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;

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, 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 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, 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;

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

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Dancers--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Costumes; Conner, Vickie; Tamburelle, Kathy; Conner, Pamella;

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.

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Entertainers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Fans (Accessories)--Tacoma;

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, 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, 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;

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)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Dancers--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Conner, Pamella; Conner, Vickie; Costumes;

Evening view in May of 1968 of Steven Motor Company, Chrysler and Plymouth dealers. Neon and backlit plastic signs on building and posts, new Plymouths in showroom window and on outdoor lot, used car department beyond. Steven Motor Co. had been at 2705 South Tacoma Way since late 1959. They had previously been in the downtown Broadway area for decades. Color photo ordered by Action Color Advertising, Portland, Oregon.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Plymouth automobile; Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

Three Bank of California officials lend a helping hand in the remodeling process of their Pacific Avenue building in August of 1968. They are building plywood walls in the main lobby to provide noise and dust protection. Daily operations would continue during the construction period with directory boards listing temporary locations of the various departments. Only one area of the bank at a time would be affected during the extensive interior remodeling. John Graham & Co., architects of the original edifice, would also be in charge of the $600,000 project. Photograph ordered by Bank of California. (TNT 8-18-68, A-19)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma--1960-1970; Plywood;

It was business as usual at the Bank of California even during remodeling in the summer of 1968. The major face-lifting project was expected to last until the end of November. Although remodeling would entail new carpeting, chandeliers, and oak wall paneling, the elaborate ceiling would be retained. Great sheets of plastic and fresh plywood kept dust and noise at bearable levels as work progressed in the main lobby. The barricade, 75-feet long and 8-feet high in front of the savings teller windows and new accounts area, was on the north side of the office building. A directory board prominently displayed against a check-writing counter helped customers find the temporary location of various services. Detailed maps were also provided on the lower part of the directory board. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California. (TNT 8-18-68, A-19)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma--1960-1970; Lobbies--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Bank of California exterior, taken on July 25, 1968. Built in the Italian Renaissance style of Wilkerson sandstone and granite by J.E. Bonnell & Son in 1928, the Bank of California's four Ionic columns made for an impressive sight on busy downtown Pacific Avenue. A contemporary touch has been added with the installation of a narrow vertical sign to the building's exterior with the bank's name on it.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Signs (Notices);

New eastside Kmart store. Claiming to be the largest discount department store in the world and still rapidly expanding, the new Kmart store, 1414 E. 72nd St., was pristine and already prepared for business thirteen days before its grand opening. The second of two Kmarts in Tacoma, it carried a large selection of name brand appliances, including washers, refrigerators, freezers, rangers, televisions, guitars, hi-fis and stereos. A complete department store, Kmart also carried toys, furniture and clothing for the family. It was managed by Glenn W. Darling. Photograph ordered by News Tribune. (TNT 9-18-68, C-4)

Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Appliances; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Grand opening of eastside Kmart. Mayor A.L. Rasmussen stands safely off to one side as hordes of shoppers rush through the doors of the new Kmart at 72nd & Portland Ave. on September 19, 1968. The grand opening of Kmart, the second in Tacoma, attracted hundreds of shoppers eager to check out the store's merchandise. Photograph ordered by Kmart.

Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Crowds--Tacoma; Shopping--Tacoma--1960-1970; Rasmussen, Albert Lawrence; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970;

The staff of Kmart's newest Tacoma store poses for a group portrait before the doors open to the public for the first time on September 19, 1968. The store, located at 1414 E. 72nd St., was the second Kmart in town; the first was located on Sixth Ave. next to Busch's Drive-In. The eastside Kmart had a large staff, predominantly female who wore either the white uniforms of restaurant workers or the modified aprons of checkers and stockers. The store was managed by Glenn Darling. Photograph ordered by Kmart.

Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Mayor A.L. "Slim" Rasmussen holds part of the just-snipped ribbon at the ceremonies marking the grand opening of the city's latest Kmart department store on September 19, 1968 as Kmart officials and their families stand close by. From L-R are (unidentified woman), W.E. Warburton and R. Archibald Fawcett, Kmart regional officials; Richard Beebe representing Governor Dan Evans; Mayor Rasmussen; Mrs. Glenn W. Darling and store manager Mr. Darling; Robert E. Dewar and Robert H. Griffin, corporate Kmart officials; (unidentified man in back and unidentified women). The store was located on the east side of town, at 72nd and Portland Ave. It followed closely the October, 1967, opening of the first Kmart on Sixth Ave. Kmart provided its customers with discounted department store wares, appliances, auto services and plenty of free parking. Photograph ordered by Kmart. (TNT 9-20-68, C-19)

Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Rasmussen, Albert Lawrence; Mayors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Darling, Glenn W.; Dewar, Robert E.; Griffin, Robert H.; Beebe, Richard; Warburton, W.E.;

New Kmart store. This parking lot would not stay empty long. Kmart opened its second store in Tacoma at E. 72nd & Portland Ave. in the fall of 1968. Tacoma's first Kmart was located on Sixth Ave. and had opened just the year before. The newer Kmart was built similarly to the older one; it had an enormous parking lot for customer convenience and provided the Kmart chain of affordable department store wares, auto services and garden supplies. The bright bold Kmart neon sign would attract hundreds of shoppers to the store's September 19th grand opening. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune. (TNT 9-18-68, C-4)

Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Electric signs--Tacoma--1960-1970; Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Parking lot at new Kmart. Kmart's September 19, 1968, grand opening saw an overflowing parking lot at its E. 72nd & Portland Ave. location. Cars are pictured hunting for an empty spot while others have decided to simply park on the grassy strip outside the store lot. This area had been primarily residential and near the city limits of Tacoma; after Kmart opened its large department store, more businesses would eventually establish themselves nearby. Photograph ordered by Kmart.

Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970; Automobiles--Tacoma--1960-1970;

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

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

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)

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Johnson, Cleta Jo; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1960-1970;

V.I.P. night at the Tacoma Mall Theater. L.H. Sutton, managing director of the Tacoma Mall Theater, poses with an unidentified woman on May 14, 1968, V.I.P. night at the Tacoma Mall Theater. Mr. Sutton had recently been appointed to his position. His guest is wearing a fur wrap over a sequinned dress. On one wrist is an orchid corsage. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Mall Theater.

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Sutton, L.H.; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1960-1970;

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)

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970;