Sweeping down without warning, an avalanche completely destroyed the Puget Sound Power & Light company power generating plant at Electron on the upper south fork of the Puyallup River at about 10:45 p.m. on November 23,1936. The slide broke the four gigantic metal tubes that carried water from the dam above the plant down the mountain, sending a terrific torrent of water through the power house. Although the plant sustained over $1 million in damage, none of the plant employees were badly injured. The generating plant was eventually re-built. (Puyallup Valley Tribune 11/24/1936 p.1)

Landslides--Electron; Avalanches--Electron; Disasters--Electron--1930-1940; Puget Sound Power & Light Co. (Electron);

William T. (Tom) Lane, Metropolitan Park district blacksmith. Mr. Lane is pictured wearing coveralls and a hat and working with a hammer, chisel and vise. For the past 17 years, Mr. Lane has made all the materials used in the park system. If he cannot find the proper tool, he manufactures it. If he cannot find the right machinery, he invents it. He designed and built all the swings in the Tacoma Parks. He draws his own plans and makes blueprints. He received his early blacksmith training in England. On May 14, 1919, he came to work for the Park District as a policeman at Point Defiance. He gradually became their full time machinist and carpenter. (T. Times 2/4/1936, pg. 9)

Lane, William T.; Blacksmiths--Tacoma; Blacksmithing--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Admiral T. T. Craven and Mrs. Isabel Anderson at the launching of two new U.S. Navy Destroyers, "Cushing" and "Perkins," at Bremerton Navy Yard on December 31, 1935. Mrs. Anderson is holding the encased christening bottle. The "Perkins" was named after her father, George Hamilton Perkins, a Civil War hero. (Bremerton Sun).

Launchings--Bremerton--1930-1940; Warships--Bremerton--1930-1940; Craven, T.T.; Anderson, Isabel;

In February of 1937, Frank J. Lewis spent some quality time with some of his fuzzy little brood of 10,000. The chicks were recently hatched in the incubators at his Kitsap County Hatchery, located at 6th St. & Callow Ave. in Bremerton. Mr. Lewis had been hatching chickens for 18 years and thought he had probably been "father" to a million and a half of the squeaking little fluff balls. Business was so good that he quit his job at the Navy Yard and went into the hatchery business full time in 1921, building at his present location in 1930. When the business was operating full time during breeding season, the hatchery could turn out 16,000 chicks a week. Mr. Lewis was born in Portland in 1889 and had previously followed several trades before entering the chicken business. (Bremerton Sun 03-25-1937, pg. 1).

Lewis, Frank J.; Kitsap County Hatchery (Bremerton); Chickens; Chicken industry--Bremerton;

City officials, left to right, Ferris Bell, C.F. Erickson, Magnus Freeman, Rep. H.N. "Barney" Jackson, Charles Bedford, Frank Callender and Abner Bergerson at Union Ave., S. Tacoma Way and 38th St. to study suggested street improvement. The Lincoln Citizens' Club wanted a tip of city land knocked off to make the the new road connecting Pacific Highway (South Tacoma Way) and 38th Street a natural curve. (T. Times 3/23/37 p. 1)

Lincoln Citizens Club (Tacoma); Street maintenance & repair--Tacoma--1930-1940; Bell, Ferris; Erickson, C.F.; Freeman, Magnus; Jackson, H.N.; Bedford, Charles; Callender, Frank T.; Bergersen, Abner R.;

One of the most anticipated society events for the younger set in Bremerton was the Rainbow Girl-DeMolay ball held at the end of March. The Masonic Temple was slated to be the site of the Spring 1937 ball. On the committee for the decorations, which would carry out the ball's theme of Springtime, were Margaret Lindstedt, left, and Joy Watkins, right. (Bremerton Sun 03-27-1937, pg. 2).

Lindstedt, Margaret; Watkins, Joy; Rainbow Girls (Bremerton); Fraternal organizations--Bremerton--1930-1940; Teenagers--1930-1940;

Pincurled teacher with a lizard floating in an open jar. Photograph was taken in September of 1937.

Lizards; Specimens; Teachers--1930-1940; Hairstyles;

In May of 1936, L. A. Case, peeking around the tree on the left, and Jack Kasbaum, on the right, used a long, crosscut saw, called a "Misery Whip", to fell a 750-year-old fir tree near Kent. An 18 foot section from the tree made a nation wide tour to advertise Washington state finishing at the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, expositions. The day appears hot and Jack Kasbaum's undershirt is stained with sweat and dirt from his exertions. Although expert loggers, the two spent an entire day at work; careful to keep the bark and tree intact in its fall to earth. The bottle on the left of the picture is filled with kerosene oil, used to cut the pitch which gathers on the saw. The tree stood over 200 feet high and was nine feet in diameter. After a two year search, it was selected as a typical Northwest timber tree.The section of tree was bound with heavy steel bands and mounted on a semi trailer for its tour. The "Washington to Texas" tour also featured displays from Northwest manufacturers and stopped in hundreds of cities before reaching the Texas exposition. Afterward, the tour made a circuit of the principal Eastern cities.(T.Times 5/6/1936). for more images of the same event see T96 images 1 & 3

Lumber industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; Firs; Loggers; Case, L.A.; Kasbaum, Jack;

Beatrice Houdini, widow of the famous magician Harry Houdini, with Tacoma's Ray Gamble seated at a restaurant booth. Caricature drawings on the wall in background. Ray Gamble was a Tacoma business magnate and a dedicated amateur magician. It is as a magician that he made close friends with the magic community as well as the Hollywood film set. He was also a world traveler and collector. TPL-5100, TPL-6693

Magicians; Houdini, Harry--Family; Houdini, Beatrice; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972;

Beatrice (Bessie) Houdini, in white, is in Tacoma to visit Ray Gamble, left, and Gamble's wife Addie, right. Bessie worked alongside her famous husband as his stage assistant from the time of their marriage in 1894. Harry Houdini, the world renowned escape artist and magician, died in 1926. Mrs. Houdini visited with the Gambles on several occasions. Gamble, an industrialist by trade and a magician by avocation, is sitting next to Mrs. Houdini's personal secretary Mr. Edward Saint.

Magicians; Houdini, Harry--Family; Houdini, Beatrice; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972; Rowboats; Fishing; Saint, Edward; Gamble, Addie;

Beatrice (Mrs. Harry) Houdini being helped out of a boat. Ray Gamble stands on dock at left. Edward Saint (man in dark hat) steadies the boat. The woman seated in the boat is Addie (Mrs. Ray) Gamble. (T. Times).

Magicians; Houdini, Harry--Family; Houdini, Beatrice; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972; Rowboats; Saint, Edward; Gamble, Addie;

On October 27, 1936, a huge celebration was held at the Bremerton Navy Yard in honor of National Navy Day. Exhibits were set up in each department of the yard to demonstrate to the public the work performed there. In this photograph, two marines are kneeling beside a pup tent. Military gear is spread out on a blanket on the ground in front of them. A small dog is sitting between the two men. (Bremerton Sun).

Marines (Military personnel)--1930-1940; Military uniforms--1930-1940;

Governor Clarence Martin, in dark overcoat, is a guest at the Washington National Guard Review in June of 1935. Mrs. Martin stands beside her husband. Future Tacoma Mayor Joseph J. Kaufman is third from left and current Mayor George Smitley is to the right of Mrs. Martin.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Kaufman, Joseph J.; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Martin, Clarence D., 1887-1955; Washington National Guard (Tacoma);

Mayor George A. Smitley buying a Forget-Me-Not or "Buddy Poppy" from a volunteer worker representing the Disabled American Veterans at his office in (Old) City Hall. He is in the process of handing over a check as a donation to Viola Wilson. Miss Wilson is the daughter of Virgil Wilson, state commander of disabled veterans, and the youngest member of the women's auxiliary here. The proceeds of the two-day sale will go to rehabiliation efforts of the veterans' organizations. Sepia photograph taken on September 25, 1935. ALBUM 11. (T. Times, 9-26-35, p. 5)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Fund raising--Tacoma--1930-1940; Patriotic societies--Tacoma; Veterans' organizations--Tacoma; Wilson, Viola;

Mayor George Smitley (R) shakes hands with El Haren, newspaper astrologer, during his visit to Tacoma. El Haren's column was carried by the Tacoma Times for a limited time; the Times ran this photo on May 12, 1937. Free daily advice was dispensed by America's "most celebrated astrologer" with replies printed in the Times. For $1.00 and a 6 cent self-addressed stamped envelope, El Haren provided a complete astrological reading and answered three questions free. If the reader chose to save money, he/she would be entitled to one free question using the Times coupon. The newspaper was apparently swamped with thousands of requests during the astrologer's short stay here. Samples of questions and El Haren's answers can be found in the Tacoma Times issues of May 11, 12, 14 and 17, 1937. (T.Times 5-10-37, p. 7, 5-11-37, p. 8, 5-12-37, p. 4, 5-14-37, p. 16, 5-17-37, p. 4) ALBUM 11.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Haren, El; Astrology--Tacoma;

Mayor George Smitley congratulates a jockey after a horse race during the grandstand show on Tacoma Day at the Western Washington Fair in Puyallup. A horseshoe of blossoms decorates the horse's neck. Mrs. Smitley had a hand in decorating the winner. September 22, 1937, was "Tacoma Day" at the fair and also Army & Navy Day. Mayor Smitley was the honored guest at the afternoon's grandstand show which included a rodeo, outdoor circus, vaudeville acts, band concert and dancing horses. There were also three horse races; the above sepia photograph is probably that of "Premier Jim," winning horse in the feature event, the Mayor Smitley race with a $200 purse. The feature event was a one-mile race for three years and older horses who were nonwinners of that week. ALBUM 11. (T. Times 9-22-37, p. 1, 9-23-37, p. 1) TPL-9627

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Smitley, Isabel; Horses--Puyallup; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup);

Mayor George Smitley shakes hands with Maj. Gen. David L. Stone during the second annual Armistice Day Army-Navy football game at Stadium Bowl. General Stone is the commander of Fort Lewis. His counterpart, Rear Adm. T.T. Craven, head of the 13th Naval District, was also in attendance. Ten thousand-plus fans watched the football game and military pageant which saw Navy triumph 14-0. Navy had also won the previous year's contest 6-2. Sepia photograph taken on November 11, 1936. (T. Times 11-12-36, p. 1, 17) ALBUM 11. TPL-10453

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Stone, David L.; Generals; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

Sepia photograph of City Controller Tom Swayze, Mayor George Smitley and Utilities Commissioner Ira Davisson at (Old) City Hall on May 25, 1936; the city officials are signing contracts with St. Regis Kraft Co which will enable the pulp industry, idle since 1930, to reopen and remodernize facilities. The city would supply millions of gallons of water and hundreds of electrical horsepower daily. Utilities Commissioner Davisson is holding a check from Kraft for $10,000 to begin service. Mr. Davisson, furthest right in the photograph, was a longtime Public Utilities Commissioner first appointed in November, 1918. He led Tacoma's utilities through difficult times in the 1920's and 30's and managed to improve service while keeping rates low. During his long tenure, a 25-million gallon North End Reservoir was built in 1927, and Mr. Davisson worked to extend water service to the Tideflats which helped the growth of industrial development. He was finally voted out of office in 1940 at age 80. ALBUM 11. (Seattle/King Co. HistoryLink.org, T.Times, 5-26-36, p. 2)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956; Swayze, Tom; Davisson, Ira; Municipal government--Tacoma;

ca. 1935. Elliott Metcalf, Tacoma Times sports editor, with his two sons on boat.

Metcalf, Elliott; Fathers & children--1930-1940; Tacoma Times Publishing Co. (Tacoma)--Employees;

ca. 1935. Elliott Metcalf, Tacoma Times sports editor, with his two sons. This outdoor portrait of the well-dressed trio was taken circa 1935.

Metcalf, Elliott; Metcalf, Elliott--Family; Fathers & children--1930-1940; Tacoma Times Publishing Co. (Tacoma)--Employees;

By December of 1935, Richard P. "Dick" Metzger, photographed with his mailbag over his shoulder and a hand full of mail, had delivered mail in downtown Tacoma for six years. His route included the Fidelity, Rust and Jones buildings as well as stores and offices on the east side of Broadway from 9th - 11th streets. Since becoming a postman, he had ridden up 530 miles on building elevators and walked down the same distance on the building's stairs. Walking the Rust building alone was equivalent to walking 13 blocks. Unlike today, the mailman delivered his route several times a day. Metzger's mail sack averaged out at 40 pounds, but he once started out with a sack weighing 82 pounds. (T. Times 1/2/1936, pg. 5)

Metzger, Richard; Letter carriers--Tacoma--1930-1940; Postal service employees--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Field artillery. Four radio operators with equipment set-up in an open field.

Military - U. S. Army - Military Units - Field Artillery - Radio OperatorsEquipment - Military Equipment - Communication Equipment - Radio Equipment

The massed colors of all the regiments in the Third Division are held at attention before the crowd at the Third Div. Review at Fort Lewis on May 13, 1937. (T.Times 5/14/1937, pg. 1)

Military parades & ceremonies--Fort Lewis; Military standards;

Fort Lewis Third Division Review, held May 13, 1937. Front view of military tank, with two soldiers visible through openings beneath the gun turret.

Military parades & ceremonies--Fort Lewis; Tanks (Military science)--Fort Lewis;

As part of the annual Army-Navy parade this battalion of Marines marched north on Pacific Avenue at 10th Street on Thursday morning, July 30, 1936. Thousands of spectators lined the sidewalks beneath the rows of flags that adorned the downtown streets. For the parade, in honor of Fleet Week, military personnel and motorized equipment were provided by Fort Lewis, as well as the Navy and Marines from nine visiting cruisers at anchor in Commencement Bay. Marching bands came both from Fort Lewis and the flagships. Some 2,000 men thrilled the crowds as an example of the nation's military might. (T. Times 7/30/1936, pg. 1-article; T.Times 7-29-36, p. 1-article).

Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rust Building (Tacoma); Riviera Theatre (Tacoma); Marines (Military personnel);

Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Parade. Marine unit carrying rifles turns West on South 9th Street from Pacific Avenue. They will proceed up the hill to Broadway. Spectators line the street and sidewalks. The parade was being held in honor of Fleet Week. (T. Times 7/30/1936, pg. 1).

Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rust Building (Tacoma); Riviera Theatre (Tacoma); Marines (Military personnel);

Military personnel, provided by Fort Lewis, the US Navy and the Marines, parade down the 900 block of Pacific Ave. for the Fleet Week parade. Two flag bearers march in front, flags whipping in the breeze. The Riviera Theater, Rust Building and other 900 Pacific Avenue block buildings are in background. (T. Times 7/30/1936, pg. 1).

Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Rust Building (Tacoma); Riviera Theatre (Tacoma); Military personnel--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Navy Day Parade held during Fleet Week in Tacoma. Mayor George Smitley and military officers on reviewing stand. (T. Times 7/24/1937, pg. 1)

Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Smitley, George A., 1872-1956;

Thousands of spectators lined Broadway when over 4,000 soldiers, sailors and marines staged a military parade on Saturday July 24, 1937 as part of the annual Fleet Week program in Tacoma. Some 2,000 soldiers from Ft. Lewis joined 2,200 enlisted men and officers from the six battleships resting at anchor in Commencement Bay. Also taking part in the parade were a battalion of marines from the U.S.S. Oklahoma, and the combined bands of the Oklahoma, the U.S.S. West Virginia and the 10th Field Artillery Band from Ft. Lewis. The parade started at South 15th and Pacific. Marching north, they took So. 9th up to Broadway, and then marched south to So. 17th Street. In this photograph of the parade, the marine band led by drum major Roy Van Antwerp, is between So. 9th and So. 11th on Broadway. (T.Times 7/24/1937, pg. 1)

Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Van Antwerp, Roy; Drum majors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Military bands--United States;

Army-Navy Game at Stadium Bowl. Flag bearers march in front of the officials stand where Rear Admiral T.T. Craven, Maj. Gen. David L. Stone, Mayor George A. Smitley, and others give honorary salutes. A large unit of soldiers stand at attention on the sidelines. A 21-gun salute fired from the 75 mm guns of Fort Lewis opened the military pageant which preceded the second annual football contest between the two Armed Forces branches. Musicians from the USS Idaho and the 10th Field Artillery supplied the obligatory marching tunes. (Bremerton Sun; T. Times 11-12-36, p. 1).

Military parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Flags--United States; Flag bearers--Tacoma--1930-1940; Flag salutes--Tacoma;