Washington governor Albert Rosellini, flanked by two flag bearers, addressed the massive crowd gathered for the opening of the new Bon Marche building at the Tacoma Mall on August 3, 1964. Both the American flag and the state flag were on display. Gov. Rosellini had flown in by helicopter to attend the ribbon-cutting of the largest department store in Southwest Washington. Also on the temporarily erected stage were various city and county officials plus Darrel Vannice, the Bon's managing director. The Bon Marche was the first occupant of the Tacoma Mall as the rest of the shopping center would not be officially opened until October the following year. TPL-6175

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

Candy department at the Bon Marche. Mouth watering displays of wrapped candy are ready for customers to purchase at the soon-to-be opened Bon Marche located in the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. Russell Stover assorted chocolates and Blum Almondettes were just two of the many brands of candy on sale in the Bon's lower level near the Cascade Room. A bakery with fresh-daily goods was located next to the candy shop and apparently specialized in fancy cakes. (TNT 8-2-64, B-7)

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

Portrait studio, Bon Marche. Framed portraits, particularly of young children, line the walls of the portrait studio located on the third (or top) floor in the new Bon Marche at the Tacoma Mall. A variety of frames, both ornate and modern, could be purchased along with the pictures. As one photograph on display on the counter testifies, the Bon would be able to make reproductions of old prints. The portrait studio was a new endeavor for the Bon. (TNT 8-2-64, B-5)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Photographic studios--Tacoma--1960-1970; Portraits; Picture frames;

Snip! Governor Albert Rosellini and Angela Nicholson, Miss Tacoma, cut the bright yellow ribbon for the new Tacoma Mall Bon Marche store on August 3, 1964. The Bon Marche was the first store to open in the new mall; the mall didn't have its official opening until October, 1965. The new Bon Marche was a massive four-story building with 256,000 square feet. The closing of the store's longtime downtown location was deemed necessary because of the antiquated conditions of the building and the lack of suitable parking. The downtown store, formerly the Fisher's Department Store, closed at 5:30 p.m. on July 25, 1964. Dignitaries present at the ribbon cutting included Dr. Arnold Herrmann, deputy mayor, David Rowlands, city manager, county commissioners Harry Sprinker, Fritz Geiger and Pat Gallagher, and city councilmen Maurice Finnigan and Hal Murtland, and Darrel E. Vannice, managing director of the Bon. (TNT 7-19-64, p. 1, TNT 8-4-64, p. 18) ALBUM 10.

Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Nicholson, Angela; Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Vannice, Darrel E.;

Governor Albert D. Rosellini and Miss Tacoma, Angela Nicholson, cut the ribbon for the new Tacoma Mall Bon Marche store. The governor and assorted dignitaries, including Bon Marche managing director Darrel E. Vannice, are facing the new store. A crowd of eager shoppers look poised to storm the doors of the Bon Marche which had moved its presence from its longtime downtown location. An estimated 150,000 people visited the store on its first day of business, causing massive traffic jams. The four-story 256,000 square foot store would be the largest department store in Pierce County. The closure of the downtown store at 11th & Broadway was necessary because of the antiquated building and fixtures and the shortage of parking. J.C. Penney's and Thriftway supermarkets had already signed leases for the new shopping center which would open officially in October, 1965, with an additional 53 stores and 900,000 square feet of selling space. ALBUM 10. TPL-454 (TNT 7-19-64, p. 1, TNT 8-4-64, p. 18)

Governors; Rosellini, Albert D.; Nicholson, Angela; Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Vannice, Darrel E.;

Silver and silverplate display at the Bon Marche. The August 3, 1964, opening of the Bon Marche, first store at the Tacoma Mall, would truly be a gala event. Prior to the grand opening, photographs of the interior and exterior were taken by the Richards Studio on July 27, 1964. A dazzling display of tableware, including trays, candlesticks, serving pieces and coffee/tea dispensers would certainly catch the eye of the thousands expected to view the new building's merchandise. The silverware shop was located adjacent to the china and glassware sections near the west end of the Mall level. (TNT 8-2-64, B-8)

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

Bon Marche. By March of 1970, the Bon Marche located in the Tacoma Mall was nearly six years old. It was the first store opened in the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center and at 256,000 square feet, the largest department store in Pierce County. It attracted crowds of 150,000 on its first day of business causing massive traffic woes. Even though the Bon Marche would be the only occupant in the mall for nearly a year, business continued to thrive. The lure of plenty of free parking, quality of products and services offered, and easy freeway access drew thousands to shop at the Bon. View of the Bon Marche and attached Cascade Room restaurant; the restaurant was accessible both from inside the mall and outside the building. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche.

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980;

The focus of this April, 1973, aerial is the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center and its environs. Located in the city's south end, the Tacoma Mall enjoyed easy access from the freeway and acres of free parking space. Customers could choose from about 100 stores, all under one climate-controlled roof. Rhodes Bros. would be the next large department store to open in the newly expanded Mall, a move that would eventually mean the closing of its flagship downtown location in late 1974. This view, looking east, also shows South Tacoma Way at the bottom. Photograph ordered by Puget Sound National Bank.

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

Shoppers in the region rejoiced at the opening of the new west end extension of the Tacoma Mall on July 25, 1973. 20 more stores were added to the popular shopping center bringing its total to about 110. 1973 Daffodil Queen Sherri Murrey, Mayor Gordon N. Johnston, and Tacoma Mall executive vice-president Marvin Boys (next to the mayor) were among the dignitaries participating in the addition's ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Mall Corporation.

Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Murrey, Sherri; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Boys, Marvin;

1973 Tacoma Home Show. In lieu of the traditional ribbon snipping, Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston (extreme r) and County Commissioner Clay Huntington (2nd from left) put some muscle into the 8-foot logger's saw as it sliced through a 2 x 4. They officially opened the 27th edition of the Tacoma Home Show at the Tacoma Mall. This was a new venue for the Home Show; for the past 23 years it had been located at the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse and prior to that, at the Tacoma Armory. Admission to the Home Show was free. Hundreds attended opening day to look, try, and dream about the 70+ Home Show exhibitions. The Tacoma Home Show would run from March 13-18th. Photograph ordered by the Home Builders Association of Greater Tacoma. (TNT 3-13-73, p. 2 -article)

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

1973 Tacoma Home Show. County Commissioner Clay Huntington (left) and Tacoma Mayor Gordon Johnston (right) lend a hand in the grand opening festivities of the 1973 Tacoma Home Show. For the first time in its 27-year history, the Home Show was held at the Tacoma Mall. As the signs held by the officials indicate, the event running from March 13-18 was free and those in attendance need not have worried about cold/rain/hail or sleet as the Mall was covered and climate controlled. Both Mayor Johnston and Commissioner Huntington wore hard hats and overalls -and ties- during the ceremony. They had used the 8-foot logger's saw to snap the 2 x 4 wooden "ribbon." This was also the first year without longtime Home Show promoter, Patrick O'Toole; Mr. O'Toole had died in a car accident in California ten months ago. Photograph ordered by the Home Builders Association of Greater Tacoma. (TNT 3-14-73, C-8)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Huntington, Clay; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Saws;

A massive crowd gathered to listen to welcoming speeches at the Grand Opening of the Tacoma Mall addition on July 25, 1973. At the podium was executive vice-president of the Tacoma Mall Corporation, Marvin Boys. The Mall had built an extention on its west side that would hold 25 new stores and increase the size of the mall by some 80,000 square feet. The 20 stores opened that day would include Bed & Bath Shop, Ben Bridge Jewelers, Cameras Etc., Cards & Things, Jay Jacobs, Orange Julius, Osborn & Ulland, Papa John's, Tinder Box and Waldenbooks. Scheduled to open in 1974 was the Rhodes/Liberty House department store. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Mall Corporation. (TNT 7-24-73, insert on mall expansion)

Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Building dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Public speaking--Tacoma; Boys, Marvin;

1974 Richards stock footage. Aerial view of the Tacoma Mall and surrounding south end neighborhoods. This May, 1974, view by air makes it plain that one of the main attributes of this popular shopping center was its ready access by freeway and its enormous free parking lots. Should a visitor to the Mall decide to bypass the freeway, the Mall would still be accessible through well traveled local streets such as Pine, South 38th and South 48th. The Mall had opened its west end addition in July of 1973 to add 20 more stores to the shopping center; in May of 1974, construction was proceeding rapidly with the new Liberty House/Rhodes department store at the far west end of the shopping center. TPL-5876

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

1974 Tacoma Home Show. For the second year in a row, the Tacoma Home Show was held at the Tacoma Mall. Among the many exhibitors was the Boedecker Co., a Tacoma cleaning company in business since 1919. Their booth outside of the Jay Jacobs clothing store featured the "Rug" Doctor. Those wishing to get their carpets thoroughly cleaned could rent the "Rug" Doctor, by appointment only. Rental rates posted indicated that a 4-hour rent would run $12, all day (actually 8 1/2 hours) at $20 and overnight for $15. For really dirty carpets, a $25 charge for nearly 24 hours was also offered. A "Rug" Doctor and strip of carpet awaited customers eager to try out the product. Organizers of the 28th annual Tacoma Home Show would later report that attendance at the five-day event was about 300,000, roughly the same as the previous year. Color photograph ordered by the Boedecker Co., Inc.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1970-1980; Cleaning--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floor coverings; Signs (Notices);

1977 Tacoma Home Show. Once again, the annual Tacoma Home Show was held at the Tacoma Mall where visitors could stroll comfortably under cover to view the latest ideas for remodelers, redecorators, home builders and landscapers. Among the many exhibits was the well-known Atlas Van Lines hydroplane U-76, whose appearance was sponsored by Ed's Moving & Storage, 1632 E. 26th. Ed's Moving & Storage was an agent for Atlas Van Lines. A scale model of the hydroplane would be given away in a free drawing. The U-76 was piloted and owned by Bill Muncey. (TNT 3-21-77, Tacoma Home Show insert-article)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibit booths--Tacoma--1970-1980; Hydroplanes--Tacoma; Ed's Moving & Storage (Tacoma); Atlas Van Lines (Tacoma);

Orange Julius. The Richards Studio photographed a number of Orange Julius locations in Western Washington during December of 1978. Pictured above is the Orange Julius located in the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center next to the Osborn & Ulland sporting goods store. As its name indicates, Orange Julius promoted its "freshly squeezed" healthy drink and dedicated a special "speedline" for drinks only. Burgers and other food orders could also be placed. The small eating establishment was brightly decorated in warm colors of orange and yellow. Enlarged pictures of the Tacoma Mall and vicinity adorned the walls. Color photograph ordered by S & W Management.

Orange Julius (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fast food restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980;

ca. 1972. 1972 Richards stock footage. Display of portraits of the officers and directors of the Greater Tacoma Chamber of Commerce surrounding pillars within the Tacoma Mall. Shoppers at the mall in 1972 were invited to meet the area's business leaders via their color portraits taken by the Richards Studio. A label identifying the individual was in the corner of each gold and wood framed picture.

Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Portraits;

Tacoma Mall West expansion. Work progresses on the west side expansion of the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center in September of 1972. 25 more stores would be added to the southend shopping center, increasing the size of the mall by some 80,000 square feet. Prior to this construction, the Tacoma Mall had 85 stores. In addition, Nordstrom (then known as Nordstrom Best) would be adding a second floor of 17,000 square feet, to feature lingerie, junior wear and ready-to-wear fashions. Photograph ordered by Rushforth Construction Co., contractors of the Tacoma Mall West expansion project. (TNT 9-2-71, A-1- article on expansion)

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

Progress photograph of Tacoma Mall expansion. Forms are in place as the addition to the west side of the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center proceeds in early June of 1972. Rushforth Construction Co. were the contractors; John Graham & Co. designed the addition. Photograph ordered by Rushforth Construction Co.

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

Printed on back: Tacoma Mall Tacoma, Washington This 85 acre complex of completely enclosed shopping provides parking for 7200 vehicles. A few minutes drive from any city in the southern Puget Sound area the shopper will find all merchandise conveniently located in the 76 air-conditioned stores.

Aerial photograph of Tacoma Mall Shopping Center and vicinity in 1969. The area around the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center looked quite different in 1969 as the mall had not expanded to the size it holds in 2006. This view is taken looking across South 48th St. towards the mall with Penney's, Pay Less Drugs, and Nordstrom Best clearly visible. The Bon Marche (now Macy's) is the large red building in back of Nordstrom. The Tacoma Mall Office Building is off to its left and had recently opened. Best Buy and BabiesRus would later be built in the wooded area across So. 48th St. Pine St., which intersects So. 48th St., would later become more developed as the Post Office would build the Evergreen Station closer to So. 38th. The White Front store with large parking lot is already on So. 38th where Michael's would later be situated. In the distance toward the top center of the photograph is the Public Utilities building on So. 35th near Union Ave. Color photograph ordered by Center Offices, Inc.

Aerial views; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma; Tacoma Mall Office Building (Tacoma); J.C. Penney Co. (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Pay Less Drugs (Tacoma); Nordstrom Best (Tacoma); White Front (Tacoma);

Color photograph of the Bon Marche department store, parking lot, and Tire Center in the fall of 1970. At this time of day, the large Tacoma Mall parking lot is fairly empty of cars. There are several automobiles parked, however, close to the Bon Marche Tire Center which was directly across the small shopping center roadway from the main Bon store. The Tire Center offered batteries, shock absorbers, mufflers, brakes, and wheel alinements. There is still an automotive shop offering the same services 36 years later, however, it is now a Courtesy Tire Service Center featuring Goodyear.

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Bon Marche Tire Center (Tacoma); Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma;

Mrs. W.N. Spahn happily accepted the keys to a new Ford Mustang on September 1, 1964, from the Bon Marche managing director Darrel Vannice. She won the car during the Bon's grand opening festivities at the Tacoma Mall. To promote the Bon's new location, all who applied for a Bon credit card were entered into an August 31, 1964, drawing for fabulous prizes; besides the new Mustang, other prizes awarded were a Shetland pony, $100-1000 fully paid charge accounts, and free dinners in the new Cascade Room. Mrs. Spahn, the winner of the Mustang, took delivery of the new car outside the lower entrance to the Bon. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche. (TNT full page ad- 7-20-64, p. 17, TNT 9-2-64, A-2-article)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Awards; Ford automobile; Vannice, Darrel E.; Spahn, W.N.--Family;

Grand opening of Florsheim Shoes at the Tacoma Mall. October 13, 1965, saw the grand opening of Florsheim Shoes at the new Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. The store was located across from the Bon Marche, the first occupant of the mall. Shoppers are lined up on two sides of the store awaiting entry to the men's shoe store managed by Chet Stack. The Mall fountain, which was to be a longtime fixture, is in the foreground of the photograph. Photograph ordered by Florsheim Shoes, Chicago. (TNT 10-12-65, C-14, C-15)

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

Aerial view on April 2, 1973, of the Nalley Valley and 38th St. interchange. Atlas Foundry is on the right side. The Tacoma Mall is left-center, adjacent to the freeway. There were a variety of ways to get to the Mall, including the heavily utilized South Pine and South 38th St. entrances. Less than nine years old and already boasting of several large department stores as well as specialty shops, the Mall was able to draw a shopping population from as far south as Olympia and from as far north as Seattle. Photograph ordered by Puget Sound National Bank.

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