ca. 1943. W.A.A.C. (Women's Army Auxiliary Corps) enrollees on way to school in Iowa. Three women standing beside Liberty Center building circa 1943. One woman is dressed in military uniform.

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (Tacoma);

In an effort to speed up the transportation of workers to the shipyards, the city of Tacoma constructed two of these covered bus loading platforms on So. 10th St., between A and Pacific, in January of 1943.The covered platforms were used only for the loading of buses bound for the shipyards. Fares were collected as men entered the sheds, speeding up the loading process. (TNT 1/7/1943, pg. 1)

World War, 1939-1945--Transportation--Tacoma; Bus stops--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mass transit--1940-1950;

The Civil Defense "Block Ladies" met at Stewart School, in January of 1943. In order to disseminate information quicker and facilitate civil defense training, the city was divided into "blocks." Each block had one volunteer representative who attended meetings and was in charge of getting the information out to those residing in his/her section. The representative was usually a woman, since many men were either at war or working odd and long hours in the wartime industries.

World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma; Stewart Junior High School (Tacoma); Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Two wooden, covered bus loading platforms were built in January of 1943 on South 10th, between A Street & Pacific Avenue, in an effort to speed the transportation of workers to the shipyards located on the Tideflats. The sheds were to be used only in loading buses headed to the shipyards. Fares were collected when riders entered the enclosures, speeding up the loading process. The city-built structures were temporary and not meant for permanent use. The Anderson Building, home to Knapp College at 1001-05 Pacific Ave., can be seen in the background. (TNT 1/7/1943, pg. 1-alternate progress photograph)

World War, 1939-1945--Transportation--Tacoma; Bus stops--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mass transit--1940-1950; Anderson Building (Tacoma);

On January 13, 1980, Tacoma participated in the Pacific Northwest's first unexploded bomb drill. A "bomb" was found in each of Tacoma's eight civil defense zones and Army bomb disposal units and Public Works decontamination units were required to render them harmless. Here wardens inspect fragments of the unexploded 500 lb. bomb around the "crater" that it made at 9th and Broadway, in front of the Winthrop Hotel. (T. Times 1/14/1943, pg. 1)

World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma;

On January 13, 1943, Tacoma took part in the first unexploded bomb civil defense drill in the Pacific Northwest. Mock unexploded and gas "bombs" fell in each of the city's civil defense zones. At 9th & Broadway, facing the Winthrop Hotel, a genuine 500 pound bomb was planted in a manhole. Civil Defense workers blocked off the area, placing signs reading "UXB" and "Do Not Enter" on a Police Department folding barricade."UXB" stands for unexploded bomb. Man in a light colored military-type uniform stands by a Fire Truck in background. (T. Times 1/14/1943, pg. 1)

World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma;

In 1943, as war raged in Europe and the Pacific, Tacoma's civil defense workers and public works units practiced their response to an attack. On Wednesday night January 13th mock attacks hit each of the city's eight civilian defense zones. Boy Scouts became "evacuees" who had to be safely removed from areas threatened by unexploded bombs and contaminated with mustard gas. The Tacoma emergency preparedness drills were the first of their type held in the Pacific Northwest.(T. Times 1/14/1943, pg. 1)

World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma;

In January 1943, Tacoma took part in the first "unexploded bomb" drill to take place in the Pacific Northwest. Members of the city public works department donned gas masks and protective suits to "decontaminate" a section of St. Helens Ave. that was exposed to a mock mustard gas attack. A critique of the exercise was held at Civil Defense headquarters in the Armory afterward. Unexploded high explosive bombs and gas bombs "fell" in each of the city's eight designated civilian defense zones Wednesday night, January 13, 1943. (T. Times 1/14/1943 p.1)

World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma;

Several service men were photographed in January of 1943 leaving the USO building at 13th and Fawcett carrying skiing gear. They were on their way to Mount Rainier for a day of winter recreation. The women in the photograph may have been USO hostesses. This building is now the home of the Beacon Senior Center.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Military personnel--Tacoma--1940-1950; Skiers;

In January, 1943, buses are being loaded in front of the USO at South 13th and Fawcett Streets to take servicemen to Mount Rainier for a day of skiing. The USO provided entertainment for the many servicemen stationed in Pierce County during the war.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Ski party from 13th and Fawcett U.S.O. Military men and their escorts leave from the USO Club at 415 So. 13th carrying their ski gear. They will be boarding buses for Mt. Rainier for a day of winter fun.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

In January, 1943, a group of soldiers and their escorts, leaving from the USO at South 13th and Fawcett Streets, stand in line to get seats on buses that will take them to Mount Rainier for a day of skiing. The USO provided entertainment for the many servicemen stationed in Pierce County during the war.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

War Housing; Salishan project. During World War II, Tacoma flourished; its economy buoyed up by the large government contracts issued to the area shipyards. But the city did not have enough available housing for the large influx of needed defense workers as the yards began to run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In 1942, Tacoma entered into its most ambitious housing project to date, the 2000+ home Salishan. It was hurriedly being built on 188 acres on Tacoma's southeast side. 1600 of the units were intended to be permanent and 400 temporary.

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Housing developments--Tacoma--1940-1950; Salishan Housing Project (Tacoma);

This view of the Salishan housing development shows the massive project as it looked in January of 1943. In 1942-43, Tacoma undertook its largest development plan ever, a 2000+ dwelling plan on 188 acres on the southeast side intended to house defense workers. The housing development was named Salishan, a Native American word for the tribes of the area. 1,600 structures were to be permanent and 400 temporary. By January of 1943 some of the much needed housing was nearing completion, but not able to be occupied. Some items were still out for bid - including the sewers. [Also dated 02-09-1943] (T. Times 2/25/1943, pg. 31)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Housing developments--Tacoma--1940-1950; Salishan Housing Project (Tacoma);

War Housing; Salishan project. An individual structure is pictured at the Salishan housing project. Salishan was constructed in 1942-43 on 188 acres in southeast Tacoma. It was composed of 2000+ homes, intended to house defense workers. Some were single family dwellings, others duplexes or four-plexes. [Also dated 02-09-1943]

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Housing developments--Tacoma--1940-1950; Salishan Housing Project (Tacoma);

War Housing; Salishan project. In January of 1943, workers are photographed carrying sheets of plywood from a truck bed into the elevated doorway, the stairs had not yet been built, of an almost completed home at the Salishan development. The home is surrounded by a sea of mud. Salishan was designed to provide 2,000 + homes for area defense workers. The framework was up for the majority of them, and some like this one were ready for interiors. [Also dated 02-09-1943] (T.Times 2/25/1943, pg. 31)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Housing developments--Tacoma--1940-1950; Salishan Housing Project (Tacoma);

War Housing; Salishan project. An overview of many of the 2000 + planned structures being built. These single, duplex and fourplex houses were planned to house defense workers during World War II. They were never meant to be permanent, but many lasted until 2004 when they were torn down to construct new housing. They were built on a plain overlooking both the Sound and the mountain. The framework was up for the majority of the 2000, with some ready for interiors. The project was scheduled to be completed by the end of June. Boespflug Construction Co. was the contractor for 1600 of the units. [Also dated 02-09-1943] T.Times 2/25/1943, pg. 31

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Housing developments--Tacoma--1940-1950; Salishan Housing Project (Tacoma);

War Housing; Salishan project. The skeleton frames of new construction at Salishan can be seen in the background. Tacoma, unable to house all of the area's defense workers, had undertaken their largest housing project to date, a 2,000+ housing development on the east side. By January of 1943, some of the houses were almost completed, but no one was able to move in because there were no sewers. The sewers had not yet been built. [Also dated 02-09-1943]

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Housing developments--Tacoma--1940-1950; Salishan Housing Project (Tacoma);

Salvation Army volunteers serve up some sweet treats and java with a smile at the lunch counter located at the 13th & Fawcett USO Club. The USO depended heavily on volunteer labor and organizations, as well as individuals, were happy to help out entertaining the boys who would be going "over there."

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Portrait of Ted Bishop and his wife taken outside Turner Richards' Photography Studio. Mr. Bishop is wearing a sailor's uniform in this February, 1943 photograph.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Military personnel--Tacoma; Bishop, Ted--Family; Turner Richards Studio (Tacoma);

Publicity for U.S.O. Open House. Three enlisted men, one sailor and two soldiers, on the steps outside the U.S.O. The sign on the building reads "Federal Recreation Building." Tacomans were invited to tour the four USO Clubs in celebration of the one year anniversary of the completion of two of the clubs. The sailor in the center is believed to be Charles Bryant of Tacoma.

World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

February 7, 1943 was the first anniversary of the completion of two of Tacoma's four USOs. To celebrate, special programs were scheduled at all of the centers. The four USOs were at So. 13th and Fawcett (415 So. 13th), 4851 South Tacoma Way, So. 13th and Pacific (1221-23 Pacific Ave.) and 713-715 Commerce. Tacomans were urged to attend so that they could see for themselves the results of their contributions to the War Chest. The sailor at the far left is Yeoman Third Class Charles Bryant of Tacoma. The other two military men are Sgt. Mike Bachik of Trenton, N.J. and Pvt. Thomas F. Downes of Camden, N.J. (TNT 02/07/1943 p.1)

World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Bryant, Charles; Bachik, Mike; Downes, Thomas F.;

In 1943, the US Department of Labor proposed that manpower be conserved by preventing accidents. In recognition of the National Conservation of Manpower through Accident Prevention Week, a group of Tacomans was studying advanced safety measures to be used in plants. They were inspecting and touring 12 of Tacoma's larger vital plants. The group is pictured visiting Birchfield Boiler and posing at the bow of a military ship under construction. Names listed in the newspaper. (T.Times, 2/22/1943, p. 3)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Industrial safety--Tacoma; Birchfield Boiler, Inc. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Piers & wharves--Tacoma;

State and local education officials observe some of the work being performed by the students at the Clover Park vocational center in Lakewood. The center was constructed to train workers in the skills needed in the defense industries.

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Clover Park High School (Lakewood); Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950;

State and local education leaders and Army officers pose at the February 13, 1943 opening of the "mechanic learner" program at the Clover Park vocational shop. The program will train women to work as mechanics at the Mount Rainier Ordnance Depot. Over 30 women were enrolled in the first class. (T. Times 2/18/1943, pg. 2)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Clover Park High School (Lakewood); Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Government officials visiting Clover Park High School. Classroom with adults seated at desks. Many women are dressed in coveralls and are wearing bandanas. Clover Park offered a program for civilian and military education related to the war effort .

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Clover Park High School (Lakewood); Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Government officials visiting Clover Park High School. Classroom with adults seated at desks. Many women are dressed in coveralls and are wearing bandanas. Clover Park offered a program for civilian and military education related to the war effort .

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Clover Park High School (Lakewood); Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On February 16, 1943, twenty one women took up wrenches and became the first females to study auto mechanics at the brand new Clover Park Vocational School plant. On hand for the opening ceremonies and photographed in the hands-on classroom were, left to right, Lt. C.L. Booth, Capt. F.A. Rose, Ed Erickson, Mrs. Pearl Wanamaker and A.G. Hudtloff. The Clover Park plant was designed to train women in predominantly male vocations and guarantee them placement in the war industries on completion, thus freeing men for fighting duty. (TNT 2/17/1943, pg. 19)

World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Clover Park High School (Lakewood); Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950;

State and local education leaders and Army officers pose on February 13, 1943 at the opening of the Clover Park vocational shop program to train women as mechanics for the Mount Rainier Ordnance Depot. Thirty women were enrolled in the "mechanic learner program." Present at the opening were, left to right, Capt. E.A. Rose, Olai Hageness, John Maas, Iva Alice Mann, Sam Rehn, Mrs. H.E. Liebe, Lt. C. L. Booth, Mrs. Pearl Wanamaker, Ed Erickson and A.G. Hudtloff. (T.Times, 2/18/1943, p. 2)

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Clover Park High School (Lakewood); Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On February 16, 1943, the Clover Park Vocational School began its first classes for women learning to be auto mechanics. This pictured group checking under the hood of a dented military vehicle was on hand for the opening ceremonies. They are, left to right, Lt. C.L. Booth, Capt. F.A. Rose, Ed Erickson, Mrs. Pearl Wanamaker and A.G. Hudtloff. There were 21 women in the first class. (TNT 2/17/1943, pg. 19) TPL-10379

World War, 1939-1945--Women--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Economic & industrial aspects--Tacoma; Clover Park High School (Lakewood); Public schools--Tacoma--1940-1950;