Portrait of Jane McKee, formerly Powers, organist at Steve's Gay '90s. Monday through Saturday night McKee played dinner music on the Hammond organ from 6:15p.m.- 8:15p.m. She was one of the featured performers at Steve's.

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; McKee, Jane; Powers, Jane;

Two waitresses, Jennie Wheeler (right) and Josephine Trumble, in dark dresses and crisply ruffled white aprons pause in setting a homey checked table to smile for the camera at Steve's Gay 90's. Behind them is a large antique mirrored hutch. Steve's was furnished with pieces from some of the finest mansions in South Tacoma, and the walls were decorated with pictures of those homes. (TNT 6/13/1956, pg. C-9- C-11)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Waitresses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Restaurant workers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Wheeler, Jennie; Trumble, Josephine;

Dick Bevington pours a mug from the Triple XXX root beer barrel dispenser at his new drive-in restaurant in this photograph dated May 29, 1940. The franchise offered round the clock service, carhops and root beer on draft.

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma); Bevington, Dick;

Dick Bevington's new Triple X Barrel drive-in restaurant. Dick and Gwyne Bevington pose behind the counter with a large congratulatory flower arrangement in this May 29, 1940 photograph. Triple XXX Root Beer barrel dispenser in background. The Bevingtons had the restaurant constructed at a cost of $29,000 and actually resided in an apartment on the premises.

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma); Bevington, Dick; Bevington, Gwyne; Flower arrangements;

An unidentified carhop delivers a tray holding two large mugs of Triple XXX Root Beer to a smiling customer sitting behind the wheel of his car. Dick Bevington opened his Triple XXX Barrel drive-in restaurant at 924 Puyallup Avenue in May of 1940. The restaurant offered booth, counter and car side service with a staff of six waitresses and six carhops.

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma); Waitresses--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Dick Bevington's new Triple XXX Barrel drive-in restaurant. Six waitresses and six carhops lined up in front of building with neon trim and giant barrels on roof. The restaurant offered booths, counter service, car side service and XXX root beer on draft. TPL-1514 (T. Times 6/4/1940, pg. 7)

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma); Waitresses--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Dick Bevington's new Triple XXX Barrel drive-in restaurant. Six waitresses and six carhops lined up on May 29, 1940 in front of the building with neon trim and giant barrels on the roof.The service department included Bea Joyce, Grayce Bailey, Marialyce Johnson, Lola Emerson, Della Reghitto, Betty Emerson, Winnie Cunningham, Lucille Bartholet, Anne Bullard, Irving Fleming and Kenneth Lilly. (T. Times 6/4/1940, pg. 7)

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma); Waitresses--Tacoma--1940-1950;

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;

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;

Steve's (Gay 90's) Cafe, photographed for the Douglas Fir Plywood Association. Steve's was owned and operated by Steve Pease and John Stanley. The fantasticly popular restaurant and nightclub included many internal rooms like this one. All were decorated with an old time flair. This room features tall wooden booths and round tables. Above the wainscoting is wallpaper picturing nineties gents stepping up to the bar and ladies at round tables, just like the ones in this room. On the walls are museum framed and lighted photographs of the original Red Front Saloon where Steve's back bar came from. Through the open doorway to the right, you can see a counter with seats or stools. These two rooms may have been the original 20 seat coffee shop and tavern run by Stanley and Pease.

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior view of Pucci Inn, a roadside restaurant owned by Guido Pucci. The two-story wooden building features a steep roof with projecting bay on the second floor .

Business Enterprises - Food Enterprises - Restaurants - Roadside Restaurants - Pierce County - Lakewood - Pucci Inn

A Viking warrior, ready for battle, stands above the large neon sign for the Viking Restaurant. Apparently the restaurant offered exceptional food with dining available from 5:00 p.m. It was situated in a rectangular building with large plate glass windows; a striped awning hung over the main entrance. The word "cheese" is painted in large letters on a tall triangular column near the corner of the restaurant. The Viking Restaurant had previously been known as the Viking Smorgasbord, specializing in Scandinavian and American foods. TPL-2510

Viking Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices); Awnings--Tacoma;

Six men take a break from their duties at the Top of the Ocean. Three of the men wear white uniforms and chef's hats. Magazines and an ash tray are seen on the table in front of them.

Restaurants--Tacoma; Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Men--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Golden Gloves Committee met at the Top of the Ocean. Amateur boxers from as far away as Vancouver, B.C. and Eugene, Oregon, were expected for the fourth annual Tacoma Golden Gloves tournament that was held at the College of Puget Sound fieldhouse. There were 48 entrants in the 1951 bout and 85 were expected this year. Shown are, L-R, seated: Carter Lee, Ken Purchase, Ples Irwin, George Sheridan, Ray Kelly, Henry Auge, and Charles Funk. Standing: Howie Welsh, John Rockway, Bob Martin, Jim Rondeau, Al Kemp, Vernie Reed, Clay Huntington, and Harry (Scotty) Weinstone. Ordered by Tacoma Athletic Commission. (TNT, 1/25/1952, p.C-9)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Boxing--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Portrait of cooks and servers standing behind buffet-style table at Steve's (Gay Nineties) Cafe. Street scene on wall with representations of Tacoma businesses by Knabel.

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buffets (Cookery)--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Jane Powers is at the Hammond organ and Arnold Leverenz is holding the microphone at Steve's (Gay Nineties) Cafe. Jane Powers entertained diners with music during the dinner hour and Leverenz was the featured song stylist of Gay 90's music. These two performers both wear costumes from the 1890's to match the Gay Nineties theme of Steve's Cafe. A sign board lists the show times behind Arnold Leverenz. A scroll painting decorates the back of the organ and a mural of Mount Rainier has been painted on the wall by Knabel. (TNT, 1/10/1952, p.21) TPL-4542

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1890-1900; Powers, Jane; Leverenz, Arnold; Musicians--Tacoma;

Jazz greats, left to right, Art Mineo on bass, Joe "Flip" Phillips on tenor saxophone, Oscar Peterson on piano and Bill Harris on trombone deliver sweet sounds for the opening of the newly remodeled New Yorker Cafe in November of 1951. Mineo and his 10-piece orchestra had been hired to play the opening night when Mineo received a call from Peterson, Phillips and Harris asking to sit in. The trio were playing in Seattle with the Jazz at the Philharmonic road show. The result was Tacoma history, as the group jammed into the small hours of the morning, closing the club and sending the lucky audience dancing into the dawn. Art Mineo passed away at age 91 on July 27, 2010. (from information previously supplied by Art Mineo)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Art Mineo Orchestra (Tacoma); Mineo, Art; Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960; Phillips, Joe; Peterson, Oscar; Harris, Bill;

The Coney Island room of the newly remodeled New Yorker cafe and nightclub is packed with dancers enjoying the sweet swing sounds of the Art Mineo Orchestra in a November, 1951, photograph. The showroom had hardwood dance floors and a clever two stages-in-one concept. Nightly dancing and big time entertainment were staples of the New Yorker, owned by Mike and Pat DeVoto. (TNT 11-15-51, C-10, 11)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Art Mineo Orchestra (Tacoma); Mineo, Art; Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Attilio (Art) Mineo on bass, Dick Morehead on drums, Oscar Peterson on piano, Joe (Flip) Phillips on saxophone and Bill Harris on trombone "jam" in the Coney Island Room on the opening night of Mike DeVoto's New Yorker, in November of 1951. Peterson, Phillips and Harris were performing in Seattle with the Jazz at the Philharmonic road show when they saw a notice for the opening. They called Mineo and asked to sit in. Musical history was made as they jammed until closing, leaving Mineo's hired orchestra in the audience to enjoy the music. Art Mineo's career in music began in the 1930s with dance bands on the east coast. He moved to Tacoma after the Second World War and stayed after he married Toni Lento, whose father was a well-known Tacoma musician. The Art Mineo Quartet performed three nights a week at the New Yorker, 1501 6th Ave., for over 20 years. (TNT 11-15-51, C-10, 11& firsthand information supplied by Art Mineo)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Art Mineo Orchestra (Tacoma); Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mineo, Art; Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Peterson, Oscar; Phillips, Joe "Flip"; Harris, Bill; Morehead, Dick;

Legendary jazz pianist Oscar Peterson "jams" with Art Mineo on bass, Dick Morehead on drums, Joe "Flip" Phillips on tenor saxophone and Bill Harris on trombone on November 12, 1951, the opening night of the newly remodeled New Yorker Cafe. Peterson, Phillips and Harris were performing in Seattle with the Jazz at the Philharmonic road show when they called Mineo to sit in at the opening. The jazz greats jammed until closing, creating an unforgettable night of music in Tacoma. Peterson had joined Jazz at the Philharmonic in 1950 as a relative unknown and was rapidly gaining recognition in the jazz world. (information supplied by Art Mineo)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Art Mineo Orchestra (Tacoma); Mineo, Art; Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Peterson, Oscar; Phillips, Joe "Flip"; Harris, Bill; Morehead, Dick;

Oscar Peterson and Bill Harris express exaggerated shock at the prices on the menu of the newly remodeled New Yorker Cafe. Holding the menu are possibly owners Patricia and Michael DeVoto. The presence of the jazz greats at the opening was a happy surprise. Peterson and Harris were performing in Seattle with the Jazz at the Philharmonic road show when they called old pal Art Mineo, now settled in Tacoma and hired to provide music for the opening, to "sit in" with his orchestra. The rest is history as the group jammed until closing, providing a memorial night of jazz for the opening night club goers.

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Peterson, Oscar; Harris, Bill;

Art Mineo, at left kneeling with hat in hand, and a group of raucous, laughing musicians. In the top row, third from left is the great jazz pianist Oscar Peterson. This photograph was taken at the opening of the newly remodeled New Yorker Cafe in November of 1951. Peterson, tenor saxophonist "Flip" Phillips (standing, far right) and trombonist Bill Harris (front row center) came down from Seattle, where they were appearing with the Jazz at the Philharmonic road show, to sit in and jam for the opening.

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Art Mineo Orchestra (Tacoma); Musicians--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mineo, Art; Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Peterson, Oscar;

The Dixie Ball was the Spinster Club's annual spring event. The Ball was held at the New Yorker Cafe's Rainbow Room. Three couples are shown relaxing at a table decorated with miniature mammy dolls. The women are wearing strapless evening gowns and rhinestone jewelry. Two of the men wear white dinner jackets. Ordered by the Tribune, Dolores Busch. (TNT, 6/28/1951, p.24)

New Yorker Cafe (Tacoma); Parties--Tacoma; Single women; Women--Clubs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Spinster Club (Tacoma);

A banquet is being held at the Viking Smorgasbord. A group of 20 people are grouped in front of the large painting of a Viking ship at the restaurant. (Format 5' x 14")

Viking Smorgasbord (Tacoma); Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A man, probably John E. Berglund, stands by one of the dining tables at the Viking Smorgasbord holding one of the new restaurant's menus. John E. Berglund was president and manager of the incorporated business. He had started his career in 1916. He had worked in some of the finest hotels and restaurants throughout the world in Paris, Nice, London, Cairo and the old Waldorf Astoria in New York. He managed the "Bit of Sweden" in Hollywood for more than 10 years. Miss Maja Lisa Lindberg joined the restaurant at vice president. Other officers included Mr. and Mrs. Charles O. Anderson and Mr. and Mrs. David Benson. (TNT, 4/14/1951, p.C-5)

Viking Smorgasbord (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma; Menus; Men--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Scene from the Grand Opening of the Gay Nineties Room at Steve's Cafe (later commonly known as Steve's Gay '90s.) Employees pose in Nineties costumes, with frilly garters on their sleeves. Steve's was owned and operated by local restaurateur John Stanley and Steve Pease, the "unofficial mayor of South Tacoma." They merged Stanley's coffee shop and Pease's tavern in 1949 when, with the passage of liquor by the drink, Pease found he needed a restaurant in order to retain his liquor license. Providing new and unique environments and entertainments during the next twenty years, such as the Cable car room and the Opera House with its can can dancers, the Gay '90s remained a popular tourist attraction throughout the fifties and sixties. They closed in 1977. (TNT 4/4/1951, pg B6-B7)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1890-1900;

Scene from the Grand Opening of the Gay Nineties Room at Steve's Cafe (later commonly known as Steve's Gay '90s.) Customers and employees pose in Nineties costumes, the women in elaborate picture hats. Steve's was the brainchild of Steve Pease and John Stanley. It incorporated good food, cocktails and entertainment in a unique and imaginative setting. The restaurant became a tourist attraction in the fifties and sixties, and grew from a 20 person coffee shop to swallow up all surrounding businesses and become a huge facility that seated up to 725 at a time. Mary and Steve Pease are standing at the middle of this group shot, Dorothy Jean Pease is seated at the far right. William and Harriet B. Fowler, parents of Mary Pease, are also included in this photograph. Mrs. Fowler is standing next to Mrs. Pease and her husband is seated before her. Another daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pease is Mary Lou (Pease) Torgeson who is seated between Mr. Fowler and John Stanley. (TNT 4/4/1951, pg B6-B7) (Additional identification provided by two readers) TPL-10448

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1890-1900; Pease, Stephen O.; Pease, Mary; Pease, Dorothy Jean; Fowler, William; Fowler, Harriet B.; Torgeson, Mary Lou;

John Stanley poses in a publicity photo for opening of Gay Nineties Room of Steve's (Gay '90s) Cafe at 5238 South Tacoma Way. Steve's was owned by John J. Stanley and Stephen O. Pease. The mural on the wall depicts area businesses such as Jordan Bakery and Pantex Cleaners in the "Gay Nineties." Steve Pease began his business around 1941 partnered by Mrs. John Martinolich, of the shipbuilding family, in "Steve's Tavern." After two years, he bought out her interest in the building. When liquor-by-the-drink legislation came along in 1949, he needed a restaurant in order to have a liquor license. He formed a partnership with John Stanley who owned a coffee shop next door to the south. Stanley ran the restaurant and Pease ran the lounge. Much of the area surrounding the original restaurant was bought and remodeled to become part of Steve's. The spot became a tourist attraction and popular hangout of the fifties and sixties. It closed around 1977 and in 2001 is again opening after being converted to retail and restaurant space. (TNT 4/4/1951, pg. B6-B7)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buffets (Cookery)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Stanley, John;

Five men stand around a new model Packard Bell television at the Top of the Ocean exhibit. A portrait of founder H.A. Bell smiles down from the wall. The festivities were hosted by Packard Bell to celebrate their 25th year in business. In attendance from the Los Angeles home office were Vice President Joe E. Spain, General Sales Manager Kenneth R. Johnson and Glen C. Tillack, chief field engineer. N. Earl Davisson, PB distributer, was host. The highlight of the evening was the preview of Packard Bell's 1951 "Masterpiece Founders Series." (TNT 2/8/1951, pg. B-6)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Televisions--1950-1960; Packard Bell Co. (Tacoma);

Vaudeville Party at Top of the Ocean, photograph ordered by Tacoma Actors Guild. Audience seated at tables around dance floor. Two of the columns in the room have sea shell decorations near top of column. For Tacoma Actors Guild, Frank Murtough.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Actors Guild (Tacoma); Parties--Tacoma--1950-1960;