A sample of George Weyerhaeuser's third grade school work. The nine year old boy was kidnapped on May 24, 1935 and held for $200,000 ransom. The original pre-typed ransom note contained George's signature to prove authenticity. Later notes from the kidnappers also contained samples of George's writing. His school work was obtained for comparison. The paper reads "Lowell School. May 16 1935. a2.17 George Weyerhaeuser 3a. On the way we saw a (boat) in the bay. We passed some (houses) that had (trees) and many (?)." (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding months)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Associated objects;

Automobile parked outside entrance between hedges at Annie Wright Seminary, the area where George Hunt Weyerhaeuser was kidnapped on May 24, 1935. The heavy hedges undoubtedly provided cover to the people abducting the boy. George had left Lowell School just before noon to walk the five or so blocks to the Seminary where he would meet his sister and the young people would be driven home for lunch by the family chauffer. (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding months)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

Photograph of Harman Metz Waley, kidnapper of nine year old George H. Weyerhaeuser. Twenty four year old Harman Waley was a small time criminal and former Puyallup resident. Harman, admired by female onlookers for his wavy red hair, and his 19 year old wife Margaret seemed unlikely candidates for the commission of this crime. Waley knew co-abductor William Dainard from time they had spent together in an Idaho prison. The trio developed the kidnapping plan after the death of J.P. Weyerhaeuser Sr. and the reports of his tremendous wealth. Despite the ransom demand that the bills be unmarked, the numbers were recorded. The Waleys were arrested when Margaret tried to pass one of the bills in a Salt Lake City five and dime. The pair implicated Dainard. Harmon Waley plead guilty and received a sentence of 45 years. (T. Times 06/10/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Waley, Harman; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

John Philip (Phil) Weyerhaeuser, Jr. and his wife Helen. In 1935, this private couple was thrust into the limelight when their youngest son George was kidnapped and held for ransom. It became the second most famous kidnapping in the nation, eclipsed only by that of the Lindbergh baby. On May 24, 1935, nine year old George Hunt Weyerhaeuser left Lowell Elementary to walk to Annie Wright. He was supposed to meet there with his sister Ann, 13, a student at the seminary and his brother Philip, 10, who also attended Lowell. The family chauffer would then motor the trio home for lunch. On May 24, George never made it to the car, he was kidnapped near the tennis courts of the seminary and held ransom for $200,000. The ransom was paid and George was freed near Issaquah on June 1, 1935 unharmed. During the ordeal and afterward, the family spoke only with the police. Newspaper articles are sketchy and only conjectures. To the credit of the family, this enabled the police to arrest and convict three suspects, 24 year old Harman Waley and his 19 year old wife Margaret and William Dainard (called Wm. Mahan until the trial) and to recover most of the ransom money. It speaks of the democratic upbringing of the younger Weyerhaeuser generation that the children were allowed to walk from place to place without security. (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding months)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, John Philip; Weyerhaeuser, Helen; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

On June 12, 1935 at 6:35p.m., Harman and Margaret Waley arrive at the Federal Building for arraignment on the charges of kidnapping and extortion in the abduction of George Weyerhaeuser. The pair are sped from Tacoma Field to the Federal Building in a convoy of four federal vehicles. They are surrounded by seven Federal agents and a crowd of about 50 spectators. Many of the spectators are newsmen, and the flash of bulbs lights up the evening. They are escorted to the federal court room on the 3rd floor of the Post Office building where they plead "not guilty." (T. Times 06/13/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Waley, Harman; Waley, Margaret; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

Margaret Waley, in a checked coat, exits the Federal Building surrounded by agents and reporters after being arraigned for kidnapping and extortion in the abduction of nine year old George Weyerhaeuser. Margaret and her husband Harman pled "not guilty" despite their admission of guilt and surrender of their remaining half of the ransom. They implicated William Dainard, known to the couple as Wm. Mahan, as the "mastermind" of the crime in order to receive a lesser sentence. (T. Times 06/13/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Waley, Margaret; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

Journalists from across the country congregate in the vicinity of the J.P. (Phil) Weyerhaeuser Jr. home, 420 No. 4th St., after the May 24, 1935 kidnapping of nine year old George Weyerhaeuser and his June 1st release. The kidnapping was one of the hottest news stories of 1935 and was covered by reporters from across the nation. The story ended happily with the arrest and conviction of Harman and Margaret Waley and William Dainard. Most of the $200,000 in ransom money was recovered.

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Journalists--Tacoma--1930-1940; Photojournalists--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

In May of 1935, police guard the home of J.P. Weyerhaeuser Jr., 420 No. 4th St., keeping the press and the curious away while the family negotiates with their son's kidnappers. On May 24, 1935, nine year old George Weyerhaeuser was kidnapped from the grounds of the Annie Wright Seminary. The ransom demand was for $200,000. Reporters from around the country camped outside the Weyerhaeuser home hoping to get a story. The Weyerhaeusers managed to move secretly, pay the ransom and obtain the freedom of their son. The boy was returned safely on June 1st. (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days) (filed with Argentum)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, John Philip--Homes & haunts; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

Mattson kidnapping case. Bluff behind the home of Dr. William Mattson at 4605 No. Verde. On December 27, 1936, a masked gunman abducted ten year old Charles Mattson from his home. It is believed that he carried the boy down this steep cliff to a waiting car on Ruston Way. A ransom of $28,000 was demanded for the boy's safe return. The note was typed in purple ink on a child's typing set. All communications with the kidnapper were to be made through classified ads in the Seattle Times. Newspapers from across the nation publicized every event in the case. Within 48 hours, the Northwest was hit with frigid temperatures and record snowfall. Concern grew for the lightly clad boy who was recovering from a severe cold. The days dragged on as the frantic Mattsons attempted to contact the kidnapper. The body of the boy was found in a snowbank in a wooded area near Everett on January 10, 1937. He had been dead for 5-6 days. His murderer was never found. (T. Times 12/28/1936 - 1/25/1937, pg. 1)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mattson, Charles--Kidnappings;

Charles Mattson kidnapping case. Hillside bluff below the Mattson home; photograph ordered by the Seattle Star. On December 27, 1936, while his parents attended a social function, Charles Mattson was snatched from his home at 4605 No. Verde, in the view of his brother, sister and a family friend, by an armed and masked man who forced his way through a rear door of the house. The masked intruder carried him bodily down the steep cliff behind the Mattson house. At daybreak, the FBI and Tacoma police swarmed the deep gully at the base of Verde Street on Ruston Way, adjacent to the waterfront, looking for clues. (T. Times 12/28/1936- 1/25/1937, pg. 1)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mattson, Charles--Kidnappings;

Mattson kidnapping case. View from Ruston Way of hillside below the Mattson home. Two boys are standing on the edge of the bluff. Photograph ordered by the Seattle Star. On the evening of December 27, 1936 at around 9 p.m., a masked gunman forced his way into the Mattson home at 4605 No. Verde and snatched ten year old Charles Mattson. The intruder carried the 70 pound boy down the steep cliff behind the home, across the railroad tracks and it is believed to a waiting accomplice and get away car on Ruston Way. The boy's battered body was recovered January 10, 1937 near Everett. The demanded $28,000 ransom was never paid and the boy's murderer was never apprehended. (T. Times 12/28/1936 - 1/25/1937, pg. 1)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mattson, Charles--Kidnappings;

Copy of letter left by kidnapper of Charles Mattson, photograph ordered by the Seattle Star. On December 27, 1936, ten year old Charles Mattson was abducted by a armed and masked man from his parents' home at 4605 No. Verde. A ransom note was left demanding $28,000 in unmarked bills. The letter was typed in purple ink on a cheap grade of paper. It appeared to be typed on a child's typing machine. Mistakes in spelling were corrected with pen and ink. The note had rigorous demands regarding the age and denomination of the bills. Ransom money had been traced and used as evidence in the Lindbergh and Weyerhaeuser kidnapping cases. Communication with the kidnapper was to be made through classified ads in the Seattle Times personal section, addressed to "Mable" and signed "Tim." The kidnapper also signed his note "Tim." For some reason, probably due to later communication from the kidnapper, the actual personal ads were signed "Ann." It was later disclosed, after Charles' body was recovered, that later communications from the kidnapper came through the mails and on the telephone. (T. Times 12/28/1936- 1/25/1937, pg. 1)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mattson, Charles--Associated objects;

On the evening of December 27, 1936, ten year old Charles Mattson was kidnapped from his home at gunpoint in front of his brother William, 16; sister Muriel, 14; and her friend Virginia Chatfield, 14, of Seattle. This is a copy of an earlier photograph of Charles Mattson in a sweater and shorts standing next to his sister Muriel, wearing shorts, a heavy coat and hat, standing outside house where kidnapping occurred. Copy made for the Seattle Star. Muriel was four years older than Charles. A ransom demand of $28,000 was made for the boy's safe return. The boy's body was found January 10, 1937 in a snowy woods near Everett. The ransom was never paid despite many efforts of his frantic parents to comply with the kidnapper's demands. The demands were so erratic and conflicting that law officials felt that the kidnapper had to be insane. Despite the questioning of many suspects, the crime was never solved. (T. Times 12/28/1936- 1/25/1937, pg. 1)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mattson, Charles;

Older boy with rake and Charles Mattson in yard of his parents' two-story Tudor-style house. The older boy is most probably Charles' brother William, who was six years older. Copy of this photograph made for the Seattle Star in 1936. On December 27, 1936, Charles Mattson was abducted at gunpoint from his parent's home by a swarthy man with a heavy black beard and a European accent. Charles, his brother William, sister Muriel, and family friend Virginia Chatfield, 14, of Seattle had been watching cars slow down to enjoy the home's Christmas light display when an armed man forced his way through a French door at the rear of the home, kidnapping Charles and leaving a ransom note. Dr. and Mrs. William Mattson were away at a social event. Charles was never seen alive again and his murder was never solved. (T. Times 12/28/1936- 1/25/1937) (filed with Argentum)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mattson, Charles;

ca. 1926. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fletcher pose in happier days on the steps with their grandchildren Charles (in lap) and Muriel Mattson. On the evening of Dec. 27, 1936, ten year old Charles Mattson was kidnapped from the family's home. His parents received several ransom notes, but despite frantic attempts to contact the kidnappers, were unable to do so. On Jan. 10, 1937, the boy's battered body was found near a snowy road in Everett. The kidnapper has never been identified or caught. (filed with Argentum)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mattson, Charles; Mattson, Muriel; Fletcher, Charles;

Sketch of the living room in the Mattson house on the night that Charles Mattson was kidnapped. On December 27, 1936, a masked gunman abducted ten year old Charles Mattson from his home. A drawing of the gunman is placed near the rear doors which he forced open to enter. The Mattson boy was at home with his brother, sister and a family friend. A demand for ransom was made. It was never paid, despite the family's efforts to deliver the money. The boy's body was found January 10, 1937 in a snowy woods near Everett. The crime was never solved. (WSHS)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mattson, Charles--Homes & haunts; Mattson, Charles--Kidnappings;

Exterior of facilities at McNeil Island Federal Prison. Prison yard, dock and smoke stack are visible.

Attempted robbery at Hunt and Mottet Company. Officers in office. Police officer looking around desk with flashlight. (T. Times)

Police--Tacoma--1930-1940; Robberies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hunt & Mottet Co. (Tacoma);

On January 19, 1938, Pierce County Sheriff John C. Bjorklund posed on the steps of the old Pierce County Courthouse at 1012 South G Street with his 16-member staff. Sheriff Bjorklund is in the front row, second from the left. His criminal deputies donned blue caps, coats and high laced boots for this photograph. Marian Hager, stenographer, was the only female staff member. The names of the sixteen aides are listed in the newspaper caption. (TNT 1/19/1938, pg. 7-alternate photograph)

Bjorklund, John; Uniforms; Sheriffs--Pierce County--1930-1940; Law enforcement officers; Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma; Hager, Marian;

Pierce County Sheriff's officers, George W. Kupka on right, flank Sheriff John C. Bjorklund on the Court House steps in January of 1938. John C. Bjorklund was in his second term. When re-elected in 1938, he received the largest majority ever given a candidate for any office in the history of Pierce County up to that time. Bjorklund was for many years the secretary of the Tacoma Longshoremen's Union and he was a familiar figure on Tacoma's waterfront. (filed with Argentum)

Bjorklund, John; Uniforms; Sheriffs--Pierce County--1930-1940; Pierce County Sheriffs (Tacoma); Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma; Kupka, George;

A federal agent stands beside one of the huge redwood vats found in the July 1931 raid of Benston's Farm in Graham, Wa., to demonstrate its awesome size. This vat was calculated to hold 7,500 gallons of fermenting mash. The Prohibition era illegal distillery set up in Benston's barn contained a total of eight of these vats. The still operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week and could manufacture 100 gallons of pure alcohol every hour. At a market value of $10 per gallon, the feds estimated that the plant produced $20,000 worth of alcohol every 24 hours. It was reported that the operation was set up by a California syndicate, that rented the barn from Benston, and that it was backed by local capital. (TNT 7/17-19, 1931, pg. 1)

Benston, J. Thomas--Associated objects; Prohibition--Graham; Stills (Distilleries); Police raids--Graham;

On September 6, 1924 the Tacoma "Dry Squad" dug out an elaborately concealed illegal bootlegging operation that was hidden in a "cave" under the house at 7813 A Street. Two stills were found, each with a capacity of 50 gallons. One man was arrested and 200 gallons of finished moonshine seized. The Dry Squad members who took part in the raid were: (l to r) Captain Adam Wiley, R.C. Mowre, H.L. Phillips, William Farrar, William Blacksmith and W.H. Warren. The Dry Squad had been in business since May 15, 1923. (TDL 9-8-24, p. 1) TPL-9488; G24.1-078

Stills (Distilleries); Wiley, Adam; Mowre, R.C.; Phillips, H.L.; Farrar, William; Blacksmith, William; Warren, W.H.;