Mailing Room crew at new Tacoma Times.There are six mailers employed in the new quarters, 919 Market St., of the Tacoma Times. They are the first to get the papers as they come off the presses. They wrap all papers going to carriers with previously prepared wrappers with names and addresses. They also wrap and address papers which are distributed by mail and place them in postal sacks for delivery to the Post Office. The mailers also keep records of all changes of orders for carriers and news stands, as well subscriber's address changes and new subscribers. (T. Times 2/27/1940 Special Edition)

Tacoma Times Publishing Co. (Tacoma)--Employees; Newspaper industry--1930-1940; Newspapers--1930-1940;

Staff in Tacoma Times office. Eight men at work in newsroom (T. Times)

Tacoma Times Publishing Co. (Tacoma); Newspapers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Newspaper industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reporters; Journalists;

Candid shots in the Tacoma Times office. The man at the typewriter is believed to be Times editor Leonard Langlow. The editorial staff at the Times in February of 1940 totalled 18, headed by Mr. Langlow. There were also wire editors, city editors and society editors. (T. Times)

Tacoma Times Publishing Co. (Tacoma); Newspapers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Newspaper industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reporters; Journalists;

Candid shots in the Tacoma Times office. The man at the head of the table is believed to be Times editor Leonard Langlow. The editor supervises employees and assigns feature material, as well as writing editorial comments. The staff in the editorial department of the 1940 Times totalled 18 persons. (T. Times 2/27/1940 Special Edition)

Tacoma Times Publishing Co. (Tacoma); Newspapers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Newspaper industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reporters; Journalists;

Winner of Mercury Automobile Contest in front of Titus Motor Company. Man hands envelope to another man across the hood of a 1940 Mercury. Leon Titus at far right. Titus Motor Co. was offering a special prize for gasoline economy. Beginning January 27, 1940, contestants could drive a special Mercury 8 equipped with a gasoline meter. First prize in the contest, 50 gallons of gasoline, would be awarded to the driver with the best mileage. The new Mercury 8 averaged 20 miles per gallon.

Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Titus, Leon E.; Mercury automobile; Contests;

Undated photograph of unidentified gardener at the original Tacoma Hotel. Photograph was taken probably in the 1920's or early 1930's; the hotel was destroyed by fire in October of 1935.

Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Gardens--Tacoma--1920-1930; Gardening--Tacoma;

Undated photograph of unidentified gardener at the original Tacoma Hotel. Photograph was taken probably in the 1920's or early 1930's; the hotel was destroyed by fire in October of 1935.

Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Gardens--Tacoma--1920-1930; Gardening--Tacoma;

In September 1955, you could watch (l to r) Beverlee Crombie, Callie Mernaugh and Connie Mernaugh every Friday and Saturday night in the Gay Nineties room at Steve's Gay Nineties, 5238 So. Tacoma Way. Steve's was famous for its use of local talent and was known as a place where the whole family could enjoy an evening out. The Mernaugh girls were twins and graduates of Stadium High School. Their dancing was an artistic outlet, not a profession; both girls held "day jobs." Connie worked at Northwest Chair and Callie worked at St. Regis. Connie Mernaugh was Miss Tacoma of 1956. Beverlee Crombie left Tacoma for Los Angeles where she studied dancing with Vera Ellen, Leslie Caron and Sheree North. By 1956, she was appearing in the revue at the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas and was booked for an engagement at the Moulin Rouge in Los Angeles. Miss Crombie was a 1955 graduate of Clover Park High School. (TNT 5/9/1956, pg. A-13, 5/29/1957 pg. 4, 8/12/1956, pg. D-12) TPL-8435

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Dancers--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma; Costumes; Crombie, Beverlee; Mernaugh, Callie; Mernaugh, Connie;

Group boarding bus at the Olympus Hotel, photograph ordered by the Young Calvinist. Members of the group appear to be of many different ages. Based on the ordering newspaper, the group must be followers of Calvinism. According to the Webster's Dictionary, the theological system of John Calvin and his followers is marked by a strong emphasis on the sovereignty of God, the depravity of mankind and the doctrine of predestination.

Olympus Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The National Bank of Washington, Industrial branch, on the Tideflats opened to the public on July 1, 1955. Robert B. Price was the architect and Concrete Engineering Co. was the contractor for the new bank. The building was Tacoma's first example of "prestressed concrete construction." The 102 foot by 48 foot building was completely fireproof. The northwest side of the building was floor to ceiling glass, providing natural light. The 4300 sq. foot lobby contained tellers space, officers' quarters, conference rooms and vaults. The mezzanine had storage facilities, the employees' lounge and a compact kitchen for employees. Phillip C. Hultman was the branch Manager. Photographs ordered by the Howard R. Smith Co. (TNT 6/29/1955, pg. A-3)

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Earl and Inez Russell smilingly pose with banjos. Photograph ordered by Steve's Cafe (also known as Steve's Gay Nineties.) The Russells lived at 1417 Browns Point Blvd. Their occupation was listed in the 1956 City Directory as "musicians" at Steve's Gay Nineties. Earl Russell was featured in the Steve's ads as part of the continuous music provided in Steve's Gay 90's and Cable Car Rooms. Steve's became famous throughout the Northwest for offering entertainment as well as great food at a reasonable price. It became a "must see" for out of town guests and a regular hang out for locals.

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Musicians--Tacoma; Banjos; Russell, Earl; Russell, Inez;

Santa Claus surrounded by children on November 24, 1939 after his arrival at Mueller-Harkins Airport. Santa will be checking his naughty and nice list at the Peoples Store.

Peoples (Tacoma); Santa Claus--Tacoma; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Arrivals & departures--Santa Claus;

Santa Claus exits his Packard automobile in the 5200 block of South Tacoma Way to greet the children who have been patiently waiting for a glimpse of him. He is on his way from the Mueller Harkins airport, where he arrived by plane, to the Peoples Store, to listen to all the kiddie's wish lists for Christmas. Santa's head can be barely seen above the sea of happy children. Sign for Crabb Drugs, 5343 South Tacoma Way, in the right background.

Peoples (Tacoma); Santa Claus--Tacoma; Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Arrivals & departures--Santa Claus;

Santa Claus on his throne surrounded by a crowd of children and mothers at Peoples Department Store after Santa's arrival from airport on November 24, 1939. Santa would be at the Peoples Store until his Christmas Eve gift run, speaking with the children of Tacoma and checking his naughty and nice list.

Department stores--Tacoma; Peoples (Tacoma); Santa Claus--Tacoma; Holidays--Tacoma;

Sunshine Service, new General Petroleum Company Mobilgas station at So. 48th and Park. Night time view of quartet singing in the doorway of the MobiLubrication garage. For Smith and Drum, J.J. Miller.

Business Enterprises - Automobile Service Stations - Mobil Oil Dealers - Tacoma - Sunshine Service Station Music Ensembles - QuartetsMusic - SingingPeople - Men - Singers

Sunshine Service, new General Petroleum Company Mobilgas service station at So. 48th and Park. Night time view with several automobiles receiving service. For Smith and Drum, J.J. Miller.

Business Enterprises - Automobile Service Stations - Mobil Oil Dealers - Tacoma - Sunshine Service Station

The new Puget Sound National Bank at Midway. Puget Sound National Bank opened in Midway, part of unincorporated King County, in 1955 but because of state banking regulations it was run as a separate bank until Midway was incorporated by the city of Kent in 1959. To finance the new bank, Reno Odlin personally borrowed $160,000 from Wells Fargo Bank and became its president and sole stockholder. On 5/1/1955, Midway signed an agreement with Puget Sound National Bank of Tacoma that provided the fledgling bank with equipment, credit overlines, personnel hiring and the use of the newly completed building, provided rent-free. The following day, the bank opened its doors as Puget Sound National Bank of Midway. The bank was located on Pacific Highway 99 at the intersection of the Kent Des Moines Highway. The rambling ranch style building of green stone and "Texture One-Eleven," introduced by the DFPA, would serve the growing communities of Kent, Des Moines, Federal Way, Burien and Auburn. It had interior walnut paneling, terrazzo floors and exposed Douglas Fir beams. Puget Sound Bank did not venture out of Pierce County again until 1970. ("Banking on Independence" Provorse & TNT 5/1/1955, pg. C-23)

Puget Sound National Bank (Midway); Banks--Midway; Banking--Midway;

Apple display at National Bank of Washington. People lined up on either side at tellers. Two women in matching pants outfits are giving out apples from a basket. November 4th, 1939 was designated as "Apple Day" in a state and national campaign to advertise Washington apples. Washington was also trying to dispose of a surplus of apples, caused by the loss of foreign markets due to the war. Shipping apples to Europe was impossible and Washington was glutted with apples. Retailers were asked to display apples and serve them to their customers on Apple Day, with the admonition to "eat more apples." (T. Times 11/2/1939, pg. 18)

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Apples;

Two unidentified young women handed out free apples at the National Bank of Washington, 1123 Pacific Ave., on Saturday November 4, 1939, which had been designated "Apple Day" by Mayor Joseph J. Kaufman. In the fall of 1939, the war in Europe had almost completely stopped sales of Washington state apples to overseas markets. November was declared "Apple Month"; all retailers were asked to display apples, and Tacoma residents were asked to consume apple pies, applesauce, baked apples and other apple treats as part of their daily diet. (T. Times 11/2/1939, pg. 18)

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Apples;

Apple display at National Bank of Washington. Elevated view of bank lobby, shows two women with baskets of apples dispensing them to customers, also apple posters suspended overhead. Saturday, November 4th, 1939 was designated as "Apple Day" and the month of November as "Apple Month" in a state and national campaign to advertise the Washington apple and dispense of surplus apples. Foreign markets for apples had dried up due to the war in Europe, causing an over-abundance of apples available domestically. All retail stores were asked to display apples and serve them to their customers on Apple Day. (T. Times 11/2/1939, pg. 18)

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Apples;

Group of men, in butcher's coats and one in a chef's uniform, eye some meat hanging at the Central Market. The meat has a ribbon denoting it as a prize winner in the 4H and F.F.A. Junior Livestock show. The prize winning entries were often auctioned off to area restaurants who both served the meat and considered it a contribution to the education of future cattlemen.

Central Market (Tacoma); Meat; Butcher shops--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Women's Day Executives at Peoples Store. Seven women wearing dresses and hats gathered around table with coffee and light breakfast, featuring boxes of Kellogg's Pep cereal.

Department stores--Tacoma; Peoples (Tacoma);

The pristine repair shop at Titus Motor Co. Shiny Fords line the right side, one on a lift at the rear. On the left front is a motorcycle.

Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ford automobile;

Titus Motor Company throws a party celebrating the new 1940 Fords. A line has formed to receive free hot dogs and sodas at the celebration. Many of the attendees wear "It's a Ford in '40" caps.

Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ford automobile;

Showing of the new 1940 Fords at Titus Motor Company. Man handing a ribbon to another man across the hood of a 1940 Ford. Men, some wearing "It's Ford in '40" caps, mingle around the showroom. The new 1940 Fords were being described as big, substantial and powerful, with a modern front end design and streamlined body.

Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ford automobile;

On October 2, 1939, Clara Thorsen is receiving the title from an unidentified member of the Ray Roberts Post 969 VFW for the new 1939 Studebaker Champion that she won. On winning, Miss Thorsen confided to the members that she is to be married the following month to Earl Heltsley, a driver for the Municipal Belt Bus Line. The pair will use the new vehicle to take a honeymoon trip to California. Allen Motor Co. building in background. Studebaker logo on storefront windows. Miss Thorsen is 24 years old and resides at 3623 McKinley Ave. She is a clerk at Fishers Department Store. (T. Times 10/5/1939, pg. 16)

Allen Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Studebaker automobile; Thorsen, Clara; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ray C. Roberts Post # 969 (Tacoma);

On October 2, 1939, Clara Thorsen received her title to a new 1939 Studebaker Champion from an unidentified VFW member. She won the car at a Ray C. Roberts Post 969, VFW benefit ball. Miss Thorsen confided that she was getting married the following month and planned on using the vehicle for a honeymoon trip to California. The lucky young lady was 24 years old and a clerk at Fishers Department Store. She picked up her car at the Allen Motor Co. building, which advertised itself as being "opposite the Temple Theater". (T. Times 10/5/1939, pg. 16)

Allen Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Studebaker automobile; Thorsen, Clara; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ray C. Roberts Post # 969 (Tacoma);

Last running of old press at Tacoma Times on September 14, 1939. Six pressmen and man wearing suit and tie pose casually in front of press. They are, bottom row, left to right, Press Room foreman Les R. Mason, Pressmen Glenn Brown, Henry Hupe, Elmo Brown and Bert (Pop) Taylor. Sitting on the upper press roadway are Walter Blauvelt (rear) and Arthur T. Dellplain.

Tacoma Times Publishing Co. (Tacoma); Newspaper industry--1930-1940; Newspapers--1930-1940;

On September 14, 1939 Tacoma Times editor Leonard Langlow, smoking a cigar, was photographed holding a copy of the last Times paper to come off the newspaper's old presses. The old press was abandoned after this run and full time printing was transferred to the new 125 ton Goss octuple press in the new Times building at 919 Market Street. The remainder of the Times' operation moved to the new building on February 10th, 1940. The Times went out of business on March 31, 1949. (T. Times 2/27/1940, pg. 7)

Tacoma Times Publishing Co. (Tacoma); Newspaper industry--1930-1940; Newspapers--1930-1940; Langlow, Leonard;

Employees of the Tacoma Times mailroom pose surrounded by the last issue of the Tacoma Times to run on the old press, September 14, 1939. They are, second from left, Foreman William Bowers and, at the far right, Fred Bowers. The other two mailers are William Blauvelt and Charles Cassidy (order unknown.) (T. Times 2/27/1940, pg. 7)

Tacoma Times Publishing Co. (Tacoma); Newspaper industry--1930-1940; Newspapers--1930-1940; Blauvelt, William; Bowers, William; Cassidy, Charles; Bowers, Fred;