ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; window display of linens and tea service. Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened their grand mercantile building at 950 Broadway in 1903. Signs posted along the major roads advised travelers that "All Roads Lead to Rhodes," and offered a measurement of the mileage to the store. As Tacoma grew, so did the Rhodes establishment, adding three more stories in 1911 and eventually two annexes. Photograph damaged upper right corner and bottom left corner. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;
ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; appears to be the Ladies' toiletries department. Henry A. Rhodes, with brothers Will and Albert, opened the Rhodes Brothers Department Store at 950 Broadway in 1903. The store was famous for its window displays and seasonal decorations- here parasols, palms, ivy strings and streamers. This appears to be the ladies' toiletries department since pictures behind the counter show a woman applying potions to her face. The sign to the left invites shoppers to visit the Coffee Section where they can "eat, drink and be merry." The plain cable that can barely be seen center, running from behind the counter to the mezzanine, was possibly the pulley that in the early days carried merchandise and payment to a track and onward to the office and its money till. There, articles were wrapped and change made and returned to the customer by the same route. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Department stores--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);
ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Coffee, bottled and canned goods. In this photograph taken inside the Rhodes store, clerks prepare for the Saturday crowds. The coffee department served complimentary hot drinks for Saturday customers. Henry Rhodes started his business in 1892 with a tea and coffee store at 932 C (now Broadway) Street. He moved to progressively larger establishments, offering a wider variety of goods, until he opened this department store at 950 Broadway in 1903. Photo torn at corners and sides. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;
ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store- dry goods storeroom, circa 1904. It is unknown whether this stockroom was actually located at the Rhodes Brothers Department Store or a nearby location. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;
ca. 1904. Col. Patterson (seated) of Vashon Island led the fifth annual encampment of Cadets at Camp Murray, American Lake, in 1904. Cadets from several Washington state high schools including Tacoma (now called Stadium) High School and Seattle High School posed with their commanding officer. Some of the Tacoma boys have been identified as : Harry Van Eaton (standing, second from left); Ray Baker (kneeling, far left); Walter Schwarz (Schwartz)(second from right). Ray Baker was the 2nd Lt. for the 1903-04 school year. Harry Van Eaton was elected Captain of the Tacoma High School Cadets the following June, replacing Walter Schwarz (Schwartz) who was Captain at the time of the encampment.
Cadets--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1900-1910; Van Eaton, Harry; Baker, Ray; Schwarz, Walter; Schwartz, Walter; Military training--Camp Murray;
ca. 1904. Interior of the Red Front Saloon, 5244 South Union (now South Tacoma Way), circa 1904. The saloon was located on the west side of the 5200 block of South Union. Besides the usual beer and other alcoholic beverages, the Red Front offered its clientele pool and billiards on at least three tables. The pool tables were covered up to prevent dust or spillage until wanted by customers.
Red Front Saloon (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1900-1910; Eating & drinking facilities--Tacoma--1900-1910; Billiards--Tacoma--1900-1910;
ca. 1904. Students and teacher on the front steps of a school, probably Franklin School, 3210 So. 12th St., circa 1904. Class sizes in 1904 at Franklin averaged 48 children with one teacher. Franklin School (first named Pierce's Addition School and then renamed shortly after opening in honor of Benjamin Franklin) had the distinction of being older than Washington statehood. It opened in October of 1889 and Washington became the 42nd state in November of the same year. The original Franklin School would stand until 1910 when overcrowding forced the construction of a new school . The old school with gables and bell tower was sold for $250 and hauled away for scrap lumber. A new Franklin arose nearby at 3202 So. 12th St. where it would remain until its demolition in 1997. The third Franklin School was then built in 1998 at 1402 So. Lawrence St. (Olsen: For the Record, p. 59-article; TNT 4-10-97, SL3-article, various photos)
Public schools--Tacoma--1900-1910; School children--Tacoma--1900-1910; Teachers--Tacoma--1900-1910;
ca. 1904. This is the exterior of the Rhodes Brothers store at 950 C Street (now Broadway) as it looked from its Grand Opening in November of 1903 until its first remodel in 1907. Rhodes was founded by Henry A. Rhodes in 1892 in a small storefront at 932 C St. Through the years, the tea and coffee shop moved into progressively larger quarters and added glassware, crockery, stationery, books and dry goods to its wares. Henry Rhodes was joined in business by his brothers Will and Albert. In the early 1900's, Henry Rhodes proposed building a grand mercantile establishment on the order of Marshall Fields or Wanamakers. A lease was signed for a new, three story building at 11th and C (Broadway) Sts with Russell & Heath as architects. The new emporium, pictured, had its formal opening November 5-7, 1903, which attracted thousands of admiring visitors. At that time Rhodes Brothers employed 100 clerks and four delivery wagons. (Photo donated by the Rhodes Reunion Comm.) (TDL 11/8/1903, p.17; "A History of Pierce County Washington", Vol. 3, pg 73-77)
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1900-1910;
ca. 1904. A window display of wedding dresses at the Rhodes Brothers Department Store, circa 1904. When Henry A. Rhodes opened his three story grand emporium at 950 Broadway in November of 1903, it quickly became famous for its lavish decorations and extensive window displays. Huge plate glass windows presented the most current fashions by seasons. The store employed a full time window trimmer and decorator, Herbert A. Foster, who had an office and studio on the third floor of the store. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee) (TDL 11/8/1903, pg. 17)
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma; Wedding clothing & dress--1900-1910; Window displays--1900-1910;
ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; Mezzanine with piano overlooking first floor. The mezzanine was located on a balcony between the first and second floors. The ladies' lounge was located here with comfortable chairs where shoppers could rest or visit. The restroom was also located in this area. Entertainers playing the piano here would be heard throughout the first floor. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Department stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);
ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; Millinery department. The Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened in a three story building at 950 Broadway at the end of 1903. The structure was one of the first big building projects in Tacoma after the "Panic" in the 1890's. As most women wore hats whenever they went out in the early 1900's, the store included its own millinery department. At that time, buyers for the store travelled back east once or twice a year to buy "model" hats in the latest fashion. The "models" were quite expensive and were used by local hat makers to make copies for sale to the public. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Department stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);
ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Art and rug departments. The Rhodes Department Store in the early 1900's, although considered well stocked by the standards of the time, appears cramped, crowded and dark by today's standards. In the back right are rugs, or rolls of fabric, on tables, as well as folded on shelves behind the tables. On the left are tables of matted art and on the right are tables piled with framed art. Larger framed landscapes hang from the walls. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;
ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Corsets and "white wear." In the early 1900's, the silhouette was important to fashion and the silhouette was formed by the garments underneath the outfit, primarily the corset. The Rhodes Department Store had a sign for Kabo corsets, one of the major brands. The back shelves contain boxes with various styles of corsets. In the same department was "white wear," lingerie for use with the corset, namely corset covers, chemises, pantaloons and petticoats. Also on the pillar is a sign, "We give buyers green stamps." Speery & Hutchinson (S& H) introduced green stamps in 1896. They were given to reward loyalty to a merchant and were redeemable for merchandise. Photo damaged lower center. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma; Clothing & dress--1900-1910;
ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Pillows and housewares. This department is believed to be located on the first floor of the store. It is crowded with pillows, mats, lace scarves or napkins (displayed on a grid.) The fine china can be seen up one floor. Tassels hang down from the ceiling. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;
ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers staff, circa 1904. The Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened at 950 Broadway late in 1903 with a staff of 100 clerks. The clerks were well screened and trained in efficiency and courtesy. The female clerks wore dark dresses with white collars and cuffs in the winter and fall and dark skirts with white blouses in spring and summer. The men dressed in suits. Photograph damaged at corners. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)
Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma)--Employees--1900-1910; Department stores--Tacoma;
Harness gleaming and bedecked in garlands, the huge bays of Chemical Engine Co. No. 1 were ready to participate in the Tacoma Rose Carnival Parade on June 22,1905 . The parade was just one of the many activities in the three day festival which included band concerts, water pageants, a children's parade and a carnival ball. Chemical Co. No. 1, Engine Co. No. 1, and the hook and ladder Co. No. 1 from the Saint Helens station were chosen to represent the Tacoma Fire Department during the parade. Chief George McAlevy had wanted to furnish a larger display but reconsidered due to the city's need in case of fires. Chemical Engine Co. No. 1 was housed in the Fire Department headquarters at 9th & A Streets in downtown Tacoma. It would remain there until 1916 when it was put out of service. Photograph taken on June 22, 1905, by B. Waters. (Tacoma Daily News, 6-21-05, p. 3, Tacoma Daily News, 6-22-05, p. 1)
Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma); Fire fighters--Tacoma--1900-1910; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma; Horses--Tacoma; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1900-1910; Rose Carnival (Tacoma);
Wedding picture of Mr. & Mrs. Clarence O. Lynn, owners of the C.O. Lynn Mortuary. Copy of the customers' print, no negative available. The First Lutheran Church of Tacoma was the scene of the nuptials June 14, 1905 that united Hilma Johnson of Tacoma and Clarence O. Lynn of Omaha, Nebraska. The couple was married in the church where they first met. When Mr. Lynn came west to establish himself, he was first employed by Conrad Hoska, funeral director. At the time of his marriage, Lynn went into business for himself, opening his own funeral home. In 1918, he built his own building at 717-19 Tacoma Ave. So. In 2000, the Lynn family still operates their business out of this building. (TNT 6/12/1955, pg. D-1)
In 1905, Sarsaparilla, the pampered pooch of the Tacoma police force, was famous for using his ugly mug to "sweat" a confession out of suspects. "Sas," as he was known, had been left at the police station when only a few days old and was raised on a bottle. The bull dog was soon known as the ugliest dog in Tacoma. When a suspect was brought into Police Chief Malony's office for questioning, "Sas" only had to be called from his blanket in the Chief's office, fix his slanted eyes on the criminal and the information began to flow. (TDN 10/28/1905, pg. 17)
ca. 1905. Copy made from glass plate, Richards Studio. People dressed more formally during the early part of the last century, even for a day at the beach. Women are strolling on sandy Owen Beach with hats, outfits that sweep the ground, folded umbrellas and handbags. Men wearing suits and hats are lounging on the bare sand. Even little children have on proper dresses and the ever present hat. In the background, crowds line the pier extending into the water; the Point Defiance Pavillion is adjacent to the pier. Copy made from glass plate on October 3, 1958.
Piers & wharves--Tacoma; Beaches--Tacoma; Point Defiance Park (Tacoma);
ca. 1905. Peter Olson behind the wheel of an unidentified make of limousine, possibly a Packard, at the entrance to Wright Park. The 1905 Tacoma City Directory listed Mr. Olson's occupation as coachman and his residence as 318 North E., the home of Capt. Everett G. Griggs. Capt. Griggs had built a new carriage house and stables that year. Peter Olson later became the driver for the W.R. Rust family.
Olson, Peter; Limousines--Tacoma; Chauffeurs--Tacoma; Wright Park (Tacoma);
ca. 1905. Copy from glass plate, Richards Studio. View of South 11th and Pacific Ave., circa 1905. Streetcars once ran up 11th Street, an additional source of transportation besides the horse & cart and the occasional automobile. A few pedestrians are spotted crossing carefully as there are no visible "stop" signs for oncoming traffic. United Cigars, Tacoma Oyster and the Union Dental Co. are some of the visible businesses in a building on the corner of 11th & Pacific. That building was later demolished and the Rust Building constructed in its place. The building at the left foreground is the Equitable Building, 1102-04 Pacific. The Fidelity Building is on Broadway at the northeast corner of 11th. Additional stories would be added later. The tower on the County Courthouse is dimly seen to the rear of the photograph. Copy from glass plate made on October 3, 1958. TPL-9912
Commercial streets--Tacoma--1900-1910; Street railroads--Tacoma--1900-1910; Equitable Building (Tacoma); Fidelity Building (Tacoma);
ca. 1905. Copy of customer print, ordered by the City of Steilacoom. The photograph is of the Steilacoom business district around 1905. Board sidewalks lead up to area businesses along the main road. Steilacoom is the state's oldest incorporated town and the first county courthouse north of the Columbia was built there. By 1910, Steilacoom boasted a population of 430.
ca. 1905. Interior view of a room in the Marshall K. Snell home circa 1905. Col. Snell was a prominent attorney in Tacoma for over fifty years. He and wife Bertha lived at 107 South G St. This room is possibly the parlor/reading room with delicate wallpaper, fine rugs and flowered pillows juxtaposed with sturdy leather rocking chairs and a fierce bear rug. Several paintings adorn the walls.
ca. 1905. Peoples department store had been featuring the latest fashions since its opening in 1888. By 1905 it was located at 1101-07 Pacific Avenue and provided an elegant atmosphere for discriminating shoppers. The abundance of flowers shown above, including sprays of lilies, probably denoted the coming of the annual spring white sales. (TNT 10-1-1963,B-4-photographs of old Peoples Store)
Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1900-1910; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1900-1910;
ca. 1905. Several saleswomen, dressed in black and white, prepare for large crowds expected at one of Peoples sales. This one was probably the annual spring white sale held circa 1905. Signs indicating item prices are prominently displayed in the clothes bins atop sturdy wood tables. Peoples department store opened in Tacoma in 1888 before moving to its longtime location at 11th & Pacific. They closed their doors in 1983.
Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1900-1910;
ca. 1905. George Davis capitalized on the budding growth of Bismarck by opening a neighborhood grocery store. The Tacoma Eastern Railroad Shops brought jobs to this Tacoma community, centered around McKinley Avenue and East 64th Street. As a consequence of the First World War, the area named for German chancellor Otto Von Bismarck was changed to Hillsdale. The Davis family included George, wife Minnie, and children Robert and Earl, most likely the people on the grocery store deck in this 1905 photograph. Bicentennial project #75346-39.
Grocery stores--Tacoma--1900-1910; George D. Davis Grocery Store (Tacoma);
ca. 1905. Print in album marked 1905. Part of the Mt. Rainier series. Snow slope on Unicorn Peak. Lead climber is not wearing coat and has his sleeves rolled up.
Rainier, Mount (Wash.); Snow & ice climbing; Mountaineering--Washington--1900-1910; Mountains--Washington--1900-1910;
