Sea-Tac Shipyard, general view of facilities. Docks, buildings, equipment and water.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Launching of the U.S. Army transport Frederick Funston at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard on September 27, 1941. An incomplete hull assisted by tugboats is riding easy in the water. A worker is pictured with his wife and child in the foreground..

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Families--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Preparations were being made to launch the U.S. Army transport Frederick Funston at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation on Tacoma's tideflats in late September of 1941. The ship is shown on the ways at right. On the left, another hull takes shape. The $3,000,000 steamship was named in honor of the late Major General Frederick Funston. His daughter, Barbara Funston of San Francisco, served as the ship's sponsor. Governor Arthur B. Langlie and Tacoma Mayor Harry P. Cain were among the dignitaries in attendance. (T. Times 9/29/1941/ pg. 1-alt. photograph; T.Times 9-27-41, p. 1+ -article)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hoisting machinery;

By October of 1941, the Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) Shipbuilding Corporation on Tacoma's Tideflats employed 3,000 workers, most of whom drove back and forth to work. The workers' cars filled a large lot at the end of Alexander Avenue, just north of the Hooker Chemical plant (which is in the background). When the workday was over, there was only one way back into the city, down Alexander Avenue, onto East 11th Street and across the 11th street (now Murray Morgan) Bridge, creating a massive traffic jam. The shipyard was planning to add 5,000 more workers in the next few months and the city was working on a traffic flow solution. (T. Times, 10/07/1941]

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Parking lots--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobiles--1940-1950; Traffic congestion--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Laying of destroyer keel for "Hull #3," to be built at Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation (Sea-Tac), Seattle facility. Large group of men doff their hats while in front of steel keel piece on crane.

Boat & ship industry--Seattle; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Seattle;

Ben Cheney and an unidentified woman sit at the back of a convertible on the dock next to the "Oregon." Richard Studio notes state that this picture was taken in Oregon. The cargo ship was built by Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. in Tacoma and was launched as the Cape Cleare.

Cheney Lumber Co. (Tacoma); Cheney, Ben B., 1905-1971; Cargo ships; Convertible automobiles--1940-1950;

While taking photographs of a railroad accident at 24th and Bay St., the Richards photographer captured this image of railroad cars and tracks on the Tideflats in October of 1942.

Railroads--Tacoma; Railroad tracks--Tacoma;

On October 15, 1942, a southbound Great Northern freight engine derailed and fell over on its side at 24th and Bay St. Six railroad cars piled up behind the derailed engine. Luckily the train was moving slowly and the engineer and the crew had time to leap to safety. Engineer R. Ritter and Fireman August Zueger, both of Seattle, were able to crawl out of the cab of the locomotive. (T. Times 10/16/1942. pg. 1; TNT 10/16/1942, pg. 1)

Railroads--Tacoma; Railroad tracks--Tacoma; Railroad accidents--Tacoma; Disasters--Tacoma; Railroad locomotives; Great Northern Railway Co. (Tacoma);

Seattle-Tacoma Shipyard Finishers, Pierce County Inter-League basketball team, at Tacoma Boys Club. (T.Times)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma)--People; Basketball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma;

Sea-Tac (Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation) Welders, Pierce County Inter-League basketball team, at Tacoma Boys Club. One of eight teams representing the shipyard in inter-league play. (T.Times)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma)--People; Basketball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma;

This team was one of eight representing the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation in league play at the Tacoma Boys Club in January of 1943. This particular team was from the Shipfitters swing shift. Pictured left to right kneeling are Alphonse Big Horn, Leonard Big Horn (Native American brothers from Montana), John Owens and Lawrence Loveland. Standing, left to right, are Mason Longmire (mgr.), Phil Red Eagle, John Hartsell, Wayne Hinkleman and Matt Kapovich. (T. Times 2/1/1943, pg. 11)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma)--People; Basketball players--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; Indigenous peoples; Big Horn, Alphonse; Big Horn, Leonard; Owens, John; Loveland, Lawrence; Longmire, Mason;

Air Reduction Sales Co. rebuilding Tacoma oxygen plant, contract MCC2797

Factories--Tacoma; Air Reduction Sales Co. (Tacoma);

Henry Mill, construction of trusses. Henry Mill was located at 3001 No. Starr, the former site of the old Tacoma Mill Co. The mill was operated by John F. Buchanan, pres., and William F. Buchanan, VP. During the second World War, they became active in lumber prefabrication. Large buildings, such as hangars, were prebuilt in pieces and reassembled on arrival at their destination.

Lumber industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Trusses--Tacoma; Structural frames--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma; Henry Mill & Timber Co. (Tacoma);

Buffelen Lumber and Manufacturing Company.

Buffelen Lumber & Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Henry Mill, construction of prefabricated trusses. During the war, Henry Mill was active in lumber prefabrication.

Lumber industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Trusses--Tacoma; Structural frames--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma; Henry Mill & Timber Co. (Tacoma);

Sea-Tac Shipyard Swing Shift bowlers. Several bowlers have name tags on their jackets including "Rich" (2nd row far left), "Roy" (2nd row far right), and "Harry" (kneeling at right). [Also dated 03-27-1943]

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma)--People; Bowlers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Initiation of SeattleTacoma Shipbuilding Corporation employees at Elk's Club. Ten men on stage with ship's wheel. [Also dated 03-29-1943]

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Elks Club (Tacoma);

This photograph is an overview of the ceremony on December 18, 1942 when the Tacoma Boat Building plant was presented with an "E Award" by the Army & Navy. The "E Award" was a production award, and the shipyard's was the first given for production of minesweepers. The award consisted of a "E" flag to fly over the plant and a pin for each employee. The company also took this opportunity to launch their newest minesweeper, the YMS 244.

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Launching of "Pride of America" at Peterson Boat Building. The Peterson shipyard was owned by the father and son team of George and John Peterson. The yard was devoted entirely to the construction of fishing vessels. The site of their yard adjoined the Foss yard at the outer edge of the Middle Waterway. The shipyard was rebuilt in 1943 and the company remained at this site until it burned in 1969.

Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

In September of 1942, Peterson Boat Building was preparing to launch the "Pride of America." The small shipyard was operated by father and son team George and John Peterson. It was located at 223 E. F St., a site that adjoined the Foss Yard (225) at the outer edge of the Middle Waterway. The busy shipyard specialized in the construction of fishing vessels. The shipyard was rebuilt in 1943 and remained at this location until it was destroyed in a fire in 1969.

Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Exterior of Sperry Flour Milling Co.

Sperry Flour Milling Co. (Tacoma);

Power Cranes putting up truss in Petrich Shipbuilding Corp., a new shipyard located on former Vermont Marble Company site, where the 11th Street Bridge crossed the City Waterway. This was the second of two plants operated by the Petrich family, headed by Martin Petrich Sr. The first was Western Boatbuilding on the Tideflats. The new yard had two parallel ways, capable of building ships up to 160 feet long. During the war, this yard would specialize in the mass production of wooden ships for the Army. They were used for Army South Seas and Alaska freight, passenger and supply transport. Note: Negative released to Michigan Power Shovel Company, Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Petrich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Waterfront--Tacoma;

Seventy five members of the brewing and allied industries gathered in Tacoma October 24, 1942 to pay tribute to Otto Birkmaier. Mr. Birkmaier was celebrating his 25th anniversary as brewmaster at Columbia Brewery, a position he had held since 1917. He held the longest record of continuous service of any brewmaster in the district. Some of the guests are pictured at the Saturday afternoon luncheon at the Brewery.

Brewing industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Columbia Breweries, Inc. (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Henry Mill was located at the foot of No. Starr St., right at the waterfront. It was on the 28 acre site of the old Tacoma MIll Co. During the war, Henry Mill specialized in prefabricated elements for the military. The company was taken over in 1945 by Tacoma Lumber Fabricating Co. The photograph shows lots of stored lumber as well as a couple of cranes.

Lumber industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Henry Mill & Timber Co. (Tacoma); Mills--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts--Tacoma--1940-1950; Piers & wharves--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Henry Mill and Timber Company. Burner and lumber storage dock along the Tacoma waterfront. Henry Mill began operations at this site in 1925. It was formerly the site of the Old Tacoma Mill Co. TPL-8381

Lumber industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Henry Mill & Timber Co. (Tacoma); Mills--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts--Tacoma--1940-1950; Piers & wharves--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Henry Mill and Timber Company. Lumber storage dock along the Tacoma waterfront. Began operations at this site in 1925.

Lumber industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Henry Mill & Timber Co. (Tacoma); Mills--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts--Tacoma--1940-1950; Piers & wharves--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In July of 1943, with both an army and a civilian population to feed, harvesting the crops became a patriotic duty. With most of Washington's able-bodied men, and many of its women, serving in the military and in the defense industries, farm labor jobs fell to students. Two unidentified students are pictured working as farm laborers in Puyallup Valley in July of 1943. A young boy helps an older teenage girl lift a crate of leafy spinach onto a stack of crates placed in an open field. Boxes are labeled Kelley, Farquhar & Co., a major vegetable and fruit packing company with plants in Salem, Oregon and Tacoma. In 1958, Clyde Farquhar became sole owner of the company. (P.C. Herald 8/9/1984 p.3)

Agricultural laborers; World War, 1939-1945--Students--Tacoma; Croplands--Puyallup Valley;

In July of 1943, with our country at war and an army to feed, bringing in the crops became a patriotic duty. Most men were either in the service or working in the defense industry; therefore, the job of harvesting fell to women and youth. Especially targeted as a work force were youth organizations and the schools. Here, women and students work side by side in a Puyallup Valley spinach field. Wooden crates are placed in the field and Richards Studio's wood paneled station wagon is parked in the distance. Adults were also urged to join the youths in the harvest of valley peas and berries whose peak was to be reached soon. 1,200 kids had already been enrolled in Pierce County's harvest army through the Tacoma Agricultural Manpower Committee of the Chamber of Commerce. 7,000-10,000 adult workers were needed the first two weeks in July. Bus transportation would be provided by the Chamber of Commerce. (T.Times 7-2-43, p. 16-article on harvesting)

Agricultural laborers; World War, 1939-1945--Students--Tacoma; Croplands--Puyallup Valley;

On April 4, 1942, after several aborted attempts, the Northwest Hauling Company successfully raised a 150 foot smokestack at the new plant of Puget Sound Plywood located at 230 E. "F" Street. The huge steel stack weighed 13 tons and was constructed by Seattle Boiler Company. Once lifted into place on its 30 foot tall base, it jutted 180 feet into the air over the tideflats. The plant was expected to be fully operational in 30 days. The erection of the stack required several days of planning by the hauling company owned by Dan Cooney. Puget Sound Plywood, the first cooperative plywood plant in Tacoma, opened June 1, 1942. It had 298 members who each contributed $1,000 and received the same hourly pay and percentage of the company's profits. It was built on 3 1/2 acres at the mouth of the City Waterway. (T. Times 4/6/1942, pg. 2)

Puget Sound Plywood, Inc. (Tacoma); Plywood; Lumber industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Northwest Hauling Co. (Tacoma); Smokestacks; Cooperatives--Tacoma;

Shipyard bowling teams. Painters and fitters from the Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. Portrait of the champion team identified as (standing) Roy Besam, captain, Frank LaFleur and Al Levorson. On the front row are Jack Olson and Robert Robbins.

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma)--People; Bowlers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bowling balls; Besam, Roy; LaFleur; Levorson, Al; Olson, Jack; Robbins, Robert;