Planing mill with 2500 volt distribution. Tree stumps and mounds of dirt or sawdust close by. G75.1-029

Electrical apparatus; Mills; Sawmills;

This is a fireproof concrete power house as viewed in April of 1923. The two-story structure has awning-styled windows. Photograph ordered by E.J. Barry, Pacific National Lumber Co. G75.1-030

Power plants;

Electric crane in operation at lumber site in April of 1923. Photograph ordered by E.J. Barry, Pacific National Lumber Co. TPL-2931; G75.1-028

Hoisting machinery; Lumber industry--1920-1930;

This is the stern and one of the huge propellers of the steamship "Alaska" on the day of her launching, April 19, 1923, at the Todd yards. The "Alaska" was built for passenger and freight trade between Puget Sound and Alaska and was the first combination passenger and freight vessel built at the Todd yards. At 364-feet long, she was designed for copper ore cargo and included passenger accommodations for 250 first class and 58 steerage. The "Alaska" was the 31st ship launched by Todd and successfully slid bow first down the ways. Miss Frances Nowell of Alaska served as sponsor. G37.1-111 (TDL 4-19-23, p. 1-article; TDL 4-20-23, p.1, p. 3)

Launchings--Tacoma--1920-1930; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Although this April, 1923, photograph resembles a scene from a cops-n-robbers movie, these six policemen from the Tacoma Police Department were not pointing their guns toward an unseen quarry but instead were practicing for a sharpshooting competition. Only the best shooters would be selected for the revolver team that would represent Tacoma in the Northwest Police athletic meet held later in June in Portland. From L-R: night patrol driver Lee Kane; motorcycle officer A.E. Paul; sponsor of the team Sgt. Charles Rohrs; Detective C.W. Brooke; "Dead-Eye Dick" Greenwood -in charge of the local elimination shoots; and "Two-Gun" Hubbard. Kane, Rohrs, Greenwood and Harry Shaner (not pictured) were members of the previous year's team which narrowly lost in Seattle. TPL-2053; G42.1-018 (TNT 4-20-23, p. 14)

Tacoma Police Department (Tacoma); Police--Tacoma--1920-1930; Firearms; Sharpshooting; Kane, Lee; Paul, A.E.; Rohrs, Charles; Brooke, C.W.; Greenwood, Dick;

Medusa on the ways. The USS Medusa, a $4,000,000 repair ship for the Pacific fleet, is pictured prior to launching at the Bremerton Navy Yard in April of 1923. The "Medusa," the first ship of her kind to be built on the Pacific coast, had a displacement of 10,000 tons. Her launching was rather unusual, as she did not not slide down the ways into water as normal but instead, water was poured into the construction dock where she was built. When floated, she was towed to her new berth and the dock emptied. She was 483-feet, 9 inches long and resembled a huge ocean liner except for the small guns mounted on her. The USS Medusa was launched on April 16, 1923, with Mrs. Burns Poe of Tacoma acting as sponsor. G37.1-121 (TNT 4-4-23, p. 17; TDL 4-7-23, p. 1-article; TDL 4-17-23, p. 1-article)

Boat & ship industry--Bremerton--1920-1930; Launchings--Bremerton--1920-1930;

Employees of the U.S. Bakery posed alongside their fleet of delivery trucks in April of 1923. The bakery had just signed a contract with Sutherland Co., Inc., to operate their trucks only on General Tires. They chose to limit tires only to the General brand despite the fact they had never used them before. Good reports by others on the tires prompted them to do so. The United States Bakery was located at So. I St. and Center St. from 1921 to 1930. Chris Manthou, with partners John Kokotos and John Efandis, operated the wholesale bakery. Manthou remained as president when the Tacoma Bread Company took over operations in 1931. The building was demolished during urban renewal, about 1967. G33.1-010; TPL-909 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 5-6-23, C-7)

United States Bakery (Tacoma); Bakeries--Tacoma--1920-1930; Trucks--Tacoma--1920-1930; Tires;

Walking habits. In April of 1923, three women are dressed in "walking habits," per photographer Marvin Boland's notes. The unidentified women are believed to be employees of the Shull-Day Co. A number of women employees had formed a cross-country hiking club and had made their hiking clothes themselves. The club had taken its first outing to Miyajama Lodge on Fox Island and often met at the Y.W.C.A. for gym and social affairs. The Shull-Day Clothing Co. later was known as Day's Tailor-d. The firm became the Northwest's largest manufacturer of trousers. G51.1-043 (TNT 4-11-23, p. 7-article)

Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1920-1930;

This view of a boat loading lumber at the Defiance Lumber dock had been a common sight since 1906 when the Doud brothers, desiring a site closer to shipping facilities than Buckley, bought land on the Tacoma waterfront just south of the Tacoma Smelter. By 1907 a mill was built, 1400 feet of shoreline acquired among the 18 acres of land, and 150 men were employed. Ships from all nations visited Tacoma to load lumber and lumber was also transported via rail. WWI caused rail transportation to substantially decrease and ships once again entered the deep harbor to retrieve the fir products and bring them to as far away as Japan and the United Kingdom. The Defiance Lumber Co. would continue in business until December of 1951 when it closed its doors permanently. G36.1-013 (Martin: Leslie Lewis Doud; his family and ancestors, p.1-3; Bonney: History of Pierce County Washington, p. 656-659)

Defiance Lumber Co. (Tacoma); Lumber industry--Tacoma--1920-1930; Cargo ships--Tacoma--1920-1930; Shipping--Tacoma--1920-1930;

St. Edward's Hall, Marymount. Later more commonly known as Marymount Military Academy, the boarding school for boys under 14 was dedicated on Memorial Day, May 30, 1923, with the Right Reverend Bishop O'Dea of Seattle officiating. St. Edward's Hall was the two-story fireproof central building built in the Lombardine mission style. Classrooms, living room, library, dining hall, kitchen, and reception area were all located on the spacious first floor. The second floor contained sleeping quarters and bathrooms for the boys. There was a chapel in one wing. A well-equipped gym was located 200 feet west of the main building complete with swimming pool. The school even had its own infirmary about 150 feet south of the main unit. Set in a grove of treees in what is now Spanaway, the school was run by Dominican nuns who also set high academic standards. It was the only military school for boys in the State of Washington. Marymount would close in 1976, a victim of lessening enrollment. (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 5-13-23, E-5-article with alternate photographs) TPL-1507; BU11, 450

Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway); Private schools--Spanaway; Military education--Spanaway;

Boy Rangers Lodge. This active group of "woodcrafters" was photographed in early May of 1923 with leader Evan Sexsmith (far right, kneeling). From l-r, bottom row: Donald Fredrickson (partially seen); Wilbur Ingebretson, grand sachem Gerald Gunderson, Theodore Jerstad, Nels Norberg and leader Sexsmith. Upper row, l-r: Walter Hogan, Leroy Gillstrom, Chester Hogan, Robert Ketner and James Porter. The lodge officers were grouped in the front row, all wearing headdresses, with three of the boys sporting silver rifle medals won that year. (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 5-13-23, 4-E - uncropped picture)

Boy Rangers Lodge (Tacoma); Fredrickson, Donald; Ingebretson, Wilbur; Gunderson, Gerald; Jerstad, Theodore; Norberg, Nels; Sexsmith, Evan; Hogan, Walter; Gillstrom, Leroy; Hogan, Chester; Ketner, Robert; Porter, James;

Informal portrait of Wesley Stone, Grand Commander of the Knights Templar of Washington. Grand Commander Stone was in Tacoma for the 1923 conclave of the Masonic group. Walter E. Carter of Vancouver, Washington, was chosen to succeed Mr. Stone as Grand Commander. Mr. Stone hailed from Spokane. (TDL 5-12-23, p. 3-article) (Although print is labeled "B7824," photographer Boland's notes indicate that the actual number is B7924)

Stone, Wesley; Knights Templar (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Still. The man only partially seen on the left is Pierce County Sheriff Tom Desmond who along with Deputy Sheriff Theodore Mohrbacher of the county "dry squad" stands next to a large still recently confiscated deep in the woods east of McKenna. It was the biggest copper still ever unearthed locally as of May, 1923. 200 gallons of "moonshine" ready for sale were found close to the still and destroyed. The perpetrators vanished before they could be apprehended. People were still making illegal homemade hooch and daily newspapers of the '20s regularly reported upon the discovery and arrest of these liquor manufacturers. Stills and their products were then generally destroyed. G24.1-075 (TNT 5-12-23, p. 2)

Stills (Distilleries); Mohrbacher, Theodore; Desmond, Tom;

Star Iron & Steel at 435 E 11th St, Tacoma.

Tideflats; Industries; Star Iron & Steel Co

1923 May Day Queen. Babbie Gilpin was crowned Queen of May at Annie Wright Seminary's annual Field Day held on May 12, 1923. She is pictured here along with her royal court. Ceremonies were held in the afternoon on the Seminary's lawn where Miss Gilpin passed through an aisle formed by students all wearing white. She was crowned by Miss Frances Clemmer, her maid of honor. G10.1-094 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 5-13-23, p. 4-A-article & alternate pictures of Miss Clemmer and Miss Gilpin)

Gilpin, Babbie; Clemmer, Frances; May Day--Tacoma; Annie Wright Seminary (Tacoma)--1920-1930; Festivals--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Tacoma Gas & Fuel Co. Two Tacoma Gas delivery trucks were photographed, possibly at the company's plant near 22nd and Dock St., in June of 1923. The Chevrolet trucks have advertising for "Smoothtop" gas stoves posted on the sides. Tacoma Gas & Fuel Co. had recently taken delivery of the two trucks from Wallace Chevrolet Co., local Chevrolet distributors. The company had used Chevrolet vehicles in the past and praised their economical features. G35.1-045 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 7-1-23, 4-G)

Tacoma Gas & Fuel Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet trucks;

Construction is well under way in June of 1923 at the Wilkeson Garage in downtown Tacoma's auto row. Built of concrete and measuring 120 feet by 131 feet, it was declared the "largest of its kind on the Pacific Coast." All units of the big service station were completed by November of 1923. Built by L.E.Wilkeson, the new structure was to reflect the "department store idea for the motor car." A parking lot on top with room for 100 cars was finished in April of 1924. G18.1-089; BU14,356 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 4-29-23, C-1-article)

Wilkeson Garage & Service Station (Tacoma); Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Ground level view of the Canyada Lodge, LaGrande, Washington. This is how the rustic Canyada Lodge appeared in the summer of 1923. Visitors to the lodge could savor the sights and aroma of evergreen trees while relaxing on the stone porch. The Canyada Lodge was located in LaGrande, close to Eatonville on the Mountain Highway. The popular lodge was destroyed by fire in March of 1927. G30.1-050

Canyada Lodge (LaGrande); Lodges--LaGrande; Hotels--LaGrande;

Taylor Way. This is a view of Taylor Way in Tacoma's Tideflats in 1923. Pacific Box Co.'s plant is on the left with easy access to the Hylebos Waterway (waterway not pictured). Box shooks could be transported via water, rail (with tracks close by) and highway. These three components would aid in the development of the industrial Tideflats as goods and materials could be manufactured and delivered to customers by more than one means of transportation. G58.1-071

Pacific Box Co. (Tacoma); Streets--Tacoma--1920-1930; Railroad tracks--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Canyada Lodge was located in LaGrande, south of Eatonville on Mountain Highway. The two-story building with dormer(s) featured columns of stone. It was designed by noted architects Heath & Gove and opened about 1912. Several cars are parked near the rustic lodge which was apparently built on an elevated lot. There appears to be a reservoir or lake close to the property. G30.1-051

Canyada Lodge (LaGrande); Lodges--LaGrande; Hotels--LaGrande;

This is believed to be the original LaGrande powerhouse as pictured in July of 1923. It had been built by (now) Tacoma Power in 1912 and was the first usage of hydroelectric power from the Nisqually River. The demand for electricity grew quickly and resulted in the construction of two dams to replace the LaGrande Dam in 1945: the Alder Dam and the new LaGrande Dam. According to Tacoma Power's Nisqually River Project data, the original powerhouse is still in operation. G24.1-092 (www.tacomapower.com/parksandpower/hydro_power/nisqually/project_history.htm)

Power plants--LaGrande; Hydroelectric power--LaGrande;

President Warren G. Harding and his wife visited Tacoma on July 5, 1923. A crowd estimated at 25,000 in the Stadium Bowl braved drizzling rain to give President Warren G. Harding and his wife a very warm welcome. Those in attendance had been asked to bring small American flags to wave upon the President's arrival in the Stadium. Thousands more had stood for hours on Pacific Avenue awaiting the Presidential special at Union Station. The Presidential party, including Cabinet Secretaries Herbert Hoover and Henry C. Wallace, motored to the Tacoma Hotel for a public reception after which President and Mrs. Harding visited the disabled veterans at Cushman Hospital prior to the Stadium appearance. The Hardings left Tacoma via the transport USS Henderson, which circled the bay close to Stadium, so that the crowds could give one last cheer. (TDL 7-5-23, p. 1) B8286; G68.1-074; TPL-901

Harding, Warren G.; Presidents--United States; Stadium Bowl (Tacoma); Guests--Tacoma--1920-1930; Crowds--Tacoma--1920-1930;

President Warren G. Harding, clutching his cane, was photographed in Tacoma on July 5, 1923, while on an hours-long visit to the city. The President was on his way to Alaska via the USS Henderson when he stopped in Tacoma. He was feted at a reception held at the elegant Tacoma Hotel and paid a visit to the US Veterans Hospital (Cushman) before being honored at the packed Stadium Bowl. President Harding never made another trip to Tacoma as he died 28 days later at the age of 57. TPL-5453

Harding, Warren G.; Presidents--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1920-1930; Guests--Tacoma--1920-1930;

President and Mrs. Warren G. Harding on a rainfilled July day in 1923 as the presidential party visited Tacoma for a brief five hours. Thousands had lined Pacific Avenue to greet the President and cheer his motorcade from Union Depot to the Tacoma Hotel. After a packed reception at the hotel, President Harding and wife Florence would travel to Stadium Bowl where he delivered a short speech. The President stood as his automobile circled the track, waving to the 25,000 spectators who had braved the drizzle and downpours to view the momentous occasion. (TNT 7-5-23, p. 1-article)

Harding, Warren G.; Presidents--United States; Guests--Tacoma--1920-1930; Harding, Florence;

Hand-tinted photograph of dreadnought. The battleship Tennessee, anchored in waters near Stadium Bowl, greets visiting President Warren G. Harding with a mighty 21-gun salute on July 5, 1923. The President was visiting Tacoma for a mere five hours before departing on the USS Henderson for Alaska. Some 25,000 people stood in the rain at Stadium Bowl to welcome President Harding and the presidential party. He, in turn, appeared touched at the vast outpouring of affection from Tacoma's residents and called Tacoma "City Beautiful." (TNT 7-5-23, p. 1-article)

Battleships--United States; Visits of state--Tacoma--1920-1930; Guests--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Three Nalley's delivery trucks are lined up outside the company plant on July 7, 1923. Two of the three drivers are visible behind the steering wheels. Nalley's trucks were decorated with the company's slogan, "If it's Nalley's it's Good." An uncropped version of this photograph ran in the Tacoma Sunday Ledger on July 15, 1923. Nalley's had added more Dodges to their fleet including a touring car and a panel business car (not pictured above) . They had accepted delivery from the Pierce County distributors of Dodge Bros. vehicles, Griffith Motor Co. Low upkeep expense and proven dependability were factors in choosing the Dodge Bros. brand. (print has been damaged) (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 7-15-23, 6-G)

Trucks--Tacoma--1920-1930; Nalleys, Inc. (Tacoma);

R.O.T.C. unit on maneuvers during the summer of 1923. Many men are standing on a bridge made out of logs while others wait onshore on tractors. Additional logs wait to be added to the bridge. 285 cadets underwent six weeks of training at Camp Lewis before departing for home on July 25th. G69.1-163

Bridges; Logs; Cadets--Camp Lewis; Military training--Camp Lewis; Reserve Officers Training Corps (Camp Lewis);

Machinery at Star Iron & Steel foundry at 435 E 11th St, Tacoma

Industries; Star Iron & Steel; Machinery; Tideflats;

Machinery at Star Iron &Steel Foundry at 435 E 11th St, Tacoma

Industries; Star Iron & Steel; Machinery; Tideflats

Walker Cut Stone Co. operations. Walker Cut Stone had just completed building a new plant located at 2403 Center St. in 1923. Workers are shown plying their trade on July 16, 1923. Walker Cut Stone supplied the tons of Wilkeson sandstone used in the construction of Olympia's Temple of Justice and its stone would be used in the Bank of California building and the Walker Apartments. The hard surfaced stone was brought in from the Company's quarry near Wilkeson, cut to size with a stone saw, milled into a shape and hand carved into finished shape with ornamentation. Prior to Robert Walker, no one had been able to utilize the hard stone. He designed special tools for cutting the stone. TPL-9101; G33.1-113

Walker Cut Stone Co. (Tacoma); Building materials industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;