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;

Murphy's was located at 938 Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma; the beer parlor was owned by Leland C. Lund, who also owned the Drift Inn Tavern. Exterior view of Murphy's tavern; the electric signs advertise the restaurant, cigars, and cocktails; a jewelry store is located next door.

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

Women attending the Northwest Florist Convention were treated to a hat show at the Top of the Ocean. Nearly 50 women pose outside the Top of the Ocean wearing hats decorated with flowers. All appear to be having a wonderful time on this sunny September day in 1949. The Top of the Ocean was destroyed by an arson fire April 3,1977.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Hats--1940-1950; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Northwest Florist Convention (Tacoma);

The Spar, located in the Antone Davis Building in Tacoma's Old Town neighborhood. The Spar was originally owned by George and James Radonich; the Radonich brothers also owned The Towers restaurant. The restaurant was first known as the Spar Restaurant and Spar Lunch Room, the name was changed to the Spar Tavern in the late 1930's or early 1940's. Interior view of The Spar restaurant and beer parlor; view of kitchen and lunch counter on left side, and beer bar, cigarettes, cigars and bartenders on right side. TPL-10303

Bars--Tacoma; Taverns (Inns)--Tacoma; Restaurants--Tacoma; Beer halls--Tacoma; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Restaurant workers--Tacoma; Spar (Tacoma);

Ben-Dew's Patio Cafe at 6501 6th Avenue opened formally in May of 1954. The new eatery occupied the building that was formerly the Patio Shop, a landmark on the way from downtown Tacoma to the Olympic Peninsula. Tacoma native Dewey Tei had operated Ben-Dew's for eight years in downtown Tacoma at the corner of So. 9th and Commerce; he stated that his restaurant was one of the first in the Pacific Northwest to offer take-out selections. (TNT 5-28-54, p. 11) TPL-8675

Ben-Dew's Patio Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Steve's Cafe, more commonly known as Steve's Gay '90's, was a very popular eating establishment for several decades. Located on South Tacoma Way, it was owned by Stephen O. Pease and John J. Stanley and offered, according to the 1954 City Directory, a "Smorgasbord of American Dishes Served in an Atmosphere of the Gay 90's." The restaurant was remodeled more than once; in the summer of 1954, new "cable-car" seating was added with the names of various streets and cable car numbers attached to the ends of the benches. Powell & Market #505, Angel Flight #62 and Lake Washington/Yesler/Pioneer Square #412 were just a few signs pictured in a July 4, 1954, photograph. A Cable Car Menu posted indicated that French fried prawns in a basket could be purchased for $1.00, half a fried chicken for $1.25 and Steve's Dutch Lunch, only 75 cents. Tasty, inexpensive meals could be found at Steve's along with cocktails and entertainment. The pictured "Cable Car Room" was designed by Bill Knabel Sign & Display Service.

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

This night exposure of Barcott's Sea Food restaurant was taken in September of 1955. Barcott's Sea Food, at 3832 So. Pine St., opened in late May 1953 across the street from the property now containing the Evergreen postal station. It was owned and managed by John E. Barcott, Jr.. John's father, John Barcott, Sr. founded the California Oyster House. His brother, Anton, owned and operated Harbor Lights. The spacious dining room was decorated with fishing gear and nets. There was plenty of parking for customers who came in to enjoy the fresh seafood and succulent steaks. John E. Barcott sold Barcott's Sea Food in 1978 and it became The Steak and Lobster House. Although ownership and management has changed several times since then, the exterior of the building remains much the same today. (TNT 5-28-53, p. 15)

Barcott's Sea Food (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A new cocktail lounge, the "Terrace Room", was added when the Lakewood Terrace was remodeled in 1952. Mrs. Edwin Booth created a unique atmosphere decorating with combed redwood, black wrought iron against stark white, with bits of brick here, panels of grass-woven linen there and living greenery. The small tables set about the floor were made of redwood planks. The chairs were white matchstick plastic and each table had a white ash tray and a black plastic basket housed a big white candle. (TNT, 10/31/1952, p.C-11)

Lakewood Terrace (Lakewood); Eating & drinking facilities--Lakewood; Lounges--Lakewood;

The remodeled Lakewood Terrace included the Snack Shop for lunches, dinners, after-the-show snacks. It had been re-done and enlarged. A lunch counter with stools is seen on the left and tables and booths are seen along the right an in the rear. (TNT, 10/31/1952, p.C-4).

Lakewood Terrace (Lakewood); Eating & drinking facilities--Lakewood; Snack bars--Lakewood;

Smitty's Coffee Mug was a small restaurant located at 3838 South Tacoma Way. It was owned and operated by Hugh O. Smith. Besides offering coffee as a beverage, a large sign also promises a "soda bar". View of business storefront with large electric sign, other signage. The Tahoma Motel, "best known motel in Tacoma", is located next door at 3836 South Tacoma Way. Photograph ordered by Smitty's Coffee Mug.

Smitty's Coffee Mug (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Storefronts--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices); Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tahoma Motel (Tacoma);

Between 1950 and 1960, this little building at 3838 South Tacoma Way was the home for at least three diners. When this photograph was taken it was Smitty's Coffee Mug. The owner was Hugh O. Smith, who also owned Smitty's Drive In on Puyallup Avenue. By 1954 it had been taken over by Vernon Gjerstad, and from 1955 to 1963 it was known as Gail & Vern's Coffee Mug. TPL-7944

Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Diners (Restaurants) --Tacoma--1950-1960; Smitty's Coffee Mug (Tacoma); Storefronts--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior of the Manning's Market, taken from the intersection of 11th & Commerce, for Stan Warburton. The alternate address for this location is 1101-03 Broadway. The building was built in 1905 and demolished in 1972. It was designed by Frederick Heath, Architect. It was the first concrete building in Tacoma. Other businesses occupying the 11th street side are, left to right, Brown & Haley, Greens, Hayden-Watson; Manning's Coffee Cafe and the Owl Drug Store. The market was part of Manning's Inc., a multi million dollar food chain begun in Seattle in 1908. The market contained a coffee shop, cafe, bakery, meat market and beauty salon.

Manning's Market (Tacoma);

Interiors of Z's Coffee Shop. The new coffee shop on Highway 99 South, owned and operated by Morris & Gertrude Zelinsky, would be celebrating its Grand Opening on April 28, 1956. The newly completed and modern highway restaurant would feature breakfast, lunch and short orders for hungry travelers and residents of the Lakes District. A lunch counter with round stools runs the length of the room. A formica table and chairs sits on the checkerboard floor. Behind the counter can be seen a sink, glass fronted shelves, freezer cabinets and the grill. The cash register sits on the counter next to the window. In front of the counter is a refrigerated self serve Coca-Cola box. Through the window behind the sink can be seen a pole sign for the Colonial Motel. (TNT 4/27/1956, pg. B-11)

Diners (Restaurants); Counters; Stools; Z's Coffee Shop (Parkland);