Tacoma Athletic Commission moved their facilities to the Top of the Ocean facilities since the restaurant opened in December 1946. The club bought the Top of the Ocean restaurant in October 1948. Interior view of lounge located on the second floor, this area was restricted to "TAC Members Only". The mirror behind the main bar was painted with an image of the "Top of the Ocean" during the cold and frosty season; bar glassware and liquor bottles under the counter top (T. Times, 1/23/49, p. 21).

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

Interior view of the Tacoma Athletic Club's second floor lounge, the bar area is festively decorated for the celebration of the New Year, the Tacoma Athletic Club's anniversary, and the Tacoma Athletic Club's purchase of the Top of the Ocean restaurant. The club would be hosting a grand celebration for members and their guests (T. Times, 1/23/49, p. 21).

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

An unidentified waitress offers a fireman something to eat, outside a badly damaged diner, in this photograph from April of 1949. On April 13, 1949, at 11:55 a.m. a 7.1 magnitude earthquake rocked the Puget Sound basin. The quake was felt over 150,000 square miles, and killed eight people. This unidentified restaurant is believed to be in Puyallup, one of the hardest hit towns in the south sound. Photo ordered by Life magazine in New York (Life, 4/25/49, p. 34-35 & T.N.T., 4/13/49, P. 1, 12 & 4/14/49, p. 1-2). TPL-5461

Restaurants--Puyallup; Waitresses--Puyallup; Fire fighters--Puyallup; Rescue work--Puyallup; Earthquakes--Puyallup; Disasters--Puyallup; Life (New York, N.Y.);

ca. 1946. Construction on the Top of the Ocean, Tacoma's premier dine and dance spot. The Top of the Ocean was a nightclub and restaurant built to resemble an ocean liner. It opened December 15, 1946. It was built by developers Allen Rau and Bert Sundgren for a cost of $100,000 from a design by architect C.A. Kenworthy. To give it an authentic nautical air Tacoma Boat Mart served as the contractor. All labor and materials came from Tacoma. The all electric building could seat up to 700 and had a floating dock that could accomodate up to 20 yachts, with sea plane taxi service available on Sundays. It was known affectionately as "The Top" to Tacomans. In 1948, it was purchased by the Tacoma Athletic Commission. It was the end of an era when the restaurant burned in 1977. David Williard Levage was convicted of arson in connection with the fire. The remainder of the building was demolished and never rebuilt.

Restaurants--Tacoma; Nightclubs--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Top of the Ocean was one of the most luxurious and beautiful dine and dance liners in the Pacific Northwest. The restaurant was open to the public throughout the week, they had a regular orchestra that played on Fridays and Saturdays. Bill Slater, was the head chef at the restaurant, Slater was known as a "World Famous Chef". Top of the Ocean offered their clients the very best. This image appeared in an advertisement in the Tacoma Times (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5). TPL-2523

Restaurants--Tacoma; Nightclubs--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma);

Five Point Inn Restaurant was owned and operated by Eugene Comer. The Five Point Inn appears in the Tacoma 1945 and 1947 City Directories, in the 1949 City Directory this location is listed as Supreme Fur Storage, prior to the Five Point Inn, this location was Kress Drive Inn and Kress Malted Milk. This building was built in 1938 by Lee Kress, Russell, Lance and Muri were the architects and Warter and Johnson were the contractors. Exterior view of the restaurant, photo ordered by Llewellyn Advertising Agency.

Restaurants--Tacoma; Taverns (Inns)--Tacoma; Chimneys--Tacoma; Five Point Inn (Tacoma); Llewellyn Advertising Agency (Tacoma);

Captain's Quarters at the Tacoma Athletic Commission's Club located on the upper level of the Top of the Ocean. Top of the Ocean housed Tacoma Athletic Commission, but its main dining room was also open to the public. They advertised smorgasbord dinners for $1.00 and dinners from their menu for $1.75 to $3.50. Interior view of a smaller dining room with dance floor, a fully stocked bar with mirrors in background, photo ordered by Condon Advertising (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5).

Dance floors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Interior decoration; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Captain's Quarters at the Tacoma Athletic Commission's Club located at the Top of the Ocean restaurant. Tacoma's Top of the Ocean was likely the most popular place in town. It was conveniently located in Tacoma's Old Town waterfront. Interior view of a smaller dining room with dance floor and jukebox, bar in foreground, photo ordered by Condon Advertising (T. Times, 11/28/47, p. 5).

Dance floors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jukeboxes; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Interior decoration; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Tacoma Panhellenic Conference at Top of the Ocean, TNT, Frank Lockerby. Over 200 alumnae of national college sororities met at the Top of the Ocean for luncheon and bridge playing afterwards on Saturday, February 7th, 1948. "Wear Your Pin" was the theme of the first Tacoma Panhellenic Day. The ladies above were not identified. (T.Times, 2/2/1948, p.11-article; TNT 2-9-48, p. 4-article & various photographs)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Panhellenic Conference (Tacoma); Playing cards; Clubwomen--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The Top of the Ocean restaurant had their grand opening in December 1946. They were one of the most beautiful and luxurious dine and dance liners in the Northwest. View of Hal Gullett and his orchestra playing at the Top of the Ocean restaurant. Hal Gullett is playing the saxophone and Micky McDougall is singing (T. Times, 1/13/47, p. 7).

Restaurants--Tacoma; Music ensembles--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Gullett, Hal;

The Top of the Ocean had a private suite for the Tacoma Athletic Commission on their top deck. An advertisement stated they have the "most beautiful dance floors in the Northwest"and would be featuring Hal Gullett and his orchestra nightly. View of Micky McDougall on left, and Hal Gullett on right side (T. Times, 1/13/47, p. 7).

Restaurants--Tacoma; Music ensembles--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Gullett, Hal; McDougall, Micky;

Grand Opening, Blue Moon Tavern, John Monta. The Blue Moon Tavern, 8402 Pacific Ave., was about to open in May of 1948. Stools line the counter where customers can choose their favorites on the jukebox from the lists at the counter. Behind the counter are storage drawers and shelves, a large cooler and decorations made with fishing gear. Liquor bottles are on display under the back counter. Above the mirrors are neon beer signs for Bohemian Club Beer, Schlitz, and Rainier. A large painting of a mountain and a lake is hung on the back wall. The back counter displays many bouquets sent wishing the owners success with their new establishment.

Blue Moon Tavern (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Stools; Jukeboxes; Beer--Tacoma; Alcoholic beverages;

Exterior of Murphy's Cigars, Cafe and Tavern. The sign over the entrance has neon lights and the front of the cafe is made of glass blocks; electric jewelry sign in background. Photograph was taken on December 6, 1946. TPL-7949

Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Taverns (Inns)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Beer halls--Tacoma--1940-1950; Murphy's (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; City & town life--Tacoma--1940-1950

New Yorker Cafe for Dohrman Hotel Supply. A lunch counter and booths. A jukebox and a game machine are at the far end of the cafe. The lunch counter has fountain service.

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma--1940-1950; Soda fountains--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jukeboxes; Coin operated machines--Tacoma--1940-1950;

New Yorker Cafe for Dohrman Hotel Supply. A view of the dining room showing the tables set for dinner. A column has been surrounded with a circular brick base, glass block with neon lighting and mirrors above. Sconces and torcheres provide light around perimeter of the room. TPL-9278

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dining rooms--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tables; Chairs;

Tacoma Athletic Commission celebrated the formal opening of the organization's new headquarters, now located at the Top of the Ocean. The Tacoma Athletic Club had arranged for a permanent private suite on the upper level of the Top of the Ocean. Over 1,500 members and associate members attended the celebration. Interior view of dining room. The Tacoma Athletic Commission purchased the restaurant building, site and equipment of the Top of the Ocean in October 1948. (T. Times, 12/31/46, p. 12; TNT, 10/21/1948, p.1).

Banquet halls--Tacoma; Restaurants--Tacoma; Table settings & decorations; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma);

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;

Dinner party at the Towers, Jordan Baking Company. A large group of men have assembled at the Towers Restaurant. They are possibly sales representatives from the Jordan Baking Company. A display board at the back of the room shows different art work for a new product, "Fruit Bread".

Restaurants--Tacoma; Towers--Tacoma; Towers Restaurant (Tacoma); Bakeries--Tacoma; Jordan Baking Co. (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);

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 Timberline Drive In was located at 25510 Mountain Highway in Graham, Washington. The restaurant later became known as the Timberline Coffee Shop. Seen here in April 1949, the building was destroyed in an early morning fire on August 28, 1987.

Restaurant workers--Graham; Electric signs--Graham; Cities & towns; Business enterprises--Graham; Diners (Restaurants)--Graham; Timberline Drive In (Graham);

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;

Cocktail bar with bartenders, Murphy's cocktail lounge, Mrs. Lund. A crowd has arrived at Murphy's newly remodeled cocktail lounge. Floral draperies line the walls and several small tables are set around the floor. A large jukebox is seen behind a woman on the right. One of the bartenders, wearing a white service jacket, is bringing a tray of drinks for some of the customers.

Murphy's (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lounges--Tacoma--1940-1950; Eating & drinking--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Olympus Hotel was owned by Paul Sceva and managed by Virgil West. West had initiated the remodeling project just after he became manager, two years ago. The Frontier Room was accessible through the back entrance and through the main lobby; it was decorated like a 19th century inn, with amber glass and darkened wood rafters, historic murals of Washington State and could accommodate 100 people. Interior view of the Frontier Room, located in the Olympus Hotel; view of bar and restaurant area (T.N.T., 8/29/49, p. 4-5).

Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Table settings & decorations; Tablecloths; Hotels--Tacoma; Frontier Room (Tacoma); Olympus Hotel (Tacoma);

Horluck's was having their grand opening and would offer free ice cream and coffee to their customers. Horluck's was located in the Pacific First Federal Building at South 11th Street and Pacific Avenue. Horluck's was owned by Aldrich Fox and Lloyd Knutsen, well known dairy and fountain men; Jack Fox would be the restaurant's manager. Interior view of Horluck's Danish Ice Cream Shop (T.N.T., 9/23/49, p. C-2,3).

Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Soda fountains--Tacoma; Restaurants--Tacoma; Equipment; Horluck's Danish Ice Cream Shop (Tacoma); Pacific First Federal Building (Tacoma);

The K Street Club at 1111 So. K Street in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood, was owned and operated by John J. Hafsos and Lawrence J. Corvari. This exterior view of the front of the building clearly shows their business signs, including a neon Olympia beer sign and a sign that says "Booths for Ladies". The photograph was ordered by the Washington State Liquor Board in October of 1949, probably for a renewal of their liquor license. TPL-5882

Taverns (Inns)--Tacoma; Bars--Tacoma; Barrooms--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); K Street Club (Tacoma);

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;

Interior of Murphy's "Cocktail Lounge" showing drapery and mirror, Lutor-Craft Co., Ralph S. Gale. Draperies with a bold print line the windows behind the backs of seating in the new lounge. A mirror rises from the back of the seating to the ceiling on one of the walls reflecting the pattern of the draperies.

Murphy's (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lounges--Tacoma--1940-1950; Draperies; Mirrors;