This vast parking lot will not be empty for long as the relocated Bon Marche prepares for its grand opening at the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center in the summer of 1964. The Bon would be the first store in the new shopping center located on 83 acres west of the freeway between So. 43rd and So. 48th Sts. View of imposing four-story Bon Marche with Cascade Room restaurant attached taken on July 27, 1964. The three million dollar structure was built by Nelson Construction of reinforced concrete with distinctive red-brick facing. It was the largest department store in Southwest Washington. (TNT 8-2-64, A-1)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma;

Fine linens at the Bon Marche. Although paper napkins were becoming more popular as people discovered their convenience, table linens were still promoted and sold in fine department stores in the 1960's. Lace doilies, cloth napkins and linen tablecloths are exhibited in elegant open display cases at the new Bon Marche, Tacoma Mall. Located on the third (or top) floor, the fine linens section would be decorated with gold lamps, imported gold wallpaper and walnut paneling. The Bon would celebrate its grand opening on August 3, 1964. (TNT 8-2-64, B-9)

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

An attentive crowd, including Governor Albert Rosellini and Miss Tacoma Angela Nicholson (seated on stage, front row), observed the flag ceremonies at the official August 3, 1964 opening of the $3 million dollar Bon Marche department store at the new Tacoma Mall. Other dignitaries visible on stage included City councilman Maurice Finnigan, County commissioners Fritz Geiger and Pat Gallagher, and Bon managing director Darrel Vannice. The speaker at the podium has been tentatively identified as Tacoma Deputy Mayor Arnold Herrmann. The grand opening attracted 150,000 visitors causing massive traffic jams. The Bon offered free bus service from downtown Tacoma several times daily to their new location and also advertised the acres of free parking available for shoppers. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche.

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

Grand opening of Bon Marche at the Tacoma Mall. 150,000 people attended the official opening on August 3, 1964, of the first occupant of the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. The parking lot is crammed full of cars, including a charter bus. Although the News Tribune had run several articles on driving directions, including alternative ways to get to the Mall, massive traffic jams would occur anyway. Even when visitors managed to get to the Mall, paved parking was quickly snapped up and many were forced to park in unpaved areas. Once completed, paved parking lots would hold up to 6000 cars. Hordes of shoppers would await opening day speeches from various dignitaries including Governor Albert D. Rosellini before the doors finally opened. A few intrepid souls are perched on the roofs of the massive four-story department store, giving them a good bird's eye view of the swirling activity. (TNT 8-4-64, p. 18) TPL-9645

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Shopping centers--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970; Automobiles--Tacoma--1960-1970; Crowds--Tacoma;

Exterior of the Kokura Restaurant. Located on the Broadway level of the Winthrop Hotel, the Kokura restaurant opened in the summer of 1964. It featured the finest Japanese cuisine which was prepared and served by those of Japanese descent. The restaurant was named after Tacoma's city-sister, Kokura, Japan. The Winthrop would later be sold in 1970 and rooms converted to senior housing. TPL-5021

Kokura Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Glassware section in the new Bon Marche. A week prior to its August 3, 1964, grand opening, the Bon Marche, first store at the new Tacoma Mall Shopping Center, was primed and ready to go. A look into the glassware shop area saw widely spaced display tables filled with elegant stemware and vases located near the china, gift and silver shops. This is the view from the west entrance to the Mall level. The store's bridal registry was here as well. The Bon had relocated from its longtime downtown spot to the new Tacoma Mall; the four-story store would have over 250,000 square feet and be able to showcase merchandise more effectively. (TNT 8-2-64, B-5)

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

Scenes from Gov-Mart. Before there was Costco and Sam's Club in this area, there was Gov-Mart South, which claimed to be the Northwest's first and finest membership department store. Throngs attended the grand opening on October 14, 1964, of a new market and other additions to the store. October 14th saw a change in name and policy, as well as showcasing expansion: store name changed to Gov-Mart/Baza'r and it was now open to the public without membership requirements. 20,000 eager shoppers took advantage of Gov-Mart's one-stop discount shopping that promised complete customer satisfaction with low prices. Photograph ordered by Gov-Mart. (TNT 10-13-64, p. 8)

Gov-Mart South (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1960-1970; Crowds--Lakewood;

J.C. Penney's had a gas station and auto center located right next to their new store at the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center in 1965. A 1960 Chevy El Camino truck and a 1965 Ford Mustang are ready to be serviced at the outdoor pumps. Customers and attendants were protected from Northwest weather by the auto center's extended roofline. The auto center and the main store opened on October 13, 1965. Lysle G. Paterson was manager of the Tacoma Mall Penney's. Photograph ordered by News Tribune. TPL-498

J.C. Penney Co. (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1960-1970; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Night exposure of Kmart, Sixth Ave. The newly built Kmart department store, 5132 Sixth Ave., provides a beacon of light in the early fall darkness of October 2, 1967. Large neon letters spell out the store name. The store, the 200th in the Kmart chain, was located west of Orchard St. on Sixth Ave., next to Busch's Sixth Ave. Drive-In. It is still there 38 years later in 2005. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune. (TNT ad 10-1-67, A-23, TNT 10-4-67, A-4)

Kmart (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Electric signs--Tacoma--1960-1970;

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. 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;

A window display at the Peoples Store in Tacoma with a sign advertising Wil Wite swimming suits and sweaters. The sign also states that Mickey Mouse will be appearing "in person" at the Fox Broadway Theater.

Peoples (Tacoma); Department Stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mickey Mouse; Bathing suits;

ca. 1936. Rhodes Brothers Department Store Annex, circa 1936. In 1920, the Rhodes Brothers, in need of more floor space, purchased the Judson Block at 947-49 Broadway. They connected it, by means of a skybridge across the alley, to the main store at 950 Broadway and named it the Annex. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store Annex (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;

Main floor at Rhodes Brothers Store, Christmas season 1937. Christmas display of bags, gifts and jewelry. This photograph was taken by noted photographer J.R. Eyerman from the front of the store, looking toward the rear, and before the escalator was installed. Neon signs around the room, above the fine wood cabinets, denote the goods available- cosmetics, jewelry, toilet sets, hankies, novelties, finer bags and gift bags, to name a few. High arching decorations reach over the clear aisles. A large sign on the back wall gives "Gift Ideas" available by floor. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Department stores--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

ca. 1917. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1917; Dining room at the store. The dining room was located on the top floor at Rhodes. It could seat 300 people. The tables were covered with white linen tablecloths and napkins and crystal vases held fresh flowers. Lunch was served everyday with dinner served 1-2 nights a week. Favorites on the menu were broiled crab, mulligawney soup, clam chowder and Rhodes' cheesecake. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;

ca. 1914. The Roof Garden at Rhodes Brothers department store, circa 1914. The Roof Garden was located just off the Sixth Floor Tea Room. The house photographer took this photograph just after the new awning was completed and the tables were set for luncheon. A similar photo was used in an ad in the July 3, 1914 Tacoma Daily Ledger. Lunch was served daily from 11:30 til 2p.m., afternoon tea daily from 2pm to 5:15 p.m. and evening dinner was served on Saturdays from 5:30-7p.m. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;

ca. 1910. Rhodes Brothers male employees, circa 1910. The men were posed outside, possibly at a store outing. All of the men, even the delivery boys posed in the front, are dressed in suits, ties and hats for the outing. The women who can be seen in outline back right are dressed in floor length dresses and wide brimmed hats. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma;

ca. 1908. Employees of the Rhodes Brothers delivery department, circa 1908. The men and boys were dressed in uniforms, including 1907 style "puttee" leggings. (Names written on the back of the photograph appear to be: Back row, left to right, "Butch" Smith, Bill Sinding, Ed Lasson, Art Nedevold, Roy Andesson and Carl Johnson. Center row: Ernie Smith, "Babe" Knutson, Art Lasson, Herb Johnson and Paul Day. Front row: Al Swanson, Kenny McKeen and Al James- two unidentified) When Rhodes Brothers opened in 1903, they employed four delivery wagons. Rhodes Brothers was painted in bold letters on the horse drawn wagons. A "special delivery" boy road with the driver and carried the packages to the houses. The boys would also deliver packages by streetcar. In 1912, the wagons were replaced by gas powered delivery trucks. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee) (TDL 11/8/1903, pg. 17; "A History of Pierce County Washington", Vol. 3, pg 73-77)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma)--Employees; Department stores--Tacoma; Delivery boys;

Bankruptcy sale. Merchandise from Stanley's Department Store, listed in the 1927 City Directory as 5241 South Union (now called South Tacoma Way), was moved across the street to 5244 South Union for a bankruptcy sale in October of 1927. The store had been operated by Stanley Gornicki. Shoppers were informed that it was a "genuine bankrupt sale" and the store was "sold by order of the court!" Items were clearly marked with sale prices. The L.O. Borish Co. department store had opened in Stanley's old location on October 8th. The building had been remodeled and refinished in stucco and a tile roof. Photograph ordered by the Better Business Bureau. G56.1-103; BU-13,853 (TNT 10-5-27, p. 6-article on Borish Department Store) TPL-10443

Stanley's Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1920-1930; Signs (Notices);

ca. 1930. Ox and cow pulling a hay filled wagon past an advertisement for Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1930. The sign was the famous "All roads lead to Rhodes" version. When Henry A. Rhodes opened his modern emporium at 950 Broadway, he envisioned these signs bringing newcomers to Tacoma and his store. The signs were posted on all major roads around the Puget Sound, listing the distance from that point to the Rhodes store and stating "All roads lead to Rhodes." (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Department stores--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma);

ca. 1910. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1910; Women's fall fashions in corner window. Henry A. Rhodes opened his grand mercantile establishment, Rhodes Brothers Department Store, at 950 Broadway in 1903. By 1910, business was booming as a result of appeal of current fashions, expert merchandising and advertising. Road signs led travelers to the store from miles around, promising them that "All roads lead to Rhodes." The store employed a professional window decorator and buyers made frequent trips back east to New York for the current fashions. In 1911, three more stories were added to the building, providing a needed expansion. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Department stores--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Women--Clothing & dress--1910-1920;

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; window display of china. Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened at this location in 1903. Part of the appeal of the structure at 950 Broadway was its many merchandise display windows. This display was of china and small figurines. (Photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma; Tableware; Porcelain;

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; this appears to be the Crystal and Glass Department. Henry A. Rhodes opened his grand department store at 950 Broadway in 1903. This appears to be the glass department on the first floor, with a clear view of the mezzanine, center. The mezzanine held the ladies' lounge and the office, complete with wrapping paper for purchases and a money till. (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; Parasol and streamer decorations with lace collars, purses and accessories. This photograph showed the Rhodes Brothers Department Store not long after opening. The mezzanine with its railing can be seen in the back. The department appears to be ladies' accessories. Photograph damaged lower left corner. (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; Women's apparel, dresses and suits. The Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened at 950 Broadway near the end of the year in 1903. The womens' ready-to-wear department was an important department in the store. Mannequins model the latest fashions, brought back from the fashion capitals back east to Tacoma. (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; China and glassware. What appear to be mirror topped tables and mirror backed shelves reflect the china and glassware in this photograph of the Rhodes Department Store around 1904. Rhodes was an institution in Tacoma at 950 Broadway from 1903 until it closed in 1974. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)

Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma; Tableware; Porcelain;

On May 28, 1921, a long line of cars was photographed in front of People's department store, 1101-07 Pacific Ave, and extending down the street past the Bankers Trust Building and nearly to the Puget Sound Bank building. Each car has a sign in its windshield that says, "People's Store - Tacoma - Motor Club."

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1920-1930; Automobiles--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Interior of Kokura restaurant. The next major improvement to the Winthrop Hotel would be the Kokura restaurant in the summer of 1964. Named after Tacoma's sister-city, Kokura, Japan, it would serve only authentic Japanese food prepared and served by Japanese. Located on the Broadway level of the Winthrop, there was seating for 40. Shoji screens would divide the dining areas, providing both privacy and atmosphere. As a glimpse into a dining room shows, customers would sit on thick padded cushions placed on tatami mats. Stone lanterns and simplistic naturalistic decor would add to the serene environment. Photograph ordered by the Winthrop Hotel. (TNT 5-10-64, B-10)

Kokura Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Dining rooms--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Beauty salon, Bon Marche. A large sign directs patrons to the beauty salon of the Bon Marche, now located on the second floor at the new Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. A long reception desk is clearly visible through the open doorway. The Bon' s beauty shop was equipped with modern hairdressing equipment and an experienced staff of fourteen operators. Crystal light fixtures and gold brocade wallpaper enhanced the atmosphere of the walnut and white room. (TNT 8-2-64, B-8)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Beauty shops--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);