Newspaper Summary 1928

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1936 Vashon Island News-Record Summary (Mike Sudduth)

January 1936

January 2, 1936

Park Group Formed; Elect Officers – At a meeting held in the Island Club, Friday evening, December 27th, every community on Vashon and Maury, and practically every organization was represented in the interests of the $39,720 available for the development of a park here. Coy Meredith, acting chairman, stated that it was for the residents of the Islands to decide (1) if they desired the recreation park, and (2) if they wished to have this federal money to spent on the Island, a great share of which would be used locally and thereby benefit all business. It is necessary to select and buy a site suitable for recreational purposes before the money will be turned over to the project. Mr. England appointed as site committee Coy Meredith, Dr. Coutts, Fred Smith, C.F. Van Olinda and Theodore Berry. A board of trustees, representing organized activities on the Islands, was appointed as follows: Dockton Community Club, Mrs. Claudie Peterson; Ellisport Women’s Club; Vashon Business Men’s Club, Dr. Coutts; Vashon Heights, Alex Stewart; Sportsmen’s Club, Al Roen; Cove, Colvos, Lloyd Marsh; Lisabeula, Finn Shattuck; Burton Improvement Club, Dr. Young; Vashon Island Women’s Club, Mrs. Robe; Camulos Club, Mrs. J.G. Bennett; Veterans of Foreign Wars, John Ober; Democratic Club, H.C. Cronander; Lily Club, Alex Stewart; Magnolia Beach, Ira Case; Golf Club, Alex Petersen; Vashon Choral Club, Mrs. Verl Cary; South End Improvement Club, Fred Smith; Teacher’s Club, Mrs. Godsey; Commonwealth Club, Judge Winsor; Republican Club, Fred Sherman.
Game Protector Investigates Feasibility Of Preserve – Edward L. Zaring, state game protector of the state of Washington department of game, was here Friday, December 20th, to start an investigation as to the feasibility of a game preserve on Vashon Island.
Washington Co-Op Erecting Local Plant – Construction of the warehouse and office for the Washington Co-Operative Egg and Poultry Association is now well under way. The location is at Vashon between the Dr. McMurray residence and the Vashon Laundry.

January 9, 1936

State Park Commissioners Visit Park Sites; Four Have Been Submitted – Two members of the State Park Board spent Monday on the Island visiting the various sites submitted for the proposed Island park. While it had been announced that the three commissioners would be here, unexpected demands made it impossible for Dr. Hutchinson, chairman of the board, to come. However, Otto Case, state treasurer, and A.C. Martin, commissioner of public lands, arrived before noon and after luncheon with Mr. and Mrs. Coy Meredith, went over the four pieces of land under consideration. This finished they visited the Beall greenhouses, the Mukai rock gardens and other local points of interest. To date four pieces of property have been submitted in response to the appeal made last week that all available properties be listed with the president of the Vashon-Maury Park Association, Charles England, or members of the site committee. These sites are located, with one exception, on Maury Island. The one on Vashon Island is the Shawnee site, west of Burton. Consisting of 11 acres running from the water up the hill the 800 foot frontage extends from a point about 300 feet east of the west end of the bulkhead to the east side of the xxxxx on the Shaw and Morrison properties. There is adequate water and trees on the north side of the road, which according to present plans will be hard surfaced within the next few years, and which will be a part of the proposed North to South highway. This land is offered for $1,500. In the order in which they would be reached from Vashon Island the Maury sites offered are: 1. A section of the Cressey farm on the Dockton road at its junction with the Kingsbury road, consisting of 12 or 15 acres, which can be purchased for $2,600. Well wooded, with about 600 or 700 feet of beach, this site has an adequate supply of spring water. It has a western exposure, and off of the main highway it is adjacent to a county road. 2. The second Maury Island site is just across the Kingsbury road from the Cressey place, and is a 10-acre tract on the north end of the old Mileta Farm, one of the Maury Island landmarks, across the road from the golf course. This property can be secured for $1,650. It is fairly level, has an easily accessible beach and an apparently adequate supply of fresh water from springs which feed a creek running through the center of the tract. Its frontage on the water is 400 feet. 3. The third Maury site offered is known to Island people as “Sleepy Hollow.” There is 23 acres in the tract which lies on either side of the Dockton road, west of the Ruhlen greenhouse. The old Dockton road gives access to a beach 1600 feet long. The price is $1,300. A large spring with a flow of possibly two inches gives a year-round supply of water. Between the hours of 2 and 4 next Sunday afternoon, January 12th, Island residents are asked to visit these four sites and form their opinion as to the most desirable. A member of the site committee will be on each, rain or shine, to show boundaries, answer questions, etc. Within the next week or ten days a mass meeting will be called and a site chosen, that we may avail ourselves of the federal funds which are, from all indications within our reach.
Several Hundred Attend Townsend Meeting Monday – An audience composed of between two and three hundred men and women, young and old, listened attentively last Monday evening while Otto Case, exponent of the Townsend Plan, explained its proposed operation. Mr. Case, who opposes the suggestion of any sum less than $200 per month for those 60 years of age, feels that the Plan is entirely feasible and logical. He frankly admits that the transaction tax which is designed to take care of the payment of the old age pension would bring up the cost of living at least 10 per cent. But he explained that taxation would be lowered because of the elimination of relief, charitable institutions, from the better times that he feels would result from retiring old people from industry and thus putting younger men and women to work, and a score of other benefits he is assured would be brought about. At the close of the meeting a number signed for membership, bringing closer the necessary 100 members an organization must have to be recognized by the national organization.

January 16, 1936

Campaign for Park Funds To Start Soon – A campaign to raise funds for the new Island park will be launched within the next week or ten days, and selection of the site will be made by those who contribute toward the project. It has been definitely decided that the choice of sites has simmered down to three pieces of property, namely, the Shawnee site, the Cressey property and the Dockton site.
Former Island Boy On Ill-Fated “Iowa” – Older Island residents will recall Charles Steinmetz, one of the men lost on the freighter “Iowa” which foundered last Sunday on Peacock Spit at the mouth of the Columbia. When the family left the Island in 1921 Charles was a little lad of ten or eleven. The family lived in the home now occupied by the A.J. Lewis family, and were active in Burton affairs. The young man had followed the sea for several years, and had made several trips to the Orient. He was a fireman on the ”Iowa.”
Poultry Equipment To Be Shown – Featuring four speakers and a display of the latest types of poultry equipment, the Island Poultry Local will hold one of its biggest meetings at the Island Club next Tuesday evening. As there will be things of interest to both poultry men and fruit men, it is hoped that there will be a large attendance.
Survey For County Building Started – County surveyors were on the ground Tuesday and Wednesday surveying for the long-hoped-for county building which gives promise of materializing. A piece of land has been purchased by the county at Center, a part of the J. Hansen farm, lying west of the Hansen home. The building, which is to be of brick construction, will house county equipment and contain offices for the deputy sheriff, road supervisor and other county officials who may be located here temporarily.
Ellisport Items – In the near future the sawmill whistle will once again sound and the workers return to their jobs. The mill, which has been idle for some weeks, will operate under new management.

January 23, 1936

Work Begins On County Building – Vashon Island is to have its county building! Astonishing as this may seem, after years of broken promises, the fact remains that the land is purchased, materials on the ground and work is actually begun. True this miracle was brought about by the stick-to-itiveness of the local deputy sheriff, Ray Seelye. The county commissioners finally decided that here was a case like the young lady who married her Romeo to get rid of him. They decided it would be easier and pleasanter to build the building and get Ray off of the doorstep. Be that as it may Vashon Island will have one less thing toward which to look forward to. Of full brick construction the main building will be 40 x 40 feet. There will be offices for the deputy sheriff, justice of peace and road supervisor. Also a storage room for engineering equipment and small tools used in road building machinery. This will not only protect trucks, graders, etc., from the weather but they will be in one location and more easily serviced than under the present system. Although there is to be a cell of the same construction as those in the County-City building in Seattle this building is primarily an office building, such as the Island has long needed, and was promised several years ago. Practically all of the labor is furnished as a part of one of the Island’s WPA projects. Thus a larger and better building is the result, rather than the small jail planned by a previous administration. The site of the county building is about one block west of Center, between the Hansen and Anderson properties.
“Come Out Of The Kitchen” To Be Presented By High School Juniors – “Come Out of the Kitchen,” the play to be presented by the Junior Class at the Island high school Friday evening, January 31st, is not new, but it has a certain quality which makes it perennial, and year after year it is selected by many classes for their production.
Soliciting For Park Funds Starts – For each dollar contributed one ballot will be given.
High School News – School Chooses Miss Vashon – On Thursday, January 16th, selection of “Miss Vashon Island” took place at the high school. The students voted for the girl who would best represent the school for this honor. Their selection was based on personality, charm and appearance. Mary Jane Keyes received the highest number of votes and will represent the Island as their queen at the festivities of the South End Commercial Club.
Center News – Work was started on the jail this week at Center.
Local Man Compounds Poultry Remedy – From all indications Martin Andersen, of Colvos, has made a discovery which is of considerable importance to poultry men of the Northwest. He has used it in his flocks for the past five years in combating coccidiosis and worms and has proven to his own satisfaction that it is 100 per cent efficient. For the past two years he has treated other flocks with as high a percentage of success. Mr. Andersen has been approached by commercial manufacturers of remedies such as this but is in not hurry to dispose of the formula which promises to cure poultry ills which has proved the bane of growers for many years past.

January 30, 1936

United We Stand – Divided We Fall ! – Once again the perennially fresh subject of transportation has arisen. Proposed increase of rates on the South End ferry – discontent aroused by the “horse and buggy” method of classifying cars by weight in practice at the North End – general dissatisfaction over the transportation problem in general is the burden of the cry.
KVI, Tacoma, May Locate Transmitter on Vashon; Have Option at Ellisport – After making exhaustive tests on Vashon Island, engineers of KVI, a Tacoma radio station, have found this the ideal location for the broadcasting station the owners are planning to build near the waters of Puget Sound. An option has been secured on the McClintock Homestead and Point Heyer, locally known as the Sand Spit.

February 1936

February 6, 1936

Park Site Selected at Dockton; Work to Start Soon to Develop Project – Realizing that time was growing short and that it would be unwise to wait to call a public meeting Charles England, president of the Island Park Association, called a meeting of the executive committee last Wednesday night. A check-up of funds collected and promised showed that the amount was short by several hundred dollars of the amount necessary to purchase a park site. Theo Berry, or Dockton, revealed that he had personally collected $463, practically all of which was from his own village. This was so far in excess of the amount collected by any other individual that other members of the committee began to wonder just what had happened. Charles Carey explained the likelihood of the funds for the Island park going elsewhere, and stressed the fact that so much time had been lost in utilizing the $39,000 which had been appropriated that unless the matter were brought to a head quickly we might not have a park after all. After a general discussion it was decided to make an intensive drive on Thursday. Another meeting was called for Thursday evening, when ballots were opened. The Dockton site won decisively over the other sites with a total of 457, Cressey 184, and Shawnee 124. Although the necessary amount was not entirely reached the committee felt safe in going ahead with the purchase of the park site. On Friday Theo Berry and Charles England went to Seattle, where they were fortunate in contacting the county commissioners and receiving their assurance that for the present they would accept a deed to the land and sponsor its improvement. The deed and title insurance were arranged for, and the proper officials of the PWA gave the committee all assurance that the project would go through. A member of the engineering corps, J.D. Edlund, returned on the noon ferry with Mr. Berry, spending the remainder of the afternoon here. He made preliminary sketches and was well pleased with the possibilities the site presented. He assured Mr. Berry that the entire $39,000 could be spent on the project, which would furnish labor not only for all relief cases but for others who needed the work badly, but who had refused to go on relief. Mr. England and Mr. Berry were again fortunate on Monday in making all of the contacts necessary, and were able to deliver into the hands of the commissioners a deed to the property, which will be held by them until the work is started and a final decision is made as to its ultimate disposal and acceptance as a state park. In the meantime work will be started, probably within the next week. During the visits of Mr. Berry and Mr. England to the County-City building in behalf of the park project they have received the co-operation and all possible courtesy at the hands of Jack Taylor, commissioner for the South District. Mr. Taylor has done and promises to continue to do everything in his power to hasten the work so that with the closing of present projects Island men may have work on the park project rather than being sent to the mainland. With a balance remaining which must be raised to pay the purchase price for the land it is urged that anyone not already contacted who desires to make an investment for the future of the Island send in checks at once, and that those who have not paid pledges already made do so at once.
Money For Fruit To Be Distributed – Announcement was made last week that in the very near future Vashon growers, members of the Washington Packers, Inc., will receive a payment of $7,300 on the last summer’s fruit. This distribution will be as follows: Strawberries, $500; Youngberries, $121; Olympic berries, $275; Loganberries, $2,100; Gooseberries, $1,700; Currants, $3,100.
Veterans May File Bonus Applications – Veterans of the World War may file bonus applications locally at the News-Record office. John E. Ober, commander of Corp. Alfred Roberts Post No. 2826, will direct the work of receiving and filing applications. Commander Ober states that veterans are to bring their pink slips or certificate number and date thereon and amount; or the certificate itself, and discharge.
Last Island G.A.R. Passes January 26 – Vashon Island was saddened last week by the death of C.A. Barton, one of the early pioneers of Vashon. He passed away Sunday evening at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Graham Maloney, at Lisabeula. He was a charter member and the sole survivor of H.G. Sickles Post No. 57, Grand Army of the Republic, which at one time was a flourishing organization.
Beall Poultry Farm Installs New Hatchibator – The L.C. Beall Pedigreed White Leghorn Farm has recently installed a mammoth Petersime Hatchibator of 20,000 egg capacity. This brings the total capacity up to 35,000 eggs.

February 13, 1936

Crippled Children to Be Examined – Crippled children of Vashon and other sections of King county will be examined, and recommendations for their treatment will be made, at a free clinic sponsored by the State Department of Public Health at the Swedish hospital, Seattle, on February 14th, according to Miss Glennette Hill, of the SDPW.
January Weather Report Given By O.E. Ramquist – Compared to the normal precipitation for January, as recorded in Seattle for a period of 44 years, January’s rainfall of 10.94 inches was almost double the normal of 5.83 inches. There was no snow during the month, except a slight flurry on the 18th, somewhat of a contrast to 1934’s 19 inches. During the month there were seven clear days recorded; nine days were partially cloudy, while the sun refused to shine on 15 days. January was an unusually windy month, with the prevailing wind from the east to southeast reaching gale proportions several times, the highest being on the 4th.
Plans for Development of “Sleepy Hollow” Park Are Being Formulated by Group – A meeting of the site committee was held at the new Island park Wednesday morning. Members present included W. Coy Meredith, Charles England, Charles Van Olinda, C.L. Garner, Arthur Poultney, Theo Berry and L.P. Black. Going over the grounds carefully the committee were more than ever impressed with the possibilities of the project. It was thought best for the immediate present to concentrate all effort on the tract between the water and road. It was apparent that before concrete plans could be made the underbrush and ferns must be cleared out before the exact contour of the ground could be determined. While this is being done C.L. Garner, with the help of a landscape engineer, will draw up a set of plans for the location of a caretaker’s cottage, bathhouses, rest rooms, kitchens, parking lots, etc. A large spring furnishes and adequate supply of water for the entire tract, but it is not deemed advisable to be concerned at present with more than the problems of furnishing water for use on the lower park. It was decided, however, that the storage tank would be placed on the highest point of the entire tract, south of the road, to provide for future development. Much to the delight of members of the committee, intimately acquainted with trees, it was discovered that there are a number of yew trees on the tract. They are exceeding rare in this section, and are very valuable. Every effort will be made to preserve the native trees, among which are some very lovely maples, and various evergreens. The committee reports that they are still approximately $400 short of their goal, and urge that all interested make their contributions at once. L.P. Black is to be in charge of the work at the park.
Burton News Items – A feed house and contents on the Nelson chicken ranch was totally destroyed by fire late Friday night. Only the prompt assistance of neighbors saved the dwelling and other outbuildings.
High School News – Workmen are now busy improving the school grounds. A new road has been constructed, leading to the football field and the gully back of the school has been beautified.
High School News – Vacation – To the joy of all the high school students it was learned last Friday morning that school would be dispensed with for the day, because of the lack of electricity to run the fuel pump. Most of the grade schools were also unable to take up the day’s work, due to the fact that the buses were not sent out. Several of the older boys and girls congregated at the several small lakes and spent the day ice skating.
Local Items of Interest – The Biloxi road is being graded from the highway to the west. Five feet of dirt was taken off the grade as it meets the pavement, and further on the grade will be lowered eleven feet.

February 20, 1936

Garbage Dump Should Be Cared For – At a meeting of the Vashon Business Men’s Club Tuesday noon the perennial subject of the Island garbage dump was once again brought up. The owner of the property east of Center which is now being utilized by people from all parts of the Island threatens to close the fences and shut off the public from the land unless something is done about clearing away the rubbish that has been dumped practically every place except into the canyon, as was originally specified. The approach is blocked by rubbish piled truck high, and as a result the entire lot is being cluttered up in a disgraceful manner. Last year a frightfully unsanitary condition was produced by the dumping of dead chickens and infertile hatching eggs, matter which should by all means be buried. If this practice is continued the department of health will have to be notified and steps taken to prosecute those who are thus endangering the health of others.
The popular form of entertainment during the past week has been ice skating on the Vashon Lake. The crowd is anticipating bob-sledding, to be instigated by Earl Watson, as soon as snow falls here.
Work On Park To Get Under Way Friday Morning With Island Men – With plans approved by the authorities in Seattle everything is set to begin work on the new Island park, commencing Friday morning. About 30 or 40 men will be set to work clearing the land between the shoreline and the road which runs through the tract. Every effort will be made to preserve all of the natural timber, which includes some of the loveliest maple trees in this vicinity, as well as a number of yew trees which are rare on the Island.
Sportsmen To Hold Meet Friday Evening – Business for the evening will deal chiefly with progress made toward acquiring a site for the new home being contemplated by the organization.
Tahlequah Notes – Recalling to some the days when they “sat in” too long at one of the favorite indoor sports, and were forced to eat a meal that had stood and stood, amid the berating of an irate wife, Tahlequahites who planned to board the M.F. Defiance Friday night at 6 o’clock, did not arrive until two hours later. The delay was occasioned by fire, which broke out in the engine room, and resulted in the summoning of two fire companies and the fire-boat. The Defiance was berthed at the Point Defiance slip when an explosion occurred in the engine room. Mitchell Skansie, president of the Washington Navigation Company, made a personal apology to the Vashon Island residents who were discommoded, due to the fire and a resultant mixup in rearranging schedules. Anyhow, they enjoyed that late dinner when they did arrive. The M.F. City of Tacoma will be on the run until repairs are made on the Defiance. Captain “Biz” Burnham, first officer Walt White and Purser Clarence J. Fuscek, of the Defiance, were complimented on the manner in which they handled the situation when the fire broke out.

February 27, 1936

Mrs. C.F. Van Olinda, An Early Island Pioneer, Passes Away Last Week

March 1936

March 5, 1936

“Old Timer” Program to be Monday Eve – The committee in charge of the Commercial Club meeting Monday evening, March 9th, are finding some real talent for the “Old Timers” program. A number of talks will be given by early settlers of the Island, some of whom were in the romper stage, or its equivalent in the ‘80’s, when the incidents transpired.
Captain Ferguson Crashes – Mrs. Wallace Beall received a telegram Tuesday evening telling briefly of the serious condition of her brother, Captain Homer Ferguson, resulting from an airplane crash at Montgomery, Alabama. The message stated that there was a serious hip fracture so bad that the doctors had no hope that Capt. Ferguson would ever walk again. With his family Capt. Ferguson spent several summers at Ellisport.
Allen Beall Dies In Seattle Tuesday – Funeral services will be held in Seattle Friday afternoon for Allen Beall, youngest son of Mrs. L.C. Beall, Sr. who passed away in a Seattle hospital Tuesday night.
New Auto Freight Now In Operation – Indicative that the feed and trucking business is one good bet, Maurice Dunsford entered the Island field last week. The new line has the title “Dunsford’s Vashon Island Freight Service” with terminals at 304 Railroad Avenue South, and the Rodda building, at Center, recently vacated by the Washington Co-Op. Regular daily trips will be made to Seattle in addition to local hauling. In addition to the operation of two trucks, Mr. Dunsford will carry a full line of poultry feed, hay, etc. Having been in the hauling business for a number of years, this is not a new venture for Maurice.
Lewis Schmidt Initiated Into Scabbard And Blade – Lewis Schmidt was honored this week at the University of Washington when he was initiated into Scabbard and Blade, national army honorary.
Tahlequah Notes – Cradled in a grave hollowed out in hardpan, and covered with 37 boulders, none of which weighed less than 100 pounds, the badly deteriorated skeleton of either a Chinaman or Indian was unearthed today by Roy Swanson while excavating for his new home at Tahlequah. The discovery recalls the time when the Indians, adorned in their finest millinery, and smugglers held sway in this cove. Many a shipment of contraband was landed here, and many “Chinks” brought ashore. Not uncommon were murders in these frontier days. Numberless Chinamen being transported illegally into this country were heaved overboard to die when danger of discovery by U.S. customs and immigration officials loomed. Gus Michel, who resides at the entrance to Quartermaster Harbor, recalls the time years ago when he and his dad walking along the beach near where the Roediger cottage now stands, discovered a packing case with six dead Chinamen inside. Evidently when the cargo became “too hot” it was tossed overboard, and the Chinamen left to drown. Twenty feet from where the skeleton was unearthed on the old Rasmussen place, midway between the ferry dock and the entrance to the West Pass, a skull was discovered by Mr. Swanson buried about four and one half feet. This was in a fair state of preservation, and there was nothing to indicate the cause of death. Impacted teeth in the back of the head of the skeleton leads some folks here to believe that death may be resulted from infection caused by this trouble. The boulders covering the skeleton came in handy for Swanson, who is building a rock and cement wall around the grounds of the site for his new residence, which will be constructed this summer.

March 12, 1936

Fred Sherman Takes Ananias Championship – At the regular meeting of the Sportsmen’s Club on Friday evening, March 6th, Fred Sherman won the title “Ultra-Extraordinary Champion Liar of Vashon-Maury Island.” Competition for the honorary title was keen, and it was only after considerable deliberation by the judges that Mr. Sherman was favored over Mr. Coutts. The winner is to be congratulated inasmuch as the hunters and fishermen who competed had unusually weird stories, which, up until this meeting, had been told over the Island in the guise of truths. The contest was thrown wide open when it became known that John Metzenberg, who was the pre-meeting favorite, would not compete, thus giving the rest of the members a show.
Commercial Club Holds Interesting Meeting – At the Commercial Club meeting on Monday evening in the high school, a number of pioneers who had been on the Island from 1887 on, told of their experiences in the early days here. John Christman, of Burton; E.T. Thompson, of Vashon, and several others talked informally of the changes since they had come to the Island, building up a picture of the horse and buggy days that created an entirely different Island from the one we know today.
Accident At Cove Road Saturday Afternoon – The cars of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Christensen and C.R. Price crashed at the Cove road, turning off from the Vashon highway Saturday afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Christensen suffered cuts and bruises, and I.M. Krokset was thrown out of the Christensen car on to the pavement. The Price car was coming from the ferry and the Christensens were driving home from Vashon when the collision occurred.
Local Items of Interest – An interesting true experience of Al Pinkham’s wherein he narrowly escaped being King of Guam for six months – between boats – was recently related over the air by Believe-It-Or-Not-Ripley.

March 19, 1936

Museum to be Opened Soon At Newport Beach Location – Vashon Island residents will soon be privileged to visit the Indian museum practically completed at Newport. L.C. Waynick, a Seattle artist, coming here in search of relief from hay fever found a location which seemed ideal. A splendid collection of Indian curios will be displayed in a room 24 feet long and 14 feet wide, overlooking the inner Quartermaster Harbor. The “Block House” built exactly after the model of early American structures, is attractive from the exterior, but proves even more interesting inside of its simulated log walls. The foundation and basement are 19 x 19, while the floor, with an overhang of 30 inches is 24 x 24. In addition to the large living room there are kitchen, bedroom and bath. Arrowheads from the tiny ones not more than 3-8 inch in length up to the mammoth one almost nine inches long; with beads, stone instruments used in cooking, skinning, etc., beautiful examples of Indian beadwork; objects used in religious ceremonies, and countless other objects of interest are arranged in a large glass case. The grandmother of all vanity cases is there, a tiny stone paint box in which not only the lady Indians, but the men mixed the paints with which they bedecked themselves for conquest or worship. Mr. Waywick, who by reason of his friendships formed while studying the Swinomish tribe, living near La Conner, was adopted by them and given the name “Black Eagle.”
Vashon Island Well Represented On Program – Residents of Vashon Island received plenty of notice on KVI’s sunrise program Wednesday morning, with Ray Campbell, Mabel Wilber and Fransu Smock receiving birthday felicitations. Along with songs dedicated to each the announcer, Mac McAllister, gave Vashon Island and the local newspaper a nice boost that didn’t hurt anyone’s feelings, and that might do the Island a lot of good.

March 26, 1936

Game Park Plans Abolished For Present – Mrs. L.C. Stoltz, who has been active in opposing the establishment of a game preserve on Vashon Island has requested that we inform the farmers who have been supporting her that she is in receipt of a letter from E.L. Zaring, of the Department of Game, which states in part: “I wish to acknowledge receipt of petitions and advise that I have read them very carefully. Also let me assure you that in the immediate future no plans are being made to establish a game preserve in your district.”
Examination To Be Held For Portage Post Office – Applications for the Fourth Class Postmaster examination to fill the vacancy at the Portage post office, created by the death of Mrs. Van Olinda, will be received up to April 17th.
Similar Names Cause False Report – Two weeks ago Mrs. Wallace Beall received a message from her brother, Howard Ferguson, of Seattle, telling of the airplane crash, occurring in Alabama, in which their brother, Captain Homer Ferguson, of the U.S. Flying Forces, supposedly received injuries that would cripple him for life. At the time Mrs. Beall did not know that her brother, Howard, who is an amateur flyer, had received his information from a bulletin at the Portland flying field. The members of the family could not understand by Captain Ferguson’s wife did not send any message, and finally wired to learn of their brother’s condition. They were greatly relieved, after their days of anxiety, to learn that it was not their brother, but a pilot with a similar name, who had crashed. This was not only good news for the family, but for his many friends on the Island.
Tahlequah Notes – Resplendent in a new coat of paint, the M.F. Defiance is back on the Tacoma-Gig Harbor-Vashon Island run. Fire broke out on the Defiance some weeks ago when she was berthed at Pt. Defiance after which she was placed in dry dock.

April 1936

April 2, 1936

Long Record Of Service at Portage P.O. – For the first time in almost 33 years the Portage post office Wednesday morning passed out of the Van Olinda family. Established in 1903, with Charles F. Van Olinda as postmaster, the first day’s business was transacted on July 15th. Exactly two years later the first rural route on the Island was inaugurated, and continued in operation until April 1, 1934. Mr. Van Olinda continued as postmaster until 1922, when he became identified with the Vashon State Bank. Resigning as postmaster the post office merely passed from one member of the family to another, and Mrs. Van Olinda took over the duties of the office, a position which she continued to fill efficiently until her death February 21st of this year. Following Mrs. Van Olinda’s death Mrs. Daisy Armstrong took over the management of the office, with Mr. Van Olinda performing some of the duties outside of banking hours. On April 1st Mrs. Armstrong officially took over the office, and is now serving in the capacity of acting postmaster.
Sportsmen’s Hunt Nets 70 Predators – The predatory animal hunt and contest staged by the Vashon Island Sportsmen’s Club on Sunday resulted in the slaying of 53 cats, 7 crows, 7 kingfishers and 3 blue jays. If there is truth in the statement that a wild common cat will slay on the average two birds a day, then the bird population of the Island will have reason to be grateful to the sportsmen for their activities. This drive against predators was a part of a statewide contest.
Burton Home Destroyed By Fire – Fire which originated from a defect in a flue or in wiring totally destroyed the home of H.C. Burton Wednesday morning. The flames were discovered when they broke through the roof. With the help of neighbors practically all of the furniture and clothing on the first floor was saved. Even an automatic pump in the basement was saved. With the exception of an armful of bedding everything on the second floor was a total loss. The loss of their home represents a real tragedy to Mr. and Mrs. Burton, as there was only a few hundred dollars insurance on the building. They have been here only about a year, and were getting nicely started. The place on which they live is better known to old residents of the Island as the Habbie place, and it is directly across the road from the Dunlap home.
Albert Hofmeister Injured On Burton Dock Job – While working on the Burton dock Saturday morning Albert Hofmeister suffered serious injuries which will keep him confined to a Seattle hospital for some time. The dock is being redecked, and Hofmeister was engaged in pulling out drift pins holding the caps, upon which the planking rested, to the piling. The pin he was working on gave way suddenly and slipping on the icy planking he fell, striking the cap, and landing on the beach six feet below. It is not known whether he received his injuries from striking the cap or from the bar with which he was working. In addition to severe bruising and cuts Hofmeister received a badly fractured upper jaw. He seems to be the victim of an unkind fate, as this is the fourth serious injury he has received in as many years.
Winter Stages A Comeback – Early risers Friday morning could scarcely believe their eyes when they saw the landscape blanketed in white. According to all reports this is the latest snow to be recorded in many years. Nevertheless optimistic gardeners persist in getting the ground ready for seeds. But from now on this editor refuses ever again to boast about our fine weather, even going to the extent of publishing our recent shame so that eastern subscribers may know our weather does not behave always as prettily as it does at times.
High School News – Third Quarter Honor Roll – Seniors – Stanley Dahl, Andy Shride, Ed Slagle, Bob Wilber, Florence Doyle, Janie Keyes, Georgia Livers, Gwen Rees, Beulah Schoppel, Louise Willers, Rose Takasuka. Sophomores – Charolet Andersen, Margaret Rees, Dorothy Wight, Joe Little, Stanley Schmidt. Juniors – Bob Beall, Walt Dunbar, Art Herstad, Clyde Smith, Irene Bengston, Naomi Bethea, Jennie Bogonovich, Patty Doebbler, Mildred Hofmeister, Betty Sue Lee, Donna Lee, Marion Maloney, Phyllis Shattuck, Jeanne Slagle, Maxine Therkelsen, Haruko Yoshida. Freshmen – Clarence Garner, Herbert Hansen, Helen Margaret Andersen, Helen Harmeling, Elsie Kimmel, Ann Rolando, Fransu Smock, Margaret Spalding, Marie Therkelsen, Yoshido Toyoka.

April 9, 1936

Don Tjomsland Wins Fine Gun In Predatory Shoot – As announced in Tuesday evening’s city dailies, Don Tjomsland won second place in the recent contest which resulted in the destruction by the local Sportsmen’s Club of a large number of predators. With a record of 28 predators to his credit, Don won the second prize for Western Washington, a fine scope gun. In the inter-club competition the Vashon Club drew a $10 prize for fourth place.
Call for Bids – To be sold to the highest bidder, the old Burton School, a two-story frame building with a full concrete basement, located on a five-acre tract of land, three acres cleared, about a quarter mile west of Burton. Terms of the successful bidder at least one-third down, the balance at reasonable terms at 6 per cent interest. Bids to be opened by the School Board, April 30th, at 8 p.m. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Mail sealed bids to School District No. 211, G.E. Bucknell, Clerk, Burton Wash.
Cove, Cedarhurst and Colvos Items – Alfred Edwards and son, Barton, and Perry Hansen left last Thursday morning for the fishing banks in Alaska.
Burton Grade School Operetta Proves Tribute to Teacher; Good Attendance – The Burton grade school operetta, “Cinderella n Flowerland”, which was given last Thursday evening by the Burton grade school pupils, was as near perfection as such a performance could be. The cast of seventy-five children are to be commended for the ease and grace with which they took their parts.
Bill Smith Now On McKay Force Of Ford Salesmen – Bill Smith, Vashon Island boy who made good in a big way on the gridiron, has entered the business world in Seattle under the sponsorship of William O. McKay, head of one of the city’s largest auto businesses. Bill played from ’25 to ’30 on the Vashon high school football squad, following which he played on the University frosh squad. He made the All-American team in 1933 and has played on many professional teams since that time.
Advertisement – Service To The Community – We Carry A Complete Line Of Groceries And Meats – Both Fresh And Cured – Berry’s Store – “Just South of the New Park”

April 16, 1936

Trap Shoot To Be Held Next Sunday – A trap-shoot, sponsored by the local Sportsmen’s Club, will be held next Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Kingsbury shooting grounds on Maury Island.
County Engineer Studies Island Project Tuesday – H.H. Cissna, county engineer, with a party of eight county engineers, was on the Island Tuesday to study Unit No. 2 of the jail and shed project, which is the paving of the road between Burton and Center. The project originally called for a paved marine drive between Tacoma and Seattle, via Vashon Island, which may be accomplished at some future date. Upon completion of the jail next week, a housewarming and flag raising ceremony will be held, under the auspices of County Commissioner Jack Taylor. The dock at Burton is being reconstructed. Work is progressing fast and will be an improvement over the old structure. Burton passengers commute to Tacoma from the Shawnee dock while the work is under way.
Co-Op to Hold Open House Wednesday – All of their Island friends are cordially invited to attend the formal opening of the new home of the Washington Co-Op just completed on the highway north of Vashon. The completion of their new home marks a forward step in the progress which has been made by the Washington Co-Operative Egg and Poultry Association. Starting with a few members the Vashon local has grown into a thriving organization. The members are yearly more impressed with the soundness of the principal of co-operation.
County Employees Entertained Saturday Eve – Members of the Island road crew were guests of Commissioner Jack Taylor at a dinner given last Saturday evening at the Goodwill Farm.
Black Ball Officials Visit Island Club – Sitting around the dinner table at the Goodwill Farm Monday evening officials of the Black Ball Ferry Company, operators of the Kitsap County Ferry lines, and members of the executive committee of the Vashon Island Commercial Club the question of the ferry problems of the Island was discussed pro and con. Among those of the company were Alex Peabody, president; Mr. LeFarge, vice-president; Mr. Strassberger, auditor, and Mr. Murphy, marine superintendent. This was the first visit to the Island for some of the men and they voiced their astonishment at the progressive looking buildings which are scattered over the Island. Particularly they were interested in the school buildings which they passed. The questions which were discussed at the meeting pertained to the ever-present ferry problems. Fares were taken under advisement, along with schedules. Now that the summer traffic is on the pick-up the question of more service on the peak days was assured. Mr. Peabody asked for a proposed schedule of fare, which the club’s transportation committee has worked up, and which he said would be given consideration in the revised schedule the company is working out. A copy of the company’s proposed tariff will be sent to the club, and after a careful check-up another meeting will be had with the Black Ball people for a further discussion.
Burton News Items – Lloyd Boyington almost severed the top of his thumb on the left hand while chopping wood at his mother’s home last Thursday evening.
Tahlequah Notes – Beating the Kennewick crop by three days, asparagus beds are producing well here. The first cuttings from the Kennewick market reached Tacoma Monday, and proves that if truck gardeners desired to go into asparagus here in a big way, they would have a good lead over the Eastern Washington districts.
Replacing the S.S. Virginia, which is undergoing repairs, the S.S. Atlanta was on the Tacoma-Seattle run Tuesday morning. The Atlanta carries the mail, and serves all points on the West Pass.

April 23, 1936

Places To Register Designated – Heber Ward, who is making a survey as to the unemployed, those partially employed and project workers, and who is gathering information regarding idle resources and farm land that may be organized and made to function in the interest of the unemployed here on Vashon island will be at Meredith’s Store at Burton Monday and Tuesday, April 27th and 28th; the Lisabeula school on Wednesday and Thursday, the 29th and 30th; at Armstrong’s Store, Portage, Friday, May 1st between the hours of 1 to 6 p.m. He urges that all who feel themselves under this classification shall register at once.
In The Country Gentleman – The current issue of the Country Gentleman has a most interesting article regarding Vashon Island and our own “Burbank,” Stephen J. Harmeling, which every Island resident will want to read. To date we have not had the opportunity to more than glance over the article hastily, as the supply at the local newsstand was exhausted immediately, but more have been re-ordered.
Tahlequah Dock Being Remodeled – Bringing to a realization the dream that residents of the southern part of Vashon Island have long cherished of adequate docking facilities for ferries, the new wharf is now under construction at Tahlequah. The dock, which will be equal in every respect to the one at the North End of the Island, will be completed within the next three weeks, it is announced by J.H. Marshall, bridge and wharf superintendent for King county, and his assistant, F.W. King. Ten thousand dollars will be expended for the construction of the new pier, which will have a 20-foot roadway and a four-foot walk for pedestrians. It will be paved with asphalt, eliminating disagreeable dust, and run well up the main highway. If Island organizations are successful in their efforts to induce the county commissioners to oil the highway from Tahlequah to Center, increased travel may be looked forward to this summer. It is well known that dusty highways kept hundreds of visitors away last year from Vashon and Maury Islands, resulting in a tremendous decrease in the customary summer volume of business. Fred Agren has charge of the crew of men that has been working since a week ago Monday getting things in shape for the actual construction of the pier and arranging for a special roadway to the Fry Grocery.
The Vashon fire-truck was given a try-out Tuesday by Captain John Metzenberg. It had not been called for use all winter, but when tested proved to be in A-1 condition.
Tahlequah Notes – Charles G. Huhn, manager of the Burge Printing Company of Tacoma, and a confirmed Vashon Island booster, is passing out cards. No, Gwendolyn, he’s not seeking an office at the public feed trough, but is worn to a frazzle answering queries about a bandaged right hand. Hence, when he lamps some friend approaching, his left finger digs into a pocket and out pops a card reading: “Yes – I had an accident. I mashed my finger in a paper cutter. It occurred Friday at 8:30 a.m. I don’t think I’ll lose the finger. I wasn’t drunk. It still hurts. I don’t care to talk about it.”

April 30, 1936 MISSING

May 1936

May 7, 1936

Eighth Grade Students Get Together – Pupils of the eighth grades of the Island schools were guests last Wednesday evening at a party given for them at the Island Club. Those scheduled for graduation into high school are: Burton: Walton Fitzpatrick, Edward Haack, Axel Johnson, Hugh Kenreigh, Jim Penny, Glen Polhamus, Gordon Selleck, Richard Young, Thelma Breiwick, Felicia Dahl, Esther Fry, Esther Gates, Isabella Griffith, Gloradawn Hoel, Dorothy Landers, Betty Mae Wilder. Center: Doris Jean Bitle, Stella Brabender, Lee Huston, Grace Matsumoto, Sachi Mishiro, Joe Pettelle, Virginia Therkelsen. Columbia: Alfred Edwards, Stanley Ellison, Marie Johansen, Virginia Long, Morris Paulson, Borghild Sovold. Lisabeula: Edith Close, Willie Steed. Vashon: Mary Ann Agren, Eddie Babcock, Lad Bacchus, Shirley Blekkink, Vera Cader, Johnnie Coffin, Lorraine Croan, Lorna Croan, Elida Dyrness, Geneva Edson, Ruth MacDonald, Marshall Miller, Mary Nakamichi, Jack Petersen, Judith Shride, Bob Smith, Betty Tjomsland, Benny Wilson, Neita Weyer, Gordon Campbell, Carralee Kimmel. Dockton: Paul Amundsen, Mary Bigunovich, Allen and Clarence Petersen, Lucas Plancich, Louis Radin, Earl Willers. Maury: Terrance Frombach, Phyllis Gould, Lawrence Larsen, Jensine Peterson, Gerald Petrie, Winiford McPherson, Arthur Robinson, Phyllis Williams.
Play At Island Club Is A Huge Success – Packed houses greeted the two performances of “Cousin Agatha’s Business” last Thursday and Friday evenings. The play was written by our own Marjorie Stanley, and was full of clever lines that kept the audience in gales of laughter from start to finish. For a first attempt at the difficult and different job of play-writing all agreed that Miss Stanley had done a remarkably good job.
Tahlequah Notes – The Spring Beach-Pt. Defiance run is again open, with the Yankee Boy, a trim craft piloted by George Rickard, operating on a limited schedule, except over the weekend. The Yankee Boy replaces the Ramona, which was destroyed by fire of undetermined origin late last fall.
NOTICE – You are hereby notified that I, the undersigned, have bought the Bethel Park. If anyone cutting trees or wood in the Park, or taking out shakes and cedar posts without my consent will be arrested. But if anyone would like to buy some I will sell it reasonably. Jens Pederson, Vashon, Washington.

May 14, 1936

Large Octopus Beached By Lisabeula Resident – George B. Couper, of Portland, who is at his beach home south of Lisabeula, recently speared a large octopus that had ventured into rather shallow water. It put up a stiff fight, but Mr. Couper’s sand shark spear contacted a vital spot and it was dragged ashore frantically clutching about 50 pounds of small sized stones. Had there been any large rocks within its reach capture would have been impossible. A tentacle measured 5 feet, nine inches in length, so its tip to tip measure was 11 to 12 feet. Its weight was estimated at about 40 to 45 pounds. Local residents consider it an unusual specimen for this beach.

May 21, 1936

High School Graduation Thursday Eve – Gwen Rees will deliver the valedictory, and Bob Wilber the salutatory. Members of the Class of 1936 are: Roberta Dowling, Florence Doyle, Elizabeth Heydine, Ruth Heydine, Margaret Hoshi, Alice Houghton, Ida Jacobsen, Amy Johansen, Mary Jane Keyes, Amy Lewis, Georgia Livers, Dorothy Peterson, Ida Radin, Gwen Rees, Julia Richards, Peggy Stone, Beulah Schoppel, Rose Takatsuka, Louise Willers, Edith Sundt. Clifford Anderson, Bob Campbell, Stanley Dahl, Don Castle, Allwyn Edson, Titus Frombach, Harold Hartvigsen, Alvin Huston, Bill Lees, Thomas Nedderman, Howard Nichols, Charles Pettelle, David Schwartz, Andrew Shride, Edward Slagle, Lester Sundberg, James Staples, Bob Wilber.
Center News – The county equipment has been moved to the new garage at Center.
High School News – Gym Classes – The Girls’ Physical Education Class is planning another swimming trip to Burton. There will be another beauty contest of enough girls wish to take part.
High School Notes – The Senior Play – The presentation of “Through the Keyhole” by the seniors Friday night afforded the various members of the cast ample opportunity to demonstrate their dramatic ability.

May 28, 1936

Death Robs Island of Good Citizen – In the death Sunday morning of A.T. Tjomsland, Vashon Island lost one of its oldest and best respected citizens.
J.H. Williams’ Store At Burton Changes Hands – A change in the ownership of a Burton store took place this week, when the J.H. Williams’ store was sold to Harry Robins, of Seattle. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been in business at Burton since March of 1921.
Dedication Of New Flag Pole Held At High School Tuesday – Short, but impressive ceremonies were held at the high school Tuesday morning when the new flag pole was dedicated. Coy Meredith, president of the Commercial Club, gave a short history of the erection of the pole. Through the enterprise of Carl Wick the fine pole, 76 feet in length was secured. It was dressed, painted and the base prepared by PWA workers.
Tahlequah Notes – Opening of Tahlequah’s $10,000 ferry pier last Thursday evening at 6:15 o’clock was welcome news to Island residents and Tacoma firms doing business in this territory.
Sweet Shop Will Celebrate Fifth Anniversary This Weekend – Establishment In Readiness for Weekend Features – During the three days of celebration there will be featured Olympic Ice Cream, and the new Red Line, ten new and different Societe candy bars. Not even the disastrous fire of April 17th, 1933, which consumed the original building in which they were located, discouraged Mr. and Mrs. Johnson.
New Ice Cream Cabinet Keeps Zero Temperature – With a temperature maintained constantly at Zero, a new ice cream cabinet was recently installed at the Sweet Shop, Vashon’s sole distributor of Olympic Ice Cream. The new cabinet is large enough to keep an adequate supply of ice cream on hand for any emergency.
Chicken Thieving Again In Evidence – Maury Island residents report that the annual outbreak of chicken thieving is again in progress. Forty cockerels, just ready for the market disappeared from the Mileta Farm over the weekend. This is by way of warning to those whose poultry pens are left unlocked. Nothing more disheartening can be imagined than to lose birds upon which work and expense has been expended.

June 1936

June 4, 1936

Work On Island Docks Nearing Completion – Although hampered to a marked degree by weather conditions, determined efforts are being made by the county engineer’s office to complete the piers under construction on Vashon and Maury Islands. According to business men, this is the first time in the history of the Island that a sincere effort has been made by the commissioners’ and county engineer’s office to see that much-needed improvements on docks were provided for in the curtailed budget. Work on surfacing the Burton dock was completed Tuesday by the Washington Asphalt Company, one of the largest operators in the state. An excellent plant is in operation now at the Judd Creek bridge, and from there all operations will be carried on. Capt. P.C. Breezley, who is one of the owners of the plant, is in charge. Surfacing of the Dockton dock was begun Wednesday, and then will start a similar operation on the new $10,000 pier at Tahlequah. A sunrise to dusk routine is the general order of business for them as some of the projects are being completed on an overtime schedule. Following the completion of driving piles Monday at the Biloxi dock, planking operations were started Tuesday. Two thousand dollars will be expended on this wharf. The residents of Manzanita, who have been in the category of the forgotten man for years, will also have a new dock. A petition was circulated by them, and through the efforts of Taylor, Marshall and Nash, an emergency appropriation of $1,500 was voted for the project. Work will be started within two weeks.
Who Wants Trip To Alaska Free? – A feature of the Vashon Business Men’s Carnival, which will be held early in July, will be a contest to determine who shall be the owner of a new Hotpoint range, a Mixmaster, or a number of other valuable prizes. In addition to these prizes some Island resident will take a trip to Alaska as a reward for industry and diligence. This trip will be for the one receiving the greatest number of votes in connection with the range contest. The annual carnival is held by the business men for the purpose of paying for the street lights, hose and upkeep of the fire truck and other necessary expensed connected with an unincorporated village.
Man Seriously Injured In Car Crash Sunday Night – Mark Bridges, boom-man for the Ellisport Mill, is believed dying in the Swedish hospital in Seattle, and his wife sustained painful injuries, as the result of an automobile crash Sunday night near the old Price place on the Center-Vashon Heights highway. Burr Anderson was the driver of the machine that crashed with the Bridges’ car, and was declared by witnesses to be driving as a high rate of speed. In the Anderson car were Miss Lucille Anderson and Paul Sceva, widely-known young sportsman.
Lost Man Found In Seattle Tuesday – Michael Brady, 84, whose mysterious disappearance from the Goodwill Farm Sunday evening caused considerable commotion, was picked up at one o’clock Tuesday morning by Seattle police. How he reached the city, while Island Boy Scouts and deputies from the sheriff’s office scoured the woods about Dilworth Point, will never be known, as the old man is too feeble to recall anything that happened after his disappearance.
Seattle Real Estate Firm Names Island Agent – The William A. Eastman and Company, 414 University Street, Seattle, has just appointed Royce Wise their Vashon agent.
South End Ferry Puts On Extra Night Trip – Bringing happiness to the residents of Vashon Island an 8:45 p.m. ferry from Tahlequah to Pt. Defiance was put on the run Monday night. The ferry leaves the Pt. Defiance pier for the Island at 8:30 o’clock. This new schedule will obtain until October 1st, according to present plans.
Novel Gavel Presented to Club President – The pages of time were turned back Saturday night, and members of the South End Community Club were given an opportunity to see that the spirit of neighborliness often pays dividends. The occasion was the presentation by C.R. Roediger, secretary-treasurer of the organization, of a novel rosewood gavel to R.K. Beymer, president, as the gift of Fred C. Smith and Charles G. Huhn. More than two decades ago Mr. Beymer gave his neighbor C.P. Robarts a slip from a Madame Alfred Carrier rose on the Beymer place at Tahlequah. The clipping thrived, and today the bush covers a portion of the Robarts’ home. Huhn and Smith were admiring it one day, and picked up one of the large dead canes that had been pruned out, and in their minds sprouted the idea of a unique gavel. The beautifully scented wood was later turned into its present form by a Tacoma plant. Attractively placed on the presentation box was a bouquet of blooms from the Alfred Carrier bush from which the wood was removed.
Burton News Items – Bob Campbell will continue as clerk at the Robbins grocery store. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Robbins, who took over the J.H. Williams’ store on Monday, will live in the apartment connected with the store.
Maury Boy Makes Record – With the closing of school Friday, Lawrence Larsen completed his eighth grade with a record of perfect attendance and punctuality for his entire grade school attendance.

June 11, 1936

Surfacing Operations Delayed – Surfacing of the Burton and Dockton wharfs, and the new $10,000 pier at Tahlequah was halted last Thursday when the dryer on the mixing machine, operated by the Washington Asphalt Company at the Judd Creed bridge, broke down. It was learned upon inspection in a Seattle machine shop that it was not practical to repair it. Instead, a new type of dryer will be installed, and surfacing operations will probably be started Friday.
F.M. Robertson Tenders His Resignation – At a meeting of the directors of Union U. held Tuesday evening at the high school, the resignation of Professor F.M. Robertson was tendered and accepted. The condition of his wife’s health, which he feels would be improved by a change in climate, was given by Mr. Robertson as his reason for leaving the Island.
Lily Show Dates Set For June 27-28 – At a meeting of the Vashon Island Lily Growers Association held last Saturday afternoon at the Island club, preliminary arrangements for the 1936 Lily Show were made.
Appointed National Advertising Manager – From the University of Washington comes the news that John Beall has been named national advertising manager of the University of Washington Daily for the school year 1936-37. John, who is enrolled in the University College, was a member of the class of ’35, Vashon Island high school.
Bookmobile Will Serve Island Readers – Vashon Island this summer is to have a unique service which will be hailed with delight by all book-lovers. Mrs. Elsie M. Gates will furnish all of the privileges of a modern lending library, the Vashon Bookmobile, which will travel over a regular route each week. Books, modern and classic, will be rented at a very reasonable fee. The books will also be sold by Mrs. Gates, who is agent as well for the Americana, an encyclopedia which bids fair to surpass the Britanica in popularity.

June 18, 1936

Coordinating Council to Be Formed – All Island taxpayers are urged to attend the mass-meeting to be held at the Masonic Hall at 8 o’clock on Thursday evening, June 25th. The purpose of this meeting is the formation of a co-ordinating council to assist and work with relief agencies in the administration of local problems for the public welfare.

June 25, 1936

Sportsmen’s Club To Build Club House On Own Land – The Vashon Sportsmen’s Club will do the first work toward building a clubhouse for the organization when members meet Sunday morning to cut and peel logs on the recently acquired ground in Paradise Valley. Wives and lady friends of members will gather at noon to prepare a picnic lunch, which will be eaten under the trees on the club’s own property. The organization is going ahead with its building program. Preliminary arrangements were made at the last meeting when a board of directors was chosen to sign incorporation papers prepared by Merwyn Bell, of Seattle, the club’s lawyer. The incorporators were Al Roen, E.E. McCormick, George McCormick, John Calhoun, Bill Shakespeare, M.E. McDougal, Frank Fuller, Harris Ward and Con Tjomsland. The land purchased by the club consists of nine acres of second-growth timber and lies adjacent to Judd Creek near the McDougal hog ranch.
Surfacing of Docks Finished Wednesday – Surmounting difficulties that would jar the equilibrium of Mr. Average Man, and a jinx that would tax the patience of one of St. Peter’s right-hand bowers, the Washington Asphalt Company completed the surfacing of the Dockton and Burton wharfs and the new $10,000 Tahlequah ferry pier last Wednesday afternoon.
Burton Post Office Raised To Third Class – Due to the increase in business, resulting from the consolidation of several rural routes, the Burton post office has been advanced from fourth to third class, and a call has been issued for applications for the examination for postmaster.
Large Octopus Caught At Cedarhurst Friday – Last Friday a large octopus was killed on the West Side. It had been left by the ebbing tide and was found by Bob MacLeod, Bob Fulton and Wayne Scudder on the Spalding beach at Cedarhurst. In killing the fish the boys used a fish spear which was broken to bits during the encounter. The octopus, which weighed forty pounds and measured seven and a half feet from tip to tip, and its longest tentacle was four and a half feet from body to tip. During their struggle with it the boys arrived at the conclusion that the fish was in excellent fighting condition, and that it was a worthy opponent.
Island Park Ready For Picnickers – At a meeting Monday evening of the executive committee of the Park Association, and a number of interested friends, plans were made for the opening picnic of the season, to be held Saturday, July 4th. Before the meeting was called to order by the president of the Association, Charles England, the members were given an opportunity to see firsthand what had been accomplished by the workers. The place, which last spring was primitive wilderness, is now entirely transformed. A log bulkhead has been built and the hillside has been cut away, and the space next to the beach leveled and filled. By the ram, where there was formerly a muddy swamp three lily ponds, with rock sides, have been built. The brick stoves are completed and the kitchen is rapidly nearing completion, as are the dressing rooms and shower house. Both of these buildings are built of milled logs. There are plenty of tables ready for use, and although the work of cleaning up and adding the finishing touches is not yet completed the park is available to those who care to picnic there. The formal dedication of the park will take place on Sunday, July 12th. Arrangements are being made by a committee composed of Theo Berry, chairman, Coy Meredith, Arthur Poultney, Norman Edson, Dr. Bennett and C.A. Wilder.
KVI Tower To Be Erected Here – In a news broadcast early this week it was announced that station KVI, of Tacoma, had been granted permission by the Federal Board of Radio Control to establish a station on Vashon Island and to increase its present power to 5000 watts. The new tower will be erected at an early date on the McClintock Homestead of Ellisport.
Don Canfield In Crew Races – His many Island friends and admirers are tremendously proud that Don Canfield was among those who won such a signal victory for Washington in the crew races this week.
Free Gas For The Fortunate Number Holders – Vashon-Maury Island drivers will have a new experience on July 3rd, and stand a chance of getting a supply of free gas as well. Between four and five o’clock an aeroplane will fly over the Island and from it will drop a shower of numbered cards. Fifty of those will be lucky ones that will give to the finder a supply of free gasoline with the compliments of the Fuller Super Service Station. These cards will be dropped at Dockton, Center, the top of the Cove Hill, Vashon, Burton and Vashon Heights.

July 1936

July 2, 1936

New Road Mixture Is Being Used – Polishing off to a nicety their ambitious wharf and road program, the King County engineer’s office, and board of county commissioners witnessed the completion of the resurfacing of the ferry pier at Vashon Heights last Friday afternoon. Original plans called merely for the patching of the wharf at Vashon Heights, but when the work was started it was decided to do a thorough job on the recommendation of J.H. Marshall, bridge and wharf superintendent for County Engineer J.P. Dodd. Marshall got into communication with Capt. P.C. Beezley, of the Washington Asphalt Company, operating the surfacing plant at Judd Creek. Trucks were sent to Seattle to obtain more rock and asphalt, and the operations were completed in a hurry. While this work was in progress, the county crew was putting a new type of mixture to lay the dust on the road between the telephone office and Tahlequah, and several other districts. The job to date is declared to be a success, and from now on Vashon Island and visitors will be able to make the trip from Tahlequah to the north end of the Island without stepping from their car, and shaking off pounds of excess dust.
Nearly All High School Teachers Signed Contracts – A current report that there will be practically an entire change in the teaching force at the high school is entirely erroneous, according to F.M. Robertson, principal. Mr. Robertson will leave the middle of the month for his new position at Naches, but from all indications there are to be no other changes in the faculty. Miss Ruth Curry’s contract was returned unsigned at the close of school, much to the regret of those who had recognized in her a strong teacher, and the excellent drill-master that is necessary to give under-classmen the foundation in English that will make for substantial work later on. Contracts have been signed by Mrs. Alice Keyes, Miss Bertha Sunnell, Miss Gertie Gammel, Rodney Ackley, Lloyd McElvain and Robert Eckman. W.P. Tyler, who comes this year as principal of the high school, has served for the past seventeen years as superintendent of the grammar and high schools at Naches.
Visitors From Other States See Show – “One of the prettiest and most successful shows we have ever had,” was the consensus of opinion as the 1936 Lily Show closed Sunday evening. Conservatively it was estimated that approximately 1400 persons had visited the show between one o’clock on Saturday until Sunday evening. The best lily entered for competition and which received the sweepstakes was grown by Mrs. T. Hansen.
Leave Rural Mail Boxes Alone! – Island children, large and small, are requested not to use rural mail boxes in their July 4th celebrations. An old coffee can or length of stove pipe will give the same effect without the penalty that is attached to the misuse of equipment connected with the distribution of the U.S. mail.
Vashon Cub Scouts To Meet – For the summer months and until the remodeling of the Scout Cabin is accomplished the Vashon Cub Scouts will meet in the den that has been fitted up for them in the Smock basement. Under the leadership of Sherb Heath the youngsters are getting some excellent training and enjoying a live summer’s program.
Water System Extends Lines – The Vashon Heights Water Corporation lines are being extended on the Glenn Acres road to the Bargelt and Roy Kimmel places.
Ellisport Items – Ellisport finds that it has a group of public-spirited youngsters. In the hope of hurrying the picnic season, they volunteered to do some preliminary work on the picnic grounds, and armed with rakes, trowels, spades, hammers and an axe, they transformed the grounds in a surprisingly short time, littered with dead leaves and fallen branches, into a clean and orderly spot. The wood was neatly piled to dry, the grounds raked and the tables and benches nailed into steadiness and security. Fruit punch and cake was served to them, after which they still had energy left for playing games and enjoying the results of their clean-up campaign. Those who joined in the fun were Helen, Eddie and Frankie Garvin, Mary Furbush, Katherine Fuller, Eleanor and Freddie Thomas, Paul and Isabel Schwartz, Mickie Erickson, Orabelle Hofmeister, Mary and Sally Hawkins. The Ellisport Women’s Club extends an invitation to clubs and picnic parties to make use of these grounds.
Ellisport Items – Ellisport is rejoicing that the small dock and float at the foot of Washington street will soon be completed. It will now be possible for small boats to make landings here, a service that has been greatly missed since the old dock was torn down.
Cove, Cedarhurst and Colvos Items – George Walls spent last week attending the Grand Chapter in Walla Walla, having been chosen a delegate by the Island Odd Fellows lodge.
Activities Open At Camp Sealth For Summer – Camp Sealth, summer play ground of Seattle Camp Fire Girls, opened Sunday, June 28th, for its seventeenth season when sixty-six girls arrived in camp for the Pioneer period, June 28th to July 5th. During this week the early history of Vashon Island is featured. Upon arrival in camp the “pioneer” campers divided into family groups each taking the name of one of the Island’s first settlers.
Buys Maury Island Farm – Grover C. Achors, of Seattle, has purchased the Nilane place, near the golf course, taking possession this week. Mr. Achors, a former member of the 2nd Division, 9th Infantry, A.E.F., felt that there was no better manner in which he could spend his bonus money than in the purchase of Island property. Being a bachelor there is no more suitable place than Maury Island, which has more unattached residents to the square mile than any other section in the state of Washington.
Tahlequah Notes – With planks salvaged from the old ferry pier, a crew of Tahlequahites improved the “main stem” here Sunday. The walk from the new $10,000 ferry pier along the beach front is in splendid condition now, which will be a boon to summer residents and those who make their home here the year round.

July 9, 1936

Martha Matsumoto Injured When Truck Overturns – Martha Matsumoto suffered a bad scalp would last Friday afternoon when the truck driven by her stepfather, J. Usui, overturned on the Heights hill. Poor brakes were responsible for the accidents. With eleven passengers in the truck an old Model T. Ford, bound on a holiday trip the driver realized that he was losing control of the car. In an effort to stop he turned it into the bank just above the Brown-Dwyer garages. Martha, who is a junior in high school, was the only one injured. She was struck at the base of the skull, her head hitting against the end of a bolt. At first it did not seem as though the injury were at all serious and she was taken to her home at Center. She remained in a state of semi-unconsciousness and her family became alarmed at her condition. Yukichi Nishiyori was called to take the girl to the hospital. At the Heights dock he learned that the next ferry across from Harper would not stop at the Island and that the Crosline had just left. Elmer Stevenson, ticket agent, realized that there was a necessity of getting the girl to the hospital quickly as possible and signaled the Harper ferry which picked up the Nishiyori car. Examination when she reached the hospital showed that there was not a skull fracture as had been feared, and Martha is slowly recovering.
Chuck Kimball Injured In Fall – As the result of a fall on Mount Constance, in the Olympic range, Charles “Chuck” Kimball is recovering at the Seattle General Hospital. In company with his cousin, Walter Steen, and Bill Magill, Chuck was climbing Mount Constance Sunday morning on their final hike of the Fourth of July and weekend outing. Slipping on the icy surface he fell down the steep side of the mountain about 500 feet. The accident occurred at 11 o’clock about nine miles from where they had left their car, and the return trip had to be made by foot over a rough, narrow trail at an elevation that made the going frightfully difficult. The party returned to the Island, ferrying from Brinnon and reaching home on a late boat. With possible danger of a skull fracture it was decided to take the injured lad into Seattle for examination and care. X-ray disclosed the fact that there was nothing more serious than cuts, bruises and shock, and a few days of quiet and rest will no doubt find Chuck ready to start out on another climbing expedition.
Don Canfield In University Four-Oared Boat – The four-oared boat from the University of Washington competing for the Olympic Games try-outs was defeated Sunday by the Riverside Club of New York. They lost the race and the opportunity to go to Germany by one length. Don Canfield was one of the oarsmen.
Airplane Rides Available At Park Dedication – Arrangements have been made with Leland Clark, licensed pilot, to bring his plane to the Vashon Park next Sunday, July 12th. He will take up passengers at a reasonable price, for an air view of Vashon Island and the cities of Tacoma and Seattle.
Bus Stop Changes Made By Ordinance – Patrons of the Vashon Island Transit Company are asked to note that city ordinances forbid any buses stopping in front of the Busy Bee restaurant. The triangle at Second South and Jackson has been designated as a bus stop. This is two blocks farther south, just across the street from the Northern Pacific train depot.

July 16, 1936 Missing

July 23, 1936

Vashon Business Men’s Carnival Closes Saturday Night With Tidy Sum Netted – The drawing for the range and electric mixer took place as the hour grew late. The lucky ticket was that of Cammarano Brothers, while Mrs. Anna Dowling received the Mixmaster. Wesley Middling received the Toastmaster for selling the winning ticket. Mrs. Ethel Johnson won first place in the ticket selling contest, but was obliged to work hard in outdistancing Bob Weiss, a close second.
Shattuck Appointed Deputy Sheriff For Island – F.J. Shattuck last week received his appointment as deputy sheriff to succeed Ray Seelye. Mr. Shattuck is resuming his former duties, work that became familiar through many years in the service during several Republican administrations. That he should have been reappointed in the present administration constitutes a tribute to his reputation gained in his former time in this office. According to rumor Mr. Seelye will work out of the Seattle office until such time that he shall receive his appointment to the Seattle police force. He has an excellent rating, having taken the city examination some months ago.
Freak Traffic Accident At Intersection – An unusual and spectacular traffic accident occurred Sunday evening at the intersection of the highway and the Cove road. Mike Werlech, of Seattle, going north at a rapid speed on his way to the nine o’clock ferry, attempted to pass a truck, driven by Arthur Johnson, of Cove, just as he turned into the Cove road. Realizing that Johnson was turning into his path and that he was about to collide with him, Werlech instead of turning in the same direction onto the Cove road tried to swing out and back to the highway. He struck the end of a shelter shed, snapping off one of the supporting posts. The roof of the shed fell onto the car and was carried with it over into the field for a distance of 150 feet. A few feet off of the pavement the car went up over an embankment, off of the ground at least twenty feet and landed right side up. It was one of those freak accidents that could not be duplicated with safety to life and limb.
Christensen, Pioneer Boat Operator, Dies
Ellisport Items – Great excitement prevailed on the Ellisport sandspit last Sunday when the first installment of machinery for KVI was landed.
Ellisport Items – Mr. and Mrs. George R. Osborn, of Seattle, who have spent the past month at the McClintock Homestead, have taken the Plumb cabin for the remainder of the summer as the construction work of the Puget Sound Broadcasting Company necessitated the removal of some of the cottages on the Homestead.

July 30, 1936

Pioneers Picnic; Revive Old Friendships – The annual gathering of the Vashon-Maury Pioneers at the Odd Fellows Hall last Sunday was a very successful and interesting event, with forty-five Pioneers, of four generations present, though there was a woeful lack of representatives of the first generation, Mrs. B.J. Jacobs being the only one. There are but three others living: Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Griswold, of Seattle and Mrs. John Gilman, of Olympia, all being in too poor health to attend.
Returns From Europe On Fast Boat – Donald Morgan was among the passengers who made the trip from England on the Queen Mary, when she broke the world’s record time of crossing the Atlantic.
Block House Museum Opens To The Public – L.C. Waynick announced this week that his interesting “Block House,” a museum containing 3,000 specimens of Indian curios, will open to the public, Saturday, August 1st. Recent additions to the Indian relics is a stony meteorite which fell at Prescott, Oregon, and a number of pieces of petrified wood from the Ginkgo Petrified Forest, near Vantage.
Al Pinkham Injured In Tough Struggle – A.B. Pinkham may find his recreation In rock gardening, but he also finds it a bit hazardous and strenuous at times. Last week while wrestling with some large rocks one of them got the best of him, and the result was a broken finger. He states that as soon as the splints are removed that he will show who is who in the gardening game.
Burton News Items – Although accompanied by a boat Gwen Rees did not need it when she swam from Burton to Dockton recently.
To Whom It May Concern – Party taking my radio out of my house is unknown; return at once, no questions asked; otherwise will prosecute. Lena Davis.
Vashon Shoe Shop – Under New Management – Andrew Strang

August 1936

August 6, 1936

Fire At Dockton Under Control – The fire which swept through the upper end of the Vashon-Maury Park, near Dockton, is apparently under control. From all indications it was a blessing in disguise, and cleared out a lot of underbrush that is better out of the way. On a visit to the Island Monday evening the fire warden found the fire will under control and returned on the next ferry to Seattle. The origin of the fire is unknown, but the report that it was started through the carelessness of PWA workers seems to be exaggerated.
Kalakala To Make Excursion – Sponsored by the Vashon Island Post, V.F.W., local people will have the opportunity to enjoy a midnight excursion Tuesday evening, August 11th, on the famous streamlined boat, “Kalakala.” The perfect dancing floor would be useless without the music of a good orchestra. This is provided by Joe Bowen’s 8-piece “Flying Bird” orchestra.
Island Advertised By Former Postmaster – For many years, fifteen to our knowledge, and possibly more, Mrs. A. Hunt, of Burton, has been advertising Vashon Island with every letter she has mailed. It has not been necessary for Mrs. Hunt to write a word concerning the Island, yet she still makes her correspondents conscious of the fact that she lives on an island. Her stationery is grey bond, conservative, yet different. At the left end of each envelope is a map of Vashon-Maury Island. At the top, to the right of the map her name and address appears and the words “The Isle of Vision” and underneath “Vashon Island.” Only by going back through our files would be it possible to tell how many thousands of these envelopes have carried unforgettable testimony for the Island. Mrs. Hunt began this method of publicity while she was postmaster at Burton and has continued it since her retirement a few years ago.

August 13, 1936

Governor Investigates Ferry Service – With a view of obtaining better ferry service between Vashon Heights and Fauntleroy, and investigation is now being conducted by the state department of public service. Thomas P. Dunn, president of the Vashon-Maury Island Progressive Club, sent a protest to Governor Clarence D. Martin and Lee R. Smith, chief inspector for the public service department, on what he terms the inefficient ferry service now being given to Vashon and Maury Islanders using the Black Ball line. The governor and Smith started an investigation immediately, and some improvement in the service has already been noted, according to Dunn.
Sportsmen Plan Elaborate Carnival – At a meeting held Friday evening at the Island Club members of the Vashon Sportsmen’s Club made plans as committees were appointed to carry out elaborate plans for a water carnival. The carnival will be held in Quartermaster Harbor at the Bayview Pavillion September 5, 6 and 7.
Camp Sealth Entertains Largest Group in Years – Venetian period at Camp Sealth opened Sunday, August 9th, with the largest enrollment for several years, 219 girls and 48 counselors being in camp.
Political Mass Meeting August 18 – First of a series scheduled for the primary and general elections, a mass meeting called by Thomas P. Dunn, president of the Vashon-Maury Island Progressive Club, will be held August 18th in the high school auditorium. State ownership of ferries, the proposed Vashon Island airport and maintenance of a state highway on the Island will be the chief topics. Commissioner Taylor will speak on the advantages of selecting a site on Vashon Island for an all-around airport for airplanes and hydroplanes. Vashon has the only site acceptable for a combination air and hydroplane port, and Taylor will tell of his efforts to interest the government in the proposed plan.
Reunion of Old College Students Held – Burton was alive from Friday to Sunday last week with the arrival and departure of a goodly number of former students of Vashon College.
Vandalism At New State Park – Much indignation has been aroused by recent vandalism that has resulted in needless destruction in our new Island park. Apparently the damage has been done by a group of young people who congregate after the picnickers leave. No attempt has been made to learn the identity of the offenders, as the park board felt they would rather not know who of our young people are so entirely lacking in civic pride. One night, the latter part of last week, the top and doors were torn off of one of the fine big outdoor stoves, bricks were broken, and the stove almost demolished. A few nights earlier several doors had been torn off in one of the shower houses. The acts of vandalism are utterly childish, as there could be no source of pleasure derived from such wanton destruction. The directors are seeking a caretaker who will look after the property, rather than to shut it up at unreasonable hours. A house, wood and water will be furnished, and a small compensation will be paid to the suitable one for the job.
Advertisement - PRICE WARS! – This past two weeks the destructive advertising put out by one of the chain stores has resulted in a price war in the retail food industry. This chain claims they will never be undersold and will meet all advertised prices. It is a recognized fact that the sales of certain food chain stores have been on the decline for years. To try and increase their volume they resort to tactics that are not in keeping with good business. In a recent check on prices in this particular chain dozens of items were found to be higher priced than at your PRICE-RITE STORE in spite of the fact that they are cash and carry and say they will never be undersold. For the past few years your Price-Rite Store has shown a steady healthy increase in business which in turn has reduced the volume going to the chains. We feel this is the result of sound business principles, a modern store, carrying a complete line of local and nationally advertised merchandise, quality, service and consistently low prices on every item carried in the store. Your Price-Rite Store will continue this policy because we believe it is sound.

August 20, 1936

Raylig To Be Used, Center Burton Road – Affording relief to motorists, pedestrians and home-owners alike from the dust clouds occasioned by heavy travel, work on putting raylig on the highway between Burton and Center is under way. This action was taken by County Commissioner Jack Taylor in view of the fact that only one bid was submitted for paving this stretch of road. The bid was $10,000 higher than the county engineer’s estimate, and because of this and the fact that it is contrary to law to accept a bid when only one is submitted, it was decided to follow the next best course and dust-proof the stretch. The concrete workers’ strike, now tying up practically all paving in the state, was responsible for only one bid being submitted. Raylig dust pallad is made from bogwood pulp, and comes from Shelton. It is declared to be from 25 to 30 percent less expensive than oil, and far superior. Oil is detrimental to roads, and raylig applications are said to improve them materially. Another point in favor of raylig is that it does not stick to cars, clothes, shoes, etc., which has always been a big drawback of oil.
Travelogue Of Vashon Island To Be Shown August 27 – Showing in detail the operation of the ferries, docks, highway system, schools, and new Vashon State Park, motion pictures will be presented through the courtesy of Commissioner Jack Taylor at the high school auditorium Thursday evening, August 27th, at 8 o’clock. Everyone Is cordially invited to participate in the entertainment which is free. The part showing the rock gardens and orchards is in natural color. Opening the reel will be movies of the south district of King county.
Auto Freight Will Make Trips East Of Mountains – The Vashon Auto Freight, beginning Friday of this week, will make a number of trips to the Yakima Valley for the purpose of furnishing Island residents with fruit and vegetables not grown here. These products will be sold through Island stores thus not interfering with the business of the local merchants.
Sportsmen To Hold Carnival Labor Day – Final arrangements for the Water Carnival to be held at Burton over Labor Day will be made Friday night when the Sportsmen’s Club meets at the Island Club. Proceeds from the carnival and dance held in conjunction with the show will go toward building a club house for the sportsmen on their recently acquired property in Paradise Valley.
KVI Plant At Ellisport Under Way – In KVI’s new plant on Vashon Island will be incorporated all of the newest features in radio and the equipment will be so up-to-date that the Puget Sound Broadcasting Company cannot get delivery on some of the new inventions to be incorporated in their transmitter until November. The old Chautauqua Beach property was selected as the station’s site after exhaustive tests by electrical and radio engineering experts. It has been termed the “world’s finest” transmitter location, the salt water waves carrying the radio waves direct to the major population centers of Western Washington. The 444-foot symmetrical steel tower erected on the point will be a landmark and will top the Island by 100 feet. The red airplane beacon will be visible from Seattle, Tacoma and most all of the Island.
F.J. Shattuck Appointed Full Time Deputy Sheriff For Vashon-Maury Islands
Pilfering At Cemetery Should Stop – Attention has been called to the fact that flowers are being taken from graves in our cemetery. Surely if no other place on our Island should be free from such depredations our cemetery should. None but the families of the dead have any moral right to these floral pieces that express the sorrow and sympathy of friends.
Tahlequah Notes – Providing increased transportation facilities for the South End of the Island, boat service will be started shortly from a dock under construction on the A.A. Cronemiller property. The Yankee Boy, making the run daily from Spring Beach to Pt. Defiance, will make regular stops here.

August 27, 1936

Ellisport Items – The store across from the high school is being enlarged and Mr. and Mrs. Dahl, of Maury, will serve hot lunches to the students.
Ellisport Items – People on the Point are interestedly watching the road improvements on Irving street.

September 1936

September 3, 1936

Business Houses Will Close Thursday Afternoon – Business houses of Vashon will be closed on Thursday afternoon from 2:30 to 3:00 o’clock during the funeral services for F.A. Weiss. The Weiss store will be closed all day on Thursday.
New Dairy Route Opening On Island – E.J. Lefevre, representing the Tacoma Milk Shippers Association, the largest producers of dairy products in northwestern Washington, is starting today (Thursday) to make deliveries to all parts of the Island. The business that Mr. Lefevre has conducted at Harbor Heights has grown to such an extent that he feels justified in branching our to all parts of the Island. One of the innovations of the association is a high grade milk which defies competition. The association takes pride in the fact that their products are produced and delivered the same day. The milk which is delivered at Cove each morning was produced not more than 24 hours previously. The Tacoma Milk Producers Association not only plan to sell on the Island, but they are also in the market for Island cream.
Supply Of Peaches Soon Exhausted – Lloyd Marsh regrets that the supply of peaches which he advertised in last week’s paper was not larger. He was somewhat embarrassed when the ad in the local paper brought such overwhelming results that he had to hang out an NO sign some time before customers quit coming. In this week’s paper Lloyd is advertising an even more spectacular sale. Much to the regret of his many friends he is planning to leave the Island in the near future and is offering the stock of the “Store-by-the-Sea” at drastic reductions. He plans to engage in business in Olympia. The Marshes have many friends who will miss them sorely and who regret that conditions are such that they cannot remain here.

September 10, 1936

Salvation Army To Hold Services At Portage – The Salvation Army will open services at Portage on Sunday, September 13th, with Sunday school at 10 a.m. and morning services at 11 o’clock, in the Episcopal church which has been obtained for the services. The meeting will be under the direction of Captain Hinshaw, of Seattle, with Mr. and Mrs. Frank Taylor, of Portage, in charge. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have been connected with the Salvation Army for many years and are ready to serve the people in any way to help the cause. The public is invited to all meetings, which will be conducted along Salvation Army lines.
Back-To-Dockton Picnic Brings Many Travellers – The Vashon State Park was the scene of a reunion of former Docktonites and friends Sunday, September 6th, when the annual “Back-to-Dockton” Picnic, sponsored by the Dockton Community club, was held. A basket lunch was enjoyed at noon, with coffee served by the club, and the guests spending the afternoon in reviving old friendships and saying “Do you remember when –“ There have been many changes in the village the past few years. The ship-yards, once a thriving industry, is decaying with time and weather; the marine blacksmith shop, that was a stopping place for ships from all over the world, is torn down. The hotel that crowned the center of the town is burned, and the ship-yards hotel is now the school house. The old school, which many attended, has been remodeled and renovated into a community club building, standing alone at a monument to the past childhood of many who attended the picnic.
Sportsmen’s Carnival Is Success – The Sportsmen’s Water Carnival held over the Labor Day holidays, attracted large crowds of local and off-the-Island visitors. The entertainment features were boat races, swimming races, diving, log-rolling, exhibitions, water stunts, fire-works, bathing beauty contest and airplane rides. Incomplete returns show the gross receipts from the carnival and dance were over $500. The prize winners, as complete a list as could be gathered before the paper went to press were as follows: Log-rolling: Norman Thomas, hunting knife; swim race for girls, Ruth Willers, bathing shoes; swimming, Don Bacchus, fountain pen, Lad Bacchus, fishing kit, Allan Metzenberg, swimming trunks, box candy; high dive, first-Charles Carter, fly rod and case, second-Eugene Mitchell, inner tuber; greased pole, Allan Metzenberg, sweater; bathing beauty contest, first, Ruth Willers, cup; second, Mildred Keen, box of candy; outboard motor race, Coy Meredith, Jr, 10 gallons of gas, first, Tom Morton, 5 gallons of gas, quart of oil, second: inboard motor race, first W.H. Evans and Fred Cummings, cut, second, Dud Wilhelmi, 5 gallons of gas, quart of oil; third, Mel Cox, quart of oil. Ruth Willers, a beautiful blonde, who won the bathing beauty contest, is lovely enough to compete in a national event.
Local Items of Interest – Mabel Matthews is enjoying a week’s vacation from “number, please.” She is spending most of her time shopping.

September 17, 1936

Question Of State Ferries Gains Favor – At a recent meeting of the executive committee of the Vashon Island Commercial Club the principle topic of discussion was the wisdom and necessity of definite action to help in bringing about the state ownership and operation of Puget Sound ferries. It is the consensus of opinion that the ferries should be as definitely a part of the state highway system as the bridges of the state, - in fact it is a recognized truth that the ferries are merely movable bridges. In order that the state can be in a position to assume the operation of the ferries as a part of the state highway system it will be necessary for certain legislation to be enacted. As the statutes now exist no island highways can be a part of the state highway system, hence no ferries constitute bridges, movable or otherwise, of the state system.
Island Schools Have Heavy Enrollment – The Island schools are functioning in a fully normal manner, with a splendid corps of teachers and a heavy enrollment.
Oil Burner Representative Visits Island Homeowners – A.R. Hayes of the Oil Furnace Sales Co, of Seattle, has spent several days on the Island, representing the complete line of H.C. Little Automatic Oil Burners. Because of the prevailing fuel scarcity on the Island and the proven efficiency of these burners, there is a real potential market. The H.C. Little line consists of a large variety of types, or a burner for every need. The costs of operating these burners are very low, and considering the convenience, dependability, cleanliness and healthful maintenance of even heat along with the economy of operation, there is no need of worrying over the proper heating in your home.
Ellisport Items – Having sold their homestead property at Ellisport to the Puget Sound Broadcasting Company, of Tacoma, Fay and Ida McClintock moved this week to their waterfront cottage in Burton. The homestead, located by their father and mother in 1883 was operated as an exclusive summer vacation place for over fifty years.

September 24, 1936

Auto Crash Kills Vashon High Teacher – Harold S Leeper Is Fatally Hurt As Car In Which He Rides Side-Swipes Truck – Stanchion of Machine Stalled on Highway Breaks Windshield of Robert D. Eckman’s Car, Who Drives 300 Feet Unmindful of Companion’s Fate – Struck in the head by a piece of flying glass when the car in which he was riding side-swiped a stalled truck, without lights, on the highway just north of Vashon, Harold L. Leeper, about 27 years old, and a recent addition to the faculty of the Vashon high school, was fatally injured shortly before 7 p.m., Tuesday. Leeper was going to the North End ferry in a car driven by Robert D. Eckman, high school coach, when the accident occurred. Eckman’s car hit a truck owned by Harley S. Hutchinson, 3645 Phinney avenue, Seattle, and one of the metal stanchions holding a load of huckleberry, hit the windshield, shattering a small portion, and imbedding a piece in Leeper’s head. Eckman knes that something had occurred, but drove 300 feet before he learned Leeper had been struck. Investigation showed that one side of the Eckman car had been badly damaged, and that a brake rod had been torn loose, preventing the driver from bringing the machine to a stop sooner. The truck was also badly damaged, but no one was injured. W.D. Garvin, who was at the post office, heard the crash, and drive down to the scene of the accident. Dr. F.A. McMurray was summoned, but Leeper died soon after his arrival. Death was due to loss of blood, the physician reported. The accident occurred in front of the H.C. Cronander home, and after an investigation, Deputy F.J. Shattuck declared it was unavoidable. Hutchinson was taking a load of huckleberry to the Seattle market when his truck stalled. James Price, employed at the Beall Greenhouses, was passing and offered assistance. While he and Hutchinson were coupling a chain from the truck to Price’s machine, the lights of the Hutchinson car blinded them. Hutchinson, failing to see Eckman’s car approaching, switched off the lights of his truck, and the next he knew was of the crash. Eckman told Mr. Garvin that he had slowed down at the Cove intersection to permit a car to pass, and that he could not have gained any great speed by the time the impact came. He declared that the lights of an approaching car from the north prevented him from seeing the truck with its dark load of huckleberry. The driver further stated that speed was unnecessary as he and Leeper had ample time to reach the ferry wharf. Coroner Middlestadt was immediately notified by Mr. Garvin, and issued orders to hold Leeper’s body until further instructions. No inquest, it is believed, will be held. Leeper is survived by his widow and two children, aged 4 years, and 11 months. Mrs. Leeper is engaged in the office of the University of Washington, where she has been working in an effort to obtain money with which to complete her husband’s education and maintain the household. Leeper was studying nights to complete his master’s degree, which he would have obtained within a few days. He had spent two years training at Annapolis, but ill-health forced his resignation, and he came West to enter the University of Washington. Recently he was selected by W.P. Tyler, superintendent of the Vashon high school, to take the position left vacant by the resignation of Llody McElvain. It was Leeper’s first place as a teacher. Leeper was born and reared in Washougal, Wash., where he has a wide acquaintance, and his untimely passing will be greatly mourned.
Flood Control At South End Under Way – County Making Improvements to Avert Yearly Damage; Brush Clearing Aid to Motorists – With the installation of large tiling under the Pohl road, and the cleaning out of the creek that flows down the draw between the main highway and Dr. David B. Cook’s property, King county expects to thwart the damage done yearly following heavy rains and high tides. The new concrete culvert is sufficiently large, it is believed, to provide an outlet for the water coming down from above the road, and the digging of the channel below will take care of the additional water backed up when high tides occur. The road is also being widened at this point, and the clearing of the brush on the south side of the draw make it possible for one to drive with safety. The cost of the entire operation will doubtless be returned the first time the creek reaches flood state, as heretofore everything has been carried away, with the result that it took days to repair the damage. In addition, those using the road were virtually hemmed in, and had to haul their chicken and stock feed, and provisions in wheelbarrows along the waterfront.
Death Claims Grand Old Man Sunday – William Virtue Garvin, Widely Known Resident, Passes After Brief Illness; Will Be Missed By All
Quartermaster Harbor Boat To Be Discontinued; Residents Alarmed at Tie-Up – Steamer Concordia, Operating Between Tacoma and Points on Vashon and Maury Island, Will Cease Operations October 3 – Hurling a bombshell into the ranks of business houses and persons dependent upon regular service to and from Tacoma, announcement was made today by Capt. John E. Manson, operating the steamer “Concordia,” that operations will cease Saturday, October 3rd, and not be resumed until May 15th, 1937. Insufficient revenue from passenger service was given by Capt. Manson for discontinuance of service. This move will virtually isolate Maury Island from Tacoma, so far as steamer service is concerned, and will affect materially all points on Quartermaster Harbor dependent upon a water route. “This discontinuance of boat service will be a great handicap to Vashon and Maury Island in numerous ways,” commented W.Coy Meredith, president of the Vashon Island Commercial Club. “I regret that patronage has been insufficient to make it possible for the Concordia to operate at a profit during the winter months. However, measures will have to be taken to recoup the loss that Capt. Manson’s move will naturally make to practically everyone on Vashon and Maury Islands. Looking at it on the spur of the moment, it certainly seems unfair that Capt. Manson should be permitted to operate only during what may be termed the “fat” months of the year. What we need is service twelve months in the year.” Captain Manson attributed his losses to the fact that many persons are driving their private cars, and using the ferry service between Tahlequah and Pt. Defiance.
Burtonites Nearly Get Some Free Prune Juice – There nearly was some free prune juice for Burtonites, Monday evening. Joe Green, who peddles mail once in a while, and stages splendid fishing trips for his friends, was waiting to tank his car with gas in front of the Burton Garage. He neglected to set the brakes. The car started drifting towards a big prune tree nearby, and was about to make connections when one of the garage men sprinted and jumped in in time to stop the wagon.
Large Whales Cavort In Front Of Portage – Giving onlookers a genuine thrill as they cavorted in the harbor just west of Portage, four large whales, apparently off their course, remained for an hour last Wednesday noon. The mammals were sighted by Francis Sherman, and immediately he proclaimed the free circus. The whales, during their antics, sent their tails from 20 to 30 feet in the air, Mr. Sherman reported. After feeding and playing for an hour, the quartet left the harbor.
NOTICE – By the Democratic National Campaign Committee, Washington State Headquarters, Edwina Baskin has been appointed “Official Promoter for Roosevelt on Vashon Island.” Mrs. Baskin will direct the work of the Island Democratic Precinct Committeemen in her endeavor to make Vashon Island one hundred per cent for Roosevelt. (Adv)
Tahlequah Notes – There are those who enjoy the sand dunes of California, the drought of the Middle West, or the hurricanes frequent along the Atlantic coast, but the fact remains that it is difficult to find a better climate than Puget Sounders have the year round. Evidence of this was found Sunday right in this small locality, when a number of Tahlequahites enjoyed taking a dip in the Sound. Both the water and the crisp air were to their liking. Among those participating in the bathing frolic were Mr and Mrs. Edwin H. Gleb, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Fries, Richard Cussel, and a dozen or more kids.
Tahlequah Notes – Friends of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ford will be pleased to learn that the operation necessitated upon their daughter, Shirley, from complications arising from infantile paralysis, was successful. After Shirley leaves the hospital, she will have to remain in bed for at least three months, attending physicians report.
Burton Will Have New Beauty Shop – Miss Petra Wineland has just opened a beauty shop at Burton, according to announcement made today. She is an experienced operator, and now owns a dandy shop at Renton, and before coming West was located in South Dakota. She will be assisted by Miss One Nelson, who has just completed a P.G. course at the Mary Stone Beauty School. She will occupy the rooms above Dr. Grandy’s office. Miss Wineland is a sister of Mrs. John Jensen. According to present plans, she will build this spring on the site now occupied by the barber shop.

October 1936

October 1, 1936

Lloyd Marsh Sells Store At Cove To O.C Meberg – The Red and White Store at Cove, formerly owned by Lloyd Marsh, has been sold to O.C. Meberg, of Seattle. Mr. Meberg was formerly in business in Alaska. He will continue to carry on the work of the store as it has been so satisfactory in the past. The store was established in 1916 by Mr. Marsh’s father, and later was operated by Lloyd Marsh. Mr. Marsh will open a store in Olympia, at 1100 Puget Avenue South, upon the completion of the building about the middle of October. He is remaining here as postmaster at Cove until he is ready to open his business in the capital city.
National Dance Magazine To Carry Vashon Story – The Vashon Island dancing teacher, Yikichi Nishiyori, has been interviewed for a write-up in the National Dance Magazine of New York City, to be published in a winter issue. He requests that all pupils and former pupils who wish to be photographed for a picture accompanying the magazine store, communicate with him at once.
“Concordia” Will Stay On Run Until Hearing – Captain John Manson will run the “Concordia,” steamer that accommodates Inner Harbor passengers of Vashon and Maury Islands to Tacoma, until the hearing which will decide the future of this service. A protest against the discontinuance of the boat was filed by residents along the ports of Inner Harbor and seven organized clubs of this section. Captain Manson is willing to co-operate in every way to continue the service, if it can be put on a paying basis. He had planned to discontinue the run Saturday, October 3rd, but agreed to maintain service to accommodate those dependent upon the “Concordia” for transportation for a few more weeks.
New Teacher Assumes Duties At High School – Roy L. Ostrom, of Bremerton, has been employed to fill the position left vacant by the death of Harold Leeper, victim of an auto accident. Mr. Ostrom received his bachelor of arts degree at W.S.C. in 1932 and holds a five-year normal diploma from the University of Washington. In 1935-36 he taught at the East Hill Plain Union high school, near Vancouver, and comes well recommended from his former superintendent. A major in history and a minor in sociology, Mr. Ostrom will take several of the classed which have been taught by Mr. Ackley, giving the latter an opportunity to teach mathematics, the subject he much prefers.
Journalism Reporters Assigned – At a meeting of the journalism class at the Island high school Monday, much enthusiasm was reported by the students who turned out for this extra-curricular activity. The students are acquiring their first experience in obtaining interviews and writing up new stories. Because of a change in the policy of the “Hi-Jinx,” which was formerly a private enterprise in the school, the decision of its staff was postponed until Thursday (today). It will be published as an activity of the Student Body hereafter, with Miss Gammel as faculty advisor and Mrs. Harmeling assisting. The following studens were appointed to cover stories for The News-Record and for use in the school paper when it becomes organized: Superintendent Tyler, reported by Pauline Epley; Miss Gammel by Betty Wendler; Miss Sunnel by Patty Doebbler; Mrs. Keyes by Margaret Spalding; Miss Mathey by Helen Harmeling; Mr. Ackley by Fransu Smock; Mr. Eckman by Allan Metzenberg; Mr. Ostrom by Scott Campbell.
We Did Our Part – Vashon Island may well be gratified with the generous manner in which an unfortunate family were befriended in their hour of need. The sympathy of the entire community was evidenced in a concrete form, and while no generosity of ours can restore the bright, young life which was so tragically brought to a close, just when the future seemed to hold promise of years of useful living; nor can any act of ours replace that young husband and father, yet what we did to express the sorrow we shared will ever remain a heartening memory as long as the wife and children live. In a letter received this week Mrs. Leeper expresses the following sentiments: “To the People of Vashon Island: My little boys and I wish to express our appreciation and gratitude for your loving kindness and abundant generosity shown us in respect for our daddy. The expression of your respect showed unbelievable devotion, although you had known his but a few days. It is sad that his untimely end prevented you from knowing him longer. Hal, Jerry and Rosellyn Leeper.” W.P. Tyler, principal of our high school, reports: “After paying the expenses of Harold Leeper’s funeral, I have been able to turn over to his widow $376.66, and funds continue to come in. Mrs. Leeper tells me that this amount will more than pay all of their debts. To one who has come to Vashon Island as recently as I have, this was a remarkable example of what community spirit should be. I do not believe that we need worry about the future of our Island or of our Nation when it is composed of men and women who show such understanding sympathy and whole-hearted generosity as you have in the case of the tragic death of this comparative stranger.” Individuals and organizations from every part of the Island responded to the need of the moment and many have generously out of scant funds. Even those working on WPA projects contributed far out of proportion to their small income. We gave generously, neither asking nor expecting anything in return for our gift. Undoubtedly the community will receive blessings for the manner in which we did our part, but the greatest blessing will come in knowing that the young mother does not have to fare forth without funds nor friends as she begins the serious business of earning a living for her two little lads.
Burton News Items – Extensive alterations are being made on Robbins’ grocery store The garage and store rooms have been rebuilt and a modern four-room apartment will be added to the main store building.

October 8, 1936

Road Committee Will Meet Thursday Evening – The consideration of having a standard state highway, and permanent bulkheads along the waterfront from Ellisport to Portage, from Portage to the Monument at Quartermaster, and from Burton to Shawnee will be discussed.
Hearing On Quartermaster Boat Franchise Next Tuesday – The hearing regarding the removal of the Concordia from the Inner Harbor will be held in the Army and Navy room of the Winthrom Hotel, Tacoma at 9:30 a.m. October 13th. Captain John Manson desires to maintain service if he can do so without financial loss. At present the boat is operating under the lowest fares in Puget Sound waters, and provides transportation for the entire Inner Harbor to Tacoma with no need for bus service or street car travel. The protest filed will be discussed with a representative from Olympia, and all who are interested should attend.
KVI Linemen Start Work Of Installation Monday – Five linemen are putting new wires and cross-arms and replacing phone poles from Tahlequah to Ellisport for the new KVI radio station at Ellisport. The work started October 5th, and will take five or six weeks to complete. The men are living at Burton while doing the wiring.
Shipwreck Hero Arrives On Vashon – Verne Madison, shipwrecked hero of the steam whaler Westport, arrived at his home on Vashon Monday evening, where he was greeted with relief and joy by his widowed mother and many friends. On September 15th the Westport hit a gale off Akutan Island in the Aleutians. The ship was thrown about and tossed by the waves onto a hidden reef and immediately began filling with water. The twelve men of the crew and Captain N. Schroeder managed to launch a lifeboat from the lee of the ship to get away from the sinking vessel about 9 p.m. Vashon Island is proud of its hero, and joins with his mother in wishing thanks for his safe return.
Fish Planted At South End Devil’s Lake – The State Game Department, assisted by members of the Sportsmen’s Club, planted 5,000 steelhead trout in Devil’s Lake at the south end of the Island. The fish came from the South Tacoma farm. They were three inches long, and the lake will be closed two years to allow for growth and multiplying.
South End Club Asks For Boat Or Bus Service – Decision of the South End Community Club to back residents of Quartermaster Harbor in their fight for the continuance of boat service from Tacoma, but, in event of failure of this, to work for a bus line from Seattle through to Tacoma, was made Saturday night at a meeting held in the club’s headquarters.
M.F. Shaw is improving his waterfront property at Burton by tearing out an old bulkhead, and making a fine salt water bathing beach for summer tourists.
Bill Dahl Injures Hand In Auto Wreck – Bill Dahl is laid up with an injured hand, hurt in a wreck Saturday. He was driving along the road from Burton when his car skidded in the rain and climbed the inside bank and turned over twice. He was bruised and shaken and his left hand crushed. There were no other passengers in the car and no damage was done to the mechanical part, but the top and fenders got badly dented. Bill will return to school when his hand becomes less painful.

October 15, 1936

Poultry Problems To Be Discussed at Poultry School Wednesday at Island Club – The problems of poultrymen are receiving considerable attention during the forum discussion at the King County Poultry School at Vashon on Wednesday, October 21st.
Two Auto Camps At Vashon State Park Ready For Use – Two auto camps, complete with stoves, tenting and parking space, water and wood, have been completed at the Vashon State Park. These are just north of the parking area, available to the beach, rest rooms and picnic grounds by road and trails. Thirteen men are working at the park, clearing land above the highway, cutting wood for camp and picnic grounds and building a care-taker’s cottage. The cottage is of log and shake type of buildings that have been completed. It will have two rooms, one a living room for the caretaker and the other for a concession with an open counter. Twenty-eight men are working on a road project, and ten or twelve men will start on the high school project repairing and re-shingling the gymnasium roof, landscaping the grounds and work on the building, as sponsored by the school board.
Boat Hearing Held Tuesday In Tacoma – W.W. Chamberlain, chief of the traffic division of the State Department of Public Service, presided at the transportation hearing in the Winthrop hotel, Tacoma, Tuesday. The statement of Captain John Manson that had been analyzed by the commission showed that in the year 1935 the loss of the Vashon Navigation Company was $791.99, and that Captain Manson had no salary for himself. Captain Manson was informed that if he removed the boat during the winter months his franchise would be cancelled and that anyone else wishing to operate this route could, with proper credentials, acquire the franchise. Forty business men of Vashon Island were at the hearing. There was a kindly feeling prevailing, showing their admiration of Captain Manson’s desire to co-operate. It was suggested that the fares be raised from 25 cents to 35 cents and commuters’ tickets from $1.50 a week to $3 a week, and freight rates be increased during the winter months. Captain Manson replied “ The increase of fares for commuters would eliminate the opportunity for many students who are now enrolled in the schools of higher education in Tacoma to commute. Until the hearing the boat will run on its regular schedule.
Mrs. Rosellyn Leeper To Work For Dean Lauer – Mrs. Rosellyn Leeper has been appointed secretary to Dean Lauer at the University of Washington. Her Island friends are delighted to hear of this appointment, and to learn of the solution of her problems. Mrs. Leeper is an efficient office-worker and will fulfill her duties most satisfactorily.

October 22, 1936

Mr. and Mrs. R.E. Dunlap Observe 65th Anniversary
V.F.W. Aids Scouts In Repairing Vashon Cabin – The Veterans of Foreign Wars are co-operating with the Vashon troop of Boy Scouts in repairing the cabin for use. The veterans believe the Boy Scout organization has the finest training possible for the boys, and desire to encourage them in every way. The labor given by the veterans is voluntary, and they will receive no privileges as to use of the cabin or any reward except the pleasure of aiding a worthwhile activity.
Victor Sarvold Passes Away Monday On Virginia V – Victor Sarvold, of Cove, passed away Monday morning aboard the Virginia V on his way to Seattle. He suffered a heart attack and did not regain consciousness. The boat put in at Fragaria and word was phoned to Mrs. Al Sundberg. She notified the family and called the doctor and Mr. Garvin, who met the boat at Colvos.
Recreation Center New Venture In Vashon – A place of business devoted to recreation has been opened in Vashon by Elmer Harmeling, with George McCormick as silent partner. The Garvin building has been remodeled and furnished with lunch counter, pool tables and card tables. Morning coffee will be served at ten o’clock, sandwiches, cake and pie at noon, and soft drinks throughout the day and evening. The recreation center is for the use of both men and women, and highest standards of wholesome entertainment will be maintained. Elmer Harmeling has a hearty, friendly personality and is noted for his hospitality and good fellowship, which will undoubtedly make this place one of the most congenial in Vashon.
Auto Crash Frightens Riders As Cars Tangle – Tuesday evening two cars, meeting at the intersection of the two highways in Vashon met headlong in a jarring crash. Gus Molvik and Louis Scofield were coming through Vashon at 9:45 p.m. and collided at the bank corner, in an unavoidable accident. S.E. Watson, riding with Scofield, received a scalp cut. Ruth Molvik in her brother’s car was shaken up and Louise Willers, in the same car, was bumped and buised. Sheriff Shattuck was present at the time of the collision and took immediate charge in helping the drivers make out reports and seeing that the passengers had transportation home. Fenders were crumpled and a windshield broken, but there was no serious damage done to the cars.
Poultry School Is Success; Many Attend
Road Projects Submitted By Commercial Club Group – The Vashon Island Commercial Club road committee held its monthly meeting at the office of England and Petersen on Thursday evening, October 8th. The following members were present: A.H. Petersen, Dr. J.G. Bennett, James Laidlaw, Mr. Burnner, C.G. Kimmel, Theo Berry, Donald Kirkland, Ira Thompson, and J.F Shaw, chairman. Mr. Shaw outlined the purpose of the meeting, appealing for WPA aid on waterfront roads, namely, from Ellisport to Portage, Portage to Monument road, Burton to Shawnee, also including the main road from Center to Burton. The WPA has made such a good proposition that the county commissioners are considering ways and means to co-operate with them on these projects. Up to the present time no report can be made as to the progress made on these projects. The meeting then proceeded to make up the road budget for the coming year. The following projects were recommended by the members: 1. North-End district: Open road from Schmidt corner south to parking lot, about two hundred yards. 2. Improve Farm-to-Market road from Towns store via Colvos, Corbin’s road and intersection of pavement, about two miles. 3. Widening of waterfront road from Ellisport to Portage, Portage to the monument and from Burton to Shawnee. This road is one of our main highways and should be put in first class condition. Will need new bulkheads all along the way. 4. From Burton west past Masonic Hall to Steve Landers corner, widen road and take out “S” curves. 5. Improve corner at Carlsons and B.P. Nelsons then north to Lewis corner, humps taken out and straighten road. 6. Regrade road from end of new highway at Lara’s place south to Sheffield’s. This is a stretch of the old highway that has never been completed. It should be connected up and brought up to standard. 7. We recommend some improvements from Rivers via Luana Beach, south. 8. A bad curve at intersection of Dockton and Golf Club road. The view is totally obstructed coming into the highway. 9. Roshilla road needs some work done on it, road in some places is so narrow, cars cannot pass and is dangerous in winter time. 10. Something should be done in regard to putting up guard rails in proper places. On the highway from Shawnee to top of grade. In foggy weather someone is liable to go over the embankment for a hundred or two feet. 11. Straighten out road from Fosmarks south to Cove church. 12. Cut corners from Olvea Blaus to Thorsen’s place. 13. Cut off bad corners at the old Prune Drier, one half mile east of Vashon. 14. Improve and straighten road from Madrona Lodge to Heath place. 15. Widening road from telephone office west about one-half mile. 16. Widen out curve and guard rail at Sherman place, Paradise Valley. 17. Cut corner at Fitzpatrick place. 18. From Enoch’s corner west to Bodien’s corner, widen and cut down hills. 19. Cut corners and widen road from Babcock corner via Dilworth Point to intersection of Glen Acres road. 20. We also ask that the main highway from Center to Burton be completed as soon as possible.
Local Items of Interest – C.M. Ruhlen and Art Schmidt had a collision Friday afternoon when their cars crashed together near the Dockton Community Hall. Neither was injured, but Ruhlen’s car had a badly crumpled fender and a broken front wheel.
Center News – Mr. and Mrs. Louis Rodda and children are comfortably located at Ellisport and Mr. and Mrs. George Schmidt and children are living at Center in the home recently vacated by the Roddas.

October 29, 1936

Vashon Deer Hunters To Be Shot By Movie Camera – Al Roen and Con Tjomsland left Tuesday morning for northeastern Washington on their annual deer-hunt trip. They were accompanied by a moving picture operator who flew up from San Francisco to get some shots of hunting in the Washington wilds. The Fullers, Frank, Dick, Carl, Henry, Cecil and the McCormick brothers, George and Earl, left Wednesday evening to get their deer. John Metzenberg said, “If there isn’t a ferry strike so that we have to row across the Sound, Johnny Calhoun, Otto Therkelsen, Alfred Therkelsen, Massa Mukai, Bert Fjeldahl, Bob Polhamus, Don Tjomsland and I are going out to get some venison for the Sportsmen’s Club banquet, leaving on the early ferry Friday morning. Hunters from Vashon Island have always got their deer. Last season Elmer Harmeling got the largest deer in the state. He is not planning a hunting trip this fall on account of the duties of his new business, but the other hunters have bets up that he will weaken and join the gang when the ferry pulls out with the huntsmen aboard.
Co-Ordinating Society Meets – A meeting of the Co-Ordinating Society of Vashon Island held a called meeting at the Island Club Monday evening to plan for improvements in the health service. Mrs. F.J. Shattuck is president of the group. Requests have been sent in by the society for a social service worker and a county nurse for the help of all Island residents who are in need of this kind of service. Mrs. Shattuck stated, “Vashon Island is entitled to the services of a county nurse and is paying for it. Our society is setting the wheels in motion to obtain those workers.”
Vashon Scouts To Meet – Vashon Boy Scouts will meet at the Scout Cabin Monday evening at 7 o’clock. The repair work will be practically completed, thanks to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and volunteer workers.
Crash On Heights Hill Smashes New Buick – William Lee crashed into the guard rail at the top of the Heights Hill, across from the Garrison home, Monday night as he was coming home from the ferry. He was alonge in the car and was not hurt, though it was a fortunate accident that he escaped as the car crashed the rail, reversed and rolled down the hill to the Twickenham road. It did not turn over as it slid down the hill in a narrow lane between the alders. The radiator was smashed badly, the front bumper curled forward into an arc and the tail lights smashed, but the body was undamaged. Mr. Lees is a careful driver and the fact that he did not make the turn successfully was a great surprise. The curve is flat as it rounds the hill, and is a tricky turn.
New Vashon Orchestra Swings Into Tune – A four-piece orchestra made its debut at the Junior party in the high school gym Thursday evening, delighting the dancers with the latest of modern music in swing time. Fransu Smock was the pianist, saxaphone players were Basil Canfield and Lowell Hanson, and Joe Milligan played the drums. The orchestra proved so popular they will be much in demand, especially at the younger set parties this winter.
Power Company Completes New Line On West Side – The Puget Sound Power and Light Company completed the building of a power line on the West Side that will serve five new customers. The line runs from Sigrist corner to Dr. Spidell’s property.
Tahlequah Notes – Bert Lewis is pointing with pride to a second crop of raspberries, something unusual for this section of the country.
Joseph Vidal – Joseph Vidal, eighty-five year old Spanish-American War veteran, passed away Sunday in a Seattle hospital. He suffered a stroke on Wednesday preceding, and was taken from his present home at the Goodwill Farm into the hospital. Mr. Vidal operated a dairy ranch in Paradise Valley until the last few months. He has left a kind memory among his neighbors and his death is a loss to the community.

November 1936

November 5, 1936

Roosevelt, Martin, Taylor Swept Into Office As Island Voters Turn Out In Numbers – Despite cold, raw weather Island voters on Tuesday turned out in large numbers, and in several precincts a 100 per cent vote was cast. Although a number of regrettable incidents were reported the unusually large number of voters were handled by election boards in the nine Island precincts with praiseworthy efficiency. In Vashon, the largest precinct, where 272 ballots were cast, there were only a few times that voters were forced to wait before setting about the serious business of exercising their right of franchise. Locally, as elsewhere in the state, the number of votes registered in opposition to extreme initiatives was large, and the fact that Initiative 114 received a heavy vote indicated that we have become tax conscious. The re-enactment of the 40-mill limit, which has done much to relieve home owners, is an assured fact. True this will not protect from many varieties of indirect taxes, but it offers one very sure protection. The manner in which citizens of the state defeated and attempt to put the state into the wholesale power business came as a surprise to many. In short the contradiction of the voting for men and measures was almost unbelievable, and Vashon-Maury Island by its vote was but a replica of all other parts of the state. As elsewhere the Democratic office seekers gained a large majority over those on the Republican ticket, although in the three largest precincts were more evenly divided than the smaller ones.
Stores To Close On Armistice Day – Armistice Day, Wednesday, November 11th, will be observed by the business men who will close their stores. November 11th is a double holiday for the State of Washington, as it was on that date in 1889 that the territory became one of the States of the United States of America.
Lewis Schmidt Winner In Rhodes Examinations – The six winners of preliminary Rhodes scholarship examinations at the University of Washington were announced Tuesday by Prof. H.B. Densmore, after examinations last week. Lewis George Schmidt, was one of the winners, chosen from twenty-four candidates. The six winning students now will compete with scholars from other institutions of the state in further eliminations toward selection of the scholars to be sent to Oxford University, England.
Concordia Off Island Run For Winter Months – Captain John Manson received a permit from the Board of Pubic Service to discontinue the operation of the Concordia, serving the southern end of Vashon-Maury Island and Tacoma, during the winter months. He will retain his franchise to operate this run unless some other company applies for this route. Capt. Manson plans to operate the Concordia on the run during the tourist season again.
New Ideas Will Spark Club’s Year – Opening the year’s business of the Vashon Island Commercial Club with a dinner meeting at the Goodwill Farm Monday evening, Donald Kirkland, newly elected president began his tenure of office with an offering of many new ideas and suggestions. He figured some of the ideas he was presenting would be of benefit to the Island as a whole, and not to any one group. The road committee, headed by J. F. Shaw, made its report on the proposed program as outlined at its meeting recently. The proposals have been forwarded to Mr. Taylor, and according to Mr. Shaw, a reply was received that they would be taken care of as soon as the money was available. The paving of the road from Center to Burton, which has hung fire for two years, will have to be laid aside until more government money is available, or the county decides to do it itself. Mr. Case, reporting for the legislative committee, which has charge of the campaign for the state ownership of ferries, controlled under the state highway system, stated that the progress was slow but gratifying. The interested districts on the Peninsula and other isolated communities are grasping the idea favorably, and it is felt that this session of the legislature will receive a bill to this respect with more than an equal amount of enthusiasm. Mr. Case thought that labor’s idea in copying the movement of the club would be detrimental to the cause.
Ellisport Items – Residents of Ellisport are greatly elated over the rapid progress of station KVI tower. It had reached approximately 100 feet on Monday evening.
High School Notes – School Improvements Under Construction – Much headway has been shown by the WPA workers at the high school. At present they are applying tar on the gymnasium roof. The ceiling of the gym will be completely covered with burlap to conceal the framework. Later they will improve the landscape surrounding the school and build a much-needed baseball diamond.
Joe Green and Bob Harmeling returned to the island Tuesday from fishing on the Janet G. The strike has tied up the fishing fleet, and all boat-owners have laid up, though the salmon run is the best in several years.
Local Items of Interest – The Ladies Reading Group lunched at “The Alibi” on Tuesday before they met for book discussion.
Correction – In last issue of the News-Record the story “Power Company Completes New Line on West Side” should read “Power Company Contemplates New Line on West Side.”
Collins Sells Milk Route To William Shakespeare – Joe Collins sold out his interest in the Golden Rule milk route to Bill Shakespeare on Monday. Joe will take over a Seattle route. Bill will be able to eliminate some duplication of service with the bread and milk route, thereby serving both customers more efficiently.
Ruth Mathews Wins Radio In Contest – Ruth Mathews has received the 1937 Fairbanks-Morse Deluxe Radio won in a recent national contest sponsored by the Gold Medal Flour Company. The radio was third prize. There were many contestants from Vashon Island, and all are pleased that one of their number was clever enough to stand so high in the competition.

November 12, 1936

County Nursing Service Started By Council – Through the efforts of Mrs. F.J. Shattuck, president of the Co-Ordinating Council of Vashon Island, the services of a county nurse for three days of the week has been secured, and the nurse has started work here.
Waynick’s Blockhouse Written Up In Seattle Paper – Two years ago, Lynne C. Waynick, student of Indian lore and collector of Indian relics, realized a vision of a pioneer home by building a blockhouse on Vashon Island. Among his friends here he is known as “Black Eagle,” a member of the Swinomish tribe. His blockhouse, a replica of the dwellings of pioneer days, has become so well known that the Seattle Times sent over photographers and reporters to get a write-up of this interesting white Indian and his unique dwelling. The article about him appeared in the Seattle Sunday Times of November 8th, and was much enjoyed by the Boy Scouts, school children, and organizations which he has addressed on Vashon Island.
New Boat Furnishes Service – Boat service between Quartermaster Harbor and Tacoma will be resumed Sunday, November 15th, when the launch “Yankee Boy” will be put on the run by Captain George C. Rickhard, president of Yacht Charters, Incorporated. Captain Rickhard filed application for certification of public convenience authorizing the establishment of a new boat service for Vashon and Maury Island communities left more or less isolated by recent discontinuance of winter service by the Vashon Navigation Company. In the spring he plans to run a 200-passenger boat, the twin Diesel engined “Helor,” that will make the run from Dockton to Tacoma in forty minutes, the boat making 20 knots an hour.
Statement Of Ownership – To-wit: That the names and address of the publisher, editor and business manager are: Publisher, Agnes L. Smock, Vashon, Wash., Editor, Agnes L. Smock, Vashon, Wash., Business Manager, C.A. Wilder, Vashon, Wash.
High School Notes – Annual To Be Mimeographed – The purpose of the Senior meeting November 3rd was to decide on the selection of a mimeographed or a printed Annual. The mimeograph received nearly unanimous affirmative votes. A new mimeograph machine was purchased with the help of the school board and various organizations of the school.
High School Notes – Assembly – Dr. John E. Nelson gave an illustrated talk at an assembly seventh period Monday on tuberculosis.
High School Notes – Girls Club – Standing committees for the Girls Club for the year 1936-37 and their responsibilities are: Service Committee – Claire Soike, chairman, Willetta Pemberton, Bertha Meyer, Jensine Pedersen, Winifred McPherson, Dorothy Shepherd, Mercedes Hidell, Esther Fry, Alice Degerud, Evelyn Degerud, Hoycko Yoshido, Irene Bengston. Ways and Means: Ruth Hewitt, chairman, Charlotte Anderson, Arlene Edwards, Marie Ellingson, Pauline Epley, Olivia Frombach, Fransu Smock, Evelyn Edwards, Meredith Ellison, Maude Edson, Virginia Therkelsen, Elinor Spurgin, Florence Marshall. Program Committee: Patty Doebbler, chairman, Donna Lee, Elsie Kimmel, Laincha Hotchkin, June Hayes, Mary Ann Agren, Frances Eddy, Esther Gates, Grace Robinson, Ruth Wilson, Margaret Spalding, Jeanne Slagle, Phyllis Shattuck, Alice Coffin, Gloria Hoel. School and Welfare Committee: Phyllis Williams, chairman, Marie Therkelsen, Betty Tjomsland, Borghild Sovold, Bernice Petree, Mary Bogunivich, Marion Bridges, Virginia Long, Mildred Hofmeister, Elida Dyrness. Social Committee: Alfrieda Fillinger, chairman, Helen Anderson, Jennie Bogunovich, Vera Cader, Lorna Croan, Lorraine Croan, Corralee Kimmel, Helen Harmeling, Frieda Jones, Marie Halvorson, Isabell Griffith, Charlotte Fillinger, Maxine Therkelsen, Betty Wendler, Connie Ofdenkamp. Fellowship Committee: Virginia Lund, chairman, Shirley Jean Blekkink, Carol Bruner, Thelma Briewick, Ruth Danielson, Marie Johanson, Dorothy Frost, Alice Wegener, Martha Matsumoto, Ann Rolando, Marian Moore, Margaret Wegener. Athletic Committee: Marion Maloney, chairman, Judith Shride, Dot Rolando, Dot Wight, Betty Mae Wilder, Ruth Willers, Haruko Yoshida, Margaret Rees, Mary Nakamichi, Ruth MacDonald, Grace Matsumoto, Sachi Mishiro, Doris Bitle, Felicia Dahl, Dorothy Landers.

November 19, 1936

Ferry Meeting Will Be Held Thursday Evening – Large Crowd Expected At First Meeting – The large room of the Island Club on Thursday night at 8 o’clock, will be the scene of a mass meeting to discuss the proposed state operation of the ferries as part of the State Highway system. The local group sponsoring the meeting are the participants in the organization of the Ferry Service Improvement Association, a state-wide organization whose executive secretary is Ira H. Case of Magnolia Beach.
Lloyd Marsh Opens New Store In Olympia – Of interest to his many friends on Vashon Island will be the story of the opening of Lloyd Marsh’s store in Olympia. During his years in business here with his father, A.J. Marsh, Lloyd created a place that will be hard to fill, and he has been greatly missed, as has his dear mother, since their departure from the Island. In them the community has lost two fine, public-spirited citizens.
Ferry Service Association Formed – For the purpose of preparing and disseminating educational information with the view of procuring legislation that will insure the betterment of ferry boat service on Puget Sound, the Ferry Service Improvement Association, Inc., was incorporated in Bremerton last Wednesday under the leadership of Prosecuting Attorney-elect Ralph Purves, president of the new state-wide association, together with a group of progressive brother officers and trustees.
Kirby Prigg To Operate Cove Store – It was announced this week that a change in management in the store at Cove would take place, beginning next Monday. Otto Meberg, who acquired the store from Lloyd Marsh, has accepted an excellent position in Seattle. The deal, whereby Kirby Prigg became the new owner, was completed this week. Mr. Prigg has had experience in the grocery business elsewhere. For several years he was connected with the business activities of the Island while acting as manager of the local branch of the Fox River Butter Company.
KVI Opens Station December First – Radio Station Rapidly Nears Completion – The transmitter tower of KVI is rapidly nearing completion, and with its lights now in position it is proving an interesting sight both night and day. Located on the point of the sand spit at Ellisport the tower rises 448 feet above the level of the water and is discernable from all parts of the Island. Large lights on the one-third and two-third levels are topped with a 1,000 watt light, four feet in height. It is hard for the uninitiated to conceive of the technical details connected with the construction of KVI’s new tower, but the rather impressive amount of copper ground wire, 12 miles of it, gives a slight idea of the materials involved. This wire, buried in the sand of the Point, ends in salt water. To provide water for construction work and for the cooling of the large radio tubes, the company has installed a larger water main, a fact that is greatly appreciated by the residents of Ellisport. Two of KVI’s engineers, W.L. North and A. Bensen, and their families are already permanent residents of the Island. The fortunate selection of Vashon Island as a site for the new tower has given the Island a great deal of favorable publicity which will continue as long as the station continues to operate. There will be a nightly mention of Vashon Island at sign-off time, as well as the identification with all mention of the station in trade journals the country over.
Ellisport Items – The Curtis and Wendler Company are installing a complete new water main in Ellisport. This will greatly convenience the people of the community. Radio station KVI has installed five hydrants on the old McClintock Homestead.
Local Items of Interest – Shirley Lofgren won a ten-pound ham at the drawing in the Daily Needs Market last week. Shirley is proud of her luck, but wishes the award had been a Shirley Temple doll.

November 26, 1936

Child Has Narrow Escape From Serious Injury – Just a short distance from the spot where Harold Leeper met his death last September, Wilber Watson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Watson, miraculously escaped with his life. Just how the child came through the experience with no greater injury than a skinned knee will never be known. Wilber, with his little chum, Raymond Steen, was playing on the highway in front of the Steen home. Wilber was coasting down the hill on a wagon of heavy construction belonging to Raymond. H.B. Menees, driving from the north saw the children and slowed up. Just as he passed Wilber the child, evidently unaware of the nearness of the car, shot across the road in front of it. Although the driver made every effort to avoid hitting the boy by turning his car into the ditch, the impact was great enough to throw wagon and youngster a distance of about thirty feet. The fact that he instinctively clung to the wagon is probably responsible for the slight injury Wilber received. He was knocked unconscious but no other injury has been discovered to date with the exception of a skinned knee. The Menees car was badly damaged in its plunge off of the road, but the injury to Mr. Menees’ nerves over a tremendously narrow escape, will not be mended as easily as his auto.
Ferry Mass Meeting Thursday Evening Well Attended; Much Enthusiasm Shown – The mass meeting held at the Island Club last Thursday evening was well attended. It was evident that the subject of better and cheaper ferry service is one in which many Island people are vitally interested. The fact that sixty persons present paid their dollar membership in the newly organized Ferry Service Improvement Association indicated that there were that many interested to the extend of one hundred cents worth. John Fox, secretary of the Master, Mates and Pilots Union, was the final speaker. He expressed the sentiment that labor had been to a large degree responsible for the awakening consciousness of the necessity for state operation of the ferries. It has become evident, Captain Fox explained, that labor will never be able to accomplish its desired results through collective bargaining, under private ownership of the ferries; that from time to time the ferries will be tied up, as they were a year ago, while labor troubles are ironed out; that in spite of the hardship to the public this is what we must look forward to until state ownership is accomplished.

December 1936

December 3, 1936

KVI Station Gives Island Publicity – It wasn’t necessary for any Vashon Islander to “tell the world” last Sunday, for the dedication of the new KVI station produced the results most satisfactorily, and the name of Vashon Island was carried all over the nation. By no other means could we have received the highly favorable publicity given in this connection. This publicity was gained not alone over the air, but through the columns of Seattle and Tacoma dailies, and community weeklies over this entire district. Vashon Island and its history furnished an important theme.
Plan Will Liquidate Methodist Church Debt – Last Sunday morning at the Vashon Methodist church, Rev. Everett M. Hill, pastor, presented the challenge of raising $250 to liquidate all outstanding obligations in what he called a “Clean-the-Slate Campaign” to cover accrued bills.
“Yankee Boy” Now Making Island-Tacoma Run – Residents of Burton, and of the various villages along Quartermaster Harbor are much relieved by the resumption of boat service. The discontinuance of the “Concordia” left many beach cottages in isolation, and made impossible winter residence on the Island. The “Yankee Boy” is now making three round trips daily from points on Quartermaster Harbor to Tacoma.
Vashon Pharmacy Sold – An important business transaction took place in Vashon last Saturday, when the sale of the Vashon Pharmacy was completed. The new owner, E.C. Paul, took possession at once. Mr. and Mrs. Sexson, former owners, will sever their connections with the business as soon as certain state matters can be arranged. Four changes in ownership have occurred since this business was instituted by W.D. Garvin. “Tim” Clark, the second owner, sold to Mr. Sexson a short time after the disastrous Vashon fire of 1932. He has continued, with the help of Mrs. Sexson, both of whom are registered pharmacists, to operate the store until this most recent change in ownership.
Local Items of Interest – Forty acres of the Puget Mill land north and east of the Matt Johnson place has been sold. A new road is being built in from Glen Acres to connect up with the Moy road at the Heights, which will save the residents of Glen Acres three miles drive to the ferry. The road way has been slashed and work on it is progressing rapidly.

December 10, 1936

Used Car Business Established Here – In this issue appears the advertisement of H. McBride, who is locating here, introducing a used car business. As the representative of the Chevrolet Motor Company, Mr. McBride hopes soon to establish an agency here.

December 17, 1936

History of Islands Soon Completed – Culminating years of patient work, of sifting the true from the false, of hunting through old records, the publication of the “History of Vashon-Maury Islands” is near at hand. O.S. Van Olinda, historian, has done a good job. He has recorded faithfully and accurately events in the history of our Island that have transpired since 1852. Old newspaper records, old diaries, innumerable interviews with early settlers, actual experiences as a member of one of the early families has enabled Mr. Van Olinda to record data that will be of increasing value as the years pass. All of the composition and printing has been done in this shop, and the News-Record is proud to have played its small part in giving to the world the product of the pen of O.S. Van Olinda, historian.
Buckley Man Here On Business Trip – William Schwab, owner of the Buckley Nursery, was on the Island Tuesday, making deliveries of his famous Pacific Gold trees, a peach which he and Mrs. Schwab developed after years of effort.
Two Island Men Injured In Auto Accident Wednesday – Despite rumors to the contrary the two victims of a spectacular auto accident which occurred last Wednesday night are recovering as well as could be expected. True, Alex Stewart will be in the hospital for weeks, and may be crippled for a long time. Axel Petersen is limping about with a badly injured ankle, and his right arm in splints. According to what seem the most dependable reports Mr. Petersen with Mr. Stewart were returning home from a meeting at Burton. As he drove onto the pavement at Center Mr. Petersen saw the lights of an approaching car, and observed that it was being driven in a rather erratic manner. Visibility was perfect, and he could see no reason for not meeting the car, but too late discovered that the occupants of the other car either had not seen his car, or did not have control of their own machine. Just in front of Kirkland’s he drove as far off of the pavement, with his two right hand wheels at the edge of the ditch, and stopped for the other car to go by. Instead of passing him it headed directly toward him. In the ensuing crash Ray Watson, driver, and Albert Therkelsen, his passenger, were thrown through the windshield. Aside from numerous cuts about their faces they were uninjured. Mr. Stewart suffered a broken nose and a fractured knee cap. At first, Mr. Petersen’s injuries were thought to consist of a wrenched ankle and writs ligaments torn loose. X-rays, made on Monday, showed that a bone in the lower right arm was cracked. A rather ironical aspect of the accident was the fact that Mr. Petersen was driving a brand new Dodge car, which he had purchased only a few days previously. New radiator, bumper and fenders will restore it to its former appearance much more quickly and easily than the occupants can be restored to health and comfort.
CHRISTMAS On the Island – Burton School Program Tuesday Evening – Center School Will Celebrate Tuesday Eve – Columbia School Program To Be Wednesday – Salvation Army To Have Christmas Tree Monday – Vashon M.E. Sunday School Christmas Exercises – South End Community Club To Hold Christmas Party – Choir To Give Annual Christmas Concert At M.E. Church Sunday – Christmas Dance Saturday Night For Orthopedic – Vashon Island Women’s Club Has Christmas Party
Local Author Contributes To Garden Magazines – Stephen J. Harmeling has had two articles published this fall, one entitled “A Western Lily Grower’s Comments.” in the October 15th issue of “Horticulture”, and the other “Three Cedars of the World,” in the winter edition of “Little Gardens.”

December 24, 1936

Colored Players to Present Play – The Cotton Blossom Singers, nationally known negro performers, will appear at the Island Club Monday evening, January 4th, at 8 o’clock. All members of the troupe are students of Piney Woods, Mississippi, a school that is doing more for the negro of the Old South perhaps than any other institution in existence today.
Christmas Decoration Damaged By Gale – The high wind early Monday morning, which was accompanied by a heavy downpour, played havoc with the street decorations in Vashon. Many had remarked about how unusually attractive the festoons and wreaths of evergreens were, and it was a great disappointment when they were damaged.
Activities of Your Island Neighbors – One of the nicest Christmas presents Mr. and Mrs. P.O. Haugland have received to date is electric lights and a telephone. After ten years of residence on the West Side, between Cove and Colvos, they are enjoying the improvements most of us take too much for granted. Mr. Haugland stated that he was more impressed when he considered the evolution of the various types of lighting he had witnessed during the course of his lifetime.

December 31, 1936

Movement To Create New District – A movement is on foot for the creation of a power district originally designated to include all of King County. King county commissioners have set Wednesday, January 6th, as the date of a hearing to fix the exact boundaries of Public Utility District No. 1. Vashon-Maury residents have, perhaps, more at stake than any section of King county. Logically ours would be the last territory to receive consideration, yet as a part of the power district we would be subject to the same powers of the public utility district commissioners as those sections receiving service.
Shot Kills Nine Year Old Child – Christmas on Vashon-Maury Island was saddened by the tragic accident that claimed the life of little Marie Wyant, only child of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Wyant. The little girl was fatally shot about noon on Thursday by Richard, the seven-year-old son of J.G. Petree. According to reports a number of the children were playing with a 22-calibre rifle in a bedroom of the Petree home. Marie joined the group when she arrived to deliver a basket of gifts to the children who were her playmates. Little Richard in play pointed the gun at her, calling to her to “Look out!” He pulled the trigger, and as the gun was discharged the child fell to the floor, mortally wounded. An examination proved that the bullet had grazed her heart before lodging in her lung. The Wyant family have lived on Maury Island only since early last summer, when they purchased the Reaney place. They came here from their former home on Herschel Island, Alaska, so that Marie might have the advantage of schools and the companionship of other children. She was a pupil of the Center school.
Island Friends Helping Mattson Family During Hours of Grief, Anxiety – by Peggy Harmeling – The startling tragedy of the kidnapping of Charles Mattson brings crime to the shores of Vashon Island residents. Charles was a well-known figure on the beaches at Rosehilla, Quartermaster and Burton last summer. It was at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Wegner that the Mattsons were notified that Charles had been kidnapped. The Wegners have a home at Burton, where they lived for a year and a half, moving back to Tacoma for the school year in September. Ralph Wegner is the only person outside of the family and the G-men who has seen the ransom note. Mr. and Mrs. Chauncey Baxter, of Rosehilla Beach, were dinner guests at the Mattson home the preceding evening, and were with the Mattsons even before the police arrived the night of the catastrophe. Their nephew, Bobby Harmeling, had spent the Fourth of July on the Mattson’s boat, spending the night with Charles in a bunk. A London newspaper has direct communication with the family for the latest developments. The five phones installed are kept constantly busy. These friends of Vashon Island, as well as his associates, are ready to aid financially if necessary, for Charles was a favorite among his older friends on the beaches, and each one feels a deep personal interest and responsibility in having him brought back safely to enjoy another summer with them.

Vashon History

Timeline

Newspaper Summary 1936

January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December

To view more years of the Newspaper Summaries click here

1936 Vashon Island News-Record Summary (Mike Sudduth)

January 1936

January 2, 1936

January 9, 1936

January 16, 1936

January 23, 1936

January 30, 1936

February 1936

February 6, 1936

February 13, 1936

February 20, 1936

February 27, 1936

March 1936

March 5, 1936

March 12, 1936

March 19, 1936

March 26, 1936

April 1936

April 2, 1936

April 9, 1936

April 16, 1936

April 23, 1936

April 30, 1936 MISSING

May 1936

May 7, 1936

May 14, 1936

May 21, 1936

May 28, 1936

June 1936

June 4, 1936

June 11, 1936

June 18, 1936

June 25, 1936

July 1936

July 2, 1936

July 9, 1936

July 16, 1936 Missing

July 23, 1936

July 30, 1936

August 1936

August 6, 1936

August 13, 1936

August 20, 1936

August 27, 1936

September 1936

September 3, 1936

September 10, 1936

September 17, 1936

September 24, 1936

October 1936

October 1, 1936

October 8, 1936

October 15, 1936

October 22, 1936

October 29, 1936

November 1936

November 5, 1936

November 12, 1936

November 19, 1936

November 26, 1936

December 1936

December 3, 1936

December 10, 1936

December 17, 1936

December 24, 1936

December 31, 1936

Vashon History

Vashon History