Acting Mayor Val Fawcett, center in bow tie, posed with the launching party aboard the boat " American Girl " at the Old Town dock on Sunday, July 23, 1944. A blessing was bestowed by Father Henry J. Schultheis of Bellarmine High on the 106-foot long, completely refrigerated tuna fishing boat built by Petrich Shipbuilding. Mrs. Lucille Machado, wife of the 23-year-old skipper Joe Machado, was the ship's sponsor and christened her with the traditional bottle of spirits. Others aboard during the ceremony included Harvey and Martin Petrich, Captain Joe Machado, co-owner Joe Alves. Ordered by Petrich Shipbuilding Company. ALBUM 14 (T.Times 7-24-44, p. 2-article; TNT 7-24-44, p. 1-article)
Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Petrich, Martin; Petrich, Harvey; Machado, Joe; Machado, Lucille; Alves, Joe; Schultheis, Henry J.; Priests--Tacoma;