Today, you’d be unlikely to find a wig department at a major department store, but that is exactly what is pictured here! Peoples Store at 11th and Pacific had this photograph taken on May 2, 1969, following an extensive remodel to their second floor which included the “Wig Boutique.” The store had hired expert stylists to offer advice and fittings for the wide variety of styles and colors of wigs on sale. Pre-styled human hair wigs, machine-tied, were on sale at the time for $29.95. Wig boxes and styrofoam heads were included to transport the items home.
On May 1, 1943, Salishan, a new 2,000 unit housing development for defense workers, was finally ready for occupancy. Ten families moved in the first day, with 25-30 more scheduled for move-ins daily until the units were fully occupied. The Yorges family, originally from Palouse, Washington, was pictured on moving day. From left to right are 10 year old Janice with the family dog, Mrs. Yorges and Ralph Jr., and Ralph Senior carrying a chair.
70 years ago in Tacoma! Cans of Columbia Ale are arranged in a semicircle on the familiar Heidelberg logo placemat as the brewery’s men’s bowling team pose behind the display. The men, dressed in bowling shirts with their names embroidered on them, clutch their bowling balls in this April 30, 1954, photograph. Bowling was a popular pastime in the 1950s; there were many leagues established in Tacoma, including several company-sponsored teams such as this one.
On April 28, 1940, the Castagno family gathered for a family portrait. The large group of adults and children, and one dog, posed on the front porch of a house. There was one listing in the 1940 City Directory for an Angela Castagno (widow of John) living at 5003 North Pearl, which would match the partially-visible address in the photograph. Do any of our followers have any connection to or additional knowledge about this family?
A century ago in Tacoma! The “Tigers,” members of the South Tacoma Business Men’s Club independent baseball team, posed outdoors for a team picture on April 27, 1924. All but one are wearing complete baseball attire, including caps. They would open their season against the Northern Pacific Shopmen on May 4, 1924, in the brand new baseball park at South 72nd & Lawrence. A big parade would precede the game. The Northern Pacific Shopmen would go on to win a high scoring game, 11-9. From L-R, top row: Cliff Wescott; Elmer Booth; O. Capps; Roy Hilliard; Bryon Furseth; Ed Putnam. Kneeling L-R: Ted Fosdick; Archie Genin; Lud Radike; ___Bishop; ___Brown.
Tales of Tacoma 