View of the Steilacoom-Longbranch ferry. Copy of photograph made on May 23, 1927, per the request from the Washington Navigation Co. Date of original print is unknown. Ferry is clearly labeled "City of Steilacoom" in several places aboard ship. G66.1-088

Ferries;

Bow-view of the ferry "Wollochet." Date of original print is not known; copy made on May 23, 1927. The "Wollochet" was built by the Skansie Shipyards in 1925 for service between Tacoma and Wollochet Bay and Fox Island. Her name would be changed to "Fox Island" while still under service with the Washington Navigation Co. TPL-7914; G66.1-087

Ferries--1920-1930;

Fishing boats are moored at the Port of Tacoma piers in November of 1928. Fishermen were returning to Tacoma after the salmon season in Puget Sound and Alaska waters. 22 stalls for boats had been created by the Port with more to be added. For additional close-up view of boats, see Boland B19715. G27.1-073 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 11-11-28, p. 1-article)

Fishing boats--Tacoma--1920-1930; Port of Tacoma (Tacoma); Piers & wharves--Tacoma--1920-1930;

These fishing boats were photographed while moored at a Port of Tacoma dock in November of 1928. The fishing vessels were returning to Tacoma after seasonal salmon pursuit in the northern waters. Fishermen were reportedly pleased with the new haven at the Port of Tacoma which included more protection against storms for their boats. 22 stalls for boats were built with an additional eight more berths to be constructed shortly. The long houses on the right were used for stowing nets and gear. TPL-447; G34.1-058 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 11-11-28, p. 1-article) See Boland B19714 for long distance view of boats.

Fishing boats--Tacoma--1920-1930; Port of Tacoma (Tacoma); Piers & wharves--Tacoma--1920-1930;

This is one of five Sterling-Viking gasoline engines installed on the new Tacoma Fire Boat No. 1. Tacoma Fire Boat No. 1 was successfully launched on June 8, 1929, from the plant of the Coast Line Shipbuilding Co. Hundreds had gathered to witness the launching of the speedy and powerful boat where an absence of speeches and brevity of ceremony marked the occasion. Tacoma Fire Boat No. 1 had a 95 1/2 foot hull, beam of 21 1/2 feet and a 6-foot draft. (TDL 6-8-29, p. 1-article; Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 6-9-29, p. 1-article) G26.1-041

Boat engines; Fireboats--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Three unidentified men stand inside the Tacoma Fire Boat No. 1, Tacoma's first fire boat, on June 10, 1929. The vessel had been successfully christened with ginger ale by Mrs. Dyer Dyment on June 8th and launched smoothly from the Coast Line Shipbuilding Co. plant. Shortly after launching the fire boat was moved to the Port of Tacoma piers where five gasoline engines were to be installed. Once operational, the fire boat would have speeds up to 18 mph and would be capable of issuing 10,000 gallons of water per minute from four centrifugal pumps. (TDL 6-8-29, p. 1-article; Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 6-9-29, p. 1-article) TPL-9899; G26.1-039

Boat engines; Fireboats--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Two unidentified men are gazing upon the operating equipment aboard the new Tacoma Fire Boat No. 1, recently launched and now undergoing installation of five gasoline engines and four pumps. Once operational, the vessel could generate speeds of 18 mph and be able to throw out 10,000 gallons of water per minute. Tacoma's waterfront could be assured that help would come quickly in case of fires. G26.1-040 (TDL 6-8-29, p. 1-article; Tacoma Sunday Ledger 6-9-29, p. 1-article)

Boat engines; Fireboats--Tacoma--1920-1930;

In November of 1930, the Washington Navigation Co. (WNC) ferry "Relief," shown above docked at Gig Harbor, was one of several ferries owned by the company plying the waters of the Puget Sound. She had been launched on July 17, 1930, at Skansie Shipbuilding in Gig Harbor. The "Relief" was 72-feet long with a 32-foot beam and 85 hp diesel engine. Befitting her name, she was used as a relief ship when other ferries were laid up for repairs. The Washington Navigation Co. was founded by Mitchell Skansie of Skansie Shipbuilding around 1926. When Pierce County could no longer afford to run its own ferry service to Gig Harbor, the service was contracted out to WNC. By the 1930's, the company had several ferries running on many routes in the South Sound. The company was almost ruined by the Great Depression and the opening of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in 1940. When the bridge collapsed a scant seven months after construction, the ferry runs were restored and WNC began a bidding war with Puget Sound Navigation Co. for state ferry contracts. (Neal & Janus "Puget Sound Ferries"; TNT 7-17-30, p. 5-article) G66.1-089

Ferries--1930-1940; Washington Navigation Co. (Gig Harbor);

In July of 1931, passengers on the Washington Navigation Company ferry "Skansonia" could climb onto a stool and order a fried ham sandwich for 15 cents as they commuted between Gig Harbor and Point Defiance. The "Skansonia" was built in 1929 at the Skansie Brothers Shipyard in Gig Harbor. The curved lunch counter on the ferry offered a fried egg for 15 cents; or a Swiss cheese sandwich, hamburger or hotdog for 10 cents. You could top off your breakfast or lunch with a slice of homemade pie for a dime and wash it down with coffee, cold milk or pop. On hot days, the kiddies could enjoy a frozen Popsicle or a malted milk shake. (Neal & Janus "Puget Sound Ferries.") TPL-9261; G66.1-090

Ferries--1930-1940; Washington Navigation Co. (Gig Harbor);

Copy of undated original photograph of tugboat "Peter Foss." Copy was made on March 14, 1933, per Foss Launch & Tug Co. request. Built in 1930 as the fourth tug in the series of five similar tugs for Foss Launch, she was named for Andrew Foss' brother, Peter. All Foss vessels were named for Foss family members. At 62-feet with a beam of 19-feet, the "Peter Foss" had a 375-hp Western Enterprise diesel engine which made her one of the most powerful tugs in the area. The high operating costs were offset by the enormous amount of work she could produce. (Skalley: Foss Ninety Years of Towboating, p. 87-88)

Tugboats--Tacoma--1930-1940; Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma);

Nine little "sailors" and one "Gallant Lady" are at hand on November 7, 1937. The "Gallant Lady" was a Sea Scouts vessel. The little children, dressed in sailor suits, are listening to a man who is explaining charts to them. According to photographer Boland's notes, these children were dancers. G23.1-115

Boats--Tacoma--1930-1940; Children--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Solta The small fishing boat, the "Solta," cruises through the serene waters of Puget Sound in June of 1921. The unidentified man pictured above may be her skipper. The "Solta" was built by Visko Lisicich and was the first of three boats built by him. The others were the "Planet" and the "Helen L." The "Solta" was named after the island of Solta where Mr. Lisicich was born and raised. She was believed to have been built in Dockton on Vashon Island. In addition, the "Helen L." was named after Mr. Lisicich's daughter, Helen Lisicich Kokich. TPL-452; G34.1-083 (Additional information provided by a family member)

Fishing boats;

Several rowboats from the Antlers Lodge are moored on placid Lake Cushman in June of 1921. This is the original Lake Cushman prior to its expansion in 1925. The Antlers Lodge was a hunting lodge located on the shores of Lake Cushman which had catered to wealthy patrons. They had flocked to relax at the pristine lake which was fed by the icy waters of the Skokomish River. Fishing tackle and rowboats were supplied by the Antlers Lodge so that visitors could try their luck at the trout-filled lake. By 1921 the lodge had seen its heyday pass and in 1925 it would be deliberately set ablaze as part of the planned clearing of Cushman Basin. (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 6-19-21, C-1-article on Lake Cushman)

Rowboats; Lake Cushman (Wash.);

ca. 1890. This portrait, taken around 1890, is of the Foss boathouse, the first boathouse in Tacoma. The 16 x 30 structure was built by Andrew Foss to house his growing family. His industrious wife, Thea, began the family business here. The Foss family had arrived from Norway in 1889. While Andrew took what work he could find, Thea used the family fortune, $5, to buy a used rowboat and Foss Tug and Launch Co. was begun. At this time in 1890, the boathouse was located on the City Waterway (where Consumers Central Heating Co. and the City's Steam Plant would build in the 1920s.) The photograph was taken about three months before the birth of Henry Foss. Standing at the top of the landing are Andrew and Thea Foss and their daughter Lillian D. Foss. John Edmond is in the first boat on the water. In the second boat are Wedell Foss and Arthur Foss, only small children but already helping their parents out. The remaining folks are customers who rented the boats for five to ten cents a day. There was no Eleventh Street bridge at this time and in the back of the boathouse on the hill can be seen the old city jail at 12th and A St. (TNT 3/25/1922, pg. 14) G14.1-001; TPL-960

Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma); Foss, Andrew; Foss, Thea; Foss, Andrew--Family; Rowboats; Boathouses--Tacoma--1890-1900;

Venus in dry dock. This boat, dubbed "Venus," was owned by Dr. S.L. Blair and built by Skansie Bros. of Gig Harbor. She was one of the newer boats owned by members of the Tacoma Yacht Club. Measuring 53-feet by 11-feet, she was powered by a 36 h.p. Enterprise engine with cruising speed of 8 mph. All controls were in the pilothouse. "Venus" contained the owner's state room, quarters for several guests including a galley and dining salon. Three other boats are afloat in the background including the "Prosperity" and the "Mary Ellen." G37.1-122 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 2-19-22, G-2-article on the "Venus" and alternate picture)

Yachts--Tacoma;

The ferry "City of Tacoma," which operated between Point Defiance and Gig Harbor, underwent a major remodel in January of 1924. The ferry was taken to Western Boat Building at 2505 East 11th to have 34 feet added to her length and her carrying capacity increased to 50 automobiles. She was opened up midship and the added length was inserted just aft of her engine room. The reconstruction job was estimated at $15,000 and the ferry out of service for 30 days. Photograph ordered by Western Boat Building. (TDL 1-16-24, p. 4, TNT 1-24-24, p. 24) G66.1-115

Boats--Tacoma; Ferries--Tacoma--1920-1930; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Foss Launch crew involved in the raising of the sunken 80-ton steamer, "Rubaiyat," which had foundered on September 29, 1923. The 65-foot vessel had left Municipal Dock at 6 p.m. on her way to Seattle. She was heavily loaded with hundreds of cases of canned goods and capsized in Commencement Bay. Four persons died including one woman. The "Rubaiyat" sank within 30 seconds of capsizing and lay in 35 fathoms of water. Foss Launch immediately came to the rescue, putting five boats in the water, and reached the area at the same time as the lifeboat launched by the steamer "Fulton." Previous attempts in 1923 to raise the "Rubaiyat" had failed and the vessel was thought unsalvagable. The men pictured above on March 12, 1924, were successful in raising the ship from Commencement Bay's bottom: (L-R) Walter McCray, diver; H.F. (Fred) Berg of Foss Launch & Tug; Otto Kraus; William McDaniels; George Westerman, engineer; and O.F. Currey. McCray and Berg had obtained title to the hull since the sinking. G50.1-138 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 9-30-23, p. 1-article); TDL 3-13-24, p. 10)

Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma)--employees; Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma); Tugboats--Tacoma--1920-1930; McCray, Walter; Berg, H.F.; Kraus, Otto; McDaniels, William; Westerman, George; Currey, O.F.;

Powerful winch used by Foss Launch & Tug Co. to raise the sunken steamer, "Rubaiyat," in March of 1924. The ship had sunk the previous year as she headed for Seattle. Four people aboard the vessel drowned. The tug, "Andrew Foss," is in the background. The winch, from the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, had a six-foot in diameter drum with a two-inch steel cable. The winch enabled the hull, not seen since the September 30th sinking, to be visible . Four tugs towed the "Rubaiyat" toward the shore on March 12, 1924, and allowed her to rest just south of the Sperry Dock in about 60 feet of water. G50.1-147 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 9-30-23, p. 1-article on capsizing; TDL 3-13-24, p. 10)

Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma); Tugboats--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hoisting machinery;

The tug, "Andrew Foss," flagship of the Foss Launch & Tug Company fleet, was undergoing painting and general repair for the summer season on April 27, 1924, along with the 57-foot purse seiner "Mercury of Tacoma." Both ships were on the ways at Western Boat Building. Henry Foss, son of Andrew and Thea Foss, is believed to be standing on the left below the tug's stern along with an unidentified man. Photograph ordered by Foss Launch & Tug Co. TPL-3681; G50.1-149 (TNT 4-26-24, p. 11-article only)

Tugboats--Tacoma--1920-1930; Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma); Fishing boats--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Undated photograph of three different types of vessels dockside. The location of this particular dock is not known. All three boats represent different eras in sailing with the sailboat by far the smallest in size. The three-mast ship is named the "San Francisco" but names of the other two boats are not discernible. Copy of photograph ordered by Richard E. Warren of Kramer, Chin & Mayo, Seattle. TPL-9480

Boats; Sailing ships; Sailboats;

Copy of customer print. Undated photograph of #78, a buoy layer, as she churns through the water. This buoy layer would position and service the buoys, important navigational helpers, that mark out shipping channels and indicate the shallows in waterways. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boatbuilding. (additional information on buoy layers from www.voithturbo.com)

Boats; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

This early 1880s photograph by C. E. & Hattie King is of the Tacoma waterfront. Several European Americans are standing near Indian canoes moored along the shoreline. The location is believed to be south of the James Williams salmon cannery in Old Tacoma. The Kings brief period of photographing Tacoma views documents the blending of cultures and history--the presence and traditions of local Native Americans and the presence of newer Americans establishing homes, industries and towns in the West. KING 016, TPL-3746.

This covered steel barge was launched on January 25, 1941 at J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp., 1501 Railroad Ave. It was ordered by the Navy and was fabricated by Birchfield Boilers. The barge was 110 feet long and 34 feet wide. It was the second ship to be delivered to the Navy in 1941. [T Times, 1/27/1941, pg. 12].

Barges--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Waterfronts; Piers & wharves--Tacoma--1940-1950;

This photograph from January 1941 shows a newly completed 110 ft. by 34 ft. covered steel barge being launched at the J. M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. yards. Built by the Birchfield Boiler Company, the barge was the second ship to be finished for the United States Navy in Tacoma in 1941. The J. M. Martinac shipbuilding facilities have been part of the Tacoma waterfront since 1924. They are the Thea Foss Waterway's oldest continuous tenant. [T. Times, 1/27/1941, pg. 12].

Barges--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Waterfronts; Piers & wharves--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A covered steel barge is shown docked at J. M. Martinac Shipbuilders on the Thea Foss Waterway on January 27, 1941. The vessel was ordered by the Navy and fabricated by Birchfield Boilers. The vessel is 110 feet long and 34 feet wide. [T Times, 1/27/1941].

Barges--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Three men look intently at an Evinrude motor catalog in a 1958 photograph. They may be comparing the catalog to the new Evinrude model before them. Dangling flags are advertising a "dreamboat contest" sponsored by Evinrude where the winner would be able to choose his own boat and motor with a cash bonus thrown in. The contest would begin February 22 and end on March 23. The Evinrude motors were advertised as being safe, sound-sealed and quiet. Photograph ordered by Teleradio Advertisers, Inc., for KTVW television.

Boat engines; Boats; Signs (Notices);

Tacoma Boat Building launched MSC-277, a 145-foot minesweeper built for the Navy, on June 30, 1958, in Sitcum Waterway. During the early 1950's, Tacoma's shipbuilding companies had garnered several contracts to build vessels for the government. This wooden minesweeper, however, was the first to be formally launched in nearly two years by a Tacoma firm. Tacoma Boat Building was awarded a contract to build four minesweepers for the Navy at a cost of approximately $7 million. Since then, the firm had received contracts totaling $4.25 million for six more Navy craft. The ship's sponsor was Mrs. Guy Garland, wife of the commander of the Tacoma Naval Station. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (TNT 6-27-58, A-1, TNT 6-29-58, B-2, TNT 7-1-58, A-6))

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

An employee of the Simmons Oyster Co. in Olympia stands on a wooden barge preparing to use his large fork to shovel the piles of oysters into a holding tank. His plywood craft is adjacent to the barge with a further assortment of tools on board. A Johnson motor guides the small boat. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.

Barges--Olympia; Oysters; Shellfish industry--Olympia; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);

On Tuesday, August 5, 1941, O.V. Snyder's yacht, the "Klatawa", was "drafted" into government service. It was the first private yacht in Tacoma to be taken over by the U.S. government to be used by the Coast Guard for harbor patrol work. It was to be used around the tide flats and the port to keep an eye on industrial plants involved in defense work. A representative of the Coast Guard stated at the time that 20 boats in the Columbia River and Puget Sound district would eventually be commandeered. The yachts were taken for specific periods. (T. Times 08-05-1941 p.4)

Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950

Launching of the MSC 279 by Tacoma Boat Building Co. The MSC 279 was the third 144ft minesweeper to be launched by the boat builder under the current contract. It was launched into the Sitcum Waterway at 2:30p.m. on Saturday, February 21st, 1959. Mrs. Paul Vetrees, wife of the company's chief engineer, was the sponsor and their eight year old daughter Cathy was the flower girl. (TNT 2/15/1959, pg. B-9)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);