The highlight of the June 1936 Firefighters College was the 3 hour free show at the Stadium Bowl June 19th. 25,000 spectators crowded onto the concrete benches to watch fire departments, such as the Spokane department pictured here, perform drills. The Spokane Fire Department is demonstrating the use of ladders.

Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Fire fighters--1930-1940; Fire fighting--1930-1940; Fire engines & equipment--1930-1940; Ladders; Northwest Fire College (Tacoma);

The old London Dock and the Waterside Milling Company plant were destroyed by fire shortly after noon on Tuesday, January 7,1936. Flames and thick black smoke engulfed the warehouse building and dock while firemen and equipment on land fought to quell the fire. The City fireboat and four Foss tugs were also called into action and together, they managed to contain the fire to stop it from spreading to other nearby warehouses and docks. It was reported that a wood dust explosion caused the $260,000 fire. The Waterside Milling Co. specialized in the manufacture of wood flour, which was a finely powdered form of wood. (T. Times, 1-7-36, p. 1-article; T.Times 1-8-36, p. 1+-article; TDL 1-8-36, p. 1-article & various photographs; 100 Years of Firefighting in the City of Destiny Tacoma, Washington, p. 94-95).

Fires--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fireboats--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smoke--Tacoma; Waterside Milling Co. (Tacoma); Piers & wharves--Tacoma--1930-1940;

The Old London Dock and the Waterside Milling Co. on Tacoma's waterfront were destroyed by fire on January 7, 1936. The City fireboat and four Foss tugs are shown fighting the enormous blaze which had earlier threatened the Municipal Dock, Western States grocery and Younglove grocery warehouse. The 2000 foot Waterside Milling Co. warehouse was divided into long sections separated by brick fire walls. The fire walls on the south end of the London Dock helped to stop the blaze from spreading in that direction. There were no reported fatalities among the sixteen workers on the dock at the time of the fire, although one man suffered burns. Total damages, according to the Tacoma Daily Ledger, were set at $260,000. The ruins of the Tacoma Hotel and the city skyline loom in the background. (T. Times, 1-7-36, p. 1, TDL 1-8-36, p. 1, 100 Years of Firefighting in the City of Destiny Tacoma, Washington, p. 94-95).

Fires--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fireboats--Tacoma--1930-1940;

At 12:45 in the afternoon on July 25, 1937, a two alarm fire broke out at the Puget Sound Manufacturing Company. Eight fire companies responded and fought the blazes for five hours. As they fought the flames, three fire fighters held down water hoses as they sprayed water onto the brick exterior of the building at 1121-23 Saint Paul Ave. Loss was estimated at $15,000. (T. Times, 7/16/1937, p. 1).

Fires--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fire fighters--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1930-1940; Puget Sound Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma);

Old London Dock destroyed by fire on January 7, 1936. City fireboat and Foss tugs dousing flames at waterfront Waterside Milling Co. warehouse. Thick plumes of smoke drift into the Bay as the Tacoma Fire Department tries to staunch the enormous blaze. Wood dust exploded in the Waterside wheat warehouse causing the building and dock to be gutted; damages were set at $260,000. Thousands of residents lined the 11th St. Bridge and surrounding hillsides to watch the spectacular sight. (T. Times, 1-7-36, p. 1, TDL 1-8-36, p. 1, 100 Years of Firefighting in the City of Destiny Tacoma, Washington, p. 94-95).

Fires--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fireboats--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Old London Dock destroyed by fire on January 7, 1936, as the Waterside Milling Co. wheat warehouse is engulfed by flames. The 2000 foot structure was divided into long sections separated by brick fire walls. It is believed that wood dust exploded causing the fire; fortunately, there were no fatalities listed. Damages were set at $260,000. The city fireboat, led by Chief Emory Whitaker, and four Foss tugs succeeded in successfully containing the blaze. (T. Times, 1-7-36, p. 1, TDL 1-8-36, p. 1, 100 Years of Firefighting in the City of Destiny Tacoma, Washington, p. 94-95).

Fires--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fireboats--Tacoma--1930-1940;

On July 25, 1937, fire broke out at the Puget Sound Manufacturing Company, 1121-23 Saint Paul Ave. Eight fire companies battled the flames for five hours. As the flames were brought under control, fire fighters were photographed spraying water onto the wooden plank floor of the former warehouse. The loss was estimated at $15,000. The fire was believed to have been started by a careless cigarette tossed from an automobile onto a sawdust pile. (T. Times, 7/26/1937, p.1).

Fires--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fire fighters--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1930-1940; Puget Sound Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma);

Puget Sound Manufacturing Company fire. On July 25, 1937, Fire fighters were photographed dousing the ruins of a warehouse at the Puget Sound Manufacturing Co. Metal debris covers the field beside the burned-out building. Eight fire companies battled the blaze for five hours before it was completely contained. The Puget Sound plant sustained $15,000 in damages and there was also minor damage to the St. Paul Mill Store and the offices of Wheeler Osgood. The Puget Sound Manufacturing Co. specialized in general mill work (T. Times, 7/26/1937, p. 1-picture).

Fires--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fire fighters--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1930-1940; Puget Sound Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma);

Puget Sound Manufacturing Company fire on July 25, 1937. Fire fighters inspect the charred ruins inside the former building on Saint Paul Avenue. Eight fire companies fought the $15,000 two-alarm blaze. The fire was believed started by a careless cigarette thrown from an automobile which landed in a sawdust pile on the southside of the plant. A lumber storehouse then burst into flames. The ensuing sparks set fire to the St. Paul mill store and the offices of Wheeler-Osgood but damage was minimal. The fire was finally contained after five hours. (T. Times, 7/26/1937, p. 1-picture).

Fires--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fire fighters--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1930-1940; Puget Sound Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma);

Three firefighters from the Bremerton Fire Department, left to right Ted Tillen, Glen Buettgenbach and Ernest F. Yett, were photographed in November of 1935 working like Santa's elves repairing a large pile of discarded toys in preparation for the upcoming Christmas season. In their spare time at the station, these firemen doubled as toy repairmen to make the holiday a happy one for needy children. In 1934, more than 1200 rejuvenated playthings were turned over to the Salvation Army for distribution and in 1935 that amount was expected to grow. Photograph ordered by the Bremerton Sun. (Bremerton Sun 12/13/1935, pg. 1)

Fire stations--Bremerton--1930-1940; Fire fighters--Bremerton--1930-1940; Toys; Tillen, Ted; Buettgenbach, Glen; Yett, Ernest;

At 12:45p.m. on Sunday, July 25th 1937, a fire broke out at the Puget Sound Manufacturing Company. Eight fire companies responded to the two alarm fire and fought the blaze for 5 hours. The loss to the plant exceeded $15,000. (T. Times, 7/26/1937, p. 1).

Fires--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fire fighters--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1930-1940; Puget Sound Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma);

On April 23, 1937, five fire fighters from Tacoma Station #2 tested their new 75 foot ladder on a city street divided by streetcar tracks. Three men were beside the fire truck and two were on the very high extension ladder which reached into the open air. The ladder was a replacement for a creaky 24 year old model. It was designed and built under the direction of Hoseman Royce H. Waldrep when it was determined that the city could not afford to purchase a replacement. The Tacoma-made ladder cost $300 ( a savings of around $1000) and took 35 days to build. (filed with Argentum) (T. Times 4/26/1937, pg. 1)

Fire fighters--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ladders;

In October of 1935, Bremerton firemen T.R. Tillett, left, and Assistant Fire Chief Ernest Yett polish their fire engine until they can see themselves. They use special mitts that fit over their hands to polish. The engine's siren is mounted near the upper fireman, with his knee on the driver's seat, and the engine's bell near the ground level fire fighter, with his foot on the running board. A reeled hose can be seen behind the bell. For every hour that they spend fighting a fire, the firemen spend an additional two checking and cleaning their equipment. When on duty, they had the choice between a 14 hour night shift and a 10 hour day shift. They also cleaned the Bremerton City Hall after the other workers left and filled in for the police department when it closed at midnight. Photograph ordered by the Bremerton Sun. Also cataloged as image D404-2. (Bremerton Sun 10/11/1935, pg. 1)

Fire stations--Bremerton--1930-1940; Fire fighters--Bremerton--1930-1940; Fire engines & equipment--Bremerton--1930-1940; Tillett, T.R.; Yett, Ernest;

Gas mask drills and demonstrations are being given every Tacoma fireman this week. Following a lecture on the methods of combating noxious gases, a gas mask drill is held in a special smoke chamber filled with heavy sulphur fumes. The men are roped together to prevent their being separated in the dark room. A squad is shown carrying its instructor-victim, Lieut. Claude Bray, from the smoke chamber at Station No. 5. Left to right, Francis E. West, Earl P. McCormick, Arthur M. Kelchner, Lieut. Bray, Aldus F. Willis and Capt. Clarence A. Potter. (T. Times, 10/30/1935, p. 12).

Fire prevention; Fire engines & equipment; Gas masks; Poisons; Safety; Vocational education; Fire fighters--Tacoma; Fire stations--Tacoma;

On April 23, 1937, Tacoma fire fighters posed on their new 75 foot high extension ladder reaching upward into sky. One fireman with a rope over his shoulder was on bottom rung, while another was standing at the very top. The ladder was a replacement for the 24 year old one belonging to Station #2's hook and ladder truck. It was designed and built by Hoseman Royce H. Waldrep when it was determined that the city could not afford to purchase a replacement. The ladder took Waldrep and his team 35 days to build and cost $300, a savings of around $1,000. (filed with Argentum) (T. Times 4/26/1937, pg. 1)

Fire fighters--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ladders;

Tacoma played host to the first Northwest Fire College June 17-20, 1936. The school was an opportunity for professional and volunteer fire departments from across the Northwest to train together and share techniques. The remains of the burned out Tacoma Hotel had been left intact for training. On Thursday, June 18th, 1936, eerie red lights once again glowed inside the hotel as Tacoma's various fire departments sped to the scene. The first floor is well-lit in this night-time exposure. Automobiles are parked in front of the fenced-off hotel. The Balfour dock, destroyed in a January 1936 fire, was also left intact for training. (T. Times 6/19/1936)

Fire fighters--1930-1940; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1930-1940; Northwest Fire College (Tacoma); Fires--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hotels--Tacoma; Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma);

In June of 1936, Norman E. Whiteman, left, and Detmer H. Ketler, two Tacoma fire fighters from the Tacoma Avenue station, modeled and demonstrated fire equipment from the 1880s for the Tacoma Times. Whiteman wears the belt and hat of the "Alert" Hose Co. #2, a volunteer organization established in 1885. He is holding the hose belonging to the first two wheel hose cart owned by "New Tacoma." Ketler is garbed as one of "Our Boys," another volunteer firefighting unit from the 1880's. He shouts orders through the old chief's silver plated trumpet. (T Times 6/18/1936, pg. 1)

Fire fighters--Tacoma--1890-1900; Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma); Whiteman, N.E.; Ketler, D.H.; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1890-1900;

At 6:30 p.m. on June 19, 1936, Tacoma Fire Truck Companies 1 & 2 staged a spectacular life line drill at 9th & Commerce to the delight and awe of spectators. It was all part of the first ever Northwest Fire College, held in Tacoma June 17-20, 1936. The two big trucks hoisted their 75 foot ladders overhead in an inverted "V" with life lines running on both sides for the fire fighters to run up, slide down and rescue victims. This photograph shows six firemen standing on a ladder truck marked T.F.D. No. 1. The firefighters are wearing white uniforms with wide canvas belts around their waists. Downtown crowds observe the training activity. (T. Times 6/16/1936, pg. 1)

Fire fighters--1930-1940; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1930-1940; Northwest Fire College (Tacoma); Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1930-1940; Ladders;

Captain E.F. Leo (right) stands next to a newly rebuilt Tacoma Fire Department pumper truck in this photograph from November 1937. The truck had been almost completely destroyed by a collision with a streetcar on January 20, 1935. Working during his spare time over a two year period, George Perry, a maintenance man with the fire department, completely rebuilt the truck. Fireman L. C. Russell is at the wheel. (for photographs of the accident, see series 929, images 1 & 2) (T.Times, 11/04/37, p.5)

Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1930-1940; Trucks--Tacoma--1930-1940; Leo, E. F.;

In June of 1936, Tacoma hosted the state Fire Chiefs Convention and the first ever Northwest Fire College. Pictured are a few of the veteran firemen in Tacoma for the college. Front row, left to right, Chief Henry J. Quane from Anaconda, Mt.- a well known character who hands out calling cards of pure gold, silver and copper; Chief G. W. Dewar of Havre, Mt.; Ass't. Chief J. Blamey and Chief W.P. Payne of Spokane and Chief Emory N. Whitaker of Tacoma. Back row: Chief William Sanborn and Capt. B.C. Harwood of Sprague, Wa. and Capt. Joe Cook of Seattle, drill instructor. The men are posed for a portrait beside a fire engine. The Washington State Fire Chiefs Association met on June 17th and the Northwest Fire College ran June 18-20, 1936. The Hotel Winthrop served as the location and attendees included all paid and volunteer chiefs in the state, as well as representatives from Montana, Idaho and British Columbia. (T. Times 6/19/1936, pg. 18)

Fire fighters--1930-1940; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1930-1940; Quane, Henry J.; Whitaker, Emory; Fire fighting--Tacoma--1930-1940; Northwest Fire College (Tacoma);

On November 5, 1899, over 50,000 admirers lined the tracks of the Northern Pacific Railroad to welcome home the First Washington Volunteer Infantry Regiment, the "Fighting First," from their battle service in the Philippines. The crowd was so thick that it lined the track for miles, stretching upward to cover rooftops with a mass of humanity. The soldiers had been absent for 18 months, a year spent training and six months spent fighting Filipino insurgents in Manila and Luzon. Over 1,125 men left for the Philippines of which 129 never returned, felled by battle or disease. The Regiment was made up of 12 companies, mostly National Guard, from Seattle (2), Spokane (2), Walla Walla, Vancouver, Centralia, Dayton, Yakima, Waitsburg, Ellensburg and Tacoma. Picture of the crowd awaiting the arrival of the volunteers' train. On the left of the track were, front to back, 1701 Commerce (built 1892), a building at the corner of Jefferson and So. 17th St. and 1511-41 Pacific Ave. The street running along the left side of the track is Hood St.; the track is the Northern Pacific Portland branch.

First Washington Volunteer Infantry Regiment (Wash.); Philippine Insurrection, (1899-1902); Crowds; Homecomings;

ca. 1927. Seventeen children sit or stand on a fire truck in front of a fire station believed to be Fire Station #1 located at 425 Tacoma Ave. So. in this circa 1927 photograph. The station was built in 1919. In the background are the Leroy Apartments, 415 Fawcett Ave. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma); Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1920-1930; Fire stations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Children--Tacoma--1920-1930; Leroy Apartments (Tacoma);

ca. 1906. Copy negative of an early Tacoma Fire Department fire truck, circa 1900.

Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1900-1910; Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma);

ca. 1911. In 1911, Truck Co. No. 1 received a Seagrave tractor for aerial; their old tractor was given to Truck Co. No. 2. View of Truck Co. No. 2 firefighters with No. I's truck, pulled by three horses, taken the same year. According to the Tacoma Times, this was Tacoma's first modern ladder truck. At the tiller is L.S. Finney with Harry White driving. Standing next to the driver's seat is Charles W. Nichols. Standing on the ground, left to right, are: S.F. Buck, William F. Bing, A.L. Hooten, Edward Evans. TPL-709. (Talbot: 100 Years of Firefighting in the City of Destiny Tacoma, Washington, p. 52; T. Times 6/18/1936, pg.1)

Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma); Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma; Horses--Tacoma;

ca. 1911. Sepia photograph of Engine Co. No. 4's new quarters in the 200 block of E. 26th St. near "C." This large two-story brick structure had three apparatus doors. Three men are standing outside the facility, seemingly dwarfed by the massive building. Engine Co. No. 4 had moved from 505-507 E. 26th to 224 E. 26th in 1911 and remained there until 1972. It is on both the City and National Registry.

Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma); Fire stations--Tacoma--1910-1920;

ca. 1911. June, 1911, saw Engine Co. No. 4 in new quarters at 224 E. 26th St., just a few blocks distant from their old location. They were now housed in a two-story brick building that was equipped with three bays. Sepia photograph shows the men and equipment of Station No. 4. In 1910 they received a 2nd class American LaFrance Metropolitan steam fire engine, possibly shown above. This brick building designed by Frederic Shaw is still standing and is on the city and national registry of historic buildings. (100 Years of Firefighting in the City of Destiny Tacoma, Washington, p. 49, 52)

Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma); Fire stations--Tacoma--1910-1920; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma; Horses--Tacoma;

ca. 1909. In 1909 Engine Co. No. 4 were still in their old quarters in the 400 block of E. 26th St. A new two-story brick building would be constructed at 220-24 E. 26th in 1911. Seven firemen are pictured in this sepia photograph; pump drivers at that time were M.E. Shaver and Dick Brown. In 1910 Engine Co. No. 4 would receive a 2nd class American LaFrance Metropolitan steam fire engine . The dog in the photograph is believed to be Jumbo, the station mascot. He was a combination Mastiff-Newfoundland and an integral part of the station. Jumbo dashed alongside the apparatus at the first tap of the alarm bell and used his powerful jaws to drag hose. Thick smoke and flames did not deter him; he worked side-by-side with his fellow firefighters. When he died at a ripe old age, taps was played at his funeral; two special honor taps were struck for him. Jumbo was buried in a secluded spot near the firehouse. (100 Years of Firefighting in the City of Destiny Tacoma, Washington, p. 20, 34-35)

Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma); Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma; Dogs--Tacoma;

In October of 1928, Tacoma Fire Station No. 15 at 3510 East 11th was nearing completion. The station was designed by M. J. Nicholson, architect, of brick, tile and stucco. It was one of three new stations built with funds provided by the passage of a March 1928 bond issue. Station #15 was located at East 11th and Taylor Way, on the east side of the Tideflats. The other two new stations were in Fernhill at South 74th and Park and in North Tacoma at North 41st and Gore. Construction costs of the stations totalled around $27,000 and 30 new fire fighters were added to the rolls to man the stations. Station #15 worked 5 men to a shift, including officers, and was under the command of Capt. Charley Mustoe and Lt. William R. Sherman.The three stations opened at the end of January and the beginning of February, 1929. Station #15 is on the City Registry of Historic Buildings and was added to the National Register on 5/2/1986.

Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma); Fire Station No. 15 (Tacoma);

ca. 1950. Tacoma Fire Department Truck Co. #3. Four unidentified firemen handle cleaning duties with their 65' aerial in this circa 1950 photograph. Truck Co. #13 would move into Station No. 13 in 1959. TAC 086

Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma); Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fire fighters--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fire stations--Tacoma--1950-1960;

ca. 1890. Engine house # 9, Earl G. Jones pictured. Team of horses and other firemen included in this circa 1910 photograph. TPL-2759, TPL-8438 (Original print TPL-1082)

Jones, Earl G.; Fire fighters--Tacoma--1910-1920; Fire stations--Tacoma--1910-1920; Horses--Tacoma--1910-1920;