Bon Marche in 1970. This is believed to be the first floor (mall level) of the Bon Marche, located in the Tacoma Mall. Sturdy columns are interspersed on the floor, separating various departmental merchandise. The showcases in the foreground tastefully display well-known cosmetic manufacturers' products. Women's shoes and stockings are on separate tables. Aisles were constructed wide so that people could walk through easily without bumping into cases/tables or one another. The Bon Marche was the first occupant of the Tacoma Mall, opening for business in 1964 months before other stores. Althought the Bon started as a local business, it became part of a national concern, and in 2003 became known locally as Bon Macy's. By 2005 all stores were just called Macy's. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche.

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Aerial view of Tacoma's largest shopping center, the Tacoma Mall, on April 2, 1973. Traffic on I-5 flows quickly along and there was easy access to the shopping center. South 48th St. with its overpass over I-5 intersects with South Ferry at the Mall. The Allstate Insurance Co.district office is the large building at the southwest corner of South 48th & Ferry. The wooded area next to Allstate would later be developed. This view, looking north, shows the Mall in its entirety, including the separate structures of the Tacoma Mall Theatre, Pacific National Bank of Washington, and the Tacoma Mall Office Building. With 83 acres of land, there was plenty of room for free parking and also for later expansion. Rhodes department store had already announced plans to open a branch at the Mall; it would be built on the extreme far west section. This aerial also shows the Mall's surrounding neighborhoods including Lincoln Heights off 38th St. past the grove of evergreens. Photograph ordered by Puget Sound National Bankl.

Aerial views; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Express highways--Tacoma--1970-1980; Allstate Insurance Co. (Tacoma); Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Tacoma Mall Office Building (Tacoma);

1973 Tacoma Home Show. A mock living room, tiny as it appears, still draws several interested visitors due to the solid state television and comfortable chairs. It is possible that the two young men seated before the television are using two controllers to play an early version of a video game. This was the Bon Marche's exhibit booth at the 1973 Tacoma Home Show. For the first time in the show's 27-year history, the six-day event was held at the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. Hundreds would flock to the Mall on opening day, March 13, 1973.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Televisions;

Tacoma Mayor Gordon N. Johnston welcomes shoppers to the new addition of the Tacoma Mall on July 25, 1973. The Mall had completed its west end expansion and 20 new stores were now open for business, including Ben Bridge Jeweler, Orange Julius, Tinder Box and Waldenbooks. This would bring the total number of stores in the Mall to about 110, just slightly smaller than Southcenter. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Mall Corporation.

Johnston, Gordon N.; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Public speaking--Tacoma; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1974 Richards stock footage. A look at the Tacoma Mall by air in the spring of 1974 shows that the Mall continues to grow with the building of the new Liberty House/Rhodes department store at the Mall's extreme west end. The store was scheduled to open that fall. I-5 runs nearly vertically at the photograph's right, allowing easy access to the shopping center. The wooded area east of the freeway would eventually be dotted with new homes; businesses would also take the place of the homes located at the bottom of the photograph.

Aerial views; Aerial photographs; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Neighborhoods--Tacoma--1970-1980; Express highways--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Modular home. Modular Pacific Corporation built and erected two full-sized modular homes in the Tacoma Mall's east parking lot near J.C. Penney for the 1976 Tacoma Home Show. They were both fully landscaped and furnished. The homes were expandable units with 12-foot unfinished extension areas added to both floor plans in the "independence" line. This particular line of modular homes was affordably priced. View of one of the modular homes; the one-story unit is either Independence 1200 or Independence 960. The homes attracted hordes of visitors during the Home Show's March 9-14th run. Photograph ordered by Modular Pacific Corporation, Seattle. (TNT 3-7-76, H-2 article; TNT 3-8-76, Home Show insert-article)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Modular construction--Tacoma--1970-1980; Houses--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Tacoma Home Show grand opening. Pierce County Commissioner Clay Huntington wields a pair of large shears to snip the ribbon for the opening day of the 1978 Tacoma Home Show. He is assisted by Tacoma mayor, Mike Parker. It was Mayor Parker's first time officiating at the Home Show, a duty that his predecessor, Gordon Johnston, had performed for many years. The Home Show was held at the Tacoma Mall for the sixth straight year. Photograph ordered by the Homebuilders Association of Greater Tacoma.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Parker, Michael; Huntington, Clay;

The new addition to the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center is rapidly taking shape as this July 5, 1972, progress photograph indicates. The Rushforth Construction Co. were the contractors on this $2,500,000 project to expand the shopping center on its west side. John Graham & Co., architects for the original Tacoma Mall, also handled the design for this addition. Photograph ordered by Rushforth Construction Co.

Progress photographs; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Building construction--Tacoma--1970-1980;

June 1, 1972, progress photograph of a $2,500,000 addition to the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. The expanded section on the west side of the shopping center was expected to add another 25 stores. The Mall had 85 stores at that time. In comparison, Southcenter had 112 stores. Construction had begun in January with completion planned for early spring of 1973. Photograph ordered by Rushforth Construction Co. (TNT 9-2-71, A-1 -article on addition)

Progress photographs; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Building construction--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor celebrated its grand opening on May 21, 1974, with dignitaries enjoying a bite of red licorice instead of the traditional red ribbon snipping. Located in the west end portion of the Tacoma Mall, Farrell's offered delicious hamburgers and other delicacies as well as mountains of ice creams in many flavors. It was an old fashioned ice cream parlor, believed to be the 84th in a large chain. Food was not served sedately but with much horn blowing and drum beating, especially for soon-to-be popular birthday parties. Color photograph ordered by Gerber Advertising, Portland. (TNT 5-22-74, B-12 -article)

Farrells Ice Cream Parlor (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Mayor Gordon Johnston and Pierce County Commissioner Clay Huntington jointly do the honors in opening the 1977 Tacoma Home Show held at the Tacoma Mall. At the far left is Gordon Rockwell, show chairman. Each year thousands of spectators would peruse the various exhibits demonstrating the latest trends in home decor. This was the 31st annual home show. (TNT 3-22-77, B-15-article)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Huntington, Clay; Rockwell, Gordon;

Bon Voyage Travel Service. The Bon Voyage Travel Service was located on the third floor of the Bon Marche in 1969. An employee, believed to be Vi Randall, is shown on the phone with a potential client. On her desk are stacks of pamplets for travel to distant places. Framed posters promoting European nations and large American cities are displayed on the walls of the small office space. Photograph ordered by the Bon Voyage Travel.

Bon Voyage Travel Service (Tacoma); Tourism--Tacoma; Travel posters;

This vast parking lot will not be empty for long as the relocated Bon Marche prepares for its grand opening at the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center in the summer of 1964. The Bon would be the first store in the new shopping center located on 83 acres west of the freeway between So. 43rd and So. 48th Sts. View of imposing four-story Bon Marche with Cascade Room restaurant attached taken on July 27, 1964. The three million dollar structure was built by Nelson Construction of reinforced concrete with distinctive red-brick facing. It was the largest department store in Southwest Washington. (TNT 8-2-64, A-1)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma;

Fine linens at the Bon Marche. Although paper napkins were becoming more popular as people discovered their convenience, table linens were still promoted and sold in fine department stores in the 1960's. Lace doilies, cloth napkins and linen tablecloths are exhibited in elegant open display cases at the new Bon Marche, Tacoma Mall. Located on the third (or top) floor, the fine linens section would be decorated with gold lamps, imported gold wallpaper and walnut paneling. The Bon would celebrate its grand opening on August 3, 1964. (TNT 8-2-64, B-9)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tablecloths; Textiles;

An attentive crowd, including Governor Albert Rosellini and Miss Tacoma Angela Nicholson (seated on stage, front row), observed the flag ceremonies at the official August 3, 1964 opening of the $3 million dollar Bon Marche department store at the new Tacoma Mall. Other dignitaries visible on stage included City councilman Maurice Finnigan, County commissioners Fritz Geiger and Pat Gallagher, and Bon managing director Darrel Vannice. The speaker at the podium has been tentatively identified as Tacoma Deputy Mayor Arnold Herrmann. The grand opening attracted 150,000 visitors causing massive traffic jams. The Bon offered free bus service from downtown Tacoma several times daily to their new location and also advertised the acres of free parking available for shoppers. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche.

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Nicholson, Angela; Flags--United States; State flags;

Grand opening of Bon Marche at the Tacoma Mall. 150,000 people attended the official opening on August 3, 1964, of the first occupant of the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. The parking lot is crammed full of cars, including a charter bus. Although the News Tribune had run several articles on driving directions, including alternative ways to get to the Mall, massive traffic jams would occur anyway. Even when visitors managed to get to the Mall, paved parking was quickly snapped up and many were forced to park in unpaved areas. Once completed, paved parking lots would hold up to 6000 cars. Hordes of shoppers would await opening day speeches from various dignitaries including Governor Albert D. Rosellini before the doors finally opened. A few intrepid souls are perched on the roofs of the massive four-story department store, giving them a good bird's eye view of the swirling activity. (TNT 8-4-64, p. 18) TPL-9645

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970; Automobiles--Tacoma--1960-1970; Crowds--Tacoma;

Glassware section in the new Bon Marche. A week prior to its August 3, 1964, grand opening, the Bon Marche, first store at the new Tacoma Mall Shopping Center, was primed and ready to go. A look into the glassware shop area saw widely spaced display tables filled with elegant stemware and vases located near the china, gift and silver shops. This is the view from the west entrance to the Mall level. The store's bridal registry was here as well. The Bon had relocated from its longtime downtown spot to the new Tacoma Mall; the four-story store would have over 250,000 square feet and be able to showcase merchandise more effectively. (TNT 8-2-64, B-5)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tableware; Glassware; Vases;

Beauty salon, Bon Marche. A large sign directs patrons to the beauty salon of the Bon Marche, now located on the second floor at the new Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. A long reception desk is clearly visible through the open doorway. The Bon' s beauty shop was equipped with modern hairdressing equipment and an experienced staff of fourteen operators. Crystal light fixtures and gold brocade wallpaper enhanced the atmosphere of the walnut and white room. (TNT 8-2-64, B-8)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Beauty shops--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

On July 27, 1964, mannequins wearing the latest evening styles in taffeta and silk stood guard over the fabric department of the soon to open Bon Marche at the Tacoma Mall. The fabric department was located near the elevator on the Mall level of the 250,000 square foot, four story department store. Nearly 150,000 shoppers were on hand on August 3, 1964 for the grand opening ceremony. The Bon Marche was the first occupant of the Tacoma Mall; the rest of the shopping center did not officially open until October of 1965. (TNT 8-2-64, B-5)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970; Textiles; Mannequins;

Olympia Day at the Bon Marche. A convoy of chartered buses transported Olympians to the newly opened Bon Marche at the Tacoma Mall on October 1, 1964. Although the Bon had a 6000-car parking lot, traveling by bus was just as convenient for out-of-towners. View of Harbor Lines buses parked outside of the Bon; one driver standing by open door. Apartments on the hillside next to the Bon are believed to be the 48-unit Alpine Village apartments, built on the northern boundary of the Tacoma Mall. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche.

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Buses--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Cascade Room restaurant - Bon Marche. Sliding wood-paneled doors are partially opened to reveal a small lobby leading to the Cascade Room restaurant found within the Bon Marche. An assortment of modern furniture including black leather chairs can be glimpsed inside the restaurant which contain polished walnut paneled walls and brass wall sconces. A cocktail lounge and Corner House snack shop was included. Johnny Maddox would be the first performer in the Cascade Room Lounge once the Bon Marche opened at the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center in early August, 1964. Located on the lower level, direct entrance was also possible from the parking lot even when the rest of the store had closed. (TNT Ad 7-31-64, p. 21, TNT 8-2-64, B-6)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices); Sconces;

Grand opening - Florsheim Shoes in Tacoma Mall. Crowds of shoppers line up to browse and perhaps purchase the new merchandise at Florsheim Shoes on October 13, 1965. The store, part of a national chain of shoe stores, was celebrating its grand opening at the Mall. Customers appear pleased to accept coupons from the Florsheim employee in top hat, tails and tights while a parrot in a large gilded cage looks on. Florsheim's was located in close proximity to the Bon Marche department store. The Tacoma Mall store did not have doors and opened directly onto the mall. It featured a Gay Nineties barber shop; interiors were built of natural wood and wall-to-wall carpet. Photograph ordered by Florsheim Shoes, Chicago. TPL-2527 (TNT 10-12-65, C-14, C-15)

Florsheim Shoes (Tacoma); Shoe stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Shopping--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Interior of Tacoma Mall taken after the mall's grand opening. The Tacoma Mall officially opened on October 13, 1965. Looking down the wide aisles of the Tacoma Mall on October 14, 1965, towards the J.C. Penney store section are a variety of shops, most of which have vanished 40 years later. Alpine Hut, Foreman & Clark, Thom McAn, Hardy Shoes, Fashion Fabrics, Barbara Johnson and Toys Galore have their doors closed prior to opening for the business day. One or two customers are already present gazing through the shop windows. At that time there were no kiosks in the walkway. A full page ad for the opening of the mall trumpeted the idea of no more parking tickets, no more traffic or weather worries. A mere five minutes from downtown Tacoma, and easily accessible by car and bus, the mall would offer 7,000+ parking spaces and an enclosed shopping area. Photograph ordered by Nelson Construction. (TNT 9-9-65, ad, A-3)

Shopping centers--Tacoma; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Stores & shops--Tacoma--1960-1970;