Fife, WA along Highway 99

Photo by Vintage Pacific Northwest 2009

Incredible

Crawford’s Sea Grill - Seattle

Crawford’s Sea Grill Restaurant, built on the site of the old Nelson Bennett mansion in 1946, is shown in the process of being converted to a Pacific Telephone & Telegraph accounting office in March, 1953. The restaurant, located at 505 Broadway, boasted of a splendid sea view, including a terrace enclosed in glass where residents and tourists alike could dine while enjoying Commencement Bay. 

From the Tacoma Public Library

Walla Walla

Priest Point Park Chalet 1938

Olympia’s Priest Point park is your typical PNW park with spectacular views of the Puget Sound.  It’s pretty basic with the exception of a lovely little rose garden.  But way back in the day, Priest Point Park was a destination complete with this incredible chalet and a little zoo. 
Today, there are no signs of any of the frills of the past.  

Western Washington University

Bellingham, Wa

From Tacoma Public Library

This is how Sixth Avenue at Cedar Street going East toward downtown Tacoma looked in January of 1951. On the left hand side of the photograph is Afton & Jay’s Doughnut Shop, which also had a fountain and grill. It is followed in the same building by Buff’s Barber Shop, Sixth Avenue Cabinet Makers & Sixth Avenue Realty, and the Sixth Avenue Launderette. A billboard inviting all to enjoy Heidelberg beer is overhead. Further down the street is Loren’s Mobilgas. On the right hand side of the street is Gordon’s Texaco, followed by Raymond Upholstery and Stebners Inc., linoleum dealers. Central Bank, 2816 Sixth Ave., can be seen in the distance. 

You thought The Holly and the Bailey were the only vintage motels on old Route 99 just north of Olympia.  Well, there is a 3rd.  The LoDoro was hoppin’ back in the day.  Today, it’s offices.

This ad is from 1950

How is it already swimsuit season?

(Source: ligeiabierce)