Sears opened a new farm and garden store in the spring of 1958, just beyond Tacoma city limits at 8720 South Tacoma Way, where Hwy. 99 intersects with Steilacoom Blvd. Besides the usual appliances and televisions, customers could peruse garden items, farm equipment, pet supplies, and place catalog orders. View of Sears' exterior with customers examining garden shop outdoor exhibits, including a "Shrub-O-Rama" of evergreens at $2.77 each. Signs indicate that the store was open on Sundays. Photograph ordered by Sears. TPL-9910
On March 30, 1958, customers flocked to the new Sears farm and garden store at 8720 South Tacoma Way, near the outskirts of Tacoma, to examine the products on sale. Besides the usual appliances and televisions, customers could peruse garden items, farm equipment, pet supplies, and place catalog orders. Kenmore floor sample washers and dryers could be purchased at a reduced price with no payments due until June 1st. Several browsers checked out the merits of the appliances while others were more interested in buying a 16 inch chain saw for $149.88. The pet shop portion of Sears was located to the rear of this photograph with tropical fish apparently on display.
The North Pacific Bank T & T sign shows the time to be 12:10 p.m. which corresponds to the smaller clock in the window of the bank. The T & T sign would also give the current temperature. The North Pacific Bank had been in the same South Tacoma location since 1914. It was run by Clarence W. Wallerich, president, Bert R. Magnuson, vice-president and Peter K. Wallerich, cashier. Clarence Wallerich also owned the South Tacoma Motor Co., Western States Investment Group, City Motor Co., and managed the City Insurance Agency. The one-branch bank, which offered general banking and safe deposit vaults, had capital, surplus, reserves and undivided profits over $900,000 in 1958.
North Pacific Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Women employed by a local laundry appear to be in the process of operating a giant sheet iron and folder in an April 9, 1958, photograph. The new machinery, by American Trumatic and American Sylon, ironed and folded fourteen sheets per minute. The Tacoma-Olympic Laundry and Pantorium Cleaners were part of the Home Service Co., Inc., operated by Jack G. Hersey, president. The Home Service Co. advertised their services as dependable and "lusterized" their dry cleaning. Customers could be assured that the most up-to-date equipment would be used to clean their linens, pillows, laundry, blankets, rugs and furs. Photograph ordered by Howard R. Smith Advertising Co., for Home Service Co. (TNT Ad 4-14-58, p. 12)
Individual clothes pressing machines are in use at a local laundry in April, 1958. Each machine has an operator on hand to place the piece of clothing into the press, over an ironing board apparatus. A battery of twenty press line units insured that gentle hand care was combined with automation for perfect garment finishing. After pressing, the clothes are removed and slung on a rack. This laundry and dry cleaning facility was probably the Tacoma-Olympic Laundry and Pantorium Cleaners. They were still settling claims from a recent fire for damaged and missing clothing. Photograph ordered by Howard R. Smith Advertising Co., for Home Service Co., Inc. (TNT ad, 4-14-58, p. 12)
ca. 1926. Grocery store interior. Canned goods on shelves, scale, Wrigleys and Beech Nut Gum, Karo Syrup, Leslie Salt, Snow Flake Crackers in display case. Flowers in vases on countertop. (filed in Argentum)
Puget Sound National Bank had a drive-in branch at South 13th & A St. downtown. There were two drive-up teller windows in the customer parking lot. The drive-up tellers, opened on April 1, 1958, replaced the less convenient singular drive-up window at the rear of the main bank building on Court A. Now a bank customer could cash checks, make checking/savings deposits, and pay loans without getting out of his car. Puget Sound Bank called itself "Tacoma's Friendly Bank" with convenient neighborhood branches and free customer parking. Under the capable hands of Reno Odlin, the bank's deposits had increased almost 50% between 1950 & 1960. This was accomplished through internal growth and not through the purchase of other banks or mergers. Photograph ordered by the Condon Co. (Provorse: Banking on Independence, p. 116, TNT ad 3-31-58, p. 15))
Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1950-1960;
ca. 1926. Grocery store interior. Dairy case, canned goods on shelves, coffee grinder, scale, adding machine, Tree Tea display on counter.(filed with Argentum)
IBM had been located at its 12 Tacoma Ave. No. address for about seven years. It appears that some remodeling had been done since its initial move in 1951; double glass doors are now in place at the entrance. Large picture windows facing the sidewalk show most of the interior while the exposed side of the building has limited windows and plenty of brickwork. The Connoisseur Shop is located next door. The Tacoma branch of IBM was managed by William C. Bethke.
ca. 1926. Hollywood Market and Grocery, circa 1926. The market was located on a rural route on Lincoln Ave. Small stucco building with crenelated cornice on corner lot. Auburn Ice Cream signboard on sidewalk. (filed with Argentum)
Grocery stores--1920-1930; Hollywood Market (Tacoma);
Broadway Food Store, 8410 South Tacoma Way, Lakewood. Originally opened in 1939 as the New Broadway Food Store, the store appears to have undergone some expansion.
Broadway Food Store (Lakewood); Grocery stores--Lakewood--1940-1950;
ca. 1926. Interior of Grocery Store. Fresh meat cases, scale, beverage case, packaged foods on shelves. Sign on wall: "Cash - Please Do Not Ask For Credit." (filed with Argentum)
The grand opening of Primo Gasparetti's newly remodeled Wagon Wheel restaurant at 8602 South Tacoma Way was held June 18-21, 1958. The redecorated and expanded building now had room for 350 people, up from 50, and two well-lighted and well-patrolled parking lots. "Corky" Corcoran and his four-piece band supplied dancing music six nights a week. Primo Gasparetti owned several businesses on or near the same lot near the city limits of Tacoma on the 8600 block of South Tacoma Way. One year later in July of 1959 the Play Boy Cabaret, operated by Jimmy Carbone, opened at this location. (Photograph ordered by Primo's Wagon Wheel.) (TNT 6-18-58, B-2, B-3)
Interior - Primo's Wagon Wheel. The interior of Primo's Wagon Wheel appears to have been heavily decorated with wood panels, matching the rustic exterior of the tavern. A mounted deer's head would have been staring at the customers lined up on the bar stools before the polished bar. The Wagon Wheel had been at its 8602 South Tacoma Way location since 1938; the space had formerly been occupied by Babe's Inn. It had celebrated a grand reopening in 1940 after extensive remodeling, and another grand opening in June, 1958. Known as the "Home of the Singing Gondolier", the business was owned by Primo Gasperetti. It now had room for 350 people and offered dance music six nights a week. Photograph ordered by Primo's Wagon Wheel. (TNT 6-18-58, B-2, B-3)
ca. 1926. Grocery Store interior. Canned, bottled and packaged foods on shelves, bulk food case, coffee grinder, scale, cash register. (filed with Argentum)
Exterior - Max Frolic's cafe. Well-known entertainer Max Frolic opened his restaurant in 1938 at the (then) South Tacoma Way location. It was designed and built by Mr. Frolic and William Thornburg because of the rerouting of U.S. Highway 99 from Lakeview Drive to the newly extended South Tacoma Way. On June 20-22, 1958, Max Frolic's celebrated its grand opening to highlight its new exterior and new dining room. Neon signs advertised sea foods and fried chicken as part of the menu. Colorful awnings help to shade the windows of this brick and wood building. Max Frolic was a former vaudevillian, violinist and band leader. He directed the Elks Club Extravaganzas for many years. He also was the music director, arranger and conductor of the Pantages Theatre orchestra from 1920-1932. Mr. Frolic died at the age of 89 on December 14, 1974. Photograph ordered by Max Frolic's Restaurant. TPL-5799. (TNT 6-20-58, p. 4, History of Pierce County, Vol. 1, p. 421)
Max Frolic's Restaurant (Lakewood); Restaurants--Lakewood; Electric signs--Lakewood;
Interior - Max Frolic's cafe. Well-known entertainer Max Frolic opened his restaurant in 1938 at the (then) South Tacoma Way location. It was designed and built by Mr. Frolic and William Thornburg because of the rerouting of U.S. Highway 99 from Lakeview Drive to the newly extended South Tacoma Way. On June 20-22, 1958, Max Frolic's celebrated its grand opening to highlight its new exterior and new dining room. Neon signs advertised sea foods and fried chicken as part of the menu. Colorful awnings help to shade the windows of this brick and wood building. Max Frolic was a former vaudevillian, violinist and band leader. He directed the Elks Club Extravaganzas for many years. He also was the music director, arranger and conductor of the Pantages Theatre orchestra from 1920-1932. Mr. Frolic died at the age of 89 on December 14, 1974. Photograph ordered by Max Frolic's Restaurant. TPL-5799. (TNT 6-20-58, p. 4, History of Pierce County, Vol. 1, p. 421)
Max Frolic's Restaurant (Lakewood); Restaurants--Lakewood; Interiors--Lakewood;
Steel Container Corporation of Tacoma was situated in the Tideflats at 1424 Thorne Rd. near Allied Chemicals and Dye Corporation and Woodlam, Inc. Headed by Arne K. Strom, the company were barrel manufacturers. Steel Container's drums were shipped to major oil, chemical, food and paint industries in the Pacific Northwest. The company managed to keep their prices unchanged despite several steel price increases. They shipped orders the same day they were received. Thomas Tinsley, Jr., was the plant manager. View of Steel Container's exteriors taken from the northeast side shows a rectangular concrete building with overhanging roof and barrels lined up on display. Richard Studio's photographs were to be used on a television program called "Success Story" to be broadcast on July 1, 1958. Sepia photograph ordered by Steel Container Corporation of Tacoma. (TNT 9-1-58, C-11)
Steel Container Corporation of Tacoma (Tacoma); Barrels--Tacoma;
In 1958, Anton's Restaurant was located in the venerable Roberts-Parker Building at 11th and Tacoma Avenue South, across the street from the Tacoma Public Library. It was owned and operated by Tony and Mary Anton. This view of Anton's interior shows a long, curved lunch counter with a chef and waitress ready for customers. Tony Anton is the chef by his grill and his wife Mary is seated across the counter from him. There are four women are seated at upholstered booths. There is an Arden's Milk clock mounted on the colorful wallpaper. Anton's was later succeeded by Siri's Restaurant and then Kelly's at the same location. After extensive remodeling, the SideBar Bistro opened in this building in June of 2010. (Additional identification provided by a reader)
This was the crowded Little J.E.M Dining & Dancing Cafe parking lot on July 16, 1958. Every Wednesday night from 8-12 was "Teen-age Hop" night with admission at 75 cents. The place was packed that Wednesday, crammed with kids anxious to listen and rock to the sounds of the Bluenotes, one of first rock bands in the area. In July of 1958 the Bluenotes included Robin Roberts on vocals, Bill Engelhart on guitar, Buck Ormsby on bass, Frank Dutra on sax and Lassie Aanes on drums. The Little J.E.M. was located on Highway 99 just past the Puyallup Bridge, and outside of Tacoma's city limits. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Little J.E.M was opened from 11 am to 2 am for dancing with live music. (TNT ad 7-23-58, A-10)
Little J.E.M. Cafe (Tacoma); Parking lots--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960;
This was the crowded Little J.E.M Dining & Dancing Cafe parking lot on July 16, 1958. Every Wednesday night from 8-12 was "Teen-age Hop" night with admission at 75 cents. The place was packed that Wednesday, crammed with kids anxious to listen and rock to the sounds of the Bluenotes, one of first rock bands in the area. In July of 1958 the Bluenotes included Robin Roberts on vocals, Bill Engelhart on guitar, Buck Ormsby on bass, Frank Dutra on sax and Lassie Aanes on drums. The Little J.E.M. was located on Highway 99 just past the Puyallup Bridge, and outside of Tacoma's city limits. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Little J.E.M was opened from 11 am to 2 am for dancing with live music. (TNT ad 7-23-58, A-10)
Little J.E.M. Cafe (Tacoma); Parking lots--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960;
A three-alarm blaze caused $47,000 in damages to the Imported Motors facility on August 6, 1958. A leaking gasoline tank that fell caused the fast-spreading fire. Twenty cars were saved but nine expensive foreign cars were badly damaged. Imported Motors was owned by Tom Carstens who flew in via a small plane immediately from Seattle to inspect the damage. This photograph taken 30 hours after the fire shows the heavy damage to the overhead roof area; parts of the laminated beams are still intact while others have been burned, leaving the building exposed to the elements. Photograph ordered by Woodlam, Inc. (TNT 8-6-58, A-1)
Imported Motor Cars, Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fires--Tacoma--1950-1960;
The S.H. Kress store had been located on Broadway since October, 1925. Extensive remodeling was done by Tacoma craftsmen in 1957 and the store celebrated its grand reopening on August 14, 1958. The new Kress was completely air conditioned and had expanded to 20,000 square feet on two floors. Total cost was approximately $700,000. View of alley entrance to Kress shows a new-looking sign with the store name; the shipping department with hours of 8-12 also had its entrance in the rear. Bars are on the lower windows for security measures. Photograph ordered by S.H. Kress store. (TNT 8-13-58, A-8-11) TPL-9208
The S.H. Kress & Co. store celebrated its grand opening and invited everyone to visit their newly remodeled store on August 14, 1958. Kress had been a downtown fixture since 1925. George Kirkebo & Son began remodeling the store in 1957 using the designs of architect Karl Swedberg. View of store's interior featuring wide aisles of costume jewelry, hosiery and makeup. Balloons provided a cheerful atmosphere while signs advising the availability of layaway plans and quick self-service were posted throughout the store. The store was completely air conditioned and its two floors expanded to 20,000 square feet. Fluorescent lighting illuminated the soft white upper walls and ceilings while the dark mahogany panelings on the lower walls provided a rich contrast. Kress offered specials during their grand opening: brass hostess carts for $9.99, Ronson electric shavers for $8.88, and provided free delivery within the city for purchases over $5. A unique drawing gave away a free live alligator each day; winner need not be present. (TNT 8-13-58, A-8-11) TPL-9911
