Fair-haired actress Ruth Taylor, currently in Tacoma promoting her new film, "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," rides aboard the "City of Tacoma" airplane on February 8, 1928. The aircraft is parked outside the hangar of the Olympic Aeronautical Corporation (which had succeeded the Eagle Rock Sales Corporation) at the Mueller-Harkins airport. Photograph ordered by the Olympic Aeronautical Corporation, newly organized and headed by J. Barton ("Jack") Story, president and well known pilot. (TNT 1-31-28, p. 1-article on Olympic Aeronautical Corporation; TDL 2-8-28, p. 2-article on Miss Taylor's visit)

Airplanes--Tacoma--1920-1930; Olympic Aeronautical Corporation (Tacoma); Taylor, Ruth; Actresses;

On March 24, 1928, 10,000 cases of eggs were loaded onto the Blue Star liner "Gothicstar" bound for Buenos Aires, Argentina. The eggs were delivered by the Washington Cooperative Egg & Poultry Assn. to its dock, "Co-op Dock" (formerly the Milwaukee dock). "Gothicstar" was one of the biggest refrigerator ships traveling between South America and the United States. It was scheduled to pick up another 40,000 crates of eggs from other ports nearby. This was a new egg market for Northwest producers as previously the East Coast had provided South America with eggs. G6.1-095 (T.Times 3-23-28, p. 10-article)

Shipping--Tacoma--1920-1930; Cargo ships--Tacoma--1920-1930; Washington Co-op Egg & Poultry Association (Tacoma); Eggs; Piers & wharves--Tacoma--1920-1930;

75-year-old James Mayne, a pioneer lumberman, posed proudly with a new Graham-Paige four-passenger coupe on July 12, 1928. He selected the "614" recently from Angle-Mulligan Motor Co. Mr. Mayne, a 50-year local resident, was very active and used his car to cover his entire southwest Washington territory. G11.1-047 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 7-22-28, G-7)

Graham-Paige automobile; Mayne, James;

A tow truck from the Rialto Garage is prepared to haul away a small airplane on July 19, 1928, from the Fircrest golf course. It was apparently the first wrecked airplane transported by an auto wrecker locally. The biplane from Victoria, B.C., was damaged when it made a forced landing. The plane, piloted by A.H. Wilson and accompanied by Ernest Eve, president of British Columbia Airway, Ltd, was northbound following the national air tour stop here. It is unknown how badly the airplane was damaged. L-R are pilot Wilson, Gordon Hager and Lawrence Aus of the Rialto Garage, and Mr. Eve. TPL-2023; G12.1-026 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 8-12-28, G-3)

Wreckers (Vehicles)--Fircrest; Towing--Fircrest; Rialto Garage (Tacoma); Airplanes--Fircrest; Aircraft accidents; Wilson, A.H.; Hager, Gordon; Aus, Lawrence; Eve, Ernest; Fircrest Golf Club (Fircrest);

Fishing boats are moored at the Port of Tacoma piers in November of 1928. Fishermen were returning to Tacoma after the salmon season in Puget Sound and Alaska waters. 22 stalls for boats had been created by the Port with more to be added. For additional close-up view of boats, see Boland B19715. G27.1-073 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 11-11-28, p. 1-article)

Fishing boats--Tacoma--1920-1930; Port of Tacoma (Tacoma); Piers & wharves--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Parked directly in front of the Boland photography studios on August 6, 1929, was a gleaming black Washington Cooperative Egg & Poultry Association truck. Per the advertising on the truck, the co-op's eggs went directly from the farm to customers. G6.1-093

Trucks--Tacoma--1920-1930; Washington Co-op Egg & Poultry Association (Tacoma); Boland The Photographer (Tacoma); Photographic studios--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Line of Foss tugboats, from big to small, next to dock. TPL-7093, TPL-9073

Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma); Tugboats--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Crew from Japanese cruiser, probably either the Idzumo (sp) or the Iwate, meet with a delegation from the local Japanese community on the deck of their ship in Tacoma. Photograph taken on September 6, 1932. TPL-7101

Cruisers (Warships)--Japan--1930-1940; Japanese Americans--Tacoma; Japanese--Tacoma;

Model Bakery truck on display. This Model Bakery delivery truck was parked outdoors on March 26, 1923. It had recently been purchased from Griffith Motor Co., the downtown Dodge dealership, and joined a fleet of Dodge Bros. cars operated by the bakery. Model Bakery was located at the corner of South 38th and Yakima Avenue and was owned and operated by Gus Westerdale. Their motto was "Where Quality and Purity Counts." TPL-3198; G33.1-003 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 4-22-23, C-5)

Trucks--Tacoma--1920-1930; Dodge trucks; Model Bakery (Tacoma);

Sheriff Tom Desmond and Police Captain Fred Gardner were photographed in early December, 1923, sealing the hood of a black Rickenbacker coupe with General Cords that bears the sign "Non-stop Endurance Run Car/Seven Day Continuous/Driven Only By Women/Rickenbacker of course." The seal on the hood would not be broken by the police officers until the end of the race at 12:31 p.m., 7 days later. The engine would run continuously. The Rickenbacker was named after war ace and racer, Eddie Rickenbacker. Three women, Margaret Hickey, Helen Selden and Irma Mottauare are seated in the car. All daughters of prominent Tacoma families, they would each take 4-hour driving shifts during the 7-day/168 hour endurance run. Women were chosen instead of more experienced male drivers to prove the Rickenbacker's reliability and ease of handling. TPL-180; G11.1-052 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 12-2-23, G-5, 8-G, 9-G-articles; Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 12-9-23, G-3; TDL 12-11-23, p. 5-article)

Rickenbacker automobile; Signs (Notices); Desmond, Tom; Gardner, Fred; Hickey, Margaret; Selden, Helen; Mottau, Irma;

The ferry "City of Tacoma," which operated between Point Defiance and Gig Harbor, underwent a major remodel in January of 1924. The ferry was taken to Western Boat Building at 2505 East 11th to have 34 feet added to her length and her carrying capacity increased to 50 automobiles. She was opened up midship and the added length was inserted just aft of her engine room. The reconstruction job was estimated at $15,000 and the ferry out of service for 30 days. Photograph ordered by Western Boat Building. (TDL 1-16-24, p. 4, TNT 1-24-24, p. 24) G66.1-115

Boats--Tacoma; Ferries--Tacoma--1920-1930; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Three F.S. Harmon Co. delivery trucks are on display in early February of 1924. Each has a different billboard on one side: Upholstered furniture deluxe, Day-An-Nite davenport and Blabon linoleums. The F.S. Harmon warehouse is visible in the rear. G66.2-130

Trucks--Tacoma--1920-1930; F.S. Harmon Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma);

A Garford Motor Co. truck is parked outside a General Petroleum Corporation facility in downtown Tacoma on February 14, 1925. The truck appears to be doorless with an extended open bed. Garford Motors was located nearby at 313-15 Puyallup Ave. G66.2-093

Trucks--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Staff Sgt. Nicoll (no first name given in Tacoma Sunday Ledger article) posed with his two-door Ford coupe near the gates of Camp Lewis in June of 1926. He is standing with one foot on the running board and partially concealed by the open driver's door. Sgt. Nicoll had bought his car from the Edward P. Leonard Co., South Tacoma Ford dealers, and had recently completed a 6000 mile trip to San Antonio. He camped out nightly and slept in his car, removing the back cushion for a comfortable resting spot. A new timer was the only repair needed for the entire trip. G69.1-158 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 7-11-26, 10-G) TPL-10314

Ford automobile; Military personnel--Camp Lewis; Camp Lewis (Wash.);

Four of Dairy & Producers Market fleet of "Step-In-And-Shop" trucks on display on July 6, 1926. The market itself was located at 1117 Market St. in downtown Tacoma but these rolling stores would "Stop-At-Ur-Door" for more convenient shopping. Customers would find the some of the same items on sale as in the market itself. G6.1-074

Trucks--Tacoma--1920-1930; Dairy & Producers Market (Tacoma);

Unidentified Carstens Packing Co. employee stands in front of a heavy duty truck with trailer on July 10, 1926, at the company plant, 1623 East J St. in the Tideflats. The truck and accompanying trailer are labeled "Carstens Products" and state that the U.S. government has inspected meats processed by the firm. Customers could be assured that the meat was safe to eat, no small worry after the horrors of the meat packing industry uncovered decades before by novelist Upton Sinclair.

Trucks--Tacoma--1920-1930; Carstens Packing Co. (Tacoma); Meat industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;

This ship may be the "Lewis Luckenbach" from the Luckenbach Line which had previously been taking on lumber at the Port of Tacoma dock on June 24, 1924. It has now have moved onto the St. Paul & Tacoma dock for more shipments. The "Lewis Luckenbach," largest vessel of the entire Luckenbach Line, had already loaded 5,780,000 feet of lumber at the Port piers. Another 1,300,000 feet would be taken on board at the St. Paul & Tacoma dock. The lumber would be carried to the Atlantic coast by Captain Read, master of the ship for the last 15 years. G49.1-095 (TNT 6-18-24, p. 16-article; TNT 6-19-24, p. 5-alternate photograph)

Cargo ships--1920-1930; Shipping--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Aboard the "City of Steilacoom" ferry. This is believed to be the car holding area of the new ferry as pictured above on July 21, 1924. She had a 30-car capacity. The "City of Steilacoom" was designed to replace the present ferry operating between Long Branch and Steilacoom. She was 110-feet long with a 34-foot beam and could travel at 14 mph. G66.1-095 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 4-13-24, A-11-article)

Ferries;

A long line of cars and one bike are parked along the tracks in August of 1924 while their owners are inside the ballpark enjoying a City League baseball game. City League teams played at both Athletic Park and Lincoln Bowl and games drew large, interested crowds. This view is possibly of area outside Athletic Park. G11.1-048

Automobiles--Tacoma--1920-1930;

The Bienville at finishing dock of Todd Drydock. Once completed, she will have two stacks - one is in position now. The SS Bienville was launched at Todd Drydock & Construction (Shipyards) in Tacoma on July 16, 1924, less than five months after her keel was laid. She was built for the Atlantic Steamship lines of Southern Pacific. The combination freight and passenger vessel, 445 feet in length, had accommodations for 236 first class passengers and 110 third class passengers. The ship was sponsored by Dorothy Maxson, daughter of Capt. and Mrs. C.P. Maxson; Maxson was the commodore of Southern Pacific lines and would be the ship's master. The Bienville was expected to be delivered to Southern Pacific's New York location on December 7, 1924. She was the 38th big ship built in Todd yards since the shipyard's 1917 establishment. During the war era of 1917-20, Todd built 32 steel freight vessels for the U.S. Shipping Board. (TNT 7-16-24, p. 1; TNT 9-18-24, p. 5) G50.1-090

Ships--Tacoma--1920-1930; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;

On November 16, 1924, C.P. (Clarence) Johnson is partially hidden by the shining new Dodge Bros. business coupe he recently purchased from Griffith Motor Co., Dodge Bros. dealership in Tacoma. The vehicle, with Mrs. Johnson at the wheel, is parked outside their home at 4606 South Park Ave. Mr. Johnson is a painting foreman at Todd Shipyards. This is the second Dodge Bros. car the couple has owned. Photograph ordered by Griffith Motor Co. G11.1-134 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 11-23-24, 6-G)

Dodge automobile; Johnson, Clarence P.; Johnson, Clarence P.--Family; Griffith Motor Co. (Tacoma);

Four Mack trucks form a small convoy as they transport small tanks in May of 1921. Several soldiers are atop of the parked vehicles. The men, trucks and tanks were probably photographed at Camp Lewis. The Tacoma Sunday Ledger had reported on February 27, 1921, that one of the newest arrivals at Camp Lewis was the Fourth Company of Tanks, consisting of 25 tanks, 25 Bull Dog Mack trucks and 88 men and officers. The trucks were all 5-ton Macks which were used to transport the 6-ton American Renault-make tanks on long journeys and in actual warfare, would carry them to the frontline. All privates in the Fourth Company of Tanks were either machinists or automobile mechanics and would be fully capable of keeping the Mack trucks in top shape. TPL-2507; G69.1-153 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 2-27-21, C-1-article)

Trucks--Camp Lewis; Mack trucks; Tanks (Military science)--Camp Lewis;

A veteran of the road, F.A. Read, is pictured in the "Official Car" of the Automobile Club of Western Washington. It was fortunate for him that on this rainy day in June of 1921 his 490 Chevrolet roadster with special built body came equipped with a hardtop. Automobile tires were much narrower then, as viewed above, and he prudently carried a spare which was mounted outside the driver's side. Mr. Read, an employee of the Automobile Club of Western Washington, spent most of his time mapping new roads which involved much travel. He appreciated his Chevrolet for its low operating cost and ability to roam where other vehicles may have had difficulty. G11.1-050 (T.Times 7-2-21, p. 10)

Chevrolet automobile; Tires; Read, F.A.;

Parked outside Griffith Motor Co. on August 16, 1921, is a Dodge Bros. automobile with oversized Federal brand evaporated milk can on display. The Federal Condensed Milk Co. advertised that their milk was safe for all to drink with the slogan "It's Pure That's Sure." W.J. Clifford, advertising manager for the milk company, has his hand on the steering wheel while peering out the glassless window frame. Mr. Clifford has had his Dodge for two years and indicates that he finds the vehicle most satisfactory and well suited for his travels through Washington, Oregon and Idaho. G6.1-075; TPL-912 (T.Times 8-27-21, p. 7)

Griffith Motor Co. (Tacoma); Dodge automobile; Advertising--Tacoma--1920-1930; Clifford, W.J.;

The steamer "Santa Inez" at Tidewater Mill. On August 21, 1921, the "Santa Inez" was docked at the Tidewater Mill, 3901 E. 11th St., located on the east side of the Hylebos Waterway. She was being loaded with timber, probably similar to the logs floating in the photograph's foreground. An additional stop for the ship was the St. Paul dock for more lumber loading. The "Santa Inez" sailed for San Pedro on August 24th. G49.1-079 (TDL 8-23-21, p. 7-article)

Cargo ships--1920-1930; Shipping--Tacoma--1920-1930; Tidewater Mill Co. (Tacoma); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1920-1930; Logs;

The Japanese freighter "Arabia Maru" moored at Milwaukee Dock on May 24, 1922. She would sail for Hong Kong the following day. Another vessel is pictured behind her which is also believed to be of Japanese origin. G49.1-092

Cargo ships--Japanese; Shipping--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Venus in dry dock. This boat, dubbed "Venus," was owned by Dr. S.L. Blair and built by Skansie Bros. of Gig Harbor. She was one of the newer boats owned by members of the Tacoma Yacht Club. Measuring 53-feet by 11-feet, she was powered by a 36 h.p. Enterprise engine with cruising speed of 8 mph. All controls were in the pilothouse. "Venus" contained the owner's state room, quarters for several guests including a galley and dining salon. Three other boats are afloat in the background including the "Prosperity" and the "Mary Ellen." G37.1-122 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 2-19-22, G-2-article on the "Venus" and alternate picture)

Yachts--Tacoma;

Members of the Girls' Corner Club of Tacoma pose with the pilot of this biplane located at the Mueller-Harkins Field in early May of 1930. The Corner Club was a women's support and social group, an off-shoot of the club originating in British Columbia in 1917. Eleanor Renstrom (seated in plane) and Dorothy Allen (outside) experienced a trial flight with Washington Aeronautical Corporation pilot George Fisher before the girls made the actual flight to Olympia to scatter flowers over a white birch tree to be planted by club members on the grounds of the executive mansion. The white birch is the official Washington State mothers' tree. G12.1-036 (TNT 5-10-30, p. 12)

Biplanes--Tacoma--1930-1940; Girls' Corner Club of Tacoma (Tacoma); Renstrom, Eleanor; Allen, Dorothy; Fisher, George; Air pilots--Tacoma;

A Coast Airlines Flying Service aircraft is on the ground at a Tacoma airport in June of 1930. Coast Airlines provided service to Seattle and Everett. Mount Rainier (or "Tacoma" as referred to by locals) is prominently featured in the background. Standard Used Car Market used this plane, or a similar Coast Airlines aircraft, in their promotion of a free scenic 15-minute ride for every car sold over $100. TPL-5031; G12.1-047 (Ad-TNT 6-10-30, p. 18)

Airplanes--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rainier, Mount (Wash.);

In July of 1931, passengers on the Washington Navigation Company ferry "Skansonia" could climb onto a stool and order a fried ham sandwich for 15 cents as they commuted between Gig Harbor and Point Defiance. The "Skansonia" was built in 1929 at the Skansie Brothers Shipyard in Gig Harbor. The curved lunch counter on the ferry offered a fried egg for 15 cents; or a Swiss cheese sandwich, hamburger or hotdog for 10 cents. You could top off your breakfast or lunch with a slice of homemade pie for a dime and wash it down with coffee, cold milk or pop. On hot days, the kiddies could enjoy a frozen Popsicle or a malted milk shake. (Neal & Janus "Puget Sound Ferries.") TPL-9261; G66.1-090

Ferries--1930-1940; Washington Navigation Co. (Gig Harbor);