Started in the mid-1930s by Benjamin J. Schwartz, Bert's Mens Wear was located at the corner of 11th and Pacific for over 30 years. The building was demolished in the late 1960s and replaced with the Park Plaza South Parking Garage. For several years in the 1950s there was a second Bert's store at 938 Broadway. TPL-8679

Clothing stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bert's Men's Wear (Tacoma); Window displays--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In June of 1944 Pauline Gunstrom, the telephone operator at the Bank of California, 1011 Pacific Avenue, was photographed holding a flask-type pint bottle that had been filled to the brim with dimes. The bottle was brought to the bank by an unidentified shipyard worker at the Todd Pacific Shipyards to purchase a war bond. Once emptied the bottle was found to contain 1,125 dimes, more than enough for a bond. (T. Times, 6/20/44, p. 3).

Banks--Tacoma; War bonds & funds; Bank of California National Association (Tacoma);

Tacoma Athletic Club Dinner for Gretchen Fraser. More than 600 people jammed the Top of the Ocean to pay tribute to the Olympic Champion, Gretchen Kunigk Fraser. The Tacoma Ski Team was also honored that evening. Several young men line the outdoor stairway to the top of the Top of the Ocean singing and holding ski poles. (TNT, 4/6/1948, p.1) TPL-2220

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Medals; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Ski Team (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

On April 5, 1948, the Top of the Ocean had out a Welcome banner for Gretchen Kunigk Fraser, the first American skier to win an Olympic event. Mrs. Fraser won a Gold Medal (first place) for the special slalom and a Silver Medal (second place) for the Alpine combined downhill and slalom in the 1948 Winter Olympics. The Tacoma Athletic Commission was hosting a dinner at the Ruston Way restaurant for Mrs. Fraser. More than 600 people, including Tacoma mayor C. Val Fawcett, crammed the restaurant to its ceilings to honor the former Tacoma resident. (T.Times, 4/6/1948, p.5) TPL-2220

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraser, Gretchen Kunigk, 1919-1994; Skiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Signs (Notices); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

Building and pipe yard, American Plumbing, George Hill. The exterior of the American Plumbing and Steam Supply Company. The four-story brick building was built in 1911. Darmer and Cutting were the architects and the Cornell Brothers were the contractors. Walsh and Gardner Plumbing Company was the first owner. American Plumbing and Supply moved to this location in 1921 from its earlier location at 1750 Pacific Avenue. TPL-8831

American Plumbing & Steam Supply Co. (Tacoma); Plumbing stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Commercial facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Scotch boiler for catalog cuts, Mr. Kenton, Birchfield Boiler. A view of the Scotch boiler being manufactured by Birchfield Boiler showing the interior of the boiler being sealed shut with insulating bricks. Demand had grown for these high pressure boilers used in dairies, laundries, bakeries, cleaning and pressing plants and others that required large amounts of ready steam. (T.Times, 3/1/1948, p.3)

Birchfield Boiler, Inc. (Tacoma); Boilers; Boiler industry--Tacoma;

24 men at Ohmer Sales Meeting, Club Room 5, Hotel Winthrop, Mr. R.E. Barrett, Ohmer Corp., Dayton, Ohio. Ohmer Corporation were makers of the cash register displayed here among a group of business people who came to learn more about the machine.

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ohmer Corp. (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cash registers;

Caskets, Bill Gregory, Puget Sound Casket Company. A handsomely ornamented casket is shown with its lid open revealing the beautiful detailing of the fabric interior with pleating, gathers and ruffles. The metal handles along the sides are also ornamented.

Puget Sound Casket Co. (Tacoma); Coffins; Funeral rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Employees at Supreme Fur Storage are examining furs in the workshop which is equipped with tables and sewing machines. The company prides itself on its workmanship. Brothers Earle G. Greenfield, manager, and Gerald A. Greenfield are on the right. Earle is thoroughly trained in the care, cleaning and repair of furs. Their father, furrier Amos G. Greenfield, also works at Superior. Ordered by Mr. VanMeter, Llewellyn Advertising Agency (T.Times, 4/16/1948, p.5)

Supreme Fur Storage (Tacoma); Cleaning establishments--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fur coats; Fur garments; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sewing equipment & supplies; Sewing machines;

Officials at opening of new laundry office, Mr. Van Meter, Llewellyn Advertising Agency. A man in the clothing storage area of Supreme Fur Storage is evaluating the condition of one of the fur coats hung on racks. Fur stoles are also shown. The company advertised steel and concrete vaults, new scientific equipment, fumigation and demothing, refrigeration and expert craftsmanship. The facility had the capacity to store 5,000 furs and fur coats. (T.Times,4/16/1948, p.5, TNT, 4/15/1948, p.6)

Supreme Fur Storage (Tacoma); Fur coats; Fur garments; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cleaning establishments--Tacoma--1940-1950;

When this photograph was taken in February of 1948, the venerable Bowes Building, 100 So. 9th St., was home to Tacoma Savings and Loan, one of the pioneer financial institutions on the Pacific Coast. The company had purchased the building in 1920 and added their neon sign above the entrance in 1941. The Bowes Building was designed by the architectural firm of Heath & Twichell and built of white Vermont marble. It was named after its developer Major Edward J. Bowes, who achieved national fame for his "Amateur Hour" radio program. It is on the City, State and National Registry of Historic Buildings. Photo ordered by William D. Hopping, president Tacoma Savings and Loan. (T.Times, 2/26/1948, p.29)

Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Bowes Building (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Several views of local plant at 250 East D showing tankage and general view of yard. Tide Water Associated Oil Co., M.A. Legg. The facilities are built near the waterfront on the City Waterway.

Tide Water Associated Oil Co. (Tacoma); Petroleum industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts; Storage tanks--Tacoma; Fuel tanks;

Furniture Department at Weisfield & Goldberg, Virginia Knowlen. Weisfield and Goldberg announced their Grand Opening of their newly enlarged, newly remodeled and newly redecorated, five floors of furniture values with a one-half page advertisement in the Tacoma Times. Shown here is one of the floors in their building with upholstered furniture: sofas, and armchairs; and floor lamps. (T.Times, 3/4/1948, p.2)

Weisfield & Goldberg, Inc. (Tacoma); Furniture stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Furniture; Chairs; Sofas; Lamps; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Furniture Department at Weisfield & Goldberg, Virginia Knowlen. This view shows the selection of rugs and carpeting available in Weisfield & Goldberg's newly remodeled rug department in February of 1948. Samples cover several of the building's support columns and several are displayed on the walls in addition to layers of rugs on raised platforms on the floor and rolls of carpeting.

Weisfield & Goldberg, Inc. (Tacoma); Furniture stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rugs; Floor coverings; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Grand Opening, Blue Moon Tavern, John Monta. Interior of the tavern showing seating along one wall, a pay phone, electric game board and the juke box. More bouquets sent from well wishers decorate the tables. Large paintings of mountains and the ocean are hung along the walls.

Blue Moon Tavern (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jukeboxes; Telephones; Pinball machines--Tacoma;

Several interiors and exteriors of stores in Fircrest, Lakewood Log, Charlie Mann. The interior of the Fircrest Food Market. The small market carried a large selection of canned goods on shelving that was wider at the bottom which made it easier to see what was available there. Frozen foods were displayed in a case along the left side wall as well as dairy items in a cold case next to it. A meat counter was housed in the back of the store. Carts for use by customers are seen by the check out stand.

Fircrest Food Market (Fircrest); Grocery stores--Fircrest--1940-1950; Grocery carts; Meat; Food--Fircrest; Canned foods; Dairy products;

Several interiors and exteriors of stores in Fircrest, Lakewood Log, Charlie Mann. Interior of Paul L. Mickens' Fircrest Pharmacy featuring a fountain, cosmetics, vitamins, shaving needs, tooth pastes and other sundries. Sparklet syphons are featured in the foreground. A clock hangs on the wall at the rear of the store.

Fircrest Pharmacy (Fircrest); Soda fountains--Fircrest--1940-1950; Drugstores--Fircrest--1940-1950; Pharmacists--Fircrest--1940-1950; Cosmetics & soap; Toothpaste; Vitamins;

Thorsen's Service Station was an official distributor of Standard Oil Company gasoline. View of garage interior, tires on top shelf (left side), advertisements featuring "RPM" lubrication and oil products and "Filko" automotive replacement parts, and grease rack in center.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Thorsen's Service Station (Tacoma);

Photograph taken in November of 1947 of the Captain's Quarters at the Tacoma Athletic Commission's Club, located on the upper level of the Top of the Ocean, 2217 Ruston Way. Top of the Ocean housed Tacoma Athletic Commission, which retained its own private Club on the top level. The lower portions of the facility were open to the public. Organizations could also rent the facilities for parties. A cocktail area in the TAC Club is pictured; with a small dance floor, cocktail tables and comfortable chairs, a full bar and slot machines against the back wall. Photo ordered by Condon Advertising. (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5).

Dance floors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

In November of 1947, Tacoma's Top of the Ocean was in such high demand, that the restaurant had to reduce the general operating hours for the public. Clubs and organizations now had more time options in reserving private dining rooms. Interior view of the main dining room and dance floor. Orchestra area in background, where Hal Gullett's Orchestra appeared on the weekends, photo ordered by Condon Advertising. The Top of the Ocean was also home to the Tacoma Athletic Commission. They maintained their own private club on the upper level with its own private entrance. (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5). TPL-8248

Dance floors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Table settings & decorations; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Interior decoration; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Graybar had an increase of orders for their products, which came with the post-war building boom. John Reine was Graybar's current Tacoma manager. In the past Graybar had specialized on certain industries, such as the telegraph business, but they were now dealing with all home electronics. Interior view of Graybar Electric kitchen appliances, "Hotpoint" refrigerators, stoves, kitchen cabinets, water heater and kitchen sink.

Graybar Electric Co. (Tacoma); Appliance stores--Tacoma; Appliances;

Weisfield & Goldberg were having an emergency warehouse furniture sale at Weisfield's Furniture Warehouse, located on East 26th Street and Bay Street. Everything in stock would be marked down 15% to 60% off the regular low warehouse prices. Weisfield & Goldberg had a full two page ad in the Tacoma Times, advertising their one day sale (T. Times, 11/7/47, p. 6-7).

Storehouses--Tacoma; Industrial facilities--Tacoma; Warehouses--Tacoma; Advertisements--Tacoma; Weisfield & Goldberg, Inc. (Tacoma); Weisfield & Goldberg Furniture Warehouse (Tacoma);

In October of 1947 Weisfield and Goldberg's moved all the furniture out of their store at 923-25 Broadway and into the Tacoma Exhibition Hall at 1616-32 East 26th Street. Beginning on November 7th they held an "Emergency Warehouse Furniture Sale" out of this building. They were offering low prices, easy credit, free deliveries throughout the State of Washington, free parking and brand name furniture. They had to move the furniture out of their regular store because they were remodeling all four of the upper floors in their downtown building. In February of 1948 they re-opened their newly remodeled store. (T. Times, 11/7/47, p. 6-7).

Storehouses--Tacoma; Industrial facilities--Tacoma; Warehouses--Tacoma; Advertisements--Tacoma; Weisfield & Goldberg, Inc. (Tacoma); Weisfield & Goldberg Furniture Warehouse (Tacoma);

Titus Motor Company offered Tacoma customers the largest selection of Ford cars and trucks. Titus also had a full service department and parts available on site. Here Titus Motor Company parts delivery man, Phil Martin, proudly wears his Ford uniform. Mr. Martin stands at the door of his Vanette delivery truck which reads "Phil Martin at your service."

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile equipment & supplies; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Martin, Phillip J.;

Titus Motor Company was an authorized Ford cars and trucks dealership, in Tacoma for many years. Titus Motor Company, parts delivery man Phil Martin stands by his Vanette delivery truck in front of the Titus showroom. His name is written prominently near the wheel well. Exterior view of Ford neon and painted signs on building, and information painted on truck in this photograph dated January 2, 1948.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile equipment & supplies; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Martin, Phillip J.;

Exterior view of Titus Motor Company and parts delivery man, Phil Martin Jr. who is standing by his Vanette delivery truck parked in front of the Titus showroom. There are Ford neon and painted signs on building. Titus Motor Company delivered genuine Ford parts ranging from visor vanity mirrors to V-8 engines to your home or garage with their new "traveling parts store." Titus Motor Company and Titus Manufacturing Company had one of the best auto repair shops in the Pacific Northwest for Ford automobiles. TPL-10162 (TNT 2-7-1948, p. 6-ad w/background eliminated)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile equipment & supplies; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Martin, Phillip J.;

View of Titus Motor Company parts delivery man, Phil Martin Jr. moving a Ford "flathead" V-8 engine using a hand winch mounted inside the rear door of his Vanette delivery truck; cabinets and shelves for parts inside of truck. This "flathead" V-8 Ford engine is a rebuilt engine from Titus Manufacturing Company.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile equipment & supplies; Engines; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Martin, Phillip J.;

Engines are taken from Ford cars and trucks, then replaced with a rebuilt engine by the Titus plant, payment is made with the trade in of the old engine and cash. Testing includes the engine being spun at over 800 r.p.m. while its operation, sound and oil pressure are carefully monitored. This service is available to individual owners, garages and Ford dealers. Interior view of Titus Manufacturing Company's engine rebuilding shop, men assembling rebuilt Ford "flathead" V-8 engines; tools, parts and supplies in factory area.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Engines; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma; Titus Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma);

In July 1946, as engine rebuilding demand and production increased, the Titus Motor Company had to restructure their engine rebuilding department which became Titus Manufacturing Company.This is an interior view of Titus Manufacturing Company's engine rebuilding shop. Two men are working on Ford "flathead" V-8 engines while two other men work in machine tools. The Titus shop was at 6th and Broadway. In later years Titus-Will had a body shop in the same building.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Engines; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma; Titus Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma);

Titus Motor Company's parts delivery truck, interior view of Vanette delivery truck from cab looking to rear, steering wheel, seat and parts books; cabinets, overhead panels and shelves for parts; hand winches for engine blocks, Ford "flathead" V-8 engines at far end. Ford authorized parts visible are, foot operated tire pumps, tire and fire units, engine compartment lamps, visor vanity mirrors, gas tank locking cap kits and black enamel.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies; Steering wheels; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma);