Sepic Electric employees are gathered for a group portrait outside the remodeled facilities. The furniture and appliance store was owned by Stan and Fred Sepic. Several of the men wearing coveralls are standing by the company's three delivery trucks. Administrative staff are standing by the show windows. The company advertises Kelvinator and Maytag appliances. Ordered by Stan Sepic. (TNT, 2/14/1950, p.D-14) TPL-8167

Sepic Electric Co. (Tacoma); Furniture stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Appliance stores--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Flatbed with tractor manufactured by South Tacoma Welding. Two men stand behind the newly completed flatbed trailer with three sets of wheels at the back. It is set onto a tractor with a fifth-wheel hitch. The company specialized in welding and steel fabrication and were manufacturers of Bos-car, low bed and semi trailers, hoists and dump bodies. Ordered by Nick Bosko, Jr. owner of South Tacoma Welding.

South Tacoma Welding & Equipment Co. (Tacoma); Business enterprises--Tacoma--1950-1960; Equipment industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Trailers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Welding--Tacoma--1950-1960; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Their feet resting on a snow bank, the employees of the Sepic Electric and Furniture Company store at 1301 South K Street (now Martin Luther King Jr. Way) posed for a group portrait in February of 1950. Sepic's advertised that they had qualified, experienced employees in each and every department. They had recently completed a modernization of their store and had 10,000 square feet of floor space with complete stocks of both furniture and appliances, and a new floor covering department. Fred Sepic is seated in the front row next to a young woman employee, second from the left; Stan Sepic is seated second from the right. Ordered by Stan Sepic. (TNT, 2/14/1950, p.D-14) TPL-8364

Sepic Electric Co. (Tacoma); Furniture stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Appliance stores--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Interior of C & G Radio Shop. This view shows the business offices for C & G Radio Shop, a wholesaler of radio, television and electronic parts. A wall with large windows separates the offices from the showroom area. Two wooden desks are set close to the windows. Each desk has a rotary dial telephone, a lamp, and organizers for incoming and outgoing items. Another office with windows into the larger office area and a door is seen in the back.

C & G Radio Supply Co. (Tacoma); Radios; Stores & shops--Tacoma; Offices--Tacoma--1950-1960; Office furniture; Office equipment & supplies;

Interior of C & G Radio Shop. A view of the display shelves, sales counters and parts storage areas at the wholesale distributor's showroom for radio, television and electronics parts. TPL-9680

C & G Radio Supply Co. (Tacoma); Radios; Stores & shops--Tacoma; Showrooms--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Four new Dodge trucks from the Irwin Jones Motor Company are parked in front of the Diamond F Meat Company. The DeLuxe "Route Van" bodies were designed, developed and built in Tacoma by the Irwin-Jones Motor company in their truck center. Ordered by Walt Dunlop, truck division. This photograph was used in an advertisement in the Tacoma News Tribune, 2/14/1950, p.A-14.

Diamond F Meat Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Irwin-Jones Motor Co. (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960; Dodge trucks; Advertising--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A view of the sales room and inventory arranged carefully on rows of shelving at C & G Radio, ordered by Lloyd Norberg. The wholesale distributing company advertised industrial electronic supplies from General Electric, Everready Batteries, Scotch Recording Tapes, Stromberg-Carlson Sound, Weston Instruments and Sylvania Tubes. (TNT, 2/14/1950, p.A-14)

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

In February of 1950 an unidentified stock clerk at C & G Radio Supply Company, 2502 Jefferson Ave., pulled an order for radio and television tubes from the neatly organized shelves of inventory. Before transistors and modern printed circuits, radios and televisions used glass vacuum tubes produced by manufactures such as Jensen, Philco, and Tung Sol. Still in business at the same address, C & G Electronics carries hard to find bulbs and electronic items. (Ordered by Lloyd Norberg)

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

Fire damage at Tacoma Transit. A fire destroyed four Tacomna Transit Company buses, several private automobiles and gutted the firm's repair shops and maintenance depot February 15, 1950. Losses were estimated at $267,000. The buses, in the process of repair, were probably totally ruined by the gasoline-fed flames. Ordered by United Pacific Insurance Company, Mr. Littlemore. (TNT, 2/16/1950, p.1)

Tacoma Transit Co. (Tacoma); Fires--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bus terminals--Tacoma;

Fire damage at Tacoma Transit. The fire at the Tacoma Transit Company terminals destroyed four buses, several private automobiles and gutted the firm's repair shops and maintenance depot. Bricks, placed more than 50 years earlier in the two-story building, withstood the heat and flames. The framed interior of the building was a total loss, however. During streetcar days, in the section of the building damaged, were housed the old power house and the giant 12 and 15-foot diameter wheels which furnished power for the fleet of Tacoma cable cars. Ordered by United Pacific Insurance Company, Mr. Littlemore. (TNT, 2/16/1950, p.1)

Tacoma Transit Co. (Tacoma); Fires--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bus terminals--Tacoma;

Four Tacoma Transit buses were totally destroyed on February 15, 1950 when a gasoline-fed fire swept through the Transit Company's repair shop at 1301 A Street. The repair shop was located in the historic Tacoma Railway & Motor Company Power House which was built in 1889; it was originally built as the main powerhouse for Tacoma's streetcars. Although the brick walls withstood the heat and flames, the frame interior of the building and the buses inside were a total loss. Today the site of the old Transit building is occupied by the Columbia Bank Center which was built in 2001. Pictured above removing a "school bus" sign from one of the destroyed buses is Herbert "Herb" Emerick. His primary bus route was "Old Tacoma," which was also the area he lived in with his wife, Ida Strubstad Emerick. "Herb" Emerick would retire from Tacoma Transit and pass away in 1955. (Ordered by United Pacific Insurance Company, Mr. Littlemore.) (TNT, 2/16/1950, p.1. Additional information provided by a reader.)

Tacoma Transit Co. (Tacoma); Fires--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buses--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bus terminals--Tacoma; Emerick, Herbert;

An International truck equiped as a cement truck for Pioneer Sand and Gravel has backed into a construction site to pour a basement or foundation on a snowy day in January 1950. Pioneer Sand & Gravel advertised their "Blue Trucks" for cement delivery. The names "Pioneer Sand & Gravel" and "Tru-Mix" have been painted on the cover for the rotating drum and cab door. Ordered by Pioneer Sand & Gravel, Seattle, Vance Tjossem.

Pioneer Sand & Gravel Co. (Steilacoom); Concrete mixers--Tacoma; Concrete--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; International trucks;

Group shot of personnel, W.H. Opie & Co. A group of 25 people who worked for the W.H. Opie real estate company pose in one of their five offices on December 5, 1949. W. H. Opie and Company was established in 1888 and dealt with insurance and real estate business. The company processed FHA and GI home loans, other real estate loans, property management, rentals and sold insurance. The company officers were: Orville W. Hunter, President, Warren S. Lagerquist, Vice-President, and Gertrude R. Cherrington, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer.

W.H. Opie & Co. (Tacoma)--Employees; Real estate business--Tacoma; Group portraits; Offices--Tacoma--1940-1950; Office workers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Office equipment & supplies;

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;

Overall exterior of new Washington Hardware Wholesale Building, Puyallup Avenue, Raleigh Hardware Co. Washington Hardware's new wholesale building is nearly complete. The one story building provided 50,000 square feet of storage area. A tall, brick covered sign post stands near one of the two front doors. Large glass windows face Puyallup Avenue. The retail and sports' shop that had been in operation 65 years remained at 918-24 Pacific.

Washington Hardware Co. (Tacoma); Warehouses--Tacoma;

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;

Gas range, Washington Gas and Electric Company, John Slott. This natural gas stove has six burners and possibly two ovens. It has a cover that is hinged in the middle to fold at the back of the burners when in use. John L. Slott was the district representative for Washington Gas & Electric in 1949.

Washington Gas & Electric Co. (Tacoma); Stoves--Tacoma--1940-1950; Public utility companies--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Alma Ayres was the newest, most modern women clothing store in Tacoma. The store was owned by Alma Ayres, a well known and respected Tacoma business woman. This store would carry the most modern and exclusive fashions, including: "Carmel", "Frechtl", "Swansdown" and "Joe Kraeler". Exterior view of the new Alma Ayres women's clothing store; window displays feature two mannequins; accessory bar in center (T.N.T., 8/14/49, p. A-8 & 9).

Millinery--1940-1950; Mannequins; Clothing stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Window displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Alma Ayres, Inc. (Tacoma);

Alma Ayres would offer Tacoma women the latest styles in clothing, junior apparel, millinery and accessories. Interior view of the new Alma Ayres women's clothing store; accessory bar is located in the center of the store, this area was owned and maintained by Ann Storey Hagen (T.N.T., 8/14/49, p. A-8 & 9).

Millinery--1940-1950; Clothing stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Showcases--1940-1950; Alma Ayres, Inc. (Tacoma);

Margie Joy Miller is a student at Stephens College; she is modeling sportswear for the Alma Ayres clothing store. Margie is wearing clothing by "Star Maid of New York"; a suede jersey blouse with a gray plaid English skirt. Alma Ayres would offer Tacoma women the latest fashions. After graduating from Stephens College, Margie (also spelled Marjie) Miller would grace the stage and screen as actress Marjie Millar. (T.N.T., 8/14/49, p. A-8 & 9).

Millinery--1940-1950; Clothing stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Posing; Fashion models--1940-1950; Alma Ayres, Inc. (Tacoma); Miller, Marjie Joy; Millar, Marjie;

Interior of newly remodeled store, Coopers Cleaners, Mr. Carl Cooper. The reception area of the cleaners is shown with plenty of room for storing items ready to be picked up by customers. A man's hat rests on the customer counter and an ornate cash register is seen on the far right in this photograph from August of 1949.

Cooper's Cleaners (Tacoma); Cleaning establishments--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cash registers;

Wahlgren's Floral was managed by Fred G. Wahlgren; the business was founded by Fred P. Wahlgren. Interior view of Wahlgren's flower shop; the interior was painted with a soft pastel green, they had a large new walk-in refrigerated showcase, modern display counters with custom leatherette, and the latest interior store designs (T.N.T., 9/2/49, p. A-8). TPL-10185

Florist shops--Tacoma; Business enterprises--Tacoma; Showrooms--Tacoma; Showcases; Flowers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Remodeling--Tacoma--1940-1950; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Wahlgren's Floral (Tacoma);

Wahlgren's had been in Tacoma since 1931 and expanded and remodeled their facilities in 1949. The exterior of the flower shop had new plate glass, capped with a marquee and blue vitrolite glass. The foundation had Roman brick and new window boxes (T.N.T., 9/2/49, p. A-8). TPL-10186

Florist shops--Tacoma; Showrooms--Tacoma; Window displays; Flowers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Remodeling--Tacoma--1940-1950; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Wahlgren's Floral (Tacoma);

Blancher-Kay Furniture Manufacturing Company was located at 2928 South K Street in Tacoma. The firm was owned by Erwin M. Blancher, Lowell M. Adelson, Carlton L. Ziemer and Lester Seinfeld. View of Blancher-Kay living room furniture including: a loveseat, chair, coffee table and end tables, and a modern table lamp.

Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Sofas; Chairs; Lamps; Coffee tables; Rugs; Furniture industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Furniture stores--Tacoma; Blancher-Kay Furniture Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma);

Fabrication of trusses for Washington Hardware Wholesale Building, Timber Fabrication Co., Pete Solberg. The supporting timbers and trusses are in place and work has begun on the roof's covering. Cavanaugh's wholesale lumber company's facilities at 1423 Puyallup Avenue are seen in the right background.

Washington Hardware Co. (Tacoma); Progress photographs; Building construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Roof trusses--Tacoma--1940-1950; Timber Fabrication Co. (Tacoma); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Erection of and installed trusses at Washington Hardware Wholesale Building, Timber Fabrication Co., Pete Solberg. Large, solid wooden supporting timbers are being set into bases at the building site for Washington Hardware's new wholesale building. These timbers will support more trusses as work progresses on the building. The new warehouse would have 50,000 square feet one one floor.

Washington Hardware Co. (Tacoma); Progress photographs; Building construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Roof trusses--Tacoma--1940-1950; Timber Fabrication Co. (Tacoma); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Interior of new store at 1112 Pacific Avenue, Zingler Electric Company, Mr. Hans L. Zingler. Zingler's retained their earlier location at 767-69 South 38th Street when they opened their new store at 1112 Pacific Avenue. The company advertised a sale at the end of June 1949 where you could buy an electric range for $229.50. The company sold sewing machines with parts and repair a specialty, refrigerators, ranges, freezers, washers, and vacuum cleaners. (TNT, 6/24/1949, p.10)

Zingler Electric Co. (Tacoma); Sewing machines; Stoves--Tacoma--1940-1950; Refrigerators; Appliances; Appliance stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Washing machines;

Levi window, Washington Hardware Company, Floyd Tucker. A window display of western clothing from boots and blue jeans to plaid shirts. A sign advertises that "The new Lady Levis are here". The name "Levis" has been spelled out using rope.

Washington Hardware Co. (Tacoma); Window displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jeans (Clothing); Cowboy boots;