Galley of the tuna clipper "Mona Lisa" for Martinac Shipbuilding. The galley was the pride of Capt. Joe Correia, Jr. and his crew of 13. The large electric range of stainless steel was built by the Tacoma Range Co. Drainboards and sink were of tile. The galley had a 500 cu. ft. walk-in refrigerator and a 350 cu. ft. walk-in freezer. The galley floor was of magnesite. A cutting board work station occupies the center of the picture. The windows at the rear look as if they can be opened and used as pass throughs. ("Pacific Fisherman" June 1951, pg. 29-31) TPL-9037

J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; Galleys (Ship kitchens);

Sea trials of the tuna clipper "Mona Lisa," built by J.M. Martinac and owned by John Correia & Associates. The "Mona Lisa" was under the command of the fleets' youngest skipper John Correia Jr. She was 118 foot, 26 ' in the beam and 13'6" deep. On her trial trip, the suppliers of the vessel were on board to watch her go through her paces.("Pacific Fisherman" June 1951, pg. 29-31) TPL-9034

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Ship trials--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Sea trials of the tuna clipper "Mona Lisa," built by J.M. Martinac and owned by John Correia & Associates. The ship was powered by a 615 HP 8 cylinder Superior engine, backed up by two auxiliary 150 HP General Motors-Cleveland diesels. She had a refrigerated cargo capacity of 230 tons, and had 10 cargo wells in the hull and 3 refrigerated bait tanks on deck. About 40 guests were on board for the trial run including Earl M. Nielsen, President and General Manager of the California Tuna Canning Co. for whom the boat will fish, Joe Correia, skipper and part owner of the new craft and numerous maritime and fishing leaders. ("Pacific Fisherman" June 1951, pg. 29-31 & TNT 3/25/1951, pg. B-3) TPL-9035

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Ship trials--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The tuna clipper "Mona Lisa," built by J.M. Martinac, heads out on sea trials. On deck for her maiden trial are the suppliers of the vessel. The ship was skippered by John Correia, Jr. and had a crew of 13. The vessel was renowned for her galley, which featured a big electric stainless steel range, built by local Tacoma Range Co. To make sure the crew was fed well, she had a 500 cu. ft. walk in refrigerator and a 350 cu. ft. walk in freezer. Local Parker paints were used on the ship. The boat would leave shortly after the trial for San Diego, where she would sail out almost immediately for her maiden tuna fishing trip into the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands. ("Pacific Fisherman" June 1951, pg. 29-31 & TNT 3/25/1951, pg. B-3) TPL-9036

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Ship trials--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The tuna clipper Mona Lisa, built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding, as pictured in February of 1951. The Mona Lisa was under the direction of the industry's youngest skipper, 23 year old Joe Correia. The 118 ft. wooden hulled tuna clipper was valued at $320,000. The ship carried a crew of 15 and had a refrigeration capacity of 230 tons. The Mona Lisa was powered by a 615 HP superior diesel with two 150 HP GM diesels for auxiliaries. She cruised at 11 knots and had a 40,000 gallon fuel capacity. The Mona Lisa was launched on February 10, 1951 with Mrs. Joseph Correia, Sr. as sponsor. Completion of the ship was expected in one month. (TNT 2/11/1951, pg. B-6) TPL-9033

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

The "Golden Glow" fishing vessel built by Peterson Boat Building Company. The boat, moving through water with crew aboard, was photographed on February 12, 1951.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Fire damage at Martinac Shipbuilding.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Fires--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior of building at Western Boat Building Company owned by the Petrich family. Boat building under construction. Series ordered by Mr. Brian, Rainbow Contractors, Tacoma.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Exterior of building at Western Boat Building Company owned by the Petrich family. Boat building under construction in October of 1950. Ordered by Mr. Brian, Rainbow Contractors, Tacoma.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Interior of building at Western Boat Building Company owned by the Petrich family. Boat building under construction. Ordered by Mr. Brian, Rainbow Contractors, Tacoma.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Overall view of three massive laminators with a man leaning over center one taken at the Baker Dock in November, 1951. J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation had its laminating operations at Baker Dock. The laminators were constructed so that workers could get close to the wood being laminated on semi-circular belts. Large overhanging lids appear to be able to fit tightly over the laminators. "No Smoking" signs warn workers not to light up when working with highly flamable materials.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Baker Dock (Tacoma); Laminated wood; Machinery; Signs (Notices);

Three men standing next to a half-circle laminator at Baker Dock adjust the clamps on wood curved in a semi-circle at the Martinac Shipbuilding Company's laminating operations. J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding was a well-known Tacoma business whose motto was "Martinac for Better Boats". Founded by Joseph M. Martinac, the company built a variety of boats ranging from pleasure craft to tuna boats.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Baker Dock (Tacoma); Laminated wood; Machinery;

Tacoma's sixth major fire of 1951 occurred in the early morning hours of August 24th when Tacoma Boat Building Company at 2142 East D st. was nearly destroyed. The construction yard of five connecting buildings was engulfed in flames; only the outfitting dock was saved. Damages were estimated in the one million dollar range. The company's office building suffered minor damage and valuable company records were safe. Twelve land companies and the city fireboat fought the blaze throughout the night and smoke was still rising from the boatworks' ruins several hours later. Only one boat was lost in the fire; the partially completed hull of a tuna fishing boat can be seen in the center of the photograph. A General Motors truck is parked close to the blackened structures; perhaps it will be used to haul away some of the rubble. (TNT 8-24-51, p.1)

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

This tuna fishing boat, being bult at the Tacoma Boat Building Company facility at 2142 East D St. was over 60% complete when a fire on August 24, 1951 reduced it to a charred hulk. Several hours after the massive one million dollar blaze, smoke still billows from the ruined boat. The company's boatworks area was completely demolished; this fishing boat, however, was the only vessel damaged. Photograph ordered by Board of Marine Underwriters of San Francisco. TPL-9053

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

View of damaged machinery at Tacoma Boat Building's massive fire of August 24, 1951. The entire construction yard consisting of five connected buildings was leveled in the multi-alarm fire which occurred in the early morning hours of August 24th. Damages were estimated at one million dollars, part of which is probably covered by insurance. Photograph commissioned by the Board of Marine Underwriters of San Francisco. (TNT 8-24-51, p. 1)

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

Smoke rises from the blackened ruins of the Tacoma Boat Building Company's boatworks area on August 24, 1951. It was the city's sixth major fire of the year. Damages were estimated at one million dollars by Fire Chief Charles Eisenbacher. All five connecting buildings in the construction yard were consumed by flames. Twelve land companies and the city fireboat helped to finally extinguish the fire. Photograph commissioned by Board of Marine Underwriters of San Francisco. (TNT 8-24-51, p. 1) TPL-9120;

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

Clean up goes slowly in the aftermath of the massive Tacoma Boat Building Company boatworks fire of August 24, 1951. Several days after the early morning blaze, photographs of the interior of buildings showed blackened and crumbling fish wells and main engine tanks. No injuries were reported in Tacoma's sixth major fire of the year. Photograph commissioned by Board of Marine Underwriters of San Francisco. (TNT 8-24-51, p. 1) TPL-9054

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

Men survey the massive fire damage to the Tacoma Boat Building Company's boatworks on August 24, 1951. Twelve land companies and the city's fireboat were called to battle the extensive blaze; however, due to the large amounts of dry materials present, the firemen were unable to save the construction yard of five connecting buildings. Damages were estimated by Fire Chief Charles Eisenbacher at approximately one million dollars. It was Tacoma's sixth major fire of 1951. Owners Haldor Dahl and Arne Strom shortly after announced plans for a new plant on Sitcum Waterway to replace the City Waterway installation; the main building would be 244 feet by 300 feet plus an additional large machine shop and spacious office building. (TNT 8-24-51, p. 1, TNT 10-7-51, B-2) TPL-9119

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

Launching the "Historic" at J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation. The new tuna clipper was built for Oliver Verissimo and Assoc. of San Diego. She was powered by a 615-hp Enterprise diesel, two 150-hp GM diesels, 120-kw auxiliaries and she had refrigeration capacity of 240 tons. She could carry a crew of 15 and she was a sister ship to "Mona Lisa" and "Royal Pacific". A fourth sister ship was on the way. (TNT, 7/8/1951; Marine Digest 7/14/1951) TPL-9050

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Launching the "Historic" at J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation. Sponsored by Mrs. Carl Silva, wife of the engineer-to-be and part owner, the new tuna clipper was built for Oliver Verissimo and Assoc. of San Diego TPL-9049

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Welch board was being used in construction of a tuna clipper at Western Boat. This view shows the crew's quarters with four sets of bunk beds. In June 1951 Western Boat was building a 98-foot tuna clipper to replace the partially-completed clipper lost in the 1950 fire at the City waterway yard. Launching of the clipper was scheduled for late July. The yard was also building 16- and 18-foot tuna tenders and was bidding on military tugs and other craft. Ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association, Jack Leik. (TNT, 6/24/1951) TPL-9051

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Plywood; Crew quarters; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Welch board was being used in construction of a tuna clipper at Western Boat. Two men are completing the plywood covering over the upper deck of the fishing vessel. Ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association, Jack Leik. TPL-9052

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Plywood; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Launching of "Miss California" at Peterson Boat Building Company. The new 96-foot tuna clipper is draped with an American flag as she sits in the ways prior to launching. Miss California cost approximately $250,000. She would carry a 400-hp Enterprise diesel for her main power plant, plus two 140-hp GM generators. Her beam was 25.5 feet and she had a depth of 12.5 feet. She would carry a crew of 12 and had a cruising range of 9,000 miles. It was reported in December 1951 that Capt. Manuel J. Sousa brought Miss California for her second trip in the fast time of 23 days. (TNT, 5/13/1951, p.B-2, Pacific Fisherman, Dec. 1951, pj.38)

Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Launching of "Miss California" at Peterson Boat Building Company. The tugboat "Peter Foss" is pushing the fishing boat to the dock where the interior will be completed. A stormy sky is overhead on this May 10, 1951, day. The 96-foot tuna clipper was expected to be delivered to her San Diego owners in mid-June. (TNT, 5/13/1951, p.B-2)

Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tugboats--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Launching of "Miss California" at Peterson Boat Building Company. This view shows the stern and the underside of the new fishing boat prior to launching as she sits in the ways. A man standing below her on the right gives scale to the boat. The vessel was launched on May 10, 1951.

Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Launching of "Miss California" at Peterson Boat Building Company. The crowd attending the ceremony dispersed after the new tuna clipper was launched down the ways.

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

Launching of "Miss California" at Peterson Boat Building Company on May 10, 1951. Nine-year-old Teres Sousa, daughter of "Miss California's" captain, Manuel Sousa, is christening the new fishing boat with a bottle of champagne under watchful eye of her mother, holding a bouquet of roses, and two men. The dignitaries are standing on scaffolding inside the ways building. (TNT, 5/13/1951, p.B-2)

Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sousa, Teres; Sousa, Manuel--Family;

Launching of "Miss California" at Peterson Boat Building Company. Portrait of Captain Manuel Sousa, Mrs. Sousa with a bouquet of roses and Teres Sousa, daughter of Miss California's captain, with an orchid corsage and the ceremonial champagne bottle, and George Peterson, general manager of Peterson Boat. (TNT, 5/13/1951, p.B-2; Pacific Fisherman, Sept, 1951, p.53)

Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sousa, Teres; Sousa, Manuel; Sousa, Manuel--Family; Peterson, George J.;

An elevated view of the J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corporation facilities, A newly launched tuna clipper is being shoved to the dock by a tug boat where her interior will be finished prior to delivery to her new skipper. TPL-9041

J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; Waterfronts; Piers & wharves--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The captain's quarters in a newly completed ship by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. The Martinac yard had been busy during May 1951: the Royal Pacific, a 118-foot tuna clipper was launched May 5, was expected to make her trial run the first week of June; a 123-foot clipper for Lu Brito, already started, was expected to be completed in December; and at the Kazulin-Cole yard on Hylebos waterway, under lease by Martinac, a 118-foot sister ship to the Royal Pacific and Mona Lisa was expected to be launched June 15. Immediately following that launching Martinac would begin construction of another 118-foot sister vessel to the first three. (TNT, 6/3/1951, p.D-12) TPL-9043

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);