On June 12, 1935 at 6:14p.m., Harman and Margaret Waley arrive at Tacoma Field by United Airlines charter to stand trial for kidnapping and extortion in the abduction of George Weyerhaeuser. The crowd at Tacoma Field to watch them arrive numbered in the hundreds, the largest gathered there since Bromley had tried to fly nonstop Tacoma To Tokyo in 1929. The couple was arrested in Salt Lake City after 19 year old Margaret Waley tried to spend a marked bill. Harman, in white cap, can be seen between two agents; Margaret, in checked coat, can be seen in the center of the picture with her head bent. The pair were whisked into waiting cars and rushed to the Federal building for arraignment. (T. Times 06/13/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Waley, Harman; Waley, Margaret; Tacoma Field (Lakewood); Airplanes--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

On June 12, 1935 at 6:35p.m., Harman and Margaret Waley arrive at the Federal Building for arraignment on the charges of kidnapping and extortion in the abduction of George Weyerhaeuser. The pair are sped from Tacoma Field to the Federal Building in a convoy of four federal vehicles. They are surrounded by seven Federal agents and a crowd of about 50 spectators. Many of the spectators are newsmen, and the flash of bulbs lights up the evening. They are escorted to the federal court room on the 3rd floor of the Post Office building where they plead "not guilty." Original photograph (series 2700, image 54A) enlarged & cropped to make it more visually interesting for the newspaper. (T. Times 06/13/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Waley, Harman; Waley, Margaret; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

On June 12, 1935 at 6:35p.m., Harman and Margaret Waley arrive at the Federal Building for arraignment on the charges of kidnapping and extortion in the abduction of George Weyerhaeuser. The pair are sped from Tacoma Field to the Federal Building in a convoy of four federal vehicles. They are surrounded by seven Federal agents and a crowd of about 50 spectators. Many of the spectators are newsmen, and the flash of bulbs lights up the evening. They are escorted to the federal court room on the 3rd floor of the Post Office building where they plead "not guilty." (T. Times 06/13/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Waley, Harman; Waley, Margaret; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

Law enforcement agents wait at the base of the ladder for accused kidnappers Harman and Margaret Waley to descend from the United Airlines airplane which has ferried them from Salt Lake City to Tacoma. The plane arrived at Tacoma Field at 6:35p.m. on June 12, 1935, to be met by waiting agents and a crowd of hundreds of curious onlookers. The pair had been arrested in Salt Lake, accused of having abducted and ransomed nine year old George Weyerhaeuser. They were whisked from the plane to the Federal Building in Tacoma where they pled "not guilty," despite the fact that they had already surrendered to agents their remaining half of the ransom money. (T. Times 06/13/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Waley, Harman; Waley, Margaret; Tacoma Field (Lakewood); Airplanes--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

Margaret Waley, in a checked coat, exits the Federal Building surrounded by agents and reporters after being arraigned for kidnapping and extortion in the abduction of nine year old George Weyerhaeuser. Margaret and her husband Harman pled "not guilty" despite their admission of guilt and surrender of their remaining half of the ransom. They implicated William Dainard, known to the couple as Wm. Mahan, as the "mastermind" of the crime in order to receive a lesser sentence. (T. Times 06/13/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Waley, Margaret; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

Nineteen year old Margaret Waley covers her face with her coat after her arraignment on charges of kidnapping and extortion relating to the May 24, 1935 abduction of George Weyerhaeuser. Margaret, with her small stature, wavy brown hair and soft spoken ways, was generally pitied by the press. She was represented, in most cases, as being only an accessory to the kidnapping crime. She had married ex con Harman Waley against her parents' wishes. She seemed truly to love Harman however, exchanging kisses with him after the arraignment. The judge in the case, US Judge Edward Everett Cushman, later refused to accept her guilty plea and remanded her to trial. She was found guilty and sentenced to twenty years. (T. Times 06/13/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Waley, Margaret; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

This photograph appears to be of a press conference or police briefing at the J.P. (Phil) Weyerhaeuser, Jr. home after the June 1, 1935 release of kidnap victim George Weyerhaeuser. The Weyerhaeusers refused to speak to the press until after the release of George, a decision that made the ransom process go quicker and that may have saved his life. Even after his release, the family spoke only briefly and generally with the press, preferring to let George return to his normal life.

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

Mrs. B. Lucille Berg; George Weyerhaeuser's third grade teacher at Lowell Elementary. On May 24, 1935, in what was Tacoma's most sensational crime, George Weyerhaeuser was kidnapped as he walked from Lowell Elementary at noontime to meet his sister Ann at Annie Wright Seminary and go home for lunch with her. He was held for $200,000 ransom and released on Tiger Mountain Road in Issaquah after payment on June 1, 1935. Mrs. Berg figured importantly in the case, supplying samples of George's handwriting to compare with his purported handwriting on the ransom notes sent to prove authenticity. (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding months)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Berg, Lucille; Lowell Elementary School (Tacoma); Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

A smiling George Weyerhaeuser poses for the news cameras after his release by kidnappers on June 1, 1935. In what the most sensational crime in Tacoma's history, George was kidnapped on May 24, 1935 as he walked from Lowell School to Annie Wright Seminary to meet his sister and be motored home for lunch by the family chauffer. The ransom demand was for the astronomical sum of $200,000. After the ransom was paid by his father Phil Weyerhaeuser, the boy was released on Tiger Mountain Road in Issaquah. He made it to the home of Louis Bonifas and identified himself; the amazed Bonifas called Tacoma and began driving him home. Reporter John Dreher of the Seattle Times on a hunch started out on the road to Issaquah in a taxi, met Bonifas and convinced him to allow the reporter to deliver George to the Weyerhaeuser home. What resulted was an exclusive interview with the world's most famous kidnap victim. A shaken, but otherwise okay, George was delivered to his parents at around 8 a.m. on June 1, 1935. (TNT 6/1/35, pg. 1)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.;

Nine year old George Weyerhaeuser seems a bit perplexed by reporters' questions at a press conference given by the family after the boy's release from kidnappers on June 1, 1935. George, who exhibited courage and spunk throughout his captivity, earned the admiration of the reporters with his relaxed appearance after his ordeal. His recollections of his captors and his description of the house in which he was held helped in identifying the kidnappers. (TNT 6/1/35, pg. 1)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.;

Nine year old George Weyerhaeuser seems a bit perplexed by reporters' questions at a press conference given by the family after the boy's release from kidnappers on June 1, 1935. George, who exhibited courage and spunk throughout his captivity, earned the admiration of the reporters with his relaxed appearance after his ordeal. His recollections of his captors and his description of the house in which he was held helped in identifying the kidnappers. Original photo (series 2700, image 61) has been enlarged and cropped to make George more prominent for the newspaper photo. (TNT 6/1/35, pg. 1) TPL-9069

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.;

A friend of George Weyerhaeuser, identified with the last name La Gasa, and taken in connection the the May 24, 1935 kidnapping of Weyerhaeuser and resulting investigation. This is probably the son of Dr. and Mrs. James La Gasa.

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; La Gasa, James--Family; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

This US Postal Service special delivery messenger, Fred Hipkins, became the man of the hour when he reported that he had seen what he felt was an attempt to deliver the ransom money in the George Weyerhaeuser kidnapping case. The Tacoma Times carried a front page story that Hipkins had seen a bright light suspended in a tall fir tree near the intersection of Custer & Steilacoom Highways. He interpreted this as a sign from the kidnappers. Later, near Western States, he saw a large dark sedan with its lights off and people inside. The following morning, tire tracks and dislodged stones could be found in the stone wall surrounding the asylum, a possible ransom drop. This story occupied several pages in the May 31, 1935 Tacoma Times only to disappear and not be repeated. Obviously a dead end. (T. Times 5/31/1935, pg. 1)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hipkins, Fred; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

The backyard of the Weyerhaeuser home at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday morning, 6/1/1935, when newspapermen heard read an official statement from Mr. and Mrs. Weyerhaeuser that their son George had returned home after his kidnapping ordeal. The tall man next to the automobile, turning away from the crowd of reporters, is H. Marfield Bolcom of Seattle. Mr. Bolcom was a friend and confidant of the Weyerhaeuser family and served as unofficial spokesperson during the kidnapping. (T. Times 6/1/1935, pg. 8)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

Journalists from across the country congregate in the vicinity of the J.P. (Phil) Weyerhaeuser Jr. home, 420 No. 4th St., after the May 24, 1935 kidnapping of nine year old George Weyerhaeuser and his June 1st release. The kidnapping was one of the hottest news stories of 1935 and was covered by reporters from across the nation. The story ended happily with the arrest and conviction of Harman and Margaret Waley and William Dainard. Most of the $200,000 in ransom money was recovered.

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Journalists--Tacoma--1930-1940; Photojournalists--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

Reporters surround the Weyerhaeuser home at 420 No. 4th St. during the ordeal of the kidnapping of nine year old George Weyerhaeuser on May 24, 1935 and his release on June 1st. The story was covered nationally.

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Journalists--Tacoma--1930-1940; Photojournalists--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

In May of 1935, police officers stand posted at the corners of the home of J.P. Weyerhaeuser Jr., 420 No. 4th St., keeping the press and the curious away while the family negotiates with their son's kidnappers. On May 24, 1935, nine year old George Weyerhaeuser was kidnapped from the grounds of the Annie Wright Seminary. Reporters from around the country camped outside the Weyerhaeuser home hoping to get a story. The Weyerhaeusers managed to move secretly, pay the ransom and obtain the freedom of their son. The boy was returned safely on June 1st. (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days) (filed with Argentum)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, John Philip--Homes & haunts; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

In May of 1935, police guard the home of J.P. Weyerhaeuser Jr., 420 No. 4th St., keeping the press and the curious away while the family negotiates with their son's kidnappers. On May 24, 1935, nine year old George Weyerhaeuser was kidnapped from the grounds of the Annie Wright Seminary. The ransom demand was for $200,000. Reporters from around the country camped outside the Weyerhaeuser home hoping to get a story. The Weyerhaeusers managed to move secretly, pay the ransom and obtain the freedom of their son. The boy was returned safely on June 1st. (T. Times 5/25/1935, pg. 1 plus succeeding days) (filed with Argentum)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, John Philip--Homes & haunts; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

The La Gasa children pose with a vehicle. Photograph taken in connection with the kidnapping of George Weyerhaeuser and the resulting investigation and trial. The trio are most probably the children of Dr. and Mrs. James La Gasa. Photo ordered by the Seattle PI.

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; La Gasa, James--Family; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

An investigator or reporter examines a rock wall at Western States Hospital where stones have been dislodged in a purported ransom attempt for kidnap victim George Weyerhaeuser. Fred Hipkins, a US postal service messenger, reported what he interpreted to be an ransom attempt. In the early hours, he saw a bright light suspended in a tall fir tree near Custer & Steilacoom Highways. Later, near Western States, he saw a sedan parked with its lights off and people inside. The following morning, tire tracks were found near this wall with dislodged stones indicating a possible ransom drop. The story dominated the May 31st, 1935 Tacoma Times paper, only to disappear in the next days, a probable dead end. (T. Times 5/31/1935, pg. 1)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings; Stone walls;

The dislodged stone from the wall at Western States Hospital, possible ransom drop off spot in the George Weyerhaeuser kidnapping. In late May of 1935, US postal employee Fred Hipkins claimed that he had seen what he interpreted as an attempted ransom delivery. It consisted of a signal light high in a fir tree on Custer & Steilacoom Highways, a sedan parked near Western States with its lights off and people inside, and tire tracks and a dislodged rock the next morning in the stone wall surrounding the hospital. (T. Times 5/31/1935, pg. 1)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Weyerhaeuser, George H.--Kidnappings;

ca. 1937. Sentencing of Stanley G. Morrison, Tacoma broker tried for mail fraud, 1937. Mr. Morrison would be sentenced to a five-year term for using the mails to defraud. He would be released on parole from McNeil Island federal penitentiary after serving three years. He then would be tried in Superior Court on 11 counts of fraud in 1941. (T.Times 10-14-41, p. 1)

Crimes--Tacoma; Morrison, Stanley G.--Trials, litigation, etc.;

ca. 1937. 1937 sentencing of Stanley G. Morrison, Tacoma investment broker tried for mail fraud. Courtroom filled with people. A courtroom awaits the sentencing of Mr. Morrison on federal charges of mail fraud. He would be sentenced to a five-year term at McNeil Island federal penitentiary and serve three years before being released on parole. He would be charged in 1941 with eleven counts of fraud stemming from a 1937 situation where Frank Berry, Old Town fisherman, lost $30,000 through investments made through the Morrison Investment Co. (T. Times, 10-14-41, p. 1)

Crimes--Tacoma; Morrison, Stanley G.--Trials, litigation, etc.;

ca. 1937. Sentencing of Stanley G. Morrison, Tacoma real estate and investment broker tried for mail fraud in 1937. Four men crossing the street at 9th Street and Court A on their way to the Federal Courts. Mr. Morrison would end up serving three years of a five-year term at McNeil Island federal penitentiary. In October, 1941, he would be summoned to Superior Court on eleven counts of grand larceny in the alleged misappropriation of $30,000 entrusted to his firm by Frank Berry, fisherman. (T.Times, 10-14-41, p. 1, 10-16-41, p. 1)

Crimes--Tacoma; Morrison, Stanley G.--Trials, litigation, etc.;

ca. 1937. Sentencing of Stanley G. Morrison, Tacoma broker tried for mail fraud, 1937. Three men standing in the doorway to the Federal Building. Mr. Morrison would be sentenced to a five-year term for using the mails to defraud. He would be released on parole from McNeil Island federal penitentiary after serving three years. He then would be tried in Superior Court on 11 counts of fraud in 1941. (T.Times 10-14-41, p. 1)

Crimes--Tacoma; Morrison, Stanley G.--Trials, litigation, etc.;

Mental patient Frank Olson, also known as Lester Mead and Charles Thorp, wearing a cap and soiled jacket, caused a stir when he confessed to kidnapping Charles Mattson. Charles Mattson was kidnapped 12/27/1936; his body was found 1/10/1937 and his murder unsolved. It was later learned that Olson was an escaped mental patient from Medical Lake Asylum. Medical Lake staff told the FBI that Olson had been at the asylum since 1925, and had walked off before. He was also considered harmless and liked to pretend that he was a wanted criminal. Prior to his exoneration, however, special editions of the Tacoma News Tribune and a Seattle morning paper were released proclaiming him as the culprit in the heinous crime. He did fit the description of the kidnapper given by the Mattson children present at the kidnapping. He was held by the state patrol at the Hotel Winthrop for two days of questioning before the case fell apart, then returned to Medical Lake. (T. Times 7/13/1938, p.1).

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Olson, Frank; Mattson, Charles--Kidnappings;

Frank Olson, also known as Lester Mead and Charles Thorp, poses for the police photographer without his hat. He bore a startling resemblance to the kidnapper of Charles Mattson, as described by the other children present at the event. He stunned the community when he confessed to the crime. Charles Mattson was kidnapped 12/27/1936; his body was found 1/10/1937 and his murder unsolved. The Tacoma News Tribune and a Seattle morning paper released special editions proclaiming that the case had been cracked. It was later learned that the 32 year old male was an escaped mental patient from Medical Lake Asylum. He was held for a few days for questioning at the Hotel Winthrop, then returned to the Asylum. He apparently liked to pose as famous criminals. (T. Times 7/13/1938, p.1).

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Olson, Frank; Mattson, Charles--Kidnappings;

Washington State Patrol officers review Charles Mattson kidnapping crime scene photographs with an unidentified man. Ten year old Charles Mattson was kidnapped for ransom on December 27, 1936. His battered body was recovered January 10, 1937. His murder was never solved. Frank Olson, a mental patient at Medical Lake Asylum, confessed to kidnapping the Mattson boy. After two days of questioning by the State Patrol at the Winthrop Hotel, Olson, also known as Lester Mead and Charles Thorp, was found harmless and was returned to the Asylum. He was in residence at the Asylum at the time of the kidnapping. (T. Times 7/13/1938, pg. 1; TNT 7/13/1938, pg.1)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Washington State Patrol (Tacoma); Mattson, Charles--Kidnappings;

A Washington State Patrol officer knocks on the door of room 305 at the Winthrop Hotel where officers questioned Frank Olson who had confessed to the Mattson kidnapping. Olson, also known as Lester Mead and Charles Thorp, had walked away from the Medical Lake Asylum and fabricated his part in the crime. He was found to be harmless and returned to the Asylum. The state officers were accused by the Tacoma Times of blowing up the entire incident with poor investigative technique. To make matters worse, the Times claimed that special editions were released by the Tacoma News Tribune and a Seattle morning paper proclaiming that the crime had been solved. (T. Times 7/13/1938, pg. 1; TNT 7/13/1938, pg. 1)

Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Washington State Patrol (Tacoma); Mattson, Charles--Kidnappings;

Attempted robbery at Hunt and Mottet Company. Officers in office. Police officer looking around desk with flashlight. (T. Times)

Police--Tacoma--1930-1940; Robberies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hunt & Mottet Co. (Tacoma);