The National Bank of Washington opened temporary quarters in a 40 foot trailer at the Villa Plaza in April, 1957, while their permanent Lakewood branch was being constructed. Flowers were planted in concrete block borders for a homey effect. Here on April 1, 1957, two men shake hands on the steps leading to the bank. The man to the left is believed to be branch manager, Marc H. Miller. The permanent branch, built on the Villa Plaza's north wing, would celebrate its open house on July 13, 1957. Customers would enjoy a rare "behind-the-scenes" look at bank operations during the open house. The new 50' X 104' structure would officially open for business on July 15, 1957. Photograph ordered by National Bank of Washington. (TNT 3-15-57, p. 9, TNT 7-11-57, A-6)

National Bank of Washington (Lakewood); Banks--Lakewood; Banking--Lakewood; Signs (Notices);

It might have been somewhat cramped in this trailer but the National Bank of Washington strove to provide good service to their customers while their permanent Lakewood branch was being constructed. It appears that the temporary quarters of the Villa Plaza branch was set in the middle of a parking lot during April, 1957. John R. Whisler, assistant cashier, and Marc H. Miller, manager, have nameplates on adjoining desks; there is also room for two teller windows. Photograph ordered by National Bank of Washington. (TNT 3-15-57, p. 9)

National Bank of Washington (Lakewood); Banks--Lakewood; Banking--Lakewood;

A baby elephant teeters on an elevated board under the steady guidance of an unidentified man in a March 26, 1957, photograph. Whether the elephant is performing tricks, or merely testing the strength of plywood, cannot be determined. The board bends under the weight of the elephant but apparently does not break. Sepia photograph ordered by the Condon Co., Inc., an advertising agency.

Elephants; Plywood; Condon Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

The singing group, the Clef Dwellers, pose for a group portrait at the Y.M.C.A. on March 26, 1957. Sponsored by the Tacoma Arts & Science Club, they would be performing in concert on April 3 in the Weyerhaeuser Hall. The Clef Dwellers are a popular 24-voice mixed chorus specializing in songs from Broadway hits. Formed two years ago, they are directed by Patricia Hellenkamp. Donna Welbes provides the accompaniment. Photograph ordered by the Clef Dwellers. (TNT 3-31-57, D-14)

Cleft Dwellers (Tacoma); Singers;

Lobby- bus station. Riders are patiently waiting for perhaps the next Greyhound bus to arrive at the Greyhouse Bus Lines on March 25, 1957. The customer base included a sailor, women in suits and hats, and men in a variety of sport coats. Greyhound would eventually build an ultra modern terminal upon purchasing the Federal Block at 13th; it would open to the public on April 3, 1959. Photograph ordered by Greyhound Lines. TPL-9352

Greyhound Lines (Tacoma); Bus terminals--Tacoma;

A studio portrait of Mrs. A.W. Hoskins was taken on March 25, 1957. She is wearing a flattering small cloth hat decorated with artificial flowers. A double strand of pearls encircles her neck. She also is wearing large square earrings. This portrait was finished in sepia tones. The Hoskins family owned the Lakewood Radio-TV-Appliances store on Gravelly Lake Drive. Mrs. Hoskins is pictured modeling one of the hats that will be auctioned at the Bonnet Parade on April 10, 1957. Sponsored by the Ida S. Baillie Orthopedic Guild, ninety orthopedic guilds would model and auction hats to benefit the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Photograph ordered by Mrs. A.W. Hoskins. (TNT 3-31-57, D-1)

Hats; Pearls; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hoskins, Margarete

Cars fill the parking lot of the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse on March 25, 1957, as the annual Tacoma Home Show continues to draw thousands of local residents. All the space in the massive Fieldhouse would be necessary to house the multitude of booths and exhibits from local businesses designed to attract potential customers. Here a family of four are spotted marching toward the entrance of the Fieldhouse past rows of automobiles. Photograph ordered by National Home Shows, Inc. TPL-9353

Parking lots--Tacoma--1950-1960; Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Memorial Field House (Tacoma);

The location of the annual Tacoma Home Show model home was always kept secret until the day before the show opened. In 1957, the model home, "Oakhurst," was constructed in the Southgate neighborhood at 10103 Montrose Avenue S.W. in Lakewood. Streets around the new home are crowded with cars and there is a long line of people waiting to tour the house. The model homes were built under the auspices of the Tacoma Master Builders Association, a group of contractors, builders and architects who prided themselves on quality workmanship. Sherman L. Rowland was the builder of the 1957 model home; he had also built the 1954 model home, the TX 101. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Master Builders Association. (TNT 3-19-57, C-5)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Queues--Lakewood; Automobiles--Lakewood--1950-1960;

Free admission and a chance to view innovative furnishings and design drew thousands to the Tacoma Master Builders Association's 1957 Tacoma Home Show model home in March, 1957. Here, crowded streets and a long line of people testify to the interest shown in the annual model home open house. "Oakhurst" was located in the Southgate neighborhood; its location was not revealed until the day before the home show opened. Built by Master Builder Sherman L. Rowland, "Oakhurst" lived up to its name with plenty of Northwest woods and a comfortable floor plan. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Master Builders Association. (TNT 3-19-57, C-5)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Houses--Lakewood--1950-1960; Tacoma Master Builders Association (Tacoma); Queues--Lakewood;

Alsco Northwest, Inc. booth at 1957 Tacoma Home Show. Storm doors and windows were the speciality of Alsco Northwest, Inc., located at 2704 Sixth Avenue. Their booth at the March, 1957, Tacoma Home Show exhibited samples of their products. Signs on the booth indicated that Alsco was the world's largest all aluminum storm window and door manufacturer and was the only manufacturer recommended by Parents Magazine, Good Housekeeping and Today's Health. They were sponsoring a drawing for a free Starlighter picture storm screen door, installation included, with the lucky winner to be picked on March 24th. Photograph ordered by Alsco Northwest, Inc.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Exhibitions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Exhibit booths--Tacoma; Alsco Northwest, Inc. (Tacoma); Windows--Tacoma; Aluminum; Signs (Notices);

1957 Tacoma Home Show exhibit. A model comfortably sits on the attractive tile and stone bench adjacent to the open stone fireplace during the 1957 Tacoma Home Show. The Georgia Pacific Plywood Corporation supplied the massive wall unit which holds a set of Compton's encyclopedias and various curios. The last shelf was designed to slant, displaying magazines which would be highly visible and convenient to reach. The Tacoma Home Show was held March 19-23, 1957, at the College of Puget Sound Fieldhouse. Photograph ordered by Georgia Pacific Plywood Corporation.

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Bookcases--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fireplaces--Tacoma--1950-1960; Georgia Pacific Plywood Co. (Olympia);

Exterior view of mausoleum. In the mid-50's, the Mountain View Memorial Park added a Garden Mausoleum. With the addition of the mausoleum, their facilities were complete for all kinds of interment; a customer could now choose between earth or crypt burial and cremation. The one-story Garden Mausoleum appeared to be built of stone and brick with a flat, overhanging roof. Photograph ordered by Clark Richardson Advertising.

Mountain View Memorial Park (Lakewood); Cemeteries--Lakewood; Tombs & sepulchral monuments--Lakewood;

Close-up view of mausoleum as seen in March of 1957. The Garden Mausoleum was the Mountain View Memorial Park's latest addition. Mountain View Memorial's claim was "Everything in one place"; it combined a funeral home, cemetery, crematory, mausoleum, chapel and columbarium into one facility. The overhanging flat roof of the mausoleum provided shelter from harsh Northwest elements. Stone benches were available for mourners. Small metal vases were provided where flowers could be left to honor the deceased. Photograph ordered by Clark Richardson Advertising.

Mountain View Memorial Park (Lakewood); Cemeteries--Lakewood; Tombs & sepulchral monuments--Lakewood;

This happy family takes a walk on the red carpet leading to a chauffeured automobile as they apparently have won V.I.P. treatment from Carstens Hygrade Packing Co. Mrs. Ray J. Freitag is wearing a large V.I.P. button on her coat; sons Gregory and Ronald help to wheel out boxes of groceries, including Carstens smoked products, from the supermarket. Daughter Nicki carries a large box of White King detergent; Mr. Freitag is a salesman for the White King company. According to an advertisement by Thriftway, the Freitags were the first V.I.P family of the week chosen by Carstens. They resided at 6138 Yakima Ave. So. Photograph ordered by Pacific National Advertising Agency. (Ad- TNT 3-20-57, C-7)

Freitag, Ray J.--Family; Freitag, Ray J.; Freitag, Gregory; Freitag, Ronald; Freitag, Nicki; Shopping--Tacoma--1950-1960; Children shopping--Tacoma--1950-1960; Carstens Packing Co. (Tacoma); Contests; Grocery carts; Chauffeurs; Red carpet;

The First Presbyterian Church Orchestra practices arrangements from the Tabernacle Hymns on March 21, 1957. The young musicians are shown playing violins, clarinets, trumpets, trombone and cello with piano accompaniment. They are performing in one of the many rooms located in the massive brick Romanesque structure which was designed by famous architect Ralph Adams Cram of Boston. Photograph ordered by First Presbyterian Church.

First Presbyterian Church Orchestra (Tacoma); Youth orchestras--Tacoma--1950-1960; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma;

A bartender tops off a glass of Heidelberg for a waiting customer as other customers already have schooners in hand. Beer was cheap in March, 1957; Heidelberg on tap cost 10-15 cents a glass, 20 cents for a schooner, fifty cents a pitcher and only $1.25 for an entire gallon. If you wanted to take home a six-pack of Heidelberg, it would only cost $1.15 or should you splurge, $2.25 for two. The bartender could also supply his customers with eggs, pickles, pepperoni, and sardines. He could even whip up clam nectar, oyster or beef stew and chili for those hungry. Photograph ordered by Heidelberg Brewing.

Bars; Alcoholic beverages; Heidelberg Brewing Co. (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Exterior bowling alley. Bowling alleys were often located in nondescript buildings. A large neon sign directs customers to this bowling alley's entrance. Metered parking was available for those choosing to park on the street. This has been identified as University Bowl at 1104 E. 45th, Seattle. Bowling continued to be very popular in the 1950's; leagues flourished, often sponsored by employers, and results of tournaments continued to be reported in local newspapers. Photograph ordered by Western Bowling, Inc. (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Bowling alleys--Seattle; University Bowl (Seattle); Electric signs--Seattle--1950-1960;

Customers in the 1950's could purchase bottled beer in bars to take home. A waitress hands over a six-pack of Heidelberg costing $1.15 to a smiling customer as three other men enjoy a glass of suds at the bar. Although Heidelberg was heavily advertised behind the bar, other name brands such as Olympia, Lucky Lager, and Hamm's were also available for consumption. This bar also carried candy, sodas, eggs, night gowns and even roaring gorilla toys for the discerning consumer. Photograph ordered by Heidelberg Brewing. TPL-8155

Bars; Alcoholic beverages; Heidelberg Brewing Co. (Tacoma)--1950-1960;

This aerial view of Tacoma's West End and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge was taken in March of 1957. 6th Avenue cuts upward through the center of the picture curving to the right as it feeds onto the Narrows Bridge. The road starting at the bottom right and running into 6th Ave. is Pearl Street, with the Tacoma Auto View Theater, 1202 North Pearl near the right edge. The buildings at the corner of 6th and Pearl are the early Highland Hills Shopping Center, 5915 6th Ave.. The bare land just above and to the right of the Auto View became the Highland Hills Golf Course.

Aerial photographs; Tacoma Narrows Bridge (Tacoma); Neighborhoods--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Instead of cutting the traditional ribbon, Mayor John Anderson saws through a foil-wrapped board on Opening Day of the 1957 Tacoma Home Show. Norman Jardeen, general Home Show chairman for the Tacoma Master Builders Association, smiles broadly as does General J.W. Schwartz, commanding officer of the Madigan Army Hospital. Mayor Anderson is ably assisted by four Tacoma candidates for Daffodil Parade queen in this March 19, 1957, photograph. The four young women pictured wearing hats were (L-R): Joan Weller, Sherry Holmes, Debbie Dean and Janice Methven. Miss Methven would be later chosen queen. Not identified was the woman without a hat who was standing next to Mayor Anderson. Photograph ordered by National Home Show, Inc. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anderson, John H.; Jardeen, Norman; Schwartz, J.W.; Weller, Joan; Holmes, Sherry Lee; Dean, Debbie; Methven, Janice; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Mauer Construction built this tidy one-level apartment complex in 1957. Located at 3315 Sixth Avenue, it consisted of four brick units with large view windows. It appears that a new sidewalk has just been constructed in front of the complex. A stylish street lamp is located near a corner of the apartments. According to the 1957 City Directory, Mauer Construction Co. was located at 8307 Nixon S.W. in the Lakewood Center area.

Apartment houses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sidewalks--Tacoma; Mauer Construction Co. (Lakewood);

This two-story contemporary Northwest home was being prepared for the 1957 Western Builders Home Show in March, 1957. Located on a slight slope, the house had a wraparound balcony. There are many view windows on the front of the home. As was becoming more common, the multi-level roof was flat. ALBUM 15.

Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A Philco high-fidelity television is tucked away in the recesses of an attractive wooden wall unit. This Shelton home has an abundance of wood paneling, including louvered doors and cabinets to match. Objets d'art are placed in the wall unit's compartments. Photograph ordered by Merchandising Factors.

Televisions--1950-1960; Doors & doorways--Shelton;

Abundant cabinet space was provided in this contemporary suburban kitchen built by George Barclay Builders. Tiled countertops and a double sink, a built-in General Electric stove with ceiling vent and separate oven made this kitchen attractive as well as useful. Photograph ordered by George Barclay Builders.

Kitchens;

The John and Julia Uglicks residence at 11604 Mount Brook Lane was set in the suburban community of Rhododendron Lanes. Nestled among tall trees, the contemporary rambler style home had an extended porch, shutters and attached two-car garage. A long, wide paved driveway was an added amenity. According to the 1958 Tacoma Suburban Directory, John Uglicks was in the U.S. Army. Photograph ordered by George Barclay Builders.

Uglicks, John--Homes & haunts; Houses--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Members of the Tacoma Association of Classroom Teachers gathered to model a variety of hats on March 14, 1957. Most of the hats seemed to be made of paper and could easily be used for crafts in local schools. The hats pictured were to be sold at the March 20th variety show sponsored by the Classroom Teachers Association to raise funds for the Tacoma Teachers Home Corp. The Teachers Home Corp. was dedicated to raising money for the construction of a retirement home for Tacoma teachers. From left to right are: Marvin Christel, Wilfred Jewell, Al Moffat, Harry Erickson, William Ravey. In the center is Eula May Taylor, chairman of the event. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Association of Classroom Teachers. (TNT 3-18-57, p. 9)

Hats; Tacoma Association of Classroom Teachers (Tacoma); Teachers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A couple take their vows before a military chaplain on March 14, 1957. The bride is dressed in a mid-calf lace outfit with satin jacket. She has one attendant who is carrying her Bible and small bouquet. The bride is apparently putting the wedding ring on her young husband who is dressed in dark uniform. This wedding portrait was finished in sepia tones.

Brides--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Weddings--1950-1960; Wedding costume--1950-1960;

Tuberculosis was still occurring in the 1950's. Medical professionals, hoping to catch the disease in its early stages, urged the public to make use of the mobile X-ray unit which would provide free chest X-rays. Sponsored by the Department of Health, State of Washington, the X-ray unit traveled around Pierce County by van. These shoppers in the downtown area lined up to receive information about T.B. and to have their chests X-rayed on March 12, 1957. By early February, 1957, 58,126 people had received the free chest X-rays. Photograph ordered by the Washington Tuberculosis Association. (TNT 2-10-57, A-13)

Tuberculosis--Tacoma--1950-1960; Washington Tuberculosis Association (Tacoma); Examinations--Tacoma;

Employees of the Tacoma Dental Lab are shown hard at work on March 12, 1957. Dental impressions can be seen in trays accompanied by charts. Lee Siler was listed as president of the firm according to the 1957 City Directory; it was located in the Medical Arts Building. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Dental Laboratory.

Tacoma Dental Laboratory (Tacoma); Molds (Shaping tools);

Klopfenstein's was a well-known men's and women's furnishings store located on Broadway since 1929. They emphasized their line of Hart Schaffner & Marx clothing but also had a fine display of hats. A portion of their store was devoted to Dobbs hats, with illustrations showing proper styles for individual faces. Dobbs came in regular oval, wide oval, long oval and extra-long oval shapes. Gift certificates could be purchased for these hats as they would be suitable for any special occasion. Photograph ordered by Klopfenstein's for Hat Life Magazine.

Klopfensteins (Tacoma); Clothing stores--Tacoma; Hats; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;