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;
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)
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;
ca. 1909. The First Bank in Wilkeson, WA. Four men stand in front of the bank. The man at the far right is probably Tobie J. Anderson, the cashier at the bank. The man in the long coat and bowler hat is probably W. H. Pringle, the president of the bank. From the collection of N. P. Anderson. TPL-9752
Banks--Wilkeson--1900-1910; First Bank (Wilkeson);
This photograph from November 1920 shows one of the huge 32 ton beams of the framework for the Scandinavian -American Bank nearing its resting place. The erectors stand on top of the beam, ready to secure it in position. The design for the bank called for 16 stories with 22 rooms per floor with 5,000 feet of rentable space. The 11th Street entrance would open on a 26 foot wide court with a huge colored glass dome forming the ceiling for the massive banking room below. The bank failed in January of 1921 and construction was halted. The building, after a re-design, was completed in 1925 and was renamed the Washington Building. (TDL 11/14/1920, pg. B-7) BU 10, 759, Boland B 3235
Scandinavian-American Bank (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930; Construction industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;
The foreman and crew of "erectors" for the Scandinavian-American Bank being built at 1019 Pacific Avenue were photographed during a pause in work in November of 1920. The erectors were responsible for raising the 32-ton beams and 60-foot steel columns into position. The 12 men were handpicked for their steady nerves, even tempers and ability to work as team players. The first two floors alone contained over 1,000 tons of steel. The planned 16 story building rose beam by beam until January of 1921 when the bank failed and construction was shut down. The building was eventually completed in 1925 for the Washington-California Co. and named the Washington Building. (TDL 11/14/1920, pg. B-7) BU-10760, Boland B 3244, TPL-9548
Scandinavian-American Bank (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930; Construction industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;
One of the "erectors" dangles high in the air in this November 1920 photograph, attaching chains and wires that will pull the 60 foot column into position at the Scandinavian-American Bank (now the Washington Building) construction site. The skeleton of the building was put together by the erectors, who were followed by the riveters. As designed, the building would ascend to 16 stories. Over 1,000 tons of steel were used in the first 2 floors alone. (TDL 11/14/1920, pg. B-7) BU 10, 756, Boland B 3212
Scandinavian-American Bank (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930; Construction industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;
The "erectors" get one of the massive 32 ton steel beams into position at the construction site of the Scandinavian-American Bank (later the Washington Building) in this November 1920 photograph. The beams were lifted into place by a pulley system and then rivetted. Because the main banking room, when completed, would be the largest open space on the Pacific Coast without a supporting pillar or post, the massive cross beams required specially designed lifting equipment. When completed, the room was to measure 60 feet frontage, 100 feet deep and 30 feet from floor to ceiling. However, construction was halted when the bank failed in 1921. The building was resold, redesigned and completed in 1925 as the Washington Building. (TDL 11/14/1920, pg. B-7) BU 10, 758, G17.1-122 TPL-9944
Scandinavian-American Bank (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930; Construction industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;
Photographer Marvin Boland's notes indicate that this was the bank vault at the Scandinavian American Bank in December of 1920. At that time the bank was building a 16-story structure at 1019 Pacific Avenue. While the new building was being constructed, the bank conducted business at a temporary location at South 13th and Pacific. The bank failed in January of 1921 and construction stopped. The building remained unfinished until 1925 and is now known as the Washington Building. G34.1-019
Scandinavian-American Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma;
Tacoma Savings & Loan Association operations. The office staff of the Tacoma Savings & Loan Association, 100 So. 9th St. in downtown Tacoma, is pictured on September 12, 1923, conducting daily operations. An unidentified woman is making an entry on a ledger while her co-worker, seated at a large adding machine, observes. The Tacoma Savings & Loan Association, with assets (then) of over 3 1/2 million, was located in the white marbled Bowes Building. It was established in 1899 and was one of the city's oldest financial institutions. G13.1-009
Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Office workers--Tacoma--1920-1930;
ca. 1924. The National Bank of Tacoma. Several men in overcoats gather around the exterior of the National Bank of Tacoma. The National Bank of Tacoma had its main branch at 1123 Pacific and two branches, one on "K" St. and one at 713 So. 38th St. (WSHS- negative A616-0)
National Bank of Tacoma (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma--1920-1930;
Agency of the National Bank of Tacoma. A crowd is gathered at the door of the branch office of the National Bank of Tacoma, 713 So. 38th St., in the John Griffith building. On February 7, 1925, branch bank manager Harry Schmidt was shot in the back and robbed in front of the bank while transporting money by streetcar. The bandits made off in an automobile with $3400. The National Bank of Tacoma then closed both of its branch agencies, here and on K St., citing the lack of security available when transporting money and the risk to employees. The K St. branch had been robbed the previous December. (TDL 2/8/1925, pg. 1; TNT 2/7/1925, pg. 1- picture) (filed with Argentum)
National Bank of Tacoma (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma--1920-1930;
The Roy State Bank was built in 1908 in the peaceful farming community of Roy near McNaught and Water Streets. Bank robbers brought unwanted excitement to the small town in the 1920s. It was held up in 1921, 1924, and 1928; this photograph was taken on the day of the last robbery, April 2, 1928. A young male bandit stole $3500 in currency just before closing time. Impacted by the Depression, the bank closed in 1931; it burned down the following year. TPL-2547; G73.1-064 (TDL 4-3-28, p. 1-article on bank robbery)
Pacific Savings & Loan Association occupied the Equitable Building (former location of the Merchants National Bank) in 1928. Other tenants included Crown Drugs and Pyro-Kure Dentists. The building adjoining the Equitable Building was the home of the F.W. Woolworth 5 & 10 cent store.
The Central Bank, located at Sixth & Pine, was one of the main occupants of the Hendry Block in 1928. William Hendry built the brick building in late 1924 and Central Bank opened its doors in March of the following year. Other tenants included a dentist, a physician, a printing firm and radio shop. TPL-8201; G18.1-042; BU-10,803;
Central Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Hendry Block (Tacoma);
An automobile crashed into the Central Bank, at 2816 6th Ave., early in the morning on Friday August 24, 1934 tearing a hole in the brick wall. Ellis Ayr Smith and Frances Urch, employees of the bank, examine the damage. The car driven by 20 year old Charles Arwood skidded 40 feet on a slippery street, slammed into the wall of the bank and introduced "drive through" banking to Tacoma. Arwood and his passenger Dorothy Roberts both escaped without serious injury. (T. Times 8/31/1934)
Central Bank (Tacoma); Smith, Ellis-Ayr; Urch, Frances; Traffic accidents--Tacoma--1930-1940; Accidents--Tacoma--1930-1940;
Elegant, but simple, interior of the Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association building. Elaborate grill work and Art Deco-style ceiling light fixtures. Free-standing panels display house plans.
Banks--Tacoma--1930-1940; Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma);
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);
In January of 1937, Charles W. Greening, manager of the Lincoln Branch of the Puget Sound National Bank of Tacoma, stood behind the bank counter while holding a 30-30 caliber rifle crooked over his arm. He became a local hero when he pursued and shot a young bandit who held up his bank on January 13th, 1937. Mr. Greening commandeered a passing car and fired three shots at the fleeing automobile driven by the robber. 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 1-13-37, p. 1-photograph & article; 11/11/1937, pg. 13-article on award)
Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Greening, Charles W.; Robberies--Tacoma--1930-1940;
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.;
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. 1938. National Bank of Washington, South 12th and Pacific Avenue. Sandstone renaissance style building designed by Sutton, Whitney and Dugan, Architects in 1920 for National Bank of Tacoma on site previously occupied by the Rudolph Knabel Bakery. The structure is listed on the National Registry. (filed with Argentum)
National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
ca. 1938. National Bank of Washington, South 12th and Pacific Avenue. Sandstone renaissance style building designed by Sutton, Whitney and Dugan, Architects in 1920 for National Bank of Tacoma on site previously occupied by the Rudolph Knabel Bakery. (filed with Argentum)
National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;
Apple display at National Bank of Washington. Elevated view of bank lobby, shows two women with baskets of apples dispensing them to customers, also apple posters suspended overhead. Saturday, November 4th, 1939 was designated as "Apple Day" and the month of November as "Apple Month" in a state and national campaign to advertise the Washington apple and dispense of surplus apples. Foreign markets for apples had dried up due to the war in Europe, causing an over-abundance of apples available domestically. All retail stores were asked to display apples and serve them to their customers on Apple Day. (T. Times 11/2/1939, pg. 18)
Apple display at National Bank of Washington. People lined up on either side at tellers. Two women in matching pants outfits are giving out apples from a basket. November 4th, 1939 was designated as "Apple Day" in a state and national campaign to advertise Washington apples. Washington was also trying to dispose of a surplus of apples, caused by the loss of foreign markets due to the war. Shipping apples to Europe was impossible and Washington was glutted with apples. Retailers were asked to display apples and serve them to their customers on Apple Day, with the admonition to "eat more apples." (T. Times 11/2/1939, pg. 18)
Two unidentified young women handed out free apples at the National Bank of Washington, 1123 Pacific Ave., on Saturday November 4, 1939, which had been designated "Apple Day" by Mayor Joseph J. Kaufman. In the fall of 1939, the war in Europe had almost completely stopped sales of Washington state apples to overseas markets. November was declared "Apple Month"; all retailers were asked to display apples, and Tacoma residents were asked to consume apple pies, applesauce, baked apples and other apple treats as part of their daily diet. (T. Times 11/2/1939, pg. 18)
