Launching of U.S. Army transport Frederick Funston at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard on September 27, 1941. The incomplete hull is pictured riding easy in water, contrasted against a cloudy sky. The ship appears to be towed by one tugboat and assisted by more.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On September 27, 1941, the hulk of the U.S. Army transport Frederick Funston towers above the crowd at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard. Preparations are being made to launch the vessel. The ship is shown on the ways, with bunting and a gang of workers on the bow. A large crowd is watching. The ship will be christened by Barbara Funston; the vessel is the namesake of her father Maj. Gen. Frederick Funston.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Perched above the deck of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard on Tacoma's tideflats, a group of shipyard workers watched on September 27, 1941 as the Frederick Funston was made ready for its christening ceremony. The new U.S. Army transport was named for the late Major General Frederick Funston; his daughter came to Tacoma from San Francisco to take part in the launching. (T. Times 9/29/1941, pg. 1)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Sea-Tac Shipyard, general view of facilities. Docks, buildings, equipment and water.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation. View from above, stern frame of Type C3 cargo ship just before thermite welds.

Industries - Shipbuilding Industry - Tacoma - Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding CorporationWorld War II (1939-45) - Homefront - War Production

This was how the Tacoma yard of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation appeared in October of 1941. The view was looking southeast and showed the yard's enlargement under the US Maritime Commission facilities contract. Under construction were five additional new ways, more dockage space and expanded fabrication facilities. All were expected to be completed in 1942. After expansion, the shipyard would employ over 8,000 persons. TPL-9953

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Sea-Tac Shipyard, general view of facilities. Docks, buildings, equipment and water.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Sea-Tac Shipyard, general view of facilities. Docks, buildings, equipment and water.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Sea-Tac Shipyard, general view of facilities. Docks, buildings, equipment and water

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Sea-Tac Shipyard, aerial view of facilities. Docks, buildings, equipment and water.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Sea-Tac Shipyard, general view of facilities. Docks, buildings, equipment and water.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

By October of 1941, the Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) Shipbuilding Corporation on Tacoma's Tideflats employed 3,000 workers, most of whom drove back and forth to work. The workers' cars filled a large lot at the end of Alexander Avenue, just north of the Hooker Chemical plant (which is in the background). When the workday was over, there was only one way back into the city, down Alexander Avenue, onto East 11th Street and across the 11th street (now Murray Morgan) Bridge, creating a massive traffic jam. The shipyard was planning to add 5,000 more workers in the next few months and the city was working on a traffic flow solution. (T. Times, 10/07/1941]

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Parking lots--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobiles--1940-1950; Traffic congestion--Tacoma--1940-1950;

New paving on Alexander Avenue. Plans were to pave and widen Alexander Ave. to the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp., from 18 feet to 36 feet. The 11th Street Bridge would also be resurfaced. As soon as bids were received for the paving job, work began. The job was scheduled to be completed in 10 days. The road work was needed to handle the increased traffic at the shipyards. (T. Times 9/23/1941, pg. 4; 10/10/1941, pg. 1)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Automobiles--1940-1950; Traffic congestion--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In October of 1941, as the shift ends at the Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp., a long line of automobiles winds its way down Alexander Ave. into the city. The roadway of Alexander Ave. was only 18 feet wide, creating a long line of traffic. Recent work had increased the roadbed to 36 feet in width. The shipyard currently employed 3,000 and would be adding an additional 5,000 jobs in the next few months. (T. Times 10/10/1941, pg. 1)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Automobiles--1940-1950; Traffic congestion--Tacoma--1940-1950;

New paving on Alexander Avenue showing automobiles and other traffic from the shipyard. The plans called for Alexander Ave. to be doubled in width and paved to the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. to handle increased traffic. On the left of the road, workers can be seen doing the enlarging. (T. Times 10/10/1941, pg. 1)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Automobiles--1940-1950; Traffic congestion--Tacoma--1940-1950;

At 10 am on Thursday, October 23, 1941, 500 welders at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation walked out in sympathy with their striking Seattle brothers. Lake Washington workers had been locked out after joining an unaffiliated welders union; the conclusion to a 20 year fight with the American Federation of Labor for the right to form their own union. Welders were currently scattered among eight unions and were required to pay dues to two or more unions at the same time. By October 28th, picketers had effectively brought the shipyard to a standstill as welders and sympathizers refused to cross the picket lines. The Tacoma shipyard held 100 million in unfinished defense contracts. This photograph from October 28th demonstrates the peaceful, but loud, picketing. A truck has been halted by picketers at the shipyard entrance. The loud speakers at the left belonged to the welders, the ones to the right (over the truck) belonged to the AFL Metal Trades Council. A constant war of words had been raging for several days. (T. Times 10/23/1941, pg.1; 10/29/41, pg. 1 il)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Clyde cranes at Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation in December of 1941.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Hoisting machinery;

ca. 1941. The "Idaho," built by the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard. The vessel was delivered to the Navy in Sept. of 1941 for service in World War II. The ship was later sold to private investors in 1951 and was wrecked and scrapped in 1962. (Argentum)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On January 19, 1942, hard hatted workers at the Seattle-Tacoma shipyard lined up to purchase Red Cross buttons from two lovely female volunteers in a booth. Genevieve Hyde is pictured pinning a button on Rudolph Wolfe. The shipyard's goal was to raise $10,000 for the Red Cross emergency war fund. (T. Times 1/21/42, pg. 3)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; Hyde, Genevieve; Wolfe, Rudolph;

Workers at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard are serenaded by the shipyard band during the kickoff for the Red Cross button sale. The shipyard had pledged to raise $10,000 for the Red Cross emergency war fund. For Keel Magazine. (T. Times 1/21/1942, pg. 3)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma;

Sea-Tac Shipyard. Large group watches flag ceremony enacted by three young women in Red Cross uniform during a Red Cross button sale. For Keel Magazine.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma;

The Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard kicked off its fund raiser for the Red Cross emergency war fund on January 19, 1942. Three unidentified employees were quick to purchase Red Cross buttons from the two vivacious volunteers, Genieve Hyde and Marian Blake, stationed in a temporary booth. The yard's fund goal was $10,000. Ordered by Keel Magazine. (TNT 1/21/1942, pg. 3; T. Times 1/21/1942, pg. 3)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Fund raising--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma;

Exterior views of Peterson Boat Building Co. for Mr. Heitman of Fidelity Rent & Collection. This site, adjoining the Foss yard on the outer edge of the Middle Waterway, was chosen by the father & son team of George and John Peterson for their shipyard. It was devoted entirely to the construction of fishing vessels. This is a view of hull #7 under construction. The finished vessel would be 11 feet in depth, 22 ft. beam, 85 ft. long and weigh 120 tons. Peterson operated at this location until 1969 when it was destroyed by fire. (TT 8/5/1942, pg. 3) TPL-9441

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma;

Exterior views of three hulls at Peterson Boat Building. For Mr. Heitman of Fidelity Rent and Collection. This site, adjoining the Foss yard at the outer edge of the Middle Waterway, was chosen by George and John Peterson for their new shipyard. It was devoted entirely to the construction of fishing vessels.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma;

Shipyard bowling teams. Painters and fitters from the Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. Portrait of the champion team identified as (standing) Roy Besam, captain, Frank LaFleur and Al Levorson. On the front row are Jack Olson and Robert Robbins.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma)--People; Bowlers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bowling balls; Besam, Roy; LaFleur; Levorson, Al; Olson, Jack; Robbins, Robert;

Sea-Tac Shipyard bowling teams. Painters and Fitters. Back row, standing: Pip Koehler, C. Skidmore, Jim Cartwright. Front row: George Winegarden, Ralph Conklin (captain)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma)--People; Bowlers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bowling balls; Conklin, Ralph; Cartwright, Jim; Olson, Jack; Winegarden, George;

Sea-Tac Shipyard bowling teams. Painters and Fitters. Ralph Conklin, left, congratulated Roy Besam, captain of the winning bowling team. Pictured, left to right, are C. Scidmore (kneeling), Pip Koehler, Frank LaFleur, Jim Cartwright, Al Levorson, Robert Robbins, Jack Olson and George Winegarden.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma)--People; Bowlers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bowling balls; Besam, Roy; LaFleur; Levorson, Al; Olson, Jack; Robbins, Robert; Conklin, Ralph; Cartwright, Jim; Olson, Jack; Winegarden, George;

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation. Highway traffic on Tacoma tideflats. A bus can be seen in the middle of the picture. The city was running three 60 passenger World's Fair buses, three 23 passenger, six 25 passenger and three 36 passenger buses. The buses were also getting stuck in the traffic congestion, slowing down their schedule. Plant personnel at the yard was expected to double by years end. (TT 5/8/1942, PG. 1)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Automobiles--1940-1950; Traffic congestion--Tacoma--1940-1950;

View of port industrial area showing the Hylebos Waterway and property near the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation shipyards. Taken from hillside of Northeast Tacoma with trees in foreground.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

In April of 1942, workers pour out of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Co. during rush hour bringing traffic on Alexander Ave. to a standstill.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Automobiles--1940-1950; Traffic congestion--Tacoma--1940-1950;