Two men are examining the arrival of a large shipment of carpet at Selden's in downtown Tacoma on March 7, 1963. One of the men is possibly the buyer. A Selden's truck, advertising locations in Tacoma, Lakewood and Olympia, has just deposited rolls of carpet on the sidewalk outside the store. Selden's was well known for their carpets and other floor coverings and as a complete home center. This photograph was ordered for possible later use as a newspaper ad.

Seldens, Inc. (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floor coverings; Trucks--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Interior of Bunce Rental. A customer completes paperwork as he rents equipment from Bunce Rental on August 2, 1961. Bunce Rental was located at 4516 South Tacoma Way in 1961 and is still in operation there 43 years later. More than 300 different items could be rented there from vacation trailers to bulldozers to baby cribs to silver service. Customers were aware that no gasoline was provided and Bunce charged for the time checked out, not for time used unless a machine was metered. (TNT 9-8-61 Ad, p. 11)

Bunce Rental (Tacoma); Lease & rental services--Tacoma;

Exterior of Bunce Rental. Bunce's motto was "We Rent Most Everything" including party supplies, invalid equipment, vacation trailers, tools and tractors. One of the Bunce Ford vans is parked outside the company office on South Tacoma Way on August 2, 1961; the company advertised prompt delivery service. In the 1961 City Directory, there is one listing for Bunce Rental; by 2004, there were six Bunce Rentals in the Puget Sound region. Photograph ordered by Bunce Rental. (TNT ad 9-8-61, p. 11)

Bunce Rental (Tacoma); Lease & rental services--Tacoma; Ford automobile;

Weisfield's on Broadway underwent extensive remodeling in 1961; view of elaborate dangling ceiling lamps, showcases of rings, watches, and display tables of assorted costume jewelry. The $150,000 renovation of the 45-year-old Tacoma firm included new fixtures, lighting, and glass displays. Their building had been constructed in 1890 and previously housed a furniture store, the Orpheum Theater, offices, shoe and clothing stores before Weisfield & Goldberg Jewelers took occupancy in the late 1930's. The store's name changed slightly to Weisfield's, Inc., with additional emphasis on "credit jewelers." (TNT 9-6-61, A-6,7)

Weisfield's, Inc. (Tacoma); Jewelry stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Night exposure of Weisfield's. Weisfield's, a credit jeweler, was located for many years in the 900 block of Broadway. Under the direction of John Lade, general contractor, the store underwent extensive exterior and interior remodeling in 1961. An August 31, 1961, night exposure of Weisfield's facade shows that exterior remodeling was not quite complete. A desire by general manager Jack Gruber for "something out of the ordinary" lead to an unusual mosaic facade, part of the $150,000 renovation of the 45-year-old Tacoma firm. (TNT 9-6-61, A-6,7)

Weisfield's, Inc. (Tacoma); Jewelry stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Facades--Tacoma--1960-1970; Electric signs--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Interiors at Barks House of Music. Accordions of all makes and sizes sit on the counter. Stringed instruments hang from the peg board behind. There are ukeleles, banjos, mandolins and violins, to name a few. Cases rest above and below the instruments. Barks held an Open House at this new spacious location October 15-17, 1959. This was the store's third location, each expansion due to growth. The Barks had over 50 years experience in the music business. (TNT 10/15/1959, pg. A-6-7)

Barks House of Music (Tacoma); Music stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Musical instruments; Accordions; Ukeleles; Stringed instruments; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

In October of 1959 Barks House of Music moved to a new location at 1114 Pacific Avenue, taking over a former Publix Market building. The new neon sign in the front of the store proudly displays their barking dog emblem and the slogan "Everything in Music." Owned by Earl and T.R. "Dick" Barks, the store sold wind, string and band instruments and accessories, as well as sheet music, records, tape recorders, televisions, radios and high fidelity phonographs. Earl and Dick Barks already had over 50 years of experience in the music business. They only stayed at this location until 1965 when they moved to 955 Commerce. T. R. "Dick" Barks died in January of 1968; Earl E. Barks died November 6, 2000. (TNT 10/15/1959, pg. A-7)

Barks House of Music (Tacoma); Musical instruments; Music stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Highland Hills Shopping Center. A female shopper gazes into the window at Coonan's Country Store in late September of 1959. Coonan's was a variety store owned by Frank R. Coonan. The building utilized large windows to permit customers to view goods offered for sale, both from within and outside the facility.

Highland Hills Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Coonan's Country Store (Tacoma);

Highland Hills Shopping Center. Only a few cars occupy the huge lot at the west end shopping center. The Center opened in 1956 to serve the growing westend community. Shown are the Big Bear Market, Coonan's Country Store, Jewel's Styling Salon and Stebner's Furniture.

Highland Hills Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma; Big Bear Stores (Tacoma); Supermarkets--Tacoma--1950-1960; Grocery stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Highland Hills Shopping Center. A sloping roofline frames the storefront of Stebner Furniture. The unique zigzag roof of the shopping center was one of its trademarks. The Center opened in 1956 to serve the growing westend community. The furniture store was part of Stebner's Inc.; August Stebner was president and Adolph Stebner was vice president. They also owned a floor covering store at 5510 6th Ave.

Highland Hills Shopping Center (Tacoma); Shopping centers--Tacoma; Stebner's Furniture (Tacoma);

The shelves of the warehouse at the Manning Seed Co., located at 3831 Wallingford Way in Seattle, are carefully stacked with burlap bags of seed. A worker stands on a cart topped with more bags to fill the shelves. Photograph ordered by the Georgia Pacific Corp. Georgia-Pacific Corp. is listed in the 1960 City Directory as being located at 824 E. 25th in Tacoma and as selling wholesale lumber.

Georgia-Pacific Corp. (Tacoma); Seeds; Seed trade--Tacoma; Manning Seed Co. (Seattle);

The women are working with large barrels filled with seed from the Manning Seed Co., located at 3831 Wallingford Way in Seattle. The woman on the right is pouring the seed from a sack into a container for weighing. She stands before a large scale. The women are possibly packing the seed for storage or shipment. These photographs were most likely taken at Manning Seed Co. Photograph ordered by the Georgia Pacific Corp. Georgia-Pacific Corp. is listed in the 1960 City Directory as being located at 824 E. 25th in Tacoma and as selling wholesale lumber.

Georgia-Pacific Corp. (Tacoma); Seeds; Seed trade--Tacoma; Shipping--Tacoma; Manning Seed Co. (Seattle);

Seed is carefully being inspected by a woman with a machine containing a magnifying glass and a scale at the Manning Seed Co., located at 3831 Wallingford Way in Seattle. Photograph ordered by the Georgia Pacific Corp. Georgia-Pacific Corp. is listed in the 1960 City Directory as being located at 824 E. 25th in Tacoma and as selling wholesale lumber.

Georgia-Pacific Corp. (Tacoma); Seeds; Seed trade--Tacoma; Manning Seed Co. (Seattle);

ca. 1960. Zebra Fireworks stand at night. The Zebra Fireworks stand in 1960 is ablaze in the darkness as eager customers approach to look over the wide variety of products for sale. Wise shoppers could pick up a "Racket Box" assortment on sale for $5.95. There are numerous signs banning smoking near the fireworks.

Zebra Fireworks Co. (Tacoma); Fireworks--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

The billboard perched above the Consolidated Freightways building on April 21, 1960, promised to fulfil all customers' shipping needs. A Freightways truck and trailer are ready at the company's longtime Puyallup Avenue location. A storage tank and possibly pallets are awaiting future transport. Photograph ordered by Consolidated Freightways.

Consolidated Freightways, Inc. (Tacoma); Shipping--Tacoma--1960-1970; Loading docks--Tacoma; Trucks--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

Exterior of Industrial Air Products. According to the 1960 City Directory, Industrial Air Products was located at 1115 Center St. Two trucks, one filled with oxygen or helium tanks, are parked next to the building on August 29, 1960. Industrial Air Products advertised "Everything for Welding & Cutting," promoting Hobart, Black & Decker, Vigor and Arcos products. Photograph ordered by Industrial Air Products for use on calendar.

Industrial Air Products (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

ca. 1958. The Christmas shopping season was rapidly approaching and the Villa Plaza's Woolworth's was set for hordes of shoppers eager to stretch their dollars at the nation's premier five-and-dime store. Clothing for men, women and children could be purchased relatively inexpensively and still prove serviceable. An array of toys were on hand to delight youngsters on Christmas morning.

F.W. Woolworth Co. (Lakewood); Variety stores--Lakewood--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Lakewood--1950-1960; Villa Plaza Shopping Center (Lakewood); Shopping centers--Lakewood--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

Sixty-seven employees of the Globe Machine Mfg. Co. posed for a group picture in front of the company plant on November 18, 1958. The company were manufacturers of veneer plywood and woodwork machinery. They had apparently moved from their longtime location at 301 E. 11th St. to East D by 1958. Photograph ordered by Globe Machine Mfg. Co.

Globe Machine Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma); Machinery industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Machinists at Globe Machine Mfg. Co. are pictured on the job at the company's new plant on East D Street on November 21, 1958. Globe Machine had been in Tacoma since the 1920's. They manufactured veneer plywood and woodwork machinery. The company was run by Calvin D. Bamford, president. Photograph ordered by Globe Machine Mfg. Co.

Globe Machine Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma); Machinery industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;

ca. 1958. Comfortable waiting room of a beauty salon with receptionist's counter found at the Rhodes Villa Plaza department store mezzanine circa 1958. It was staffed with beauty experts, knowledgeable in the latest styles and methods. Rhodes was the first to open at the Villa Plaza Shopping Center when it welcomed customers in March of 1957. (TNT 8-7-57, B-8-alt. photograph)

Beauty shops--Lakewood--1950-1960; Rhodes Brothers Department Store (Lakewood); Department stores--Lakewood--1950-1960;

Globe Machine Manufacturing Co.'s new plant on East D Street was in full operation at the time of this November 21, 1958, photograph. Employees in overalls are busy with wrenches and other equipment. Globe Machine manufactured machinery for veneer plywood and woodworking including glue machines, "shim sizer," "sealing spreader," and taping machine. View of interior of plant; heavy-duty machines being constructed having the warning "Do not lift by this bar" on each piece. Photograph ordered by Globe Machine Manufacturing Co.

Globe Machine Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma); Machinery industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior - Sherwin-Williams Paint Store, Lakewood. Sherwin-Williams opened up a paint store in Lakewood's Villa Plaza Shopping Center in 1958. Besides a wide variety of house and marine paints and wallpapers, the store also offered rental equipment in the form of sanders and rug cleaning shampooers. View of storefront showing large company signage with their motto, "SWP Cover the Earth," near the rooftop and rug cleaning equipment outside the plate glass window. The Lakewood Sherwin-Williams store was managed by Kenneth H. Baxter. Photograph ordered by Norman Iverson, Villa Plaza Development.

Sherwin-Williams Paint Co. (Lakewood); Paint industry--Lakewood; Facades--Lakewood--1950-1960;

ca. 1958. Interior of Woolworth's at the Villa Plaza. The 15,000 square foot store was getting ready for the Christmas shopping season with decorated trees, assorted bulbs, and even ideas for the handyman on display. Woolworth's heavily promoted their wide aisles, flurorescent lighting, air conditioning and self-service shopping. Although Woolworth's maintained their large downtown store, they also sought to attract customers who lived outside the city limits by building a new store in the Villa Plaza Shopping Center. They joined fellow downtown giants J.C. Penny and Rhodes Brothers in this new concept of dozens of stores clustered in one shopping area with plenty of free parking. (TNT 5-8-57, A-8-article only)

F.W. Woolworth Co. (Lakewood); Variety stores--Lakewood--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Lakewood--1950-1960; Villa Plaza Shopping Center (Lakewood); Shopping centers--Lakewood--1950-1960;

ca. 1958. Lakewood's Firestone Store with neighboring Villa Plaza Garden Center. Firestone offered something for everyone...tires, televisions, bicycles and tricycles, housewares and household appliances, in addition to complete car service. Rather than flipping through magazines waiting for maintenance and/or repairs on their vehicles, families could spend that time perusing and perhaps purchasing non-automotive items for sale. Firestone was located in the SW portion of the new Villa Plaza Shopping Center.

Firestone Store (Lakewood); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Lakewood; Villa Plaza Garden Center (Lakewood); Gardening equipment & supplies; Villa Plaza Shopping Center (Lakewood); Shopping centers--Lakewood--1950-1960;

Side view of Firestone Store. A good portion of the Villa Plaza Firestone Store was wall-to-wall glass so that shoppers could casually peruse the merchandise. The store had opened in August, 1957, and was the first Firestone in the nation to offer goods and services unrelated to automotive needs. Televisions, appliances, washers and dryers and gardening supplies could all be purchased at the Villa Plaza location. On January 10, 1959, power mowers were offered at one-third off regular prices and used washers and televisions were on sale. Clyde Ryder was the manager. Photograph ordered by the Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., Los Angeles.

Firestone Store (Lakewood); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Lakewood;

Besides offering complete car service, the Villa Plaza Firestone store sold household appliances and televisions. Used washers and TVs could also be purchased there. Firestone opened its Villa Plaza location in August, 1957, as the first Firestone store in the country to offer more than just automotive services and supplies. Gardening supplies and housewares were also available. The store did not neglect its primary customers, however, as it continued to offer free brake adjustments and free safety checks as incentives to bring cars in. Photograph ordered by Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., Los Angeles.

Firestone Store (Lakewood); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Lakewood; Signs (Notices);

The newly expanded Block's Furniture Mart. A second story has been added, as well as a one story addition to the right. Block's sold new and used furniture and household appliances. They opened at this location at 82nd and South Tacoma Way 10 years prior with 1500 square feet of display space. The newly expanded store offered a spacious 27,000 square feet of display space. Payment terms were easy and the home delivery was free. A 10 piece living room suite was $189.50 or you could buy 3 complete rooms of fine furniture for $399. The store was also the new Kelvinator dealer; Kelvinator was the oldest manufacturer of electrical home appliances. The Grand Opening for the expanded store began on February 27, 1959 with drawings for free gifts. (TNT 2/27/1959, pg. 9)

Furniture stores--Lakewood--1950-1960; Block's Furniture Mart (Lakewood); Appliance stores--Lakewood--1950-1960;

Carsten- Hygrade employees pose in the yard at the meat packing facility at 1623 East "J" St. According to Richards Studio notes, the picture is of 300-400 people. The locally owned Carstens Meat Packing got its start in Tacoma in 1903. In 1954, it was sold to the Hygrade Food Products Corporation. In 1990, the company made the decision to close its Tacoma plant.

Carstens Packing Co. (Tacoma); Meat industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Carstens-Hygrade (Tacoma)--Employees;

The personnel at National Blower and Sheet Metal Co., 1129 St. Paul Ave. The company was founded in 1890. President and vice president of the company were Dayton and Maurice Finnigan. The company designed and built ventilation, dust collecting and blower systems. They also did general sheet metal work and metal roofing. The company did much of the metal work on the new County-City Building. They installed roofing, sheet metal, ornamental steel and stainless steel. They fabricated and installed over 200 miles of duct work. The employees pose in the yard of the plant. (TNT 4/7/1959, pg. C-11)

National Blower & Sheet Metal Co. (Tacoma)--Employees;

Five "metro mite" walk in delivery trucks built by International Harvester and their drivers were lined up in front of the Peerless Laundry at 2912 South 12th Street for a group portrait in August of 1959. Peerless, which was founded by Edward V. Hudson in the 1930s, performed dry cleaning, as well as personal and commercial laundry service. With their fleet of trucks, they did both pick up and deliveries to businesses and residences. This building was destroyed by fire in December, 1974. A new building was built in 1975; it also was destroyed by fire in 1988. Rebuilt yet again, Peerless Laundry is still on South 12th. TPL-9818

Peerless Laundry (Tacoma); Cleaning establishments--Tacoma; Trucks--1950-1960; International Harvester Co. (Tacoma);