Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan building at night. This is the 11th & Commerce St. side of the ultra-modern Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Assn. building. The structure, built in 1964, had two entrances - one on Pacific Ave. and the other up the hill on Commerce where George Tsutakawa's bronze "lily" fountain was installed. The glass walls enabled the interior to be clearly visible especially at night when it was extremely well lit. Puget Sound National Bank's lighted spire is in the photograph's background. Photograph ordered by Jewel Electric Products.
Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fountains--Tacoma; Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma);
This distinctive bronze "lily" fountain, designed by the noted Japanese-American sculptor and painter George Tsutakawa, was created for Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan at 1102-08 Pacific Avenue. It was installed outside the entrance at the corner of South 11th and Commerce. Mr. Tsutakawa, who served on the faculty of the University of Washington's School of Art from 1947 until his retirement in 1976, created over sixty public fountains, installed throughout North America and Japan. He sought to explore the relationship of man to nature; his fountain sculptures were "an attempt to unify water--the life force of the universe that flows in an elusive cyclical course throughout eternity--with an immutable metal sculpture." Mr. Tsutakawa died in 1997 at the age of 87; his "lily" fountain was moved to the Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association's new Lakewood branch in 1974. (www.washington.edu/research/showcase/1947a.html)
Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Fountains--Tacoma;
Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Assn. - interior. The carpeted and tiled floor is empty of customers and staff in the evening of January 8, 1970. This area of the Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Assn. building may be the home loans department with the safe deposit vault not visible. Large tables and comfortable arm chairs are spaced far enough apart so that there is a feeling of privacy and the floor is well lit. The open-air arrangement, sans walls, may present a more welcoming atmosphere for clients. Signs guide customers to the various departments; it is possible that the insurance, savings and loan service departments were located on the 2nd floor. Photograph ordered by Jewel Electric Products.
Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Desks; Chairs;
ca. 1969. South Tacoma Motor Company, exterior view into Service Entrance, during the summer of 1969. A Chevrolet Suburban is parked in front of Credit Manager Lloyde Holstrom's office door. Master Charge sign at top right, Coca-Cola machine with service awards hanging above inside building. South Tacoma Motor Co. was an authorized Chevrolet dealer and was proud to offer qualified technicians. Fast, expert and low-cost, the South Tacoma Motor Co. guaranteed its work. "It's the 'Know-How' that Counts" was used as their motto in the 1969 City Directory. Photograph ordered by Harry S. Pearson, Seattle.
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);
ca. 1969. Exterior view of South Tacoma Motor Co.'s new and used trucks, believed to be located at So. 54th and Washington, during the summer of 1969. Customers looking for specialists in Chevrolet service could venture out to three South Tacoma Motor Co. locations. New and used trucks could be purchased at the company's So. 54th and Washington location where all trucks sold had undergone Chevrolet's "OK" program, ensuring that they had been thoroughly inspected, reconditioned and serviced. The South Tacoma Motor Co. was a well-established Tacoma firm owned and operated by the Wallerich family. Photograph ordered by Harry S. Pearson, Seattle.
South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Trucks--Tacoma--1960-1970;
ca. 1969. South Tacoma Motor Company, Used Car Division. Small ultra-modern sales office with covered driveway, several Chevrolet Impalas, a Chevelle SS, a Buick, a Volkswagen Squareback wagon, parked on lot. Although the building is named "South Tacoma Chevrolet," this was actually the used car division of South Tacoma Motor Co. The structure had been designed by architect William Hocking and had several plants of Asian variety. The 1969 City Director indicates that Beryl K. Price was manager of the lot. Photograph ordered by Harry S. Pearson, Seattle.
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Automobiles--Tacoma--1960-1970; South Tacoma Chevrolet (Tacoma); South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma);
ca. 1969. General daytime view of South Tacoma Motor Co. dealership. Located at So. 56th and South Tacoma Way, the South Tacoma Motor Co.'s brick and concrete facility occupied a full block. It was one of the oldest businesses in Tacoma as it started out as a livery service in the late 1800s. The Wallerich family acquired the then combined livery and automobile firm in 1919. This view, believed to be taken in the summer of 1969, focuses on the dealership's multi-glass showroom filled with new Chevrolet automobiles. Photograph ordered by Harry S. Pearson, Seattle.
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile;
Seattle-First National Bank established itself in Tacoma with its purchase of the Bank of Tacoma's four branches. December 1, 1969, was Seattle-First's first day in town. Pictured above are staff members of the South Tacoma branch, 5813 South Tacoma Way, with Joseph H. Blissenbach continuing as branch manager. This branch had been the original main office of the (then) South Tacoma State Bank. The Bank of Tacoma had only been in business since 1963; its president and board of directors would assume roles in the Seattle-First organization. Photograph ordered by Seattle-First National Bank. (TNT 11-29-69, p. 1)
Seattle-First National Bank (Tacoma); Bank of Tacoma (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Bankers--Tacoma;
Staff of Seattle-First National Bank's South Tacoma branch. December 1, 1969, was the first day for Seattle-First in Tacoma. The bank, largest in the state with 134 offices, had absorbed the four branches of the Bank of Tacoma. All Bank of Tacoma employees would be retained. This is the staff of the South Tacoma branch, headed by Joseph H. Blissenbach. George D. Van de Mark and Ivar Turnquist were the assistant managers. The Bank of Tacoma had been organized in 1963 as the South Tacoma State Bank and the South Tacoma location was the original main office at that time. Photograph ordered by Seattle-First National Bank. (TNT 11-29-69, p. 1)
Seattle-First National Bank (Tacoma); Bank of Tacoma (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Bankers--Tacoma;
Lakewood Summer Festival princess Jana Oglesbee grabs a winning entry at the United Mutual Savings Bank's grand opening of their Lakewood community branch on November 10, 1969. Although the branch officially opened on November 1st, November 10th was selected as the date of the prize drawings. First prize was an 18" portable Admiral color TV; a Polaroid color camera was awarded as the second prize and a short wave radio given away as third prize. Robert E. Kahle was the branch manager in charge of a staff of three full-time employees. Photograph ordered by United Mutual Savings Bank. (TNT 10-29-69, D-15; TNT Ad 10-31-69, C-1)
United Mutual Savings Bank (Lakewood); Banks--Lakewood; Awards; Oglesbee, Jana;
Ball joint press and gauge in use at Bohannon's Bridgeport Service Station, 11026 Bridgeport Way S.W., Lakewood on September 29, 1969. Stress placed on ball joints made them one of the most common suspension parts to wear out. Bohannon's Bridgeport Service was owned and operated by James Bohannon. Photograph ordered by Lomac, Inc., Seattle.
New tire store. Baldwin Tire & Brake Service opened for business in September of 1969 in the old OK Tire Store building. It was located at 1922 Tacoma Ave. So. and offered both new tires and retreads, including El Dorado and Goodrich brands. Front end alignment and brake service were also provided. Owner and operator Leonard Baldwin was a former real estate salesman for Frank Russell & Associates and a retired Army sergeant. Mr. Baldwin is believed to be the second man to the right in this September 22, 1969, group photograph. He was the sixth in the nation to utilize funds available through the (then) eight-month old minority enterprise program of the Small Business Administration. The loan to purchase the tire store was made possible through a special partnership from tire dealers and the SBA to help minorities obtain and operate their own tire business. Photograph ordered by R.H. Gillette Distributors, Inc. (TNT 10-12-69, D-10)
Baldwin Tire & Brake Service (Tacoma); Tires; Signs (Notices);
Baldwin Tire & Brake Service. The large OK sign was still fastened to the roof of the tire store at 19th and Tacoma Ave So. now owned by Leonard Baldwin in September of 1969. Now called Baldwin Tire & Brake Service, the store sold new tires and retreads, emphasizing the El Dorado and Goodrich brands, and also fixed flats for 96 cents or tubeless tires for $1.25. A customer could also have his vehicle's front end aligned and brakes repaired. Store owner Leonard Baldwin, a former real estate salesman and retired Army sgt., was able to purchase the business with the help of a minority enterprise program. This September 22, 1969, general view also indicates the wooded and shrub-filled lot next to the tire store had recently been sold by Wm. C. Johnston, realtor. Photograph ordered by the R.H. Gillette Distributors, Inc. (TNT 10-12-69, D-10)
Baldwin Tire & Brake Service (Tacoma); Tires; Signs (Notices);
James Will at the Titus-Will Ford dealership. Jim Will and Leon Titus were co-founders of the dealership in 1938. Awards and plaques on wall behind him. Photograph ordered by Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Michigan.
Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Awards; Titus-Will Ford (Tacoma); Will, James W.;
Seeking to make the car-buying experience as pleasant as possible, Titus-Will Ford built its salesman closing office with ceiling-to-floor windows to bring in natural light and provide unobstructed views of the outdoor landscaping. The customer was positioned so that he could rest his eyes on the trees and shrubbery beyond the salesman; lower windows could also be opened to let in fresh air. A salesman is shown on September 16, 1969, pointing out the details of a new Ford in a glossy magazine to a prospective client. Photograph ordered by the Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Michigan, for a "dealers publication."
Titus-Will Ford (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1960-1970;
James Will, of Titus-Will Ford, stands next to the large engraving commemorating one of the co-founders of the firm, Leon E.Titus. Mr. Titus, who passed away in 1966, was one of Tacoma's best known automobile dealers. The pair opened a downtown Ford dealership in 1938. Titus Motor Co. offered Ford trucks and cars at its downtown Tacoma location for decades. The dealership moved to its Tacoma Mall-area location next to I-5 in 1967. Photograph ordered by Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Michigan.
Titus-Will Ford (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Engravings; Titus, Leon E.--Associated objects; Will, James W.;
Firestone grand opening. The staff of the Highland Hills Firestone, 5939 Sixth Ave., posed in front of their newly opened facility on July 28, 1969. Besides tires, Firestone offered complete auto service performed by qualified mechanics. Televisions, stereos, kitchen and laundry appliances were also sold at this location. Dave McCallen ( standing second from left ) managed the new store. He was assisted by office & credit manager Roger Boswell, passenger tire sales manager Robert Fisher and service manager Ken Badgley. Photograph ordered by Firestone. (TNT 7-27-69, D-9)
A new Firestone store opened in July of 1969 at 5939 Sixth Ave. in the Highland Hills shopping district. It offered complete car service including brake relining, shock absorbers, front end alignments, batteries and a 40% off tire sale. The facility had six bays so that waiting for service could be kept at a minimum. Dave McCallen, who had prior managerial experience at the Villa Plaza Firestone and an Oregon Firestone, was the store's manager. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune. (TNT full page ads 7-27-69, D-6, D-7; TNT article 7-27-69, D-9)
Firestone Store (Tacoma); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma--1960-1970;
Russ Dunmire Oldsmobile, general view of agency building from across rain soaked South Tacoma Way. Two men are picketing the dealership at left center in July of 1969. Several 1950s and 60s automobiles, trucks and vans parked at curb. Although this photograph was taken in July, a large sign remained in the dealership's window advertising "Olds Spring Fashion Show." Photograph ordered by General Motors, Portland.
Russ Dunmire Oldsmobile, Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices); Pickets--Tacoma--1960-1970;
Richfield service station. This Richfield service station was located near Olympia next to an Armstrong Homes office. The service station, whose exact address was not identified, had at least six pumps and offered its customers S&H green stamps. Unlike gas stations of the past, this modern unit accepted Master Charge and Bankamericard for payment. Photograph ordered by Richfield Co., Seattle.
Automobile service stations--Olympia; Gasoline pumps--Olympia; Signs (Notices);
The remodeling of Peoples flagship store in downtown Tacoma also included updating the Sportswear section on the second floor. A glimpse into the Sportswear area on May 2, 1969, shows crowded racks of pants on spinners and shirts hung on the wall. Folded casualwear is piled high on convenient shelving. A pair of mannequins dressed in the latest styles are posed adjacent to the Sportwear; a functioning jukebox is plugged in next to them. Photograph ordered by Peoples.
Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mannequins; Jukeboxes;
Even into the late '60s, wigs were frequently advertised and purchased by women desiring a change of hairstyles or to supplement what nature had originally given them. Peoples downtown Tacoma store had extensively remodeled their second floor which included the Wig Boutique. The store had hired expert stylists to offer advice and fittings. This May 2, 1969, photograph shows the wide variety of styles and colors of wigs on sale. Pre-styled human hair wigs, machine-tied, were on sale at the time for $29.95. Wigboxes and styrofoam heads were included to transport the items home. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT ad 4-30-69, B-2)
Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Wigs;
Federal Collectors employees at work in April of 1969. Staff shown above were women although the collection firm was headed by Ernest Roberts. Federal Collectors was located at 911 Tacoma Ave. So., down the street from the County-City Building, and one of the 15 collection agencies listed in the 1969 City Directory. Photograph ordered by Federal Collectors, Inc.
Federal Collectors, Inc. (Tacoma); Offices--Tacoma--1960-1970; Office workers--Tacoma--1960-1970;
Federal Collectors, Inc., advertised its "effective collections" in the 1969 City Directory. The firm was located at 911 Tacoma Ave. So., close to the County-City Building. Filing cabinets stuffed with files and desktop Rolodex rotary card files seem to indicate that Federal Collectors did steady business. It was headed by Ernest Roberts. Photograph ordered by Federal Collectors, Inc.
Federal Collectors, Inc. (Tacoma); Offices--Tacoma--1960-1970; Office workers--Tacoma--1960-1970;
Interior- service station. Fort Lewis had a brand new service station in early 1969. The brightly lit interior had a number of products to serve automotive needs. A large sign informed customers that new AAFES consolidated procurement procedures enabled the post exchange to offer exceptional savings of quality merchandise. Shoppers were advised to look for the "gold shield" symbol on goods. Color photograph ordered by Northwest Area Exchange.
Automotive service stations--Fort Lewis; Merchandise displays--Fort Lewis; Signs (Notices);
Interior - service station. Servicemen and their families had a wide variety of merchandise to choose from in a new service station located on Fort Lewis. Brand name tires, car wax and oil were just a few of the many items sold at very reasonable prices. It would not be necessary to go off base to buy regularly used supplies. Color photograph ordered by the Northwest Area Exchange.
Automobile service stations--Fort Lewis; Merchandise displays--Fort Lewis; Tires;
1969 Richards stock footage. Elevated view of part of the Tacoma Mall, featuring the J.C. Penney's store. One of the Tacoma Mall's main drawing points was the abundance of free parking for thousands of cars. Customers shopping at Penney's, located at one end of the mall, could park their vehicles in well-lit spots without fear of feeding the meter. Penney's had closed their longtime downtown store and moved to the Tacoma Mall in October of 1965.
J.C. Penney Co. (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma; Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970;
Ed Taylor and beauticians Alice Burns (left) and Willie May Harris celebrated the grand opening of the newly remodeled Ed Taylor Barber & Beauty Salon facility in late February of 1969. Both men and women customers could be accommodated at Ed's South 23rd & "K" Street (now Martin Luther King, Jr. Way) shop. Walls appear to be covered with wood panels with matching cabinetry. Photograph ordered by Puget Sound National Bank.
Barbershops--Tacoma--1960-1970; Beauty shops--Tacoma--1960-1970; Ed Taylor Barber & Beauty Salon (Tacoma); Taylor, Edward; Burns, Alice; Harris, Willie May;
Grand opening of Ed Taylor Barber & Beauty Salon. Beauticians Alice Burns (foreground) and Willie May Harris smile at the photographer while at work with two customers. On February 23, 1969, Ed Taylor celebrated the grand opening of his remodeled combination beauty salon and barber shop at So. 23rd & K (now Martin Luther King, Jr. Way). Photograph ordered by Puget Sound National Bank.
Barbershops--Tacoma--1960-1970; Beauty shops--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hairdressing--Tacoma--1960-1970; Ed Taylor Barber & Beauty Salon (Tacoma); Burns, Alice; Harris, Willie May;
Ed Taylor Barber & Beauty Salon. View of exterior of modern one-story building with traditional barbershop striped pole attached. February 23, 1969, saw the grand opening of the remodeled Ed Taylor Barber & Beauty Salon in the So. 23rd and K (now Martin Luther King Jr Way) neighborhood. Photograph ordered by Puget Sound National Bank.
Barbershops--Tacoma--1960-1970; Beauty shops--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices); Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Ed Taylor Barber & Beauty Salon (Tacoma);
