ca. 1953. Three unidentified men examine a boat engine while aboard a wooden vessel under construction in this circa 1953 photograph.

Boat engines; Boat & ship industry--1950-1960;

A large group of spectators await the launching of the A.M.S. #96 on May 1, 1953. Television cameras capture the moment for posterity; it was the first launching televised in this area. Dignitaries on the platform, which would have included Mrs. Marvin H. Glunz, sponsor, and the attentive crowd listen to a naval speaker. This may have been Capt. Christian H. Duborg, who was listed as principal speaker of the event. The A.M.S. #96 was a 144-foot mindsweeper built by Tacoma Boat Building for the Navy. It was the fourth of five being constructed by the firm who had been awarded a Navy contract. (TNT 5-3-53, B-10)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Government vessels--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

ca. 1953. Launching of naval ship #445, the U.S.S. Force, with the skyline of downtown Tacoma in the background. The all wood craft was the fourth of nine contracted 171 foot Naval minesweepers to be built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. Mrs. Thomas D. Wilson, wife of a Navy Captain, served as sponsor and christened the ship with the ceremonial champagne. The band from the U.S.S. Essex played "Anchors Aweigh" as the ship slid down the ways. (TNT 6/21/1953, pg. B-2 & 6/27/1953, pg. 1)

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

Three 18-foot plywood cruisers zip along Adams Marina in mid-May, 1953. Plywood was proving to be a very versatile product. It could be used not only in home construction, storage bins and linings for railroad cars but also in boats. Light and inexpensive exterior plywood with proven durability was used in boat building; the plywood was made waterproof and used waterproof glues. Photograph ordered by Tom Sias, Douglas Fir Plywood Association. (Cour: The Plywood Age, p. 115-119)

Boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Plywood; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);

A woman perches jauntily aboard an 18-foot plywood cruiser streaming out of Adams Marina on May 12, 1953. Three other wood cruisers follow along while several others remain at the dock as the Steilacoom Ferry prepares to depart. Plywood had many uses other than in home and business construction. Because it was light, inexpensive, strong and durable, it was known as the "Jack-of-all trades" in the building industry. A plywood boat won the President's Cup on the Potomac River prior to WW II and Norman Nevills proved that a plywood boat could emerge victorious from a 600 mile journey through the raging Colorado River. Boating was a popular activity in the 1950's, as it is now, and with the advent of plywood boats, more people could enjoy the sport without incurring tremendous expense. Photograph ordered by Tom Sias, Douglas Fir Plywood Association. (Cour: The Plywood Age, p. 115) TPL-8699

Boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Plywood; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);

Children perched high on a ladder get a good bird's eye view on May 15, 1953, of the launching of two vessels built by the Tacoma Boat Building Co. for the Navy. They, and the large group of spectators, listen intently to a guest speaker at the podium. The two 57-foot minesweepers, MSB-16 and MSB-17, were launched within minutes of each other. (TNT 5-17-53, B-7)

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

ca. 1953. Launching of naval ship #445, named the U.S.S. Force, the fourth of a series of nine 171 ft. minesweepers to be built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. Mrs. Thomas D. Wilson, wife of the Commander of the Bremerton Group, Pacific Reserve Fleet, was sponsor, assisted by Judith K. Ross as flower girl. M.S. Erdahl served as the master of ceremonies and Rear Admiral Charles D. Wheelock, inspector general for the Navy's bureau of ships, was the principal speaker. Other Naval dignitaries included Rear Admiral H.E. Haven, Commandant of the Puget Sound Naval shipyard, Capt. Linton Herndon, supervisor of shipbuilding Seattle, and Comdr. Lawrence MacKinlay, resident supervisor of shipbuilding Tacoma. The launching was followed by a reception and dinner at the Winthrop Hotel. (TNT 6/21/1953, pg. B-2, 6/27/1953, pg. 1)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Ross, Judith K.;

The Tacoma Boat Building Company, 132 Sitcum Waterway, launched two 57-foot minesweepers within minutes of each other on May 15, 1953, Armed Forces Day. The MSB-16 was sponsored by Carmen P. Smith of Seattle and the MSB-17 was sponsored by Mrs. E.A. Watson of Tacoma. MSB grade minesweeping boats did not receive names, they were referred to by their hull number. The Tacoma Boat Building Company received major contracts with the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard for over 40 years, building minesweepers, gunboats, and cutters. (TNT 5-17-53, B-7)

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

Two 57-foot minesweepers are side-by-side shortly after being launched on May 15, 1953. Built by Tacoma Boat Building under a Navy contract, the vessels were launched minutes apart. The MSB-17 is accompanied by the tug, Drew Foss, while the MSB-16 is escorted by the Peter Foss. Tacoma Boat Building also was awarded contracts to build several 144-foot mindsweepers during the early 1950's. (TNT 5-17-53, B-7) TPL-9620

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

Overhead view of boats. A Foss tugboat, wearing its ever present logo "Always Ready", is stationed next to other vessels in the Sitcum Waterway on May 15, 1953. Foss tugs were used in the launching of minesweepers built for the Navy by local boat building companies. This Foss boat was used that evening to help escort two 57-foot minesweepers built by Tacoma Boat Building and launched within minutes of one another. Appropriately, the launchings occurred just prior to Armed Forces Day which was celebrated heavily in the Puget Sound region. (TNT 5-17-53, B-7)

Tugboats--Tacoma--1950-1960; Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Twenty logging trucks, photograph ordered by International Harvester. The trucks are fueled by propane and owned by Cotten Brothers in Spanaway, Washington. International Harvester sold and serviced large trucks. Here the trucks are posed in front of a large propane tank.

Trucks--Spanaway--1950-1960; Cotten Bros. (Spanaway); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Ordered by International Harvester, a single logging truck. The truck is fueled by propane and owned by Cotten Brothers in Spanaway, Washington. The truck is posed in front of a large propane tank labelled "Propane, the modern motor fuel." The back portion of the truck where the logs are usually loaded has been unhooked and now sits on the bed of the truck. International Harvester sold and serviced large commercial trucks.

Trucks--Spanaway--1950-1960; Cotten Bros. (Spanaway); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;

ca. 1953. Three cars are parked next to the Winthrop Hotel, 773 Broadway, in the fall of 1953. An ornate marquee extending over the sidewalk would help to protect exiting car occupants and passersby from inclement weather. The elegant hotel was built in 1925 with funds supplied by a local subscription drive. It was named after explorer and author Theodore Winthrop who helped popularize the Northwest. BU-12138

Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hotels--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Fuel Oil Service Co.; exterior of trucks. Fuel Oil Service was a distributer of furnace and stove oil. Mark C. Dolliver was the Manager & Roger C. Stewart the Sales Manager. The trucks were used to deliver the oil to the residential customers.

Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fuel Oil Service (Tacoma);

Traffic accident, corner of North 27th and Lawrence, involving Medosweet delivery truck, occurring in late July of 1952. Curious onlookers have gathered at the accident scene. Medosweet van carries sign: "Hoppy's Favorite Milk," depicting popular silver screen character Hopalong Cassidy. View of neighborhood including waiting fire truck.

Traffic accidents--Tacoma--1950-1960; Medosweet Dairies, Inc. (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1950-1960;

On July 28, 1952, a Medosweet delivery truck was involved in a traffic accident at or near the corner of North 27th & Lawrence St. People are gathered near the wrecked truck which carries the sign: "Hoppy's Favorite Milk," depicting Hollywood favorite Hopalong Cassidy. Tacoma Police Dept. Accident Prevention automobile is at the far left foreground.

Traffic accidents--Tacoma--1950-1960; Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960; Medosweet Dairies, Inc. (Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Traffic accident, corner of North 27th and Lawrence, involving Medosweet delivery truck. People gather around the wrecked truck which carries sign "Hoppy's Favorite Milk," depicting movie hero Hopalong Cassidy. View of neighborhood and other milk trucks. Photograph taken on July 28, 1952.

Traffic accidents--Tacoma--1950-1960; Medosweet Dairies, Inc. (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A man wearing a suit and tie is also wearing a football helmet with the name "Goal Getter" on it. He is standing in front of an International truck.

Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960; International trucks;

A new Dodge delivery truck is on display at the Puyallup Fair. The names of Carman Manufacturing Company and Spring Air Mattresses have been painted on the covered back end of the truck. Joseph L. Carman, Jr., was president of the bedding manufacturing company located at 801 East 25th Street in Tacoma.

Trucks--Puyallup--1950-1960; Dodge trucks; Carman Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma); Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Exhibit booths--Puyallup;

Students from the Clover Park High School pre-flight class were treated to an air show at McChord Field. The students, under direction of Fred Miner and Wilbur Snyder, were taken on an extended tour of flight operations, flight service, the weather station and the maintenance hangars. Three small airplanes are performing in the sky over the air field. Ordered by Kiwanis Club, H. Barker. (11/23/1952, p.B-6) TPL-5504

Airplanes--Tacoma; McChord Field (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Clover Park High School (Lakewood); School field trips--Lakewood;

Fourteen men in uniform are standing on the tarmac in front of a Western Airlines airplane. Another man, not in uniform, is looking at papers one of the men in uniform is holding.

Airplanes; Soldiers;

The MSB #15 was one of two minesweepers launched at Tacoma Boat Building Company in September 1952. The MSBs were 57-foot minesweepers. Tacoma Boat would build five of the craft. (TNT, 9/21/1952, p.B-4)

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

The AMS 115 was the second 144 foot minesweeper to be built at Tacoma Boat Building Company in 1952. AMS 113 was launched in July 1952. The 115 is seen here as she was launched at the boatyard.

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

Winifred (Mrs. Melvin M.) Larsen is proudly displaying the commemorative silver platter she received as sponsor at the launching of the AMS minesweeper #115 built by Tacoma Boat Building Company. The tray had an engraving of the vessel and an inscription telling of the occasion. Navy rules permitted a woman only one Navy vessel sponsorship. This was Winnie's second time "at bat", however, since she had been sponsor of and christened the tuna clipper Saratoga in 1951. (TNT, 10/12/1952, p.B-8)

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

Dignitaries gather for a group portriat prior to the launching of the AMS 115, a 144-foot minesweeper, at Tacoma Boat Building Company. Owners of Tacoma Boat, Arne Strom and Harold Dahl are seen near the right. The sponsor, Winifred (Mrs. Melvin M.) Larsen, secretary to Charles Bevis, Tacoma Boat's manager, is holding a bouquet of roses. Captain Chester J. Chastek, state director of the selective service addressed those attending the launching. Others on the program were Lt. Cmdr. S.E. Anderson, chaplain of the Sand Point Naval Air station, Arne Strom and Capt. Linton Herndon, Navy supervisor of shipbuilding in the Tacoma area. (TNT, 10/5/1952, p.B-3)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Larsen, Winifred; Dahl, Haldor; Strom, Arne;

St. Paul and Tacoma Lumber Company chip storage plant as viewed on September 3, 1952. Kenworth truck with trailer and two more trailers at loading bays on ground level of building.

St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Co. (Tacoma); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The past meets up with the future in this December, 1952, photograph, as an antique automobile pauses to make a deposit at North Pacific Bank's new drive-up teller window. The two men are dressed appropriately for the brisk winter weather as they sit in the roofless vehicle. Another man standing outside the car assists in completing the banking transaction. The antique automobile has a plate attached to the grill indicating that it belongs to City Motor Co. and South Tacoma Motor Co. Photograph ordered by South Tacoma Motor Co.

Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banking--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banks--Tacoma--1950-1960; North Pacific Bank (Tacoma); South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma);

An antique automobile makes way for a newer convertible in December, 1952, as both are making use of the new drive-up teller window at North Pacific Bank. It appears that its driver is releasing the hand brake in preparation to motor on. Plate attached to vehicle's grill indicates that it belongs to City Motor Co. and South Tacoma Motor Co. Photograph ordered by South Tacoma Motor Co.

Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banking--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banks--Tacoma--1950-1960; North Pacific Bank (Tacoma); South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma);

Four new Dodge trucks for Compton's are parked at Irwin Jones Company. Signs for Compton's are painted on the cab doors. Durkee's mayonnaise, margarine and salad dressing are advertised on the rear cargo areas of the trucks as well as Compton's name. Ordered by Walt Dunlap. TPL-9229

Dodge trucks; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Irwin-Jones Motor Co. (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960; Compton's Distributing Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Launching of "Southern Pacific" at J.M. Martinac. The 123 foot tuna clipper was built for Lu Brito (skipper) along with John Silva. She had a capacity of 270 tons and a crew of 15. She was equipped with a 800-hp Enterprise engine, two 150-hp 120 kw GM generating sets, one 60 kw GM generating set for auxiliaries at a cost of $400,000. She was also equipped with Sperry automatic power steering and an automatic pilot; Tacoma Range Company electric range; a Coolidge propeller, TCA radio, Intervox direction finder and a Submarine Signal fathometer. Additionally she was seaplane equipped. (Ledger, 11/4/1951; Marine Digest, 12/22/1951) TPL-9055

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