A interior of General Paint Corporation's new wholesale building showing the displays of wallpapers, paints and varnishes. Stepladders have been used in the display window on the left. Ordered by John Jones.

General Paint Corp. (Tacoma); Mercantile facilities--Tacoma; Paints & varnishes; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Puget Sound National Bank, Lincoln Branch. Back of teller area showing stool, cupboards, cubbies for forms and adding machines. Herbert Hunt, popular Lincoln Branch manager, who had been with the bank for 20 years, increased the bank's staff to accommodate the larger facilities. (TNT 10/14/1951, pg. C-15)

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

In October of 1951, Associated Grocers was celebrating the opening of two stores in Tacoma. John Tipton's Associated Grocers Food Market (pictured), located at South 72nd and Oakes, was new to the organization. Mr. Tipton had 23 years experience in owning and operating grocery and meat markets locally. He was assisted by Roy Mercer in the meat market. His new store had plenty of parking with a large adjoining lot. The other Associated Grocers Food Market at 764 South 56th St. was re-opening after being closed for several months due to a fire. The store was completely renovated and equipped with the latest modern machinery. The structure was built in 1937 and previously operated as Frank Mosier's Meat Market and Ben's Economy Groceteria. After the 1951 renovation, it was managed by John W. Fagerholm (groceries & produce) and John Hein (meat market.) The total of AG chain stores in the area was now 13 with the addition of these two stores. (TNT ad 10-11-51, A-6; A-9-article)

Tipton's Associated Grocers Food Store (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The men of Mueller-Harkins Buick Customer Relations Department stand by the entrance to the service department. The two men on the left are not identified. The other men stand by plaques with their names, L-R, Phil Triplett, Jesse Hyde, Ed Mottle, John Moon.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Triplett, Phil; Hyde, Jesse; Mettle, Ed; Moon, John;

Three unidentified mechanics posed in the Buick "Lubricare" service area at the Mueller-Harkins Buick dealership at 455 Saint Helens Avenue on June 6, 1951. The clean, efficient service bays were equiped with overhead, pull-down hoses that supplied grease and air to the mechanics. Mueller-Harkins celebrated their 35th year in business in 1951 by offering a free "Lubricare" to every Buick owner in Pierce County whose 35th birthday fell during the 1951 calendar year.

Buick automobile; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The boiler at Consumers Central Heating's heating plant.

Consumers Central Heating Co. (Tacoma); Heating & ventilation industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Mirror Room in the basement of the Olympus Hotel. Dining room with dance floor and stage with band equipment, surrounded by tables. Ordered by Mr. Turril. Original building by Carl August Darmer and Otis Cuttting, Architects, 1909.

Hotels--Tacoma; Olympus Hotel (Tacoma); Dance floors--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A bathroom has been fitted with all the essentials in a very small space. Dark, glossy tiles have been chosen for the shower area around the bathtub. Lace curtains hang beside the window fitted above the tub. Linoleum tile has been used for the floor. This bathroom was featured in one of the houses recently built by Lakeview Builders in the lakeview district on Bridgeport Way. (TNT, 6/24/1951, p.A-3)

Lakeview Builders, Inc. (Lakewood); Bathrooms--Lakewood--1950-1960;

The exterior of an entry to one of the new Trendmaker Homes at Skyline Drive and Heatherwood. The home was built by Miller Construction Co., Inc. The entry-way is covered by a roof running perpendicular to the house and includes a decorative trellis and large planter box. Ordered by Wollander Trendmaker Homes, Joe Heatley.

Miller Construction Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Housing developments--Tacoma; Construction industry--Tacoma; Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Wollander Trendmaker Homes (Tacoma);

The exterior of a new Trendmaker Homes at Skyline Drive and Heatherwood built by Miller Construction Co., Inc., and designed by W.A. Wollander. This rambler has six rooms with 3 bedrooms. It combines indoor and outdoor living and typified the new conception of building for northwest living with a trend away from steep, snow-slide roofs. Ordered by Trendmaker Homes, Joe Heatley. (TNT, 9/9/1951, p.B-3)

Miller Construction Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Housing developments--Tacoma; Construction industry--Tacoma; Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Wollander Trendmaker Homes (Tacoma);

The interior of one of the new Trendmaker Homes at Skyline Drive and Heatherwood built by Miller Construction Co., Inc., showing the open floor-plan between the living room, and dining room. The wood paneling lining the open-beam ceiling extends to the mantel of the brick fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling windows extend from the kitchen area to the fireplace. A woven-grass rug covers the floor. Ordered by Wollander Trendmaker Homes, Joe Heatley.

Miller Construction Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Housing developments--Tacoma; Construction industry--Tacoma; Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Wollander Trendmaker Homes (Tacoma); Living rooms--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fireplaces--Tacoma--1950-1960;

26 adults and 14 children who attended Paramont Stainless Steel Corp.'s company picnic on June 30, 1951, have gathered for a group portrait at picnic tables. Paramount Stainless Steel was located at 3700 S.E. Belmont, Portland, Oregon. Ordered by John Barnnester.

Paramount Stainless Steel Corp. (Portland)--Employees; Picnics--Portland--1950-1960;

In 1951 there were five taverns on Pacific Avenue between South 11th and South 13th streets. One of them was the Rainbow Tavern located at 1221 Pacific Avenue. The bar was crowded on this June, 1951, night with patrons at the counter and one woman intently playing on a shuffleboard bowling machine. According to the 1951 City Directory, the Rainbow Tavern was owned by Francis E. Bailey.

Rainbow Tavern (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma;

A view, taken in June of 1951, of the interior of the Rainbow Tavern showing customers seated at the counter, at booths along the far wall and playing amusement machines placed in the middle of the floor. Jukebox listings are available from a selector box at the counter and in the booths. The jukebox is standing along the far wall between two booths.

Rainbow Tavern (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Jukeboxes;

Ridgecrest Super Market, a Super IGA Market, is located at the other end of this small shopping center in the Northgate shopping area. Ordered by Phares Advertising. (See A58,851-49)

Stores & shops--Tacoma; Shopping centers--Seattle; Ridgecrest Super Market (Seattle);

Pile driving at Tacoma Drug. Ordered by Raymond Concrete Pile Company, Seattle.

Tacoma Drug Co. (Tacoma); Business enterprises--Tacoma--1950-1960; Raymond Concrete Pile Co. (Seattle);

The opening ceremony of Sears Roebuck and Company's new triple deck parking garage was held June 7, 1951. Several weeks of extensive construction activity by Woodworth and Company completed the project in record time. The 50' by 100' Sears Farm Store building was razed in January 1951 to make way for the garage. Central Market can be seen across the street at 1120 Market as well as Corbits Poultry at 1142 Market. Ordered by Sears Roebuck & Company, Don Anderson. (TNT, 6/6/1951, p.B-6)

Sears, Roebuck & Co. (Tacoma); Parking garages--Tacoma--1950-1960; Building dedications--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Beautician's chair and standing hair dryer at Town and Country Beauty Salon, Inc. located at 815 Pacific Ave. The folding counter has a sink underneath so that the stylist can wash, cut & style hair all in one location. Mrs. E.L. Heaston was president, Mrs. A.M. Bod was vice-president & treasurer and H. G. Geer was secretary.

Beauty shops--Tacoma--1950-1960; Town & Country Beauty Salon, Inc. (Tacoma);

This photograph of the Poodle Dog restaurant, owned by E. J. "Jim" Zarelli and Rocco "Mac" Manza, was taken in May of 1951 after it was rebuilt for the second time in 1949. The pair opened the original Poodle Dog as a 13 stool hamburger and short order cubicle in 1933. In 1939, it was torn down to accommodate a new Spanish style building. As materials became available after World War II, that building was torn down in 1949 and replaced by the one pictured, designed by Thomas Albert Smith. The building's interior design was a model of labor saving devices. In 1967 this building was demolished and yet another, new Poodle Dog was built. (TNT 11/08/1949) TPL-9690

Poodle Dog (Fife); Restaurants--Fife--1950-1960;

Five workers from the 72nd Street Serve & Save gasoline station pose for their portrait. A Conoco sign is seen to the left of the gasoline pump and a rack of Valvoline oil is below the sign. Ordered by Time Oil.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gasoline pumps--Tacoma--1940-1950; Time Oil Co. (Tacoma); Seventy-Second Street Serve & Save (Tacoma);

The temporary quarters for the new Puget Sound National Bank on K Street were two war-surplus Quonset-type buildings joined by a shared entrance. Located on So. 11th and "L" Streets, the bank was constructed and opened within 10 days. On June 25, 1951, the doors were opened to bank customers. It took an additional 13 months to build the permanent K Street branch. In the meantime, the bank did not lose its sense of humor regarding the temporary branch; it commissioned a commercial artist to paint a sign showing a can opener with the caption, "This is the key to Puget Sound National Bank." (Provorse: Banking on Independence, p. 106)

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

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);

In this September 18, 1951, photograph, a man has a dynamometer attached to a Tacoma Transit bus and appears to be studying the readings from it. This dynamometer is manufactured by the Clayton Manufacturing Company of El Monte, California, and is an apparatus that measures the mechanical power of an engine. The bus is parked in the Tacoma Transit garage at 13th and Sprague. The tranit garage was built in 1950. TPL-7632

Tacoma Transit Co. (Tacoma); Buses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electrical apparatus;

The Thomas Bros. Foodliner in University Place had its grand opening in September, 1951. Owned and operated by Al, Frank and Joe Thomas, it was a modern supermarket with self-service meat department, refrigerated produce, high speed conveyor checkstands, and even automatic doors. Thomas Bros. carried a wide variety of foods, including this row of Chun King chow mein, mixed vegetables and Hunt's tomatoes. View of canned foods, lightbulbs. (TNT 9-12-51, A-6, A-10, A-11)

Thomas Bros. Foodliner (University Place); Grocery stores--University Place--1950-1960; Merchandise displays; Food--University Place--1950-1960;

View of Tradewell grocery store. Tradewell Stores had three grocery stores in the Tacoma area by the early 1950's. They were modern supermarkets with wide aisles, multiple checkout lanes, and self-service meat and produce departments. Angled view of interior of Tradewell store; rows of canned goods, checkout lanes; bold patterned linoleum. Photograph taken approximately in late fall, 1951.

Tradewell Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cash registers; Scales;

View of grocery store. Tradewell Stores had three grocery stores in the Tacoma area in the early 1950's: 6134 Motor Ave. S.W., 5605 Pacific Ave. and 3601 6th Ave. View of interior of a Tradewell grocery; at least three checkout lanes with scales, cash registers, and cigarettes under the counter. There were wide aisles so customers could shop comfortably; Tradewell also had self-service meat departments where meat was already pre-packaged and ready for purchase. Photograph taken probably in the late fall, 1951.

Tradewell Stores, Inc. (Tacoma); Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Scales; Cash registers;

Vaudeville Party at the Top of the Ocean, photograph ordered by Tacoma Actors Guild. Group of men and women seated at tables with Bingo cards. For Tacoma Actors Guild, Frank Murtough.

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

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;

A tractor and implements are displayed in Buck & Sons showroom with Christmas decorations suggesting a gift for Christmas 1950. The tractor has been covered with plastic wrap.

Buck & Sons Tractor & Implement Co. (Tacoma); Tractors--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Showrooms--Tacoma--1950-1960;

William Farrell, Tacoma's first resident architect, arrived in the fall of 1883, immediately set-up his architectural office and was inundated with work. One of his first commissions was this brick building at 715-17 Pacific Avenue for Dr. Bostwick; the rear portion facing South 8th Street was added after 1893. Another of Farrell's commissions was the prestigious, new Chamber of Commerce Building at 12th and Pacific which necessitated hiring a partner, Carl August Darmer. Together, Farrell & Darmer designed many of the brick buildings built in the 1880s along the west side of Pacific Avenue between South 9th and 13th Streets. In this 1948 photograph, Western Auto Supply Company occupies the storefronts of the Dr. Bostwick Building and the Nelson Bennett Building at 713 Pacific. North Pacific Bank Note Company occupies the buildings' upper story.

Western Auto Supply Co. (Tacoma); Commercial facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile equipment & supplies; North Pacific Bank Note Co. (Tacoma); Printing industry--Tacoma; Buildings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Farrell, William;