Rhodes department store offered their customers a wide selection of everything they might need to look their best. Rhodes received new merchandise on a daily basis. View of men's socks and shirts section at Rhodes Bros, Easter sales signs in center of sock fixtures.

Department stores--Tacoma; Hosiery; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

Rhodes Department Store fabric section.

Business Enterprises - Department Stores - Tacoma - Rhodes Brothers - Fabric Department

Rhodes Bros., Tacoma's premiere department store, offered quality merchandise and a plethora of services. One of those services was the 6th floor podiatrist's office of Dr. August C. Mirenta where downtown shopper's aching feet received attention. In this publicity photograph, Dr. Mirenta is describing his trade-marked shoe insert to an unidentified woman patient. Dr. Mirenta was born in Italy and came to Tacoma with his family in 1896. The enterprising podiatrist manufactured foot remedies and deodorants as the A. Mirenta & Co. and the In-No-Scent Corp., served as president of several organizations, and raised peaches at Peach Acres, his property near Chambers Creek where the Charles Wright Academy is located today.

Department Stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Medical offices--Tacoma; Health care; Mirenta, August C.,1888-1951;

At the end of December of 1942, Rhodes Brothers Department store devoted its windows to the sale of war bonds and stamps. The Tacoma Parent Teacher Association staffed the Victory Window, selling stamps and bonds from 11-4 each day.

Department stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma;

A day shopping at the downtown Tacoma Rhodes Department Store in October of 1956 was not necessarily just a quick shopping junket; it could be an elegant all-day affair including a luxurious shampoo and style at the pictured beauty salon and lunch at the store's cafe. The store at 950 Broadway was elegantly appointed and intended to provide a full shopping experience with a beauty shop, restaurant and full selection of goods and services. The store's new Beauty Salon was located on the 6th floor and offered skin care, hair styling and tinting and nail care. It was open until 9 p.m. on Monday through Friday. For this publicity photograph, the stylists posed beside their stations. The men wore coats and ties and the women dresses with corsages. The Rhodes store opened in 1903 and closed in 1974, a victim of the desertion of downtown for suburban shopping. The most forward stylist on the left is believed to be Paul Faust and behind him, Bernard Natucci. The front two stylists on the right are believed to be Lee Amundson and Lorraine Hudson. (TNT 11/11/1956, pg D-11- see ad for individual stylists' pictures) (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Beauty shops--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The beauty salon at Rhodes Department Store. A day shopping at the downtown Tacoma Rhodes Store in the mid fifties was not just a quick shopping junket; it could be an elegant all day affair including a luxurious shampoo and style at the beauty salon and lunch at the store's cafe. Women would dress up in hats, gloves and dresses to peruse the latest in fashions and home apparel and enjoy the day at the store. The salon is beautifully appointed with elegant lighting, a mirrored makeup table and a receptionist stand with styling stations behind. The standing hair dryers can just be glimpsed in the background.

Department stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Beauty shops--Tacoma--1950-1960;

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Ladies' parasols and intimate apparel. The Rhodes Brothers Department Store was opened at 950 Broadway by Henry A. Rhodes in 1903. It was the grand establishment of his dreams, patterned after Wanamakers and Marshall Fields. From the beginning, they employed Herbert A. Foster as the window trimmer and decorator. This view of the store was festooned with parasols, studded with palms and draped with garlands. The lighting fixtures hanging from the ceiling were gas lights. The shelves were covered with boxes of different sizes, possibly containing accessories or women's intimate apparel. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Department stores--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; Parasol and streamer decorations and unidentified merchandise in boxes. Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened at 950 Broadway in 1903. Each department was not equipped with bags or a cash register, so merchandise was lifted by pulley up to a track and then sent to the office on the mezzanine where it was wrapped and change was made. The cables and tracks in this photograph are believed to have been used for that purpose. Photograph damaged upper left corner. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Department stores--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; Stairway to Mezzanine balcony from first floor. The Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened at 950 Broadway toward the end of 1903. It was, for the time, a modern emporium based on the model of Wanamaker's and Marshall Field's. The store carried a wide variety of merchandise on its three floors. This photograph shows the stairway leading to the mezzanine, where the ladies' lounge and the business office were located. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Department stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Shoe and Boot department. Henry A. Rhodes opened his dream emporium in a three story building at 950 Broadway at the end of 1903. The Rhodes Brothers Department Store offered a wide variety of fine merchandise. In the womens' shoe and boot department, chairs were provided for shoppers to sit and try on the shoes. The shelves are lined with boxes of shoes. Shoe models are attached to the pillar right. Decorations- parasols, ivy and palms- are evident in many places. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Art department, with framed and matted art work. Henry A. Rhodes grand mercantile establishment carried a little of everything. This department, believed to be on the first floor, shows art work matted on the left and framed on the right. The staircase to the mezzanine can be seen between the two rows of pictures on the right. Photo torn lower left corner. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Fine china department. The Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened at 950 Broadway toward the end of 1903. At a time period when each middle to upper class home had a set of "good" china, this department was very important to the store. In the background, you can see the stairs to the mezzanine. Clearly visible is the track and pulley that carried merchandise and payment to the mezzanine business office. A sales girl stands to the left. The clerks were well screened and trained in efficiency and courtesy. She is wearing the "uniform" of spring and summer, a dark skirt paired with a white blouse. The store opened with over 100 clerks in its employ. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma; Tableware; Porcelain;

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Fine china department. The Rhodes Brothers Department store had table after table stacked high with fine china- Cups & saucers, plates, serving pieces and beer steins. Although it seems crowded today, shoppers at the time were thrilled with the variety. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma; Tableware; Porcelain;

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904. Copper tea and coffee pots, cooking pots, crockery, pottery, what appear to be birdcages and miscellaneous. Henry A. Rhodes opened his department store at 950 Broadway toward the end of 1903. He had started with a tea and coffee shop in 1892 and gradually moved into larger stores until he expanded into this three story space. Most of the stores, like this one, sold crockery and glassware. Tables are shown piled high with tea services, pots, pans and crockery. Hanging from the ceiling are contraptions with wheels, possibly serving carts. Photograph damaged right edge. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;

ca. 1911. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1911; Textiles and dry goods department. By 1911, the store was beginning to look less cluttered, with wider aisles. A counter littered with bolts of fabric supplied a place for shoppers to sit and clerks to cut the fabric. The displayed fabric on top of cabinet was priced at 39 cents per yard. Note on back of photo; image used in 1911 booklet. By 1911, Rhodes Brothers had outgrown the three floors at this location and was adding three more. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;

ca. 1917. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1917; Fabric department. Several tables loaded with bolts of fabric dot the room. It appears that the track and pulley system is still in operation, indicating that each department does not have its own cash register. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;

Rhodes Department Store fabric section.

Business Enterprises - Department Stores - Tacoma - Rhodes Brothers - Fabric Department

Trikskirts window display. Rhodes Brothers Department store first opened up on "C" Street in Tacoma, then within a few years had expanded into Seattle and a few other states as well. View of Trikskirts window display, showing a variety of colors and prices.

Department stores--Tacoma; Skirts; Window displays; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

Main floor at Rhodes Brothers Store, Christmas season 1937. Christmas display of bags, gifts and jewelry. This photograph was taken by noted photographer J.R. Eyerman from the front of the store, looking toward the rear, and before the escalator was installed. Neon signs around the room, above the fine wood cabinets, denote the goods available- cosmetics, jewelry, toilet sets, hankies, novelties, finer bags and gift bags, to name a few. High arching decorations reach over the clear aisles. A large sign on the back wall gives "Gift Ideas" available by floor. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Department stores--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

ca. 1917. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1917; Dining room at the store. The dining room was located on the top floor at Rhodes. It could seat 300 people. The tables were covered with white linen tablecloths and napkins and crystal vases held fresh flowers. Lunch was served everyday with dinner served 1-2 nights a week. Favorites on the menu were broiled crab, mulligawney soup, clam chowder and Rhodes' cheesecake. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;

ca. 1914. The Roof Garden at Rhodes Brothers department store, circa 1914. The Roof Garden was located just off the Sixth Floor Tea Room. The house photographer took this photograph just after the new awning was completed and the tables were set for luncheon. A similar photo was used in an ad in the July 3, 1914 Tacoma Daily Ledger. Lunch was served daily from 11:30 til 2p.m., afternoon tea daily from 2pm to 5:15 p.m. and evening dinner was served on Saturdays from 5:30-7p.m. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;

ca. 1910. Rhodes Brothers male employees, circa 1910. The men were posed outside, possibly at a store outing. All of the men, even the delivery boys posed in the front, are dressed in suits, ties and hats for the outing. The women who can be seen in outline back right are dressed in floor length dresses and wide brimmed hats. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;

ca. 1910. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1910; Women's fall fashions in corner window. Henry A. Rhodes opened his grand mercantile establishment, Rhodes Brothers Department Store, at 950 Broadway in 1903. By 1910, business was booming as a result of appeal of current fashions, expert merchandising and advertising. Road signs led travelers to the store from miles around, promising them that "All roads lead to Rhodes." The store employed a professional window decorator and buyers made frequent trips back east to New York for the current fashions. In 1911, three more stories were added to the building, providing a needed expansion. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Department stores--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Women--Clothing & dress--1910-1920;

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; window display of china. Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened at this location in 1903. Part of the appeal of the structure at 950 Broadway was its many merchandise display windows. This display was of china and small figurines. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma; Tableware; Porcelain;

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; this appears to be the Crystal and Glass Department. Henry A. Rhodes opened his grand department store at 950 Broadway in 1903. This appears to be the glass department on the first floor, with a clear view of the mezzanine, center. The mezzanine held the ladies' lounge and the office, complete with wrapping paper for purchases and a money till. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Department stores--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; Parasol and streamer decorations with lace collars, purses and accessories. This photograph showed the Rhodes Brothers Department Store not long after opening. The mezzanine with its railing can be seen in the back. The department appears to be ladies' accessories. Photograph damaged lower left corner. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Department stores--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Women's apparel, dresses and suits. The Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened at 950 Broadway near the end of the year in 1903. The womens' ready-to-wear department was an important department in the store. Mannequins model the latest fashions, brought back from the fashion capitals back east to Tacoma. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma; Clothing & dress--1900-1910;

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; China and glassware. What appear to be mirror topped tables and mirror backed shelves reflect the china and glassware in this photograph of the Rhodes Department Store around 1904. Rhodes was an institution in Tacoma at 950 Broadway from 1903 until it closed in 1974. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma; Tableware; Porcelain;

Rhodes Department Store, "Hi School Shop", Junior's Fashion section. Murals on walls, splatter painted fixtures, many dresses and skirts.

Business Enterprises - Department Stores - Tacoma - Rhodes Brothers

Rhodes Department Store lingerie section.

Business Enterprises - Department Stores - Tacoma - Rhodes Brothers - Clothing Departments - Lingerie Department