A "Porta Tower" built by Star Iron & Steel extends at a 45 degree angle in a September 19, 1963, photograph taken outside company headquarters. Porta Towers were described as mobile steel spur trees that replaced spar trees in logging operations. A "Porta Tower" could be erected and ready to work in two hours, much less time than it would take to rig a spar tree. Photograph ordered by Star Iron & Steel. (TNT 10-13-63, B-9)

Star Iron & Steel Co. (Tacoma); Steel;

Built by Star Iron & Steel, an imposing 90 foot "Porta Tower" is parked outside of company headquarters on September 19, 1963. Star Iron & Steel was well known for its crane and tower construction. The "Porta Towers" would be utilized as mobile steel spur trees. "Porta Towers" were self-erecting and ready to work in two hours. Star Iron & Steel had been founded in 1908 at 435 E. 11th St. It moved to its new quarters in the Port Industrial area in 1963. Photograph ordered by Star Iron & Steel. (TNT 7-24-63, A-11, TNT 10-13-63, B-9)

Star Iron & Steel Co. (Tacoma); Steel;

Interior of new Star Iron & Steel Co. plant on Alexander Avenue. Richards Studio notes indicate these are "fixed wheel gates" in process of being assembled. Photograph ordered by Star Iron & Steel Co.

Star Iron & Steel Co. (Tacoma); Steel industry--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Crane under construction at Star Iron & Steel Co. The Star Iron & Steel plant was located in new quarters at 326 Alexander Ave. in the Port Industrial area. Custom designing and manufacturing special equipment, cranes, and hoists was its primary business. During July, 1964, gantry cranes weighing 50 and 350 tons were being manufactured by Star Iron & Steel. Gantry cranes were similar to overhead bridge cranes except that the bridge for carrying the trolly or trolleys was rigidly supported on two or more legs running on fixed rails or other runway. Photograph ordered by Star Iron & Steel.

Star Iron & Steel Co. (Tacoma); Steel industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hoisting machinery;

Interior of Star Iron & Steel Co. plant on Alexander Ave. in the Port Industrial area. this is a general view of the machine shop area which has over 15,000 square feet of well lighted, heated space. Founded in 1908, Star Iron & Steel was one of the oldest steel fabricating companies in the Pacific Northwest. Cranes, hoists and special machinery were custom designed and manufactured. In July, 1964, Star Iron & Steel were busy constructing 50 and 350 ton gantry cranes. Gantry cranes are similar to overhead cranes with the same strength and durability but are raised above the floor by support legs mounted on the end trucks. There was ample space in the machine shop area also for assembling crane trolleys, hoists, drive trucks and other mechanical equipment. TPL-9626 (SIS booklet, c. 1965)

Star Iron & Steel Co. (Tacoma); Steel industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1960-1970; Hoisting machinery;