A close-up of insulated caustic evaporation tanks and piping at Hooker Chemical. The Tacoma plant was expanded in 1950 and was fully operational by Januray 1951. The increase in production helped the company meet enlarged requirements of its current customers and to supply several important new consumers with caustic soda and liquid chlorine. (Hooker Electrochemical Company Annual Report, 1950)

Chemical industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma);

Hooker Chemical Company. The main gate of the Hooker Electrochemical Company and its brick buildings as they appeared in August, 1951. Hooker Electrochemical opened their Tacoma plant in 1928. Hooker, along with the Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Company, supplied the Pacific Northwest pulp and paper industry with the means to bleach and refine wood pulp. Hooker products were also used to manufacture soap and refine petroleum products. The Hooker plant on the Tideflats had several expansions before its sale to Pioneer Companies, Inc., in 1997.

Chemical industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Tank cars are being loaded at the Hooker Electrochemical Company's main gate on Alexander Avenue on the Tideflats. Hooker began operations in Tacoma in 1929 and the plant underwent several large expansions before being sold to Pioneer Companies, Inc., in 1997. Along with the Pennsylvania Salt Company, Hooker Electrochemical was a large producer of chlorine and caustic soda, supplying the Pacific Northwest's pulp and paper industry. Low cost electricity, abundant water supply, and easily accessible transportation attracted several chemical plants to the area, and later drew companies making use of by-products from the original plants or new products developed for established firms. TPL-8685

Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Railroad tank cars--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Hooker Electro-Chemical parking area. One of the buildings at the far end of the parking lot and the water tower remind workers of "Safety First". Hylebos waterway can be seen in the background as well as cranes used for loading and unloading materials from ships and barges.

Chemical industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma);

Hooker Electrochemical parking area. This view shows the Hylebos waterway and a ship moored at the company's dock. Railroad tracks run through the plant to make more transportation accessible. TPL-2489.

Chemical industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma);

ca. 1952. Interiors new anhydrous ammonia plant, Hooker Electrochemical. The new $2 million plant was completed in May of 1952. The plant had an output of 40 tons every 24 hours. Eighteen men were employed in the plant, which operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The plant began operation in June of 1952 with its entire production already contracted for. Plans were made immediately for a $6 million dollar expansion. (TNT 10-19-1952)

Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Factories--Tacoma--1950-1960; Chemical industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior at new ammonia plant, Hooker Electrochemical. In the plant, hydrogen and nitrogen are mixed in the proper proportion for anhydrous ammonia, subjected to 5,000 pounds to a square inch pressure and then sent to a converter and combined to make the gas. The ammonia is placed in storage tanks outside the plant to await shipment. Shipment is done entirely by railroad tank car. Each car holds 26 tons. (TNT 10-19-1952)

Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Factories--Tacoma--1950-1960; Chemical industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Hooker Chemical operations. Another in a series of October, 1964, photographs of Hooker Chemical Co. operations at the company's Tideflats site. Worker in hard hat pictured in the act of spraying onto the enormous mound of salt. Salt, steeple on building and smokestack reflected in the adjoining pond. Hooker Chemical in Tacoma was the headquarters of the company's Western Division. According to the company's 1964 annual report, Hooker's role as a major supplier of chemicals to the pulp and paper industry substantially increased during the year and it was anticipated that sales would continue to rise. Photograph ordered by Hooker Chemical for annual report. (1964 Hooker Chemical Corp. annual report, p. 10)

Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Hooker Chemical Co. operations. Color photograph taken in October, 1964, of Hooker Chemical employee in hard hat spraying large piles of salt on company property. This particular scene is very similar to D142933-15. The salt is reflected in the adjoining pool of water. The huge pulp and paper industry in the Pacific Northwest created large new demands for pulp bleaching chemicals. Photograph ordered by Hooker Chemical Co. for annual report. (1964 Hooker Chemical Corp. annual report, p. 10)

Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1960-1970;

ca. 1932. Hooker Electrochemical Company, machine room, circa 1932. Kroeshell carbonic system. (filed with Argentum)

Chemical industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma);

Exterior of new anhydrous ammonia plant at Hooker Electrochemical, completed in May of 1952. The ammonia produced here was used by the Northwest's paper and pulp mills and fertilizer and explosive manufacturers. It was shipped entirely by tank car, each car held 26 tons. On completion of the plant, the entire production of 40 tons every 24 hours was already contracted for. The plant was slated for an immediate $6 million dollar expansion that would increase production by half. (TNT 10-19-1952)

Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior of new anhydrous ammonia plant at Hooker Electrochemical, completed in May of 1952. Ammonia in gaseous form is composed of three parts of hydrogen to one of nitrogen. In the plant, the hydrogen and nitrogen are mixed in the proper proportion, subjected to 5,000 pounds to a square inch pressure and then sent to a converter and combined to make ammonia. The ammonia is placed in storage tanks outside the plant to await shipment by tank car. (TNT 10-19-1952)

Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;

On August 25, 1951, the open front gates of the Hooker Electrochemical Company framed the flagpole in front of the company's administrative buildings. The ornate gates were attached to brick pillars and the company name was clearly listed in wrought iron on top. Hooker had its plant on the Tacoma tideflats at 605 Alexander Avenue. Established in Tacoma in 1929, it underwent several expansions before it was sold in 1997 to Pioneer Companies, Inc. Hooker Electrochemical was one of the area's largest chemical companies. TPL-4445

Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Gates--Tacoma; Flagpoles--Tacoma;

Expansion continues at the Hooker Electrochemical Company's Tideflats plant in August, 1951. Steel reinforcing and footing for a new building are being installed. Hooker began operations in Tacoma in 1929 and constantly remodeled and expanded in order to handle their growing business. Along with Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Company of Washington, Hooker supplied the Pacific Northwest pulp and paper industry with caustic soda and chlorine. Hooker tank cars can be seen in the photograph's background; they were one method of shipping Hooker products to their customers.

Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Railroad tank cars--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Hooker Electrochemical Co. Tacoma plant was the second chlor-alkali plant in the United States and the first caustic soda plant in the Northwest. The Tacoma plant began producing chemicals in 1929 and it was an essential industry needed during World War II. The Tacoma Hooker plant received two Army-Navy E Awards for war achievement during 1945. Interior view of plant where a cell house was being constructed. Chlorine and caustic soda would be produced through an electrolytical process. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Machinery; Equipment; Chemical industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Industrial facilities--Tacoma; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma);

Railroad tank car being loaded at Hooker Chemicals. The sign cautions "Danger, Caustic." Hooker Electrochemical was a large producer of chlorine and caustic soda, supplying the Pacific Northwest's pulp and paper industry. According to the tank's markings, it hold 8031 gallons of caustic soda.

Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1950-1960; Railroad tank cars--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Hooker Chemical Co. operations. Although this resembles mounds of snow reflected in a clear pool of water, the piles are actually made of salt. Hooker Chemical Co. used tons of salt in their daily operations. A Hooker employee is pictured above in October of 1964 spraying water onto the salt piles. ALBUM 15.

Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Hooker Chemical Co. operations. View of brick one-story office for Hooker Chemical Co. in October, 1964. Unlike many faceless concrete industrial facilities, the older plant buildings were built in the Georgian style. Even the newer structures, such as the office building above, retained a classic facade. The Hooker plant was opened on February 16, 1929. It retained the Hooker name until 1982 when it changed its name to Occidental Chemical Corp. Photograph ordered by Hooker Chemical for annual report.

Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1960-1970;

ca. 1932. Hooker Electrochemical Company, circa 1932. Alcohol tank (upright at rear), top of storage tank and group of fittings. (filed with Argentum)

Chemical industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma);

Hooker Electro Chemical Company. Mr. Stafford. Large tank or boiler, conical bottom, with chain around it and on top. [Also dated 08-24-1938]

Chemical industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma);

Hooker Electrochemical Company. Mr. Stafford. Large Tank or boiler with legs on bottom. [Also dated 08-24-1938]

Chemical industry--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma);

Hooker Electrochemical Co. also had a large plant in Niagara Falls, New York. The company was always expanding and had many smaller plants and offices throughout the United States. Since the end of World War II, they had substantially grown and were looking at the possibility of opening up an office in Vancouver, British Columbia. Exterior view of Hooker-Dextrex solvent plant, where Hooker produced chemicals PCE and TCE from 1947-1973. The water tank (safety first!) is on an adjoining shipyard property. Additional image information provided by patron.

Chemical industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Industrial facilities--Tacoma; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma);

Hooker fine and heavy chemicals included: Acid chlorides, bleaching powder, metallic chlorides, muriatic acid, naphthalene derivatives, sulfide derivatives, toluene derivatives, hydrogenated products, fatty acid esters, chlorine liquids, chlorinating agents, chlorinated paraffins, caustic soda, aliphatic chlorides, benzene derivatives and benzoates. Interior view of plant and chemical producing machinery.

Machinery; Equipment; Chemicals; Chemical industry--Tacoma--1940-1950; Industrial facilities--Tacoma; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma);

Interior of new ammonia plant at Hooker Electrochemical. The $2 million anhydrous ammonia plant was completed in May of 1952. Anhydrous ammonia is ammonia in the form of a gas. It is used by firms such as the Pacific Northwest's pulp and paper mills and fertilizer and explosives manufacturing companies. By completion of the plant, the entire production was already contracted for and the plant was set for another $6 million dollar expansion to be competed by the fall of 1953. (TNT 10-19-1952)

Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;

ca. 1952. Control room for production of anhydrous ammonia at the new ammonia plant, Hooker Electrochemical. Anhydrous ammonia is ammonia in the form of a gas. It is composed of three parts hydrogen to one of nitrogen. The hydrogen is obtained from electrolytic cells, which convert salt brine into caustic soda, chlorine and hydrogen. The rock salt used is obtained from the San Francisco bay area solar evaporation ponds. The nitrogen is obtained from the air by liquefying equipment manufactured by L'Aire Liquide of Montreal. (TNT 10-19-1952)

Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Factories--Tacoma--1950-1960; Chemical industry--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Angled view from across the street of Hooker Electrochemical's industrial facilities taken on August 24, 1951. Located in the Tideflats on Alexander Avenue, the Hooker plant underwent several large expansions throughout the years before its sale to Pioneer Companies, Inc., in the late 1990's. Hooker opened its plant in Tacoma in 1929, about the same time as the Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Company, and both provided the Pacific Northwest paper and pulp industry with the chlorine and caustic soda necessary for the industry's operations. Relatively cheap and abundant raw materials along with a ready labor supply, plenty of power, and convenient transportation facilities served to attract Hooker, as well as other chemical companies, to the Tacoma area. Tank cars and circular holding tanks can be seen amidst the buildings on the sprawling Hooker grounds.

Chemical industry--Tacoma--1950-1960; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Large container for Hooker Chemicals with slightly pronounced lettering.

Hooker Chemical Co. operations. Although this hard hatted employee appears to be maneuvering his machine to spray over a mountain of snow, he is actually adding to the enormous stockpile of salt on the salt pad at Hooker Chemical Co. The pile of salt is reflected in the adjoining pond of water. Photograph ordered by Hooker Chemical for use in annual report.

Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Hooker Chemical Co. operations. Knee deep in water on a cool day in October, 1964, a Hooker Chemical Co. employee uses a sprayer on giant piles of salt. The Georgian-style plant with steeple is in the background. Photograph ordered by Hooker Chemical for annual report.

Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Hooker Chemical operations. October, 1964, view of large storage tank believed to be liquid ammonia holding tank on Hooker Chemical property. Smaller tanks surround it. A new storage tank was built for a program of marketing agricultural ammonia as a fertilizer. Photograph ordered by Hooker Chemical for annual report. TPL-6607

Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1960-1970; Storage tanks--Tacoma;