Exterior of Woolen Cleaners & Laundromat. Woolen Cleaners opened a new location at 5411 Lake Steilacoom Ave SW in 1958. It provided one-day dry cleaning service but the customer could also choose to wash and dry their own laundry. The large sign above the building indicated that it would cost 20 cents to wash a load and 10 cents to dry. Shirts and shag rugs could be cleaned with ease. The modern glass and brick building was separated in two parts with two doors; the dry cleaning portion and the self-service laundromat. Woolen Cleaners was open 24 hours a day and located near the Lakeview Village in the Lakes District. Cliff Antonson, with 27 years experience in the laundry and tailoring industry, was the manager. Woolen Cleaners was owned by John Schiller. Photograph ordered by Woolen Cleaners. (TNT 9-25-58, A-6)

Cleaning establishments--Lakewood; Woolen Cleaners (Lakewood); Facades--Lakewood--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Interior of Woolen Cleaners. Dry cleaning hang neatly on metal racks ready for customer pickup at the new Woolen Cleaners at 5411 Lake Steilacoom Ave SW. Some of the pants and coats are covered with plastic bags. Toward the rear of the facility a man stands in front of a pressing machine. He has bundles of clothing that need to be pressed. One finished man's suit is on a stand behind him. Woolen Cleaners also employed a competent seamstress. Its main plant was on "K" Street in Tacoma; it had been in business for 49 years. John Schiller was the owner of both Woolen Cleaners. Photograph ordered by Woolen Cleaners. (TNT 9-25-58, A-6)

Cleaning establishments--Lakewood; Woolen Cleaners (Lakewood);

Drying cleaning equipment at Woolen Cleaners. View of clothes pressers, possible hot water boilers and large dryer located at the new Woolen Cleaners at 5411 Lake Steilacoom Ave SW. Shirts and shag rugs could be cleaned professionally at Woolen Cleaners; shag rugs up to 50 pounds could be washed and dried. The customer could also decide to use the self-service laundromat facilities at reasonable cost, or utilize the fluff dry laundry service where clothes were washed, dried, folded and wrapped. Photograph ordered by Woolen Cleaners. (TNT 9-25-58, A-6)

Cleaning establishments--Lakewood; Woolen Cleaners (Lakewood);

Laundry facilities at Woolen Cleaners. Besides professional dry cleaning, Woolen Cleaners at 5411 Lake Steilacoom Ave SW offered a self-service laundromat. Customers could use the coin-operated washers and dryers at very reasonable prices: 20 cents per wash and 10 cents for drying. View of long row of Westinghouse washers and Cossell dryers. The facility was open 24 hours a day. It was the second Woolen Cleaners in the area; the main store and plant was in Tacoma on South "K" Street. Both were owned by John Schiller; the Lakewood plant was managed by Cliff Antonson. Photograph ordered by Woolen Cleaners. (TNT 9-25-58, A-6)

Cleaning establishments--Lakewood; Woolen Cleaners (Lakewood); Washing machines;

View of County-City Building ordered by Fentron Industries, Seattle. The modern County-City Building stands nearly completed on September 19, 1958, a stark contrast to the Old City Hall that it will be replacing. The main tower would be twelve stories high: ten for office space, basement storage and a penthouse used for mechanical equipment and a lunchroom. This particular shot was taken by a Richards Studio photographer who apparently climbed to the third floor of the Old Courthouse located to the rear of the new facility.

County-City Building (Tacoma);

Aerial photographs of the Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Co. of Washington were taken on September 22, 1958. The Tacoma plant covered nearly 40 acres of land in the Tideflats near the Hylebos Waterway. It had easy access to motor and rail transportation as well as water routes. Despite its name, the firm did not manufacture table salt but was a thriving chemical concern, initially focusing on pulp and paper customers. TPL-6577

Aerial photographs; Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Co. of Washington (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Richards Studio went aloft on a cloudy September 22, 1958, to take views of the Tacoma landscape. Smoke billows from the industrial Tideflats area. View of city's downtown area includes 11th St. Bridge, City (now Thea Foss) Waterway, heavily wooded Wright Park, and new County-City Building. Streets are neatly aligned with trees on most residential lots. The Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club can be spotted near the right lower corner with its unusual curved streets.

Aerial photographs; Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club (Tacoma);

Improved machinery helped workers in more efficient harvesting of designated logs. Cable lines attached to the rear of a bulldozer haul away two smaller logs. Another log waits its turn to be removed. The bulldozer would also serve as an earth remover to clear paths in the forest. Photograph ordered by Malcolm McGhie, industrial consultant. TPL-9429

Bulldozers; Lumber industry; Loggers; Logs;

ca. 1926. In 1926 a new Jubilee Moon 6-60 from the Bye Thompson Motor Sales Company located at 3320 South G Street took on the steep K Street hill. The K Street hill between Center Street and South 27th had such a steep grade that it was used as a testing ground for the power of new cars. The Jubilee Moon was produced to celebrate 20 years of manufacturing by the Moon Motor Co. (1905-1929) of St. Louis, MO. The car, which sold for under $1,000, was reported to be of European design adapted to American traffic needs. The Moon and Diana motor car agent in Tacoma was the Bye Thompson Motor Sales Company; Bye Thompson was president of the company which sold and serviced the vehicles. This steep, rugged portion of K St. closed about 1960. Holy Rosary Church can be seen in the background. (filed with Argentum) (information on the Moon Jubilee from an August 7, 1926 ad in the Saturday Evening Post)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1920-1930; Bye Thompson Motor Sales Co. (Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1920-1930; Moon automobiles; Dirt roads--Tacoma--1920-1930;

The enormous Grandstand at the Western Washington Fair had been expanded since its construction circa 1908. W.H. Paulhamus served as president of the fair from 1906 to 1925; he acted as announcer and master of ceremonies for the grandstand acts. Hawaiian musicians, Arabian tumbling acts, and parades of livestock entertained viewers in the fair's early days. Later, horse racing became one of the most popular of all attractions on the fairgrounds. View of 1958 Western Washington Fair: Grandstand, exhibition halls, restaurants, and packed parking lots. Emmett Kelly, the world-famous, sad-faced clown, would be making his first West Coast appearance in eight years in twice-daily grandstand shows. For a $1.50, ticketholders could see Kelly, watch the three Zacchinis shot from cannons, admire the Dancing Dalmations, and cheer on three horse races and the cattle parades. Photograph ordered by Puyallup Fair Association. (Souvenir Booklet 50th Western Washington Fair, 1953, TNT 8-20-58, ad) TPL-9295

Aerial photographs; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Grandstands--Puyallup;

This aerial view of the 46-acre Western Washington Fairgrounds, better known as the Puyallup Fair, and the surrounding area was taken on September 15, 1958. Several designated parking lots are crammed full of thousands of cars. Crowds stroll the Midway, enjoying the carnival rides and fair exhibits. The first fair opened on October 5, 1900, and it has run continuously since then, except for the war years of 1942-45. The complete fairgrounds can be seen including the Grandstand, exhibition halls, Midway, restaurants and the three official parking lots. (Photograph ordered by Puyallup Fair Association.) TPL-9273

Aerial views; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Grandstands--Puyallup;

Simpson-Hansen wedding-bride and groom w/flowers and candlelabras

According to the 1958 City Directory, longtime Shell Oil district manager Lawrence Hausam had his offices on the Tideflats at 702 East D Street. The plant had been built in late 1949. All of Shell's receiving, packaging, and distribution facilities in the area were consolidated at the new waterfront terminal. View of exterior of plant; water transportation and rail facilities were close at hand. A warning sign posted on one building advised drivers to check the railroad tracks before backing up to prevent accidents. Photograph ordered by Shell Oil Co.

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Petroleum industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Railroad tracks--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Although Annie Wright Seminary had been at this location, 827 Tacoma Ave. No., only since 1924; it was in the process of celebrating its Diamond Jubilee in October of 1958 when this picture was taken. The first class of 93 girls entered Annie Wright in the fall of 1884 in the school's first building at Tacoma & Division Avenues. Annie Wright experienced financial troubles due to decreased enrollment in the 1930's and increased expenses during the early part of WWII; the school was nearly forced to close in 1943. Headmistress Ruth Jenkins and the Board of Trustees were given 48 hours to raise enough money to pay the most outstanding debts. Friends, alumnae and students rallied to save the school. Annie Wright Seminary continued to expand with a new wing added in 1957. In 2002, the school had pupils from seven states and eight countries and was planning to add a 10.3 million three story addition. (The Shield:1959, TNT 9-30-02, B-1)

Aerial photographs; Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Private schools--Tacoma;

Alan Buchan and his large staff of delivery truck drivers posed outside the Buchan's Baking Company bakery at 3802 Yakima Avenue South on October 11, 1958. The Buchan family had been in the bakery business in western Washington since 1913. The Buchan bakery in Tacoma opened in 1955 when they purchased the Morning Fresh Bakery at the corner of 38th and Yakima Avenue South. The building was originally built in 1919. The patriarch of the Buchan family business became a baker at the age of 14 in his native Scotland. The bakery was known for their "Bonnie Good Bread Baked in Tacoma" which was made of the choicest Northwest wheat and enriched with protein and vitamins. The Tacoma Buchan's was owned and operated by Alan G. Buchan; it closed in 1968 and the building has since been demolished. (Photograph ordered by Buchan's Baking Co.) TPL-9897

Buchan's Baking Co. (Tacoma); Bakeries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Buchan's Baking Co. employees stand beneath a newly erected sign mounted on the exterior of the bakery's brick building on South 38th & Yakima Ave. Buchan's heavily advertised their "Bonnie Good Bread Baked in Tacoma" in its familiar tartan wrapping. It was white enriched bread. These men pictured on October 11, 1958, were in all likelihood part of the Buchan's delivery staff. They are neatly dressed in dark uniforms with bowties and white shirts. The man on the extreme right, front row, is probably Alan G. Buchan, bakery owner. Photograph ordered by Buchan's Baking Co.

Buchan's Baking Co. (Tacoma); Bakeries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Buchan's Baking Co. had recently erected a new sign on their brick building at South 38th & Yakima Ave. Twenty-two men assembled beneath the sign on October 11, 1958, for a group portrait. All the employees, with the exception of the man on the extreme right first row, wore neat uniforms, white shirts and bowties. Each uniform had the company name on a label above a chest pocket. The suited man may have been Alan Buchan, company owner. Buchan's had a large fleet of delivery trucks; it is likely that these men were the bakery's drivers. Photograph ordered by Buchan's Baking Co.

Buchan's Baking Co. (Tacoma); Bakeries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

3 pc. bedroom set at Kegels Furniture

Adjoining Washington Elementary School, the new Nell Hoyt Primary School, 2708 North Union Avenue, was under construction in October of 1958. As originally designed, by innovative architect Robert Billsbrough Price, natural light would flood the four large open learning areas that made-up the major part of the school from large skylights in the domical roofs and from the wall-to-wall glass windows that encased the building. It was named after Nell Hoyt, a national pioneer in the "preschool" movement and a resident of Tacoma. Photograph ordered by Weyerhaeuser Timber Co.

Nell Hoyt School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Approximately 3000 teenagers enjoyed the "Youth Honor Day Dance" held at the Armory on Halloween, 1958. The M.C. or orchestra had been requested to stop the dance in order that this photograph might be taken. Overall view of crowded Armory; several girls still have on their coats and carry their handbags. Skirts are still worn long and bangs seem to be popular with the girls. While an occasional crew cut is seen, boys seem to be wearing their hair longer as well. Photograph ordered by the Loyal Order of Moose, Tacoma Lodge 435.

Halloween--Social life; Teenagers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Dance parties--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Aerial photographs taken on behalf of George Franklin on November 3, 1958, of the South 84th and Pacific Avenue neighborhoods show a growing southend presence in the city. While there appears to be room for development, Pacific Avenue around this area is starting to develop with many businesses. Safeway, Vaughan's Pacific Avenue Lumber and Puget Sound National Bank all are close by.

Aerial photographs; Neighborhoods--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Aerial photographs taken on November 3, 1958, show Tacoma city streets neatly gridded and stretching into the horizon. This area was the South 84th & Pacific Avenue neighborhood. A few large businesses had started to relocate to this southend location including Puget Sound National Bank, Safeway, and Vaughan's Pacific Avenue Lumber Co. Pacific Avenue was a major thoroughfare and businesses located on or near it attracted much drive-by traffic. Photograph ordered by George Franklin.

Aerial photographs; Neighborhoods--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Too cool for swimming now that it is November, but Pacific Lutheran College students can still enjoy the presence of the new outdoor swimming pool. The pool was presented to P.L.C. students by President and Mrs. S.C. Eastvold on May 28, 1958. The Eastvolds were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and their 15th anniversary at P.L.C. The swimming pool is adjacent to three women's dorms. It is 20 feet wide, 40 feet long, and nine feet deep at the diving end. Its heating system is powered by propane gas and the pool has a chlorinating system with water changes every 6-8 hours. Surrounded by a chain link fence, use of the swimming pool is restricted to students and staff. Photograph ordered by McCarty Co. of Washington, an advertising agency in Seattle. (TNT 5-29-58, p. 13) TPL-9354

Swimming pools--Parkland; Universities & colleges--Parkland--1950-1960; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960;

Six employees of the Winthrop Hotel's Sabre Room pose for a group picture on November 12, 1958. The waitresses are dressed in Old English costume as the restaurant featured Elizabethan dishes, focusing on beef. Heavy wooden beams and panels and plain furniture accentuated the Old World atmosphere. The women stand before an Oak Room sign; this may have been a separate dining room contained within the Sabre Room. The Winthrop Hotel was now part of the Western Hotels, Inc., chain. This, and other photographs taken that day, were scheduled to be published in a magazine. Photograph ordered by the Winthrop Hotel.

Dining rooms--Tacoma--1950-1960; Waitresses--Tacoma; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Interior of Sabre Room, Winthrop Hotel. The Sabre Room had been extensively remodeled in 1955 but kept its Old World atmosphere. It featured a predominately Old English menu with plenty of roast prime rib. Flaming shish kebab and English pastries were new dishes added. View of the Sabre Room shows a heavily wooded decor with sturdy beams and an open cooking area. Two crossed swords and a breastplate of armor hang on the wall. Customers could dance to the tunes of the Mary Van Trio on Fridays and Saturdays without worry about feeding the meter; the restaurant allowed two hours of free parking. Dinners ranged from $2.10 upward. This, and other photographs taken that day, were scheduled to be printed in an unidentified magazine. Photograph ordered by the Winthrop Hotel. (TNT 10-14-58, p. 22- Ad)

Dining rooms--Tacoma--1950-1960; Daggers & swords; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

The National Association of State Savings & Loan Supervisors held their nineteenth annual conference in Tacoma on November 12-14, 1958. The 44 men and women were photographed in the Bayview Room of the Winthrop Hotel. Judging from the number of well-dressed women in the group, they were taking a more prominent role in the banking industry. There were a total of 75 delegates in attendance; they represented every state in the union. It was the first time the association had met in Tacoma. W.C. York of Raleigh, North Carolina, was elected president. Photograph ordered by the National Association of State Savings & Loan Supervisors. (TNT 11-14-58, A-1)

National Association of State Savings & Loan Supervisors (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Interior of Shipman Surgical Co., ordered by Ward Smith, Inc. Shipman Surgical Co. was managed by Horace R. Miller. Located at 741 Saint Helens Ave., it sold hospital supplies. A display of wheelchairs fills the front window and a dental chair is close to the front door. Numerous shelves are full of small containers, clocks and scales. Two desks with appropriate office equipment are in the foreground of the photograph. The floor seems to be outfitted in a practical linoleum.

Shipman Surgical Co. (Tacoma); Medical equipment & supplies; Wheelchairs;

View of businesses in 700 block of Saint Helens Ave. Honan's Restaurant was owned by John and Robert Honan. A large angled neon sign is placed over the canopy leading to the restaurant. Included in the restaurant was the Arbor Room cocktail lounge. The restaurant was situated between Shipman's Surgical Co. and Paul's Executive Juvenile Footwear. The Steven Motor Co.'s used car division and the R.E. Anderson Co. real estate firm sandwiched the 1924-built light art brick and terra cotta building. The Medical Arts Building was across the street. Photograph ordered by Ward Smith, Inc.

Commercial streets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Honan's Restaurant (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

It's not too soon to start decorating a business for Christmas, it appears, as these men are in the midst of trimming a seven foot tree on November 26, 1958. These are possibly employees of a Puget Sound National Bank branch. All seem to be having a good time, sharing large grins. The Condon Co., an advertising agency, furnished the tree and decorations. Photograph ordered by the Condon Co.

Christmas decorations; Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Hillhaven of Lakewood was part of the Hillhaven, Inc.'s chain of nursing homes. It was located at 5515 Steilacoom Blvd. and managed by Chuck Gillet. View of nurse/receptionist at the telephone; she may have been examining an appointment book or patient chart. Hillhaven of Lakewood was a 56-bed facility, employing about 40, which opened in October, 1956. As with all Hillhaven nursing homes, it was a one-story unit. There were wide corridors and doorways, air conditioning, convenient hospital beds, and no steps. Hillhaven of Lakewood was built by the Jardeen Brothers. Photograph ordered by the Condon Co. (Northwest Room Clipping files - TNT 10-7-56)

Hillhaven of Lakewood (Lakewood); Nursing homes--Lakewood;