Charles W. Greening, manager of the Lincoln Branch Puget Sound National Bank of Tacoma, stands behind the bank counter and discusses recent bank robberies. He became a hero when he pursued and shot a young bandit who held up his bank January 13th, 1937. The wounded robber was arrested when he sought medical attention in Spokane. Mr. Greening was later rewarded with a watch by the bank's insurance company. (T. Times 11/11/1937, pg. 13)

Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Greening, Charles W.;

ca. 1936. Interior of Pacific First Federal Savings and Loan, circa 1936, showing desks and business equipment behind tellers' counter. For Mr. Goff. (Argentum)

Banks--Tacoma--1930-1940; Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma);

An unidentified bank employee is surrounded by a bevy of beautiful co-workers at the National Bank of Washington company party held October 19, 1940 at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club. The bank was celebrating its 55th anniversary in business. The party was attended by 200 officers and employees from the Tacoma main branch and all surrounding branch offices.

Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Anniversaries--Tacoma--1930-1940; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma)--Commemoration; Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma);

First National Bank of Washington company party held October 19, 1940 at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club. The bank was celebrating its 55th anniversary in business. Guest of honor A.E. Connick, left, of San Francisco, is welcomed by bank director Henry O. Foss. Mr. Connick was the vice president of the Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association of San Francisco. (T. Times 12/21/1940, pg. 14)

Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Anniversaries--Tacoma--1930-1940; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma)--Commemoration; Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma); Foss, Henry O., 1891-1986; Connick, A.E.;

ca. 1940. Remodeled interior of Bank of Washington. Area with 11 desks, file cabinets and customer area.

Business Enterprises - Financial Institutions - Banks - Tacoma - National Bank of Tacoma - National Bank of Washington

ca. 1940. Remodeled interior of National Bank of Washington, Trust Department. Name plates on desks: H. Anderson, M.W. McCarty, R.W. Peck.

Business Enterprises - Financial Institutions - Banks - Tacoma - National Bank of Tacoma - National Bank of Washington

ca. 1940. Remodeled interior at National Bank of Washington circa 1940. In the foreground are several desks accessible through the open wood gate. In the background appear to be teller/customer service units. The National Bank of Tacoma had changed its name to the National Bank of Washington circa 1937. It occupied a handsome structure built of Wilkeson sandstone at 11th & Pacific.

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Desks;

Group portrait at the National Bank of Washington annual company picnic held at Benbow Lake on Sunday August 17, 1941. Benbow Lakes Resort was located on Tanwax Lake, about 20 miles from Tacoma.

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma)--People; Picnics--1940-1950; Benbow Lakes Resort (Kapowsin);

The Tacoma home office executives of the Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association hosted a luncheon on December 17, 1942 at the Tacoma Club for Ormond E. Loomis, Administrative Assistant to the Commissioner of the Federal Home Loan Bank System in Washington, D.C. Executives from Portland, Eugene, Bellingham, Seattle and Tacoma were on hand to confer with Loomis. Pictured left to right are, seated: B.E. Buckmaster, Tacoma President PFF, Loomis and C.E. Buckley, Vice President. Standing, left to right, Ivan Graybell (Portland), A.M. Banks (Bellingham), Chester Starks (Seattle), Roy E. Davison, Louis E. Larson and Frank Cashman (Eugene). (T. Times 6/18/1942,pg. 10-picture)

Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Buckmaster, B.E.; Loomis, Ormond E.; Buckley, C.E.; Davison, Roy E; Larson, Louis E.;

On June 17,1942, the executives of the Tacoma office of Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan held a luncheon for Ormond E. Loomis, administration assistant to the Commisioner of the Federal Home Loan Banks System, Washington D.C. Seated around a table conferring with Loomis are, left to right, A.M. Banks (Bellingham), Frank Cashman (Eugene), Ivan Graybell (Portland), Roy E. Davison, Chester Starks (Seattle), B.E. Buckmaster, Louis E. Larson, Ormand E. Loomis, and C.E. Buckley. (T. Times 6/18/1942, pg. 10)

Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Buckmaster, B.E.; Loomis, Ormond E.; Buckley, C.E.; Davison, Roy E; Larson, Louis E.;

The third War Bond Drive opened on September 9, 1943. People of Tacoma and Pierce County were asked to purchase $19,000,000 in bonds during the drive. It didn't take long for the first million dollars in bonds to be sold. Tacoma Savings & Loan Association bought a block of $1,000,000 of U.S. bonds on September 13, 1943. Shown above are War Bond Drive representatives and officials of the savings & loan: (L-R) general campaign manager for Pierce County Hugo Ferber, vice-president & general manager of Tacoma Savings & Loan Association A.W. Winden, president of the association Alfred Lister, and chairman of the banks/industrial section of the campaign committee Doyle Watt. Association officials commented on the safety of the bonds and urged that the more money invested in war bonds, the quicker the victory over the enemy. (TNT 9-9-43, p. 1, TNT 9-13-43, p. 11)

Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Ferber, Hugo; Winden, A.W.; Lister, Alfred; Watt, Doyle;

In June of 1944 Pauline Gunstrom, the telephone operator at the Bank of California, 1011 Pacific Avenue, was photographed holding a flask-type pint bottle that had been filled to the brim with dimes. The bottle was brought to the bank by an unidentified shipyard worker at the Todd Pacific Shipyards to purchase a war bond. Once emptied the bottle was found to contain 1,125 dimes, more than enough for a bond. (T. Times, 6/20/44, p. 3).

Banks--Tacoma; War bonds & funds; Bank of California National Association (Tacoma);

When this photograph was taken in February of 1948, the venerable Bowes Building, 100 So. 9th St., was home to Tacoma Savings and Loan, one of the pioneer financial institutions on the Pacific Coast. The company had purchased the building in 1920 and added their neon sign above the entrance in 1941. The Bowes Building was designed by the architectural firm of Heath & Twichell and built of white Vermont marble. It was named after its developer Major Edward J. Bowes, who achieved national fame for his "Amateur Hour" radio program. It is on the City, State and National Registry of Historic Buildings. Photo ordered by William D. Hopping, president Tacoma Savings and Loan. (T.Times, 2/26/1948, p.29)

Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Bowes Building (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Industrial edition, Banks, Times, Buzz. A view of the exterior of the Bank of California built in 1928 of Wilkeson sandstone and granite. The four ionic columns, which cost $3,500 each to build, stretch three stories up the front of the building. There were numerous banks and savings and loans with their headquarters in Tacoma at this time and they played an important role in the development of industry and the construction of buildings and homes in the area. (T.Times, 2/25/1949, p.12)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Columns--Tacoma; Business districts--Tacoma;

Model standing in doorway showing size of vault, Condon Co., Morris. The vault section held 10,000 safe deposit boxes of varying sizes, making it one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest. It was of fortress-like construction with the outer walls of thick concrete and an inner lining, including the floors, of 1-inch and 1 1/2 inch inch steel. The massive burglar-proof circular steel door weighed 22 tons with its frame scaling 17 tons. (TNT, 11/30/1949, p.9)

Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma; Banks--Tacoma;

The exterior of the Bank of California building. The Bank of California opened their Tacoma offices in 1928 in this building of Italian Renaissance style with four Ionic columns. It was built of Wilkeson sandstone and granite with an interior of walnut and Travertine masonry. John Graham was the architect. Ornaments have been added on either side of the engraved name of the bank and at the cornice. TPL-8449

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Columns--Tacoma; Architectural decorations & ornaments--Tacoma;

Central Bank held an open house for their new K Street branch at K street and South 12th. At the rear of the new facility were private offices for conferences, finished in walnut panels and divided by folding doors. Safe deposit booths, also finished in walnut and affording complete privacy, were also available in this area. This view shows the safety deposit box vault with the vault door open. The door to an office is open on the left. (TNT, 1/24/1952, p.9)

Bankers--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banks--Tacoma; Central Bank (Tacoma); Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma; Safe-deposit boxes--Tacoma;

Outdoor teller windows at the National Bank of Washington annex provided an early form of drive-up banking. A neon sign announces, "Parking Reserved for Exterior Window Banking". A man is seen at one of the windows completing an transaction.

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Progress photographs on construction of Puget Sound National Bank's temporary Lakewood Branch. The Lakewood Branch opened in temporary headquarters - a 35 x 75 foot plywood building - 10 working days after obtaining the Comptroller's approval. Plans for a permanent building to be located adjacent to the temporary building and on Gravelly Lake Drive were to begin immediately. The permanent branch opened on October 5, 1953. (TNT, 3/8/1952, p.A-3)

Puget Sound National Bank (Lakewood); Banks--Lakewood; Banking--Lakewood;

In December of 1950, William D. Hopping (center in suit), president of Tacoma Savings & Loan, joined the "Kornaires"a barbershop quartet, to sing the praises of his company during the thrift's annual Christmas party. Louis Tebeau has been identified as the singer third from left. The following month, Mr. Hopping announced the substantial growth of the thrift during 1950. Savings increased $793,059.34 to a total of $10,830,421.78. Reserves increased to 8.8% of share liability. 35% of assets were represented by cash, US government, state and municipal bonds. Directors were: George B. Guyles, Charles B. Welch, Raymond T. Winden, and President Hopping. (TNT, 1/16/1951)

Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma)--People; Financial facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Barbershop quartets; Hopping, William D.; Tebeau, Louis;

The employees and their spouses are shown at Tacoma Savings and Loan's annual Christmas party in December of 1950. They are seated at banquet tables arranged in a U-shape. The thrift had been operating in Tacoma since 1899. Ordered by William D. Hopping.

Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma)--People; Financial facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The recently opened National Bank of Washington annex on South 12th Street and Pacific Avenue, as photographed on February 6, 1952. Mondau's Tug Boat Restaurant can be seen next door (on the far right) at 1205 Pacific Avenue. Various automobiles are seen parked along South 12th Street.

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1950-1960; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mondau's Tug Boat Restaurant & Tavern (Tacoma);

Door of safety deposit vault showing locks at the Lincoln branch, Puget Sound National Bank. The safe was from Mosler Safe Company, Hamilton, Ohio. The bank offered a safe deposit vault with all the latest safety features and 1,600 safe deposit boxes. (TNT 10/14/1951, pg. C-15)

Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1950-1960; Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma;

The interior of Puget Sound National Bank's Lincoln Branch showing the backside of at least six teller windows on right and the safety deposit vault on left. The new building was designed to provide the rapidly growing Lincoln district with what bank experts stated was the most modern and up to date service of any district bank in America. The new bank contained large, convenient areas for both customers and bank personnel. (TNT 10/14/1951, pg. C-15)

Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1950-1960; Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma;

New Central Bank branch at 12th and K Street. Interior of bank, man standing in foreground and four employees in background.

Business Enterprises - Financial Institutions - Banks - Tacoma - Central Bank

The National Bank of Washington branch at South 12th and Pacific is under construction. Lea, Pearson & Richards were the architects for the project. Warter Construction Company were the general contractors. This two-story building was demolished in 1970 to make way for the new 24-story office building that was to be National Bank of Washington's headquarters but had merged in Pacific National Bank of Washington before that building was completed.

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Architects; Lea, Pearson & Richards (Tacoma);

In July of 1951, a tunnel was built under South 12th Street to connect the main National Bank of Washington building at the northwest corner of South 12th Street and Pacific Avenue with the new bank annex that was under construction across 12th Street. The six foot wide passageway was built to permit the movement of money and securities between the two buildings without going out-of-doors. It also provided access to the employees' room in the basement of the new building for those working in the main office. Plywood was used to build the forms into which the concrete was poured. (TNT, 7/15/1951, p.B-4)

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tunnels--Tacoma; Plywood; Construction--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Reno Odlin (fourth from the left) sits with a group of employees from Puget Sound National Bank.

Bankers--Tacoma; Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma)--People; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979;

Lincoln Branch, Puget Sound National Bank, view from northwest. International style brick building with large plate glass windows, neon sign over entrance. The building was designed by the architectural firm of Charles and Clarence Rueger and constructed by Industrial Engineers and Contractors, Inc. The exterior of the building is faced with Roman brick with large areas of glass. There are public entrances on both G and 37th streets. In the rear of the building is a large asphalt paved free parking area and on the south end of the building is a drive-through banking window. The building was constructed so that a second story could be added, if needed. (TNT 10/14/1951, pg. C-15)

Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;

It was a brisk 49 degrees in April 1971 when this photograph of the National Realty Building, then Puget Sound National Bank, was taken from a building across the street. The building was sandwiched between Peoples department store and the National Bank of Washington (later home to the Tacoma Art Museum). The landmark structure, with its familiar spire, was at one time the tallest building on the West Coast, and the first built to withstand earthquakes. Puget Sound National Bank, established in 1890, would promote itself as an independent, "hometown" bank. It would merge with Key Bank in 1993. Photograph ordered by De Vac, Minneapolis, MN.

Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Peoples (Tacoma);