ca. 1918. The view down Rainier Ave. in Port Gamble, circa 1918. Port Gamble is one of the few surviving examples of a company town. It was built by the Puget Mill which, when it closed in 1995, was the oldest continuously operating mill in the nation. On the left is the mill office and general store, built in 1916. The store sold groceries, supplies and dry goods to the workers, as well as serving as their communication center by posting news of the world on their billboards. It is still in operation today, although the store now caters to tourists and a museum occupies the basement. Further down the street can be seen the water towers that supplied the town. (Historylink.org) Boland #22
ca. 1918. View of the Puget Mill, left at water line, with its piles of logs and the town of Port Gamble from the Port Gamble Bay, circa 1918. The mill operated from 1853 - 1995, making it the longest continuously operating mill in the nation. The town of Port Gamble was built by the company for the use of its workers. It is one of the few remaining examples of a lumber town. In 1966, the entire town was declared a national historic site. In the background of the photo can be seen, left to right, the spire of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church, the town's twin water towers, the Queen Anne Walker-Ames House, the mill company offices & store and the Community Hall. (Historylink.org) Boland #32
ca. 1918. Puget Mill company owned worker housing in Port Gamble, circa 1918. On the whole, Puget Mill workers were treated better than those at other lumber mills. They were paid a fair wage and housed in modern housing with all the conveniences. These homes cost about $587.59 each to build and a three bedroom version rented for around $7.00 a month. They were surround by pickett fences to protect them from wildlife and had a fireplace, electric lights, bathroom and a water closet. (Historylink.org)
ca. 1918. A view of the Puget Hotel (left), circa 1918, built in 1907 on a bluff above the Puget Mill. The Puget Mill, identified by the smoke in the background, was established in 1853 and closed in 1995, making it the longest continuously operating mill in the nation, clocking in at 142 years. The entire town of Port Gamble was owned by the mill company, including the hotel. In the center of the photograph is a band stand where concerts were played on Sunday afternoons. Boland #26
ca. 1918. In 1853, Capt. William Talbot located the perfect site for a lumber mill, a sheltered bay five miles inside of the Hood Canal. He and partners Josiah Keller, Andrew Pope and Charles Foster built the Puget Mill in an area called "Teekalet" by the native Americans. In 1865, the town that the mill had erected for its workers was renamed Port Gamble. A company store was built in 1853, but it was replaced in 1916 by this office and general store built on Rainier Ave. As the centerpiece for the company town, the store sold groceries and household items needed by the workers and also served as the communication center, posting news of the world on its bulletin boards. The offices for the company were located upstairs. The building is still the General Store in Port Gamble, although it now caters to tourists, while a museum is now located on the lower level. (HistoryLink.org, Bremerton Sun 5/15/1953) Boland #23
ca. 1918. The rear and side view of the Puget Hotel, circa 1918, in Port Gamble. The hotel was constructed in 1907 by the Puget Mill Co., which owned the entire town of Port Gamble. It included a luxurious hotel, a restaurant, a tavern, stables for horses and carriages and an annex for longer term budget boarders. The structure was designed by Seattle architects Charles Bebb and Louis Mendel and it was operated as a concession. The hotel was closed December 22, 1962 and later demolished. In 1966, the entire town of Port Gamble was made a National Historic site in recognition of its being one of the last remaining lumber towns in the nation. ("The Coast" magazine, January 1909, Vol. 17, No. 1, pg. 92) Boland #20
ca. 1918. The livery stable attached to the Puget Hotel in Port Gamble, circa 1918. The stable was also designed by the Seattle firm of Bebb & Mendel and constructed in 1907. It housed the horses and carriages used by the guests at the hotel. By 1920, the hotel was no longer boarding horses. The building was used successively as a garage, maintenance shop and a fire station. It is still standing. (Historylink.org) Boland #36
ca. 1918. Junction of Rainier Ave and View Drive in Port Gamble, circa 1918. The building in the back was the company office and attached company store of Puget Mill. Puget Mill owned the entire town of Port Gamble and operated it for the benefit of their workers. In the foreground was the Community Hall, operated as a meeting venue for workers. It also contained the doctor, dentist and telegraph offices, a barber shop, Post Office and meeting room that could double as a theater and movie house. (Historylink.org) Boland #30
Lumber industry--Port Gamble; Puget Mill Co. (Port Gamble); Post offices--Port Gamble; Community centers--Port Gamble; General stores--Port Gamble;
ca. 1918. Puget Mill Co. New England style "Saltbox" houses for company employees in Port Gamble, circa. 1918. Company officials insisted on a hierarchy in housing; managers had the best homes on the highest ground, skilled workers and their families came next, immigrant workers (Scandinavian, German, Swiss, Slovaks and Greeks) arriving in the 1880's were housed on the other side of the second growth forest west and south of the town in areas known as "New England" and "Murphy's Row," unmarried men lived in bunk houses and cabins on the spit near the mill and Chinese workers lived separately out of town, as did native Americans workers. The worker housing was surrounded by picket fences and had fireplaces, electric lights, bathrooms and a water closet. Rent for a three bedroom was about $7.00 a month. (Historylink.org) Boland #21
ca. 1918. The Puget Hotel was constructed in 1907 by the Puget Mill Co. in their company owned and run town Port Gamble. It was designed by Seattle's most prominent architecture firm, Bebb & Mendel. It was a luxury hotel for visitors and company officials, later furnished with massive antique pieces of furniture made in Dresden, Germany and brought to the Puget Sound by sailing ship for the home of Cyrus Walker, first manager of the Puget Mill. Although part of the town, it was run as a concession. So although the town was dry, drinking and gambling were available at the hotel. It also housed the town's only restaurant. The hotel was damaged in the 1962 Columbus Day wind storm and was closed on December 22, 1962, a victim of that damage and declining use. It was later demolished. (Seattle Times 12/23/1962) Boland #10
Tacoma Street Scene. This is Tacoma Avenue North at 2nd looking north. This photograph was taken in February of 1919 and shows bare trees and wide empty streets. There are only two cars in view and both appear to be parked. Houses in view are large and there is a four-story apartment building on the right. G62.1-070; TPL-858 (print is speckled)
Exterior 1919 view of Babare Brothers Shipyards. The plant, located on five acres in Old Town, was one of Tacoma's pioneer shipbuilding facilities. The Babare Brothers consisted of George and Nick Babare, whose Croatian-born father Stephen was a master shipbuilder. Employing some 300 workers in 1918, the plant was busy building large wooden steamers for the government. The yard contained two building slips, each served by gantry cranes, a modern sawmill and in-demand machine shop. Prior to the Babare Brothers entry into government work, they built cannery tenders and purse seine boats for fishermen and canneries in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. They were prepared to return to this type of work after the government's demand for ships decreased. On November 30, 1919, the Tacoma Daily Ledger reported that the Babare Brothers had obtained a site along the Hylebos Waterway. (Pacific Marine Review, August, 1918, p. 90-article) G37.1-180
The dining room staff at Todd Shipyards on the tideflats posed for a group portrait in February of 1919 in front of what is believed to be the shipyard's dining hall. The unidentified woman in dark dress and white collar in back row may be the supervisor. The massive $1,000,000 shipbuilding plant, covering a 30-block area located around 100 Alexander Avenue, required many workers in all categories. Known formally as the Todd Dry Dock & Construction Corp., the shipyard provided a company hotel with room for over 600 men, a large dining facility, and began building modest homes for sale to shipyard employees in 1919. G33.1-132
Todd Dry Dock & Construction Corp. (Tacoma); Employee eating facilities--Tacoma; Restaurant workers--Tacoma--1910-1920;
Dr. Ivan P. Balabanoff stands next to the ambulance he donated to the Tacoma Dept. of Health & Sanitation in early 1919. The vehicle is parked outside the Elks Temple, 565 Broadway. Dr. Balabanoff made the presentation to the City in honor of his late wife, Dr. Margaret L. Carsley Balabanoff. A plaque is displayed on the vehicle next to the door with his wife's name and the year 1918. The presentation of the ambulance was made under the condition that the City must keep the vehicle in first-class condition and if the City ceased to use it, a donation of $1000 must be made to the Children's Home or other Tacoma charitable institution. Originally from Bulgaria, Dr. Ivan P. Balabanoff practiced in the Tacoma area for over 30 years. Mrs. Balabanoff was also a well-known and long-practicing physician. The completely equipped Ford ambulance was attached to the City Contagious Hospital. The ambulance body was designed by a local firm - the Acme Body Works. (SEE: TDL 2/2/1919 p.C8) TPL-740; G27.1-123
Candy shop at the Donnelly Hotel. Customers browsing in the candy shop at the Donnelly Hotel in 1919 had their choice of good chocolates, reading material, and a place to rest weary feet. Small tables with "ice cream parlor" chairs were placed close to racks of magazines such as "Sunset," "Photoplay," "Collier's" and "Modern Priscilla." A fine candy selection of Oriole, Mars, Imperial's and Sweet's could be purchased. John Donnelly had leased the Fife Hotel and transformed it into the Donnelly Hotel in 1898. The hotel would be demolished 27 years later to make way for the Motoramp Garage. G56.1-046
Hotel Donnelly (Tacoma); Hotels--Tacoma--1910-1920; Confectioneries--Tacoma--1910-1920;
This is a view of the Provident Block from March of 1919. It was located on Pacific Avenue between South 9th and South 10th Streets. The six-story Provident Building (later renamed Security Building before reverting back to the Provident name in 2006) is in the center of this slice of Tacoma's business district. It is surrounded by smaller establishments including several restaurants, Thomas Billiards, and Bloom & Alexander Money & Loan. The Olympus Hotel is one block up the street on the far left. Of special note is the entrance to a "Ladies Only" comfort station in the middle of 10th Street right outside of Washington Dye Works. The actual bathroom was located under the street; it was the only public restroom for women downtown at that time. TPL-2499 ; G61.1-012
Commercial streets--Tacoma--1910-1920; Business districts--Tacoma--1910-1920; Provident Building (Tacoma); Olympus Hotel (Tacoma); Billboards--Tacoma--1910-1920;
March, 1919, large Foster & Kleiser billboard advertising the Liberty Theatre. The Liberty was located at 9th & Pacific in downtown Tacoma where patrons could view first-run Fox feature films. Formerly the site of the Princess Theater, the Liberty celebrated its grand opening on February 27, 1915. Moviegoers could be assured of "always a good show" at the Liberty Theatre.
Interior of a section of the Tacoma Smelter taken in March of 1919. This was the copper refinery. Copper anodes from the smelter were inserted between copper cathodes in a copper-sulfuric acid bath. Copper was transferred from the anode to the cathode. The two raised frameworks in the photograph's middle were stands for "slapping copper starter sheets" before they were inserted into the bath as cathodes. The American Smelting & Refining Co., better known by its acronym, ASARCO, was a major employer in Ruston for nearly a hundred years. G32.1-023 (Additional information provided by a reader)
American Smelting & Refining Co. (Tacoma); Smelters--Tacoma; Industrial facilities--Tacoma;
A Blue Line Stage Co. bus is parked outside the Washington Dye Works, located downtown about 9th & Pacific, in March of 1919. The vehicle had tarp-like material covering one side of the windows and tires apparently manufactured by the U.S. Rubber Co. According to Bonney's History of Pierce County, the Blue Line Stage was established by William Hummon, Sumner resident, who had previously operated a livery business. The Blue Line Stage ran between Sumner and Tacoma. Two months later in May of 1919, there would be a new big White bus on this route. The Blue Line Stage would add a new 20-passenger car, mounted on a 2-ton White chassis, to its service. G66.1-025 (Bonney: History of Pierce County, Washington, Vol. III, p. 133-34; TDL 5-25-19, 4C-article & picture of new bus)
Daily operations at Todd Shipyards as photographed in March of 1919. Todd Dry Dock & Construction Corporation had bought land along Commencement Bay in 1917 and built a modern shipyard. They delivered eleven cargo ships in 1919. TPL-1526; G37.1-176 (www.shipbuildinghistory.com/history/shipyards/2large/inactive/toddtacoma.htm--list of ships built)
Todd Dry Dock & Construction Corp. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1910-1920;
Miss Vera Jedlick proudly posed on March 21, 1919 with her new Essex automobile. She boasted of being the first Essex owner in Tacoma. The Essex first appeared on the market in 1919 and Miss Jedlick thought it was the finest car around. It took her five minutes after driving the Essex five blocks to decide to buy it. The Essex was a lighter and less expensive Hudson auto and was sold in Tacoma by the Pacific Car Co., at No. 2nd and G St. Miss Jedlick donated her car and her considerable driving talents two days a week to the Red Cross Motor Corps. She is wearing the Motor Corps uniform; the long coat and overseas cap. In the background is the large stone drinking fountain donated by Mayor Angelo Vance Fawcett to the city of Tacoma in 1908. It was originally installed at the intersection of 9th, Broadway and St. Helens Ave., but was later moved by another administration to 8th and A St. on a corner of Fireman's Park. It eventually obtained the euphonious nickname "Fawcett's Faucet." TPL-1681; G11.1-071 (TDL 3/30/1919, pg. C-13; TDL 3-16-19, "Pacific Car Company Chatter," Automotive section-small article)
Automobiles--Tacoma--1910-1920; Jedlick, Vera; Essex automobile; Community service--Tacoma--1910-1920; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Drinking fountains--Tacoma--1910-1920;
Cargo handling at the Milwaukee Dock. A large wooden crate is being either unloaded or loaded onto the unidentified vessel at the Milwaukee Dock in March of 1919. The shipment is either headed for or came from Yokohama, Japan, according to printing on the crate. G49.1-204
Crew of workers and Caterpillar clearing land in April of 1919. The roots of a large stump are exposed during land clearing activity. The Caterpillar had pulled the stump out by using chains or cord. TPL-1678 ; G34.1-002
Tracklaying vehicles; Clearing of land; Tree stumps;
In April of 1919, two postal carriers, S.P. Hammerbeck and Charlie Matters (order not known), and their trusty dog posed with their shining black delivery vehicles on the brick areas outside the Federal Building at 1102 A Street, in downtown Tacoma. The U.S. Post Office's Main branch was located there. Both Mr. Hammerbeck and Mr. Matters delivered parcel post packages in their 1/2-ton Dodge "business cars." They praised the low costs of maintaining this make of vehicle. The Dodge Brothers did not believe in change for change's sake, and their delivery trucks, called commercial cars, remained basically unchanged from 1917 to 1922. TPL-936; G42.1-120 (TDL 4-13-19, C-11)
Federal Building (Tacoma); United States Post Office (Tacoma); Post offices--Tacoma; Postal service employees--Tacoma; Dogs--Tacoma--1910-1920; Dodge automobile; Matters, Charlie; Hammerbeck, S.P.;
An unidentified party of four from Bremerton posed in front of a parked automobile on the east side of Pacific Avenue near South 8th St. in May of 1919. The well-dressed couples were perhaps out on a Sunday drive. In the background looking north are the Eau-Claire Apartments, Auto Parts Supply Co., D.C. Modrall & Co., Jim's Place (restaurant) and a tailoring establishment. TPL-1640; G61.1-009
Commercial streets--Tacoma--1910-1920; Business districts--Tacoma--1910-1920; Couples--Tacoma--1910-1920; Automobiles--Tacoma--1910-1920;
Jacona at dock. The 7,600-ton freighter "Jacona" had been launched on November 20, 1918 by Todd Dry Dock & Construction Co. and delivered to her owners on May 9, 1919. Later in 1930 she was converted into a floating power generation station. TPL-1677
An impressive parade took place in Tacoma on the first Memorial Day following the end of the Great War, May 30, 1919. Veterans from the Civil, Spanish American and Great War (WWI) were represented with local Boy Scouts marching as the fourth generation. Bringing up the rear of the parade was the pictured decorated automobile entered by the War Camp Community Service. It was covered with frilled crepe paper and topped with a parasol. The War Camp Community Service was formed in 1917 at the request of the War Department. Its primary responsibility was to organize recreational and social activities in communities where servicemen and women might spend off duty time. G20.1-029 (TDL 5/31/1919, pg. 1)
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1910-1920; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1910-1920; Memorial Day; Commemoration--Tacoma; Memorial rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; War Camp Community Service (Tacoma);
A man exits Tacoma Transit Co. bus #105 near the 900 block of Pacific Ave. on June 8, 1919. The bus ran on sturdy Goodyear Cord tires and was used on the Tacoma-Puyallup route. The Moose cigar and tobacco store is on the near left; the Eau-Claire Apartments and Auto Parts Supply Co. in right rear. Photograph ordered by Goodyear. G66.1-056, TPL-1630
In the summer of 1919 the building at 218-220 St. Helens Avenue was the home of Sam J. Kenyon's Marmon Service Station and Bartons Auto Laundry. Mr. Kenyon specialized in servicing and repairing luxury automobiles known for their speed and power. The Marmon was manufactured from 1903 - 1933. Signage on the glass window indicates that the Kenyon shop also serviced "Locomobiles." The Locomobile was also manufactured in the US, from 1899 (steam version) and 1902 for the gas engine version, until 1928. Both car companies also produced race cars. To provide maximum service to its customers, Barton's, in the same building, was open "day and night" according to their sign. BU-13095
Marmon Service Station (Tacoma); Barton's Auto Laundry (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1910-1920; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1910-1920;
Funeral procession for Gov. Ernest Lister. Two-time Chief Executive Ernest Lister died of heart and kidney disease on June 14, 1919 in Seattle, the day before his 48th birthday. He was laid to rest on June 17th at Tacoma Cemetery after services at the First Methodist Church. Full military honors were accorded Gov. Lister as commander-in-chief of the Washington National Guard. 600 men from six companies of the regiment in the western part of the state marched as part of the funeral cortege. Some of the armed soldiers from the Third Washington Infantry are pictured above, heading south on "K" St. (now Martin Luther King Jr. Way) and turning at So. 8th St., at a slow march. Once at Center St., the soldiers and fraternal organizations in attendance boarded streetcars to the cemetery located in South Tacoma. Co. D fired three volleys as the casket was lowered into the gravesite. Other companies present included Companies A, B, C, and Headquarters Company, the regimental infirmary of Seattle and Co. F of Tacoma. (TNT 6-14-19, p. 1-article; TNT 6-17-19, p. 1+- article) TPL-5898; G1.1-109
Lister, Ernest--Death; Funeral processions--Tacoma; Washington National Guard, Third Infantry (Wash.);
