VIP party. The massive banking hall of the Bank of California was filled with people on January 18, 1969, as they enjoyed cocktails and catered buffet dining. The Bank of California had recently concluded a month of celebration regarding the extensive remodeling of the 1928-era building. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Receptions--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Pacific Lutheran University's Choir of the West performs at the Bank of California. Bringing cheer to customers and staff alike, the Choir of the West made its seventh annual appearance in the Bank of California's grand lobby on December 17, 1968. Business was conducted as usual with the addition of the choir's songs and refreshments offered. Directed by Maurice H. Skones, the Choir of the West also performed in concerts at McNeil Island and Fort Lewis. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Choir of the West (Parkland); Pacific Lutheran University (Parkland)--1960-1970; Christmas trees--Tacoma;

Bank of California grand reopening. A grand celebration would be held from December 11, 1968 to January 10, 1969, in the newly remodeled Bank of California building, 1011-13 Pacific Avenue. Customers and staff mingled in the banking hall on the first day of the celebration, enjoying refreshments and conducting business. New 8-foot chandeliers with Belgian glass globes would hang in the main lobby along with several side lights visible in the above December 11th photograph. Improvements to the bank would include a new drive-up teller window, walk-up teller window, two-level customer parking lot, static-free carpeting, improved lighting and expanded customer conference areas. The Bank of California was managed by Howard O. Scott. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California. (TNT full page ads 12-10-68, p. 10, 11; TNT article 12-10-68, p. 39)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;

A cheerful Bank of California employee is ready to welcome visitors to the bank's grand reopening on December 11, 1968, as extensive remodeling has finally concluded. She is perched on the edge of a desk with two winged angel statues before her. The bank was offering free gifts to those opening new accounts or adding to previous ones. Gifts were prominently displayed on the pegboard behind her. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;

Bank of California grand reopening. Bank of California manager Howard O. Scott (L) shares ribbon-cutting duties with two unidentified men on December 11, 1968. The bank had just concluded a massive remodeling project at its facility on Pacific Avenue and would mark the occasion with a one-month celebration from December 11th to January 10, 1969. The Bank of California had been in its Italian Renaissance-styled home at 1011-13 Pacific Avenue since 1928. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Building dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Scott, Howard O.; Scissors & shears;

Attention is drawn to the polygon-shaped overhead lighting whose angles reflect that of one of the arched windows found in the Bank of California's trust department on November 20, 1968. The golden colored carpet and oak paneling project a sense of comfortable warmth for both employees and their customers. The Bank of California had been built in 1928 and a $600,000 remodeling project beginning in the summer of 1968 installed new carpeting, chandeliers and wall paneling but left most of the unique Italian Renaissance appearance intact. Color photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Office equipment & supplies; Light fixtures;

Bright lighting and wall mirrors make this room in the Bank of California appear larger than it probably was. It is likely that this room was used as an addition to the bank's safe-deposit vault location. The small cubbyholes with separate doors and locks were probably available for bank customers who wished to examine the contents of their boxes in complete privacy. Photograph ordered by Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;

The main lobby of the Bank of California is empty at the moment on November 20, 1968. The bank had undergone an extensive face-lift beginning in the summer of 1968 but had arranged that only one area of the bank would be affected at a time. Employees continued to work during the remodeling process delivering customary service to their patrons. This view is of the saving accounts area on the north side of the building. New 8-foot chandeliers with Belgian glass globes hung from the 45-foot ceiling in the banking hall. In addition, recessed fluorescent lighting in the ceiling improved the lighting in the bank. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California. (TNT full-page ads 12-10-68, p. 10, 11; TNT 12-10-68, p. 39)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Chandeliers;

This room in the remodeled Bank of California may have been used for bank staff primarily. It does contain a steel vault and a U-shaped desk with telephone and typewriter. The room overlooks an office area with filing cabinets against the wall. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma;

Newly remodeled trust department of Bank of California. During the summer of 1968, the Bank of California began an extensive remodeling project of its Pacific Ave. location. One of the areas affected was the bank's trust department. Polygon-shaped overhead lighting and arched windows combined with rows of elongated desks add modern touches to the venerable building. Static-free carpeting was added. The Bank of California would celebrate its grand opening from December 11, 1968, to January 10, 1969. Photograph ordered by Bank of California. (TNT full page ads 12-10-68, p. 10, 11; TNT 12-10-68, p. 39)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Office equipment & supplies;

Safe-deposit boxes. The Bank of California had undergone extensive remodeling in 1968 totaling $600,000. One of the areas being improved was the vault room in the Italian Renaissance-styled building. View of rows of safe-deposit boxes, each requiring two keys for opening. Conveniently located freestanding tables were attached to the ends of the cabinets holding the boxes; bank customers had plenty of room to spread out contents of their boxes for inspection. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Safe-deposit boxes--Tacoma; Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma;

Vault in the Bank of California. A direct look into the vault area of the Bank of California indicates that the bank took the issue of protecting customers property very seriously. Not only did the customer have to proceed through a glassed-in entry and through the rounded vault steel doorway, but also needed to pass through a final entrance secured by bars. Only then could the customer gain entry to the safe deposit boxes within the vault room. The Bank of California spent $600,000 in extensive remodeling which concluded in late November, 1968. Beside the vault area, the main lobby and trust departments were among those refurbished. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Safe-deposit boxes--Tacoma; Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma;

It was business as usual at the Bank of California even during remodeling in the summer of 1968. The major face-lifting project was expected to last until the end of November. Although remodeling would entail new carpeting, chandeliers, and oak wall paneling, the elaborate ceiling would be retained. Great sheets of plastic and fresh plywood kept dust and noise at bearable levels as work progressed in the main lobby. The barricade, 75-feet long and 8-feet high in front of the savings teller windows and new accounts area, was on the north side of the office building. A directory board prominently displayed against a check-writing counter helped customers find the temporary location of various services. Detailed maps were also provided on the lower part of the directory board. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California. (TNT 8-18-68, A-19)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma--1960-1970; Lobbies--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Three Bank of California officials lend a helping hand in the remodeling process of their Pacific Avenue building in August of 1968. They are building plywood walls in the main lobby to provide noise and dust protection. Daily operations would continue during the construction period with directory boards listing temporary locations of the various departments. Only one area of the bank at a time would be affected during the extensive interior remodeling. John Graham & Co., architects of the original edifice, would also be in charge of the $600,000 project. Photograph ordered by Bank of California. (TNT 8-18-68, A-19)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Remodeling--Tacoma--1960-1970; Plywood;

Bank of California exterior, taken on July 25, 1968. Built in the Italian Renaissance style of Wilkerson sandstone and granite by J.E. Bonnell & Son in 1928, the Bank of California's four Ionic columns made for an impressive sight on busy downtown Pacific Avenue. A contemporary touch has been added with the installation of a narrow vertical sign to the building's exterior with the bank's name on it.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Signs (Notices);

PLU choir at Bank of California. Customers and employees of Bank of California all enjoyed the musical performance from the Pacific Lutheran University Choir of the West on December 18, 1967. The choir and their audience gathered around the enormous Christmas tree in the lobby of the Italian Renaissance-styled bank building prior to Christmas. It was the sixth annual program of Christmas music direct from the bank's lobby and was broadcast live on KTNT radio. The Choir of the West is led by Maurice Skones, director. Photograph ordered by Bank of California. (TNT ad 12-17-67, A-27)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Choir of the West (Parkland); Pacific Lutheran University (Parkland)--1960-1970; Christmas trees--Tacoma;

Tennis display at Bank of California. Two tanned tennis players in tournament whites stand next to a man holding a large trophy, possible the Thorne Cup, on July 15, 1966. The Bank of California had allowed the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club to display in the bank memorabilia pertaining to the club's Pacific Northwest Tournament. The tournament, held from July 11-17th, would be its 75th annual. Photograph ordered by Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Awards; Tennis players--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Rear of Bank of California building. A rear view of the Bank of California building shows Pierce County Federal Savings & Loan to the right and the Hopper-Kelly Co. to the building's left in a photograph taken on September 23, 1957. Rather than having an anonymous facade, the bank had large signage near the rooftop. Although the Hopper-Kelly Co. building may have been remodeled up front, the rear view appears untouched. Photograph ordered by Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Pierce County Federal Savings & Loan (Tacoma); Hopper Kelly Co. (Tacoma);

Exterior of Bank of California. Impressive Ionic columns decorate the exterior of the Bank of California building in the busy business district encompassing Pacific Avenue. Built in the Italian Renaissance style by J.E. Bonnell & Son, contractors, the bank was opened for business on October 8, 1928. By 1957, the Hopper-Kelly Co., dealers in musical instruments and appliances, moved in next door. The portion of Hopper-Kelly fronting Pacific Avenue appears to have had three floors. The building on the other side of the Bank of California was the Pierce County Federal Savings & Loan. Photograph ordered by Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Pierce County Federal Savings & Loan (Tacoma); Hopper Kelly Co. (Tacoma); Facades--Tacoma--1950-1960;

An alluring hula girl mannequin beckons Bank of California customers to protect their vacation funds by purchasing American Express travelers cheques. The June, 1957, display suggests that, whether visiting Hawaii or South Dakota, a cautious vacationer should play it safe by using travelers cheques instead of carrying large amounts of cash. A giant sea shell, a towel, a model Northwest Airlines plane, two palm trees and copious amounts of "sand" in the midst of a bank lobby would certainly draw the attention of the bank's vacation-minded customers. American Express launched its travelers cheque business in 1891; they introduced their travel charge card in 1958. (Photograph ordered by Bank of California.)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mannequins;

Exterior of Bank of California Building. Constructed in 1928 from Wilkeson sandstone and granite, the Bank of California building on Pacific Avenue was designed by architect John Graham and built by contractors J.E. Bonnell & Son. Enormous Ionic columns dwarf passersby; these four columns cost $3,500 apiece. The bank's name is engraved in large letters above the columns.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Columns--Tacoma;

Interior of Bank of California building. Built in 1928 of Wilkeson sandstone and granite, the Bank of California building was designed in the Italian Renaissance style with interiors of walnut and Travertine masonry. This elevated view of the bank's lobby highlights the enormous skylight, arched windows, chandeliers and tiled flooring. John Graham was the architect involved in the Bank of California building and J.E. Bonnell & Son, contractors. TPL-8452

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Chandeliers;

A row of Bank of California employees is hard at work on March 10, 1954. Each employee is sitting at a wide metallic desk equipped with seven drawers. This may be the bookkeeping section of the bank; several desks have adding machines on them. Large windows give plenty of natural light; each desk also has a narrow lamp. The man on the far left of the picture may be Frank Busch, as the nameplate on the lamp indicates. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Office Supply.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Calculators; Office equipment & supplies; Lamps; Tacoma Office Supply Co. (Tacoma);

Modern office furniture and boldly geometric flooring provides a distinct contrast to the chandeliers and Italian Renaissance style of the Bank of California building in March, 1954. Two employees are pictured working on a balcony within the building; one is examining the contents of a filing cabinet while the other sits at a wide, metallic desk operating the telephone system. An adding machine and telephone are also visible. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Office Supply Co.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Office equipment & supplies; Chandeliers; Telephones; Tacoma Office Supply Co. (Tacoma);

Interior of the trust department at the Bank of California, ordered by Botsford, Constantine and Gardner. Seated at desks on the right are Frank C. Carmody, Assistant Trust Officer- front, and Edward S. Walker, Trust Officer, at rear. On the left are Mr. McLeod, front, and Mr. Williams, at rear. To the left is a counter arrangement with three people behind it labelled Trust Department. At the right rear, the door is open to an interior office, perhaps belonging to one of the Vice Presidents of the bank.

Banks--Tacoma; Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Carmody, Frank; Walker, Edward;

Overall exposure of the rhododendron show at the lobby of the Bank of California. A bit of the outdoors has been brought inside the bank with this display of the lush flower of the state of Washington set off by pines, a flagstone patio and bench, backed by wooden fencing. Sponsored by the Tacoma Rhododendron Society.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Rhododendrons; American Rhododendron Society, Tacoma Chapter (Tacoma);

Washingtonians love the rhododendron so much that they made it the state flower. In honor of their favorite flower, Tacoma was holding its 1st annual rhododendron show on May 5, 1949, in the main lobby of the Bank of California building, 1011-13 Pacific Ave. The show was sponsored by the Tacoma Garden Club and the Capital District, Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs. Visitors were greeted with a wonderland of beautiful azaleas and rhododendrons; so many in fact that it was hard to believe that banking business could still be conducted. A whimsical and colorful feature included rhododendron hats worn by the flower show committee members (T.N.T., 5/1/49, p. D-6 & 5/8/49, p. A-2). TPL-8561

Banks--Tacoma; Lobbies--Tacoma; Azaleas--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rhododendrons--1940-1950; Flower shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bank of California National Association (Tacoma);

Following an action making the rhododendron Washington's official state flower, Verna V. Weiler, Director of the Capitol District of Garden Clubs, and Alice S. Franklin, President of the Garden Club of Tacoma, immediately planned Tacoma's first Rhododendron Show; the flowers will be displayed in the lobby of the Bank of California. View of Alice S. Franklin (left) and Verna V. Weiler admiring azaleas on March 2, 1949 (T. Times, 3/3/49, p. 3).

Banks--Tacoma; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Azaleas--Tacoma; Rhododendrons; Flower shows--Tacoma; Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Franklin, Alice S.; Weiler, Verna V.;

Mr. A.B. Cummings, owner of Porter-Cummings Company, men's clothiers, decided to try the newly opened drive-up banking services at Bank of California in March of 1948. The teller, Wallace H. Waite, is protected by a special bullet-proof glass window and steel bars. Mr. Cummings liked the new service, the first of its kind in Tacoma, and predicted it would help relieve congestion from customers parking along Pacific Avenue to stop for a short visit to the bank. Bank of California had been at this downtown location since 1928 and the drive-up window was located in the alley back of the bank. (T.Times, 3/23/1948, p.9-article & alternate photograph)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cummings, A.B.; Waite, Wallace H.; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On April 22, 1941, C.F. Trendall (Chen) Rowe and his wife, the former Evangeline Acheson, pose with the tulips on display by their company, Tacoma Seed Co., at the Bank of California. The 14th annual flower exhibit is composed of over 50 varieties of tulips. (T. Times 4/23/1941, pg. 12)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Rowe, Charles Frederick Trendall; Acheson, Evangeline; Tacoma Seed Co. (Tacoma);