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)

Buses--Tacoma--1910-1920; Blue Line Stage;

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

Cargo ships--Japanese; Shipping--Tacoma--1910-1920; Containers; Crates;

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.;

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;

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

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1910-1920; Cargo ships--Tacoma--1910-1920;

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

Buses--Tacoma--1910-1920; Tacoma Transit Co. (Tacoma); Tires--Tacoma;

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.);

Tacoma to Seattle in 30 minutes and 55 seconds! Harry Barsamian, shop foreman of the Pacific Car Company, with mechanic Victor Williams, completed the feat in a stock Overland 90 Touring Car, driving from Tacoma city limits to the Seattle city limits. On June 19, 1919, Barsamian started from Sitcum Avenue on the Tacoma tideflats. The two men clipped down the rugged dirt Highline Road through Northeast Tacoma and onto Des Moines where they hit pavement and finished with a smooth ride to Seattle in record-breaking time. (TDL 6/22/1919, p. 8C). G11.1-073

Barsamian, Harry; Automobiles--Tacoma--1910-1920; Automobile racing--Tacoma--1910-1920;

Although there was no freeway between Tacoma and Seattle in June of 1919 and little actual paved road, Harry Barsamian, shop foreman for Pacific Car Co., managed to drive from the city limits of Tacoma to the city limits of Seattle in 30 minutes, 55 seconds. He was accompanied, not by the unidentified lovely miss in the front seat, but by his mechanic Victor Williams, proprietor of the Metropolitan Garage. Mr. Barsamian's time broke the previously acknowledged record of 34 minutes, 30 seconds. Victor Williams confessed to the Daily Ledger that there was one man too many in the vehicle and he was the one man; he swore never to do it again. Mr. Barsamian reported that there were no problems with the engine during the non-stop run. He declared the new stock Overland 90 Touring Car the "gamest little car in the world." Photograph ordered by the Pacific Car Co. (TDL 6-22-19, 8C) TPL-1522; G11.1-001

Barsamian, Harry; Automobiles--Tacoma--1910-1920; Automobile racing--Tacoma--1910-1920;

On June 19, 1919 racing mechanics Fred Comer (left) and Harry Hartz posed in front of the Tacoma Motor Car Company building at 945 Market with two of the cars entered in the annual July 4th races held at the Tacoma Speedway. At this time in racing, the mechanics both worked on the cars and rode with the drivers during the race. Mechanics were frequently killed along with their drivers in crashes. The car to the left is a Chevrolet Special, in actuality a modified Stutz, built and owned by millionaire sportsman Cliff Durant. The second car is a Durant Special, designed and built by Cliff Durant but owned by veteran racer Eddie Hearne. Cliff Durant was the son of William Durant, who founded General Motors, Chevrolet and Durant Motors. The two cars represented the Chevrolet team in the race. (TDL 6/22/1919, pg. C4-6-picture, 6/21/1919, pg. 8) G52.1-019; TPL-3163 (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Comer, Fred; Hartz, Harry; Racing automobiles--1910-1920; Mechanics (Persons);

With the Puget Sound as a backdrop, opening ceremonies for Camp Standby were held at Dash Point on June 20, 1919. Camp Standby was established for the girls of various War Camp Community Service Clubs to let them experience the great outdoors. The WCCS was formed in 1917 to organize recreational and social activities where servicemen and women could spend off duty time together. Major General W.H. Johnston delivered an address at the opening, praising the women of the WCCS for helping sustain morale during the Great War. Camp Standby could be accessed by dirt road or boat, the Chickawanna, enabling girls to live there during the summer and yet commute to work in the City. The tents, which could accommodate 50 girls, were divided into two company streets. They all faced the water. Activities offered included boating, swimming, dancing, tennis, baseball and volleyball. (TDL 6/19/1919, pg. 3; TNT 6-21-19, p. 7-article) G71.1-189

Camp Standby (Dash Point); Tents; Camping; War Camp Community Service (Tacoma);

Senior play at Annie Wright Seminary. Wearing makeup and garbed in costume, these twelve Annie Wright seniors are posed on June 22, 1919, on the school grounds in preparation for their senior class play. Since Annie Wright had an all-female population in 1919, all roles were played by girls including the male parts. The private school was located at that time in modified Queen Anne buildings at 611 Division Avenue. G64.1-054

Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--1910-1920; Private schools--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1910-1920; Actresses; Theatrical productions--Tacoma;

Despite appearances, all the actors in this June 22, 1919, photograph are girls. Annie Wright seniors were practicing their senior class play on the school grounds at 611 Division Avenue. Since Annie Wright at that time was an all-female academy, all roles in theatrical productions were played by girls, including the male parts. Costumes and mannerisms indicate that this may have been a play occurring during Elizabethan times. G64.1-055

Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--1910-1920; Private schools--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1910-1920; Actresses; Theatrical productions--Tacoma;

125 convalescents from the Camp Lewis hospital along with 125 girls journeyed in Army trucks as far up Mt. Tacoma (Rainier) as possible on Sunday, June 22, 1919, stopping to have their photograph taken in Ashford. The excursion was sponsored by the Tacoma Council of Knights of Columbus. Every soldier at Camp Lewis was given the chance to enjoy the beautiful mountain and national park that summer courtesy of the Knights of Columbus. Picnic lunches were provided and various activities such as tobogganing and snowballing were scheduled. Bu-12656 (TNT 6-25-19, p. 13)

Trucks--1910-1920; Sightseers; Military personnel--1910-1920;

June 23, 1919, "Rose Show at Base Hospital." This room at the Camp Lewis hospital is decorated with greenery and displays of roses. Convalescing soldiers and guests enjoy the bloom-filled setting. Roses of all kinds were sent to the hospital after the 8th annual Rose Show held at the Armory. This ensured that the wounded and recovering soldiers would still be able to enjoy the sight and beautiful scents of the flowers. G70.1-013 (TNT 6-21-19, p. 9-article)

Roses--Camp Lewis; Sick persons; Soldiers--Camp Lewis; Hospitals--Camp Lewis;

Three people, including a young girl, seem dwarfed by the large trees in the national park on Mount Tacoma (Mt. Rainier) in June of 1919. They are standing at the curve of a road. TPL-2167; G76.1-134

National parks & reserves--Washington; Trees--Washington;

Spring Lake, pictured, was located at the heart of one of the area's first suburbs, Regents Park (now Fircrest.) Developed west of Tacoma in 1907 by a group of investors led by the "Amateur Hour" star Major Edward J. Bowes, Regents Park was built on 200 acres with paved roads, its own water system, sewers and an artificial lake at its center. It was a 20 minute ride by streetcar from the commercial district of Tacoma. The two large cement blocks in the front of the lake, empty in 1919, were originally crowned with lions, installed at the time of early development. ("Of Lions & Dreams, Of Men & Realities" an illustrated history of Fircrest, by Osness; Tacoma Sunday Ledger 7-6-19, B-1-photograph) G72.1-110

Real estate development--Fircrest; Lakes & ponds--Fircrest; Regents Park (Fircrest);

When Major Edward J. Bowes, of the Amateur Hour fame, and some monied cronies toured Tacoma looking for an investment opportunity, they came to the conclusion that the populace would spread west. In 1907, they formed the Narrows Land Development Co. and purchased 200 woodland acres bordered on three sides by Tacoma and one by farmland, intending to build the area's first suburb, Regents Park. They poured $350,000 into improvements- roads, sewers and a water system- and built an artificial lake as the town's recreational and social center. The natural spring fed lake was named "Spring Lake." The area was a 20 minute ride on the electric railway from Tacoma's business district. Lots sold for $5 down, $2 a month for a total of $300 with a house thrown in for $10. The area soared until World War I and the following Depression stopped the investment in land. The area incorporated as Fircrest in 1925. The lake dried up and its location is now the site of Fircrest Park. The area has gone through bursts of development through the years, but has kept the original policy of no industry and its feeling of community intact. (Tac. Rev. 11/27/1972, pg. C-2; "Of Lions & Dreams, of Men & Realities" a history of Fircrest, Richard D. Osness) Boland B1980

Real estate development--Fircrest; Lakes & ponds--Fircrest; Regents Park (Fircrest);

This large, substantial home was located in Regents Park (now Fircrest) in 1919. Regents Park was one of the area's first suburbs, developed west of Tacoma in 1907 by investors including Major Edward J. Bowes. Streets were paved, sewers constructed, and the community had its own water system . Residents could travel by streetcar to downtown Tacoma in only 20 minutes. This big two story house with attic and possible basement was located on a corner lot with young trees; its owner at the time was not identified.

Real estate development--Fircrest; Houses--Fircrest--1910-1920; Regents Park (Fircrest);

Informal portrait of race car driver, Cliff Durant. Mr. Durant was back in Tacoma during the special July 4th races at the Tacoma Speedway in 1919. He joined racing colleagues and fellow aces Louis Chevrolet, Ralph Mulford, Eddie Hearne and Dario Resta for a one-day-only three race series with a total purse of $15,000. Although his Chevy Special No. 1 practiced at speeds up to 118 mph, he came in third in qualifying at 102.56 mph with the Frontenac team of "Grandpa" Louis Chevrolet and Ralph Mulford in first and second. The Frontenacs would sweep all three races but Mr. Durant did stay on the course throughout the day and won $2000. He came in second in the 40-mile, fourth in the 60-mile and third in the 80-mile race. Mr. Durant, a California millionaire and automobile manufacturer, had designed the "Durant Special" now owned and driven by Eddie Hearne in the Tacoma Speedway races. Mr. Hearne also did well in the races with total winnings of $2100 and second place honors in the 80-mile race. (TNT 7-3-19, p. 1, 2-article; 7-5-19, p. 1, 13-results) G52.1-032

Durant, Cliff; Automobile racing--Lakewood--1910-1920; Automobile racing drivers; Tacoma Speedway (Lakewood);

Ralph Mulford and his mechanic Frank Eastman are pictured behind the wheel of his Frontenac race car with aluminum engine at the Tacoma Speedway in July of 1919. Mulford was in town for the July 4th Montamarathon races. Mulford was in the lead in the 80 mile race when he had to drop out due to an engine malfunction. His car was repaired in time for him to place second in the 60 mile and to win the 40 mile race. Mulford won the National Driving Championship twice, in 1911 & 1915, despite the fact that he refused to race on Sundays due to his religious beliefs. He also has the distinction of being the driver to post the slowest time in the Indy, nine hours. In 1912, he was far behind when the winner crossed the line at the Indy. When officials told him that he still had to finish the race to receive his money, he decided to take his sweet time, even stopping once to eat a chicken dinner. Mulford lived to a ripe old age; he was born in 1884 and died October 23, 1973. (TDL 7/2/1919, pg 8-9; 7/5/19, pg. 1; www.hickoksports.com) G51.1-115, Speedway-039, TPL-097

Tacoma Speedway (Lakewood); Racetracks--Lakewood--1910-1920; Automobile racing--Lakewood--1910-1920; Mulford, Ralph; Eastman, Frank; Racing automobiles--1910-1920; Automobile racing drivers;

Louis Chevrolet is pictured behind the wheel of his Monroe Frontenac with his mechanic K.W. Goodson riding beside him. This photograph was taken in the days preceding the July 4th, 1919 Racing Classic. Chevrolet would finish first in the 80 mile and 60 mile races and come in third in the 40 mile race, winning a purse of $6,500. Although he averaged out at 105 mph during the trials, his top speed in the races was 98.5 mph. The veteran racer was born December 25, 1878 and came to North American from Switzerland in 1900. He met William Durant, the founder of General Motors, in 1907, who hired him to design and race cars as part of a Buick team. In 1911, Durant founded the Chevrolet Motor Co., named after the driver, and hired Louis Chevrolet as its chief engineer. Durant wanted a car designed to compete with Ford and Chevrolet designed and engineered the first model that bore his name. Unable to agree on the direction the vehicle would take, the two split and Chevrolet founded the Frontenac Motor Corporation. The company was later bought out by Monroe Motor Co. and Chevrolet was retained as designer. Louis was the most successful of the three racing brothers, Arthur, Gaston and Louis, and won over 27 major racing events. He died in 1941. (TDL 7/2/1919, pg 8-9; 7/5/19, pg. 1; www. cruise-in.com; www.motorsportshalloffame.com) G51.1-127; Speedway-035, TPL-094

Chevrolet, Louis; Goodson, K.W.; Automobile racing--Lakewood--1910-1920; Racing automobiles--1910-1920;

Peering over the large steering wheel of his Durant Special is speed king Eddie Hearne, who had traveled to the Tacoma Speedway to race in the eighth annual auto race. Accompanying him on his ride in July of 1919 is his mechanic, Harry Hartz. Mr. Hearne joined his racing colleagues Cliff Durant, Dario Resta, Louis Chevrolet and Ralph Mulford in a one-day-only three-race series held on July 4th. The meet, sponsored by the Tacoma Speedway Association, offered a $15,000 purse for the event, the higher earnings to the winner of the most points in the 40,60, and 80 mile races. Nearly 40,000 fans flocked to the Speedway which saw the grandstands packed to capacity (seating 11,400) and the course lined with cars and field crowds that had taken special trains and buses in order to get there. Although Mr. Hearne did not win any of the races, he did manage to acquire enough points to finish with a $2100 payday. The Frontenac team of Louis Chevrolet and Ralph Mulford swept all three races. (TNT 6-30-19, p.1, 16-article; TNT 7-3-19, p. 1,2-article; TNT 7-5-19, p. 1, 13-results) TPL-1635; G51.1-138

Hearne, Eddie; Hartz, Harry; Tacoma Speedway (Lakewood); Racetracks--Lakewood--1910-1920; Automobile racing--Lakewood--1910-1920; Racing automobiles--1910-1920;

Dario Resta is photographed in July of 1919 at the Tacoma Speedway in his Resta Special. Also in the vehicle is his mechanic R. Dahnke. Resta was making his first appearance at the Tacoma track and he was an unknown wildcard. In the trials for the July 4th race, he appeared to holding his car back, only going fast enough to qualify. However, it turned out that the smaller engine in his vehicle could not compete with the four larger cars. He finished last in the 40 mile and 60 mile races and dropped out of the 80 mile race with engine problems. Resta was born in Milan, Italy in 1884. His greatest year in racing was 1916, when he won both the Indy and the Driver's Championship. He was killed in a crash at Brooklands, England on September 2, 1924 when his car went out of control. (TDL 7/5/1919, pg. 1; 7/2/1919, pg. 8-9; www.hickoksports.com) G51.1-109; TPL-1645

Tacoma Speedway (Lakewood); Racetracks--Lakewood--1910-1920; Automobile racing--Lakewood--1910-1920; Resta, Dario; Automobile racing drivers;

R.C. "Cliff" Durant, California millionaire and automobile manufacturer, with his "mechanician" Fred Comer, on the Tacoma Speedway track in July of 1919. Five of the country's best known racing stars came to Tacoma for a one-day-only series of three races. Cliff Durant would join fellow racers Dario Resta, Louis Chevrolet, Eddie Hearne and Ralph Mulford at the Tacoma Speedway on July 4th for a total purse of $15,000. Mr. Durant would pilot his Chevrolet Special No. 1 in the afternoon races. He had qualified third with an average speed of 102.56 mph on July 1st, allowing him to be placed in the front row with Ralph Mulford and top qualifier, "Grandpa" Louis Chevrolet, who was on the pole. The Frontenac team of Chevrolet and Mulford would win all three races with Mr. Chevrolet the winner in the 60 and 80 mile events. Mr. Durant finished second in the first race, the 40-mile event, fourth in the second race, the 60-mile, and third in the final race of 80 miles. (TNT 7-2-19, p. 19-article; 7-5-19, p. 1-article) TPL-106; G51.1-108

Durant, Cliff; Comer, Fred; Tacoma Speedway (Lakewood); Racetracks--Lakewood--1910-1920; Automobile racing--Lakewood--1910-1920; Racing automobiles--1910-1920; Chevrolet automobile;