A number of Tacoma landmarks are on view in this image of Saint Helens Avenue from September of 1954. The historic Bostwick Building at right foreground then housed the Brant Hotel with Reed's Hats below. Built about 1890, it stands out because of its unusually wedge shape design. To the left of the photograph in the 700 block of Saint Helens is the Caswell Optical Co., a longtime occupant, with a large billboard for Heidelberg beer positioned on its rooftop. The 17-story Medical Arts Building (now the Tacoma Municipal Building) next door stands much taller than its neighbors.
Brant Hotel (Tacoma); Reeds Hats (Tacoma); Caswell Optical Co. (Tacoma); Medical Arts Building (Tacoma); Commercial streets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Billboards--Tacoma--1950-1960;
The United Pacific Insurance Company already had their headquarters in the Medical Arts Building when they decided to build a $500,000 addition for new home offices on Saint Helens Avenue. Construction would take nearly two years before the five-story building would open in January, 1955. In addition, space was saved in the building for other companies to rent. The John Graham Co. of Seattle was the architect with the James J. Barnes Construction Co.as general contractors. This is possibly the view from Market St. Photograph ordered by Comfort, Davis & Blangy.
United Pacific Insurance Co. (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Medical Arts Building (Tacoma);
A special Plyscord Calculator was prepared by the Douglas Fir Plywood Association to help contractors or homeowners determine correct plywood thickness, nail size, nailing schedule, rafter spacing and FHA minimum property requirements necessary when roofing. Plyscord Roof Sheathing was 100% genuine Douglas Fir plywood. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.
Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Calculators;
Exterior- Medical Arts Building. Originally known as the Rhodes Medical Arts Tower, the Medical Arts Building was designed by architect John Graham, Sr. with Heath, Gove & Bell, associate architects and completed in 1930. Built in the New York Art Deco style, the building had 17 stories and was 233 feet tall. It was a full-service health care facility in Tacoma's central business district. Occupants included physician offices, laboratories, pharmacy, library, coffee shop and auditorium. An attached garage with ramped connection provided much needed parking. There were two entrances to the Medical Arts Building, one on Market St. and the other on Saint Helens. United Pacific Insurance would purchase the building for its home offices in 1941 and later build a five-story addition next to the structure. The sixth floor would be remodeled for the Washington Minor Hospital in 1955. The City of Tacoma purchased the Medical Arts Building in 1977 as it needed additional office space and wanted to increase the downtown business core's economic base. It was subsequently renamed the Tacoma Municipal Building. Photograph taken on September 15, 1954, on behalf of Comfort, Davis & Blangy. (Tacoma Rediviva, p. 79)
Medical Arts Building (Tacoma); Parking garages--Tacoma;
Interior beauty shop. Ladies having their hair done at Eva's Styling Room could observe the procedures in the large rectangular mirror. Closed drapes provided privacy from passing pedestrians on Saint Helens Avenue. Hair drying equipment was located behind the wooden cabinet, not visible in this picture. Eva's Styling Room was owned by Eva Andersen. Photograph taken on September 14, 1954; ordered by Tacoma Beauty Supply Co.
Interior beauty salon. Eva's Styling Room was owned by Mrs. Eva E. Andersen and was located at 757 Saint Helens Avenue, close to the Brant Hotel and Jacob Blechmann's tailor shop. The beauty salon provided its customers with comfortable padded chairs while seated under Rilling hair dryers, with magazines and ash trays close at hand. Potted plants added a homey atmosphere. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Beauty Supply Co.
A young model enjoys an appetizing snack as she lounges on an extended sofa in a September 13, 1954, photograph. The plates of food are placed on a four legged TV table whose ends are tilted upward. The TV table, made out of wood, was built at the right height for someone sitting in front of it or for use as a miniature coffee table. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.
Plywood; Tables; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);
A young man looks pleased as he surveys the snacks carried by the approaching young lady in a September 13, 1954, photograph. She is holding a portable TV table made of wood which will be placed on a metal stand. The tray is designed with handles to make carrying easier. There is more than enough space for a large plate and bowl filled with food. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.
Plywood; Tables; Trays--Tacoma; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);
Stadium High School majorettes demonstrate a routine in a studio portrait taken on September 10, 1954. All three girls have batons and plumed hats; they are dressed in short-sleeved sequined outfits with bare midriffs. From left to right are Gretchen Tegen, Jan Hauge (head majorette) and Janet Bonawits. They, along with Lincoln High School majorettes, would be performing as pre-game and intermission entertainment at the 12th annual Grid-Go-Round at Lincoln Bowl . Photograph ordered by Jan Hauge. (TNT 9-16-54, B-5)
Eleven Lincoln High School leaders along with the school's principal stood on the steps of Lincoln High School with a large banner promoting school spirit in September of 1954. Principal Kenneth Flora is flanked by Sally Strobel, senior representative on the student council (on left) and student body president Robert L. Simpson and Ida Kvenild (on the right). Wonderful values were still available through the purchase of an Associated Student Body Membership Card, with admittance to various sporting events and reduced admission rates on plays, shows, bus fares and the school yearbook, the Lincolnian. School had opened earlier in the month so there was still plenty of time to get involved in the numerous activities that Lincoln offered. Photograph ordered by the Lincoln News, school newspaper.
Lincoln High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banners--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Flora, Kenneth; School principals--Tacoma--1950-1960; Strobel, Sally; Simpson, Robert L.; Kvenild, Ida;
Bold checkered linoleum highlights the selection of Frigidaire appliances at Schoenfeld's Furniture in September, 1954. The white stoves and refrigerators gleam when contrasted with the darker flooring. Schoenfeld's occupied a multi-level skyscraper so there was room enough for many displays without the customer feeling close and crowded. There was always much to choose from Schoenfeld's selections in a wide variety of prices and styles.
L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Appliances;
In September of 1954, there was no doubt as to which business occupied 1423 Pacific Avenue--Schoenfeld's blazed their name in massive letters on both sides of the historic Sandberg Building. Owned by L. Schoenfeld & Sons, the furniture and home furnishings store was a downtown fixture for over ninety years. Brothers Herbert and Ralph Schoenfeld were the owners; they were the sons of Louis Schoenfeld who started the business in 1848. They offered the latest styles in furniture, appliances and home decoration. This photograph is of the exterior of the building showing new display windows and a brand new marquee extending the length of the building, including the new adjacent four story addition. Schoenfeld's finally closed its doors in November, 1996. The building was purchased and renovated by Total Renal Care in 1998; they later changed their name to DaVita. (TNT 9-12-54, B-2) TPL-6242
L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Furniture stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Television department-Schoenfeld's. Schoenfeld's was a downtown fixture for ninety-four years. Occupying the oldest reinforced concrete skyscraper on the West Coast, it had a well-known reputation for quality goods and service. There was always a wide selection of merchandise to choose from; view of television sets on display on the sixth floor. An August 26, 1954, News Tribune article mentioned that there were 362,000 black and white television sets in the Puget Sound region. Shoppers could certainly have purchased one of those sets from Schoenfeld's. (TNT 8-26-54, D-4)
L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Televisions--1950-1960;
Drapery department- Schoenfeld's. Schoenfeld's carried a wide variety of draperies for the discerning homeowner. It was customary for homes to have window coverings, especially drapes, and Schoenfeld's made sure they had plenty to offer inquiring customers. They believed that "Windows are living pictures and deserve frames of beauty" as indicated by the wall motto. Schoenfeld's added a free instruction and workroom for the convenience of their customers in their new four-story addition adjacent to the original twelve story building. Schoenfeld's skyscraper was a landmark in downtown Tacoma for many years until the store's closing in 1996. (TNT 9-12-54, B-9)
L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Draperies;
Exterior-Schoenfeld's. The massive lettering on the Schoenfeld's exterior was visible from miles away. It drew customers from all over the region to shop at the store's spacious facilities. Schoenfeld's was located in the Sandberg Building at 1423 Pacific Avenue; designed by Western Engineering Co. and built by Peter Sandberg in 1907, the building was listed on the City Registry. Later in September, 1954, Schoenfeld's was to announce the grand opening of their Evergreen Auditorium on the fifth floor. It was to prove to be very popular as it was free to civic organizations. The auditorium would seat 200 people and had a complete kitchenette, tables, and powder room. (TNT 9-12-54, B-2)
L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Furniture stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Furniture department- Schoenfeld's. Schoenfeld's was a downtown fixture for ninety four years. L. Schoenfeld & Sons first opened up a store on S. 11th St. in 1902 before moving to the Sandberg Bldg. at 1423 Pacific Avenue in 1924. It occupied a 12-story skyscraper, the oldest reinforced concrete skyscraper on the West Coast. It seemed as if a customer could find anything in the home furnishings field at Schoenfeld's--sofas, chairs, appliances, draperies and televisions. View of sofas, dinettes, chairs and coffee tables; sofa in the foreground has a label stating that "the famous Kroehler" was ready for customers to sample and order. Kroehler four-piece ensembles were on sale for $177 during Schoenfeld's grand opening sale September 13-18, 1954, to celebrate the four story addition adjacent to the original twelve story building. Nearly all of the departments had been remodeled. Schoenfeld's finally closed its doors on November 25, 1996, and its enormous store lettering was eventually erased. (TNT 9-12-54, B-6)
L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Furniture stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Dinette sets were very popular in the 1940's and 50's. Schoenfeld's Furniture carried a wide selection of inexpensive kitchen furniture. Dinette sets were made out of chrome and generally had four chairs, with plastic covers, although some came with only two. Most popular shape appears to have been rectangular. Modern wrought iron styles were also becoming popular. Kitchen sets and televisions were located on the sixth floor close to the appliance section. (TNT 9-12-54, B-9)
L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Dining tables;
Furniture department- Schoenfeld's. Schoenfeld's Furniture, formally known as L. Schoenfeld & Sons, occupied the Sandberg Bldg. on Pacific Avenue since 1924. The 12-story, 180 foot skyscraper was the oldest reinforced concrete skyscraper on the West Coast. It was designed by builder Peter Sandberg and Western Engineering Co., architects, to allow for a 24-story building. Schoenfeld's was well known for its quality furniture and appliances. View of elegant wing chairs and sofas; photograph taken on September 7, 1954. The period and contemporary upholstered furniture was placed in the new Design-For-Living Terrace located on the second floor. (TNT 9-12-54, B-6)
L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Furniture stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Chairs;
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Ekstrand prepare to cut a small wedding cake at their 50th wedding anniversary party on September 5, 1954. Friends and family gathered at the residence of Herbert Medlow on Flanegan Road to celebrate the joyous occasion. Sepia photograph ordered by C.A. Green.
Wedding anniversary. Max and Sara Rosen celebrated their 25th anniversary on September 5, 1954. According to the 1954 City Directory, Mr. Rosen owned Rosen Supply Co., a plumbing supply business. The couple resided at 3201 No. Alder. The Rosens received many beautiful silver presents for their anniversary; candelabras, coffee and tea service, platters, bowls and silverware, all displayed on a large oval dining room table under the glowing light of an ornate chandelier.
Over forty members of Stadium High School's Class of '46 enjoyed a reunion luncheon at the Top of the Ocean on September 2, 1954. This was the third gathering of former classmates since graduation. Plans for a family picnic and a dinner dance were discussed for future reunions. (TNT 9-1-54, A-9)
Reunions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Stadium High School (Tacoma);
Elevated view of Tacoma's downtown and industrial area. Photographs taken on September 2, 1954, from Room 716 of the Winthrop Hotel show a cluster of downtown Tacoma businesses, the 11th Street Bridge, and a portion of the industrial area in the distance. Tacoma Savings & Loan, the Tacoma Hotel, Lincolnshire Hotel and Security Building (formerly Provident Building) can be clearly seen. Smokestacks billow as Tacoma's lumber and chemical mills operate with full staff. Large billboards, placed on the rooftop of the Lincolnshire Hotel, provide advertising information for consumers interested in liquor, fruit and electrical equipment.
Billboards--Tacoma--1950-1960; Security Building (Tacoma); Lincolnshire Hotel (Tacoma); Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Bridges--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Elevated view of Tacoma's downtown and industrial area. Smoke from various lumber and chemical companies in Tacoma's industrial area blends into the sky. Busy plants meant employment for thousands of local residents. The Tacoma Hotel and Tacoma Savings & Loan can also be spotted on the left of this September 2, 1954, photograph, taken from the seventh floor of the Winthrop Hotel.
Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma);
A Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel Corporation crane is in the process of lifting another piece of steel roof truss as work continues on the construction of new hangars on McChord Field in September, 1954. Hangars were used to house and repair aircraft. It appears that instead of being constructed of wood, they were built using steel components. Photograph ordered by Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel Corporation.
Another view of construction of a new hangar on McChord Field was taken approximately September, 1954. Roof trusses and basic frame of the hangar appear to be in place at this time. A crane from Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel Corporation carefully hoists steel components used in the building construction. Photograph ordered by Bethlehem Pacific Coast Steel Corporation.
A Sunnen crane hoists roofing materials to waiting workers on the rooftop of majestic Stadium High School on September 1, 1954. School would begin in a week so repairs would have to be completed by then. In 1954, the high school was nearly fifty years old. Built in the French Chateau style in 1891 and first intended as a hotel, it was converted into a high school and opened on September 10, 1906. The school was placed on the City, State and National Registry. Photograph ordered by Sunnen Auto Freight & Heavy Hauling Co. TPL-10056
Stadium High School (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sunnen Auto Freight & Heavy Hauling Co. (Tacoma); Hoisting machinery;
School principals and directors for the Tacoma School District are all smiles as they pose for a group portrait on August 31, 1954, prior to the start of the 1954-55 school year. The names of these individuals are listed in a brief News Tribune article dated September 8, 1954. (TNT 9-8-54, p. 12)
Tacoma Public Schools (Tacoma); Group portraits; School principals--Tacoma--1950-1960; Central School (Tacoma);
This view on August 31, 1954, of the Tacoma Day Nursery at 1113 So. I St. showed a large, multi-windowed two-story wooden structure. It had a sturdy staircase with handrails on the left side of the house which led to the second floor so that children could be evacuated safely from the upper level in case of emergencies. The Tacoma Day Nursery was founded in 1918 to provide careful supervision and care for pre-school children of working parents. Youngsters attending the Tacoma Day Nursery were read to, learned music, participated in group play and art work. By the early 1950's, over fifty children a day attended the nursery. Funding was provided by the Community Chest with additional money coming from various fundraisers. The original building at 1113 South I St. was later demolished with a new nursery, designed by Lea, Pearson & Richards, opening in 1963 at the same site.
Exterior Tacoma Day Nursery. Started in 1918 as a means to take care of pre-school children of working mothers, the Tacoma Day Nursery by the 1950's had grown to require expanded facilities to care for Tacoma's burgeoning numbers of small children. The nursery received money from the Community Chest (predecessor of the United Way) and supplemented this income with various charitable fundraisers. The 1954 City Directory listed Helen L. Porter as director of the Tacoma Day Nursery.
Western circus acts. Three people demonstrate individual Western circus skills in an August 30, 1954, studio photograph. A trick rope artist seems to suspend her rope in the air around her body while a man in cowboy hat and boots lashes his whip across the neck of a startled clown.
