Shoe department - Peoples. In 1970, ladies shoes and handbags were displayed at Peoples not in racks cluttering the floor but on shelves in recessed walls and in open cabinets. One tree rack of leather boots was located near a mirrored column. A few comfortable modern chairs were set back-to-back with foot stools. This left an impression of spaciousness and elegance. The women's shoe department was located on the first floor; this photograph was part of a full page advertisement in the November 4, 1970, News Tribune. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT 11-4-70, D-12)

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Shoes;

Bank of Washington Plaza Building. The staff and management of Pacific National Bank of Washington stand before the brand new 24-story Bank of Washington Plaza tower in late December of 1970. Although the building would not be formally dedicated until January 9, 1971, staff had already moved into their new home. The Pacific National Bank of Washington was created in 1970 with the merger of Tacoma's National Bank of Washington, who had begun construction of the plaza, and Seattle's Pacific National Bank. This photograph was used for a full page ad in the News Tribune on January 7, 1971, inviting one and all to attend the official dedication of the new skyscraper in two days. The address listed for the plaza was One Washington Plaza. Photograph ordered by Pacific National Bank of Washington. (TNT ad 1-7-71, D-1)

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma;

Ladies wear at Peoples. This section featuring fashionable ladies wear is believed to have been taken at Peoples downtown store in October of 1970. Both pant suits and one-piece jumpers appear to be popular items. Peoples had three locations in the local area including one in Lakewood and another in Lacey. By 1970, the store advertised Sunday shopping hours, possibly to compete with the Tacoma Mall. This photograph was part of a full page ad in the News Tribune on November 4, 1970. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT ad 11-4-70, D-12

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Sportswear department - Peoples. A large section of fashionable sportswear awaits customers of the Peoples department store in October of 1970. Racks are packed with women's clothing, including both bold prints and plain solids. Peoples had recently completely remodeled their second floor and invited customers to come take a look at the variety of women's stylish fashions. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT 11-4-70, D-12)

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Foundations department - Peoples. The women's foundations section at Peoples in October of 1970 displayed a wide variety of undergarments including slips, bras, panties and nightgowns. A small sign advised customers to "Stretch on - Shape up!" Peoples had recently remodeled their second floor featuring women's clothing and accessories; this photograph was part of a full page ad in the News Tribune's November 4th issue. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT 11-4-70, D-12)

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Underwear; Signs (Notices);

On October 13, 1970 a photographer from the Richards Studio leaned out of an unfinished window of the Bank of Washington building at 1201-23 Pacific Avenue and captured this abstract image of the plaza below. The spiral at top center is the unfinished staircase that when completed would lead to the fountain, restaurant and shops that were planned for the lower level of the plaza. The small circles that surround half of the spiral were designated to hold trees. On the lower edge, two men are working on a scaffold suspended from the side of the building. The plaza became Wells Fargo Plaza in 1997. (Photograph ordered by Labor Advocate Publishing Co.) TPL-9547

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Fountains--Tacoma; Stairways--Tacoma--1970-1980;

The chef at O'Brien's Restaurant prepares to slice a large, luscious roast for several admiring guests on January 29, 1971. Owner Jim O'Brien, a former bailbondsman, had hosted a special sneak preview that evening. The restaurant would open officially in a few days; it was located in the Bank of Washington Plaza, at the foot of the curving staircase. Photograph ordered by O'Brien's Restaurant. (TNT 1-28-71, A-2 - "Faces & Places" column- article)

O'Brien's Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Cooks;

Wig department - Peoples. In 1970 women were still sporting wigs and Peoples department store had a special wig boutique with many styles on display. A wig specialist helps a customer adjust a bouffant model while gazing in the large mirror. Shorter, curlier wigs in a variety of colors seem to be the trendy look. This photograph was part of a full page ad in the News Tribune's November 4, 1970, edition. Photograph ordered by Peoples. (TNT ad 11-4-70, D-12)

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Wigs;

Bank of Washington Plaza. Pacific National Bank of Washington wished its customers, and all of Tacoma, happy holiday greetings from its recently completed Bank of Washington Plaza, 1201-23 Pacific Ave., in December of 1970. Sparkling red bulbs in the windows of two of the upper floors spelled out "Merry Christmas." Tacoma's National Bank of Washington and Seattle's Pacific National Bank had merged effective August 16, 1970, to create the Pacific National Bank of Washington with headquarters in Seattle. The Bank of Washington Plaza in downtown Tacoma would become the Tacoma headquarters. With assets over 700 million dollars, the new merged bank would have over 1800 employees and 60 branches. The Pacific National Bank of Washington would formally open its doors in Tacoma on Monday, December 14, 1970. (TNT 8-17-70, p. 30 - article; TNT 12-9-70 - article) Color photograph ordered by the public relations department, Pacific National Bank of Washington.

National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Pacific National Bank of Washington (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Electric signs--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Awaiting construction of their new district office building is the staff of Allstate Insurance Company. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on August 31, 1971, at the south end location adjacent to the Tacoma Mall. Costs for the new building were expected to run $200,000. The 9,450-foot one-story structure, faced with Marblecrete, a quartzite white gold aggregate, would be built on the southwest corner of Ferry and South 48th St. Once completed, Allstate's staff would move from 622 Tacoma Avenue South where their office had been since 1956. Allstate's district office served nine southwest Washington counties. (TNT 8-22-71, B-8; TNT 9-1-71, A-7 article)

Allstate Insurance Co. (Tacoma); Insurance companies--Tacoma--1970-1980; Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Groundbreaking ceremonies for Allstate Insurance Company's new district office near the Tacoma Mall were held on the morning of August 31, 1971. Three Allstate employees in hard hats man the shovels in front of piles of dirt. A large drawing of the anticipated building is on display. The new $200,000 office building would be erected on the southwest corner of Ferry and South 48th St. The one-story structure would be built of reinforced concrete by the Jack A. Benaroya Co. of Seattle. In addition to underground parking for 18 cars, an outdoor lot with 42 spots would be provided. Once completed, staff would relocate from Allstate's present office at 622 Tacoma Avenue South. (TNT 8-22-71, B-8 - article; TNT 9-1-71, A-7 article)

Allstate Insurance Co. (Tacoma); Insurance companies--Tacoma--1970-1980; Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Body Shop at Peoples. August, 1971, view of colorful "Body Shop" display on the second floor of the Peoples department store. These were eye-catching long sleeved body suits in a variety of vibrant colors including a purple one-piece outfit on a green chrome stand. Color photograph ordered by Peoples.

Peoples (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1970-1980;

It was a brisk 49 degrees in April 1971 when this photograph of the National Realty Building, then Puget Sound National Bank, was taken from a building across the street. The building was sandwiched between Peoples department store and the National Bank of Washington (later home to the Tacoma Art Museum). The landmark structure, with its familiar spire, was at one time the tallest building on the West Coast, and the first built to withstand earthquakes. Puget Sound National Bank, established in 1890, would promote itself as an independent, "hometown" bank. It would merge with Key Bank in 1993. Photograph ordered by De Vac, Minneapolis, MN.

Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Peoples (Tacoma);

ca. 1971. Color exterior view of Puget Sound National Bank. Brilliant blue skies cast a warm glow over the downtown Tacoma business district, seeking to melt the residue of snow that is still present on the sidewalks and on Pacific Avenue. The venerable Puget Sound National Bank, once the tallest building on the West Coast at a narrow 16 stories, is flanked by Peoples department store and the newly opened Tacoma Art Museum (former home of National Bank of Washington). The familiar blue and white sign with P & S entwined is attached to the skyscraper. Color photograph ordered by DeVac, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, on November 18, 1971.

Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma); Peoples (Tacoma); Tacoma Art Museum (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Department stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Galleries & museums--Tacoma--1970-1980; Business districts--Tacoma--1970-1980;

September, 1971, view of the 2700 block of South Tacoma Way. At the corner is the Oxygen Sales & Service Co., distributor of Union Carbide welding products and Linde gases. Propane was also for sale. Next door to Oxygen Sales & Service was the Steven Motor Co., a Chrysler-Plymouth dealership. According to their full page ad in the 1971 City Directory, Steven Motor Co. had 50 continuous years in the automobile business in Tacoma. They had been at the South Tacoma Way location since 1959; prior to that, they had been based in downtown Tacoma on Broadway for many years. Everett T. Steven was president of the firm with Pete Lisicich as manager and Norm Gordon as used car fleet and lease manager. Photograph ordered by Steven Motor Co.

Steven Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1970-1980; Oxygen Sales & Service Co. (Tacoma);

The new Allstate Insurance Co. building was open for business in early January of 1972. It was located at 2102 South 48th St., across from the Tacoma Mall. Groundbreaking had occurred on August 31, 1971, for the $200,000 building. Photograph ordered by Allstate Insurance Co.

Allstate Insurance Co. (Tacoma); Insurance companies--Tacoma--1970-1980; Office buildings--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Baza'r Discount Auto Center. The Baza'r Discount Auto Center, featuring "lowest everyday prices," was part of the Gov-Mart Baza'r department store complex in the Ponders Corner area of Lakewood. Goodyear tires were sold here as well as brake service, mufflers, batteries and tune-ups. Customers could pull up to three separate rows of gas pumps for regular or premium gas. Photograph ordered by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Seattle.

Baza'r Discount Auto Center (Lakewood); Automobile service stations--Lakewood--1970-1980; Gasoline pumps--Lakewood--1970-1980; Signs (Notices);

The new Allstate Insurance Co. building was located on the southwest corner of Ferry and South 48th St., across the street from the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. Construction of Allstate's district office had been completed in four months. The Jack A. Benaroya Co. was the $200,000 structure's builder. Photograph ordered by Allstate Insurance Co.

Allstate Insurance Co. (Tacoma); Insurance companies--Tacoma--1970-1980; Office buildings--Tacoma--1970-1980;

An Allstate Insurance Co. employee adjusts the weekly "Drive-In Schedule" located in the company's new district office building at 2102 So. 48th St. The $200,000 one-story structure was completed in a mere four months after ground was broken on August 31, 1971. Photograph ordered by Allstate Insurance Co.

Allstate Insurance Co. (Tacoma); Insurance companies--Tacoma--1970-1980; Office workers--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Jeri McCabe hands a sheet of paper to an unidentified man while her co-worker stands by. Allstate Insurance Co. had just opened its new $200,000 district office building in early January of 1972. Previously Allstate had been located at 622 Tacoma Ave. South for 16 years. Photograph ordered by Allstate Insurance Co.

Allstate Insurance Co. (Tacoma); Insurance companies--Tacoma--1970-1980; Office buildings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Office workers--Tacoma--1970-1980; McCabe, Jeri;

Allstate agents at work in their new district office building. The one-story, nearly 10,000 square foot building was designed with ceiling-to-floor windows that allowed plenty of natural light to enter the workplace. Desks were placed two-across and each desk was labeled with the occupant's name. Jim Rishel is seated at desk AA and Mary Coates directly behind him at desk CC. Photograph ordered by Allstate Insurance Co.

Allstate Insurance Co. (Tacoma); Insurance companies--Tacoma--1970-1980; Office buildings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Office workers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Rishel, Jim; Coates, Mary;

Allstate Insurance Co. Three unidentified Allstate employees pause for a moment during the January 10, 1972, workday in their new district office building close to the Tacoma Mall. The young woman with the large Afro may be transcribing data obtained through her earphones. Photograph ordered by Allstate Insurance Co.

Allstate Insurance Co. (Tacoma); Insurance companies--Tacoma--1970-1980; Office buildings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Office workers--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Allstate Insurance Co. employees assist their policyholders who are waiting in the firm's spacious reception area on January 10, 1972. Allstate was a well-known carrier for auto insurance as well as other forms of insurance. The new building at 2102 South 48th St. was the company's district office. It was located in close proximity to the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center. Photograph ordered by Allstate Insurance Co.

Allstate Insurance Co. (Tacoma); Insurance companies--Tacoma--1970-1980; Office workers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Office buildings--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House in city's "Old Town." The "pub" style wood-framed restaurant was scheduled to open in March of 1972. It was designed by Tacoma architects Robert Billsbrough Price & Associates and built by the Rome Co. on pilings over Commencement Bay. The unusual name of the restaurant came from names common in 18th century London. The interior of the restaurant would be decorated with heavy wooden tables and sturdy tableware and employees would be dressed in the fashions of England past. The restaurant changed hands several times; in 2006, it is now called "Duke's Chowder House." Photograph ordered by Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House. (TNT 3-12-72, D-11)

Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House located at 3327 Ruston Way opened in March of 1972. The $350,000 "pub" style restaurant was built on pilings over Commencement Bay. Red Baron, Inc., were the owners and operators of the building, designed by Robert Billsbrough Price & Associates. The interior was decorated with heavy wooden tables and sturdy tableware, and the waitresses wore costumes reminiscent of the clothing worn in Elizabethan England. The restaurant has changed hands several times since 1972; in 2006 it became "Duke's Chowder House". (Photograph ordered by Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House.) (TNT 3-12-72, D-11)

Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Staff of Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House. In 1972, Crystal Corbin (far left) and Susan Pettit (far right) were hostesses at the new restaurant with the long name - Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House - located on Ruston Way. Beth Pritchard (third from right) was one of the waitresses. Employees of Clinkerdagger's wore outfits reminiscent of pub fashions worn in London of the 1800's. Many of the young ladies shown above in April of 1972, shortly after the restaurant's opening, were students at the University of Puget Sound. Photograph ordered by Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House.

Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Waitresses--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Extended view of the Baza'r Discount Auto Center on an overcast day in May, 1972. Much like the Gov-Mart/Baza'r department store located in the same vicinity, the large auto center offered a "one-stop" shopping style. Customers could fill their tanks, buy Goodyear tires, and have maintenance performed on their vehicles. There were several bays and pumps in the auto center so waiting could be cut to a minimum. Photograph ordered by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Seattle.

Baza'r Discount Auto Center (Lakewood); Automobile service stations--Lakewood--1970-1980; Gasoline pumps--Lakewood--1970-1980; Signs (Notices);

View of lobby with "antique" furnishings, large brick fireplace. The young serving staff of Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House, 3327 Ruston Way, relax in the restaurant's lobby on April 5, 1972. Many, if not all, of the waitresses and hostesses were selected from the campus of the University of Puget Sound. Crystal Corbin and Susan Pettit (both standing extreme left) share smiles with their co-workers; the wait staff wore ruffled skirts and blouses, white stockings, and caps resembling the clothing of 19th century London pub employees. Even the men employed at the newly opened establishment sported white hose, buckled shoes and ruffled shirts. Photograph ordered by Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House.

Clinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Pett's Public House (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Waitresses--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Branch managers of the Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association met at the Main office on February 18, 1972, to have their annual photograph taken in the courtyard. Gerrit VanderEnde (seated third from left) had just retired as chairman of the board. He had come to Tacoma in 1948 to serve as president of Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan. Mr. VanderEnde had previously been president of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and also been the city manager of Berkeley, California. Deposits were $42 million when Mr. VanderEnde first arrived; in 1972, deposits had skyrocked to more than $565 million. Pacific First Federal had become the 20th largest savings & loan in the country. It now had ten branches and two loan offices in Washington and Oregon. H. Dewayne Kreager, president, (believed to be seated in dark suit next to Mr. VanderEnde) would remain as president and also become chairman of the board. Mr. VanderEnde would continue as director and as chairman of the board's executive committee. (TNT 2-6-72, D-11 article; TNT 2-9-72, D-11 article) Color photograph ordered by Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association.

Pacific First Federal Savings & Loan Association (Tacoma); Banks--Tacoma; Bankers--Tacoma; Banking--Tacoma--1970-1980; VanderEnde, Gerrit;

Staples at Steve's Gay '90s restaurant, 54th & South Tacoma Way, were his talented staff who entertained diners on weekends in the Gay '90s Revue, providing fun for the entire family. Gathered around the newly restored Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ in October of 1971 were believed to be Dorothy Jean, "gay '90s queen;" Mr. Banjo, Ray Johnston; Bob Shonack & his Cable Car Conductors; and Steve's trio of can-can dancers. Diners were invited to enjoy the clean entertainment while devouring Steve's " mile long smorgasbord" for $3.80. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT ad 9-3-71, p. 8; TNT ad 11-5-71, p. 11) TPL-6700

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Organs; Entertainers--Tacoma--1970-1980;