Square dancing fever was spreading through Tacoma in December of 1949. Members of the Tacoma Athletic Commission put on a dance demonstration at the Top of the Ocean, 2217 Ruston Way, in appropriate dress. They announced that they were sponsoring a city-wide square dance festival to be held in February in the College of Puget Sound (UPS) fieldhouse. Dressed in contrasting blouses topping skirts in a rick-rack pattern - all worn over pantalettes - are: (l to r) Mrs. John Richards, Allyne (Mrs. Kenneth) Hopper, Gail (Mrs. Melvin) McKenney and Mary L. (Mrs. David) Collier. (TNT, 12/22/1949, p.20)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Square dancing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hopper, Allyne; Collier, Mary L.; McKenney, Gail; Costumes--Tacoma; Bloomers;

Tacoma Athletic Commission, Square dancing and style show, Elliott Metcalf. Bob Starkey was the caller for the square dancing revue put on for the members of the Tacoma Athletic Commission at the Top of the Ocean. Couples are dancing with arms around each other and the men have crossed arms in the middle. Several couples watch from the side lines. (TNT, 12/22/1949, p.20)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Square dancing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Couples--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Interior of bar to show Christmas decorations, Tacoma Athletic Commission, Metcalf. The Tacoma Athletic Commission decorated the back wall of the bar at the Top of the Ocean with a hand-painted sign showing a snowy scene with a comfortable home snuggled up against a woods. The ground slopes down to a bay with ships on the water and a mountainous island in the distance. An artificial showman has taken over the cash register. Artificial icicles hang over the sign and tinsel hangs over the front of the bar.

Restaurants--Tacoma; Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Decorations--Tacoma; Bars--Tacoma; Lounges--Tacoma; Murals--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Christmas decorations;

Banquet at Poodle Dog Restaurant for employees of Mannings Market. Ordered by Mac Manza. This view of the interior includes the photo mural with images of many Northwest industries. TPL-9689

Diners (Restaurants)--Fife; Poodle Dog (Fife); Banquets--Fife--1950-1960; Mannings Inc. (Tacoma);

On Friday the 13th of January, 1950, the worst blizzard in years hit Tacoma. The gale brought five foot snow drifts, twenty degree chills, several hours of 40-60 mph winds and an estimated million dollars worth of storm damage in Tacoma. As pictured, the bulkhead near the "bow" of the Top of the Ocean, the Tacoma Athletic Commission's Ruston Way nightclub shaped like a ship, collapsed. However, the club itself did not suffer extensive damage. Waves 20 feet high broke over Ruston Way during the storm. The freezing temperatures brought in by the storm stayed until the middle of the following week. In the background is the Henry Mill. Ordered by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. TPL-8836

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts; Storms--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A group portrait of the 1950 Industrial Bureau of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce taken at their luncheon at the New Yorker. Thirty seven men have attended the luncheon January 20, 1950. Howard D. Norris served as chairman for the year 1950. Names of those attending are printed along the bottom of the photograph. TPL-8767

Tacoma Chamber of Commerce (Tacoma); New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Group portraits;

The "noon rush" filled the booths, tables and counter space at Peters' Golden Gate Oyster House, 1122 Pacific Avenue, in February of 1950. The restaurant, in the heart of Tacoma's financial and office building district, was owned and operated by Gus and Mike Peters. The brothers came to Tacoma from the Island of Crete in Greece in 1912 and entered the restaurant and seafood catering business while still teenagers. Gus Peters' original Greek name was believed to be Paneoto Constantine Rodakalikis. They had owned and operated restaurants in Tacoma for 26 years when they opened this new cafe in 1948. It was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (TNT 12/9/1948 p.B-9) (Additional information provided by a reader)

Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Eating & drinking--Tacoma--1950-1960; Counters--Tacoma--1950-1960; Restaurant workers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Waitresses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Peters Golden Gate Oyster House (Tacoma);

Attendees at the Saturday, 3/11/1950, Panhellenic luncheon at the Top of the Ocean. The annual affair recognized the friendship among alumnae of all area sorority groups affiliated with the national Panhellenic congress. The program featured a smorgasbord and a musical program. The decorations, as shown in the picture, were replicas of represented sorority's pins displayed on the back curtain. (TNT 3/8/1950 pg. 37, TNT 3/15/1950 pg. 10-picture and names)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Events--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fraternities & Sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A group of thirteen people from the Federation of Garden Clubs met at the Top of the Ocean. Ordered by Mrs. Fred Gordon.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs (Tacoma);

A luncheon meeting at the Top of the Ocean was one of the highlights of the annual convention of the Washington State Council of Administrative Women in Education held in Tacoma April 21 and 22, 1950. Visitors came from each of the five branch organizations within Washington. Ordered by Miss Mildred White, President of the Tacoma branch, a concultant in elementary education for Pierce County schools. Names are listed in the newspaper. (TNT, 4/21/1950, p.C-5; 4/26/1950, p.12)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Hats--1950-1960; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Washington State Council of Administrative Women in Education (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Dixie Ball was the Spinster Club's annual spring event, this year with a "Gone with the Wind" theme. The Ball was held at the New Yorker Cafe's Rainbow Room. A spotlight focused on life-sized mammy and pappy dolls and miniature mammy dolls decorated the tables. Patrons and patronesses were Mr. and Mrs. G.R. Waiss, Mrs. Anna Ryan and Michael Harris. Two couples smile from across one of the tables. A brown paper bag is seen on the table along with bowls of ice, glasses and ash trays. Ordered by Tribune, Barbara Dana. (TNT, 4/24/1950, p.5; 4/30/1950, p.D-6)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Parties--Tacoma; Single women; Women--Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Spinster Club (Tacoma);

Governor Arthur B. Langlie was the guest of honor at the 14th annual dinner meeting of the Tacoma Council of Churches at the New Yorker. Govenor Langlie's message was that government without God is bound to fail. Governor Langlie and Loyal H. Vickers, executive secretary of the Tacoma Council, are seen seated fourth and third from the right, respectively. Names are listed in the newspaper. (TNT, 5/18/1950, p.B-13)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Vickers, Loyal H.; Clergy--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma); Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors;

The Tacoma Chamber of Commerce entertained the armed forces Friday night of Armed Forces Week at the Top of the Ocean in May of 1950. A Military Ball was to complete the week's festivities on Saturday night and was held at the Elks Ballroom. Ordered by the Tribune, Barbara Dana. (TNT, 5/24/1950, p.11)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Balls (Parties)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Military uniforms; Ball dresses;

The Tacoma Chamber of Commerce entertained the armed forces at the Top of the Ocean on Friday night of Armed Forces Week in Tacoma. Henry O. and Agnes Foss are seen on the left. C. Val and Linda M. Fawcett are on the right. Other entertainment for visiting armed forces personnel included theater tickets and the facilities of the Council of Churches Youth Center, the Armed Service Recreation Center and the Christian Service Man'c Center. The crew from the Canadian destroyer "Athabaskan" and the USN fleet oiler "Platt" were in Tacoma for the week. Ordered by the Tribune, Barbara Dana. (TNT, 5/14/1950, p.D-9; 5/24/1950, p.11)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Balls (Parties)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Military uniforms; Ball dresses; Foss, Henry O., 1891-1986; Foss, Agnes S.; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965--Family; Fawcett, Linda;

Several exposures of after remodeling of Manning's Market. This angled view of the serving area of Manning's Market's cafe section shows a large container of crushed ice where cold salads and other foods could be displayed and several units for holding hot dishes. Looking through the long horizontal windows, a customer could easily see and then order his selection for the day. The breakfast menu on the wall shows that cereal, fruit or juice, toast and coffee could be purchased for 50 cents and an egg, potatoes, toast and coffee meal would only cost 45 cents. TPL-9506

Manning's Market (Tacoma); Manning's Inc. (Tacoma); Cafeterias--Tacoma;

Several exposures of after remodeling of Manning's Market. The coffee counter in the remodeled Manning's was situated between the Jackson Brothers Meat Market and the Bakery. There were an abundance of stools for weary customers to refresh themselves with cups of Manning's coffee or tea. TPL-9508

Manning's Market (Tacoma); Manning's Inc. (Tacoma); Jackson Brothers Meat Market (Tacoma); Stools;

Several exposures of after remodeling of Manning's Market. Manning's Market, at the corner of 11th and Commerce, was part of Manning's Inc., a multi-million dollar food chain. Manning's in Tacoma contained a coffee store, cafe, bakery, meat market as well as a beauty salon and gardening supplies. This photograph, taken on July 31, 1950, highlights the coffee and bakery sections of the store. The gleaming showcases contain a selection of tea selling from 33 cents per quarter pound to 65 cents per half pound and a variety of coffees starting from 74 cents a pound. There is a lone two layer, heavily frosted, cake along side the coffee and tea. And, if a customer had a craving for peanuts, Manning's also supplied freshly roasted bags of peanuts for year round enjoyment. TPL-9507

Manning's Market (Tacoma); Manning's Inc. (Tacoma); Showcases; Coffee--Tacoma; Tea--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Manning's, Inc.--coffee, cafeterias, cafes, markets, bakeries--it was a household name in the 1950s from Canada to Mexico, from Denver to Hawaii. The multi-million dollar food chain started in Seattle in 1908 as a small coffee store. Manning's Market opened in Tacoma at 11th and Commerce in 1920, remained at that location, and eventually became a microcosm of Manning's food empire. Its coffee cafe remained a Tacoma stalwart until urban renewal claimed the building in 1972. TPL-6560

Cafes--Tacoma; Manning's Coffee Cafe (Tacoma); Mannings Inc. (Tacoma);

Several exposures of after remodeling at Manning's Market. Facing directly ahead, this photograph taken on July 31, 1950, shows a comprehensive view of Manning's Market. To the left are the coffee and bakery displays; the deli is in the center and Jackson Brothers Meat Market is on the right. Manning's could be construed as a one-stop shopping center where fresh meat, breads, and beverages could be obtained. The Jackson Brothers Meat Market were long-time occupants of Manning's; they specialized in quality meat and sold Swift Co., Carsten's and Rath's meat products over the years. The Jackson Brothers Meat Market remained in the Manning's location at 11th and Commerce until the building was razed in 1972. TPL-8118

Manning's Market (Tacoma); Manning's Inc. (Tacoma); Showcases; Delicatessens--Tacoma; Jackson Brothers Meat Market (Tacoma); Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exposures of several after remodeling pictures of Manning's Market. Manning's underwent extensive remodeling in 1950. This photograph, taken on July 31, 1950, shows a multitude of small tables and booths in the cafe section of the store. Recessed lighting, painted murals, and new linoleum flooring enhance the dining atmosphere.

Manning's Market (Tacoma); Manning's Inc. (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma;

Crawford's Sea Grill, located at 505 Broadway, opened its new Star Room Terrace in August of 1950. Owned by Jack Meaker, Crawford's was built on the site of the Nelson Bennett Mansion in 1946. It was a very popular restaurant with Tacoma residents and visitors alike who enjoyed the unique Terrace which was completely enclosed in glass to take advantage of the view of Commencement Bay. The Town & Country Shop and the Wild West Veterans Club (Post #91) shared space at the same location. Crawford's closed in the early 1950s. (TNT, 8/30/1950) TPL-9848

Crawford's Sea Grill (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Town & Country Shop (Tacoma); Wild West Veterans Club (Tacoma);

Exterior of Dandy Cafe. Located at 917 Tacoma Avenue South, the Dandy Cafe shared a building with the Dandy Barber Shop in 1950. Owned and operated by Fred and Louise Fries, the Dandy Cafe was a small eating establishment. As the signs on the building advertised, they offered Coca-Cola and Flett's Ice Cream as part of the menu.

Dandy Cafe (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices); Fries, Fred; Fries, Louise;

The Dandy Cafe was located at 917 Tacoma Avenue South; it was owned and operated by Fred and Louise Fries. Photographs for license purposes were commissioned by Mrs. Fries of both the exterior and interior of the cafe in September, 1950. The Dandy Cafe had a long counter with stools for quick and casual dining and a back area with upholstered seats and tables for more private occasions. A large jukebox was placed against the wall near a coat/hat rack.

Dandy Cafe (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Jukeboxes; Fries, Fred; Fries, Louise;

In September of 1950, the clock on the wall of the Dandy Cafe indicated it was just past 7 AM. Customers at the counter were enjoying early morning breakfasts. A waitress was reaching for a pot of coffee while the cook was busy at his grill. The Dandy Cafe was located at 917 Tacoma Avenue South and owned and operated by Fred and Louise Fries. Although the cafe had a more private eating area in the rear, the five customers this morning seemed to prefer eating at the long counter.

Dandy Cafe (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fries, Fred; Fries, Louise;

Vaudeville Party at the Top of the Ocean, photograph ordered by Tacoma Actors Guild. Two men and three women, acting as restaurant staff, at bar. 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 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);