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KAR-01

ca. 1870. Beginnings of Tacoma City circa 1870. Photo taken by Anthony Carr, who was Old Tacoma's first photographer. Cabin nearest the two trees on the left is Job Carr's cabin and his farm is in the foreground. The Steele Hotel, Tacoma's first hotel, is the "large" L-shaped building at left of center. (Photo donated by Ron Karabaich) (Caroline Gallacci & Tacoma Historical Society: Old Tacoma, p. 11)


Steele Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1870-1880; Carr, Job--Homes & haunts;

TPL-2892

ca. 1884. The Tacoma Hotel, 913 A street, with its commanding view of the Tacoma tideflats, was one of the best hotels north of San Francisco. Designed by the famous architect Stanford White, it had its official opening in August of 1884. The scaffolding at the north end of the building suggests that it was still under construction when this photograph was taken. Note the Northern Pacific Railroad tracks crossing the almost completely barren tideflats; mills and manufacturing structures had yet to be fully built. The body of water at the left is the Puyallup River as it flows unfettered into Commencement Bay. The massive Tacoma Hotel was destroyed by fire on October 17, 1935, and was never rebuilt; its annex would be remodeled and called the "new" Tacoma Hotel in January, 1936.


Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma);

TDS-004

ca. 1885. Five men are standing in front of the Halstead House in this photograph by U. P. Hadley that dates between 1879 and 1885. Located at 707 Pacific Avenue, the Halstead House was one of the nicer hotels in Tacoma at that time; it even had a covered walkway leading to the "water closet" out back. Built in 1879 by Jacob Halstead, in 1885 the proprietors were Freeman S. Crosby and Hugh Kenealy. The building to the south of the hotel, with the large Standard Steilacoom Beer sign was the Steilacoom Beer Hall, 711 Pacific Avenue, owned by Fred Seger.


Hotels--Tacoma--1880-1890; Halstead House (Tacoma); Business districts--Tacoma--1880-1890; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1880-1890;

Boats at Northern Pacific dock with Blackwell Hotel, Tacoma, Washington Territory, circa 1885

Boats at Northern Pacific dock, Tacoma, Washington Territory, circa 1885. The owners of the warehouse in the center of photograph were not identified. The large building to the far left is the Blackwell Hotel, considered New Tacoma's first hotel. Built by the Northern Pacific Railroad, it opened on January 1, 1874 and closed in 1884. It was razed during the summer of 1901. KING-002, TPL-1095

TPL-2861

ca. 1885. Photograph of "The Tacoma" (Hotel) shortly after it was built - before any of the later additions were added. The massive hotel, focus of much civic pride, opened on August 8, 1884. It had cost more than $250,000 to build, an enormous sum at the time, and was the design of architect Stanford White in 1881 who, according to Murray Morgan's South on the Sound, had been commissioned by the Northern Pacific Railroad and Tacoma Land Co. In subsequent years, several additions and renovations were made to further extend the hotel's reputation as "the finest west of the Mississippi and north of San Francisco." The Tacoma Hotel even boasted of having for a time a tame bear named Jack who spent time in the hotel lobby and was a drinker of beer. The elegant hostelry attracted many prominent visitors who enjoyed breathtaking views and luxurious furnishings. It was destroyed by fire on October 17, 1935 and never rebuilt.


Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1880-1890;

TPL-387

ca. 1887. This view of the Tacoma National Bank bldg. in the 900 block of Pacific Avenue was taken circa 1887. The building was constructed at 923 Pacific about 1885 and an addition at 921 Pacific built in 1888. The Tacoma National Bank occupied the first floor of the structure with Drs. Munson and Misner, homeopathic physicians and surgeons, above. Washington Fire Insurance Company may have had offices there as well. J.S. Howell & Son had their real estate office in the building next door, at left. The building on the right contained a U.S. Post Office (113 S. 10th) and what appears to be a photography studio. At the far right edge of the photograph is part of the elegant Tacoma Hotel, 913 A Street. Streets above were rough and unpaved although sidewalks had already been constructed in front of these commercial facilities. (copy of original) Bi-Centennial Project # 75346-48; BU-13076, TPL-3787


Tacoma National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1880-1890; Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Post offices--Tacoma;

TDS-001

ca. 1887. This street scene of Pacific Avenue looking north from the corner of 11th and Pacific was taken by an unknown photographer in 1887. The brick building at the far left is the Merchant's National Bank Building. Several doors down is the Kaufman & Berliner dry goods store, 948 Pacific. Across the street, at the far right, is Mrs. Mary Fowler's millinery store. The Northern Pacific Headquarters Building is under construction at the far end of the block. The Tacoma Old City Hall will not be built for another four years.


Commercial streets--Tacoma--1880-1890; Business districts--Tacoma--1880-1890; Merchant's National Bank (Tacoma); Fowler Millinery (Tacoma)

TDS-012

ca. 1888. This photograph from 1888 shows the Hotel Fife, 742-50 Pacific Ave., as it appeared shortly after it was built. It stood on the north west corner of 9th and Pacific. This photograph is looking up 9th street. There is a horse drawn wagon standing in front of the hotel. The hotel was demolished in 1925. TPL-9660


Hotels--Tacoma--1880-1890; Hotel Fife (Tacoma); Commercial streets--Tacoma--1880-1890

TPL-390

ca. 1889. This photograph was taken shortly after the Bostwick Block was completed in 1889. Designed by early Tacoma architect O. P. Dennis, the Bostwick was remodeled in 1924. At that time, the wood-clad exterior was faced with "Duralite" stucco as seen today with its newly painted facade.


Hotel Bostwick (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1880-1890;

TPL-375

ca. 1890. This photograph of the Cascade Steam Laundry, 2124 A Street, was taken sometime in the 1890's. The laundry's fleet of delivery wagons, harnessed to horses, is lined up in front of the business. Cascade Steam Laundry employed 36 men and women in 1891 with a monthly payroll of $1800. Proprietor H.A. Durr had recently remodeled the building to increase the width by 12 feet and increase the height by one story. Appliances included six washing machines, one large mangler (ironer) with a new one to be installed shortly, one extractor (wringer) and one 18-rack dry room. The Cascade Steam Laundry was established in 1886. (copy of original) Bi-Centennial Project # 75346-33 BU-12654 G35.1-167 (TDL 10-9-1891, p. 3-article)


Cascade Steam Laundry (Tacoma); Cleaning establishments--Tacoma--1890-1900; Carts & wagons--Tacoma--1890-1900;

TPL-371

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;

F. Jay Haynes TPL-1334

ca. 1890. Tacoma Hotel and Mason Block Bldg. on A Street. Shaw & Naubert, a real estate company, occupied 1001 A Street, at right in the photograph. The firm was one of the first occupants of the Mason Block, built by Allen C. Mason in 1888. The building would later house the Mason Hotel and after remodeling, the Fairmont Hotel. The elegant Tacoma Hotel, 913 A Street (at left in photograph), was Tacoma's pride until it was destroyed by fire in 1935. Although parts of the downtown business area still had dirt streets, this portion boasted planked roadway. Photo from "Northern Pacific Railroad Scenery" with photos by F. Jay Haynes (F. Jay Haynes Collection)


Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1890-1900; Shaw & Naubert (Tacoma); Real estate business--Tacoma--1890-1900; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1890-1900;

TPL-395

ca. 1890. It seems to be a slow business day at the Charles Berger Carriage Manufacturing & Supply Company at 15th and Commerce in Tacoma around 1890. Employees, some in leather aprons, pose outside of the blacksmith and wagon making company. The company also does carriage painting and trimming. Board sidewalks run down the hill beside the building and the Waverley Hotel can be seen in the right background. (Copy of original)


Charles Berger Carriage Manufacturing & Supply Co. (Tacoma); Waverley Hotel (Tacoma); Forge shops--Tacoma--1890-1900;

TPL-395B

ca. 1890. It seems to be a slow business day at the Charles Berger Carriage Manufacturing & Supply Company at 15th and Commerce in Tacoma around 1890. Employees, some in leather aprons, pose outside of the blacksmith and wagon making company. The company also does carriage painting and trimming. Board sidewalks run down the hill beside the building and the Waverley Hotel can be seen in the right background. (Copy of original)


Charles Berger Carriage Manufacturing & Supply Co. (Tacoma); Waverley Hotel (Tacoma); Forge shops--Tacoma--1890-1900;

F. Jay Haynes TPL-1332

ca. 1890. View of Tacoma from Commencement Bay, circa 1890. The Tacoma Hotel dominates the skyline. The pilings in the foreground are probably the supports for the old Northern Pacific tracks that crossed the tideflats into Tacoma. Photo from "Northern Pacific Railroad Scenery" with photos by F. Jay Haynes (F. Jay Haynes Collection)


Commencement Bay (Wash.); Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1890-1900; Pilings (Civil engineering)--Tacoma;

F. Jay Haynes TPL-1333

ca. 1890. The Tacoma Hotel as it looked circa 1890, before any of the numberous additions had been added to the structure of the building. Tacoma was justly proud of this elegant structure with its beautiful views of Commencement Bay. It had opened in August of 1884. Photo from "Northern Pacific Railroad Scenery" with photos by F. Jay Haynes (F. Jay Haynes Collection)


Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1890-1900;

TPL-389

ca. 1890. The Arlington Hotel was an impressive sight on Pacific Avenue for forty years before its demolition in 1930. Built by Jim Dorsey with architectural plans by C. Langlois in 1889, the hotel was first listed as 2023 Pacific Avenue before its address was later changed to 1955 Pacific Avenue. The 3+ story structure was built primarily of wood and contained multiple windows. A sample room was installed for the benefit of traveling salesmen to show their wares. Imported and domestic wines, liquors and cigars were available for purchase. Some of the hotel's staff, including the bartender in long apron, and the hotel watchdog, posed at the front entrance in this circa 1890 photograph. (copy of original) Bi-Centennial Project # 75346-2; BU-11870


Arlington Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1890-1900;

TPL-1077

ca. 1892. The Owen Woods' Building at 1148 Broadway is pictured here shortly after its completion in 1892. It was designed by architects Roath & Mendell with Michael McDonnell as contractor. The building was available for rent at the time of this photograph and interested parties could contact the Tacoma Rent Guaranty Co. The Arcade Store, and later the McCormack Brothers Dept. Store, occupied the building before Sears, Roebuck & Co. purchased it in 1935. Sears added two adjacent buildings to its store during expansion. The building was restored and renamed the Cornerstone Building in 1982.


Department stores--Tacoma--1890-1900;

TPL-1000

ca. 1892. Merchants National Bank building at the corner of South 11th Street and Pacific circa 1892. Cablecar tracks can be seen going up 11th. Built in the heart of the Tacoma financial district, the Merchants National Bank was considered a "modern bank" upon its completion in 1891. The bank had reorganized in 1884 and was led by Walter J. Thompson. He remained its president until May of 1893 when bank failures swept the nation. Although Nelson Bennett, a director of the bank, agreed to assume the presidency and attempted a last minute influx of money to save the bank, the bank failed to open its doors on June 1, 1893. ( Hunt: "The Bank Failures of 1893,"History of Tacoma, Vol. 2, p. 110-115-article)


Merchants National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1890-1900;

French TPL-1116

ca. 1893. Ladies' entrance and private dining booths at the Chilberg, 1011-13 Pacific Ave., circa 1893. In the Gay Nineties, women did not dine without male companionship in public and the separate entrance and private dining made dining out possible for them. These booths also served as discreet, private dining rooms for those desiring a more intimate or quiet dining experience. In fact, a private dining booth at Chilberg's was the location of a triple murder in 1898 as a jealous ex-lover shot both his paramour and her new lover and was in turn shot by the woman. The proprietor of the restaurant was Isaac Chilberg. He had opened his first "chop house" in Tacoma around 1887 at 1111 Pacific. He moved to 1003 Pacific in 1888, remaining there until the size of clientele outgrew the establishment. His new restaurant at 1011-13 Pacific was designed by architect C.A. Darmer, and his business was relocated to this site in 1892. The building was three stories high, with the restaurant occupying the first floor and with lodging on the two stories above. By the early 1900's, the restaurant had closed and the structure was demolished in 1924 to make way for the Bank of California building. (TDL 1/1/1893, pg. 15; 6/16/1898, pg. 2-murder)


Chilberg (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1890-1900;

French TPL-1112

ca. 1893. The kitchen at The Chilberg, 1011-13 Pacific Ave., circa 1893. The Chilberg had recently moved into the spacious new quarters formerly occupied by the New York Kitchen. The kitchen was spotless. Five visible cooks prepared food (left) over a range, while two more prepared the ingredients (center.) The man and the two young boys to the right appear to be dishwashers. A long table was set left for the staff to take their meals. According to the newspapers of the time, the restaurant was open 24 hours a day. Known for their extensive menu, elegant appointments and attentive service; the restaurant was called "the Delmonico of the West." (Photograph damaged upper left corner and near lower right corner.)


Chilberg (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1890-1900; Kitchens--Tacoma--1890-1900; Cooks; Restaurant workers;

French TPL-1115

ca. 1893. Lunchtime at The Chilberg, 1011-13 Pacific Ave., circa 1893. The Chilberg was designed by architect C.A. Darmer to provide both mass dining, center, and a more intimate experience in one of the many private dining boxes, left or (seen from the back) right. During lunch, most of the large tables were occupied by businessmen and tradesmen, their hats hung on hooks surrounding the support pillars. Dark jacketed waiters in white aprons waited at the ends of each table, supplying the Chilberg's legendary attentive service. French Collection G45.1-054A


Chilberg (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1890-1900;

French TPL-1111

ca. 1893. The table is set at The Chilberg, 1011-13 Pacific Ave., circa 1893; it is laid with a fine white tablecloth, set with damask napkins and heavy silver. Proprietor Isaac Chilberg awaits off camera for the arrival of his guests. The successful restaurateur had started with a chop house at 1003 Pacific Ave. and made his reputation on good food, a spotless dining room and kitchen and personalized service. In May of 1892, he moved his restaurant into the refurbished and more elegantly appointed space at 1011-13 Pacific Ave., formerly the home of the New York Kitchen. The Chilberg soon became known as the "Delmonico of the West," the finest restaurant west of New York City. (Photograph damaged)


Chilberg (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1890-1900; Table settings & decorations; Tablecloths; Tableware;

French TPL-1113

ca. 1893. Dining room of The Chilberg, 1011-13 Pacific Ave., circa 1893. The Chilberg, Tacoma's finest restaurant, had moved in 1892 from its previous location at 1003 Pacific Ave. to these more spacious and elegant surroundings. The restaurant offered both open tables and rows of intimate dining boxes on the left and, seen from the back, on the right. These miniature dining rooms were for the use of ladies dining without male companionship or for those needing a quieter or more private dining experience. Large windows in the back and also "light wells" in the ceiling provided natural lighting. Tacoma architect C.A. Darmer redesigned the space specifically for proprietor Isaac Chilberg's restaurant and hotel. The restaurant was famous for its fare, but also for its orderly cleanliness and attentive service. Isaac Chilberg spent over 35 years in the restaurant business, running some of the finest restaurants in Tacoma. He died in 1923 at his home in Orting.


Chilberg (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1890-1900;

French TPL-1114

ca. 1893. The main entrance at The Chilberg, 1011-13 Pacific Ave., circa 1893. Natural light floods the room from the many windows at the entrance. A table, right, holds a selection of fruit and pastries, while the bar behind displays an array of wines and glasses. The Chilberg had previously been located down the block at 1003 Pacific Ave. This space was redesigned by Tacoma architect C.A. Darmer for proprietor Isaac Chilberg. The restaurant was located on the first floor, with hotel rooms located above. The restaurant was endorsed as the most elegant restaurant west of New York City.


Chilberg (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1890-1900;

LOY-001

On Wednesday July 12, 1899, 375 members of the National Editorial Association and their wives arrived in Tacoma for a short visit. They were met at the Tacoma depot by a reception committee consisting of members of the Tacoma Press club, various citizens, and the Tacoma Military Band. After breakfast at the Hotel Tacoma, the editors were taken by barge to the Point Defiance waterfront where their visit included a clambake. It was anticipated that entertaining the newspaper men and their wives would cost a substantial amount of money, and plans were made to raise the required $700. The Military Band was directed by Julius Adler and played daily concerts at Tacoma Parks, travelling from site to site on a tiny private streetcar. Their uniforms consisted of dark trousers and scarlet coats with bright blue trim. This photograph was recently donated by Ann Jorgensen and is from the Alta Scofield Collection/TPL (TNT 6/25/1950, PG. D-11, names of band members in caption)


Point Defiance Park (Tacoma); Tacoma Military Band (Tacoma); Military bands--United States;

TPL-4343

ca. 1903. Rhodes Brothers horse drawn delivery wagon, circa 1903. When the Rhodes Brothers store opened in 1903, they employed four horse drawn delivery wagons. The name of the store was printed boldly on the side, and the wagons were kept busy delivering throughout the area. By 1912, the horses were retired and replaced by automobiles. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)


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

French TPL-4312

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers Store, circa 1904; Ladies' parasols and intimate apparel. The Rhodes Brothers Department Store was opened at 950 Broadway by Henry A. Rhodes in 1903. It was the grand establishment of his dreams, patterned after Wanamakers and Marshall Fields. From the beginning, they employed Herbert A. Foster as the window trimmer and decorator. This view of the store was festooned with parasols, studded with palms and draped with garlands. The lighting fixtures hanging from the ceiling were gas lights. The shelves were covered with boxes of different sizes, possibly containing accessories or women's intimate apparel. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)


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

French TPL-4315

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; Parasol and streamer decorations and unidentified merchandise in boxes. Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened at 950 Broadway in 1903. Each department was not equipped with bags or a cash register, so merchandise was lifted by pulley up to a track and then sent to the office on the mezzanine where it was wrapped and change was made. The cables and tracks in this photograph are believed to have been used for that purpose. Photograph damaged upper left corner. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)


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

French TPL-4320

ca. 1904. Rhodes Brothers store, circa 1904; Stairway to Mezzanine balcony from first floor. The Rhodes Brothers Department Store opened at 950 Broadway toward the end of 1903. It was, for the time, a modern emporium based on the model of Wanamaker's and Marshall Field's. The store carried a wide variety of merchandise on its three floors. This photograph shows the stairway leading to the mezzanine, where the ladies' lounge and the business office were located. (photograph donated by the Rhodes Reunion Committee)


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

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