Several barely visible small children, huddled in shrubbery, appeared fascinated by the upside down Joe Lyons Bus Company vehicle involved in an accident at 7:30 a.m. on July 21, 1924. The bus was bound from Dash Point to Tacoma, a scenic half-hour ride, when it plunged off the highway, overturned twice, and came to rest approximately 100 feet below the road. Four men were injured in the accident, none seriously. The bus made regular stops at several points of interest including the Milwaukee shops, the Todd Shipyards and Browns Point. (TNT 7-21-24, p. 1) G66.1-023

Buses--Dash Point; Traffic accidents--Dash Point;

Several small boys and an an adult pause at the site of an early morning bus accident that occurred on July 21, 1924. A Joe Lyons Bus Co. vehicle had left the Dash Point Rd. at the scene above, flipping over twice, and landing upside down in woods about 100 feet below the road surface. The bus was making one of its usual runs from Dash Point to Tacoma where it let off workers at the Milwaukee Shops, Todd Shipyards and Port Commission docks as well as other points. Fortunately all injuries were relatively minor. G25.1-019

Buses--Dash Point; Traffic accidents--Dash Point; Children--Dash Point;

Aboard the "City of Steilacoom" ferry. This is believed to be the car holding area of the new ferry as pictured above on July 21, 1924. She had a 30-car capacity. The "City of Steilacoom" was designed to replace the present ferry operating between Long Branch and Steilacoom. She was 110-feet long with a 34-foot beam and could travel at 14 mph. G66.1-095 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 4-13-24, A-11-article)

Ferries;

Miss Tacoma, Chonita Lazelle Rudides (center), and her maids of honor smile for the camera on July 21, 1924. The seven very modestly dressed young women are standing on the steps of an unidentified building. Dropped waistlines were in style with straight silhouettes and hemlines falling to mid-calf or ankle length. Miss Rudides was chosen as Miss Tacoma from a field of 15 contestants representing the city's improvement clubs. Born in Madrid, Spain, she was the daughter of an Army surgeon, and came to Tacoma from St. Louis, where she graduated from high school. Included in her court, in no order, were Hazel Hayden, Marion Johnson, Sarah Cook, Mercedes Durant, Jeanne Wolner and Esther Purcell. G42.1-139 (TNT 6/21/1924, pg. 2)

Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1920-1930; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1920-1930; Rudides, Chonita Lazelle;

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

Industries; Star Iron & Steel; Machinery; Tideflats

Map of Fircrest Golf Club Course on display on July 25, 1924. The new private golf course would open the next day, July 26th. The map shows the layout of the course, including hole lengths and location of the 5-acre practice field, pro shop and misc. buildings. The site of the clubhouse was moved to a more central position from the outskirts of the clubgrounds which necessitated a change in numbering of the holes. Although the map shows the Fircrest Golf Course to be 18-holes, it would open using only nine holes. The golf club was designed by noted golf architect, A. (Arthur) Vernon Macan of Victoria, B.C. The course measured 6,455 yards with a par of 70. G54.1-013 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 5-4-24, 4-C-article) TPL-10255

Maps; Golf--Fircrest--1920-1930;

Engraved cups on display at the Tacoma Yacht Club in July of 1924. An American flag, at that time with only 48 stars, is hung behind the trophies. This display was set up for the 4th of July. TPL-7182; G14.1-045

Awards; Flags--United States; Tacoma Yacht Club (Tacoma);

Tacomans opened their hearts and donated bags of used clothing, totaling 16,000 pounds, for the "Near East Relief" effort in July of 1924. People were asked to bring clothing to various "bundle stations" on Wednesday, July 23rd. Two unidentified men are pictured above a week later standing on top of a mountain of bagged clothing outside the doors of a Navy Recruiting Station, presumably one of the aforementioned "bundle" collection points. The used clothing would be transported, via many Tacoma firms, to the freighter Virginia V bound for Seattle where it would be reloaded and shipped overseas to Armenian refugees. G21.1-171 (TDL 8-2-24, p. 4-article)

Clothing relief--Tacoma; Signs (Notices);

Two Whitworth Transfer & Storage Co. trucks are spilling over with bundles of used clothing collected during a one-day relief drive in July of 1924. Local residents were asked to contribute whatever clothing they could spare to send toward needy recipients in the "Near East." The clothing was then bagged in preparation for transport. Whitworth Transfer was one of many Tacoma firms who donated their services for the drive to collect clothing for Armenian refugees. A record shipment of 16,000 pounds was collected and departed on August 1, 1924, via the freighter Virginia V for Seattle where the clothing would be reloaded and shipped overseas on U.S. transports. The four workers next to the truck in the foreground were not identified. On the right of the photograph were William Worthington, in charge of relief efforts in Tacoma, and general manager of Whitworth Transfer, C. McA Logan. G66.2-117 (TDL 8-2-24, p. 4)

Trucks--Tacoma--1920-1930; Clothing relief--Tacoma; Worthington, William; Logan, C. McA;

A 1925 Chandler closed automobile was on display at Richardson Motor Co. in July of 1924. The vehicle was balanced on beams and bore the sign "1925 Chandler Equal Weight on all Four Wheels." It was kept constantly in motion by the use of a sewing machine motor. Hundreds of passersby stopped by the sales window of Richardson Motors, 734 Broadway, to view the unusual attraction. The demonstration sought to prove that the car would ride smoother, have less skid, and would be easier to handle. The car's manufacturer, the Chandler Motor Co., was the largest auto maker in Cleveland in the early 1920's. G11.1-042 (TDL 7-13-24, 12-G)

Chandler automobile; Signs (Notices); Richardson Motor Co. (Tacoma);

Harry F. Demers, mailman, on his route. Mr. Demers, Mailman #82, mail in hand and bulging bag over his shoulder, has apparently just left his branch in July of 1924. The post office is believed to have been the South Tacoma station then at 5446 South Union (South Tacoma Way) . Postman Demers was assigned to deliver the first mail to the Arlington district. This was his first regular route since being employed by the post office earlier in the year. Due to the effects of increased mail service since July 1st, 500 more homes have received delivery of mail directly to their doors. G42.1-119 (TNT 7-9-24, p. 15)

Postal service--Tacoma--1920-1930; Correspondence; Letter carriers--Tacoma--1920-1930; Postal service employees--Tacoma--1920-1930; Demers, Harry F.;

Display of concrete pipes stored outside the Harrison Concrete Pipe Co. at the end of July, 1924. Pipes, wire and wood fill the plant's yard. The company was believed to have been located at 3615 East "B" in Tacoma. G33.1-094

Pipes (Conduits); Pipe industry--Tacoma--1920-1930;

The USS Omaha at anchor in Commencement Bay at the end of July, 1924. The Omaha had streamed into the Bay on Monday, July 28th, for a week's stay. The 550-foot "scout cruiser" was accompanied by a squadron of six destroyers. She was the first of a ten-ship class of 7050-ton light cruisers. Omaha was built by Todd Dry Dock of Tacoma and launched on December 14, 1920. She would spend the next 17 years after her commissioning in 1923 serving in both the Pacific and Atlantic areas and would take an active role during WWII. G71.1-026 (www.history.navy.mil; TNT 7-24-24, p. 1-article)

Government vessels;

Columbarium. This has been identified as the new columbarium attached to the Oakwood Cemetery & Funeral Home in Tacoma. With the increase in cremations, an additional columbarium was built in 1923 to supplement the original small one. The niches, stacked one on top of another, were encased in glass where urns and other mementos could be clearly viewed. A few bits of furniture were placed for those who wished to rest while paying their respects. The building is still in use nearly ninety years after this August, 1924, photograph was taken. The furniture, however, has changed. G26.1-123 (Additional information provided by a reader) TPL-10527

Columbaria--Tacoma; Cemeteries--Tacoma; Oakwood Cemetery & Funeral Home (Tacoma);

Crematorium at Oakwood (Hill) Cemetery & Funeral Home. One of Tacoma's oldest businesses, Oakwood (Hill) Cemetery & Funeral Home has operated since 1874 at its 5210 South Alder Location, the first burial taking place during that year. It and Old Tacoma were then one large cemetery called Prairie Cemetery. All funeral services were offered at Oakwood (Hill) including cremation. In 1908 a crematory and small columbarium (the lower building at center, right) were built. With cremation gaining increasing favor with the public, an addition to the original building was added in 1923. That newer building (in the center) still has space for inurnments. It also has one of the few domes in Tacoma, with over 2000 individual pieces of stained glass. G26.1-124 (Additional information provided by a reader)

Oakwood Cemetery & Funeral Home (Tacoma); Morgues & mortuaries--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Mooring mast under construction in August of 1924. This 165-foot mooring mast was specially built by the Navy for the October 18-19, 1924, arrival of the dirigible "Shenandoah" at Camp Lewis. The "Shenandoah," a copy of the German Zeppelin, was the first rigid airship built in America. She would suffer a tragic end in September of 1925 when she was ripped apart during a thunderstorm over Ohio. The mooring mast was built at a cost of $60,000 for this singular visit and although maintained, was never used again. It was dismantled at the request of the Army in 1936. G12.1-108

Mooring masts; Airships--Associated objects;

Two unidentified men gaze at giant wheel constructed at Coast Iron & Machine Works, 1117 Dock St., in August of 1924. The machinery firm was operated by J.A. McRae and R.C.McRae. G35.1-088

Coast Iron & Machine Works (Tacoma);

In August of 1924 the Tacoma Rotary Club sponsored 60 boys from Tacoma so that they could spend a week at Camp Seymour, the Y.M.C.A. camp at Glen Cove. This group of unidentified boys was photographed in front of the Y.M.C.A. building at 714 Market Street. Through gymnasium games, swimming, camping and Bible study, the Y worked to develop young men healthy in both body and spirit. The "bus" provided transportation to the Y.M.C.A. for many groups of boys, such as those from the Oakland Industrial Home. The Tacoma YMCA was organized in 1883 and has provided continuous service since that time. TPL-8753

Young Mens Christian Association (Tacoma);

Located ten miles south of Tacoma on Pacific Highway SW , Mammy's Cabin offered 1/2 Fried Spring Chicken on toast for a mere 50 cents. Their chicken and steak dinners were worth a drive on the "Camp Lewis Highway." Dozens of wooden tables and benches were available for dining alfresco under the grove of pine trees behind the small wood-framed restaurant. A huge log fire, seen smoking, continuously burned so patrons could gather around and converse. A phonograph with plenty of records was available on the porch so diners could select their own music. Mammy's Cabin, owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Carrier, was open late each evening for those with fried chicken appetites. (scan from negative, no print on file) TPL-10530 (TNT 08-07-1924, B3)

Mammy's Cabin (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1920-1930;

The view around South 11th in downtown Tacoma has changed dramatically since this photograph of the Pierce County Courthouse, located at 1012 South "G" St., was taken in August of 1924. The lush trees are gone and the buildings altered or demolished, including the courthouse itself in 1959. The lawn on the left side of the street is now part of Bates Technical College and the wooden sidewalk directly across it transformed into ordinary cement. The wood building at the corner of South 11th & Altheimer remains but now houses the CJ Johnson Bail Bonds. Where the courthouse once stood is now parking for the County-City Building. TPL-3269; G17.1-081

Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma; Streets--Tacoma--1920-1930;

View of the Pierce County Courthouse in 1924 featuring the 230-foot stone clock tower. The massive Romanesque structure was built in 1892 and was patterned after the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania courthouse designed by Henry Hobson Richardson. At the far left is the First Presbyterian Church, 1001 South "G," which would be acquired the following year and transformed into Central Lutheran Church. Both structures and surrounding trees would be demolished with the courthouse falling in 1959 and the church in 1955. G17.1-078; BU-10,713

Pierce County Courthouse (Tacoma); Courthouses--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

Employees of the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. crowd onto the small boat, "Lathea," on August 4, 1924, while others in back wait aboard the "Fossberg." G50.1-063

Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma)--Employees; Boats--Tacoma--1920-1930; Piers & wharves--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Small boat under construction at Babare Mfg. Co. site in August of 1924. The Babare brothers, George & Nick, were pioneer shipbuilders with original plant in Old Town. They had moved their facility to 3517 E. 11th St. along the Hylebos Waterway. G37.1-106

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

On August 12, 1924, representatives from five families of Eastern Montana dry farmers were photographed at the Tacoma Municipal Dock. The families were relocating to farms purchased in Vaughn, on the eastern shore of the Case Inlet in Northern Pierce County. The men had arrived with a large boxcar filled with household goods, farm implements and even two cows. They were waiting to have the goods transferred to the steamer Burrows for the final leg of their journey. Pictured left to right are C. Blydorp, John W. Walniewicz, Johnny Vanlamen, Charles Vitol, Ed Vanlamen and Hank Vandervan. The men had purchased farms in Vaughn on the recommendation of one farmer who had visited the Puget Sound the Christmas before. Most of the party of 14 persons had never seen the Puget Sound or the land they would soon call home. (TNT 8/13/1924, pg. 15) G72.1-154

Colonists--Vaughn; Homesteading; Farms--Vaughn; Farming--Vaughn; Blydorp, C.; Walniewicz, John W.; Vanlamen, Johnny; Vitol, Charles; Vanlamen, Ed; Vandervan, Hank;

By August of 1924, construction of the massive First Presbyterian Church at 20 Tacoma Avenue South was well underway. Ground had been broken in October of 1923 and the cornerstone laid in early May of 1924. The church, located in the historic Stadium District, was the third building for its congregation. The local architectural firm of Sutton, Whitney & Dugan were given the contract to design this beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. They were assisted by noted Boston church architects, Cram & Ferguson. Ralph Adams Cram would design the church's interior features including the rich wood carvings and stained glass windows. First Presbyterian was dedicated in September of 1925. TPL-516; G22.1-201; BU-11,528

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930;

On August 13, 1924, Mayor A.V. Fawcett was pictured shaking hands with the driver of a Ford touring car who was promoting traveling on the Lincoln Highway from New York to San Francisco. The Lincoln Highway was America's first transcontinental highway created with the car in mind. The era of dirt roads was to end, superceded by concrete roads that made traveling easier and encouraged purchase of automobiles. This car, piloted by race driver Frank Kulich, was the 10,000,000th Ford car to roll off the assembly line. The number 10,000,000 is stamped on its engine. It arrived in Tacoma at 2:30 pm and headed a procession of some 100 Fords to end at City Hall. After an overnight stopover, the 10,000,000th Ford left en route to Seattle. TPL-157; G11.1-053 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 8-10-24, 10-G-article; TDL 8-14-24, p. 3-article)

Fawcett, Angelo Vance; Mayors--Tacoma--1920-1930; Ford automobile; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

Mason Methodist Community House. By August of 1924, construction was underway at the new Mason Methodist Community House, a community hall, adjoining the church at 4008 North 28th St. Groundbreaking had occurred on May 20th. The new $25,000 hall, designed by architects Heath, Gove & Bell, would be dedicated in November of 1924. TPL-495; G22.1-131 (TNT 5-22-24, p. 14-article on groundbreaking)

Mason Methodist Church (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930;