At 10 am on Thursday, October 23, 1941, 500 welders at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation walked out in sympathy with their striking Seattle brothers. Lake Washington workers had been locked out after joining an unaffiliated welders union; the conclusion to a 20 year fight with the American Federation of Labor for the right to form their own union. Welders were currently scattered among eight unions and were required to pay dues to two or more unions at the same time. By October 28th, picketers had effectively brought the shipyard to a standstill as welders and sympathizers refused to cross the picket lines. The Tacoma shipyard held 100 million in unfinished defense contracts. This photograph from October 28th demonstrates the peaceful, but loud, picketing. A truck has been halted by picketers at the shipyard entrance. The loud speakers at the left belonged to the welders, the ones to the right (over the truck) belonged to the AFL Metal Trades Council. A constant war of words had been raging for several days. (T. Times 10/23/1941, pg.1; 10/29/41, pg. 1 il)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On National Maritime Day, May 22, 1942, the U. S. S. Altamaha was launched by the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. just before midnight. She was the second ship launched that day at the company's Tacoma yard. The U. S. S. Barnes had been launched at 12:01 a.m. National Maritime Day was the 123rd anniversary of the first successful trans-oceanic voyage by a steamship. The Altamaha received one battle star for her participation in the 3rd Fleet supporting operations off Luzon in 1944. She was placed out of commission in 1946 and scrapped in 1961. The Barnes was scrapped in 1960. (T. Times 5/22/1942, pg.1)

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

American Red Cross publicity. Pledge Board at Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation. TPL-1961

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

In February of 1943, three unidentified young female employees at the Sea-Tac Shipyard in Tacoma sat on a counter during a break while they shared the newest, and possibly the first, edition of the Sea-Tac Keel. The "Keel" was the in-house publication of the Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation. It helped keep the over 28,000 defense workers who worked at Tacoma's mammoth shipbuilding yard both informed and entertained.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Newspapers; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma;

Earl L. Markham was photographed with his stud welder in April of 1943. He set a new record at the Tacoma yard of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. when he slapped in 477 studs in a flight deck in 58 minutes. Just how many was that? Well, 600 was an average day's work. Modest Markham credited his co-workers and admitted it was a little hard on his back. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol. 1 No. 7, Pg 6, May 8, 1943 issue)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Markham, Earl L.; Welding;

The Tacoma yard of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. broke all their previous records in payroll war savings and the purchase of extra war bonds during the month of April 1943. They had already collected $379,518.84 locally in payroll deductions toward the national goal of $13 billion. Pictured are War Bond department manager Anson Hart and chief clerk (standing) Mrs. May McDowell. Typing certificates are Virginia Carlbloom, left, and Lillian Marshall. (TNT 4/20/1943, pg. 15- picture; T.Times, 4/20/43, p.10) [Also dated 04-12-9143]

War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Hart, Anson; McDowell, May; Carlbloom, Virginia; Marshall, Lillian;

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Co. workers line up to purchase War Bonds during the Second War Loan Drive, 4/12- 5/1/1943. In addition to long term investment in bonds (the Payroll Savings Plan), specific short term campaigns were also held. There were eight bond drives altogether during World War II. The War Finance Committees, responsible for the sale of bonds, sold a total of 185.7 Billion in securities during WWII, a feat that has never been equalled. By the end of the war, 8 out of every 13 Americans had invested in war bonds.

War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Hard hatted workers line up at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Co. to purchase war bonds during the Second War Loan Drive held 4/12-5/1/1943. By the end of the drive, Americans had purchased 18.5 billion in war bonds, 5 billion over the 13 billion goal. This proceeds from this drive alone equalled over 90 % of the amount raised by the combined drives of World War I.

War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

The Federal Government began a major war bond drive on April 12, 1943 to raise $13 billion. Volunteer workers by the thousands set out throughout the United States to garner signatures and sell bonds, while newspapers and radios proclaimed from coast to coast: "Uncle Sam needs the money to help pay for the war." An unidentified woman worker at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp., located on Tacoma's waterfront, is shown receiving a bond from a volunteer bond drive worker. [Also dated 04-12-1943] TPL-792

War bonds & funds; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma;

In 1943, the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard was running 24 hours a day, busy with defense work. Lee Gundstrom was employed on the swing shift. He had come to the shipyard as a pipe-fitter when the swing shift began late in 1940. The main job his crew performed was a military secret that even the Keel wouldn't divulge. Tacoma native Lee and his wife Sue lived at 5017 No. Vassault. His hobby away from work was taking care of his Victory Garden. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol. 1 No. 7, Pg 8, May 8, 1943 issue)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Gundstrom, Lee;

The Treasury T flag, presented to the Tacoma yard of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. in late April of 1943, is proudly unfurled for the shipyard workers to admire. Holding the flag are, left to right, George (Kelly) Verge, Anson C. Hart, Karl Richards, Leon Titus and George F. Kachlein Jr. The T flag was presented to defense companies where 90% of the employees contributed 10% of their salaries to the purchase of war bonds. The flag depicted a Colonial minuteman surrounded by thirteen stars. A large "T" was at the bottom right corner. Presentation ceremonies were held 4/28 at 11am and 7pm and 4/29 at 3pm. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol.1, No.7; May 8, 1943, pg. 2; T. Times 4/29/1943, pg. 2)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); War bonds & funds; Awards; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Titus, Leon; Kachlein, George;

Peter DeBriyn (DeBriejn in the City Directory) was a man of "Firsts." He was the first burner at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard. He was the first to pass the arc welder's test and had never been late or absent in the 40 months since he had begun work at Sea-Tac. The first shift burner foreman had a personal interest in keeping the ships sliding down the ways, his son had recently enlisted in the Navy the day he turned 17. Pete and his wife Edna lived at 413 So. 32nd. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol. 1 No. 7, Pg 8, May 8, 1943 issue)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; DeBriejn, Peter;

By April of 1943, the in-plant training school at the Tacoma yard of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. had been in operation about a year. The classes helped fill the gap between the shortage of available skilled laborers and the increased number of jobs in the defense industry. Both motion and still pictures were used in training. Here instructor Pete Neufeld is operating a table projector. The trainees are M.A. Smith, T. James, R.V. Sutherland, W. Ehret, K. Taylor and L. Sherman. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol. 1 No. 7, Pg.4-5, May 8, 1943 issue)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Welding; World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma;

In April of 1943, the Treasury T flag was presented to the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma yard. Karl Richards, of the Washington war savings staff, made a speech to thousands of workers at the ceremony. "Remember this flag represents a prosperous peace and our future happiness. Keep it flying." The "minuteman" flag was presented to defense companies where 90 % of the employees pledged at least 10% of their salaries to the purchase of war bonds. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol.1, No.7; May 8, 1943, pg. 2)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); War bonds & funds; Awards; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma;

E.E. "Ernie" Southwell, veteran shipwright leadman, had a lot of reasons to smile. He had the unusual distinction of being on the construction crews that built the yard in Tacoma in both World War I and II. On the front of his coveralls is his employment badge with his photograph and his employee number, 775. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol. 1 No. 7, Pg 8, May 8, 1943 issue)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Southwell, Ernie;

In April of 1943, the Treasury T flag was presented to the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma yard. It would wave at the entrance of the plant, right below the American flag, proving that the employees were true patriots. The flag was awarded to defense companies where 90 % of the employees invested at least 10% of their salaries in war bonds. Displaying the flag shortly after its presentation are Karl Richards, standing left, state war savings director, and George F. Kachlein, Jr., assistant general manger, kneeling left, to workers Harold Morgan, Cliff Dodson and Al Elgner. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol.1, No.7; May 8, 1943, pg. 2)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); War bonds & funds; Awards; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Kachlein, George; Morgan, Harold; Dodson, Cliff; Elgner, Al;

Karl Richards, left, state war savings staff director, congratulates Bert O'Hiser, center, for his purchase of a $1,000 war savings bond and commends his support of the men in the armed services. Assistant general manager of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma yard, George F. Kachlein, Jr. observes from right. Mr. Richards was at the Sea-Tac Shipyard to present the employees with a Treasury T flag in late April of 1943. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol.1, No.7; May 8, 1943, pg.2)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); War bonds & funds; Awards; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; O'Hiser, Bert; Kachlein, George;

In late April of 1943, George F Kachlein Jr., left, accepted the Treasury T flag for the workers of the Tacoma yard of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. from Karl Richards. He solemnly promised to keep the flag flying high. The flag was given by the Treasury department to recognize defense companies where 90 % of employees contributed 10% of their salaries to the purchase of war bonds. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol. 1 No. 7; May 8, 1943, pg. 2)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); War bonds & funds; Awards; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Kachlein, George;

One of the major problems facing America during the beginning of World War II was the training of skilled mechanics and engineers in large enough numbers to handle the flood of defense work. The Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. developed its own in-plant training program for helpers who showed aptitude for their work. By April of 1943, the program had been in place and growing for one year. 225 instructors supervised over 1,000 trainees in seven crafts. Here welding instructor Ed Moe checks the work of Alfred Warren. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol. 1 No. 7, Pg.4-5, May 8, 1943 issue)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Welding; World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Moe, Ed; Warren, Alfred;

Thousands of workers at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. were present late in April of 1943 when the plant was presented with the Treasury T flag. The banner was presented to defense companies when 90 % of their employees contributed 10% of their salaries toward the purchase of war bonds. The highlight of the day shift ceremony was the appearance of the Shipyard band (in crowd, 1/3 of the way from the podium) under the direction of Joe Rausch. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol.1, No.7; May 8, 1943, pg. 2)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); War bonds & funds; Awards; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma;

A trio of men proudly display the Treasury T banner, also known as the "Minuteman" flag, after its presentation to the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma yard, in late April of 1943. The men are, left to right, Leon Titus, Pierce County War Bond drive chairman, Karl Richards, Washington state war savings staff director, and George G. Kachlein, Jr., assistant general manager of the plant. The flag will fly over the plant, right below the US flag. The T flag is presented to defense companies where 90% of the employees contribute 10% of their salaries to the purchase of war bonds. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol.1, No.7; May 8, 1943, pg. 2; TNT 4/29/1943, pg. 1))

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); War bonds & funds; Awards; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Titus, Leon; Kachlein, George;

In April of 1943, the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma yard, received the Treasury T flag when 90 % of their employees pledged 10% of their wages to the purchase of war bonds. Eighteen Sea-Tac employees helped make an additional one week long bond drive a success. They each purchased a $1,000 bond or more, contributing to the sale of $125,000 in bonds over the regular deductions. Two members of the "Roll of Honor" were Elmer Kaufman, left, and Louis Rossi. The 1942 City Directory lists Mr. Rossi as a shipfitter who resided at 913 So. 16th St. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol.1, No.7; May 8, 1943, pg. 2)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); War bonds & funds; Awards; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Kaufman, Elmer; Rossi, Louis;

In April of 1943, the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma yard, received the Treasury T flag when 90 % of their employees pledged 10% of their wages to the purchase of war bonds. Some employees, such as Melvin True (pictured) went even further. Mr. True was recognized for having purchased a bond for over $1,000. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol.1, No.7; May 8, 1943, pg. 2)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); War bonds & funds; Awards; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; True, Melvin;

Governor Arthur Langlie, center, and the Earl of Athlone, Governor-General of Canada and husband of Princess Alice, with Army and Naval Officers in 1923 Lincoln touring car at Sea-Tac Shipyards. Alexander, the 1st Earl of Athlone, was the brother of Queen Mary of England and the husband of HRH Princess Alice, daughter of HRH Leopard, son of Queen Victoria. He is seated in the rear seat, between Sea-Tac General Manager O.A. Tucker and Capt. J.L. McGuigan, USN, and has a prominent mustache. The visit to the shipyard was scheduled to last 30 minutes and, due to the interest of the royal couple, extended an hour beyond that. The tour included this unscheduled drive along Pier 4 and the ways to inspect a carrier at Dock 3. ALBUM 3. (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol.1 No.7, May 8, 1943, pg. 3)

Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors; Visits of state--Tacoma; Nobility--England; Alexander of Teck, Earl of Athlone; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Governor Arthur Langlie, center, and the Earl of Athlone, Governor-General of Canada and husband of HRH Princess Alice, with Army and Naval Officers in a 1923 Lincoln at Sea-Tac Shipyards. The Earl is seated in the last row between Sea-Tac General Manager O.A. Tucker and an American naval officer believed to be Capt. J. L. McGuigan, supervisor of shipbuilding and official escort. The royal couple was in Tacoma to view the escort aircraft carriers currently being built at the shipyards. (T.Times 5-4-43, p. 3, T. Times 5-5-43, p. 1) ALBUM 3.

Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors; Visits of state--Tacoma; Nobility--England; Alexander, Earl of Athlone; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

The Earl of Athlone, Governor-General of Canada and husband of HRH Princess Alice, during visit to the Sea-Tac Shipyard on May 4, 1943. As Governor-General of Canada, he was also its Commander-in-Chief. He and his wife paid an official visit to the shipyards to view the escort aircraft carriers being built. He got a first-hand examination of the U.S.S. Pybus, #29, and stood on its deck. 69 at the time of this photograph, the Earl of Athlone had extensive military training and experience. He had strong ties to British royalty as he was married to a granddaughter of Queen Victoria and was the brother of Queen Mary. He passed away on January 16, 1957, at Kensington Palace, the site of his birth 83 years earlier. ALBUM 3.

Visits of state--Tacoma; Nobility--England; Alexander, Earl of Athlone; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Motorcade led by 1923 Lincoln Touring automobile containing Governor Arthur Langlie and the Earl of Athlone, Governor-General and Commander in Chief of Canada and husband of HRH Princess Alice, with Army and Naval Officers at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyards. The Earl, with his wife in another vehicle, was touring the shipyards in order to see the escort aircraft carriers being built. He was Alexander, the 1st Earl of Athlone, and brother of Queen Mary. A graduate of the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, the Earl had seen action in the South African War and the First World War. He changed his surname from Teck to Cambridge in 1917, the year his title, 1st Earl of Athlone, was created. (T.Times 5-4-43, p. 6, T. Times 5-5-43, p. 1) ALBUM 3.

Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Governors; Visits of state--Tacoma; Nobility--England; Alexander, Earl of Athlone; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

The Earl of Athlone, Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada and husband of HRH Princess Alice, shown speaking at Sea-Tac Shipyards to the trainees in the training department on May 4, 1943. The Princess, Tacoma Mayor Harry Cain, standing slightly behind her, and Sea-Tac assistant General Manager George F. Kachlein Jr. look on. Formerly Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of South Africa, the Earl had extensive military experience in both the South African War and First World War. He had attended the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and was an officer in the 7th Queen's Own Hussars, the Royal Horse Guards, and the 2nd Life Guards. The Earl and his wife toured the shipyard and were given a personal inspection of the U.S.S. Pybus, #29. (T. Times, 5-4-43, p. 3, T. Times 5-5-43, p. 1) (Sea-Tac Keel, Vol.1 No. 7, pg. 3; May 8, 1943 issue) ALBUM 3.

Visits of state--Tacoma; Nobility--England; Alexander, Earl of Athlone; HRH Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

The Earl of Athlone, Governor-General of Canada and husband of HRH Princess Alice, the Princess, and other dignitaries look at a scale model of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard on May 4, 1943. Standing next to the Earl is believed to be Capt. J.L. McGuigan, USN, supervisor of shipbuilding and the official escort of the royal tour. The Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard was instrumental in building several escort aircraft carriers for use during the war. (T. Times, 5-4-43, p. 3, T. Times 5-5-43, p. 1) ALBUM 3.

Visits of state--Tacoma; Nobility--England; Alexander, Earl of Athlone; HRH Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone; Building models; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

In his official capacity as Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, Alexander, the Earl of Athlone inspected American war operations at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyards on May 4, 1943. The Earl and his wife, HRH Princess Alice, were accompanied by Mayor Harry P. Cain and Governor Arthur Langlie, among others, on the tour of the shipyard. He had spent the day earlier at the Bremerton Navy Yard and at Fort Lewis. Here the Earl and his wife are shown mixing with workmen at the shipyard; Mayor Cain is spotted in the background. (T. Times 5-4-43, p. 3, T. Times 5-5-43, p. 1) ALBUM 3.

Visits of state--Tacoma; Nobility--England; Alexander, Earl of Athlone; HRH Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);