradewell also had self-service meat departments where meat was already pre-packaged and ready for purchase. Photograph taken probably in the late fall, 1951.

Tradewell Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Scales; Cash registers;

Interior view of grocery store. Rows of assorted candies, chips, cold remedies and laundry products fill this portion of an unidentified grocery store in a late fall, 1951, photograph. The grocer seems to have made maximum use of a limited space in order to put as many different products out as possible for customers to purchase. A Toledo brand scale stands by to weigh any item necessary.

Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Scales;

In November of 1951, local coffee roaster Wood Coffee Company had an aisle-long display of their one and two pound coffee cans at the Big Bear grocery store in Tacoma's Stadium District. Big Bear was celebrating its redecoration with specials such as Wood's Coffee for 75 cents a pound or two pounds for $1.49. The Wood Coffee Co., located at 1517 Commerce St., was founded by John Wood, Sr., in 1905. Three years after John Wood, Sr. died, in 1951, the Wood Coffee Co. was sold to the Mello-Cup Coffee Co. of Seattle. (TNT 11-7-51, p. 11- ad for Big Bear)

Big Bear Stores (Tacoma); Wood Coffee Co. (Tacoma); Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The interior of A-G Food Store No. 5 where Stan R. Engle was manager. A display of Nalley's potato chips is in the center of this view. A dairy case is on the left. Produce is displayed in the rear on the left and the other shelves are filled with bags and cans of other grocery items.

A-G Food Store No. 5 (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Nalley's display at the new Safeway store at 84th and Pacific included Tang salad dressing at 49 cents per quart; shoestring potatoes, 2 cans for 31 cents; Banquet Dill pickles, 43 cents for 24 ounces; Lumberjack Syrup, and spaghetti with meat, 28 cents per can.

Safeway Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Grocery Stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Nalleys, Inc. (Tacoma)--Products

Display of Crescent spices at Manleys food fair at Fircrest. Crescent Manufacturing Co.

Grocery stores--Fircrest--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Fircrest; Spices; Manley's Food Fair (Fircrest);

Display of Crescent spices and extracts at Big Bear store, for Crescent Manufacturing Co. According to their slogan, Crescent is "Always the word for flavor." The Tacoma Big Bear grocery was opened in January of 1948 in the Stadium district. Don P. Taylor was the store manager.

Big Bear Stores (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Spices;

Exterior exposure of H.A. Briggs store, located at 38th & Center in the Oakland building, for Associated Grocers. Hosea A. Briggs was the president of H.A. Briggs Stores, Inc. He was married to Ruth and resided at 523 Alta Vista Place in Fircrest. H.A. Briggs was also a building contractor and a member of Tacoma Master Builders. The windows of the grocery market advertise fresh bread and dairy. Stands holding Mandeville and Northrup King seeds are outside.

H.A. Briggs Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior exposure of H.A. Briggs store, located at 2802 6th Ave., for Associated Grocers. Hosea A. Briggs was the president of H.A. Briggs Stores, Inc. He was married to Ruth and resided at 523 Alta Vista Place in Fircrest. H.A. Briggs was also a building contractor and a member of Tacoma Master Builders. The windows of the store advertise summer produce- strawberries $.25 a box, cucumbers $.10 each, bananas 2 lbs for $.25, fresh bread and meats- ground $.49 lb., round $.79 lb, veal $.59-.63 lb. and pork loin $.55 lb. Outside the store are cases of Kerr canning jars, crates of watermelons and stands of seeds.

H.A. Briggs Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;

On June 20, 1952, an unidentified woman, possibly owner Marjorie Beckstead, posed with a display of Nalley products at Beckstead's Grocery, 3807 Center St. She was holding a jar of Nalley's Tang salad dressing. The display included Nalley's spaghetti dinner, Lumberjack syrup, Treasure pickles, mustard, and Nalley's mayonnaise. Other groceries were stacked on shelves behind the woman. Beckstead's was owned by Clifford R. and Marjorie Beckstead.

Grocery Stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Beckstead's Grocery (Tacoma); Nalleys, Inc. (Tacoma)--Products; Food--Tacoma--1950-1960; Food industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A view of the exterior of Midland Thriftway grocery store with parking available in front of the store. Midland was once the half-way point on the Puyallup to Tacoma street car line. The community centered on 99th and Portland Avenue. Ordered by Associated Grocers.

Grocery Stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Midland Thriftway (Tacoma); Thriftway Food Stores (Tacoma);

A display of Del Monte canned fruit, green beans and tomato catsup has been created at the end of one of the aisles at the Big Bear Store in Tacoma. Large cans of Del Monte peaches were 25 cents each and pineapple was four for 98 cents. Del Monte advertised an upcoming "All-Star Revue" to be seen on NBC-TV.

Big Bear Stores (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Food--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Employees of the Parkland Park-N-Shop supermarket pose in their parking lot on December 26, 1952. Park-N-Shop was located at 96th and Pacific Avenue. It offered a full line of services to their customers including dry goods, pharmaceuticals, traditional groceries and a self-service meat department. Harold M. Andersen is listed as president of the company in the 1953 City Directory. TPL-10137

Grocery stores--Parkland--1950-1960; Park-N-Shop, Inc. (Parkland)--Employees; Group portraits;

Meat department manager, Mel Ingram, grasps a hanging portion of U.S.Choice beef at the new 56th and Pacific Tradewell store. The beef was hung on meat hooks in the store's coolers. Tradewell had recently opened their latest Tacoma supermarket in the city's southend. They had a self-service meat department where meat was already pre-packaged for the busy customer. Ingram was in charge of the meat department; he had been in the meat business for nineteen years and had recently specialized in self-service meats at the Lakewood Center Tradewell. Photograph ordered by Mr. Swanson, Tradewell, Inc., Seattle. (TNT 2-3-53, p. 7)

Tradewell Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Supermarkets; Meat; Ingram, Mel;

Interior of new Tradewell store. Self-service ice cream freezers were becoming more available to the Tacoma shopper in 1953; these three freezers are compactly located at the ends of the store's aisles. The wide shopping aisles also made it easier for shoppers to push their carts through. The shelves are full of seafood cans, jars of prepared baby food, and juices. Tradewell also had a self-service meat department where meats were already pre-packaged for the busy shopper. Photograph ordered by Tradewell, Inc., Seattle.

Tradewell Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Supermarkets; Freezers; Ice cream & ices;

The new South 56th and Pacific Tradewell supermarket carried a wide variety of coffees in 1953. A coffee aficionado could either grind his own coffee beans, with a machine provided by the store, or buy a pre-packaged, already ground can. View of long row of coffees includes Folgers, Chase and Sanborn, Postum and Tradewell's own brands. Photograph ordered by Tradewell, Inc., Seattle.

Tradewell Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Supermarkets; Coffee--Tacoma; Grinding machines;

At 10:15 p.m. the new Tradewell supermarket at South 56th and Pacific Avenue is closed for the day. Six cigarette stands are placed before the checkout aisles; popular brands of Pall Mall , Kool, Philip Morris and Camel are readily available for the Tacoma shopper. The SpeeDee automated checkout lines resemble their 2001 counterparts, including rubber "sticks" to separate shoppers' groceries. Photograph ordered by Tradewell, Inc., Seattle.

Tradewell Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Supermarkets; Cigarettes; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Tradewell opened another new supermarket in Tacoma in 1953; the 56th and Pacific Tradewell celebrated its grand opening in early February, 1953. Ample parking was provided for customers at this busy Southend location. Van de Kamps Bakery was also a part of the supermarket. W.A. Bolduc was the store manager; the modern Roman brick structure had been designed by Skoog Architects of Seattle and built by Bona Fide Construction Co. of Tacoma. It contained 11,000 square feet of sales place. A sampling of signs indicated that 2 lbs. of coffee could be purchased for $1.49, salad dressing for 29 cents and delicious pot roast for 39 cents a pound. Photograph ordered by Tradewell, Inc., Seattle. (TNT 2-3-53, p. 4-5)

Tradewell Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Supermarkets; Signs (Notices);

Both cars and bicycles are parked outside the new Tradewell supermarket on South 56th and Pacific in February, 1953. As the signs posted on the wall indicated, Tradewell offered free parking for customers. The store was open seven days a week, with shorter hours on Sunday, and stayed open until 11 p.m. on Friday night. Specials changed frequently at Tradewell; a customer could purchase fresh red snapper at 29 cents a pound or giant size detergent Duz or Cheer at 65 cents. Photograph ordered by Washington Mutual Savings Bank.

Tradewell Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Supermarkets; Parking lots--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A dazzling display of canned goods greet the shopper at the new Sixth Avenue Tradewell supermarket in late April, 1953. There is not an empty space showing among the rows of Campbell and Heinz soups or Walla Walla and S&W vegetables. Checkered tile emphasizes the trend of wide shopping aisles in new supermarkets so that shopping carts could pass with ease. The Tradewell store at 3609 Sixth Avenue would be store #30 and celebrate its grand opening on May 4, 1953. General contractors were the Bona Fide Builders, Inc., who had also built the Pacific Avenue Tradewell a few months before. Like the Pacific Avenue store, the Sixth Avenue location would have special housewares and toiletries departments. Tradewell stores were noted for their large parking lots, ample display space for merchandise and many types of modern equipment, including the newest in automatic check stands. Photograph ordered by Carl Swanson, Tradewell Stores, Inc. (TNT 5-3-53, E-4,5)

Tradewell Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Supermarkets; Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

By 1953, Tradewell Stores had three supermarkets in the Tacoma area. The above picture is that of the newest Tradewell, the Sixth Avenue location which was across the street from the Union Oil service station. It had a large, well-lit parking lot to handle a multitude of shoppers. As with other Tradewell stores, Van de Kamps Bakery was a prime addition to the supermarket. The Sixth Avenue Tradewell was preparing for its grand opening in early May, 1953. A staff of 70 would be involved in the grand opening of the 12,000 foot supermarket. New amenities such as music playing softly over a public address system would be offered. A whimsical touch would be the hand painted scenes of farm life on the east and west walls. Tradewell's traditional large sign would be clearly visible along Sixth Avenue; the sign would be 30 feet high with Tradewell letters three feet high and 22 feet in length. Photograph ordered by Carl Swanson, Tradewell Stores, Inc. (TNT 5-3-53, E-4,5)

Tradewell Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Supermarkets; Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

The spacious parking lot is full and more cars seem to be headed toward the grand opening, in early May, 1953, of the newest Tradewell supermarket located at Sixth Avenue & Union. Flags flap briskly in the spring air as shoppers stroll by. The store was built basically in the same style as other Tradewell's; it was a one-story, made of Roman brick, and sported large attractive windows. A Van de Kamps bakery was included in the supermarket. This was store #30; the supermarket would later be destroyed by fire in September, 1963. Photograph ordered by Carl Swanson, Tradewell Stores, Inc.

Tradewell Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Supermarkets; Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Parking lots--Tacoma--1950-1960;