Launching. View of the "Captain Vincent Gann" prior to her 8 p.m. launching on May 22, 1970. The 191-foot tuna seiner was launched at Tacoma Boatbuilding's Plant #2 in the Port Industrial Yard. This would be the final launching at Plant #2 which had seen the production of nine fishing boats since 1966. All tuna boat construction in the future would be done at Tacoma Boatbuilding's new plant on the Hylebos Waterway. After her launching, the "Captain Vincent Gann" would be transported to the Hylebos location for outfitting and trials. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding. (TNT 5-22-70, D-7- article; TNT 5-24-70, B-11-article) TPL-9458

Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Launching. People stop and stare at the "Captain Vincent Gann," a 191-foot tuna seiner, on her launch date of May 22, 1970, at Tacoma Boatbuilding's Port Industrial Yard plant. The fishing boat would be the last launching at Tacoma Boatbuilding's Plant #2 as all future tuna boats would be constructed and launched at the new Hylebos Waterway location. She would be launched by Mrs. Edmund Gann, wife of the ship's owner. Delivery was expected to her San Diego-area owners in July. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding. (TNT 5-22-70, D-7 - article; TNT 5-24-70, B-11 - article) TPL-9459

Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Launching. The Tacoma Class Gunboat PG-100 (formerly PGM-100) was launched in ceremonies occurring at Tacoma Boatbuilding Co. at 4:45 p.m. on June 19, 1970. She would be commissioned the "USS Douglas" in February of 1971. The gunboat had a displacement of 250-ton and was 165-feet in length. She had a speed of 40k and was equipped with two gun mounts and two twin .50-cal machine guns. Only 6 1/2 years after she was commissioned, she was decommissioned and struck from the Naval Register. The "Douglas" was converted to a research vessel and renamed the R/V "Lauren." Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding Co. (www.navsource.org/achives; TNT 6-19-70, p. 7 - article)

Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Gunboats--United States; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Launching party. Posed before the patron gunboat PG-100 (formerly PGM-100) are the dignitaries involved in the launching ceremony on June 19, 1970. Clutching the traditional bouquet of beribboned red roses is Mrs. Willard F. Searle, Jr., of Alexandria, Virginia, the ship's sponsor who had the honor of christening the ship with a bottle of champagne. The "USS Douglas" was named after the city of Douglas, Arizona. Also in the photograph is believed to be Rear Adm. W.F. Petrovic, commander of the Puget Sound Naval Station. The gunboat was built by Tacoma Boatbuilding Co., the last in a series of 12 aluminum gunboats built for the US Navy by that firm. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding Co. (TNT 6-19-70, p. 7- article)

Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Gunboats--United States; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Searle, Willard F.--Family; Roses--Tacoma;

The tugboat "Mohawk" streams down one of Tacoma's waterways in July of 1975. It was owned by PAC, a tug firm with a fleet of ocean going vessels. Color photograph ordered by PAC.

Tugboats--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Launching. The 225-foot tuna seiner, "A.K. Strom," was launched at 8:30 a.m. on March 20, 1971, at Tacoma Boatbuilding facilities with Mrs. Floyd Burgi as the ship's sponsor. The ship is named after Tacoma Boatbuilding founder Arne K. Strom and was the first vessel named for the Strom family. Built at a total cost of over $2,000,000, she was the first of four identical boats expected to be completed this year by the shipyard. The "A.K. Strom" was capable of carying 1,425 tons of frozen tuna. After extensive ship trials, the seiner arrived in San Diego over Memorial Day weekend. Captained by David Rico and a crew of 16, she would fish for Star-Kist Foods, Inc. while based in Puerto Rico. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding. (Marine Digest - June 5, 1971; TNT 3-21-71, B-3; TNT 3-19-71, A-5-article ) TPL-9531

Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Launching party. The 258-foot tuna boat, "Apollo," was launched at Tacoma Boatbuilding facilities on the Hylebos Waterway on Saturday, October 24, 1970. She was the world's largest tuna clipper and the largest boat built by Tacoma Boatbuilding. The launching drew an interested crowd, including feature speaker, Congressman Floyd Hicks. Posed dockside are members of the launching party, with Mrs. Manuel Cintas, holding bouquet of red roses, as the ship's sponsor. Owners of the "Apollo" are Ocean Blazers, Inc. of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Color photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding. (TNT 10-23-70, p. 11- article; TNT 10-25-70, B-9)

Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Cintas, Manuel--Family; Roses--Tacoma;

Launching. The "Jacqueline Marie" was officially launched on Saturday, October 30, 1971, at Tacoma Boatbuilding facilities. The tuna seiner, 225-feet in length and the fourth in the Strom class of ships, was christened by Mrs. Peter Giacalone, wife of the ship's captain. The ship bears her name. Following ship trials in mid-December, the "Jacqueline Marie" would be delivered to her owners, ETA Fishing Co., Inc. of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding. (TNT 10-31-71, B-1) TPL-9753

Launchings--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Keel laying ceremonies. In lieu of smashing a bottle of champagne, Japanese sake is gently poured over the keel of a new steel sampan being built at Martinolich Shipbuilding facilities on Alexander Ave. The family of Jack Shinsato, Honolulu owners, do the honors on June 19, 1971. The sampan will be 100-feet X 25-feet and when completed in December, will be used for fishing in Hawaiian waters. Photograph ordered by Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp.

Sampans--Tacoma; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Shinsato, Jack--Family;

ca. 1972. 1972 Richards stock footage. Color view of the ship "Kristin Bakke" with "Anna Bakke" nearby. The "Kristin Bakke" was part of the Norwegian Knutsen Line, providing "fast and dependable Orient Service." The large cargo vessel would have stops between the Pacific Coast, the Far East, and Western Australia. She would provide comfortable accommodations for a maximum of 12 passengers. (www.timetableimages.com/maritime/images)

Ships--Tacoma--1970-1980; Cargo ships--Norwegian;

ca. 1971. Fishing boat, "A.K. Strom," perhaps undergoing sea trials in the late spring of 1971. After completion of trials, the giant 225-foot tuna seiner was destined for delivery to San Diego. The "A.K. Strom" was the first of four identical ships expected to be completed by Tacoma Boatbuilding Co. Color photograph ordered by General Electric, Erie, PA.

Fishing boats--Tacoma--1970-1980; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

ca. 1971. Engine room of tuna seiner, "A.K. Strom." The steel 225-foot fishing boat was driven by a 3,100 hp diesel engine. She could carry a maximum of 1400 tons of tuna at 16 knots. The General Electric main propulsion engine was the first G.E. diesel ever used in a marine installation. The "A.K. Strom" was launched on March 20, 1971 at Tacoma Boatbuilding facilities. She would be delivered to her owners in San Diego over Memorial Day weekend. Photograph ordered by General Electric, Erie, PA. (Marine Digest, June 5, 1971; TNT 3-19-71, A-5 article) TPL-9536

Fishing boats--Tacoma--1970-1980; Engines; Engine rooms; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Ticket for the last ferry ride across the Narrows, on July 2, 1940 aboard the Kalakala. Ferry service was being suspended due to the opening of the first Narrows Bridge and locals could become a part of history for only one dollar. The Young Mens Business Club (YMBC) was sponsoring the ride as part of the 6 day celebration of the joint dedication of the Narrows Bridge and McChord Field. Over 1400 revellers boarded the ferry at the Tacoma Municipal, Point Defiance or Gig Harbor docks for the rollicking four hour ride to Bremerton and back. The entertainment included music and dancing with period costumes optional. TPL-6714, TPL-6725.

Kalakala (Ferry); Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ferries--Tacoma;

The "Lori Ann" docked outside Tacoma Marine Supply in late February, 1969. She may have been a crab boat. A small "for sale" sign is posted in the pilothouse. Work order placed by Tacoma Boatbuilding Co.

Boats--Tacoma;

Side view of "Virginia V" ferry on Tacoma waterway. Ferry owned by West Pass Transportation Company. Glimpse of Western Fibre Furniture Company building in background.

Ferries--1930-1940; West Pass Transportation Co. (Tacoma); Mass transit--1930-1940; Transportation--1930-1940;

Washington Navigation Company's "Vashonia" ferry near pilings of ferry landing in July of 1937. The landing is Point Defiance which serviced Gig Harbor and Tahlequah. Vashon Island with the Tahlequah landing is in the background. Ordered by North Pacific Bank Note Company. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Ferries--Tacoma; Washington Navigation Co. (Gig Harbor); Vashon Island (Wash.);

Washington Navigation Company's "Vashonia" ferry steaming through waters of Puget Sound. Ordered by North Pacific Bank Note Company.

Ferries--Tacoma; Washington Navigation Co. (Gig Harbor);

Fireboat on Puget Sound. Firefighters spray water from equipment mounted on the stern of the fireboat.

Vessels - Boats - Fireboats - Tacoma

Tony Hull's children at beach. Young boy straining to row a boat across the water. Long wharf in background.

Vessels - Boats - Row Boats

In July of 1937 the Tacoma Times newspaper chartered the steamer Arcadia to carry several hundred Times carriers from Tacoma to Redondo Beach for the annual carriers picnic. A "perfect day" marked the outing which included athletic events of all kinds and plenty of food for all. The carriers returned at the end of the day with no injuries or untoward events to report. (T. Times 7/12/1937 p.5).

Ferries--1930-1940; Mass transit--1930-1940; Transportation--1930-1940; Newspaper carriers--Tacoma; Newspaper vendors--Tacoma; Recreation--Tacoma; Tacoma Times Publishing Co. (Tacoma);

Ferry strike showing automobiles lined-up at slip and ferry at end of the dock for the Point Defiance ferry to Vashon Island. (T.Times).

Ferries--Tacoma--1930-1940; Marine terminals--Tacoma; Strikes--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1937. Ferry strike showing automobiles at slip. Small trucks and automobiles line the road to the ferry dock. (T. Times).

Ferries--Tacoma--1930-1940; Marine terminals--Tacoma; Strikes--Tacoma--1930-1940; Automobiles--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;

ca. 1936. Turner Richards large motor boat, filled with civilians and Navy personnel, speeding across the water.

Vessels - Boats - Motor Boats

ca. 1936. Boats moored at a marina.

Facilities - Transportation Facilities - MarinasVessels - Boats

ca. 1936. Tacoma Fire Company, Fireboat No. 1. Firefighters at stations on fire boat with far-reaching sprays in action.

Fireboats--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1936. Tacoma Fire Company, Fireboat No. 1. Firefighters at stations on fire boat directing far-reaching sprays of water into Commencement Bay. Industries in background.

Fireboats--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1936. Tacoma Tug and Barge Co. tugboat "Fearless" was photographed circa 1936 alongside a barge carrying a Brute Crane.

Tugboats--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hoisting machinery;

Pleasure craft stream out into the Puget Sound at the beginning of the "Capital to Capital" annual cruiser race. In 1935, the race course covered 150 nautical miles from Tacoma to Nanaimo, BC. 51 vessels started the annual race and 49 finished. A Tacoma vessel, the "Irvinetta," skippered by I.C. Rowlands finished 2nd overall. (T. Times 7/25-27, 1935; T.Times 7/29/1935, pg. 1)

Regattas--1935; Yacht racing--1935;

Cutter "White Cloud" moored near the shore. On June 1, 1936, Skipper Radner R. ("Rad") Pratsch and his daughter Carol were preparing their sailboat, the cutter "White Cloud," for the annual July Santa Monica to Honolulu yacht race. At 35 feet, the sailboat was just over the minimum size limit. It represented the Tacoma Yacht Club as Tacoma's only entry in the race. Skipper Pratsch and his crew sailed the 2,566 mile race in approximately 30 days; a feat matched by Pratsch in a solo sail in December of 1939. (T. Times 6/1/1936, pg. 1)

Sailboats; Sailboat racing; Yachts; Pratsch, Radner R.--Associated objects;