Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Item
Title
D8809-5
Date(s)
- 1939-08-29 (Creation)
Extent
Name of creator
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
A man looks amazed at a large piece of shattered window glass at the Goodrich Silvertown Stores service station on August 29, 1939. The window was shattered by the free flying rear wheels of a 6 ton mach truck that had just careened down Pacific Avenue without brakes. The drive shaft of the truck, driven by Greg Marion of Seattle, tore loose, the engine stopped and the brakes went out about midway down long, steep Pacific Avenue at 32nd Street. The truck gained momentum, speeding down Pacific against the lights with Marion steering around vehicles in the heavy traffic and blowing the horn. At 21st and Pacific, the truck grazed a Tacoma Grocery Co. truck, hit a fire hydrant sending it flying 50 yards and demolishing a shed at Silvertown and sent its rear wheels through the plate glass office windows. Three men were in the office and only Bob Owens suffered a scratch on his cheek. The truck completely uprooted a gas pump and came to rest a few yards later. Miraculously, there were only two slight injuries. Driver Marion was shook up but unhurt. (T. Times 8/30/1939, pg. 1)
Goodrich Silvertown Stores (Tacoma); Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma--1930-1940; Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1930-1940; Traffic accidents--Tacoma--1930-1940;