ca. 1860s. Undated photograph, possibly taken in the 1860s, of an 19th century family posed in front of their home. The photograph is taken at a wide angle so that the family's possessions, including planted crops, horses grazing, wagon and carriage, hitched span of horses, barn and extended home are prominent. The home appears to have been added on; the original sod house has a framed addition. The people themselves are not shown in close-up. The location of the property is not identified. Photograph believed to have been ordered by Mrs. G.R. Utterback on January 24, 1970.

Sod buildings; Horses; Families;

This unidentified vessel, believed to be a Navy gunboat, was in dry dock at Tacoma Boatbuilding in January of 1970. It appears that the paint on the boat has been stripped.

Gunboats--United States; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980;

In October of 1971, the Tacoma Boatbuilding Company was finishing work on the wooden hull and aluminum deckhouse for a "YP" class service they were building for the U.S. Navy. They were performing the work as a primary subcontractor for Peterson Boatbuilding of Tacoma. Peterson had a contract with the navy to build four wooden hulled "YP" training vessels. Peterson was responsible for outfitting and testing the finished boats. These craft are used for instruction in seamanship and navigation at the Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland and Naval Officer Candidate School, Newport, Rhode Island. The oak-ribbed and cedar-planked vessels carry virtually all the navigational equipment of a full size destroyer. These four craft were among the last wooden hulled ships built for the U.S. Navy. (TNT 11-20-70, D-14 article)

Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Undated photograph of gunboat #12 as it churns through calm waters. The ship is flying the American flag. It is possible that the patrol vessel was undergoing sea trials at the time. Photograph ordered on October 28, 1974, by Tacoma Boatbuilding.

Gunboats; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

ca. 1967. Two boats under construction. Progress report on two boats under construction by Tacoma Boatbuilding at the Port Industrial Yard about 1967. The boat nearest to the water is believed to be the "Bold Venture," which was the third of four Blue Pacific-class fishing boats built by Tacoma Boatbuilding. The 177-foot tuna seiner was built for Edward Gann of San Diego and would be launched on January 20, 1968. She was scheduled to fish near Puerto Rico and would be able to carry up to 925 tons of fish. The hulls of the boats shown were made of steel construction; the "Bold Venture" would have a 37-foot beam. (TNT 1-17-68, C-9) TPL-9214

Progress photographs; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

Undated photograph of the Meeker Mansion. Designed by architect C.A. Darmer, the 17-room home of Northwest pioneer Ezra Meeker was built about 1889. The Victorian era home is on the State and National Registries and is currently being restored. Meeker platted and named the town of Puyallup, served as its first mayor, and brought electricity and water to the town. His venture into the hops growing business brought him acclaim as the "Hop King of the World." Meeker brought the attention of the nation to the preservation of the Oregon Trail route on which he had traveled back in 1852, when he re-traced his journey of 2000+ miles via ox-drawn covered wagon in 1906. He was nearly 76 years old. After his wife's death, Meeker would sell his home which would later become a G.A.R. widows' home and even later, a museum. (meekermansion.org) TPL-5686

Meeker, Ezra, 1830-1928--Homes & haunts;

Copy of customer print. Ezra Meeker and covered wagon on parade in Portland. Photograph is captioned "EZRA MEEKER, With Dave and Covered Wagon, in Portland." "Dave" was an enormous ox, measuring nearly six feet at the shoulder. This picture of an ox-driven covered wagon was probably taken during Meeker's long 22-month journey over the Oregon Trail onward to Washington D.C. and back starting in 1906. He wanted to stir interest in the preservation of the Oregon Trail and was greeted by tremendous crowds throughout his trip. He was one of the first Northwest pioneers in the early 1850's and had platted Puyallup in 1877. In 1924, the 94-year-old Meeker was to fly from Puget Sound to Dayton, Ohio, in three days; it had taken him months by covered wagon in 1852. Photograph ordered by Washington State Historical Society. (Harvey: Tacoma Headlines, p. 64, 67) TPL-5688

Meeker, Ezra, 1830-1928; Covered wagons--Oregon--Portland; Horses--Oregon--Portland; Cattle--Oregon; Pioneers; Westward movement;

Patrol boat under construction. In 1970 Peterson Boatbuilding moved their plant from their longtime East "F" St. location to Taylor Way, the former site of the Martinolich Shipbuilding plant on the Hylebos. Peterson's had suffered a massive half-million dollar fire in the summer of 1969. In October of 1971 the firm was busy completing 80-foot patrol boats for the US Navy, probably the last of wooden ships to be built for the government. View of ship under construction; believed to be the YP-669. The patrol boat was designed to run at 15 knots with each propeller driven by two 150-hp Detroit diesel engines. The hulls, built by Tacoma Boatbuilding, were double planked with Alaska cedar over hardwood frames. (TNT 3-5-70,D-10 article on Peterson Boatbuilding; TNT 11-22-70, D-14- article; Gordon Newell, "Maritime Events of 1971," H.W. McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest 1966-1975, p. 101)

Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980;

ca. 1973. Color photograph of mobile Karricon crane built by Star Iron & Steel Co. of Tacoma. It is transporting a long, narrow container from American President Lines. Other containers marked "Pacific Far East Line" wait to be moved.

Hoisting machinery; Star Iron & Steel Co. (Tacoma);

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor celebrated its grand opening on May 21, 1974, with dignitaries enjoying a bite of red licorice instead of the traditional red ribbon snipping. Located in the west end portion of the Tacoma Mall, Farrell's offered delicious hamburgers and other delicacies as well as mountains of ice creams in many flavors. It was an old fashioned ice cream parlor, believed to be the 84th in a large chain. Food was not served sedately but with much horn blowing and drum beating, especially for soon-to-be popular birthday parties. Color photograph ordered by Gerber Advertising, Portland. (TNT 5-22-74, B-12 -article)

Farrells Ice Cream Parlor (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Undated photograph of the "Firecracker," a fishing boat, as requested by Martinolich Shipbuilding. The vessel is passing quietly through the waters of Commencement Bay; a glimpse of one of Kaiser's aluminum domes is visible on the far right of the photograph.

Fishing boats--Tacoma; Martinolich Shipbuilding Corp. (Tacoma);

ca. 1975. Downtown's Broadway Plaza was the site of a street celebration in late spring of 1975. Ad spokesman "Ace Busby" of Puget Sound National Bank and Ms. Downtown Tacoma, Donna McNamara, smile brightly for the camera. The celebration also featured a carousel and Satiacum Salmon Teepee's $2.75 plate meals.

McNamara, Donna; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Signs (Notices); Merry-go-rounds--Tacoma;

Mayor Gordon Johnston and Pierce County Commissioner Clay Huntington jointly do the honors in opening the 1977 Tacoma Home Show held at the Tacoma Mall. At the far left is Gordon Rockwell, show chairman. Each year thousands of spectators would peruse the various exhibits demonstrating the latest trends in home decor. This was the 31st annual home show. (TNT 3-22-77, B-15-article)

Greater Tacoma Home Show (Tacoma); Dedications--Tacoma--1970-1980; Mayors--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Huntington, Clay; Rockwell, Gordon;

ca. 1920. Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad, Engine #10253. This is an Asahel Curtis print, #46216, which was requested copied by the Washington State Historical Society on April 1, 1977. Three men are standing next to the electric powered engine, spaced far apart, with the man in the foreground seemingly prepared to give the "go ahead" signal. Photographer Curtis documented industry in Washington State as well as historic events and geographic features. He was based in Seattle and worked there until his death in 1941. 60,000 of his images are held in trust by the Washington State Historical Society. (www.wshs.org/wshm/online-exhibits/curtis/exhibitb.htm)

Railroad locomotives; Railroad cars; Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Co.; Railroads;

ca. 1967. Two boats under construction. Work continues on two Tacoma Boatbuilding projects at the Port Industrial Yard in the latter part of 1967. Both are 177-foot tuna seiners and built of steel. The vessel in the rear is believed to be the "Bold Venture" which will be launched on January 20, 1968. The boat in the foreground is believed to be the "City of Panama," with launch date of February 3, 1968. (TNT 1-17-68, C-9, TNT 1-30-68, p. 18) TPL-9215

Progress photographs; Fishing boats--Tacoma--1960-1970; Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma);

ca. 1907. Copy of customer print. Composite picture where President Teddy Roosevelt has been inserted to stand next to Northwest pioneer Ezra Meeker before the old State Department's "War and Navy" building in Washington D.C., upon the conclusion of Meeker's reenactment of his 1852 journey via covered wagon on the Oregon Trial. Signs decorating the old prairie schooner indicate that Meeker had left Puyallup on January 29, 1906, and arrived in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 5, 1907, a distance of 2,610 miles. Accompanied by his faithful dog "Jim," Edward Songer and Mr. and Mrs. Herman Goble, the 76-year-old Meeker and his yoke of oxen and wagon were a throwback to the days of westward expansion. Mr. and Mrs. Goble are believed to be included in the above photograph. Meeker sought preservation of the Oregon Trail route as an important part of our nation's history. He stopped at many towns along the way to raise money for memorials to the Trail and even received a special permit to drive his team down New York City's famous Broadway. Meeker did meet up with President Roosevelt after he decided to continue his journey to Washington D.C., arriving there on November 29, 1907. The president was interested in preserving the Trail and eventually Congress would appropriate $50,000 to mark the trail. Photograph ordered by the Washington State Historical Society. (en.wikipedia.org, NWR clipping file, TDL 1-31-06, p. 12)

Meeker, Ezra, 1830-1928; Covered wagons--Washington D.C.; Cattle--Washington D.C.; Pioneers; Westward movement; Roosevelt, Theodore; Presidents; Dogs;

Destroyer deckhouse. Pictured in early 1970 are three all-aluminum deckhouse sections from Tacoma Boatbuilding for a new-class Navy destroyer being built in Seattle by Lockheed Ship Building and Construction Co. The sections were delivered to Lockheed via barge in early March of 1970. Tacoma Boatbuilding was awarded a subcontract to build deckhouses for four destroyers. The above aluminum sections were the first to be completed with the two remaining sections scheduled for completion in May. The five sections will weigh a total of 300,000 pounds. The total contract is expected to be completed in February of 1971. (TNT 3-8-70, D-12)

Deckhouses; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980;

ca. 1971. Boat under construction at Tacoma Boatbuilding in January of 1971. This view is of the exposed hull.

Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Boat Building Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Boats--Tacoma;

Boat construction. The YP-669 patrol boat, used for training, was being completed at Peterson Boatbuilding in October of 1971. Peterson's, along with Tacoma Boatbuilding who had built the hull, was under contract with the US Navy to build probably the last of the Navy's wooden ships. The YP-669 was the first of the 80-foot boats to be completed. It had an 18-foot beam, wooden hull and aluminum deckhouse. (TNT 11-22-70, D-14 article)

Peterson Boat Building Co. (Tacoma); Boat & ship industry--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Eileen M

Undated portrait of Major General John Q. Henion. Richards Studio was asked to retouch the customer's negative. Gen. Henion would later become Commanding General of the US Army in Japan. Ordered on June 4, 1974, by Finance & Accounting, Fort Lewis.

Henion, John Q.; Generals;

Copy of customer's negative. Side view of a Sportsman Royal van, taken in early August of 1976, for the Superior Bus NW, Inc. The Dodge vehicle was a full-sized van with side windows and passenger seating. The Sportsman signature name was phased out after 1980. (en.wikipedia.org-article)

Dodge automobile;

Copy of customer print. Native Americans camping in hops field. Huddled together between three tents is a crowd of Native American families. They may have been employed at Ezra Meeker's hop fields prior to 1900. Photograph ordered by Washington State Historical Society.

Indians of North America; Hops;

Copy of customer print. Portrait of an elderly couple. This is believed to be Northwest pioneer Willis Boatman and wife Mary Ann, possibly taken in the early 1900's. The Boatmans made the arduous journey in 1852 from Illinois to the Oregon Territory in an ox-drawn covered wagon, a trip that took them about seven months. They would eventually settle on a claim near Puyallup in 1854, were forced to retreat to Fort Steilacoom by an Indian uprising, and spent many years on Gravelly Lake until moving back to the Puyallup valley in the 1870's. Mr. Boatman became one of the area's major hop growers and then was instrumental in the formation of the Farmers Bank of Puyallup, later to become the Puyallup State Bank. He was a member of the Masons and his wife belonged to the Northern Star. Mr. Boatman was to outlive his wife by 15 years, passing away at the age of 99 on January 2, 1926. Photograph ordered by the Washington State Historical Society. (History of Pierce County, Vol. 3, p. 273-74)

Pioneers; Spouses; Older people;

The "Lori Ann" docked outside Tacoma Marine Supply in late February, 1969. She may have been a crab boat. A small "for sale" sign is posted in the pilothouse. Work order placed by Tacoma Boatbuilding Co.

Boats--Tacoma;

This float, apparently entitled "Daffodil Daze," was decorated with three giant daffodils and a multitude of blossoms. Standing on the float is believed to be 1972 Daffodil Festival Queen, Paula Achziger. The parade itself has not been identified; it possibly could be the Seafair Parade which was held in late July of 1972.

Floats (Parades); Daffodils;

On July 31, 1936, promoter Rookie Lewis outdid himself by staging an authentic "Indian Wedding" as the evening's special attraction during his Walkathon (dance marathon) at the Century Ballroom in Fife. Chief White Eagle conducted the Native American wedding of So-To-Le-O and groom Qua-Le-Ales, with rites performed in sign language. Five different tribes participated in the wedding. The Walkathon was heavily attended by citizens of Tacoma and Seattle, since both cities had local ordinances forbidding such marathons. Approximately 30 people were pictured, first two rows were Native-Americans in costume, others may be some of the remaining participants in the Walkathon. Tribal blankets serve as backdrop. (T.Times 7-31-36, p. 4-article; 8-1-36, p. 5-article; www.historylink.org) (filed with Argentum)

Indians of North America--Clothing & dress; Weddings--Fife; Marathons--Fife;

Cowan-Lynn Wedding bridal party. Carolyn Fogg was the only attendant for Grace Marie Cowan as she wed C. Nathan Lynn on August 22, 1937. J. Marvin Lynn was his brother's best man. The small private ceremony was held at the residence of the groom's parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.O. Lynn on No. "C" St. The bride is wearing a princess styled gown of heavy pink lace while her maid of honor is dressed in pale yellow organdy. (T.Times, 8-23-37, p. 7) (filed with Argentum)

Cowan, Grace Marie; Lynn, C. Nathan; Weddings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Wedding costume--1930-1940; Brides--1930-1940; Grooms (Weddings)--1930-1940; Fogg, Carolyn; Lynn, J. Marvin;

ca. 1935. Tollefsen-Haydon Wedding. Bride in lace gown with veil and train holding bouquet in front of altar. (filed with Argentum)

Weddings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Brides--1930-1940; Wedding costume--1930-1940;

ca. 1935. Tollefsen-Haydon Wedding. Bride with four bridesmaids standing in front of altar. (filed with Argentum)

Weddings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Brides--1930-1940; Wedding costume--1930-1940;