ca. 1932. On September 30, 1932, the former RKO Orpheum Theater at 901 Broadway opened with great fanfare as the new movie palace, the "Roxy," complete with a glowing neon marquee. The first bill of fare featured the sound feature "This Sporting Age" starring Jack Holt and a new Mickey Mouse cartoon. Adults paid 15 cents 9am - 5pm, 20 cents after five and kids were "a dime anytime." The Roxy had been constructed in 1917 by theatrical entrepreneur Alexander Pantages at what was formerly the site of the Gross Brothers Department Store. The building has since returned to its original name, the Pantages, and is on the City, State and National Registries. Across the street was the Tacoma Theater (902-14 Broadway), known in 1932 as the "Broadway," which was scheduled to reopen October 8th as another movie palace. The theater was destroyed by fire in 1963; at the time of the fire it was called The Music Box Theater.
ca. 1931. Photograph, circa 1931, taken from the Medical Arts Building looking down on the buildings on the east side of Broadway beginning at 9th after dark. A good view of the RKO Orpheum lit up at night. Rust and Washington Buildings in background.
Streets--Tacoma--1930-1940; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1930-1940; Pantages Theater (Tacoma); Business districts--Tacoma--1930-1940;
ca. 1932. View of the Roxy Theatre, ca. 1932. "The Thirteenth Guest " was the feature film showing at the Roxy at the time of this photograph. The film was released in 1932 and starred Ginger Rogers and Lyle Talbot. Movie marquee advertised that there was "Always a better show at your Roxy." Apparently cost of a ticket was 20 cents after 5 p.m. The former RKO Orpheum theater reopened as the Roxy in 1932; it is now known as the Pantages.
ca. 1890. Gross Brothers store at 901 Broadway. The large staff of the Gross Brothers store lined up on the sidewalk in front of the main entrance and also on the second floor balcony to promote its "Anual" (sic) Clearance Sale circa the winter of 1890. The holiday season was over and it was time to clear the store for the influx of new merchandise. Every item in the huge department store, at one time the city's largest, would be reduced and customers were urged to take advantage of lower prices until February 1st. Built in 1889, the magnificent property was later known as the Jones Block and was demolished in 1916 to make way for the Pantages Theater. This particular photograph was selected for a daily feature of long-ago pictures displayed in the News Tribune on May 24, 1934. Bi-Centennial Project # 75346-55 BU-12722 G56.1-015 (TNT 5-24-31, p. 11 -"In Tacoma's Family Album")
Gross Bros. Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1890-1900; Banners; Facades--Tacoma--1890-1900;
Architects in the firm of Jensen & Mills examine a small display of Douglas Fir Plywood Association promotional material in their Jones Building office on November 19, 1954. The plywood association always stressed the stringent quality controls utilized in approving plywood for numerous uses. The DFPA label on plywood meant that customers could count on the association standing behind its product. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.
Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Advertising--Tacoma--1950-1960; Jensen & Mills (Tacoma);
The Knights Templar band in their traditional plumed hats marched past the Roxy Theatre (later known again as the Pantages) on May 9, 1938. Tacoma was treated to a colorful afternoon parade when Knights Templar from all over the state gathered here for the 51st Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Washington. This parade of bands followed the marching companies. (T. Times 5/9/1938, pg. 1-article; TNT 5-9-38, p. 1-article on conclave)
Tacoma was treated to an afternoon parade when Knights Templar from all over the state gathered here for the 51st Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Washington. Men in the traditional plumed hats with a large group of flag bearers behind them. The Roxy Theatre is in the background. The Roxy later became the Pantages. (T. Times 5/9/1938)
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
Publicity for new Cavalier Cigarettes, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Mr. G.J. Friend. The publicity procession passes the Roxy Theater where Frank Sinatra, Esther Williams and Gene Kelly star in the technicolor musical "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."
Military Parade, Times, Sandegren. A brass band is about to turn the corner from Broadway onto South 9th Street during the Washington Birthday parade held in Tacoma in 1949. Men are playing trombones, sousaphones, tubas and drums. The crowd along the sides of Broadway are holding umbrellas and the streets are wet from rain.
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Municipal officials--Tacoma--1940-1950; Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Brass instruments; Marching bands;
Military Parade, Times, Sandegren. Four of the five infantry battalions that marched in the Washington Birthday one and one-half hour parade show a massed strength of 2,400 men. This view shows the battalions marching north along Broadway. Soldiers marching at the front are just turning the corner in front of the Roxy Theater onto South 9th Street. Several spectators are standing on the awning over the sidewalk in front of the Roxy. (T.Times, 2/23/1949, p.1)
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Municipal officials--Tacoma--1940-1950; Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Five infantry battalions marched in a military parade on Washington's Birthday in 1949. The one and one-half hour parade included over 4,000 troops. This view shows the battalions marching north along Broadway. Soldiers marching at the front are just turning the corner in front of the Roxy Theater onto South 9th Street. Several spectators are standing on the awning over the sidewalk in front of the Roxy. Photo taken for Sandegren, Tacoma Times. (T.Times, 2/23/1949, p.1) TPL-9062
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1940-1950; Municipal officials--Tacoma--1940-1950; Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950;
An unidentified couple won the dog shown in this photograph in a special drawing held at the Roxy Theater on August 1, 1947. The dog was borrowed from the Tacoma pound for a publicity stunt. It was used to help advertise the film "The Sea Hawk" starring Errol Flynn. When the publicity was finished the dog was to be returned to the pound. Rather then return the dog to the pound, where it would probably be "put to sleep", the theater management called on the citizens of Tacoma to give the dog a home. (T.Times, 7/30/1947) Dog being awarded to winner at Roxy Theater, O'Connell Ragan Company, Beverly Balster.
Tacomans turn out in droves at 11 a.m. on August 22, 1936 to see the first circus parade in years, passing by the Roxy Theatre, 901 Broadway, now known as the Pantages. The Cole Brothers- Clyde Beatty Circus is in town, featuring young wild animal trainer Clyde Beatty. Marquees indicate the Roxy Theatre, the Music Box, at 902-14 Broadway, destroyed by fire 4/30/1963, and the Rialto, 310 So. 9th. In the back right of the photo is the First Baptist Church, 902 Market St.
Circus parades--Tacoma--1930-1940; Horse teams--Tacoma; Flags; Spectators--Tacoma; Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Music Box Theatre (Tacoma); First Baptist Church (Tacoma);
Roxy Theater. A young man dares everyone to "See Me in "Cloak and Dagger" Roxy Theater". Theater posters show scenes from the movie and advertise Gary Cooper is starring.
Roxy Theater. A tall young man wearing a wide-brimmed black hat and black cape stands outside the theater on November 19, 1946 announcing the movie now showing, "Cloak and Dagger" starring Gary Cooper.
Roxy Theater, advertising for "The Spider Woman Strikes Back" and "The She Wolf of London", someone with a large mask pulls a gurney with a woman who "couldn't take it" from the lobby while two other women scream at the sight of her.
Tom Breneman's "Breakfast in Hollywood Show" at Tacoma's Roxy (Pantages) Theater on August 20, 1946. Masters of Ceremonies from KJR Radio with participants in the Goofy Hat contest. Bill Gunning reaches out to gently touch the live kitten tied to a woman's hat while the other contestants look on. The hat with the candy Easter Bunny was the winner; however, the live kitten and hat with plastic helicopter may have also placed. Standing next to Al Priddy, another contestant is holding three boxes of Ivory Flakes, perhaps a consolation prize. (No Negative) ALBUM 7.
Crowd for radio personality Tom Breneman's "Breakfast in Hollywood Show" at Tacoma's Roxy (Pantages) Theater on opening night, August 20, 1946. Roxy Theater neon sign and marquee are very prominent in background. The popular radio program has been transferred to the big screen starring Mr. Breneman, Bonita Granville, singer Andy Russell, Zasu Pitts, Hedda Hopper, and Spike Jones & his City Slickers. Tacomans of all ages, some in the Armed Forces, queue up beneath the marquee. KJR radio would re-broadcast Mr. Breneman's radio program that same night at the theater. Director Harold Shuster's film provided an extra attraction for families of those involved in the film: nearly 100 extras and minor characters, some of whom had never had screen credit before, got the chance to call out their own names and hometowns on camera. ALBUM 7. (T.Times, 8-20-46, p. 6)
Marquees--Tacoma--1940-1950; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Queues--Tacoma; Theaters--Tacoma--1940-1950; Roxy Theatre (Tacoma);
Tom Breneman's "Breakfast in Hollywood Show" at Tacoma's Roxy (Pantages) Theater on August 20, 1946. Masters of Ceremonies, Al Priddy and Bill Gunning (with microphone) from KJR Radio giving a prize to Mrs. Bernice Busick, a participant in the Goofy Hat contest. She would eventually carry home top honors in this category. Her vegetation-bedecked bonnet would consist of a candy Easter Bunny clutching a carrot complete with greens and small matches, tied on with a big bow. (T.Times, 8-21-46, p. 1) ALBUM 7.
Tom Breneman's "Breakfast in Hollywood " film at Tacoma's Roxy (Pantages) Theater in August, 1946. Masters of Ceremonies Bill Gunning and Al Priddy of Radio Station KJR advertising Kellogg's "All Bran" and "Pep" cereals. They hold up industrial-sized boxes of breakfast cereal. A cardboard cutout, perhaps of star Tom Breneman, is propped up between the men. KJR would rebroadcast Mr. Breneman's program the day of the movie opening, August 20, 1946. (T.Times, Ad, 8-18-46, p. 6) TPL-1396 ALBUM 7.
Tom Breneman's "Breakfast in Hollywood Show" at Tacoma's Roxy (Pantages) Theater on August 20, 1946. KJR Radio Masters of Ceremonies giving a prize to a fan. Al Priddy (L) and Bill Gunning present Mrs. May Matson a beautiful orchid for being the oldest mother, age 81, present at the opening of "Breakfast in Hollywood." Mrs. Matson indicated that it was only the second orchid she had ever received; the first was when she got married. The "oldest mother" was just one of the many contests held during the course of the movie's run to celebrate the transfer of the popular radio program onto the big screen; others included goofiest hat, youngest bride and oldest lady. (T.Times, 8-21-46, p. 1) ALBUM 7.
Tom Breneman's "Breakfast in Hollywood Show" at Tacoma's Roxy (Pantages) Theater on August 20, 1946. Masters of Ceremonies, Al Priddy and Bill Gunning, from KJR Radio giving a prize to a fan. This is possibly Mrs. T.A. Page who won an orchid for being the youngest bride present; she had only been married two weeks. It appears that the theater management sponsored many contests to promote interest in the opening of the new motion picture, including "goofy hat," "oldest mother," and the above "youngest bride." A young man on a mule, both wearing hats, advertised the movie on downtown streets. The popular radio program of the same name had been transferred onto the big screen and attracted a large crowd on opening night. (T.Times, 8-21-46, p. 1) ALBUM 7.
Opening night of Tom Breneman's "Breakfast in Hollywood Show" at Tacoma's Roxy (Pantages) Theater, August 20, 1946. KJR Radio's Masters of Ceremonies with a contestant in the Goofy Hat contest. Al Priddy and Bill Gunning, KJR announcers, stand with the eventual Goofy Hat winning contestant, Mrs. Bernice Busick of Puyallup. Her unique hat sported dainty matches, carrot and greens, lace curtain veil and a tiny candy Easter Bunny. ALBUM 7. (T.Times, 8-21-46, p. 1)
On April 24, 1946, hundreds of Tacoma women lined up in front of the Roxy Theater at 9th and Broadway for the Charmode Corsetry Style Show. Sponsored by Sears, Roebuck Company, Judith Lane, of KIRO radio, narrated the show, describing in detail the countless Charmode corsets, brassiers and girdles presented by the professional models. Those who arrived early for the show received cards that entitled them to purchase nylon hose at Sears. Mrs. A.D. Sherron of 702 Fawcett Ave. was first in line for the 9:30 a.m. show. She arrived at the theater at 7 a.m.(T. Times, 4/25/46, p. 7).
KIRO crowd at Roxy for Sears style show. More than 2,000 women lined up outside the Roxy Theatre hoping to get in to see the Charmode Corsetry Style Show, sponsored by KIRO Radio and Sears. All women who got in received a card entitling them to purchase nylon hosiery at Sears. The show featured a wide array of post war undergarments (T. Times, 4/25/46, p. 7).
Interiors--Jones Building. This July, 1974, view highlights the copper color walls, steps and elevator door and the marble-like staircase and wall enhancements found within the venerable Jones Building, 901 Broadway. A crystal chandelier casts a warm glow over the area. Color photograph ordered by North Pacific Trade Center.
Chandeliers; Elevators; Stairways--Tacoma; Jones Building (Tacoma);
July 12, 1974 was the grand reopening of the Roxy Theatre located at 901 Broadway. A family film, Disney's "Herbie Rides Again," was the first-run feature in the newly remodeled and refurbished motion picture theater. The Roxy had been closed since May of 1973. It was one of the five theaters owned by Will Conner recently sold to the Mullendore family of Auburn. In 1975 the Tacoma Community Development Department began to explore the idea of taking over the building to create a showcase for the performing arts. The City purchased the building in 1979 and it, once again known as the Pantages, opened as a performing arts center in February of 1983. Also in this photograph is the Winthrop Hotel, across the street from the Roxy. The Deli, a new restaurant located on the site's ground floor, was scheduled to open in July of 1974. Color photograph ordered by the North Pacific Trade Center, Inc. BU -11178 (TNT 7-9-74, A-5 article on reopening; Kipp: Tacoma Rediviva, p. 74-article )
Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1970-1980; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);
July 12, 1974 was the grand reopening of the Roxy Theatre located at 901 Broadway. A family film, Disney's "Herbie Rides Again," was the first-run feature in the newly remodeled and refurbished motion picture theater. The Roxy had been closed since May of 1973. It was one of the five theaters owned by Will Conner recently sold to the Mullendore family of Auburn. In 1975 the Tacoma Community Development Department began to explore the idea of taking over the building to create a showcase for the performing arts. The City purchased the building in 1979 and it, once again known as the Pantages, opened as a performing arts center in February of 1983. Also in this photograph is the Winthrop Hotel, across the street from the Roxy. The Deli, a new restaurant located on the site's ground floor, was scheduled to open in July of 1974. Photograph ordered by the North Pacific Trade Center, Inc. BU -11178 (TNT 7-9-74, A-5 article on reopening; Kipp: Tacoma Rediviva, p. 74-article )
Roxy Theatre (Tacoma); Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1970-1980; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);
