Exterior of Electrical Products Consolidated. Electrical Products Consolidated had moved into new quarters in the fall of 1955. They were manufacturers of neon signs and also were involved in the street lighting of downtown Tacoma. They had vacated previous storefront at 723 Commerce St. and moved next door to the Winthrop Motor Co. on Saint Helens. View of exterior of Spanish-styled Electrical Products Consolidated building; doorway is flanked by two columns and there are two distinctly framed storefront windows. A large neon sign indicating the business sold Zeon signs and lighting juts high above the door. Sepia photograph taken on September 19, 1955, on behalf of Electrical Products Consolidated.

Electrical Products Consolidated (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Another view of the new Electrical Products Consolidated quarters was taken possibly in September, 1955. The Spanish-styled building was originally designed by architects Heath, Gove & Bell and constructed in 1929 as the home of Remmert Motor Co. It was built of stucco and colored terra cotta and had a truss roof. By 1955, it was the long-time location of Winthrop Motor Co., DeSoto and Plymouth dealers and a large parts distributor. Electrical Products Consolidated shared space with Winthrop Motor; Electrical Products was a well-known manufacturer of neon signs and heavily involved in downtown street lighting.

Electrical Products Consolidated (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Facades--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Interior Electrical Products Consolidated. Employees of the Electrical Products Consolidated are busy designing and manufacturing neon signage in September, 1955. Their job is made easier with the bright fluorescent lights overhead and spacious work area in their new quarters on Saint Helens. Two of the company's trucks, with Zeon signs advertising prominently displayed on its doors, are parked nearby. A Heidelberg beer sign is nearing completion by one worker. Photograph ordered by Electrical Products Consolidated.

Electrical Products Consolidated (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The meeting room is full as Pacific Telephone & Telegraph employees gather to discuss sales and strategies on November 29, 1955. Goals are listed on the blackboard along with clever lyrics sung to the tune of "She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain" and "Little Brown Jug". Several telephones are lined up on the rectangular table; these may have been the models waiting to be sold. Photograph ordered by Pacific Telephone & Telegraph.

Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma)--Employees--1950-1960; Telephone companies--Tacoma; Telephones; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior of new Westinghouse Electric Supply Co. The Westinghouse Electric Supply Co. made a move from Pacific Avenue to South Tacoma Way in December, 1955. Arthur F. Sheehan remained as manager of the electrical equipment and supply firm. The one-story buick unit was designed by architect Percy G. Ball. Photograph ordered by Westinghouse Electric Supply Co.

Westinghouse Electric Supply Co. (Tacoma); Facades--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The man at the blackboard is trying to capture his sales group's attention as they all turn away to grin at the camera. Pacific Telephone & Telegraph periodically had sales meetings to list goals and encourage their employees to increase production. To raise spirits, employees would sing traditional songs with lyrics changed to reflect the telephone industry. Photograph ordered by Pacific Telephone & Telegraph.

Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma)--Employees--1950-1960; Telephone companies--Tacoma; Telephones; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1950-1960;

An extended view of the new Westinghouse Electric Supply Co. building on South Tacoma Way was taken on December 12, 1955. The large one-story brick building may have had a basement as well. There were two large plate glass windows near the entrance but limited windows elsewhere. The business had recently moved from its former location on Pacific Avenue to 1325 South Tacoma Way. Arthur F. Sheehan was its long-time manager. Photograph ordered by Westinghouse Electric Supply Co.

Westinghouse Electric Supply Co. (Tacoma); Facades--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Night exposure - Lou Johnson, Inc. Lighted storefront windows provide a flattering look at elegant evening wear and lingerie offered by Lou Johnson, Inc.'s main store on Broadway. Elaborate wreaths are the only wall decorations within the showcases; this causes attention to be focused upon the mannequin and its clothing. A neon sign is the sole indication of the store's name; it juts out from the marbled facade. Lou Johnson, Inc. specialized in women's fine apparel and accessories. With three locations in the Tacoma area alone, it was a well-known business. Photograph ordered by Lou Johnson, Inc.

Lou Johnson Inc. (Tacoma); Clothing stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Mannequins; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Interiors of Lou Johnson, Inc. Elegant period furniture is scattered throughout this spacious waiting area located in Lou Johnson Inc.'s main store on Broadway. Beautiful evening wear is displayed in an uncluttered manner; one outfit per focal point. Lou Johnson's specialized in women's apparel and accessories. The firm was owned by Lucie Palmer, president, and consisted of three stores in the Tacoma area in addition to a store in Yakima. Photograph ordered by Lou Johnson Inc.

Lou Johnson Inc. (Tacoma); Clothing stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sofas;

Coved ceilings accentuated the spaciousness of Lou Johnson, Inc.'s main store on Broadway. Lou Johnson's specialized in women's apparel and accessories. The lower level contained the shoe and hat departments. An elegant curved staircase led to an alcove where fine dresses were located. A bit of Christmas was brought into the store with the use of an enormous wreath attached to the railing on the second level. Lou Johnson, Inc., had three locations in the Tacoma area, including one near Division Avenue and another in Lakewood. There was also a store in Yakima. Photograph ordered by Lou Johnson, Inc.

Lou Johnson Inc. (Tacoma); Clothing stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Stairways--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Lou Johnson, Inc., had three stores in the Tacoma area, specializing in women and misses apparel and accessories. They were owned and operated by Lucie Palmer, president. The Lakewood store in the newly expanded Lakewood Center was decorated in muted grays and accents of pink and exhibited a beautiful colonial crystal chandelier. Portions of the shop's interiors show displays of fine jewelry, lingerie, and hats. There was an uncrowded feel to the store with merchandise spread throughout the floor and plenty of walking space between them. Photograph ordered by Lou Johnson, Inc. (TNT 11-16-55, C-8)

Lou Johnson, Inc. (Lakewood); Lingerie; Clothing stores--Lakewood--1950-1960;

Exterior Lou Johnson's. One of Lou Johnson, Inc., three stores was located in the Lakewood Center in the 1950's. An evening exposure was taken in December, 1955, of the store's exterior. It had recently opened in the newly expanded Lakewood Center. The storefront was wall-to-wall glass which allowed passersby to see virtually the entire lighted interior. Lou Johnson's specialized in women's apparel and accessories; it was owned and operated by Lucie Palmer. Photograph ordered by Lou Johnson's. (TNT 11-16-55, C-8)

Lou Johnson, Inc. (Lakewood); Clothing stores--Lakewood--1950-1960; Facades--Lakewood--1950-1960;

An unidentified man stands in front of the National Shuffleboard Sales Company located at 1119 Tacoma Avenue South across the street from the Main Branch of the Tacoma Public Library. Both the Stanley Amusement Co. and the National Shuffleboard Sales Co. of Tacoma were owned by Stanley Kolitzoff and George Sellers in the mid-1950's. The shuffleboard company was the exclusive distributor of shuffleboards for the entire state. Trophies were on display in the storefront windows as well as clocks, blankets and other items used for prizes. The Stanley Amusement Co. sold and serviced coin machines, including apparently riding horses like the one located in the store's display window. This store, originally built in 1922, is currently being restored. ( Photograph ordered by Stanley Amusement Co.)

Stanley Amusement Co. (Tacoma); National Shuffleboard Sales Co. of Tacoma (Tacoma); Facades--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Interior of Farley's Florists. The floral shop was owned and operated by William B. and Teresa Farley. They did wedding and funeral arrangements, as well as selling potted plants and gifts. The 2001 phone book still lists Farley's at this location. Floral arrangements cover counters and shelves. The cold storage unit is topped by a potted plant box. A suspended curved ceiling piece lends drama to the room. This shop was designed to operate as a modern floral shop with easy in & easy out parking and floor to ceiling glass windows to make the most of floral displays. (TNT 2/1/1955, pg. 7)

Farley's Florists (Tacoma); Florist shops--Tacoma;

ca. 1955. H.D. Baker Co. Inc., business machines. The family owned company was celebrating its 50th anniversary at this new location. The company's neon sign advertises typewriters, desks, safes, office machines and cash registers. Signs in the window promote Smith-Corona typewriters. Founded in 1905 by H.D. Baker, the company sold office machines, furniture and equipment. They were proud of their new central location, with free and abundant parking; part of their expansion program. With the increased size of their new location, they now had a new department. They offered office plans combining equipment, furniture, floor coverings and interior decoration. The company had 17 employees, including 5 mechanics for service and maintenance. It was under the direction of Joe H. Baker, son of the founder and general manager. (TNT 3/20/1955, pg. A-10)

H.D. Baker Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Office equipment & supplies;

Burroughs Corporation, night view of building. Burroughs sold and serviced business machines, also supplies and accessories. Pictured in the window are several adding machines. Framed pictures on the wall are of young women operating adding machines. The sign is the window reads " Call on Burroughs for free Microfilm Counseling Service." In the left hand window is the removed "Mechanical Brain" of one of the machines.

Burroughs Corporation (Tacoma); Calculators; Office equipment & supplies; Stores & shops--Tacoma--1950-1960;

ca. 1920. A raft of logs being brought by early day tug "The Black Prince" to the Sedro Box and Veneer Co. plant at Sedro Woolley, Washington. A group of well dressed people stand calmly on this precarious log perch on the Skagit River. The Sedro plant went out of business after a devastating fire in December of 1924, but the individuals involved in its formation and management became the leaders in the growing Northwest plywood industry. ("The Plywood Age" by Robert M. Cour)

Sedro Box and Veneer Co. (Sedro-Woolley); plywood; Lumber industry--Sedro-Woolley--1920-1930; Mills--Sedro-Woolley--1920-1930;

Exterior view of Summit Trading; ordered by Wingard & Co. Inc., air conditioning and refrigeration commercial and industrial contractors & maintenance service.

Summit Trading; Wingard & Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

ca. 1920. A forest of logs waits for processing at the Sedro Box and Veneer Co. plant at Sedro Woolley, Washington. Around the time that the company began gluing fir panels, wages were a dollar a day for 10 hours of work and peelers were available for $3 a thousand. The plant produced fir panels for doors and one-side good panels for drawer bottoms. By 1924, orders were piling up and the plant was running at full capacity. ("The Plywood Age" by Robert M. Cour)

Sedro Box and Veneer Co. (Sedro-Woolley); plywood; Lumber industry--Sedro-Woolley--1920-1930; Mills--Sedro-Woolley--1920-1930;

ca. 1920. The "veneer canal at Sedro-Woolley", part of the Sedro Box and Veneer Co. plant at Sedro Woolley, Washington. The Douglas fir peeler logs were floated on the Skagit River to the area of the plant and brought to the mill by this canal. The same river that brought in the logs also frequently flooded the plant, including a major flood in January of 1918 that cost the plant $20,000. ("The Plywood Age" by Robert M. Cour)

Sedro Box and Veneer Co. (Sedro-Woolley); plywood; Lumber industry--Sedro-Woolley--1920-1930; Mills--Sedro-Woolley--1920-1930;

ca. 1920. The Sedro Box and Veneer Co. plant at Sedro Woolley, Washington. One of the pioneering companies in plywood production, the plant was started in 1905 by William J. "Cottonwood Bill" Royse, Clyde D. Lloyd and Charles Peterson. The plant originally made spice and coffee drums and berry baskets from the veneer made of the surrounding cottonwood trees. A fire destroyed the original plant in February of 1918 and the new, improved and larger plant included a panel department for the production of Douglas fir plywood panels. ("The Plywood Age" by Robert M. Cour)

Sedro Box and Veneer Co. (Sedro-Woolley); plywood; Lumber industry--Sedro-Woolley--1920-1930; Mills--Sedro-Woolley--1920-1930;

ca. 1920. The mill and some employees of the Sedro Box and Veneer Co. at Sedro Woolley, Washington. This photograph was taken in the early 1920's before the plant burned to the ground. Begun with an initial investment of $18,000, the Sedro plant was opened by William J. (Cottonwood Bill) Royse, Clyde D. Lloyd and Charles Peterson in 1905. The plant was jinxed from the very beginning. It was frequently flooded by the unpredictable Skagit River and the first plant burned to the ground on February 3, 1918. Local bankers put up $90,000 to rebuild, taking a mortgage on the plant. The new plant was larger and had a panel department. By 1924, business was booming. They employed 125 men and operated 24 hours a day. ("The Plywood Age" by Robert M. Cour

Sedro Box and Veneer Co. (Sedro-Woolley); plywood; Lumber industry--Sedro-Woolley--1920-1930; Mills--Sedro-Woolley--1920-1930;

ca. 1920. The Sedro Box and Veneer Co. plant at Sedro Woolley, Washington. Stacks of completed fir panels sit waiting shipment to door companies such as Wheeler Osgood of Tacoma. By 1920, William J. "Cottonwood Bill" Royse, a legendary millwork veteran with a hearty handshake and a flamboyant air, and Clyde D. Lloyd, the consummate businessman, eased off the production of boxes and crates at their plant to begin manufacturing plywood panels. Business took off and by 1924 orders were piling up. Business boomed until the plant was destroyed by fire on December 4, 1924. ("The Plywood Age" by Robert M. Cour)

Sedro Box and Veneer Co. (Sedro-Woolley); plywood; Lumber industry--Sedro-Woolley--1920-1930; Mills--Sedro-Woolley--1920-1930;

ca. 1920. The mill and some employees of the Sedro Box and Veneer Co. at Sedro Woolley, Washington. This photograph was taken in the early 1920's before the plant burned to the ground. The plant began plywood panel production in 1919 and by 1924 business was booming. Wages were a dollar a day for 10 hours and peelers were available at $3 a thousand. The plant employed 125 men and operated 24 hours a day. Then on December 4, 1924, the entire plant was destroyed by fire. There was little insurance and that went to the bank that supplied the money for the rebuild after the 1918 fire. The owners thanked the volunteer firemen for their valiant effort to save the plant and went out of business. ("The Plywood Age" by Robert M. Cour)

Sedro Box and Veneer Co. (Sedro-Woolley); plywood; Lumber industry--Sedro-Woolley--1920-1930; Mills--Sedro-Woolley--1920-1930;

Switch gear equipment at Pacific Oerlikon Co. The worker appears diminutive next to the huge electronic machinery mounted above his head. Pacific Oerlikon, a subsidiary of Oerlikon Engineering Co. of Switzerland, manufactured large equipment for the power grid. It occupied the site of the former Henry Mill and Timber Co. in a building specially designed to accomodate the sheer height of its products.

Pacific Oerlikon Co. (Tacoma); Machinery; Equipment;

Window display at Schoenfelds of the Davy Crockett bedroom furniture group in "silver gulch" finish. The furniture was available in open stock on easy terms. Key pieces were the bunk beds, dressers and student desk. A Crockett coonskin cap is hanging from the hat stand to the right. Davy Crockett was a folklore hero who became a familiar name to the children of the fifties through the popular ballad and the Disney television production. In the summer of 1955, the Disney feature length film starring Fess Parker was making the rounds of the movie theatres. Coonskin caps were the fashionable headgear for fans, causing a shortage of small animal furs. In fact, the "King of the Wild Frontier" was the champion retailer of the fifties, with estimated sales of $300 million dollars worth of Crockett labelled merchandise in 1955.

L. Schoenfeld & Sons (Tacoma); Home furnishings stores--Tacoma; Children's furniture; Furniture stores--Tacoma; Window displays--Tacoma;

Switch gear equipment at Pacific Oerlikon Co. The worker eyes suspiciously the hook used to lift this product packaged for transport. Although the hook reads Yale five ton, the worker looks doubtful that it will hold. The product is labelled "porcelain, handle with care, fragile." Pacific Oerlikon manufactured large breakers and equipment used in the transmission of electric power.

Pacific Oerlikon Co. (Tacoma); Machinery; Equipment;

The new location for Dohrmann Hotel Supply Co. This new location for Dohrmann offered increased floor space. The company sold wholesale items used in hotels, commercial kitchens, restaurants and large clubs, such as the Elks.

Dohrmann Hotel Supply Co. (Tacoma); Stores & shops--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The exterior of Craig Furniture Co. The building exterior is painted with "ranges, furniture, rugs and radios." Craig offered name brand furniture as well as some appliances, oil heaters and floor coverings for sale. Sharing the storefront at ground level are G.D. Phillips Co. shoes and Leroy Jewelers.

Craig Furniture, Inc. (Tacoma); Furniture stores--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior of Woolworth store. Long a downtown Tacoma fixture, the F.W. Woolworth Co. store was built on the Fidelity Building site at 9th and Broadway and celebrated its grand opening in November, 1950. The four story building had entrances both on Broadway and on Commerce Street. Thousands of shoppers flocked to Woolworth's during its tenure as Tacoma's premier five-and-dime store until its closure in 1993. View of Woolworth Building on Broadway with Rust Building in background. TPL-9909

F.W. Woolworth Co. (Tacoma); Variety stores--Tacoma;