Man holding a suitcase, taken for the Tacoma Times in conjunction with the investigation into the kidnapping of George Weyerhaeuser on May 24, 1935.

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

The dislodged stone from the wall at Western States Hospital, possible ransom drop off spot in the George Weyerhaeuser kidnapping. In late May of 1935, US postal employee Fred Hipkins claimed that he had seen what he interpreted as an attempted ransom delivery. It consisted of a signal light high in a fir tree on Custer & Steilacoom Highways, a sedan parked near Western States with its lights off and people inside, and tire tracks and a dislodged rock the next morning in the stone wall surrounding the hospital. (T. Times 5/31/1935, pg. 1)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

Fred Hipkins. This US Postal Service special delivery messenger became front page news when he reported that he had seen what appeared to be an attempt to deliver ransom money in the George Weyerhaeuser kidnapping. In a front page story of the Tacoma Times (not carried by the News Tribune), Hipkins reported that as he drove home to Lake Louise about 1:15a.m., he saw a very bright light suspended in a tall fir tree about 300 yards south of the junction of Custer and Steilacoom Highways. He felt that the light was a signal. Later on, near Western States, he saw a large black sedan parked with its lights out and four people inside. The next day, several stones in a nearby wall were found to be dislodged, possibly in an attempted ransom drop. This story was not repeated in the following days, undoubtedly a dead end. (T. Times 5/31/1935, pg. 1)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hipkins, Fred; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

Evidence in the kidnapping case of nine year old George Hunt Weyerhaeuser; communication by letter from the kidnappers. The first ransom note from the abductors arrived around 6:30 p.m. in the evening on May 24, 1935 by special delivery. It demanded $200,000 in ransom in special unmarked denominations. It gave the family 5 days to raise the money and gave the instructions to take an ad in the Seattle PI signed "Percy Minnie." The typed letter was signed "Egoist, Egoist" and also bore George's signature. Later communications contained precise directions on delivering the money. The letters indicated that they were written by an educated, intelligent and organized person. (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Correspondence; Evidence (Law);

Entrance between hedges at Annie Wright Seminary to staircase; area where George Weyerhaeuser was kidnapped shortly after noon on May 24, 1935. Following the death of J.P. Weyerhaeuser, obituaries citing his wealth caught the eye of a trio looking for a fast buck. Harman Waley, his wife Margaret and William Dainard decided to abduct Weyerhaeuser's grandson 9 year old George and hold him for ransom. They took the boy as he walked from Lowell School to the Seminary to meet with his sister Ann and travel home for lunch. They held him for $200,000 in ransom. The sensational case forced everything else off the front page, including the lumber workers strike in Tacoma. (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

Mrs. B. Lucille Berg; George Weyerhaeuser's third grade teacher at Lowell Elementary. On May 24, 1935, in what was Tacoma's most sensational crime, George Weyerhaeuser was kidnapped as he walked from Lowell Elementary at noontime to meet his sister Ann at Annie Wright Seminary and go home for lunch with her. He was held for $200,000 ransom and released on Tiger Mountain Road in Issaquah after payment on June 1, 1935. Mrs. Berg figured importantly in the case, supplying samples of George's handwriting to compare with his purported handwriting on the ransom notes sent to prove authenticity. (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding months)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Berg, Lucille; Lowell Elementary School (Tacoma); Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

This US Postal Service special delivery messenger, Fred Hipkins, became the man of the hour when he reported that he had seen what he felt was an attempt to deliver the ransom money in the George Weyerhaeuser kidnapping case. The Tacoma Times carried a front page story that Hipkins had seen a bright light suspended in a tall fir tree near the intersection of Custer & Steilacoom Highways. He interpreted this as a sign from the kidnappers. Later, near Western States, he saw a large dark sedan with its lights off and people inside. The following morning, tire tracks and dislodged stones could be found in the stone wall surrounding the asylum, a possible ransom drop. This story occupied several pages in the May 31, 1935 Tacoma Times only to disappear and not be repeated. Obviously a dead end. (T. Times 5/31/1935, pg. 1)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hipkins, Fred; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

An investigator or reporter examines a rock wall at Western States Hospital where stones have been dislodged in a purported ransom attempt for kidnap victim George Weyerhaeuser. Fred Hipkins, a US postal service messenger, reported what he interpreted to be an ransom attempt. In the early hours, he saw a bright light suspended in a tall fir tree near Custer & Steilacoom Highways. Later, near Western States, he saw a sedan parked with its lights off and people inside. The following morning, tire tracks were found near this wall with dislodged stones indicating a possible ransom drop. The story dominated the May 31st, 1935 Tacoma Times paper, only to disappear in the next days, a probable dead end. (T. Times 5/31/1935, pg. 1)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings; Stone walls;

A ramshackle, vacant and boarded up residence across the street from the home of J.P. Weyerhaeuser, Jr. and his family, at 420 No. 4th. Officials suspect that this home may have been used as a vantage point to observe the family in the days preceding the May 24, 1935 kidnapping of George Weyerhaeuser. Those officials point to a fire of mysterious origin in the house at 3a.m. on May 11, 1935, indicating that the house was occupied. The theory of the home as a hideout was later abandoned and footprints through the home were attributed to a reporter trying to get a better view of the Weyerhaeuser home. (T.Times 5/28/1935, pg.1)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Abandoned buildings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

A sample of George Weyerhaeuser's third grade school work. The nine year old boy was kidnapped on May 24, 1935 and held for $200,000 ransom. The original pre-typed ransom note contained George's signature to prove authenticity. Later notes from the kidnappers also contained samples of George's writing. His school work was obtained for comparison. The paper reads "Lowell School. May 16 1935. a2.17 George Weyerhaeuser 3a. On the way we saw a (boat) in the bay. We passed some (houses) that had (trees) and many (?)." (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding months)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Associated objects;

Automobile parked outside entrance between hedges at Annie Wright Seminary, the area where George Hunt Weyerhaeuser was kidnapped on May 24, 1935. The heavy hedges undoubtedly provided cover to the people abducting the boy. George had left Lowell School just before noon to walk the five or so blocks to the Seminary where he would meet his sister and the young people would be driven home for lunch by the family chauffer. (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding months)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

John Philip (Phil) Weyerhaeuser, Jr. and his wife Helen. In 1935, this private couple was thrust into the limelight when their youngest son George was kidnapped and held for ransom. It became the second most famous kidnapping in the nation, eclipsed only by that of the Lindbergh baby. On May 24, 1935, nine year old George Hunt Weyerhaeuser left Lowell Elementary to walk to Annie Wright. He was supposed to meet there with his sister Ann, 13, a student at the seminary and his brother Philip, 10, who also attended Lowell. The family chauffer would then motor the trio home for lunch. On May 24, George never made it to the car, he was kidnapped near the tennis courts of the seminary and held ransom for $200,000. The ransom was paid and George was freed near Issaquah on June 1, 1935 unharmed. During the ordeal and afterward, the family spoke only with the police. Newspaper articles are sketchy and only conjectures. To the credit of the family, this enabled the police to arrest and convict three suspects, 24 year old Harman Waley and his 19 year old wife Margaret and William Dainard (called Wm. Mahan until the trial) and to recover most of the ransom money. It speaks of the democratic upbringing of the younger Weyerhaeuser generation that the children were allowed to walk from place to place without security. (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding months)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, John Philip; Weyerhaeuser, Helen; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

In May of 1935, police guard the home of J.P. Weyerhaeuser Jr., 420 No. 4th St., keeping the press and the curious away while the family negotiates with their son's kidnappers. On May 24, 1935, nine year old George Weyerhaeuser was kidnapped from the grounds of the Annie Wright Seminary. The ransom demand was for $200,000. Reporters from around the country camped outside the Weyerhaeuser home hoping to get a story. The Weyerhaeusers managed to move secretly, pay the ransom and obtain the freedom of their son. The boy was returned safely on June 1st. (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days) (filed with Argentum)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, John Philip--Homes & haunts; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

Evidence in the kidnapping case of nine year old George Hunt Weyerhaeuser; communication by letter from the kidnappers and correspondence written by George. One of the later ransom notices, containing specific information for the delivery of money, was accompanied by this letter from George dated 5/25/1935, the day after the kidnapping. In it, he gives information about his family for verification and assures them that he has plenty to eat. A letter from the kidnappers received May 29th sets up a meeting at the Ambassador Hotel in Seattle and is signed "Egoist, Egoist." Phil Weyerhaeuser kept this appointment, signing the register as James Paul Jones as instructed, and attempted unsuccessfully to deliver the ransom on this attempt. He was successful in a second attempt. (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Correspondence; Evidence (Law);

On May 24, 1935, nine year old George Weyerhaeuser was kidnapped near the grounds of the Annie Wright Seminary. The ransom demand was for $200,000. Reporters from around the country camped out outside the pictured home of the J.P. Weyerhaeuser Jr. family at 420 No. 4th St. hoping to get a story. The Weyerhaeusers managed to move secretly, pay the ransom and obtain the freedom of their son. Ironically the democratic efforts of the parents, in moving to a smaller home, in sending their son to public school at Lowell and in allowing him to walk alone the five or so blocks to meet his sister at Annie Wright, contributed to the ease in which he was kidnapped. To their credit, on his release on June 1st, they allowed him to return to his normal life without restrictions. (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, John Philip--Homes & haunts; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

Two men associated with the investigation into the kidnapping of young George Weyerhaeuser. The man on the left is believed to be US Attorney Owen P. Hughes and the man on the right is Pierce County Sheriff John Bjorklund. On May 24, 1935, the boy was abducted from the grounds of Annie Wright Seminary where he was planning to meet with his sister and travel home for lunch. (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings; Bjorklund, John;

In May of 1935, police officers stand posted at the corners of the home of J.P. Weyerhaeuser Jr., 420 No. 4th St., keeping the press and the curious away while the family negotiates with their son's kidnappers. On May 24, 1935, nine year old George Weyerhaeuser was kidnapped from the grounds of the Annie Wright Seminary. Reporters from around the country camped outside the Weyerhaeuser home hoping to get a story. The Weyerhaeusers managed to move secretly, pay the ransom and obtain the freedom of their son. The boy was returned safely on June 1st. (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days) (filed with Argentum)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, John Philip--Homes & haunts; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

Elmer J. McCune, left, 40 year old Puyallup rabbit farmer, poses with Sheriff John Bjorklund after his arrest and sentencing for murdering his wife, Maude Bulgar McCune, with an ax. On the night of November 9th, 1935, during a brief reconciliation for the couple, after being almost continually separated during their six years of marriage; the couple argued at McCune's rabbit ranch 5 miles south of Puyallup on Pipe Line Road. McCune stated that he "lost his head" when his wife nagged at him and hit him with a stick. He responded by striking her in the head with an ax. The couple's seven year old son Leroy was asleep in the house at the time. McCune buried his wife's body on his ranch. One week later, Nov. 15th, he brought Ruth Dunlap, with whom he admitted having a relationship of several years duration, from Seattle to his ranch and presented her to his son as his new mother. McCune was sentenced to life imprisonment two days after his arrest. (T.Times 4/19/1935, pg. 1; 4/20/1935, pg. 1)

McCune, Elmer; Homicides--Puyallup--1930-1940; Bjorklund, John;

ca. 1926. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fletcher pose in happier days on the steps with their grandchildren Charles (in lap) and Muriel Mattson. On the evening of Dec. 27, 1936, ten year old Charles Mattson was kidnapped from the family's home. His parents received several ransom notes, but despite frantic attempts to contact the kidnappers, were unable to do so. On Jan. 10, 1937, the boy's battered body was found near a snowy road in Everett. The kidnapper has never been identified or caught. (filed with Argentum)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mattson, Charles; Mattson, Muriel; Fletcher, Charles;

Interior of the machinist room of the McNeil Island Federal Prison. Prison guard and two men can be seen speaking around a work desk at the right side of the room.

Interior of dining hall of the McNeil Island Federal Prison.

Exterior of facilities at McNeil Island Federal Prison. Prison yard, dock and smoke stack are visible.