Launching of the USS Endurance (AMS 435) at J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding, the largest wooden-hulled vessel to be built in Tacoma since WWI. Martinac had a contract to build four 171 foot minesweepers and was also the first firm on the Pacific coast to be designated by the Navy as a "qualified laminator." When completed in early spring, the ship would represent an expenditure of approximately $3,500,000. The total Navy contract was worth 8 million dollars, a large portion of the 20 million in Navy contracts held by Tacoma boat building firms. (TNT 2-10-1952, pg. B-6, T. Reporter 7/8/1952, pg. 8, T. Reporter 8/11/1952, pg. 2)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Launching of the USS Endurance (AMS 435) at J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding, sponsored by Gerry Ann Borovich. Gerry Ann, the 16 year old daughter of Fred Borovich vice president-treasurer of Martinac, holds the ceremonial flower bouquet. The vessel was the first of her size to be launched in a Northwest yard under the Navy's minesweeper program. The firm was constructing four 171 foot minesweepers. (T. Reporter, 8/11/1952, pg. 2)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Borovich, Gerry Ann;

Launching of A.M.S.(motor minesweeper) #113 at Tacoma Boat Building Company for the Navy. View of the rear of the ship draped with an American flag. "Brynn Foss" tugboat on left side. Several men on deck. Mount Rainier and tideflats in background. The keel of the vessel was laid Oct. 19, 1951 and the completed minesweeper was scheduled to be delivered in early 1953. It was the first of five to be built by the firm. (T. Reporter 7/22/1952, pg. 2 & 7/8/1952, pg. 8)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Greyhound Lines bus involved in accident near Fort Lewis. Limited bus suffers front end damage. Parked along highway. Fort Lewis fence and buildings in background. Photograph was taken on June 23, 1952.

Buses; Traffic accidents--Washington--1950-1960;

Honoring old time employees aboard the "Thea Foss". Two women enjoying event in cabin of boat. Portrait of Thea Foss on cabinet behind pair. Foss Tug and Launch Company.

Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma); Tugboats--Tacoma--1950-1960; Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma)--employees;

Exposure aboard the "Thea Foss" tugboat honoring longtime employees of the Foss Launch & Tug Company. The man standing in the rear of the picture is Henry O. Foss, President of the company. Foss was a family owned business that both built and operated tug boats. The Foss empire was begun by Thea Foss, a Norwegian immigrant, in 1889 when she scraped up five dollars to buy a neighbor's rowboat, spruced it up & sold it at a profit. She was soon purchasing and renting a fleet of rowboats, with the assistance of her husband Andrew. From rowboats, they branched out into motorized launches and tug boats.

Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma); Tugboats--Tacoma--1950-1960; Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma)--employees; Foss, Henry O., 1891-1986;

More than 20 new Ford trucks for Jordan Baking Company are lined up in front of the bakery. The new fleet of 45 Jordan Baking Company trucks, painted blue and white, had already begun distribution of the firm's new and improved loaf, "Sunbeam Bread". Art Jordan, owner of the company, is standing on the far left. Ordered by Mallon Motors, Inc. (TNT, 3/6/1952, p.16)

Jordan Baking Co. (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ford trucks; Jordan, Arthur K.; Bakeries--Tacoma;

A Turner tow truck is lifting a big freighter on its towing rig. The freighter truck is pulling a trailer behind its regular load. The Turner truck cab has a dragon painted on the driver's door and words, "Call Turner, White Drag-In". Turner Towing was located at 2620 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma. TPL-7943

Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960; Turner Towing Co. (Tacoma); Towing--Tacoma; Wreckers (Vehicles)--Tacoma;

Launching of "Southern Pacific" at J.M. Martinac. The 123 foot tuna clipper was built for Lu Brito (skipper) along with John Silva. She had a capacity of 270 tons and a crew of 15. She was equipped with a 800-hp Enterprise engine, two 150-hp 120 kw GM generating sets, one 60 kw GM generating set for auxiliaries at a cost of $400,000. She was also equipped with Sperry automatic power steering and an automatic pilot; Tacoma Range Company electric range; a Coolidge propeller, TCA radio, Intervox direction finder and a Submarine Signal fathometer. Additionally she was seaplane equipped. (Ledger, 11/4/1951; Marine Digest, 12/22/1951) TPL-9055

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1950-1960; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

Four new Dodge trucks for Compton's are parked at Irwin Jones Company. Signs for Compton's are painted on the cab doors. Durkee's mayonnaise, margarine and salad dressing are advertised on the rear cargo areas of the trucks as well as Compton's name. Ordered by Walt Dunlap. TPL-9229

Dodge trucks; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Irwin-Jones Motor Co. (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960; Compton's Distributing Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

An antique automobile makes way for a newer convertible in December, 1952, as both are making use of the new drive-up teller window at North Pacific Bank. It appears that its driver is releasing the hand brake in preparation to motor on. Plate attached to vehicle's grill indicates that it belongs to City Motor Co. and South Tacoma Motor Co. Photograph ordered by South Tacoma Motor Co.

Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banking--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banks--Tacoma--1950-1960; North Pacific Bank (Tacoma); South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma);

The past meets up with the future in this December, 1952, photograph, as an antique automobile pauses to make a deposit at North Pacific Bank's new drive-up teller window. The two men are dressed appropriately for the brisk winter weather as they sit in the roofless vehicle. Another man standing outside the car assists in completing the banking transaction. The antique automobile has a plate attached to the grill indicating that it belongs to City Motor Co. and South Tacoma Motor Co. Photograph ordered by South Tacoma Motor Co.

Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banking--Tacoma--1950-1960; Banks--Tacoma--1950-1960; North Pacific Bank (Tacoma); South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma);

St. Paul and Tacoma Lumber Company chip storage plant as viewed on September 3, 1952. Kenworth truck with trailer and two more trailers at loading bays on ground level of building.

St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Co. (Tacoma); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Dignitaries gather for a group portriat prior to the launching of the AMS 115, a 144-foot minesweeper, at Tacoma Boat Building Company. Owners of Tacoma Boat, Arne Strom and Harold Dahl are seen near the right. The sponsor, Winifred (Mrs. Melvin M.) Larsen, secretary to Charles Bevis, Tacoma Boat's manager, is holding a bouquet of roses. Captain Chester J. Chastek, state director of the selective service addressed those attending the launching. Others on the program were Lt. Cmdr. S.E. Anderson, chaplain of the Sand Point Naval Air station, Arne Strom and Capt. Linton Herndon, Navy supervisor of shipbuilding in the Tacoma area. (TNT, 10/5/1952, p.B-3)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Larsen, Winifred; Dahl, Haldor; Strom, Arne;

The MSB #15 was one of two minesweepers launched at Tacoma Boat Building Company in September 1952. The MSBs were 57-foot minesweepers. Tacoma Boat would build five of the craft. (TNT, 9/21/1952, p.B-4)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

The AMS 115 was the second 144 foot minesweeper to be built at Tacoma Boat Building Company in 1952. AMS 113 was launched in July 1952. The 115 is seen here as she was launched at the boatyard.

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Winifred (Mrs. Melvin M.) Larsen is proudly displaying the commemorative silver platter she received as sponsor at the launching of the AMS minesweeper #115 built by Tacoma Boat Building Company. The tray had an engraving of the vessel and an inscription telling of the occasion. Navy rules permitted a woman only one Navy vessel sponsorship. This was Winnie's second time "at bat", however, since she had been sponsor of and christened the tuna clipper Saratoga in 1951. (TNT, 10/12/1952, p.B-8)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Larsen, Winifred;

Students from the Clover Park High School pre-flight class were treated to an air show at McChord Field. The students, under direction of Fred Miner and Wilbur Snyder, were taken on an extended tour of flight operations, flight service, the weather station and the maintenance hangars. Three small airplanes are performing in the sky over the air field. Ordered by Kiwanis Club, H. Barker. (11/23/1952, p.B-6) TPL-5504

Airplanes--Tacoma; McChord Field (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Clover Park High School (Lakewood); School field trips--Lakewood;

Fourteen men in uniform are standing on the tarmac in front of a Western Airlines airplane. Another man, not in uniform, is looking at papers one of the men in uniform is holding.

Airplanes; Soldiers;

A new Dodge delivery truck is on display at the Puyallup Fair. The names of Carman Manufacturing Company and Spring Air Mattresses have been painted on the covered back end of the truck. Joseph L. Carman, Jr., was president of the bedding manufacturing company located at 801 East 25th Street in Tacoma.

Trucks--Puyallup--1950-1960; Dodge trucks; Carman Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma); Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Exhibit booths--Puyallup;

A man wearing a suit and tie is also wearing a football helmet with the name "Goal Getter" on it. He is standing in front of an International truck.

Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960; International trucks;

Traffic accident, corner of North 27th and Lawrence, involving Medosweet delivery truck, occurring in late July of 1952. Curious onlookers have gathered at the accident scene. Medosweet van carries sign: "Hoppy's Favorite Milk," depicting popular silver screen character Hopalong Cassidy. View of neighborhood including waiting fire truck.

Traffic accidents--Tacoma--1950-1960; Medosweet Dairies, Inc. (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1950-1960;

On July 28, 1952, a Medosweet delivery truck was involved in a traffic accident at or near the corner of North 27th & Lawrence St. People are gathered near the wrecked truck which carries the sign: "Hoppy's Favorite Milk," depicting Hollywood favorite Hopalong Cassidy. Tacoma Police Dept. Accident Prevention automobile is at the far left foreground.

Traffic accidents--Tacoma--1950-1960; Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960; Medosweet Dairies, Inc. (Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Traffic accident, corner of North 27th and Lawrence, involving Medosweet delivery truck. People gather around the wrecked truck which carries sign "Hoppy's Favorite Milk," depicting movie hero Hopalong Cassidy. View of neighborhood and other milk trucks. Photograph taken on July 28, 1952.

Traffic accidents--Tacoma--1950-1960; Medosweet Dairies, Inc. (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Fuel Oil Service Co.; exterior of trucks. Fuel Oil Service was a distributer of furnace and stove oil. Mark C. Dolliver was the Manager & Roger C. Stewart the Sales Manager. The trucks were used to deliver the oil to the residential customers.

Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fuel Oil Service (Tacoma);

ca. 1953. Three cars are parked next to the Winthrop Hotel, 773 Broadway, in the fall of 1953. An ornate marquee extending over the sidewalk would help to protect exiting car occupants and passersby from inclement weather. The elegant hotel was built in 1925 with funds supplied by a local subscription drive. It was named after explorer and author Theodore Winthrop who helped popularize the Northwest. BU-12138

Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hotels--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Twenty logging trucks, photograph ordered by International Harvester. The trucks are fueled by propane and owned by Cotten Brothers in Spanaway, Washington. International Harvester sold and serviced large trucks. Here the trucks are posed in front of a large propane tank.

Trucks--Spanaway--1950-1960; Cotten Bros. (Spanaway); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Ordered by International Harvester, a single logging truck. The truck is fueled by propane and owned by Cotten Brothers in Spanaway, Washington. The truck is posed in front of a large propane tank labelled "Propane, the modern motor fuel." The back portion of the truck where the logs are usually loaded has been unhooked and now sits on the bed of the truck. International Harvester sold and serviced large commercial trucks.

Trucks--Spanaway--1950-1960; Cotten Bros. (Spanaway); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Tacoma Boat Building Company, 132 Sitcum Waterway, launched two 57-foot minesweepers within minutes of each other on May 15, 1953, Armed Forces Day. The MSB-16 was sponsored by Carmen P. Smith of Seattle and the MSB-17 was sponsored by Mrs. E.A. Watson of Tacoma. MSB grade minesweeping boats did not receive names, they were referred to by their hull number. The Tacoma Boat Building Company received major contracts with the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard for over 40 years, building minesweepers, gunboats, and cutters. (TNT 5-17-53, B-7)

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Government vessels--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Two 57-foot minesweepers are side-by-side shortly after being launched on May 15, 1953. Built by Tacoma Boat Building under a Navy contract, the vessels were launched minutes apart. The MSB-17 is accompanied by the tug, Drew Foss, while the MSB-16 is escorted by the Peter Foss. Tacoma Boat Building also was awarded contracts to build several 144-foot mindsweepers during the early 1950's. (TNT 5-17-53, B-7) TPL-9620

Launchings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Government vessels--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Tugboats--Tacoma--1950-1960;