The Tacoma Chamber of Commerce entertained the armed forces Friday night of Armed Forces Week at the Top of the Ocean in May of 1950. A Military Ball was to complete the week's festivities on Saturday night and was held at the Elks Ballroom. Ordered by the Tribune, Barbara Dana. (TNT, 5/24/1950, p.11)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Balls (Parties)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Military uniforms; Ball dresses;

The Tacoma Chamber of Commerce entertained the armed forces at the Top of the Ocean on Friday night of Armed Forces Week in Tacoma. Henry O. and Agnes Foss are seen on the left. C. Val and Linda M. Fawcett are on the right. Other entertainment for visiting armed forces personnel included theater tickets and the facilities of the Council of Churches Youth Center, the Armed Service Recreation Center and the Christian Service Man'c Center. The crew from the Canadian destroyer "Athabaskan" and the USN fleet oiler "Platt" were in Tacoma for the week. Ordered by the Tribune, Barbara Dana. (TNT, 5/14/1950, p.D-9; 5/24/1950, p.11)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Balls (Parties)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Military uniforms; Ball dresses; Foss, Henry O., 1891-1986; Foss, Agnes S.; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965--Family; Fawcett, Linda;

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;

N.C. Garrison sat on a ladder as he helped prepare the display of 30 of his model ships in the lobby at the National Bank of Washington, 1123 Pacific Ave., for World Trade Week in May of 1950. Mr. Garrison had been building ship models since 1929 and this was the first complete display of his models. Among the models on display were "Old Ironsides," the "Pocahontas" and the "Beaver," which was the first steamship on the Pacific Ocean and was seen on Puget Sound for 50 years. (TNT, 5/24/1950, p.26) Ordered by Mrs. Lindquist. TPL-5044

Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Lobbies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Model ships; Garrison, N.C.;

A display of Tacoma industries and their products is on view in the lobby at the National Bank of Washington for World Trade Week in May of 1950. Model ships built by N.C. Garrison line the upper molding above the teller's cages. Flags from many countries hang across the back of the lobby. The display featured the American Smelting and Refining Co., Carstens Packing Co., General Hardwood Co., General Mills, F.C. Wolf and Son and Wood Coffee Co. (TNT, 5/24/1950, p.26)

Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Lobbies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Model ships; Commerce;

The Hotel Winthrop on Broadway is the location for a luncheon honoring the board of directors of the Chicago-Milwaukee Railroads on July 13, 1950. The nine men are posed under the Rotary Club's banner. Seated second to the left is C.H. Buford, president of the Milwaukee Road. According to the Northwest Room's clipping files, this railroad was the first with improvements in transportation: owning and operating its own sleeping and dining cars, installing electric lighting and radio-phones in passenger trains, and being the only road to operate its own through tracks on its own tracks from Chicago to Puget Sound.

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Luncheons--Tacoma; Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad Co. (Tacoma); Railroad companies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buford, C.H.;

Two gentlemen who were present at the Chicago-Milwaukee Railroads board of directors luncheon on July 13, 1950, at the Hotel Winthrop, gaze at an enlarged photograph of the newly completed Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The first Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapsed during high winds on November 7, 1940. The man seated is C.H. Buford, president of Milwaukee Road.

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad Co. (Tacoma); Railroad companies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buford, C.H.; Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Tacoma);

Two gentlemen who were present at the Chicago-Milwaukee Railroads board of directors luncheon on July 13, 1950, at the Hotel Winthrop, gaze at an enlarged photograph of the newly completed Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The first Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapsed during high winds on November 7, 1940. The man seated at left is C.H. Buford, president of the Milwaukee Road.

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad Co. (Tacoma); Railroad companies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buford, C.H.; Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Tacoma);

Broiled steak dinner set up at Winthrop. The Hotel Winthrop was well known for their delicious meals. This photograph shows an elegant place setting with a New York cut sirloin steak with french fried potatoes, garden salad and toasted garlic rolls on display. Additional items on the table include a small pitcher of cream, bowl of sugar, salt and pepper shakers, and gravy boat. This particular dinner special cost a hungry diner $3.50 in 1950.

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Table settings & decorations; Silverware; Meat;

Shell Oil station at Sixth & Sprague. This photograph of Wolford & Brazeau's Shell station was taken on August 2, 1950. The gas station, located at 1720 Sixth Avenue, was owned by A.H. Wolford and E.F. Brazeau. It competed for business with Les Knutsen's Associated Service located across the street. TPL-9907

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma;

This photograph from August of 1950 shows the west side of Tacoma Avenue South looking north from South 10th Street. Bill Leedom's Shell Service station was located on the corner, at 922 Tacoma Avenue South. In November of 1952 the voters approved the construction of a new County-City Building on this block. All the buildings on the west side of Tacoma Avenue South from South 9th to South 11th were demolished and South 10th Street was closed to traffic. The Tacoma School District's Central School can be seen further up the road at 601 South 8th Street.

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma; Central School (Tacoma); Commercial streets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Streets--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Shell Oil station at 37th & Pacific. Fred's Shell Service station, owned by Fred Styf, was located at 3640 Pacific Avenue. Mr. Styf also owned another Shell station at 2523 Pacific Avenue. Pierce County Hospital (later Puget Sound General Hospital) is shown a block away.

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Fred's Shell Service (Tacoma); Styf, Fred; Automobile service stations--Tacoma;

View of Shell station #982. This photograph of Shell Oil station #982 in Auburn was taken on August 2, 1950. According to the White River Historical Society, Louie's Shell Service was located at 103 Auburn Avenue, at the corner of Auburn Avenue and 1st Street N.E. Drivers in the small town could choose to gas up at either the Mobil, Louie's, or the Richfield stations on Auburn Avenue, as they were all in a row. The flat roofed building next to the large tree towards the rear of the Louie's Shell was the Auburn General Hospital.

Shell Oil Co. (Auburn); Automobile service stations--Auburn; Louie's Shell Service (Auburn);

Exterior view of George Irey's Signal service station and Tacoma Radiator and Fender Works. Building was later remodled into Mueller-Harkins Buick.

Business Enterprises - Automobile Service Stations - Signal Dealers - Tacoma - George Irey's Signal Service Station

George Irey's Signal service station and Tacoma Radiator and Fender Works. Service station attendant standing at three-pump gasoline service island. Building in background was later remodeled into Mueller-Harkins Buick.

Business Enterprises - Automobile Service Stations - Signal Dealers - Tacoma - George Irey's Signal Service Station

ca. 1950. Interior view of Washington Hardware, Wholesale Division, taken in 1950. Double glass doors are framed with glass blocks. Main portion of the room has picture windows providing lots of natural illumination. Washington Hardware had such varied items as door knobs, ventilators, door canopies for sale. The newly constructed building contained 50,000 square feet and was designed by the architectural firm of Lance, McGuire & Muri.

Washington Hardware Co. (Tacoma); Hardware stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Some 75 Grunow refrigerator dealers and salesmen from Tacoma and Southwest Washington were invited to attend a dinner at the Tacoma Hotel on February 18, 1937 hosted by the F.B. Connelly Co. The 1937 Grunow model was on display , and "Miss Grunow," an attractive woman wearing a short dress and banner, danced on top of the tables for the delighted group. A banner in the background advertises: "There's a new Grunow refrigerator. Come see it today." (TNT 2/18 & 19/ 1937)

Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Grunow Co.; Advertising; Banquets--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Charles W. Greening, manager of the Lincoln Branch Puget Sound National Bank of Tacoma, stands behind the bank counter and discusses recent bank robberies. He became a hero when he pursued and shot a young bandit who held up his bank January 13th, 1937. The wounded robber was arrested when he sought medical attention in Spokane. Mr. Greening was later rewarded with a watch by the bank's insurance company. (T. Times 11/11/1937, pg. 13)

Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Greening, Charles W.;

Charles W. Greening, manager of the Lincoln Branch Puget Sound National Bank of Tacoma, stands behind the bank counter and discusses recent bank robberies. He became a hero when he pursued and shot a young bandit who held up his bank January 13th, 1937. The wounded robber was arrested when he sought medical attention in Spokane. Mr. Greening was later rewarded with a watch by the bank's insurance company. (T. Times 11/11/1937, pg. 13)

Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Greening, Charles W.;

In January of 1937, Charles W. Greening, manager of the Lincoln Branch of the Puget Sound National Bank of Tacoma, stood behind the bank counter while holding a 30-30 caliber rifle crooked over his arm. He became a local hero when he pursued and shot a young bandit who held up his bank on January 13th, 1937. Mr. Greening commandeered a passing car and fired three shots at the fleeing automobile driven by the robber. The wounded robber was arrested when he sought medical attention in Spokane. Mr. Greening was later rewarded with a watch by the bank's insurance company. (T. Times 1-13-37, p. 1-photograph & article; 11/11/1937, pg. 13-article on award)

Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Greening, Charles W.; Robberies--Tacoma--1930-1940;

In September of 1950, an unidentified young officer questions a small boy in front of the Roxy Theater. The boy, who seems to have made a lunch of chocolate at a matinee and retains most of it on his face and hands, may be looking for his mother. Ordered by the Tribune city desk. TPL-7116

Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Workmen are busy with construction forms as the new Tacoma Transit building goes up at 1235 South Sprague Avenue. Man on the ladder and three workers on the ground assist in the placement of wooden forms over the reinforced concrete. Window frames appear to be in place although no glass has been inserted. Tacoma Transit is building both an administrative building to replace offices at S. 13th and A Streets and an expansive garage. Total approximate cost is expected to run about $195,000. (TNT 7-20-50, p. 33; TNT 8-13-50, p. A-9) TPL-8265

Tacoma Transit Co. (Tacoma); Progress photographs; Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Construction forms are being placed as work continues on the new Tacoma Transit building at 1235 South Sprague Avenue in September, 1950. One wooden form is being hauled up as a man on the roof supervises and other workers assist. Warter Construction is in charge. Tacoma Transit is replacing both administrative offices located at S. 13th and A Streets and a garage that was heavily damaged by fire. Buildings are being built on 8.6 acres owned by the company. Total approximate costs are $195,000. (TNT 7-20-50, p. 33; TNT 8-13-50, p. A-9) TPL-8266

Tacoma Transit Co. (Tacoma); Progress photographs; Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A young employee, pencil behind his ear, carefully inserts loaves of bread into cardboard boxes at the Jordan Baking Company. A Slice Master machine stands ready to slice the freshly baked bread while additional loaves are waiting on nearby racks. According to the 1951 City Directory, the wholesale bakery was located at 5233 South Washington and owned by Arthur K. Jordan. Photograph commissioned by Container Corporation of Seattle.

Jordan Baking Co. (Tacoma); Bread--Tacoma; Bakeries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Business enterprises--Tacoma;

An unusual sight in the early 1950's was a self-service gas station. Instead of having an attendant come out and pump the gas, the customer would do the work himself. As the large sign on the light pole proclaims, it would be possible to "save" money if you were willing to "serve-ur-self". Photograph ordered by Fletcher Oil Company.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Fletcher Oil Co. (Tacoma);

A few self-service stations were starting to appear in the early 1950's in the Puget Sound area; however, it was still an unusual sight. A customer would pump his own gas rather than waiting patiently in his car for an attendant to do so. As this gas station's large sign advertised, you could "save $$" by doing the work yourself. Photograph ordered by Fletcher Oil Company.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Fletcher Oil Co. (Tacoma);

Employees of Sears, Roebuck & Co. attended a banquet held at the Top of the Ocean in October, 1950. The photograph commissioned by Mr. Moore of Sears Roebuck showed the head table with amusing signs and slogans.

Sears, Roebuck & Co. (Tacoma)--People--1950-1960; Group portraits--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Two men were inducted into the Quarter Century club of Standard Brands, Inc., at the annual dinner for the Northwest area at Winthrop Hotel. They were Walter A. Logan, a machinist in the maintenance deparment of the Sumner Fleischmann's yeast plant, and Clarence H. Romnes, who worked in the vinegar department. Acme News, Ronald Schaad. (TNT, 11/15/1950, p.27)

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Standard Brands, Inc. (Tacoma);

Vaudeville Party at the Top of the Ocean, photograph ordered by Tacoma Actors Guild. Group of men and women seated at tables with Bingo cards. For Tacoma Actors Guild, Frank Murtough.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Actors Guild (Tacoma); Parties--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Vaudeville Party at the Top of the Ocean, photograph ordered by Tacoma Actors Guild. Two men and three women, acting as restaurant staff, at bar. For Tacoma Actors Guild, Frank Murtough.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Actors Guild (Tacoma); Parties--Tacoma--1950-1960;