V.I.P. night at the Tacoma Mall Theater. Zack S. Beiser of United Theatres in conversation with a woman tenatively identified as Miss Tacoma, Cleta Jo Johnson, at V.I.P. night at the Tacoma Mall Theater on May 14, 1968. Those attending the private party were able to view the theater before its grand opening on May 16th. Forman-United Theatres were the builders of the $1 million dollar theater, the first major theater development in the area in 40 years. Publicity photograph ordered by Tacoma Mall Theater for Pacific Theaters, Los Angeles.
Interior - Tacoma Mall Theater. This is the view one would get looking from the giant screen to the back of the theater. The seats are empty because it is three days before the Tacoma Mall Theater's grand opening. The 1200 seats were deep and upholstered with extra space between the rows. They were staggered so that all would have a good view of the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling screen. Armrests were made of upholstered foam rubber. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Mall Theater. TPL-6521 (TNT 4-18-68, B-15, TNT 5-8-68, D-13, TNT 5-14-68, insert)
Interior - Tacoma Mall Theater; view of 2000 yards of red draw curtains, stage and rows of empty upholstered seats. The Tacoma Mall, first indoor theater in the Forman-United Theater circuit of drive-ins in the Tacoma area, was just days away from its grand opening on May 16, 1968. Architect George T. Nowak utilized updated motion theater design in planning the new theater. The $1 million dollar theater was advertised as "Elegance in Entertainment" with staggered seating, body-contoured armchairs, custom made chandeliers, bronze-smoke Belgian glass mirrored walls and a giant screen extending wall-to-wall and floor to ceiling. It had a seating capacity of 1200. The building was divided into two sections in 1974 and renamed the Tacoma Mall Twins. Ultimately, it would close in July of 2002; the building was razed and a Krispy Kreme store opened on the site. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Mall Theater. (TNT 4-18-68, B-15, TNT 5-8-68, D-13)
Lobby in Tacoma Mall Theater. A beautiful display of elegance greeted patrons of the new Tacoma Mall Theater in May, 1968. Four $6000 imported, custom-made crystal chandeliers hang from the lobby's lofty ceiling. Each chandelier contains 3,250 clear crystal pendants. Small recessed ceiling and wall lights present an illusion of stars. The plush red carpet and corresponding red curved snack bar wall provide a colorful contrast to the dark walnut vinyl paneling. The snack bar, at 72 feet, was the West Coast's longest. The Tacoma Mall Theater was the first major theater development in 40 years in this area. 34 years later, in July of 2002, it would shut its doors for good. (TNT 5-8-68, D-13, TNT 5-14-68 insert)
Women's restroom in Tacoma Mall Theater. Even the restrooms at the new Tacoma Mall Theater carried on the theme of elegance with chandeliers, patterned wallpaper and fine floor coverings. Bright lighting and good ventilation were integral parts of the large, sparkling ladies room. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Mall Theater.
Night exposure of new Tacoma Mall Theater; large back-lit signs on brick and glass exterior. All is ready for the grand opening of the $1 million dollar Tacoma Mall Theater in May, 1968. The theater would open for business in one week with Hollywood stars in attendance. "First Night" tickets were still available at the time of this May 9th photograph; however, they were sold out by the 11th. Management added an extra late-evening viewing of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," but no stars would be present for the 11:30 p.m. show. The Tacoma Mall Theater was the latest addition to the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. It offered ample free parking, luxurious lobby and a giant Cinerama screen. (TNT 4-18-68, B-15, TNT 5-8-68, D-13, TNT 5-14-68, insert) TPL-6520
Miss Tacoma. Miss Tacoma, Cleta Jo Johnson, gets a early first-hand look at the new Tacoma Mall Theater prior to its grand opening on May 16, 1968. Miss Johnson would be among the luminaries present on the "First Night" of its movie existence. She is shown examining the comfortable body-conformed armchairs which were spaced 40 inches back-to-back. This allowed for plenty of leg room and easy maneuvering through the rows. The theater was originally built for a 1200-seat capacity. (TNT 5-8-68, D-13, TNT 5-14-68, insert)
Miss Tacoma, Cleta Jo Johnson, listens intently as she is shown the workings of the projection room on a May 9, 1968, visit to the Tacoma Mall Theater, the latest addition to the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. Projectionist Frank Carlson shows Miss Johnson the new projection machines. The theater used a Simplex 35-70 set to run 35 and 70 millimeter film. The Tacoma Mall Theater would officially open on May 16th with gala entertainment planned for the evening. (TNT 5-14-68, insert)
Exterior view of Bank of Tacoma's South Tacoma branch, taken on January 9, 1968. Originally established as South Tacoma State Bank in 1963, the bank changed its name to Bank of Tacoma in 1965. At the same time, it moved its headquarters to downtown Tacoma near So. 11th & Pacific. This contemporary stone edifice at on South Tacoma Way became a branch of Bank of Tacoma. Late in 1967, the Bank of Tacoma opened its newest location on Sixth Ave. and welcomed a new president, David Williams. Photograph ordered by Bank of Tacoma.
Bank of Tacoma (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970;
South Tacoma Motor Company, three men around a desk in office. South Tacoma Motor Co. was an authorized Chevrolet dealership located in the 5600 block of South Tacoma Way. The company had been at the same site since 1924. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970;
South Tacoma Motor Company, service area. Mechanic works under the hood of a 1968 Chevrolet Impala 2-door hardtop with 307 - V8 engine. Chevrolet pickups in extreme foreground and beyond Impala, other automobiles in background. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Chevrolet trucks; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1960-1970;
South Tacoma Motor Company's second showroom with customers admiring 1968 Chevrolets. Clockwise from left: Impala 4-door sedan with 327 V8 engine, Camaro RS-327 convertible, Camaro SS-350. Sales personnel are on hand to answer questions; cubicles are nearby to close the deal. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1960-1970;
South Tacoma Motor Company, general view of dealership. Vintage Chevrolet roadster in showroom and banner promoting 1968 Chevrolets attract the attention of a small party of three. The dealership was established at 56th & South Tacoma Way in 1924. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices); Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970;
South Tacoma Motor Company, outdoor view. Customer and salesman approach 1968 Chevrolet Impala 2-door hardtop with 327 V8 for a test drive. Another Impala is parked at curb. North Pacific Bank is across the street. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1960-1970;
South Tacoma Motor Company, view of showroom. Customers admire 1968 Chevrolets: Chevelle 4-door in foreground, Nova SS at left center, two Impalas at right. Vintage Chevrolet roadster, believed to be a 1914 Royal Mail, in left background. Bob's Burger Barn can be spotted through the dealership's large windows across the street in the Food King Supermarket parking lot. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit. TPL-6546
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1960-1970;
On January 4, 1968, prospective car buyers milled around the showroom of South Tacoma Motor Company, at 5602-08 South Tacoma Way, admiring the new 1968 Chevrolets. An employee pointed out the fine workmanship of the Camaro SS-350 to a prospective buyer, a military man in dress uniform. Another salesman chatted with a young woman who was testing the passenger seat of a Camaro RS-327 convertible. Also pictured was the new Impala 4-door sedan with 327 V-8 engine. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit. TPL-10261
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1960-1970; Military personnel--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1960-1970;
South Tacoma Motor Company, four men around a desk in office. It is not clear whether or not final paperwork is being processed for a sale. South Tacoma Motor Company was a Chevrolet dealership which had been a longtime fixture on South Tacoma Way. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970;
South Tacoma Motor Company, view of showroom from glassed-in office area. 1968 Chevrolets on display: Chevelle 4-door in foreground, Nova SS at left center, two Impalas at right. Vintage Chevrolet roadster in left background. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1960-1970;
South Tacoma Motor Company. View from back seat of 1968 Chevrolet Impala 2-door hardtop during test drive. Salesman demonstrates heater controls for customer at wheel. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Automobile driving--Tacoma; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1960-1970;
South Tacoma Motor Company, outdoor view. Mount Tahoma principal George Fallis and salesman Earl Christianson (at right) talk next to 1968 Chevrolet Impala 2-door hardtop with 327 V8 before leaving for a test drive in January, 1968. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Christianson, Earl;
South Tacoma Motor Company view in showroom of new cars. A salesman is on the telephone in front of a 1968 Chevrolet Nova SS. A 4-door Chevelle is in the background. Photograph ordered by John Handy Organization, Detroit.
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1960-1970; Telephones; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1960-1970;
ca. 1967. Doughnut Shop at Fort Lewis. Fort Lewis was, in essence, a miniature city. The Army military base provided its soldiers and their families with goods and services that could normally be found off-base. Here in 1967 soldiers could enjoy doughnuts at the Doughnut Shop pictured above or "take 'em home." Color photograph ordered by Puget Sound Area Support Center, Fort Lewis.
Tacoma Mall on a misty December, 1967 day. One of the features of the shopping center that drew many to sample its wares was the abundance of free parking. No longer did the shopper have to pay to park outside of stores or to hunt for available parking. Hundreds of cars are parked steps away from the enclosed, climate-controlled, Tacoma Mall. The Bon Marche, pictured above, was the first occupant of the Tacoma Mall and opened in August, 1964, well before the rest of the mall was completed. An estimated 150,000 visited the store on the first day of business, causing massive traffic jams. Color photograph ordered by Bell & Stanton, New York City.
Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970; Automobiles--Tacoma--1960-1970;
PLU choir at Bank of California. Customers and employees of Bank of California all enjoyed the musical performance from the Pacific Lutheran University Choir of the West on December 18, 1967. The choir and their audience gathered around the enormous Christmas tree in the lobby of the Italian Renaissance-styled bank building prior to Christmas. It was the sixth annual program of Christmas music direct from the bank's lobby and was broadcast live on KTNT radio. The Choir of the West is led by Maurice Skones, director. Photograph ordered by Bank of California. (TNT ad 12-17-67, A-27)
Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Choir of the West (Parkland); Pacific Lutheran University (Parkland)--1960-1970; Christmas trees--Tacoma;
The three new can-can dancers at Steve's Gay '90s (l to r) Vickie Conner, Kathy Tamburelle and Pamella Conner posed while on stage in December, 1967. They were photographed while performing a special Christmas holiday stage show which was presented on weekends.The dancers had a variety of costumes but all featured tall plumes, ruffles and fishnet stockings. The new dancers replaced the can-can trio of Connie Moisio, Callie Mathews and Hazel Gjerde, who retired in November, 1967, after 14 years at Steve's. Steve's Gay '90s was a longtime South Tacoma fixture that offered reasonably priced cuisine along with entertainment harking back to the America of the 1890's. (Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.) (TNT 11-9-67, D-11, TNT 12-22-67, p. 20) TPL-9874
Two entertainers at Steve's Gay '90s; photograph taken on December 8, 1967. Both are dressed in the fashions of bygone days. The woman seated at the piano was identified as "LuluBelle" in a News Tribune ad later on February 19, 1968; she carries a paper fan. LuluBelle was proclaimed being "back in town," and entertaining each Saturday evening at the Old Piano Table. The man is believed to be Jack Richardson, "King of the MCs." Steve's Gay '90s was a very popular restaurant in South Tacoma that offered family-styled entertainment. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s.
Two can-can dancers on stage at Steve's Gay '90s. Dressed in plumes, fishnet stockings, and ruffled costumes, the dancers were part of Steve's famous floor shows which provided family-oriented entertainment for its diners. Pamella Conner and Vickie Conner were part of a new trio of dancers who replaced the dancing Mernaugh sisters, Connie (Moisio) and Callie (Matthews) and Hazel Gjerde. The Mernaughs had been performing at Steve's for 14 years. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 11-9-67, D-11, TNT 12-22-67, p. 20)
Informal portrait of Bank of Tacoma president David J. Williams. A peek through the open door finds Mr. Williams hard at work at bank headquarters, in the 1100 block of Pacific Avenue, on November 20, 1967. The Bank of Tacoma, organized in 1963, had moved to the remodeled Publix Garage from its original South Tacoma Way location a few years later and also changed its name from the South Tacoma State Bank. Mr. Williams assumed the presidency in 1967 when Frank Cooper left the bank. Photograph ordered by Bank of Tacoma.
Bank of Tacoma (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Bankers--Tacoma; Williams, David J.;
Night exposure of Kmart, Sixth Ave. The newly built Kmart department store, 5132 Sixth Ave., provides a beacon of light in the early fall darkness of October 2, 1967. Large neon letters spell out the store name. The store, the 200th in the Kmart chain, was located west of Orchard St. on Sixth Ave., next to Busch's Sixth Ave. Drive-In. It is still there 38 years later in 2005. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune. (TNT ad 10-1-67, A-23, TNT 10-4-67, A-4)
Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Electric signs--Tacoma--1960-1970;
Tires section, Kmart department store. John Harvey (L) and James Fought pause during the set-up of the tires/auto accessories section of the new Kmart department store on Sixth Ave. on October 2, 1967. Built across the street from the First Christian Church and next door to Busch's Sixth Ave. Drive-In, Kmart was prepared to offer West enders a complete discount department store where automotive, appliance, clothing, and household needs could be met. The store would celebrate its grand opening on October 5, 1967. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune. (TNT ad 10-1-67, A-23, TNT 10-4-67, A-4)
