Fife's Poodle Dog restaurant was opened in 1933, added on and renovated in 1939, demolished and rebuilt in 1949 at the same location. The famous restaurant would be rebuilt once more in 1967. Richard's Commercial Photography would be displaying a photo mural at the restaurant. Interior view of the Poodle Dog restaurant in Fife; view of the Dining Room, showing photographs by Richard's Studio and domed jukebox. TPL-9686

Photographs; Photography--Tacoma; Dining tables; Dining rooms--Fife; Jukeboxes; Murals--Fife; Interior decoration; Restaurants--Fife; Poodle Dog (Fife);

The Last Round Cafe was located at 1516 Broadway in Tacoma's downtown district; this building was built in 1889. The restaurant was owned and operated by William M. Hamilton. Exterior view of the Last Round Cafe; restaurant signs and "Open Day & Nite" signs on windows. Photo ordered by the Washington State Liquor Board for the tavern's liquor license.

Restaurants--Tacoma; Business enterprises--Tacoma; Parking meters--Tacoma--1940-1950; Taverns (Inns)--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Last Round Cafe (Tacoma);

The Last Round Cafe was located at 1516 Broadway in Tacoma's downtown district. The restaurant was owned and operated by William M. Hamilton. Interior view of the Last Round Cafe; stools and bar area on left side, doorway leading into the kitchen on left corner area; eating booths and jukebox on right side of restaurant. Photo ordered by the Washington State Liquor Board for the tavern's liquor license.

Restaurants--Tacoma; Taverns (Inns)--Tacoma; Kitchens--Tacoma--1940-1950; Seating furniture--Tacoma; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Jukeboxes; Last Round Cafe (Tacoma);

The famous Poodle Dog restaurant has been demolished, rebuilt and reopened three times, all at the same location in Fife. The restaurant was first opened in 1933 by E.J. "Jimmy" Zarelli and Rocco "Mac" Manza", added on in 1939, then rebuilt in 1949 and 1967. View of Poodle Dog's cooks, waitresses and customers; interior view of the newly remodeled and rebuilt restaurant. TPL-9685

Soda fountains--Fife; Equipment; Business enterprises--Fife; Kitchens--Fife; Restaurant workers--Fife; Cooks; Waitresses--Fife; Diners (Restaurants)--Fife; Poodle Dog (Fife);

The K Street Club at 1111 So. K Street in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood, was owned and operated by John J. Hafsos and Lawrence J. Corvari. This exterior view of the front of the building clearly shows their business signs, including a neon Olympia beer sign and a sign that says "Booths for Ladies". The photograph was ordered by the Washington State Liquor Board in October of 1949, probably for a renewal of their liquor license. TPL-5882

Taverns (Inns)--Tacoma; Bars--Tacoma; Barrooms--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); K Street Club (Tacoma);

The Poodle Dog had just rebuilt their restaurant at the same site; this work was completed in 1949. Interior view of the Poodle Dog in Fife, from the west inside new building showing double horseshoe counters, kitchen and waitress area, murals by Richards Commercial Photo Service on walls; structure was replaced by the current building in 1967. Photo ordered by Tacoma Fixture Company, Incorporated. TPL-9683

Soda fountains--Fife; Equipment; Restaurant workers--Fife; Waitresses--Fife; Diners (Restaurants)--Fife; Poodle Dog (Fife); Tacoma Fixture Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

K Street Club was owned and operated by John J. Hafsos and Lawrence J. Corvari. K Street Club was located at 1111 South K Street, in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood. Interior view of K Street Club, a shuffleboard table is set up in the center, jukebox behind the game table, booths on left side, bar and lunch counter on right side; a cash register behind the bar. Photo was ordered by the Washington State Liquor Board, likely for a renewal of their liquor license.

Taverns (Inns)--Tacoma; Bars--Tacoma; Barrooms--Tacoma; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma; Shuffleboard; K Street Club (Tacoma);

Firefighters from eight companies labored nearly four hours on the evening of November 9, 1949, combating the stubborn 2-11 fire which gutted the one-story brick facilities of the Avenue Tire Shop, located at 2311 Pacific Avenue. Loss to the tire shop, principally in ruined tires and damaged machinery, was estimated at $35,000. Adjacent properties, including Willner Clothing Company, also suffered damage. No injuries were reported. (TNT,11/10/1949, p.1-alt. photograph) TPL-9144

Avenue Tire Shop (Tacoma); Fires--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Showing of new homes at 15th & No. Huson, Briggs Construction Co., Mr. Spillman. Briggs Construction Company held an open house of model homes for sale. Several families are shown coming and going from the several homes at this corner. One family has just parked their automobile at the curb. TPL-9768

Briggs Construction Co. (Tacoma); Houses--Tacoma--1940-1950; Building construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The Tacoma Auto Sales Co., at 723 Broadway, sold new and used Cadillacs and Pontiacs. On December 26, 1949 they took out a full page advertisement in the New Tribune. The ad included this photograph of the mechanics from their service department. The service and parts department was at 722 Commerce, around the corner from the showroom. Between 1951 and 1953 the dealership changed hands, and became Mulligan Pontiac Cadillac Co. (TNT, 12/26/1949, p.10)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Auto Sales Co. (Tacoma)--Employees;

Group for Christmas ad in newspaper, Tacoma Auto Sales, Llewellyn Advertising Agency, Mr. Van Meter. A group portrait of 22 of the administrative and sales personnel from Tacoma Auto Sales. The men all wear business suits and the women wear either suits, or a sweater and skirt or blouse and skirt. This photograph was used in a Tacoma News Tribune ad December 26, 1949. (TNT, 12/26/1949, p.10)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Tacoma Auto Sales Co. (Tacoma)--Employees; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1940-1950; Office workers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

This view of the main floor of the National Bank of Washington at 1123 Pacific Avenue was taken in December, 1949 from the bank's mezzanine. The Italian Renaissance style building, with its gracefully arched ceiling, was designed by Sutton, Whitney & Dugan, architects. Construction started in 1920, and the bank, known then as the National Bank of Tacoma, opened in June, 1921. The tellers cages were spaced around the exterior of the large open floor separated from the public by a horse-shoe shaped partial wall that echoed the shape of the tall windows which provided light to the large interior. Desks and card catalogs were kept behind the partition. The name of the bank was changed to the National Bank of Washington in 1937. The Tacoma Art Museum took over the building in 1971. In 2007 it became home to Sound Inpatient Physicians, which provides "hospitalist" physicians to hospitals. TPL-9259

Banks--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1940-1950; National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Lobbies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The Relle Scatter-Pin Ring, a new innovation in the world of jewelry, was introduced to Tacomans at Fisher's Department Store in November 1949. It was a ring-pin combination; the wearer could choose to add a scatter pin to the ring, twisting securely to make a dinner ring. The creator, Norman Carr, designed brilliant stone-studded scatter pins which could be worn alone, or used in the creation of stuning dinner rings. (photo taken for Marian Wood, Fisher's Jewelry Dept.) (TNT, 11/27/1949, p.A-15)

Department Stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jewelry; Rings;

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;

The Sabre Room, Winthrop Hotel, Mr. Boyd. A well-dressed gentleman sits at a desk talking on the telephone. He is looking at a card pulled from a small, metal card file. The desk has a day calendar open at the back edge and a lamp with a carved head base is lit. Another lamp is lit in the background. The man's cuff-link shines in the light. The Sabre Room opened in September 1950. Trader Vic, who specialized in designing unusual spots, had a personal hand in creating the new addition to the Hotel Winthrop. (TNT, 9/24/1950, p.6)

Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma); Telephones; Calendars; Cuff links--Tacoma; Desks; Lamps;

In December of 1949, the Jordan Baking Company at 5233 So. Washington St., received recognition by the Quality Bakers of America for their high quality bread. Joe Kehoe (center), the Pacific Coast representative of Quality Bakers of America holds the silver trophy that Jordan's was awarded for "The Best Loaf of Bread". Arthur K. Jordan, owner of the Jordan Baking Company, is on the right. W.J. Casteel, the company sales manager, is on the left and Anthony J. Tosic, superintendent, is standing. (TNT, 1/10/1950, p.8)

Jordan Baking Co. (Tacoma); Bakeries--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bread--Tacoma; Awards; Jordan, Arthur K.; Kehoe, Joe; Casteel, W.J.; Tosic, Anthony J.;

Model standing in doorway showing size of vault, Condon Co., Morris. The vault section held 10,000 safe deposit boxes of varying sizes, making it one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest. It was of fortress-like construction with the outer walls of thick concrete and an inner lining, including the floors, of 1-inch and 1 1/2 inch inch steel. The massive burglar-proof circular steel door weighed 22 tons with its frame scaling 17 tons. (TNT, 11/30/1949, p.9)

Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma; Banks--Tacoma;

Cup awarded for best loaf of bread, Jordan Baking Company, Art Jordan. Jordan Baking Company's name has been engraved on the base of the trophy for the month of November 1949. A company in Jacksonville, Florida, has won for the month of October. The trophy was presented by the Quality Bakers of America. A female fiqure with wings holding a loaf of bread over head tops the cylindrical trophy.

Jordan Baking Co. (Tacoma); Awards; Bakeries--Tacoma;

Richard Wagner (center) won this handsome turkey at the Pharaoh Club's 5th annual Thanksgiving dance held on Thursday November 24, 1949 at the Top of the Ocean. Holding Mr. Wagner's turkey, while Miss Janet McMath tickles its breast feathers, is Gene Nelson. The Pharaoh Club was a young men's social group organized by a small number of students in 1939; by 1949 the groups membership had grown. Since Mr. Wagner did not win his turkey until Thanksgiving evening, we must assume that he kept it as a pet - at least until Christmas. (TNT 11/13/1949 p.D-4; 11/27/1949 p.D-1)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Nightclubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pharaoh Club (Tacoma); Turkeys; Nelson, Gene; Wagner, Richard; McMath, Janet; Dance parties--Tacoma--1940-1950; Holidays--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Informal square dancing at Tacoma Athletic Commission, Metcalf. Several couples are enjoying being on the dance floor learning square dancing steps. Several others are lined up in the back for refreshments.

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Square dancing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Couples--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Athletic Commission, Square dancing and style show, Elliott Metcalf. Four couples, wearing skirts and shirts of matching fabric, are demonstrating one of the forms of dancing to members of the Tacoma Athletic Commission at the Top of the Ocean as part of the square dance revue. Square dancing fever was catching at this time. (TNT, 12/22/1949, p.20)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Square dancing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Couples--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Square dancing fever was spreading through Tacoma in December of 1949. Members of the Tacoma Athletic Commission put on a dance demonstration at the Top of the Ocean, 2217 Ruston Way, in appropriate dress. They announced that they were sponsoring a city-wide square dance festival to be held in February in the College of Puget Sound (UPS) fieldhouse. Dressed in contrasting blouses topping skirts in a rick-rack pattern - all worn over pantalettes - are: (l to r) Mrs. John Richards, Allyne (Mrs. Kenneth) Hopper, Gail (Mrs. Melvin) McKenney and Mary L. (Mrs. David) Collier. (TNT, 12/22/1949, p.20)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Square dancing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hopper, Allyne; Collier, Mary L.; McKenney, Gail; Costumes--Tacoma; Bloomers;

Interior of bar to show Christmas decorations, Tacoma Athletic Commission, Metcalf. The Tacoma Athletic Commission decorated the back wall of the bar at the Top of the Ocean with a hand-painted sign showing a snowy scene with a comfortable home snuggled up against a woods. The ground slopes down to a bay with ships on the water and a mountainous island in the distance. An artificial showman has taken over the cash register. Artificial icicles hang over the sign and tinsel hangs over the front of the bar.

Restaurants--Tacoma; Athletic clubs--Tacoma; Decorations--Tacoma; Bars--Tacoma; Lounges--Tacoma; Murals--Tacoma; Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Christmas decorations;

Tacoma Athletic Commission, Square dancing and style show, Elliott Metcalf. Bob Starkey was the caller for the square dancing revue put on for the members of the Tacoma Athletic Commission at the Top of the Ocean. Couples are dancing with arms around each other and the men have crossed arms in the middle. Several couples watch from the side lines. (TNT, 12/22/1949, p.20)

Top of the Ocean (Tacoma); Tacoma Athletic Commission (Tacoma); Square dancing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Couples--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Banquet for 25 Year Club and Pensioners at Towers, E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Mr. George Collins. DuPont Works Annual Dinner, Pensioners and 25 Year Men. The Grasselli division of E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company began manufacturing lead and calcium arsenates for fruit, cotton and ground crops in May 1944. They also warehoused millions of pounds of agricultural chemicals manufactured by its eastern plant. The company had another plant for the manufacture of high explosives in Dupont, Washington. Names were listed in the newspaper November 18, 1949. (TNT, 2/17/1949, p.6-A; 11/18/1949, p.B-9; T.Times, 1/30/1946)

Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950; E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. (Dupont)--People; Towers Restaurant (Tacoma);

Interior and exterior for submitting to Liquor Board, Valley Cafe, Sumner, Frank Guisti. Swivel stools with back rests line the counter. Booths line the opposite wall and open sided booths create a center seating area.

Cafes--Sumner--1940-1950; Valley Cafe (Sumner);

Interior of new office and warehouse to show flowers, C & G Radio Supply Co., Lloyd Norberg. The C & G Radio Supply Company is ready for their grand opening. They have received so many flowers of congratulation and best wishes for their success that they line the walkway to the back of the store and stand in nearly every window. The company will sell radio supplies and equipment.

C & G Radio Supply Co. (Tacoma); Radios; Stores & shops--Tacoma; Flowers--Tacoma;

The finish on this new 1949 Packard should be well protected from sun and rain by the snug, little collapsible garage available from the Croft Trailer Company, 7241 So. Tacoma Way, that covers it. Paul and Lewis Croft were in the trailer manufacturing and rental business in Tacoma for over twenty years beginning around 1947. Brad Linsey

Croft Trailer Co. (Tacoma); Packard automobile; Canopies--Tacoma;

Collapsible garage, Croft Trailer Co., Brad Linsey. A portable, tent-like awning covers a large car in the driveway next to a house in this photograph from November of 1949. The covering folds like an accordian allowing the automobile entrance and egress. The poles supporting the canvas-like material are bolted to frames of wood. The collapsible garage was available from the Croft Trailer Co., 7241 South Tacoma Way, a firm owned and operated by Paul H. Croft who was reputedly a wonderful inventor. See A 46173, image 3 for another view of Croft Trailer Co.'s "garage." (Additional information provided by a reader)

Croft Trailer Co. (Tacoma); Storage facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Canopies--Tacoma;

New safe deposit vault at Pacific First Federal, Condon Co., Roscoe Smith. A view of the street entrance lobby of the new Pacific First Federal safe deposit vault. The garden planting and bright red upholstered couch lend a spirit of charm and warmth to the richly paneled walnut walls. Wall mirrors reflect the lower lobby, the vault, counters and coupon booths. (TNT, 11/30/1949, p.9)

Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Vaults (Strong rooms)--Tacoma; Banks--Tacoma; Waiting rooms--Tacoma--1940-1950;