5442 South Tacoma Way (1919)
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
In 1919, Ralph and Anna Martin built their candy shop building at 5442 South Tacoma Way (known then as Union Avenue). The Martins and their children lived upstairs. Located strategically next to the Orpheum Theater, the Martin Confectionery was one of several such businesses in Tacoma over the past century; it finally closed in 1964.
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5442 South Tacoma Way
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
In 1919, Ralph and Anna Martin built their candy shop building at 5442 South Tacoma Way (known then as Union Avenue). The Martins and their children lived upstairs. Located strategically next to the Orpheum Theater, the Martin Confectionery was one of several such businesses in Tacoma over the past century; it finally closed in 1964. By then it was well known for its "Martin Bar" ice cream sandwich, a favorite of South Tacoma families, along with Anna's clam chowder and bean soup. Anna passed in 1988 at the age of 101. Today the building remains part of the historic South Tacoma Business District.