Vaudeville Party at the Top of the Ocean, photograph ordered by the Tacoma Actors Guild.. Man at microphone addressing audience seated at tables around dance floor. Two of the columns in the room have sea shell decorations near top of column. For Tacoma Actors Guild, Frank Murtough.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Actors Guild (Tacoma); Parties--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Vaudeville Party at the Top of the Ocean, photograph ordered by Tacoma Actors Guild. Group of men and women seated at tables with Bingo cards. For Tacoma Actors Guild, Frank Murtough.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Actors Guild (Tacoma); Parties--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Vaudeville Party at Top of the Ocean, photograph ordered by Tacoma Actors Guild. Audience seated at tables around dance floor. Two of the columns in the room have sea shell decorations near top of column. For Tacoma Actors Guild, Frank Murtough.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Actors Guild (Tacoma); Parties--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The interior of the Silver Dollar Tavern is being remodeled. The tavern was located at 1554-56 Jefferson Avenue in the Carlton Hotel. A tile floor with set-in designs and a border is shown. A large arched doorway leads to the exterior of the building. A counter with beer taps is standing on the floor in the right, center. Light fixtures hang from the tall ceiling. Ordered by Dorothy Harradine, owner of the new tavern and cafe.

Silver Dollar Cafe (Tacoma); Remodeling--Tacoma--1950-1960; Carlton Hotel (Tacoma);

Five men stand around a new model Packard Bell television at the Top of the Ocean exhibit. A portrait of founder H.A. Bell smiles down from the wall. The festivities were hosted by Packard Bell to celebrate their 25th year in business. In attendance from the Los Angeles home office were Vice President Joe E. Spain, General Sales Manager Kenneth R. Johnson and Glen C. Tillack, chief field engineer. N. Earl Davisson, PB distributer, was host. The highlight of the evening was the preview of Packard Bell's 1951 "Masterpiece Founders Series." (TNT 2/8/1951, pg. B-6)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Televisions--1950-1960; Packard Bell Co. (Tacoma);

Interior of the Silver Dollar Cafe, 1554-56 Jefferson, for the liquor board. The cafe was owned by Mrs. Dorothy Harradine. The cafe is set up like a classic diner. Booths line the right hand side of the picture. A lunch counter, with mirror behind, is on the left hand side of the picture. Three waitresses stand behind the counter ready to refill coffee cups or take orders. At the rear of the picture, a rectangular opening can be seen in the wall where the chef can pass out prepared plates for delivery to customers.

Silver Dollar Cafe (Tacoma); Diners (Restaurants)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Counters--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cafes--Tacoma--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 restaurant offered cocktails and American food served smorgasbord style for a nominal charge, with dining music and entertainment provided. This long shot of the "Gay Nineties" dining room shows the smorgasbord table on the right and booths on the left decorated to appear like "surreys with fringe on top." Checked table cloths and wagon wheel chandeliers complete the down home look. Steve's Gay '90s operated from 1950 to 1977 and was one of Tacoma's most popular night spots. It grew from a 20 person cafe to a huge complex that could seat up to 725 at a time. In the mid fifties, Steve's added to their unique treasure trove an actual cable car, converted to street driving, bought at auction in San Francisco and driven to Tacoma. The Cable Car Room then opened with replicas of Tacoma and San Francisco cable cars as booths in the cocktail lounge. The crowning gem was the Opera House, opened in a mid fifties expansion, furnished with antiques from the South Tacoma mansions and featuring a twice nightly floor show with can can girls, among other performers. (TNT 4/4/1951, pg. B6-B7)

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

John Stanley poses in a publicity photo for the opening of the Gay Nineties Room of Steve's (Gay '90s) Cafe, at 5238 South Tacoma Way. The restaurant featured a smorgasbord every day of the week and was owned by John J. Stanley and Stephen O. Pease. It was decorated in 1890's style and offered music from a Hammond organ, dining, dancing and employees in Nineties costumes.The mural at the rear of the buffet table depicts local 1951 businesses in a "Gay Nineties" setting.The smorgasbord was open from 12 noon - 9 p.m. every day of the week for a nominal charge, reminiscent of the Nineties "free lunch." John Stanley, well known South Tacoma restaurateur, was in charge of all culinary matters and Steve Pease, the "unofficial mayor of South Tacoma," headed up the lounge end. People travelled from all over the Northwest for the unique dining and entertainment offered. (TNT 4/4/1951, pg. B6- B7)

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

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;

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;

Scene from the Grand Opening of the Gay Nineties Room at Steve's Cafe (later commonly known as Steve's Gay '90s.) Customers and employees pose in Nineties costumes, the women in elaborate picture hats. Steve's was the brainchild of Steve Pease and John Stanley. It incorporated good food, cocktails and entertainment in a unique and imaginative setting. The restaurant became a tourist attraction in the fifties and sixties, and grew from a 20 person coffee shop to swallow up all surrounding businesses and become a huge facility that seated up to 725 at a time. Mary and Steve Pease are standing at the middle of this group shot, Dorothy Jean Pease is seated at the far right. William and Harriet B. Fowler, parents of Mary Pease, are also included in this photograph. Mrs. Fowler is standing next to Mrs. Pease and her husband is seated before her. Another daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pease is Mary Lou (Pease) Torgeson who is seated between Mr. Fowler and John Stanley. (TNT 4/4/1951, pg B6-B7) (Additional identification provided by two readers) TPL-10448

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1890-1900; Pease, Stephen O.; Pease, Mary; Pease, Dorothy Jean; Fowler, William; Fowler, Harriet B.; Torgeson, Mary Lou;

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;

Scene from the Grand Opening of the Gay Nineties Room at Steve's Cafe (later commonly known as Steve's Gay '90s.) Employees pose in Nineties costumes, with frilly garters on their sleeves. Steve's was owned and operated by local restaurateur John Stanley and Steve Pease, the "unofficial mayor of South Tacoma." They merged Stanley's coffee shop and Pease's tavern in 1949 when, with the passage of liquor by the drink, Pease found he needed a restaurant in order to retain his liquor license. Providing new and unique environments and entertainments during the next twenty years, such as the Cable car room and the Opera House with its can can dancers, the Gay '90s remained a popular tourist attraction throughout the fifties and sixties. They closed in 1977. (TNT 4/4/1951, pg B6-B7)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1890-1900;

A man, probably John E. Berglund, stands by one of the dining tables at the Viking Smorgasbord holding one of the new restaurant's menus. John E. Berglund was president and manager of the incorporated business. He had started his career in 1916. He had worked in some of the finest hotels and restaurants throughout the world in Paris, Nice, London, Cairo and the old Waldorf Astoria in New York. He managed the "Bit of Sweden" in Hollywood for more than 10 years. Miss Maja Lisa Lindberg joined the restaurant at vice president. Other officers included Mr. and Mrs. Charles O. Anderson and Mr. and Mrs. David Benson. (TNT, 4/14/1951, p.C-5)

Viking Smorgasbord (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma; Menus; Men--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Tables at the Viking Smorgasbord sit ready for the restaurant's grand opening April 14, 1951. A large painting of a Viking sailing ship, created by Oke Ockerman, a Swedish immigrant to the Northwest, is seen against the far wall. Tables in this area that can be separated into a banquet room are spaced comfortably throughout the area and are set with white tablecloths and napkins folded decoratively. The restaurant featured Swedish smorgasbord as well as a la carte dinners. (TNT, 4/14/1951, p.C-5)

Viking Smorgasbord (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma;

The interior of the Viking Smorgasbord showing the main dining room in the foreground and the banquet room at the rear that could be separated using a Modernfold door. The banquet room had a separate outside entrance and displayed a large mural depicting a Viking ship under sail in heavy seas. (TNT, 4/14/1951, p.C-5)

Viking Smorgasbord (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma;

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 kitchen at the Viking Smorgasbord was furnished with the latest in modern equipment including odorless gas equipment. Well trained staff were selected by John E. Berglund and Maja Lisa Lindberg, both professionals in food catering. (TNT, 4/14/1951, p.C-5)

Viking Smorgasbord (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma; Kitchens--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A banquet is being held at the Viking Smorgasbord. A group of 20 people are grouped in front of the large painting of a Viking ship at the restaurant. (Format 5' x 14")

Viking Smorgasbord (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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;

This photograph of the Poodle Dog restaurant, owned by E. J. "Jim" Zarelli and Rocco "Mac" Manza, was taken in May of 1951 after it was rebuilt for the second time in 1949. The pair opened the original Poodle Dog as a 13 stool hamburger and short order cubicle in 1933. In 1939, it was torn down to accommodate a new Spanish style building. As materials became available after World War II, that building was torn down in 1949 and replaced by the one pictured, designed by Thomas Albert Smith. The building's interior design was a model of labor saving devices. In 1967 this building was demolished and yet another, new Poodle Dog was built. (TNT 11/08/1949) TPL-9690

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

This building at 3812 So. Yakima was originally built in 1930 as a post office. In 1951, the year of this photograph, it was converted into a restaurant, the Golden City Cafe. Originally owned by George Lew, Lung F. Louie, and Jung Git, the Golden City Restaurant is still in business at this address.. TPL-9066

Golden City Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The interior of the Golden City Cafe showing a counter and stools along one side of the room and two rows of booths along the other side. Selection boxes for the juke box can be seen along the counter. TPL-9067

Golden City Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Jukeboxes;

In 1951 there were five taverns on Pacific Avenue between South 11th and South 13th streets. One of them was the Rainbow Tavern located at 1221 Pacific Avenue. The bar was crowded on this June, 1951, night with patrons at the counter and one woman intently playing on a shuffleboard bowling machine. According to the 1951 City Directory, the Rainbow Tavern was owned by Francis E. Bailey.

Rainbow Tavern (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma;

A view, taken in June of 1951, of the interior of the Rainbow Tavern showing customers seated at the counter, at booths along the far wall and playing amusement machines placed in the middle of the floor. Jukebox listings are available from a selector box at the counter and in the booths. The jukebox is standing along the far wall between two booths.

Rainbow Tavern (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Jukeboxes;

The Dixie Ball was the Spinster Club's annual spring event. The Ball was held at the New Yorker Cafe's Rainbow Room. Three couples are shown relaxing at a table decorated with miniature mammy dolls. The women are wearing strapless evening gowns and rhinestone jewelry. Two of the men wear white dinner jackets. Ordered by the Tribune, Dolores Busch. (TNT, 6/28/1951, p.24)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Parties--Tacoma; Single women; Women--Clubs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Spinster Club (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);

The interior of the High Hat Tavern located at 8920 South Tacoma Way showing booths and counter seats. An alcove for Mel McLaughlin's Trio has been added along the far wall close to the jukebox. Ordered by Mr. Pep Greco.

High Hat Tavern (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma;

The 1950s were cruising years for teenagers in everywhere USA. Carhops delivered burgers and cokes on trays that attached to rolled-down car windows. Cruising was car hopping--teenagers met friends and wannabe friends at these 1950s social gathering places. In Tacoma, Busch's Drive-In restaurant was the place to be on Saturday nights. Bill and Thelma Busch bought the former Triple XXX Barrel Restaurant in 1943 and it remains today as Busch's Restaurant along with the memories of "cruising". TPL-830

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Night photographs; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buschs Drive In (Tacoma);