This photograph of the 6th Engineers, 1st Battalion barracks at Fort Lewis is nearly the same as Boland B24356 with the added entry of Mount Rainier (then called Mount Tacoma) and woods. The original photograph was taken on December 29, 1931; this photograph, taken slightly closer to the barracks, was snapped on January 23, 1932.

Barracks--Fort Lewis; Rainier, Mount (Wash.);

Exterior view of the Fort Lewis Hospital as seen on February 9, 1932. This is the same photograph as Boland B24470 except for the addition of Mount Rainier (then called Mount Tacoma by locals). New permanent brick buildings like this hospital continued to be built in the early 1930s at Fort Lewis to replace the WWl-era wooden structures.

Hospitals--Fort Lewis; Rainier, Mount (Wash.);

Mounted artillery in semi-circle, probably at Camp Lewis. The Great War was over but this shining array of military might provided a reassuring sight for soldiers and civilians alike. G69.1-166

Artillery (Weaponry);

Unidentified building at Camp Murray as photographed in June of 1921. Railroad tracks located close by would make transporting men and equipment easier. Camp Murray was the home of the Washington National Guard and was located near American Lake. TPL-6466; G77.1-012

Camp Murray (Wash.); Railroad tracks--Camp Murray;

Arsenal at Camp Murray. The Arsenal was built on the grounds of Camp Murray in 1915 and nearly a hundred years later, is now the museum of the Washington National Guard. Here historical artifacts are collected and preserved to inspire and educate past and present Guardsmen and citizens alike. TPL-6467; G77.1-010

Camp Murray (Wash.); Arsenal (Camp Murray);

On February 24, 1922, ten Army personnel stood in front of a large truck which contained a wireless telephone and radio system with Magnavox speakers. A sign on the truck indicates that it belongs to the "Rock of the Marne Division," a nickname for the famed 3rd Infantry Division. The men and vehicle were at Camp Lewis. Army officers had planned back in November of 1921 to obtain a receiver and amplifier for radio concerts and were testing this process through Magnavox. By early February of 1922 Camp Lewis was able to hear music and daily news from San Francisco and weather reports from ships far out at sea. Arrangements would be made to transmit the music of the Camp Lewis military bands through space to areas far away. G69.1-164 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 11-31-21, A-12-article; TNT 2-1-22, p. 1-article) TPL-10311

Military personnel--Camp Lewis; Trucks--Camp Lewis; Signs (Notices);

On March 12, 1924, Maj. General Edwin Burr Babbitt and his new bride, the former Miss Maud Ainsworth of Portland, returned from their two week honeymoon in Southern California to their newly remodeled home at Camp Lewis. Gen. Babbitt was Camp Commander and during his absence for his wedding and honeymoon, his grim and neglected bachelor quarters had been transformed into this neat, if unpretentious, home. The crowning glory was the bulb garden in front, planned by Gen. Babbitt for his new bride. (TNT 3/13/1924, pg. 11) G69.1-160 TPL-10313

Camp Lewis (Wash.); Fort Lewis (Wash.); Military camps--Tacoma--1920-1930; Babbitt, Edwin Burr--Homes & haunts;

Camp Lewis' 44th Infantry was noted for its fine athletes. Their tug-of-war team, under the direction of athletic officer Capt. Booth, had defeated teams from the Navy, Marines and the Bremerton Naval Shipyard in recent contests. In August of 1918 the 44th Infantry tug-of-war team posed with one of their many trophies. The shiny trophy is displayed on a large, thick coil of rope. Camp Lewis was host to a big track and field meet August 21-22nd, 1918. Although tug-of-war was be one of the events in competition, the outcome was not published in the News Tribune. The 44th Infantry was, however, the top point holder at the end of the meet with 59 points overall. (TNT 8-6-18, p. 11-article; TNT 8-22-18, p. 11-article) G69.1-156

Soldiers--Camp Lewis; Awards; Tug of war; Ropes;

Utilities Commissioner Ira S. Davisson is flanked by Tacoma Mayor James G. Newbegin and U.S.S. Lexington commander, Capt. Frank D. Berrien, on December 16, 1929, as they happily examine hook-up plans that will allow the aircraft carrier to provide much needed power to Tacoma. Severe drought conditions caused Tacoma to take an unprecedented step in requesting the aid of the powerful ship in generating supplemental electricity. (T.Times, 12-16-29, p. 1)

Sailors clean deck of U.S.S. Lexington while three young ladies watch, December 23, 1929. Tied up at Baker Dock, the Lexington's mission was to supply Tacoma with auxiliary power during the city's electrical crisis. Chores still had to be completed, however, even when guests were present. Ethel Haasarud, Freda Gardner and Naomi Dykeman appear amused at the switch in roles. They were aboard promoting the big Chamber of Commerce dance for enlisted Lexington personnel on December 26th; the women would act as judges in awarding prizes to the sailors chosen as the most handsome, most happy and best dancer. TPL-1776 (T.Times, 12-23-29, p. 1, TDL 12-24-1929 p.3)

January 1930 would have started off as a very dark year in Tacoma without the assistance of the U.S.S. Lexington, pictured here encircled by mist at Baker Dock. She arrived in Tacoma about December 17, 1929, and remained to mid-January, 1930, to provide electricity to the City of Tacoma. A severe drought in 1929 had left dams without sufficient water. After much negotiation, the fourth largest ship afloat (at that time) was ordered by the Navy to aid Tacoma; it was the first time in history that a ship had provided power for a city. The U.S.S. Lexington, badly damaged in the 1942 Battle of the Coral Sea by Japanese fire, would be sunk by the American destroyer, U.S.S. Phelps. TPL-006.

J.T. Swan, center, Bos'n First Class, introduces recruits D.R. Turk (left) and A.G. West to the art of knot tying. The trio were photographed aboard the battleship USS New Mexico on July 22, 1927. The New Mexico was in port in Tacoma until August 1st. Guests were invited to view the flagship of the Pacific fleet in the afternoon. Commissioned in 1918, the battleship served in both World War I & II before being sold for scrap in 1947. (TNT 7/22/1927 p.1)

Ground was broken on July 1, 1922 for a modern $200,000 Catholic boys school by the Dominican Sisters on the grounds of the 97 acre country estate of the late J. Shields, "Shangarry." The completed school, Marymount Military Academy (photographed here in 1937), was located in what is now Spanaway. It was a spacious two story structure of five buildings in the Lombardine Mission style. The school housed a modern gym, pool and infirmary as well as surrounding playing fields, stables, tennis courts and shooting ranges. It was the only military school in the state of Washington. In 1974, the school dropped its military appellation and became a boarding school for wealthy families. It closed in 1976. The property was purchased in the 1980's by Harold LeMay, who used much of it to house his antique car collection.

Bremerton Navy yard in July of 1930.

Cranes at the Bremerton Navy Yard in July of 1930.

Bremerton Navy Yard in July of 1930.

Bremerton Navy Yard in July of 1930.

Officers of the dirigible USS Shenandoah stand in front of the mooring mast at Camp Lewis in October, 1924. The Shenandoah was the first rigid airship built on US soil. It was first airborne in September of 1922, one of a proposed fleet of German Zeppelin-like lighter than air craft. It came to a tragic end in September of 1925 when it broke apart during a thunderstorm, killing 14.

Military air pilots; Airships; Mooring masts;

Officers and crew of the dirigible "Shenandoah" pose in front of the mooring mast at Camp Lewis in October of 1924. The mooring mast was constructed by the Navy for this two day visit. The Shenandoah was the first rigid airship built in America. Commissioned by the Navy, it was a copy of the German Zeppelin that so impressed our military in World War 1. The Shenandoah was first airborne in 1922. It came to a tragic end in September of 1925 when it broke apart in a thunderstorm with 43 persons aboard, killing 14.

Military air pilots; Airships; Mooring masts;

Grainy December, 1929, photograph of the U.S.S. Lexington tied up at Baker Dock. After much discussion and negotiation, the U.S. Navy ordered the aircraft carrier to help the City of Tacoma by supplying auxiliary power. Severe drought conditions had rendered hydro plants inoperable and conservation methods employed were simply not enough to stave off a power crisis. The Lexington's monthlong stay would generate enough power for 25% of the city's needs. It allowed the city to turn on its streetlights, store lighting, and resume night shifts. (Tacoma Public Utilities Story: the First 100 Years: 1893-1993, p. 91-93)

U.S.S. Lexington (United States Navy); Aircraft carriers--United States; Power shortages--Tacoma;

Military men, tanks, trucks and cannons in field at the June 1934 Washington National Guard training encampment at Camp Murray.

Camp Murray (Wash.); Military personnel; Arms & armament; Artillery (Weaponry)--1930-1940; Washington National Guard (Wash.);

Cannons lined up against small tanks in the field at the Washington National Guard's 1934 training encampment at Camp Murrary. The name for the 1934 exercises was "Camp Draper." (filed with Argentum)

Camp Murray (Wash.); Military personnel; Washington National Guard (Wash.); Armored vehicles; Arms & armament--1930-1940;

Old wooden officers' quarters at Fort Lewis, scheduled for demolition. The old wooden housing has been replaced by enlarged, brick structures for the officers and their families. This improvement is part of a 6 year development program at Fort Lewis, scheduled to be completed by the end of 1934. (T. Times 11/24/1934, pg. 5) (WSHS)

Fort Lewis (Wash.); Military facilities--Wash.; Officers' quarters--Fort Lewis;

Officers' Reserve Corps members receiving veterinary instruction at the July 1934 combined Officers' Reserve Corps, Citizens' Military Training (CMTC) and R.O.T.C. training camp at Camp Murray. The table is laden with medical supplies and the skull of horse. Left to right are Capt. John G. White; Capt. H.R. Leighton, assistant station veterinarian; Lt. H.T. Molloy; Major B.V. Clayton, Field Artillery Reserves; Lt. Col. K.D. Hauser, engineer reserves; and Col. George F. Weisel, engineer reserves. (T. Times 7/13/1934, pg. 1)

Citizens Military Training Camp--Tacoma; Camp Murray (Wash.); Washington National Guard (Tacoma); Military camps--Tacoma--1930-1940; Officers' Reserve Corps (Wash.);

ca. 1937. Soldiers on horses pulling covered wagon with "Just Married" banner and carrying wedding couple. (filed with Argentum)

Fort Lewis (Wash.);

C.M.T.C. awards ceremonies. Two groups of young men march in formation at the Civilian Military Training Camp awards program at Fort Lewis. Two hundred fifty youths enrolled in the local program. Its goal was to keep the nation in a state of military readiness without maintaining a large standing army. (T.Times, 8/4/1938, p. 1).

Fort Lewis (Wash.); Citizens Military Training Camp--Fort Lewis;

Army Day at Fort Lewis. A member of the 91st Air Squadron discusses the military apparel worn by pilots during winter flying with a couple and their daughter. The leather pilot's suit hangs on a pole inside a tent where exhibits are displayed .

Fort Lewis (Wash.); Military air pilots--1930-1940; Military uniforms;

New administration buildings and offices at Fort Lewis. Camp Lewis was built during WW I, on land given to the military as a gift. After the war, the camp fell into disrepair. In March of 1926, Congress passed a ten year building plan to revitalize several military posts, including Camp Lewis. In September of 1927, Camp Lewis was redesignated as Fort Lewis. During the Depression, the government embarked on a six year, five and a half million dollar development plan at Fort Lewis. Wooden structures were replaced by ones of brick, stucco and steel. Over 80 buildings were completed by the end of 1934, as well as new roads and water mains. Fort Lewis was ready to take its place as a major US installation. (T. Times 11/23/1934, pg. 1) TPL-8303

Fort Lewis (Wash.); Military facilities--Wash.; Military headquarters--Fort Lewis;

Civilians Military Training Camp, C.M.T.C., at Camp Murray. A long line of young men in civilian clothing standing by a warehouse-type building. These civilian soldiers are most probably waiting to receive the uniforms that they will wear for the duration of the camp. The camp was used to introduce interested young men to military training and also to refresh the training of the state reservists. Such camps were held annually at the larger military installations in the state of Washington. (T. Times 7/9/1936, pg. 14)

Citizens Military Training Camp--Tacoma; Camp Murray (Wash.); Washington National Guard (Tacoma); Military camps--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Citizen's Military Training Camp (C.M.T.C.) at Camp Murray. Two new arrivals are looking through a small book. After World War I, the country could not afford to maintain a large standing army. Nor could it afford the time needed to train hastily summoned volunteers in an emergency. The compromise was the Citizens Training Camps. In these annual camps held in the summer, young men interested in military careers could train as well as reservists needing a refresher course. (T. Times 7/9/1936, pg. 14)

Citizens Military Training Camp--Tacoma; Camp Murray (Wash.); Washington National Guard (Tacoma); Military camps--Tacoma--1930-1940;