A truck-mounted crane was used to lift a huge roof truss into position as a new shipyard building went up on the Tacoma tideflats in July of 1942. The Petrich Shipbuilding Corporation had just signed a number of new contracts with the U.S. government to build ships for the war. The new building, on the former site of the Vermont Marble Company, was 150 feet wide and 400 feet deep, running from the waterfront back to East D St. The 11th Street bridge is visible on the left through the line of roof trusses, and the Tacoma skyline can be seen in the background. (TNT 5/12/1942 p.1) Note: Negative released to Michigan Power Shovel Company, Benton Harbor, Michigan.

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

In July of 1942, a power crane was being used to lift a roof truss into position as a new shipyard, Petrich Shipbuilding Corp., rose from the ground on the former Vermont Marble Company site. (11th Street Bridge, city skyline in background.) The shipyard was a project of Martin Petrich and his four enterprising sons, who also owned Western Boatbuilding. The new company already held a contract for six special wooden ships for the Army. The entire plant would be covered and adjoin the shop of the Western Machine Co. Note: Negative released to Michigan Power Shovel Company, Benton Harbor, Michigan. (TT 8/5/1942, pg. 3)

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

Power cranes putting up truss in new shipyard, Petrich Shipbuilding Corp., on former Vermont Marble Company site. 11th Street Bridge, city skyline in background. This was the second of two yards operated by the Petrich family. The other was Western Boatbuilding on the Tideflats. During the war, the original yard (Western) built boats for the Navy, while this new yard focused on wooden Army transport vessels. Note: Negative released to Michigan Power Shovel Company, Benton Harbor, Michigan.

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

Laying of first keel at Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation. Governor Clarence Martin, center, Seattle Mayor Arthur Langlie, 2nd from right, and Tacoma Mayor J. J. Kaufman, far right, with other dignitaries attended the March 5, 1940 event. (T. Times)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Martin, Clarence D.--1887-1955; Governors; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Mayors--Seattle; Kaufman, Joseph J., Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Laying of first keel at Tacoma-Seattle Shipbuilding Corporation. Group of 10 women dressed in fur-trimmed coats and hats. (T. Times)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation baseball team at Midland; taken on May 26, 1940. (filed with Argentum)

Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma)--Employees; Baseball players--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Laying of destroyer keel for "Hull #3," to be built at Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) Shipbuilding Corporation, Seattle facility.

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

Launching of the Cape Alva at Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Co. on August 1, 1940. Cape Alva of Tacoma was the name given to the first vessel launched at the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation. The ship was the largest Tacoma-built vessel since World War I and was the first of 5 merchant ships. She was built in near record time and launched four months after the keel was laid. The 416-foot motorship was named for the promontory of land which lies 20 miles south of Cape Flattery on the Washington seacoast. It is the site of the Ozette Indian Reservation. (T. Times 7/18/1940, pg. 1) TPL-8801

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

Employees of the Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Co. pose proudly prior to the launch of their second vessel, the Cape Flattery. The Cape Flattery was the second of five contracted vessels. It was named after the location of the most northwestern United States lighthouse, where the Puget Sound joins the sea. Workers were understandably proud, the vessel was built in record time.

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

Launch of Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Co. Hull #3, the Cape Cleare. The launch was held November 29, 1940 and was not open to the public. The Cape Cleare was the 3rd of a quintet of 415 foot merchant motorships contracted by the U.S. Maritime Commission. All five would be identical cargo vessels with room for eight passengers plus a crew of 40, built at a cost of $2, 125,00 each. The ultra modern vessels were welded steel throughout. The keel for third vessel was laid August 7th and it was scheduled for completion late in February. The Cape Cleare was named after a prominent headland in Alaska. Mrs. William E. Boeing was the sponsor. TPL-1851 (T. Times 11/12/1940, pg. 1)

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

Martinac Shipbuilding. An ariel view of the Martinac Shipbuilding company. Two boats are currently under construction; Hull No. 110, a 100 foot tuna clipper and Hull No. 111, an 80 foot yacht being built for a local attorney. The company now has a crew of 50 regulars and are hoping to expand that number to 100 shortly. (T.Times, 8/30/1946, p.7) TPL-8910

J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts; Piers & wharves--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Boat, the "Defiance". The Defiance was an all-welded, steel tuna seiner built for Ted Lucich by Tacoma Boatbuilding. Unlike a tuna clipper, the Defiance carried a net 2,550 feet long and 225 feet wide to catch fish. The cost was estimated at $240,000. (TNT, 2/17/1948, p.7) TPL-8945

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

Tacoma Boat. A view of the interior of the "Defiance" featuring all the modern communications equipment and berths for the captain and his staff. A microphone stands next to the table and chair. A chart table and chart storage are shown in the lower left corner. A two-way radio hangs over the chart table. TPL-8954

Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Communication devices; Radios; Intercommunication systems; Radiophones;

Tacoma Boat. A view of the interior of the "Defiance" showing the cooking end of the galley. A large, two-door refrigerator stands next to the stove. The stove has metal rails around the cooking surface to help keep pots in place when the ship would roll under high winds. TPL-8949

Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Galleys (Ship kitchens); Refrigerators; Cupboards--Tacoma--1940-1950; Industrial design; Stoves--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Boat. A view of the interior of the "Defiance" featuring the helm and the pilot house.The wheel is connected to a shaft and the rudder. Windows curve around the cabin for the greatest visibility. The door to the outside of boat is shaped to fit the shape of the cabin and the door is set up from the floor to keep water from coming in when the door is opened. TPL-8950

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

Reuben C.Carlson's new 80 foot yacht is out for its water trials. The craft was built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding. Reuben C. Carlson, an attorney, was Vice president of Tacoma Transit Company, Secretary of J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding and Secretary of Tacoma Marine Supply Inc.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma); Yachts--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Pacific Boat Building Company, sea trials of "Sun King". Sun King, a 112 foot x 26.5 foot x 14 foot tuna clipper, was owned by Joseph Fernandes and Sun Harbor Packing Company. She was a sister ship of Sun Voyager. Pacific Fisherman Yearbook 1948, p.301 & p.320. She carried a 550 hp Washington Iron Works diesel motor, cost $300,000. Robert Breskovich, with Pacific Boat, said she possessed the most modern equipment including a Sperry gyroscope. (T.Times, 7/16/1947, p.9) TPL-8931

Pacific Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ship trials--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Puget Sound Boat Building Company. The sponsor of the boat stands with the wrapped bottle of champagne and long-stemmed roses ready for the launching. She is wearing a corsage of three gardenias and a stylish hat that curves over her forehead on one side.

Puget Sound Boat Building Corp. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts;

Puget Sound Boat Building Company. A tug boat, the Peter Foss, is assisting the newly launched boat to the dock. Pieces of scrap lumber float around the boat. Old City Hall's tower can be seen above the boat. TPL-8934

Puget Sound Boat Building Corp. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts; Tugboats--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The partially built wooden hulls of at least four vessels can be seen in the two boat sheds of the Tacoma Boat Building Company in this photograph from October of 1945. Scaffolding is set up around each hull for workers to stand on while easing the timbers of the hull into shape. After the war the smaller boat building companies in Tacoma returned to building fishing boats and pleasure craft. They also found work converting mine sweepers into commercial fishing boats. Successful for many years, Tacoma Boat began to struggle in the 1980s; the Tacoma Boat Building Co. finally closed in the late 1990s. TPL-5547

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

Tacoma Boat yard shots. At least two hulls are under construction in the boat sheds at Tacoma Boat Building Company. As of August 1946 Tacoma Boat had turned out more than 90 hulls since the latter part of 1940. TPL-5547, TPL-8902

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

Process photo of boat under construction.

Pacific Boat. Pan Pacific, a 103 foot salmon and tuna seiner, was built for Andrew Kuljis. She had an 830 hp Enterprise engine. She is out for her water trials. This view shows her starboard side with one upper deck. (Pacific Fisherman Yearbook 1949, p. 82 ans 171) TPL-8960

Pacific Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ship trials--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Scarlet Queen is owned by Arne Strom and Cecil Drake from San Diego, California, Strom is co-owner of Tacoma Boat and the managing partner for this tuna clipper. Tony Dutra is the skipper of the ship, he will have a crew of 18 fishermen, and Walter Darruss is the chief engineer. All tuna caught will be sent to the French Sardine Company of San Diego for packing. View of "Scarlet Queen" cruising at a speed of 12 knots (T. Times, 6/14/48, p. 1). TPL-8961

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

Joannette II was built at Tacoma Boat Building Company's plant by C. R. Martinolich in his spare time. The boat is a 42 foot bridge deck cruiser, with her top speed at 14 knots. The "Joannette ll" was launched on the 15th birthday of Mr. Martinolich's daughter, Joan, who also got to christen the vessel. The power boat is named after Mr. Martinolich's two daughters, Joan and Annette. The boat has been entered into the 17th annual International Cruiser Race from Tacoma to Vancouver, British Columbia (T. Times, 6/28/48, p. 3; TNT 6-28-1948, p. 10)

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boats--Tacoma; Ships--Tacoma; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Martinolich, Carl R.;

Western Boat Building Co. was owned and operated by the Petrich family. They were working on government and commercial contracts. View of ship's covered deck with covered compartments. Ventilation machinery on upper left side. TPL-8891

Decks (Ships); HVAC systems; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Launching of "Hustler." A group of dignitaries are on hand at Western Boat for the launching of the fishing boat, the "Hustler," on June 6, 1945. The sponsors and their families are on a raised stage. Signs for U.S. Navy are on either side of the steps up to the stage. The ship's owner was R. Tom Muchlinski.

Launchings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Western Boat Building Co. (Tacoma);

Men survey the massive fire damage to the Tacoma Boat Building Company's boatworks on August 24, 1951. Twelve land companies and the city's fireboat were called to battle the extensive blaze; however, due to the large amounts of dry materials present, the firemen were unable to save the construction yard of five connecting buildings. Damages were estimated by Fire Chief Charles Eisenbacher at approximately one million dollars. It was Tacoma's sixth major fire of 1951. Owners Haldor Dahl and Arne Strom shortly after announced plans for a new plant on Sitcum Waterway to replace the City Waterway installation; the main building would be 244 feet by 300 feet plus an additional large machine shop and spacious office building. (TNT 8-24-51, p. 1, TNT 10-7-51, B-2) TPL-9119

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

This new fishing boat launched by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. has a large dining room with three tables and charis. The windows are covered with draperies and storage has been built in at the far end of the room that could also could be used for recreation. Ordered by Martinac Shipbuilding.

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

The galley aboard a new fishing boat built by J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. She is possibly the "Royal Pacific" that was launched at Martinac May 5, 1951. Ordered by Martinac Shipbuilding. The cabinets and tile counters look very like a residential kitchen. (TNT, 5/6/1951, p.B-2; 5/8/1951, p.3) TPL-9042

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