Aerial photographs taken on November 3, 1958, show Tacoma city streets neatly gridded and stretching into the horizon. This area was the South 84th & Pacific Avenue neighborhood. A few large businesses had started to relocate to this southend location including Puget Sound National Bank, Safeway, and Vaughan's Pacific Avenue Lumber Co. Pacific Avenue was a major thoroughfare and businesses located on or near it attracted much drive-by traffic. Photograph ordered by George Franklin.
Too cool for swimming now that it is November, but Pacific Lutheran College students can still enjoy the presence of the new outdoor swimming pool. The pool was presented to P.L.C. students by President and Mrs. S.C. Eastvold on May 28, 1958. The Eastvolds were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and their 15th anniversary at P.L.C. The swimming pool is adjacent to three women's dorms. It is 20 feet wide, 40 feet long, and nine feet deep at the diving end. Its heating system is powered by propane gas and the pool has a chlorinating system with water changes every 6-8 hours. Surrounded by a chain link fence, use of the swimming pool is restricted to students and staff. Photograph ordered by McCarty Co. of Washington, an advertising agency in Seattle. (TNT 5-29-58, p. 13) TPL-9354
Swimming pools--Parkland; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;
Six employees of the Winthrop Hotel's Sabre Room pose for a group picture on November 12, 1958. The waitresses are dressed in Old English costume as the restaurant featured Elizabethan dishes, focusing on beef. Heavy wooden beams and panels and plain furniture accentuated the Old World atmosphere. The women stand before an Oak Room sign; this may have been a separate dining room contained within the Sabre Room. The Winthrop Hotel was now part of the Western Hotels, Inc., chain. This, and other photographs taken that day, were scheduled to be published in a magazine. Photograph ordered by the Winthrop Hotel.
Dining rooms--Tacoma--1950-1960; Waitresses--Tacoma; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);
Interior of Sabre Room, Winthrop Hotel. The Sabre Room had been extensively remodeled in 1955 but kept its Old World atmosphere. It featured a predominately Old English menu with plenty of roast prime rib. Flaming shish kebab and English pastries were new dishes added. View of the Sabre Room shows a heavily wooded decor with sturdy beams and an open cooking area. Two crossed swords and a breastplate of armor hang on the wall. Customers could dance to the tunes of the Mary Van Trio on Fridays and Saturdays without worry about feeding the meter; the restaurant allowed two hours of free parking. Dinners ranged from $2.10 upward. This, and other photographs taken that day, were scheduled to be printed in an unidentified magazine. Photograph ordered by the Winthrop Hotel. (TNT 10-14-58, p. 22- Ad)
Dining rooms--Tacoma--1950-1960; Daggers & swords; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);
The National Association of State Savings & Loan Supervisors held their nineteenth annual conference in Tacoma on November 12-14, 1958. The 44 men and women were photographed in the Bayview Room of the Winthrop Hotel. Judging from the number of well-dressed women in the group, they were taking a more prominent role in the banking industry. There were a total of 75 delegates in attendance; they represented every state in the union. It was the first time the association had met in Tacoma. W.C. York of Raleigh, North Carolina, was elected president. Photograph ordered by the National Association of State Savings & Loan Supervisors. (TNT 11-14-58, A-1)
National Association of State Savings & Loan Supervisors (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Interior of Shipman Surgical Co., ordered by Ward Smith, Inc. Shipman Surgical Co. was managed by Horace R. Miller. Located at 741 Saint Helens Ave., it sold hospital supplies. A display of wheelchairs fills the front window and a dental chair is close to the front door. Numerous shelves are full of small containers, clocks and scales. Two desks with appropriate office equipment are in the foreground of the photograph. The floor seems to be outfitted in a practical linoleum.
Shipman Surgical Co. (Tacoma); Medical equipment & supplies; Wheelchairs;
View of businesses in 700 block of Saint Helens Ave. Honan's Restaurant was owned by John and Robert Honan. A large angled neon sign is placed over the canopy leading to the restaurant. Included in the restaurant was the Arbor Room cocktail lounge. The restaurant was situated between Shipman's Surgical Co. and Paul's Executive Juvenile Footwear. The Steven Motor Co.'s used car division and the R.E. Anderson Co. real estate firm sandwiched the 1924-built light art brick and terra cotta building. The Medical Arts Building was across the street. Photograph ordered by Ward Smith, Inc.
Commercial streets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Honan's Restaurant (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;
It's not too soon to start decorating a business for Christmas, it appears, as these men are in the midst of trimming a seven foot tree on November 26, 1958. These are possibly employees of a Puget Sound National Bank branch. All seem to be having a good time, sharing large grins. The Condon Co., an advertising agency, furnished the tree and decorations. Photograph ordered by the Condon Co.
Hillhaven of Lakewood was part of the Hillhaven, Inc.'s chain of nursing homes. It was located at 5515 Steilacoom Blvd. and managed by Chuck Gillet. View of nurse/receptionist at the telephone; she may have been examining an appointment book or patient chart. Hillhaven of Lakewood was a 56-bed facility, employing about 40, which opened in October, 1956. As with all Hillhaven nursing homes, it was a one-story unit. There were wide corridors and doorways, air conditioning, convenient hospital beds, and no steps. Hillhaven of Lakewood was built by the Jardeen Brothers. Photograph ordered by the Condon Co. (Northwest Room Clipping files - TNT 10-7-56)
Hillhaven of Lakewood (Lakewood); Nursing homes--Lakewood;
A Hillhaven of Lakewood nurse stands by a wheeled chair as she waits for her patient to finish bathing. The modern bathroom is nicely decorated in tile for easier cleanups. A half-wall protects the privacy of the bathers. Towel racks are hung at a convenient level for patients to grab. There is a large window for ventilation with frosted glass for privacy. Hillhaven of Lakewood was a nursing home located on Steilacoom Blvd. Photograph ordered by the Condon Co.
Bathrooms--Lakewood--1950-1960; Hillhaven of Lakewood (Lakewood); Nursing homes--Lakewood;
Hillhaven of Lakewood had a modern and efficient kitchen to serve its nursing home residents. There was a multi-tap coffee and tea maker on an island along with many cabinets and storage places. Large ovens and refrigerator freezers would make preparing meals easier. The kitchen was equipped with stainless steel appliances and an electric dishwasher. Physicians could prescribe special diets for their patients. Residents were apparently served their meals on trays; each tray has a neat assortment of silverware, napkins, cups, sugar and cream. Hillhaven of Lakewood was located at 5515 Steilacoom Blvd. S.W. It was part of Hillhaven, Inc., with Fred C. Diamond as president.
Kitchens--Lakewood--1950-1960; Hillhaven of Lakewood (Lakewood); Nursing homes--Lakewood;
Dressed in colorful Elizabethan attire, the Stadium High School Madrigal Singers posed for a group portrait in December of 1958. The Madrigals performed numerous special Christmas concerts throughout the holiday season including programs at the First Methodist Church and Pilgrim Congregational Church. Stadium has had a long tradition of both vocal and instrumental music. Sitting from left to right are: Don Coovert, Betty Martin, Jean Atkins, DeEtte Slater, M. Hodges, Carol Slayden and Gene Prescott. Standing are: Carl Fitzpatrick, Sally Mattson, Loleta Bailey, Lola Paine, Dixie Smith, Nora Christiansen, Sandy Miller and Mr. Paul Margelli, vocal music teacher. (Photograph ordered by Mrs. Jay Robert Brooke.) (1959 Tahoma yearbook, p. 50) TPL-9873
Washington Cooperative Farmers Association's Feed Mill. The Co-op spent a million dollars in the late 1940's to construct the modern feed mill pictured above. The feed mill would utilize the most modern techniques to blend and weigh its grains. In addition, a bulk feed unit was constructed where the feed could be funneled directly into waiting delivery trucks or rail cars. The Washington Co-op had been serving the Tacoma area since 1920. Its feed mill manufactured much of the formula feeds used by Western Washington members. As the Co-op continued to grow, new additions were made to improve efficiency including eight huge tanks added to the bulk feed loading-out line to increase storage by 50%. A completely new overhead conveying system was added to speed the handling from the mill to the truck. It made it possible to convey two different products simultaneously and increased the loading capacity from 40 to 100 tons per hour. (TNT 9-1-58, C-2)
Washington Cooperative Farmers Association (Tacoma); Food storage buildings--Tacoma; Shipping--Tacoma--1950-1960; Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960;
View of downtown streets. This December 9, 1958, photograph was taken looking toward South 12th and Pacific from South 12th & A Streets in downtown Tacoma. National Bank of Washington's main branch, constructed of Wilkeson sandstone, is on the right side; across the street is the newer annex which housed the installment credit department. An underground, and well lit, tunnel was built to connect the two bank buildings. The main branch was to later become the home of the Tacoma Art Museum. Photograph ordered by National Bank of Washington.
National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
A patient appears to be presenting a pamplet, "Voice for Health," to the receptionist at Dr. A.A. Adams' office on December 16, 1958. Dr. Adams offered chiropractic services at his South 52nd and Pacific Avenue office. Photograph ordered by Dr. A.A. Adams.
Dr. Alan A. Adams makes steady eye contact with an unidentified patient in his Pacific Avenue offices on December 16, 1958. Dr. Adams offered chiropractic services and adjustments. Pen in hand, he appears ready to make note of the patient's concerns. Photograph ordered by Dr. A. A. Adams.
Adams, Alan A.; Medical offices--Tacoma--1950-1960; Physicians--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Window display, Rhodes Bros. Department Store, ordered by Rhodes Bros. Just prior to Christmas Day, a window display at the downtown Rhodes Bros. Department Store highlights a fine selection of glassware and delicate evening wear. A small banner suggests thoughtful ideas for the last-minute shopper could be found in the Gift Department, fourth floor. Rhodes had been in business in Tacoma since 1892 and at their 9th & Broadway location since 1903. Their famous slogan was "All Roads Lead to Rhodes." Sixteen years after this photograph was taken, Rhodes closed the downtown store. It was spared the wrecking ball to become the University of Puget Sound Law School and later purchased by the State of Washington for office space. Photograph ordered by Rhodes Bros.
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Window displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mannequins;
Interior of Rhodes. Christmas time at Rhodes Bros. Department Store meant plenty of festive decorations including trees and fresh garlands to provide a merry atmosphere for its customers. View of interior featuring ladies' fine sweaters, cosmetics and assorted leather handbags taken on December 22, 1958. There was still time for the last-minute shopper to choose from a wide array of gift items. Photograph ordered by Rhodes Bros. Department Store.
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Christmas decorations;
Two mannequins are delicately posed in the storefront windows of Rhodes Bros. Department Store three days before Christmas, 1958. They are dressed in pink nylon gown sets whose prices apparently ranged from $14.95 to $19.95. To accessorize the gowns, soft slippers, creams, makeup and jewelry are displayed nearby. Christmas lights and gift boxes flank the window and help to illuminate the recessed display. Photograph ordered by Rhodes Bros. Department Store.
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Window displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mannequins;
ca. 1958. Exterior of Helene's at the Villa Plaza Shopping Center. Helene's, a women's clothing store, opened at Lakewood's Villa Plaza in early March of 1958. It was located on the north mall next to Richardson's. Helene's was formerly at 11118 Gravelly Lake Dr. S.W., about 1/2 mile south of the Villa Plaza Shopping Center. (TNT 2-16-58, D-5-ad, text only)
Helene's (Lakewood); Clothing stores--Lakewood--1950-1960; Villa Plaza Shopping Center (Lakewood); Shopping centers--Lakewood--1950-1960;
ca. 1958. Exterior of Wutzke's Barber & Beauty Shops at the Villa Plaza Shopping Center. It was next door to the Plaza Cleaners and the National Bank of Washington. Wutzke's opened on July 1, 1957, and was extremely busy from the beginning. Owner Gerry (Jerry) Wutzke operated a combined beauty parlor and barbershop with separate sections for each. The waiting room was a joint waiting room with receptionist Marge Grimm on hand. At the time of opening Dan Peck was the barbershop manager and Fern Luther the beauty parlor manager. Wutzke's also advertised they had the only shoeshine operation in Lakewood. (TNT 8-7-57, B-6-alt. photographs; TNT ad-only 5-8-58, B-2)
Wutzke's Barber & Beauty Shops (Lakewood); Beauty shops--Lakewood--1950-1960; Barbershops--Lakewood--1950-1960; Electric signs--Lakewood; Plaza Cleaners (Lakewood); Villa Plaza Shopping Center (Lakewood); Shopping centers--Lakewood--1950-1960;
Exterior - Sherwin-Williams Paint Store, Lakewood. Sherwin-Williams opened up a paint store in Lakewood's Villa Plaza Shopping Center in 1958. Besides a wide variety of house and marine paints and wallpapers, the store also offered rental equipment in the form of sanders and rug cleaning shampooers. View of storefront showing large company signage with their motto, "SWP Cover the Earth," near the rooftop and rug cleaning equipment outside the plate glass window. The Lakewood Sherwin-Williams store was managed by Kenneth H. Baxter. Photograph ordered by Norman Iverson, Villa Plaza Development.
ca. 1958. Comfortable waiting room of a beauty salon with receptionist's counter found at the Rhodes Villa Plaza department store mezzanine circa 1958. It was staffed with beauty experts, knowledgeable in the latest styles and methods. Rhodes was the first to open at the Villa Plaza Shopping Center when it welcomed customers in March of 1957. (TNT 8-7-57, B-8-alt. photograph)
Beauty shops--Lakewood--1950-1960; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1950-1960;
ca. 1958. The Prudential Insurance Co. of America at the Villa Plaza Shopping Center. It was located next door to 24 Flavors Ice Cream and close to the National Bank of Washington. The newly established "Tacoma South District Agency" was led by manager William D. Malone who had supervision of 27 employees here and a staff of 18 at two branch offices in Olympia and Aberdeen. It was the third Prudential agency in the Tacoma area and celebrated its official grand opening on Friday, April 25, 1958. The Villa Plaza building had 3,415 square feet of office space. By mid-1958 there were about 35 retail stores and services at the Villa Plaza in Lakewood. (TNT Ad 4-24-58, A-6-text only; A-15-article)
The Prudential Insurance Co. of America (Lakewood); Insurance companies--Lakewood; Villa Plaza Shopping Center (Lakewood); Shopping centers--Lakewood--1950-1960;
ca. 1958. Exterior - The Pantry, ca. 1958. Brick and wood formed the exterior of The Pantry restaurant in Lakewood's Villa Plaza Shopping Center. It was owned and operated by Eugene and Betty Sobolik and was one of the original 24 occupants of the Plaza, opening on Sunday, May 12, 1957. There was a flowering bed of plants and bushes positioned in a cement planter opposite the restaurant door. Located next to Rhodes Bros. Department Store, the Pantry advertised itself as the only complete dinner restaurant in the Villa Plaza. It featured roast prime sirloin of beef and homemade bread and pastries. The Pantry was a cafeteria until 4 pm and then became a restaurant for evening meals. The restaurant had a colonial-style atmosphere with maple furniture and accessories. It was accessible through Rhodes and the breezeway. The Villa Plaza Shopping Center continued to attract new businesses to their suburban location, including department stores, financial institutions and restaurants. Photograph ordered by the Villa Plaza Development. (TNT 1-30-59, p. 3- Ad, TNT 8-7-57, B-16; TNT 5-10-57, B-10-article)
ca. 1958. Exterior - Mode O' Day. Mode O' Day, a ladies clothing store, opened a branch in the new Lakewood Villa Plaza Shopping Center in 1957. They had their main store in downtown Tacoma as part of the large Mode O' Day national chain. View of Lakewood's Mode O' Day with storefront windows full of summer fashions and inexpensive nylons. The Mode O' Day was owned by Mrs. Edna Gregg and Mrs. Florence Burns. Photograph ordered by Villa Plaza Development.
Mode O' Day (Lakewood); Clothing stores--Lakewood--1950-1960; Window displays--Lakewood--1950-1960; Facades--Lakewood--1950-1960;
Sixty-seven employees of the Globe Machine Mfg. Co. posed for a group picture in front of the company plant on November 18, 1958. The company were manufacturers of veneer plywood and woodwork machinery. They had apparently moved from their longtime location at 301 E. 11th St. to East D by 1958. Photograph ordered by Globe Machine Mfg. Co.
Aerial photographs of the Skyline Terrace neighborhood were taken in November, 1958, by the Richards Studio for a sample book. Immense tracts of trees surround the North end neighborhood close to the Narrows Bridge. Skyline Terrace was an exclusive neighborhood developed by builder Ed Miller; all homes had views of either the Narrows Bridge, the mountains or city lights. This photograph was supposedly taken in the vicinity of No. 11th & James.
