VIP party. The massive banking hall of the Bank of California was filled with people on January 18, 1969, as they enjoyed cocktails and catered buffet dining. The Bank of California had recently concluded a month of celebration regarding the extensive remodeling of the 1928-era building. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Receptions--Tacoma--1960-1970;

This room in the remodeled Bank of California may have been used for bank staff primarily. It does contain a steel vault and a U-shaped desk with telephone and typewriter. The room overlooks an office area with filing cabinets against the wall. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma;

Interior - service station. Servicemen and their families had a wide variety of merchandise to choose from in a new service station located on Fort Lewis. Brand name tires, car wax and oil were just a few of the many items sold at very reasonable prices. It would not be necessary to go off base to buy regularly used supplies. Color photograph ordered by the Northwest Area Exchange.

Automobile service stations--Fort Lewis; Merchandise displays--Fort Lewis; Tires;

Newly remodeled trust department of Bank of California. During the summer of 1968, the Bank of California began an extensive remodeling project of its Pacific Ave. location. One of the areas affected was the bank's trust department. Polygon-shaped overhead lighting and arched windows combined with rows of elongated desks add modern touches to the venerable building. Static-free carpeting was added. The Bank of California would celebrate its grand opening from December 11, 1968, to January 10, 1969. Photograph ordered by Bank of California. (TNT full page ads 12-10-68, p. 10, 11; TNT 12-10-68, p. 39)

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Office equipment & supplies;

Safe-deposit boxes. The Bank of California had undergone extensive remodeling in 1968 totaling $600,000. One of the areas being improved was the vault room in the Italian Renaissance-styled building. View of rows of safe-deposit boxes, each requiring two keys for opening. Conveniently located freestanding tables were attached to the ends of the cabinets holding the boxes; bank customers had plenty of room to spread out contents of their boxes for inspection. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Safe-deposit boxes--Tacoma; Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma;

Vault in the Bank of California. A direct look into the vault area of the Bank of California indicates that the bank took the issue of protecting customers property very seriously. Not only did the customer have to proceed through a glassed-in entry and through the rounded vault steel doorway, but also needed to pass through a final entrance secured by bars. Only then could the customer gain entry to the safe deposit boxes within the vault room. The Bank of California spent $600,000 in extensive remodeling which concluded in late November, 1968. Beside the vault area, the main lobby and trust departments were among those refurbished. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Safe-deposit boxes--Tacoma; Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma;

Pacific Lutheran University's Choir of the West performs at the Bank of California. Bringing cheer to customers and staff alike, the Choir of the West made its seventh annual appearance in the Bank of California's grand lobby on December 17, 1968. Business was conducted as usual with the addition of the choir's songs and refreshments offered. Directed by Maurice H. Skones, the Choir of the West also performed in concerts at McNeil Island and Fort Lewis. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Choir of the West (Parkland); Pacific Lutheran University (Parkland)--1960-1970; Christmas trees--Tacoma;

Bank of California grand reopening. Bank of California manager Howard O. Scott (L) shares ribbon-cutting duties with two unidentified men on December 11, 1968. The bank had just concluded a massive remodeling project at its facility on Pacific Avenue and would mark the occasion with a one-month celebration from December 11th to January 10, 1969. The Bank of California had been in its Italian Renaissance-styled home at 1011-13 Pacific Avenue since 1928. Photograph ordered by the Bank of California.

Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Building dedications--Tacoma--1960-1970; Scott, Howard O.; Scissors & shears;

1969 Richards stock footage. Elevated view of part of the Tacoma Mall, featuring the J.C. Penney's store. One of the Tacoma Mall's main drawing points was the abundance of free parking for thousands of cars. Customers shopping at Penney's, located at one end of the mall, could park their vehicles in well-lit spots without fear of feeding the meter. Penney's had closed their longtime downtown store and moved to the Tacoma Mall in October of 1965.

J.C. Penney Co. (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Mall Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma; Parking lots--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Daylight view of the Tacoma Mall Theatre. Customers at the Tacoma Mall Theatre had the pleasure of a fine double bill with "Rachel, Rachel" and "Wait Until Dark," starting at the end of October, 1968, and running for four weeks. Joanne Woodward starred in "Rachel, Rachel" while Audrey Hepburn portrayed a recently blinded woman menaced by thugs in "Wait Until Dark." Woodward's film was directed by her husband, Paul Newman, and was nominated for an Academy Award. At the time of this October, 1968, photograph, the theater had been open only five months. Photograph ordered by the Pacific Drive-In Theatre, Los Angeles.

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

Night view of Tacoma Mall Theatre. Conveniently located in the heavily trafficked Tacoma Mall Shopping Center and blessed with large free parking lots, the Tacoma Mall Theatre was able to show many first-run films such as "Rachel, Rachel" advertised above in late October of 1968. In addition, movie goers were able to watch the suspenseful "Wait Until Dark" starring Audrey Hepburn. The Tacoma Mall Theatre, with its elegant lobby featuring four expensive custom-made crystal chandeliers and 72-foot snack bar, had opened in May of that year. It would remain open, after modification to a twin-theater, until 2002 when it was demolished. Photograph ordered by Pacific Drive-In Theatre, Los Angeles. TPL-6526

Tacoma Mall Theater (Tacoma); Theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Motion picture theaters--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

Federal Collectors employees at work in April of 1969. Staff shown above were women although the collection firm was headed by Ernest Roberts. Federal Collectors was located at 911 Tacoma Ave. So., down the street from the County-City Building, and one of the 15 collection agencies listed in the 1969 City Directory. Photograph ordered by Federal Collectors, Inc.

Federal Collectors, Inc. (Tacoma); Offices--Tacoma--1960-1970; Office workers--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Federal Collectors, Inc., advertised its "effective collections" in the 1969 City Directory. The firm was located at 911 Tacoma Ave. So., close to the County-City Building. Filing cabinets stuffed with files and desktop Rolodex rotary card files seem to indicate that Federal Collectors did steady business. It was headed by Ernest Roberts. Photograph ordered by Federal Collectors, Inc.

Federal Collectors, Inc. (Tacoma); Offices--Tacoma--1960-1970; Office workers--Tacoma--1960-1970;

ca. 1969. South Tacoma Motor Company, exterior view into Service Entrance, during the summer of 1969. A Chevrolet Suburban is parked in front of Credit Manager Lloyde Holstrom's office door. Master Charge sign at top right, Coca-Cola machine with service awards hanging above inside building. South Tacoma Motor Co. was an authorized Chevrolet dealer and was proud to offer qualified technicians. Fast, expert and low-cost, the South Tacoma Motor Co. guaranteed its work. "It's the 'Know-How' that Counts" was used as their motto in the 1969 City Directory. Photograph ordered by Harry S. Pearson, Seattle.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

ca. 1969. South Tacoma Motor Company, Used Car Division. Small ultra-modern sales office with covered driveway, several Chevrolet Impalas, a Chevelle SS, a Buick, a Volkswagen Squareback wagon, parked on lot. Although the building is named "South Tacoma Chevrolet," this was actually the used car division of South Tacoma Motor Co. The structure had been designed by architect William Hocking and had several plants of Asian variety. The 1969 City Director indicates that Beryl K. Price was manager of the lot. Photograph ordered by Harry S. Pearson, Seattle.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Automobiles--Tacoma--1960-1970; South Tacoma Chevrolet (Tacoma); South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma);

ca. 1969. General daytime view of South Tacoma Motor Co. dealership. Located at So. 56th and South Tacoma Way, the South Tacoma Motor Co.'s brick and concrete facility occupied a full block. It was one of the oldest businesses in Tacoma as it started out as a livery service in the late 1800s. The Wallerich family acquired the then combined livery and automobile firm in 1919. This view, believed to be taken in the summer of 1969, focuses on the dealership's multi-glass showroom filled with new Chevrolet automobiles. Photograph ordered by Harry S. Pearson, Seattle.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Chevrolet automobile;

Richfield service station. This Richfield service station was located near Olympia next to an Armstrong Homes office. The service station, whose exact address was not identified, had at least six pumps and offered its customers S&H green stamps. Unlike gas stations of the past, this modern unit accepted Master Charge and Bankamericard for payment. Photograph ordered by Richfield Co., Seattle.

Automobile service stations--Olympia; Gasoline pumps--Olympia; Signs (Notices);

A new Firestone store opened in July of 1969 at 5939 Sixth Ave. in the Highland Hills shopping district. It offered complete car service including brake relining, shock absorbers, front end alignments, batteries and a 40% off tire sale. The facility had six bays so that waiting for service could be kept at a minimum. Dave McCallen, who had prior managerial experience at the Villa Plaza Firestone and an Oregon Firestone, was the store's manager. Photograph ordered by the News Tribune. (TNT full page ads 7-27-69, D-6, D-7; TNT article 7-27-69, D-9)

Firestone Store (Tacoma); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Firestone grand opening. The staff of the Highland Hills Firestone, 5939 Sixth Ave., posed in front of their newly opened facility on July 28, 1969. Besides tires, Firestone offered complete auto service performed by qualified mechanics. Televisions, stereos, kitchen and laundry appliances were also sold at this location. Dave McCallen ( standing second from left ) managed the new store. He was assisted by office & credit manager Roger Boswell, passenger tire sales manager Robert Fisher and service manager Ken Badgley. Photograph ordered by Firestone. (TNT 7-27-69, D-9)

Firestone Store (Tacoma); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma--1960-1970; McCallen, Dave;

The remodeling of Peoples flagship store in downtown Tacoma also included updating the Sportswear section on the second floor. A glimpse into the Sportswear area on May 2, 1969, shows crowded racks of pants on spinners and shirts hung on the wall. Folded casualwear is piled high on convenient shelving. A pair of mannequins dressed in the latest styles are posed adjacent to the Sportwear; a functioning jukebox is plugged in next to them. Photograph ordered by Peoples.

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mannequins; Jukeboxes;

Even into the late '60s, wigs were frequently advertised and purchased by women desiring a change of hairstyles or to supplement what nature had originally given them. Peoples downtown Tacoma store had extensively remodeled their second floor which included the Wig Boutique. The store had hired expert stylists to offer advice and fittings. This May 2, 1969, photograph shows the wide variety of styles and colors of wigs on sale. Pre-styled human hair wigs, machine-tied, were on sale at the time for $29.95. Wigboxes and styrofoam heads were included to transport the items home. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT ad 4-30-69, B-2)

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Wigs;

Russ Dunmire Oldsmobile, general view of agency building from across rain soaked South Tacoma Way. Two men are picketing the dealership at left center in July of 1969. Several 1950s and 60s automobiles, trucks and vans parked at curb. Although this photograph was taken in July, a large sign remained in the dealership's window advertising "Olds Spring Fashion Show." Photograph ordered by General Motors, Portland.

Russ Dunmire Oldsmobile, Inc. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices); Pickets--Tacoma--1960-1970;

ca. 1969. Exterior view of South Tacoma Motor Co.'s new and used trucks, believed to be located at So. 54th and Washington, during the summer of 1969. Customers looking for specialists in Chevrolet service could venture out to three South Tacoma Motor Co. locations. New and used trucks could be purchased at the company's So. 54th and Washington location where all trucks sold had undergone Chevrolet's "OK" program, ensuring that they had been thoroughly inspected, reconditioned and serviced. The South Tacoma Motor Co. was a well-established Tacoma firm owned and operated by the Wallerich family. Photograph ordered by Harry S. Pearson, Seattle.

South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Trucks--Tacoma--1960-1970;

James Will at the Titus-Will Ford dealership. Jim Will and Leon Titus were co-founders of the dealership in 1938. Awards and plaques on wall behind him. Photograph ordered by Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Michigan.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1960-1970; Awards; Titus-Will Ford (Tacoma); Will, James W.;

Ball joint press and gauge in use at Bohannon's Bridgeport Service Station, 11026 Bridgeport Way S.W., Lakewood on September 29, 1969. Stress placed on ball joints made them one of the most common suspension parts to wear out. Bohannon's Bridgeport Service was owned and operated by James Bohannon. Photograph ordered by Lomac, Inc., Seattle.

Automobile equipment & supplies; Tires;

New tire store. Baldwin Tire & Brake Service opened for business in September of 1969 in the old OK Tire Store building. It was located at 1922 Tacoma Ave. So. and offered both new tires and retreads, including El Dorado and Goodrich brands. Front end alignment and brake service were also provided. Owner and operator Leonard Baldwin was a former real estate salesman for Frank Russell & Associates and a retired Army sergeant. Mr. Baldwin is believed to be the second man to the right in this September 22, 1969, group photograph. He was the sixth in the nation to utilize funds available through the (then) eight-month old minority enterprise program of the Small Business Administration. The loan to purchase the tire store was made possible through a special partnership from tire dealers and the SBA to help minorities obtain and operate their own tire business. Photograph ordered by R.H. Gillette Distributors, Inc. (TNT 10-12-69, D-10)

Baldwin Tire & Brake Service (Tacoma); Tires; Signs (Notices);

Baldwin Tire & Brake Service. The large OK sign was still fastened to the roof of the tire store at 19th and Tacoma Ave So. now owned by Leonard Baldwin in September of 1969. Now called Baldwin Tire & Brake Service, the store sold new tires and retreads, emphasizing the El Dorado and Goodrich brands, and also fixed flats for 96 cents or tubeless tires for $1.25. A customer could also have his vehicle's front end aligned and brakes repaired. Store owner Leonard Baldwin, a former real estate salesman and retired Army sgt., was able to purchase the business with the help of a minority enterprise program. This September 22, 1969, general view also indicates the wooded and shrub-filled lot next to the tire store had recently been sold by Wm. C. Johnston, realtor. Photograph ordered by the R.H. Gillette Distributors, Inc. (TNT 10-12-69, D-10)

Baldwin Tire & Brake Service (Tacoma); Tires; Signs (Notices);

Bon Marche in 1970. This is believed to be the first floor (mall level) of the Bon Marche, located in the Tacoma Mall. Sturdy columns are interspersed on the floor, separating various departmental merchandise. The showcases in the foreground tastefully display well-known cosmetic manufacturers' products. Women's shoes and stockings are on separate tables. Aisles were constructed wide so that people could walk through easily without bumping into cases/tables or one another. The Bon Marche was the first occupant of the Tacoma Mall, opening for business in 1964 months before other stores. Althought the Bon started as a local business, it became part of a national concern, and in 2003 became known locally as Bon Macy's. By 2005 all stores were just called Macy's. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche.

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Bon Marche. By March of 1970, the Bon Marche located in the Tacoma Mall was nearly six years old. It was the first store opened in the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center and at 256,000 square feet, the largest department store in Pierce County. It attracted crowds of 150,000 on its first day of business causing massive traffic woes. Even though the Bon Marche would be the only occupant in the mall for nearly a year, business continued to thrive. The lure of plenty of free parking, quality of products and services offered, and easy freeway access drew thousands to shop at the Bon. View of the Bon Marche and attached Cascade Room restaurant; the restaurant was accessible both from inside the mall and outside the building. Photograph ordered by the Bon Marche.

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Actor John Forsythe on stage during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. The theater, with one of the nation's last mammoth screens, has since been demolished. Mr. Forsythe had made a special appearance at the Tukwila theater to promote his new film, "Topaz." ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila);