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);

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;

ca. 1942. William L. (Bill) Case and friends aboard his pleasure craft, the "Baby Dumpling." The vessel had a mysterious beginning. She is crafted from a 30 foot lifeboat found abandoned in mid Pacific by the Silveray, a British motorship of the Silver-Java-Pacific line, sailing from the Philippine Islands to Puget Sound. In the craft were oars, two casks of fresh water, empty sea biscuit cartons, a cigaret package from Sidney, Australia and several .38 caliber bullet slugs, but no people. The slugs had punctured the air tanks and made several holes in the craft. No name was on the boat and its original owner was unknown. Foss Tug and Launch purchased the boat from the crew and towed it to their repair yard where Bill L. Case converted it to a pleasure craft. (Photograph courtesy of the William T. Case Collection) (lifeboat story T. Times 8/23/1939, pg. 18)

Case, William L.; Sailboats--Tacoma--1940-1950;

ca. 1935. It's break time outside the floating office of the Foss Launch & Tug Co. at 400 Dock St. On the left is William T. (Bill) Case, company dispatcher, and on the right skipper Thomas Sadler. In November of 1932, the company's original floating office at this location was destroyed in an early morning fire. Due to the quick actions of Mr. Case, the twenty people inside were saved, but the building was a total loss. It was replaced by a floating airplane hangar converted into offices (seen in the background.) The building is emblazoned with the green and white Foss logo with the slogan "Always ready." The second floor window on the left leads to the rooms of company accountant Oscar Iverson. Living quarters for the Case family were also on the second floor. (photograph courtesy of the special collection of William T. Case)

Case, William T.; Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma);

ca. 1948. Three deep sea Foss tugs based out of Port Angeles, left to right, the Arthur Foss, Mathilda Foss and Foss No. 21. These three ships were used periodically for deep sea tows to Alaska, but after the end of World War II that duty was taken over by Miki class tugs purchased as surplus from the military. The three were then used for log tows out of Port Angeles. The Arthur Foss is probably the most famous Foss tugboat. It began its life in 1898 in Portland Oregon as the steam tug "Wallowa." The 110 foot tug became a star when it appeared in the 1933 motion picture classic "Tugboat Annie" as the "Narcissus." The movie was based on Saturday Evening Post short stories written by University of Washington writing teacher Norman Reilly Raine and loosely based on the Foss family business legend. The vessel was overhauled in 1934 and renamed the "Arthur Foss." It served in World War II, returned to Port Angeles in 1948 and was retired in 1968. Donated in 1970 to the nonprofit "Save Our Ships," it was lovingly restored. The "Mathilda Foss" was built in 1909 as a US Army passenger and freight vessel, the "Captain Gregory Barrett." The 91 foot vessel was retooled in 1937 as an ocean going tug and renamed the "Mathilda Foss." It also served in World War II and entered Port Angeles service in 1946. It was sold in 1963 and sunk in 1978 as an eyesore. The "Foss 21" began life as the Tacoma built "Fearless." Built in 1900, the 80 foot tug was one of the most powerful tugs at the turn of the century. It was based out of Port Angeles and used primarily for tows on the Quillayute River. (photograph courtesy of the William T. Case collection) ("Foss: A Living Legend" by Bruce Johnson and Mike Skalley)

Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma); Tugboats--Port Angeles--1940-1950;

The Foss #12 caught in the act of fighting a waterfront fire. In 1914, the #12 was the first vessel designed and built for Foss exclusively for towing. The 43 foot #12 was used primarily as a steamer assist; it helped the large vessels turn about in the narrow City Waterway by tying up to their bow and pulling them to face the other way. The #12 achieved fame, however, as the City of Tacoma's fireboat. The city entered into an agreement to hire the vessel for $8.20 a day to be on call to fight fires. The ship was fitted with a pump that could throw 1200 - 1300 gallons of water per minute at a waterfront blaze. In 1929 Tacoma had a full-fledged fireboat built, the Fireboat #1; but for a number of years Foss #12 faithfully provided that service for the city. (Photograph courtesy of the William T. Case Collection) ("Foss: A Living Legend" by Bruce Johnson and Mike Skalley)

Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma); Fireboats;

ca. 1946. Henry Foss (left) and William T. (Bill) Case held a discussion circa 1946 while leaning on the water pump of the Foss #12, used both as a fireboat and a tug. As the Foss Launch & Tug Co. expanded into new markets, Henry remained in Tacoma to run the local office. He served in World War II and returned once again to the company. He retired as president of the maritime company in the Northwest. Bill Case loyally worked for Foss from 1915 until his death in 1956. He started out as a deckhand and later skippered the Foss #12 during its tenure as Tacoma's fireboat. He was the Chief Dispatcher for the company when he retired due to illness. (Photograph courtesy of the William T. Case Collection)

Foss, Henry O., 1891-1986; Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma); Case, William T.;

The steamboat "Tacoma" was severely damaged when she was rammed by the car ferry "Kitsap" in late October of 1926. The resulting impact tore a hole in the side of the "Tacoma" at the water line. Although the accident occurred when the ships were maneuvering through thick fog, it greatly increased the discord between the Puget Sound Navigation Company, which operated the "Tacoma," and the Kitsap County Transport Company (also known as the White Collar Line because of the wide white metal band, or collar, around the smoke stacks of the company's ships). The two companies had been in a bitter rate war for years. (Photograph courtesy of the William T. Case collection) ("Puget Sound Ferries" by Carolyn Neal & Thomas Kilday Janus)

Steamboats--Tacoma--1920-1930; Puget Sound Navigation Co. (Tacoma); Steamboat accidents; Marine accidents--Tacoma--1920-1930; Ferries--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1920. Foss launch identified by William L. Case as the "Tyee." The Foss family rowboat rental business, started by Thea Foss in 1889, was thriving at the turn of the century. With an eye for opportunity, Thea branched out into the business of supplying anchored and arriving ships in Tacoma with provisions. With the purchase of the family's first launch, sons Arthur and Wendell Foss were able not only to bring supplies, but also to ferry ship's personnel to land. By 1912, the company owned seven launches, the "Tyee" being one of the smallest. (photograph courtesy of the William T. Case collection) ("Foss: A Living Legend" by Bruce Johnson and Mike Skalley)

Launches--Tacoma; Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma);

ca. 1921. The steamship "Indianapolis," one of two ships used in the Seattle to Tacoma steamship passenger service, docked at the Municipal Dock. The dock was located on the City Waterway (now the Thea Foss Waterway.) The ships would dock with their bows headed up the channel. The services of a tug would be required to turn the bow of the ships around to head back to Seattle. The Foss #12 and its captain William T. Case were assigned this duty. The "Indianapolis" was launched on May 5, 1904 as a Great Lakes steamship. Her inability to serve the large holiday crowds prompted her sale to the Puget Sound Navigation Co. in October of 1905. The vessel travelled around the Cape and began her new run in April of 1906. She served as a passenger transport from 1906-1938. She was converted in 1933 to a car ferry and scrapped in 1939. (photograph courtesy of the William T. Case collection) ("Ferryboats" by M.S. Kline and G.A. Bayless; "Puget Sound Ferries" Carolyn Neal & Thomas Kilday Janus)

Steamboats--Tacoma--1920-1930; Puget Sound Navigation Co. (Tacoma); Ferries--Tacoma--1920-1930; Marine terminals--Tacoma;

ca. 1921. The "Tacoma," one of two steamboats used on the Seattle to Tacoma passenger service operated by the Puget Sound Navigation Co. The "Tacoma" can be identified by its two funnels. The Eleventh Street Bridge can be seen in the background. Due to the narrowness of the channel, the Foss #12 tug had to assist in turning the bow of the steamship about for its return trip to Seattle. Here, a line has been attached from the Foss #12 to the bow of the ship to turn it about. The "Tacoma" was launched on May 13, 1913 and it provided Puget Sound passenger service from 1913-1938. The vessel was manufactured at Robert Moran's Seattle Dry Dock & Construction Co. It could accomodate 1,000 passengers, who could travel in style from Seattle to Tacoma in 77 minutes. The passenger only line was defeated by the advent of automobiles and a combination of demand for car ferries and the opening for the Seattle Tacoma Highway in 1928. (photograph courtesy of the William T. Case collection) ("Puget Sound Ferries" by Carolyn Neal and Thomas Kilday Janus; "Ferryboats" by M.S. Kline and G.A. Bayless)

Steamboats--Tacoma--1920-1930; Puget Sound Navigation Co. (Tacoma); Ferries--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1921. This photograph taken in the early 1920's shows the arrival and tugboat assisted turn around of the steamship "Indianapolis" at the Tacoma terminal, the Municipal Dock, of the Seattle to Tacoma steamship passenger service. The Municipal Dock was on the City Waterway (now the Thea Foss Waterway) north of the Eleventh Street Bridge. The ships would arrive and dock with their bows headed up the channel. Due to the narrowness of the channel, the length of the ships and the proximity of the bridge, a tugboat was required to assist them in turning about for their return voyage to Seattle. The Foss #12, captained by William T. Case, would connect a line to the bow and turn the ships about twice a day. The steamships could then assume cruising speed and head for Seattle. (photograph courtesy of the collection of William T. Case)

Case, William T.--Associated objects; Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma); Tugboats; Steamboats--Tacoma--1920-1930; Puget Sound Navigation Co. (Tacoma); Ferries--Tacoma--1920-1930; Marine terminals--Tacoma;

ca. 1915. This 43-foot tug with 14-foot beam, the Foss #12, was constructed by Gig Harbor designer/builder Robert Crawford and entered service in 1914. She was the first Foss vessel planned and ordered exclusively for towing. #12 handled so well that she was also used as a steamer assist vessel and became the area's first motorized fireboat. With a 75 horsepower gas engine, she was capable of pumping 1,000 gallons of water per minute. #12 was hired as the City of Tacoma's fireboat in 1915, a service for which Foss was paid nearly $3,000 a year. The vessel was a favored one and was skippered by Henry and Drew Foss and later by Capt."Bill" Case. She faithfully served the company as a steady workhorse until 1966. Then on July 4, 1967, the hull was towed out into the Bay and set afire as part of the celebration of the Nation's 191st year of Independence. Foss #12 literally went out in a blaze of glory. (photograph courtesy of the William T. Case collection) (Johnson & Skalley: "Foss: A Living Legend;" Skalley: "Foss: Ninety Years of Towboating" )

Case, William T.--Associated objects; Fireboats; Foss Launch & Tug Co. (Tacoma);

Undated photograph of the stern-wheeler "Telegraph" docked at The Sumner Iron Works in Everett, Washington. She was built in Everett in 1903 for use in the Seattle-Tacoma run. The "Telegraph" was one of the last stern-wheelers built in Puget Sound. The slender vessel was 153.7 feet long. She was purchased by the Puget Sound Navigation Co. in 1910 and used regularly in routes from Seattle to Bremerton. On April 25, 1912, she was sunk by an errant steamer, the "Alameda," while docked at Seattle's Colman Dock. The "Alameda" had struck the dock, knocking its famous 72-foot tower into Elliott Bay and driving the "Telegraph" as far as the Grand Pacific Dock before sinking the stern-wheeler. The "Telegraph" would live to float another day; it was raised and repaired and remained in service for two more years before laying up. (Dorpat, "Steam Rolled," Seattle Times 3-17-2002; Findlay, Mosquito Fleet of South Puget Sound, p. 107)

Stern wheelers; Steamboats; Sumner Iron Works (Everett);

This is an undated photograph of the towboat, "Vigilant," prior to being purchased by the Foss Launch & Tug Co. and renamed the "Anna Foss." She was a wood two-deck boat with 75-hp steam engine with a 69-foot length and 18-foot beam when built in 1907 in Tacoma for the WallaceTowboat Co. The "Vigilant" put in thirteen years of hard work for Wallace before being sold to the Cascade Tugboat Co. in 1920. Cascade sold her two years later to the Gilky Bros. of Anacortes for log towing in northern Puget Sound and British Columbia. Once more ownership changed hands when Cpt. C.C. Croft traded his tug for her about 1925. Now part of the Vigilant Towing Co. of Seattle, she substituted her steam plant for a 200-hp 2-cycle Worthington diesel in 1926, enabling her to tow heavy gravel scows. In 1930 the "Vigilant" was sold to the Anchor Tugboat Co. of Portland for use on the Columbia River. The Foss Co. acquired her in 1933 for $5,300 at a U.S. Marshal's sale. Her primary job was to bring down millions of feet of Canadian logs for mills operating in Salmon Bay and Elliot Bay. In 1938 the "Vigilant" became the "Anna Foss" after the wife of Peter Foss, Andrew Foss' brother. She would complete more than 50 years of service before being retired on August 2, 1968. The boat would have one final owner, former Chief Engineer Everett Atkinson, who purchased her in May of 1969. Her name reverted back to the "Vigilant" and she was anchored in Colvos Passage in front of Mr. Atkinson's Vashon Island home. She sank in 40 feet of water on September 16, 1969 when her pump apparently failed. (Skalley, "Foss Ninety Years of Towboating," p. 90-92)

Tugboats;

ca. 1905. The steamer Fairhaven is in drydock for repairs at Quartermaster Harbor, Vashon Island, circa 1905. Built in Tacoma in 1889 and launched from the yards of Cpt. John Holland, the stern-wheeler was 130 feet long with 26-foot beam. She was built at a cost of $30,000 for the Fairhaven Land Co., of which Nelson Bennett was president. The wooden stern-wheel steamer was used by more than one company including the La Conner Trading & Transportation Co. and the Island Transportation Co. She had suffered several accidents during her long tenure on local waters including sinking in ten feet of water after striking a rock near Utsalady in 1902 and smashing her bow while caught by strong gales at Coupeville in 1907. Here the Fairhaven is undergoing repairs circa 1905 at Quartermaster Harbor, a nearly five-mile-long inlet which is formed by Vashon Island on the west and Maury Island on the east. The drydock was one of the largest in the Puget Sound. It could lift several large ships at a time and was in place until 1909. The Fairhaven was beached in 1918 after a fire and ended her days as a quasi-houseboat. (Carlaw, 'The Pickrell Brothers recall the Fairhaven,' The Sea Chest, XV1 (Dec. 1982-article)

Stern wheelers; Steamboats; Boat & ship industry; Quartermaster Harbor (Wash);

ca. 1894. The whaleback steamer "City of Everett" under construction in Everett, Washington, circa 1894. Her revolutionary design, reminiscent of both a cigar with tipped ends and the body of a whale (when fully loaded only the curved part of the hull was above water), was created by Alexander McDougall, a captain on the Great Lakes. He managed to bring forth a vessel that could carry heavy loads but also be fast, cutting through water with little resistance. His body of work totaled 40, 24 barges and 16 steamers, all whalebacks. The "City of Everett," which was launched in 1894 but not completed until 1895, was the only whaleback steamer built in Everett. She measured 346 feet long with a 42-foot beam. Truly a workhorse, she was in service for 29 years, including such memorable trips as sailing to India for famine relief, at which time she became the first American steamer to navigate the Suez Canal and continuing on to Spain, becoming the first American steamship to circumnavigate the world. The "City of Everett" had survived collisions at sea and a fire in port but on October 11, 1923, she went down with all hands during a storm in the Gulf of Mexico. The wreck was not found until September 10, 2010, in 400 feet of water about 150 miles due west of Naples, Florida. The whaleback steamship was nearly intact and appeared to have sunk stern first. (St. Petersburg Times, "Fishermen find big one that didn't get away: a steamship resting miles off Naples," 12-12-2010; Armitage, "Alexander McDougall and the Whaleboat," 6-8-2008)

Steamboats--Everett; Boat & ship industry--Everett;

ca. 1886. Several long boats (Indian canoes) rest on the beach at about Fifth and Pacific in Tacoma in this photograph from the mid 1880s. Long boats could transport a whole family with supplies for a season of fishing. This group of boats is probably preparing to head upstream on the Puyallup River where members of the Puyallup tribe worked in the hop fields of the Puyallup Valley. The Puyallups are part of the Puget Sound Salish original peoples. They were hunters, gatherers and fishermen, although they inhabited permanent houses along the riverbanks and along the Sound. Salmon was their main food and figured strongly in their culture. Under the Treaty of Medicine Creek, the tribe ceded much of their territories but retained fishing rights. Rutter Collection TPL-564

Longboats--Tacoma--1890-1900; Indians of North America--Tacoma--1890-1900;

Indians and canoes Rutter G5.1-005

A group of Puyallup Indians with their longboats (canoes) on the Puget Sound around 1886. Behind them can be seen the Northern Pacific Railroad bridge. The Puyallups were primarily fishermen, hunters and gatherers. The local salmon provided their primary food source, but was also a symbol of reverence to the tribe. In the Medicine Creek Treaty of 1854, they ceded many of their territories but retained their fishing rights. Their village at this time was believed to be at the foot of North 15th. KING-014, TPL 2895.

Ticket for the last ferry ride across the Narrows, on July 2, 1940 aboard the Kalakala. Ferry service was being suspended due to the opening of the first Narrows Bridge and locals could become a part of history for only one dollar. The Young Mens Business Club (YMBC) was sponsoring the ride as part of the 6 day celebration of the joint dedication of the Narrows Bridge and McChord Field. Over 1400 revellers boarded the ferry at the Tacoma Municipal, Point Defiance or Gig Harbor docks for the rollicking four hour ride to Bremerton and back. The entertainment included music and dancing with period costumes optional. TPL-6714, TPL-6725.

Kalakala (Ferry); Celebrations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ferries--Tacoma;

Members of Tacoma's Drama League spend a lazy August day in 1925, paddling an Indian dug-out at the Olympus Manor on Hood Canal. A float plane rests on the water behind them. The Olympus Manor was begun in 1918 by local art instructor, world traveler and friend of the famous Orre N. Nobles. It was located on Hood Canal two miles northeast of Union. By the 1920's, the 16 room retreat was frequented by the local summer art colony and scores of the famous. It was decorated with Nobles' invaluable collection of Tibetan and Oriental art, furniture and artifacts. The two story retreat was destroyed by fire in 1952. No one was hurt, but the building and its priceless collection was destroyed and never rebuilt. (Shelton-Mason County Journal 7/31/1952; 8/7/1952) (photograph from the Erna Tilley Collection)

Olympus Manor (Hood Canal); Tacoma Drama League (Tacoma); Canoes; Nobles, Orre--Homes & haunts;

In this circa 1886 photograph, a Native American family lounges in their long boat near the shore. In the background can be seen the Northern Pacific Railroad bridge. The canoe is loaded with supplies, probably returning or setting off for the family's hunting ground. The Puyallup tribe members were primarily hunters, gatherers and fishermen. During this time period, their village was believed to be located at the foot of North 15th. KING-015, TPL 2894.

With the gaily striped sail blowing gently with the breeze, the young girl fastens it in preparation for taking the small sailboat out. The rudder and its control arm can be seen clearly at the rear of the ship. The girl wears a life jacket. Photographs ordered by the Douglas Fir Plywood Association. This sailboat, the "Pipsqueak," was designed for youngsters ages 6-10 to use in an enclosed area where adult supervision was available. The mast can be detached to convert it to a paddle boat. (TNT 7/1/1956, pg. B-10) TPL-8803

Sailboats; Children playing in water; Children sailing boats;

The young girl uses the rudder to steer the small sailboat while controlling the sail with a rope. The small sailboat is just large enough for one. The girl appears to be heading into shore. The sailboat is the "Pipsqueak," designed by John Burroughs of Tacoma for the Douglas Fir Plywood Association. It could be built from 2 panels of plywood in 2-3 evenings for a cost of around $30.00. Free plans were available, or patterns were available for $1.00. (TNT 7/1/1956, pg. B -10)

Sailboats; Children playing in water; Children sailing boats;

ca. 1956. A boy and girl erect a sail on a small childsize sailboat prior to taking it out on a summer day for a leisurely sail. Both children wear a life vest. The boy handles the sail while the girl loads an oar, in case the wind does not cooperate. Photograph ordered by the Douglas Fir Plywood Association. The sailboat, named the "Pipsqueak," is 5 feet long, 33" wide and 15" deep; it weighs less than 50 pounds. It is designed for children ages 6-10 to sail alone in an enclosed area with adult supervision. Supervision was neccessary because a stiff wind would quickly carry the boat out to deeper water. (TNT 7/1/1956, pg. B-10) TPL-9510

Sailboats; Children playing in water; Children sailing boats;

ca. 1940. Three people on small wooden vessel docked in marina. Names of individuals and location not provided for this circa 1940 photograph. (T. Times).

Boats--1940-1950;

Ferryboats for Mr. Peterson. The ferry "Vashonia" in front, with two other ferries docked behind in this late January, 1940, photograph.

Ferries--1940-1950;

The ferries "Vashonia," "Fox Island," and "The City of Steilacoom" are moored side-by-side in January of 1940. The increasing number of cars and need for fast service for commuters led to the building of many ferries in the 1920's. They were swift and comfortable and due to the lack of major bridges, a more convenient way to travel for those living on the Olympic peninsula than driving for miles on often bad roads. These three ferries had been built by the Skansie (Brothers) Shipbuilding Co. in Gig Harbor for their Washington Navigation Company. Ordered by Mr. Peterson.

Ferries--1940-1950;

Ferry boats. The "Defiance." Ordered by Mr. Peterson.

Ferries--1940-1950;