One of the rooms at the Tacoma Hotel

Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Lobby of the Tacoma Hotel.

Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lobbies--1940-1950;

A.W. (Bill) Olson, food expert for the Milwaukee Railroad, prepared a very special old-fashioned Swedish smorgasbord for the First International Caterers' and Stewards' Association Banquet held at the Olympus Cafe on February 14, 1946. Mr. Olson and his assistants prepared 65 separate traditional dishes. The menu also included imported Swedish Glogg. Waitresses in Swedish costumes helped serve the food, and Swedish music was provided by Al Gruetter. The Olympus Cafe, opened in 1944, was in the basement of the Olympus Hotel at 815 Pacific Avenue. (T.Times, 2/13/1946, p.10)

Hotels--Tacoma--1940-1950; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; International Caterers & Stewards Association (Tacoma); Costumes; Olympus Cafe (Tacoma);

The Olympus Hotel at 815-17 Pacific Ave. was originally built in 1909. In May of 1951 it re-opened after much needed modernization that included new wiring, new funiture, new plumbing and new lighting.This photograph of Becky Barker in a cowgirl outfit, lasso in hand, was taken to help advertise the hotel's dinning rooms. The Corral Room and Frontier Room had a western theme that offered a "Bit of the Old West" to Tacomans and hotel guests.

Olympus Hotel (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Cowgirls--Tacoma--1950-1960; Barker, Becky;

A group of fifty-two men and women have gathered for a Christmas party at the Mirror Room in the Olympus Hotel. Many of them hold packages, possibly presents from the company. Ordered by Mrs. Brown.

Hotels--Tacoma; Mirror Room (Tacoma); Olympus Hotel (Tacoma); Parties--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The "Corral Room" at the Olympus Hotel. Wood siding, a rough beam ceiling and pastoral paintings give this banquet room a rustic feel. The impression of being in a barn is assisted by the painting of a horse peeking out a stall door. The table, chairs and flooring are very simple. The Corral Room was also used as a coffee shop and served cocktails.

Olympus Hotel (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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;

Comus Club dance at Winthrop Hotel, circus theme, Tribune, Mrs. Hosmer. The Comus Club held their February dance, the "Comus Circus," at the Hotel Winthrop February 19, 1949. A thoroughly amused group stands below a circus rider, L-R, Edgar J. and Mary E. Murnen, Mr. and Mrs. E.D. Thompson, and Arleyne I. and Russell W. Ross. (TNT, 2/27/1949, p.D-1)

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Comus Club (Tacoma); Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Murnen, Edgar J.; Murnen, Mary E.; Thompson, E.D.--Family; Ross, Russell W.; Ross, Arleyne I.;

Western Hotels Inc. had allocated money to modernize and improve the Winthrop facilities. They were planning to redecorate and refurbish many of the public facilities, including the lobby, dining room, Crystal and Junior ballrooms, private dining rooms and the presidential suite. View of hotel laundry room, laundry and housekeeping workers are ready to make everyone's stay more enjoyable, photo ordered by Botsford, Constantine and Gardner, an advertising agency based out of Seattle.

Hotel employees--Tacoma; Hotels--Tacoma; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Fisher's style show. Two models show new dresses for the bride and bridesmaid. The bride's dress, modeled by Gail Haberling, is floor length with long sleeves and a sweetheart neck-line. The fabric has a low sheen which looks especially lovely with the calla lilies she is carrying. The veil is finger-tip length with a crescent shaped headdress. The bridesmaid wears a floor length dress with off-the-shoulder triple-ruffle neckline with a net insert to the neck, elbow-length gloves and a no-brim headdress. (T.Times, 3/5/1948, p.13)

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Fashion shows--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fashion models--Tacoma; Wedding costume--1940-1950; Gloves; Veils--Tacoma--1940-1950; Headdresses;

The Winthrop Hotel was designed by W. L. Stoddard and Roland E. Borhek; it was built by F. A. Pratt and A. I. Watson. It first opened in May 1925 and was named after Theodore Winthrop, explorer and writer. In 1940 they began offering residential apartments on the top floors of the hotel. Exterior view of the Winthrop Hotel; photo ordered by Pioneer Incorporated, a printing, lithography and stationary business.

Hotels--Tacoma; Business districts--Tacoma; Signal lights--Tacoma; Pedestrians--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Pioneer, Inc. (Tacoma);

This photograph from December 1949 of the Sabre Room in the Winthrop Hotel shows the popular Tacoma restaurant three months after its official opening in September. Created by Trader Vic to look like an authentic old-English tap room, the Sabre room was decorated in authentic English style and featured open hearth food service where you could see expert chefs prepare the food. The menu included roast beef cooked in rock salt, barbecued ribs, and steak and kidney pie - desert included trifle. The room could seat 110 persons, including the ladies' cocktail lounge. (TNT, 9/24/1950, p.6)

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Lounges--Tacoma; Buffets (Cookery)--Tacoma; Cooks; Waitresses--Tacoma; Bartenders--Tacoma; Bars--Tacoma;

Group of approximately 30 at Winthrop Hotel, Pacific Northwest District of Kiwanis, R. Ralstad. It was reported earlier in the month that Edward A. Lane had been elected president of the North-West Tacoma Kiwanis Club for 1950. (TNT, 11/10/1949, p.C-11)

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Kiwanis Club (Tacoma); Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Broiled steak dinner set up at Winthrop. The Hotel Winthrop was well known for their delicious meals. This photograph shows an elegant place setting with a New York cut sirloin steak with french fried potatoes, garden salad and toasted garlic rolls on display. Additional items on the table include a small pitcher of cream, bowl of sugar, salt and pepper shakers, and gravy boat. This particular dinner special cost a hungry diner $3.50 in 1950.

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Table settings & decorations; Silverware; Meat;

New telephone booths in lobby of Hotel Winthrop, Pacific Telephone & Telegraph, Sales Dept., Morris Hickey. Three telephone booths are seen on the right side and three more are on the left. An open telephone book is provided at the opening at the back. The lower portion of the stand is decorated with nail studs through a leather-like material.

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma); Telephone booths--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Olympus Hotel was owned by Paul Sceva and managed by Virgil West. West had initiated the remodeling project just after he became manager, two years ago. The Frontier Room was accessible through the back entrance and through the main lobby; it was decorated like a 19th century inn, with amber glass and darkened wood rafters, historic murals of Washington State and could accommodate 100 people. Interior view of the Frontier Room, located in the Olympus Hotel; view of bar and restaurant area (T.N.T., 8/29/49, p. 4-5).

Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Table settings & decorations; Tablecloths; Hotels--Tacoma; Frontier Room (Tacoma); Olympus Hotel (Tacoma);

Photographs from A Street side, also from back side and interior of Garden Room, Tacoma Hotel, Armand Marion. The six story, brick Savage-Scofield Building, houses the Tacoma Hotel. The hotel's garage is seen to the left of the hotel. The Tacoma Savings and Loan Building stands to the right. Armand Marion was the owner and manager of the hotel during the late 1940's.

Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma); Savage-Scofield Building (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1940-1950; Business districts--Tacoma; Tacoma Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;

A number of Tacoma landmarks are on view in this image of Saint Helens Avenue from September of 1954. The historic Bostwick Building at right foreground then housed the Brant Hotel with Reed's Hats below. Built about 1890, it stands out because of its unusually wedge shape design. To the left of the photograph in the 700 block of Saint Helens is the Caswell Optical Co., a longtime occupant, with a large billboard for Heidelberg beer positioned on its rooftop. The 17-story Medical Arts Building (now the Tacoma Municipal Building) next door stands much taller than its neighbors.

Brant Hotel (Tacoma); Reeds Hats (Tacoma); Caswell Optical Co. (Tacoma); Medical Arts Building (Tacoma); Commercial streets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Billboards--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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);

Doric Hotel. View of room on April 13, 1964, at the Doric Tacoma Motor Hotel with two double beds, two arm chairs, writing desk and television. Shades are left open on the large window to display beautiful view of Tacoma's waterways. The Doric had opened its doors in August, 1960.

Doric Tacoma Motor Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Color view of large Doric Hotel suite on April 13, 1964. Soft lighting liberally dispersed by the many lamps in this elegant hotel suite. Two pairs of arm chairs and couches along with double bed and modified lounge on the wall-to-wall carpet.

Doric Tacoma Motor Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1960-1970; Suites--Tacoma;

View of two-story Jeri-Lin Motel. The Jeri-Lin Motel, located at So. 72nd and Pacific Avenue, was built in 1962 by Bozich Construction Co. Constructed of brick and wood, the structure had a flat roof and sported dots of various sizes as decorations on its outer walls. The name of the motel, the Jeri-Lin, was written in cursive lettering on one end of the brick wall. An attractive light colored decorated concrete block wall and modest landscaping enhanced the smooth lawn.

Jeri-Lin Motel (Tacoma); Motels--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Winthrop Hotel. Large bedroom suite at the Winthrop Hotel. By 1963, the Winthrop was 38 years old and new management undertook the renovation of the downtown hotel. This room, along with other refurbished rooms, was photographed on August 7, 1963. It contained two double beds, a pair of comfortable arm chairs, large mirror and writing desk. Modern lighting helped to brighten the room. Photograph ordered by the Winthrop Hotel. BU-12178

Hotels--Tacoma--1960-1970; Beds; Mirrors; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

This view is believed to have been taken from the 4-story Doric Tacoma Motor Hotel, 242 Saint Helens Ave., on July 28, 1972. Hotel guests would have a magnificent view of Commencement Bay. Directly below the Doric Tacoma Motor Hotel is the Sky Terrace, an 8-story apartment house. Color photograph ordered by the Doric Tacoma Motor Hotel.

Doric Tacoma Motor Hotel (Tacoma); Sky Terrace Apartments (Tacoma); Commencement Bay (Wash.);

ca. 1979. Architectural detail on the Samson Hotel, 1152-56 Fawcett Ave.

Samson Hotel (Tacoma); Apartment houses--Tacoma;

ca. 1979. The skyline in 1979 was adorned with the ornate turrets of the Samson Hotel, 1152-56 Fawcett Ave. It was built in 1889 and designed by F.A. Sexton, architect. The Hotel was converted to apartments in 1928. After several fires, the building was demolished in 1989. The site, in 2007, is a vacant lot.

Samson Hotel (Tacoma); Apartment houses--Tacoma;

ca. 1979. Architectural detail on the Carlton Hotel, circa 1979. The Carlton was built in 1909 by Anton Huth, from a design by architect C.A. Darmer.

Carlton Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma;

ca. 1979. The skyline in 1979 was adorned with the ornate turrets of the Samson Hotel, 1152-56 Fawcett Ave. It was built in 1889 and designed by F.A. Sexton, architect. The Hotel was converted to apartments in 1928. After several fires, the building was demolished in 1989. The site, in 2007, is a vacant lot.

Samson Hotel (Tacoma); Apartment houses--Tacoma;

ca. 1979. The skyline in 1979 was adorned with the ornate turrets of the Samson Hotel, 1152-56 Fawcett Ave. It was built in 1889 and designed by F.A. Sexton, architect. The Hotel was converted to apartments in 1928. After several fires, the building was demolished in 1989. The site, in 2007, is a vacant lot.

Samson Hotel (Tacoma); Apartment houses--Tacoma;

ca. 1979. Carlton Hotel, circa 1979. The Carlton was built in 1909 by Anton Huth, from a design by architect C.A. Darmer. The sign on the side of the building advertises it as the Earle Hotel, a name used previously.

Carlton Hotel (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma;