Asbury United Methodist Church in South Tacoma has been in existence for over one hundred years. Named after Francis Asbury, a Methodist circuit rider, it was first located at South 56th and Warner Street before the church building was moved, with horse and manpower, to its present location at South 56th and Puget Sound. In April, 1954, a new church building was officially opened by Bishop A. Raymond Grant. It had taken the church ten years of fund raising to build the new church. View of church's interior; red drapes and carpet blend beautifully with wooden beams, brick walls and wood trimmings. (History of Pierce County, p. 12-13, TNT 4-3-54, p. 6)

Asbury United Methodist Church (Tacoma); Methodist churches--Tacoma;

ca. 1954. This photograph of a Tudor-style home was finished in sepia tones and probably taken in the spring of 1954. The large two-story home appears to be made from stucco. It has dormers, a recessed entry, possible lead-glass windows, and a curving walkway. A small dangling shingle identifies it as house #3801.

Houses--1950-1960;

Ben Perham smilingly shows off the watch he was given at the annual banquet of the Pacific Northwest Conference of Savings & Loans Associations held on May 24, 1954. Mr. Perham was the former chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco; the watch was presented to him by Gerrit VanderEnde for his sixteen years of service to the federal institution. Mr. Perham now is the president of a food distributing company in Yakima. View of Ben Perham on left and Gerrit VanderEnde on right, Mr. VanderEnde is the president of Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan in Tacoma. (TNT 5-23-54, C-16, TNT 5-25-54, p. 11)

Awards; Clocks & watches; Perham, Ben; VanderEnde, Gerrit;

ca. 1954. Robert Bisson created a scale model of the National Bank of Washington, complete with toy cars and "landscaping", which would open its South 54th and Pacific location in January, 1955. Bisson's model showed the bank's modern design and large parking lot. The National Bank of Washington's new branch was designed by the architectural firm of Lea, Pearson & Richards. It is possible that Robert Bisson was related to Hubert Bisson who was listed in the 1954 City Directory as an architect for Lea, Pearson & Richards; Hubert Bisson resided not far from the new branch at 6320 South "D".

Building models; Model cars; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma);

Ben Cheney's home. The original Cheney home was burned on January 11, 1949. Cheney was rescued by neighbors from a second story window. This new home was designed by Percy G. Ball, AIA. The Ben Cheney family home in Browns Point was a large, two-story structure with wood siding. This is the west exposure. Multiple picture windows throughout the house allowed residents to enjoy the panoramic view. The master bedroom is on the far left, with another bedroom adjacent. The family room and childrens' playroom is in the projecting portion of the upper floor with the dining room and living room below. The Cheney's six-year-old daughter, Sandra, had a special playhouse of her own; constructed with a porch, chimney, and windows, it was featured in a News Tribune layout on children's playrooms and houses dated July 18, 1954. (TNT 7-18-54, D-1; TNT 12-20-59, C-13)

Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971--Homes & haunts; Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Studio portrait of Robert Evans. Robert Evans posed for a series of character studies in the Richards Studios on June 30, 1954. He is pictured here with a monacle with hanging cloth chain and dressed in formal wear. Mr. Evans was a long-time English teacher at Stadium High School. He was also their drama coach and advisor to theatrical clubs. According to the 1954 City Directory, Mr. Evans and wife Alida resided at 2408 N. Alder.

Evans, Robert; Men--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Monocles; Teachers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

John W. Jankanish farm, Rt. 2, Box 660, Tacoma. Pastures divided by wire and post fencing.

Farms--Tacoma; Jankanish, John W.--Homes & haunts;

Employees of Globe Ticket Company of Washington pose for a group portrait in front of their McKinley Avenue location in June, 1954. The company had moved its business from South Chandler Street to 6002 McKinley Avenue in February, 1954. The business had grown, both in employee size and number of accounts, necessitating new quarters. Globe Ticket printed theater tickets and admission tickets for all kinds of entertainment. According to the 1954 City Directory, Harry L. Jackson remained as vice-president and general manager of Globe Ticket.

Globe Ticket Co. of Washington (Tacoma)--People; Group portraits--1950-1960; Printers; Printing--Tacoma;

Launching of the minesweeper #489 by the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Co.on June 4, 1954. The Martinac company had received a contract to construct nine 171-foot minesweepers for the Navy. The U.S.S. Gallant was the sixth of its type to be launched by Martinac. Its keel was laid in September, 1953; all work will be completed in about a year. Rear Adm. W.F. James, 13th Naval District medical officer, was the principal speaker at the ceremony. The sponsor was Mrs. Walter Meserole, daughter of J.M. Martinac. (TNT 5-30-54, C-12) TPL-8032

Government vessels--Tacoma--1950-1960; Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Families enjoy the hot summer days lakeside in a photograph taken on July 3, 1954 for The News Tribune. Small children play in the sand and swim in the refreshing waters while adults also relax. A boat with motor is prepared to pull interested individuals on waterskis. The waters of the lake are serene with no other traffic shown.

Lakes & ponds; Children swimming; Children playing in sand; Water skiing;

Feeding the ducks continues to remain a pleasant pastime; ducks are shown flocking boatside in this July 3, 1954, photograph. The man at the oars of the rowboat pauses amidst water lilies while his female passengers gaze at the fowl. A sailboat can be seen in the distance.

Lakes & ponds; Ducks; Rowboats;

The Fourth of July weekend in 1954 prompted many families to enjoy outdoor activities, including dining alfresco. Thayer Cheatham, age 5 1/2 and her brother North, age 3 1/2, seated on lawn chairs, watched their father Julian Cheatham's cooking techniques while their mother stood ready with wooden bowls. The Cheathams resided on Gravelly Lake. (Photograph commissioned by the News Tribune.) (TNT 7-11-54, D-1)

Outdoor cookery; Cooks; Barbecue grills; Cheatham, Julian--Family;

Raising the flag of the United States at the Living War Memorial at the foot of the Narrows Bridge for Memorial Day, 1954 were seven representatives of Tacoma's young people: (l to r) Dan Mackle, Sea Scout; Larry Huff, Boy Scout; William Hickok, Cub Scout; Karen Sell, Girl Scout; Valerie Wozniak, Camp Fire Girl; Linda Leith, Brownie Girl Scout and Marlys Farrington, Bluebird Camp Fire Girl. The flag of the United States flew at half mast throughout the nation in memory of those who gave their lives for our freedom. The Living War Memorial, on the south side of the east end of the Narrows Bridge, was dedicated on Armistice Day, 1952. It was moved due to the construction of the New Narrows Bridge, and a new memorial park was recently completed. (TNT 5/30/1954 p. D-1)

Parks--Tacoma--1950-1960; Memorial Park (Tacoma); Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Tacoma); Flag salutes--Tacoma; Flagpoles--Tacoma; Boy Scouts (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Girl Scouts (Tacoma); Sea Scouts (Tacoma); Camp Fire Girls (Tacoma);

A.B. Williams, Mrs. Max L. Maynard and Mrs. Harry Ketell admire prize-winning irises displayed at the Pierce County Iris Society's flower show in June, 1954. The event was held at the South Park Community Center. All three are gazing at the tall, stately Blue Rythmn iris entered by C.S. Shassey which had been awarded the "Best Specimen of Show". A ribbon had been placed on a smaller iris indicating that it had won the Artistic Sweepstakes category; it was Mrs. Ketell's entry. The theme of the show was "Iris on Parade." (TNT 6-3-54, B-2, TNT 6-6-54, A-9)

Pierce County Iris Society (Tacoma); Flowers--Tacoma; Flower shows--Tacoma--1950-1960; Awards; Ribbons; Williams, A.B.;

Rucker Bros. Twin Service Trucking Co., owned and operated by Murrell and Burrell Rucker, hauled lumber for many local lumber companies. They shared space with the St. Paul & Tacoma retail lumber yard which made transporting the wood easier and more convenient. Loads on the four Rucker Bros. trucks pictured here on July 3, 1954, are apparently headed for a Farwest Homes location. Farwest Homes specialized in prefabricated housing which was quick to build and less expensive than custom-made homes.

Rucker Brothers (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lumber--Tacoma; Wollander Farwest Homes (Tacoma);

Judge Waldo Stone, center, is seated in front of the Auditor's Office in this sepia photograph taken on July 1, 1954. There is a marriage licenses sign behind him indicating that office hours were from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The two men in the photograph with Judge Stone are T.J. "Pat" O'Brien and Armand R. Moceri of Sumner. Mr. Moceri would announce his candidacy for the 25th District state representative in August, 1954. Mr. O'Brien would seek election to the post of county accessor; he had been elected constable in 1950. (TNT 8-23-54, p. 9, TNT 9-5-54, A-2))

Stone, Waldo; Judges; O'Brien, T.J.; Moceri, Armand R.; Signs (Notices);

In June of 1954, television host and columnist Ed Sullivan flew out to the Puget Sound region to make a series of personal appearances. On Sunday June 9th at 10:15 a.m. he signed autographs at Ray Ridge Motors, 124 Tacoma Avenue So. He then was provided a police motorcycle escort to 3rd and "L" where at 11:00 a.m., he helped Mayor Tollefson lay the cornerstone for the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. In this photograph, Ed Sullivan, the host of "Toast of the Town," signs an autograph for an unidentified young girl as an Army officer looks on at Ray Ridge Lincoln-Mercury. Others await their turn for Mr. Sullivan's signature. ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Autographing--Tacoma;

Arrival of television host and columnist Ed Sullivan at Ray Ridge Lincoln-Mercury at 124 Tacoma Avenue So. for a personal appearance in June, 1954. Mr. Sullivan's very popular variety television show of the 1950s is noted for introducing many new entertainers. Standing next to Mr. Sullivan is dealership owner Ray H. Ridge. His Lincoln-Mercury automobile dealership opened in 1946. It closed after his death in 1964. TPL-140 ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Ridge, Ray;

Television host and columnist Ed Sullivan signs autographs for delighted youngsters at the Ray Ridge Lincoln-Mercury on Tacoma Avenue during a personal appearance on June 9, 1954. Framed Norman Rockwell print of Henry, Edsel and Henry Ford II, issued for the Ford Golden Anniversary in 1953, on wall. Dealership owner Ray Ridge and former Tacoma mayor John Anderson look on with smiles. Mr. Sullivan, host of a popular variety show, was in Tacoma for the laying of the cornerstone of Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Elvis Presley and the Beatles would make their television debuts on his program. ALBUM 7.

Sullivan, Ed, 1902-1974; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Ridge, Ray; Anderson, John H.; Autographing--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Home portrait of the Weyerhaeusers. This sepia photograph of the large Weyerhaeuser clan was taken on July 6, 1954. Seated in the center of the picture are John Philip ("Phil") Weyerhaeuser, Jr., and wife Helen surrounded by children and grandchildren. Phil Weyerhaeuser was instrumental in leading the Weyerhaeuser Timber Company for over twenty years. His son, John Philip ("Flip") Weyerhaeuser, III, and family were visiting from St. Paul, Minnesota, and had spent two weeks at the Weyerhaeuser family home in American Lake. Another son, George, and family were also present for the gathering; they had traveled from Eugene, Oregon. (TNT 7-11-54, D-2)

Weyerhaeuser, John Philip--Family; Group portraits;

The Tacoma Country & Golf Club was the setting for a luncheon honoring the women attending the Washington State Bankers Association meeting in late June, 1954. Six bankers' wives are pictured on the lawn of the country club in the shade of a large tree. They took advantage of the first day of summer to enjoy the luncheon and bridge party. From left to right are: Mrs. C.T. Chandler, Mrs. James G. Fowler, Mrs. Frank Langer, Mrs. Arthur Ganson, Mrs. Everett E. Reese and Mrs. Lyal Stringham. (TNT 6-22-54, p. 8)

Women--Clothing & dress--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma); Group portraits;

This large neon sign for the 3 Point Motel, 10117 South Tacoma Way, beckoned to travelers on that busy thoroughfare on August 18, 1954. According to the 1954 City Directory, the 3 Point Motel was apparently owned by Fred Haman. The sign's attachments indicated the motel had membership in the Washington Motor Hotel Association and was an approved AAA motor court; the sign was placed in a Perma-Stone planter. The Motel was partially hidden by large shade trees. The exterior of the 3 Point Motel was resurfaced in Perma-Stone; a tough, weather resistant material which was cast in molds on the walls of brick, block, stucco, or tile. Karl H. Kaman had the Perma-Stone facility in town. The product resembled stone and was very durable.

3 Point Motel (Tacoma); Motels--Tacoma; Building materials; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Ben-Dew's Patio Cafe at 6501 6th Avenue opened formally in May of 1954. The new eatery occupied the building that was formerly the Patio Shop, a landmark on the way from downtown Tacoma to the Olympic Peninsula. Tacoma native Dewey Tei had operated Ben-Dew's for eight years in downtown Tacoma at the corner of So. 9th and Commerce; he stated that his restaurant was one of the first in the Pacific Northwest to offer take-out selections. (TNT 5-28-54, p. 11) TPL-8675

Ben-Dew's Patio Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cafes--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

This is an example of American Foursquare architecture, a style of housing closely resembling Colonial Revival. The house is two-storied with a symmetrical facade and deep porch with three columns. It has wood siding on its exterior. It is the residence of Ellis J. Shane, 4124 North Mason. Photograph ordered by Safeway Builders.

Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Porches--Tacoma;

Steve's Cafe, more commonly known as Steve's Gay '90's, was a very popular eating establishment for several decades. Located on South Tacoma Way, it was owned by Stephen O. Pease and John J. Stanley and offered, according to the 1954 City Directory, a "Smorgasbord of American Dishes Served in an Atmosphere of the Gay 90's." The restaurant was remodeled more than once; in the summer of 1954, new "cable-car" seating was added with the names of various streets and cable car numbers attached to the ends of the benches. Powell & Market #505, Angel Flight #62 and Lake Washington/Yesler/Pioneer Square #412 were just a few signs pictured in a July 4, 1954, photograph. A Cable Car Menu posted indicated that French fried prawns in a basket could be purchased for $1.00, half a fried chicken for $1.25 and Steve's Dutch Lunch, only 75 cents. Tasty, inexpensive meals could be found at Steve's along with cocktails and entertainment. The pictured "Cable Car Room" was designed by Bill Knabel Sign & Display Service.

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Exterior view of Public Utilities buildings. This elevated view of the Tacoma Department of Public Utilities headquarters was taken from the adjoining hillside on July 1, 1954. The main building, still in use today, housed the Light and Water divisions. Designed by noted local architect Silas Nelsen, the buildings were constructed of reinforced concrete. Roy T. Earley Co. and Concrete Construction Co. were the contractors involved in this project. The main building is in the center of the photograph which was a four story fireproof structure. The electric shop building and three-story garage also also shown. This photograph was commissioned by Condon Co. (TNT 9-3-54, C-15)

Tacoma Dept. of Public Utilities, Light Division (Tacoma); Public utility companies--Tacoma;

ca. 1900. Copy of customer's print. Employees of the Butternut Baking Company stand in the recessed entry of the business in a photograph possibly taken in the early 1900's. One man, dressed in suit and tie, has his arm casually draped over another man's shoulders. A third man appears to be wearing a calf-length duster while the lone woman in the picture stares off-camera. Photograph ordered by Jordan Baking Co. on June 7, 1954.

Butternut Baking Co.; Group portraits;

In June of 1954, customers at Scotty's Cafe, 29 Tacoma Ave. North, could purchase Tray Vittles, "delicious foods served conveniently", packaged in easy-to-carry boxes. The complete hot dinners, which might have included soup, burgers & fries, turkey and mashed potatoes, and a large wedge of pie, could be consumed at home, in hotel rooms, offices, banquets, and even in cars. In this customer's print made in June, 1954, Beverly "Bev" Loska, dressed tidily in white cap and uniform, displays boxes of Tray Vittles. Scotty's Cafe was owned by Joseph W. Carbone. TPL-2580

Food--Tacoma--1950-1960; Scotty's Cafe (Tacoma);

Copy of customer's print; progress photograph of shipbuilding. Work continued on the construction of the AM 435, the USS Endurance, in the spring of 1952. J.M.Martinac Shipbuilding had won a contract from the Navy to build several 171-foot mindsweepers. The Endurance was the first mindsweeper completed and the largest wooden-hulled vessel built in Tacoma since World War 1. Total cost would be approximately 3.5 million dollars. The Endurance was launched in August, 1952, and commissioned on March 20, 1954.

Progress photographs; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Government vessels--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Close-up display of beer bottles. Pilsener Beer was brewed locally with artesian water by the Silver Springs Brewing Co. View of two brands of Pilsener Beer, Oldstyle and Hartz. Both were advertised as "Extra pale". Pilsener was a light beer with a strong flavor of hops; its name probably came from the Czech city of Pilsen (Pizen). The Silver Springs Brewing Co. were located at 105 E. 26th St.; the 1954 City Directory listed Lyle L. Lane was secretary/manager. Photograph ordered by Condon Co., an advertising firm.

Beer--Tacoma; Brewing industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Silver Springs Brewing Co. (Tacoma); Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;