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1937 Vashon Island News-Record Summary (Mike Sudduth)

January 1937

January 7, 1937
                                                           

• Dunn Passes At Wheel Of His Car – The curtain of life was rung down New Year’s Eve on Thomas P. Dunn veteran member of the Stage-Craft Union in Tacoma, and for thirty-six years a resident of Vashon Island.  He was found dead at the wheel of his car on the Ellisport hill.  Fred Dahl and a companion recognized the Dunn car, and investigated.  Dr. Dunn apparently had sensed the hand of Death, drew over to the side of the road, and shut off the motor.  Young Dahl moved Mr. Dunn from behind the steering wheel, and drive to the residence of Dr. McMurray, but “Tom,” as he was familiarly known to hundreds of youngsters and oldsters on Vashon and Maury Islands, was beyond medical aid.

• P.T.A. Groups Seek Reason For Disappointment – After receiving communications from WPA headquarters, urging them to take advantage of the opportunity for help in serving hot lunches a number of P.T.A. groups had made plans to start serving the pupils immediately after the holidays.  There was considerable disappointment when a number of women, calling at headquarters in Seattle, were informed that no such help was available to the Island; that it was not in the territory which was destined to be assigned help in cooking and serving the lunches, even though all plans had been made to provide the materials specified for the meals. 

• Stricken While At Theatre – Apparently stricken while watching the presentation of the program New Year’s Eve at the Vashon Theatre, Mrs. Nellie Short, mother of Mrs. Fred G. Pohl, of Tahlequah, passed away less than three hours after arriving home.  Near the conclusion of the Theatre program, Mrs. Short remarked to her daughter that she believed she had suffered a slight stroke.  After the show, Mrs. Short walked to the Roediger car, but the specter of death was near.  Arriving at Tahlequah, Mrs. Short’s condition necessitated carrying her into the Pohl home, where she passed away in her sleep at 2:30 o’clock Friday morning – just as did the central character in the play she had witnessed only a few hours previously.

• Storm and Cold Hits Island Monday – Thermometer  Registers 17 Above – Beginning Monday evening with the first real snow of the season Vashon Island, along with the rest of the Northwest, had its first bona fide winter weather.  Blowing with increasing fury the gale lashed the waters of the Sound into waves reported on some of the beaches as 15 or 20 feet high.  In returning from Fauntleroy after the first trip Tuesday morning 45 minutes was consumed by the ferry in making the trip from the mainland to opposite the Heights dock.  Without landing on the Island the boat finally labored through to Harper, arriving here on the 8 o’clock trip 35 minutes late.  During the day the round trip which usually consumes an hour and a half, was made in three hours, thus necessitating the elimination of every second trip.  It was surprising that even this service could be maintained in the face of such terrific odds.  Commuters who usually arrive on the 6:30 boat and those who ordinarily precede them on the earlier ferry arrived together at 7 o’clock, late for dinner, but congratulating themselves on being able to reach home at all.  On the Vashon Heights dock the waves hit with such force that the windows of the waiting room were sprayed with salt water.  Linemen of the Puget Sound Power and Light Company were kept busy replacing the 5 poles blown down in the Burton district, and repairing lines.  Along the new road, recently built into the May Broer home near the Burton school falling trees took down a light pole, and two others fell, which barely missed Mrs. Broer’s little home at the water’s edge.  The West Pass was comparatively calm and the Virginia V only 15 minutes late in delivering the morning mail at Cove.  The evening, however, told a different story, and the boat docked about an hour late on the return trip from Seattle.  It was felt by C.L. Garner, manager for this district, that the storm was an excellent test of the facilities that make uninterrupted service to KVI’s new station possible.  A humorous element was injected into the situation Monday evening by the antics of Josh Boggs.  The youngster, who will be ten next May, witnessed his first snow, and the antics he indulged in would have resulted in pneumonia for an older person.  Although he is a native son, having been born in Seattle, Josh was taken as an infant to California.  This is his first winter on the Island, and he not only approved of our school, residents, etc., but he feels that this little touch winter couldn’t have been better if it had been for his especial benefit.

• Meeting To Welcome New Residents – Everyone is invited to attend the January meeting of the Commercial Club, to be held at the Island Club, Monday night, January 11th, at 6 o’clock.  The purpose of the club is to work as far as its organization will permit, toward the improvement of the whole Island.  This necessitates the co-operation of every community club and every wide-awake and interested Island resident.  As several new families have moved to the Island in recent months, everyone is requested to bring his new neighbors so we can all get acquainted.  Everyone come, and show our new residents that we are glad they are with us.

January 14, 1937

• Work Starts On Ferry Enterprise – Ira Case, secretary for the Ferry Service Improvement Association, Inc., left Tuesday for Olympia, where he will begin work in behalf of the movement for state operation of ferries.  The aim is to have ferries, particularly those serving islands, taken over as a part of the state highway.  To date seventy-eight residents of Vashon-Maury Island have purchased memberships in the organization.  This is double the memberships in other localities as vitally affected as are we.

• Commercial Club Holds Meeting – In spite of snow and cold a goodly number gathered at the Island Club last Monday evening for the first 1937 meeting of the Commercial Club.  A few of the new residents, who had been specially invited, braved the elements, and apparently enjoyed the evening, as did the older members present.  Following the program a social time was enjoyed.  Coffee and cake and neighborly visiting proved a happy conclusion to the evening’s fare.  All present felt that the results had justified the effort to attend the meeting.  It is planned to have several more such meetings and to give the Island people a chance to get together in the old wholesome spirit of neighborliness that first built up our community.

• Paul Gates Found Dead In His Car – Only the most meager details are obtainable of the death of Paul Gates, whose body was found in his car on a Seattle street.  The only address found on the body was Portage, where the Gates family lived at their summer home until a short time before Christmas.

• Dockton News – Mrs. J.A. Jensen, a pioneer of Dockton, passed away at her home in Seattle, January 9th. 

• Local Items of Interest – Carl, Berna and Beverly Wick were mushing the trails around Vashon and Cove with a dog team Sunday.  They had a specially constructed dog sled, harness made under the direction of Mrs. Henry Steen who has mushed many hundred miles over the tundra of Alaska.  The dogs were quickly trained, and enjoyed the mush as much as the children.

• Report of Condition of Vashon State Bank – as of the close of business on December 31, 1936, total assets were $298,305.76.

• Local Items of Interest – John and Carl Edensward, brother of Mrs. John Metzenberg, purchased the gas boat “Texas” which they will use for fishing in Alaskan waters next spring.

• Local Items of Interest – Technician North, of the KVI radio station on Vashon Island, is well known among amateur broadcasters.  He has an amateur radio station in his home, and broadcasts as “Hamburger on Vashon Island.”

• Southern Heights crowd is making the most of the winter weather, gathering every evening for a bon fire, wiener roasts, skating and sledding.  They have a regular schedule of sleds being towed by cars and are getting as much fun out of the cold snap as if they had travelled to Alaska.

• NOTICE – At the annual meeting of the Cove N.F.L.A., the Board of Directors voted to disband and join the county organization at Renton, Wash.  Elmer Harmeling, President; I.M. Krokset, Secretary.

• Middle West Publishers Here Monday – this office received a pleasant visit on Monday from Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Browne, of Flandreau, South Dakota, owners and publishers of the Moody County Enterprise.  They are enroute to California on a vacation trip.  Some years ago Mr. Browne contemplated the purchase of the News-Record, and although he had been on the coast had never found time to visit the Island.

• First Chick Hatch Will Be Off Monday – The first hatch of Island chicks will be out January 18th, at the hatcheries of Carl Wick.  There will be 1,200 White Leghorns.  The chicks have already been contracted for, and will be grown by the purchaser for early spring fries.

• Johnny Lawrenson, of Cove, was in an automobile accident Sunday evening.  His new Terraplane rolled completely over, doing about two hundred dollars worth of damage.  No one was seriously hurt in the wreck.

January 21, 1937

• Navigation Case To Be Argued – A copy of a formal complaint and order by the State Department of Public Service against the Vashon Navigation Company was received on Friday by C.R. Roediger, secretary-treasurer of the South End Community Club.  The company holds an exclusive certificate to operate passenger boats from Tacoma to points on Vashon and Maury Islands.  It was permitted to discontinue between October 3rd and the coming May 13th on showing at a public meeting that profits of the summer months were more than offset by winter losses.  The certificate was not cancelled since at that time no other operator had applied for the right to give 12-months service, the complaint states.  Since Captain George C. Rickhard of Yacht Charters, Inc., filed application for the year-round certificate and is now giving adequate winter service with a fast launch, the Yankee Boy, the state department has ordered Captain John Manson, of the Vashon Navigation Company to show why his certificate should not now be cancelled.  Petitions from Island residents, asking that Captain Rickhard be granted the certificate and questioning adequacy of Captain Manson’s equipment are mentioned in the complaint.  The hearing is scheduled for February 2 at the Hotel Winthrop in Tacoma.

• Worthy Mention of Vashon Island – Your Duty, In Upbuilding of Wonderful Community – In a letter received several days ago from one of the Island’s best boosters, the suggestion was made that our readers be encouraged to write letters for publication, making constructive suggestions and pointing out a few of the facilities we lack, and that keep us from being at the top. – Advertise Our Island – Co-Operation In Locating Tourists – Summer Tourist – Establish An Island Taxicab Service.

• Relief Funds Received Locally – In answer to the frequent inquiries as to what provision has been made locally to receive flood relief contributions, Charles VanOlinda, of the Vashon State Bank, has consented to receive these contributions, with the distinct understanding that they will be sent to the Red Cross in Seattle.

• Money Sent For Flood Relief – An Island resident, who prefers not to have his name mentioned, reports that he mailed $28 to a friend in Grayville, Illinois, which is in the flood area.  In this manner he felt that the money would be put to work at once in the wisest manner his friend thought advisable.  The money was contributed by private individuals as it was felt business firms would prefer to contribute through other agencies.

• Dance Classes To Have New Instructor – Corinne Rounds, who has had charge of the WPA dancing classes, is giving up this work to have an operation for chronic appendicitis.  Evert Mills, recreational supervisor for the Island, reports that a man will take her place and classes will follow their usual schedule.

• New Group Sponsors Meetings – Sponsored by the newly organized Vashon Island Christian Workers Committee, meetings are being held in Maury Hall.  The men who compose this new Christian non-denominational group are Cephas Ramquist, Homer Wood, Morriss Johnson, George Fosmark and Frank Taylor.

• Sportsmen’s Delegates To Meet At Olympia – The Vashon Sportsmen’s Club, in pursuance to its game conservation program, will send a delegation to Olympia January 31st to attend the session of the Washington State Sportsmen’s Council. 

• Local Tap Dancer On Radio Program – Ukichi Nishiyori, Cornish School student, was on the radio program broadcast by the Lyon Music Hall in Seattle Monday over KOL.  The performers were trying out for appearance at the Orpheum Theatre.

• Roediger’s Cabbage Patch Raided By Rabbits – If the four-footed population of Vashon and Maury Islands is not increased at a rate that would delight the spirit of Teddy Roosevelt, disciple of large families, it will certainly not be the fault of Juan Castroneuvo, of Tahlequah.  Castroneuvo turned out around seventy-five domesticated rabbits last summer on the berry ranch of the late Bert Hotaling, but feed was a little scarcethere so they dined on a carrot, broccoli and cabbage patch belonging to C.R. Roediger.  Now the population has increased, much to the annoyance of neighbors.  The cold wave of the last few days hasn’t appeared to deplete the rabbit colony, but there is one thing certain-they are hungry.  They have reached as far as the property of Captain Arthur Nelson, and, if something is not done they’ll soon be roaming the Island, Tahlequahites declare.  Castroneuvo appears to be a great lover of livestock, but he fails to keep them at home.  Only recently one of his pigs pranced around in Roediger’s daffodil, tulip, and iris bed, destroying more than 1,000 bulbs.  An appeal was made to Deputy Sheriff F.J. Shattuck, and the result was that Castroneuvo was forced to move the stock, under penalty of having the Humane Society rep in and take them away.  If the rabbits are not exterminated, it is pointed out that this spring the garden patches in the vicinity will be absolutely worthless.

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February 1937

February 4, 1937

• Editorial – Whose Responsibility Is It? – We’ll grant that this snow is not only unusual, - It is also uncomfortable and dangerous.  It has caused a lot of work, and business people in general have made an unceasing effort to keep sidewalks clean.  One very important Island business, however, seems to have been utterly neglected, and the snow has lain just as Mother Nature deposited it on the walks on the North End dock.  It was not until Tuesday that even the slip was cleaned off.  Foot passengers and those parking their cars in the county parking lot have had to step high, wide and sometimes not handsome, over and through the snow.  We have been asked who was responsible, and who should have cleared these walks.  Frankly we don’t know whether the responsibility lay at the doors of the Kitsap County Transportation Company, Yachts Charters, Inc., Washington Navigation Company, or whether that should have been the job for King county.  Without machinery narrow enough, surely not the latter!  Certainly though our dock walks should be cleaned of snow.  In like manner the other Island docks have been left in the raw, and commuters have gone slipping and sliding to their boats.  Much muttering has emanated from those whose business takes them to the South End ferry.  It seems they were called on to fight the drifts from Burton to Tahlequah.  This was explained, somewhat ironically, by one of the village wits who remarked “That road takes you into Pierce county!”  Highways to Vashon Heights have been kept open and school buses, with the exception of Monday, have operated very nearly on schedule.  The question before the house, however, still remains the same.  Should dock walks be kept clear of snow by the county or by the companies using them?  The matter should be settled as it would appear this snow is a permanent thing, and the public can’t go on indefinitely wading through drifts.

• Snow Disrupts School Attendance – “It’s an ill wind, etc.” and the youngsters who were unable to attend school Monday on account of the snow took advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the winter sports that come only occasionally to them.  Skiing and coasting were the order of the day.  (And incidentally, why is it that these youngsters say “sledding” instead of “sliding” as we used to say in the Middle West?)  School attendance records have been shattered during the past two weeks, as colds developed, and the snow, for which few have the proper clothing, fell.  The novelty soon wore off, and in the majority of cases the youngsters soon tired of the snow, and many used it as an excuse to remain at home.  It was particularly unfortunate, coming at the end of the semester, when mid-term exams were being held.  Absences will cause a serious financial loss to practically every district on the Island.

• Island Bills Introduced At Olympia – Ira Case left Monday for another strenuous week at Olympia in behalf of the ferry bill which it is hoped by many will insure state operation of the ferries serving islands in Puget Sound.  This bill was introduced in the House by Representative Gates and seven associates.  It was completed Friday evening and numbered and filed on Monday.  In sponsoring the bill Mr. Gates is living up to one of his pre-election promises.  An important bill was introduced last week by H.I. Kyle, member of the senate road and bridge committee.  This provides for the establishment of the highway from Tahlequah to Vashon Heights via Burton as a primary highway.  When first drawn up the bill included the two ferries, but later revision took in only the highway.  The highway bill, S.B. 167, is sponsored by Senator H.I. Kyle.  The ferry bill, H.B. 317 is sponsored by Representative J.O. Gates. 

• Brief History of Old Log Church – The following history and tribute to the “Old Log Church” was written by Miss Elizabeth Markham, a charter member, and gives added interest to the movement already on foot to restore the historic old building.  On the 4th of April, 1884, John N. Dennison, of the First M.E. Church of Seattle, in response to repeated requests, sent Rev. Albert Atwood to organize a Methodist class on Vashon.  In the beginning we held monthly class meetings.  At the conference of 1884 Rev. F. Allward was sent to Vashon Circuit, composed of Vashon, Bethel and Colby.  Under his leadership a church was planned, and during the winter the logs were hauled and hewed.  On May 12th, 1885, the corner stone was laid by Rev. John Dennison, Rev. Louis Albert Banks preaching the sermon.    The young people of the church demanded a Sunday school, which was organized and held in an alder grove near where the Community House now stands.  The church was raised in June.  The women brought their baskets and served a picnic dinner in a grove just across the road from the church.  When the last log was ready to be raised all present took hold of the ropes and the log went up with a great shout.  The singles for the church were all shaved by hand.  The men would work all day, some in logging camps, others in their clearing (and an 8-hour day had not been though of then) and after supper take their lanterns and work in the church.  The men would move their work benches to one side, sweep the shavings under them and arrange seats of the loose lumber.  The purchasing of Sunday school supplies was a serious problem, as money was very scarce.  The young people and children solved the difficulty by gathering huckleberries and selling them in Seattle.  The ladies of the Seattle church mothered us and were our best customers.  Seattle church stood by us wonderfully, helping with lumber for the inside work, and pews.  There was no trouble getting the children to come to Sunday school, nearly all the parents were regular attendants, and of course the children came with them.  Some walked from Glen Acres, some from Paradise Valley, others as far from different directions, and the meetings were well attended.  I have known parents to punish their children by keeping them out of Sunday school.  At the conference of 1885 we were separated from Bethel and Colby.  Rev. Enoch Dudley was sent to us.  We now began to have weekly prayer meetings.  The church was dedicated November 13th, 1885.  Rev. Dennison dedicated the church, assisted by Rev. D.E. Blaine of Seattle.  In the course of his remarks he said “Brethren, this church is going to cost you something.  Your children will not be content to just be raised in the woods.  You will have to build school houses, and give them advantages.”  It was not perhaps just a coincidence that the first school house in this district was built where our first Sunday school was organized.

• Cove, Ceharhurst And Colvos Items – On Saturday evening the West Siders gathered at the home of Mrs. Huseby to charivari her daughter, Bertha, who became the bride of Mr. Ness on the 9th of January.  They received many sincere wishes for much happiness and success in their married life.  On Tuesday evening the Rose home was visited by prowlers who proved none other than a crowd of young people to charivari Kermit Swenson and his bride, the former Ruby Rose.

• Tahlequah Notes – Presenting a unique sight for Puget Sounders, the bay was filled early Monday morning with blocks of coagulated snow.  With an incoming tide running down the West Pass, one got the impression of a river chocked with rubber ice.  About 10 inches of snow fell during the night when the tide was out, and when it rolled in the snow congealed, and floated off in sheets.

• Tahlequah Notes – Tahlequahites are registering their disapproval of the “sea breezes from the sewer” emanating from Tacoma’s pulp mill.  They have aired their complaints over radio station KMO.

• Tahlequah Notes – Snow was so deep Monday that the school bus was unable to come down for the youngsters.  Needless to say they were overjoyed.

• Bus Stalls On Hill – Almost miraculously the schedule of the Vashon Transit Company has operated with almost machine-like regularity.  The suave driver “Chuck” Lowry, however, met his Waterloo Monday morning, when his bus refused to negotiate the Ellisport hill.  With masterly skill the driver backed it down and made the ferry via the Quartermaster hill.  C.G. Kimmel played the good Samaritan and picked up a number of commuters between Vashon and the Heights, defeating possible chilblains.

• No Flowers – He Takes Up Study Of Quail – Stephen J. Harmeling is buying feed for a flock of thirty or forty quail that come regularly at his call morning and evening for their ration of grain.  They are as tame as chickens, recognizing his call and flocking about as tame as domesticated fowl.

• Roaming Livestock Hinder Rabbit Hunters – The Therkelsen men went to hunt rabbits at the South End after reading of the game down there, taking along a load of sand so they could navigate up and down the Tahlequah hill.  Their success is not reported, but part of their time was spent avoiding the sixteen goats and the pigs that are roaming loose.  Hunters are warned not to mistake these for wild game.

February 11, 1937

• Island Loses Two Valuable Citizens; Death Calls Wm. O. Cook and Mrs. A.B. Cook

• RABBITS – The story of the horde of rabbits threatening the peace of residents of Southern Heights has apparently aroused considerable controversy.  It would not seem that this story, which came from the facile pen of our regular correspondent, could be translated as detrimental to the character of anyone.  If it has in any fashion injured the reputation of Mr. Castroneuvo we apologize.  His wife is very certain the rabbits were not released by her husband, and if this is the case it is not surprising that he very naturally resented the statement.  On equally good authority we have it that the story of the number of wild rabbits of domestic breed running loose has not been exaggerated one whit, and Southern Heights residents state without hesitation that the rabbits furnish sport not only for local talent, but for Tacoma hunters as well.

• Yo-Ho, Los Angeles! Look At Us – The first peach blossoms of the season are in flower at the H.C. Cronander home.  Cuttings from prunings were brought into the house, and burst into bloom in the warmth.

February 18, 1937

• Hi-Y Formed At Hi School Wednesday – Wednesday night, February 17th, at the home of Rodney Ackley a group of Vashon high school boys met with Charles Norman, Seattle Hi-Y supervisor, Norman Beers, executive secretary of West Seattle Community Y.M.C.A., and Hubert Spalding, instructor at YMCA boys’ school, to discuss the organization of a Vashon Hi-Y Club.  Mr. Ackley and Roy Ostrom represented the faculty of the high school.  It was decided that there was a place for a Hi-Y on Vashon and the next question was, how could such a club be organized.

• Berry Acreage Wanted – “Acres of Profit with the Sensational Olympic Berry” is the name of a booklet which will be mailed to berry growers and land owners qualified to participate in the planting of the famous Olympic berry.  This berry, propagated by Hallack Greider, of Center, grows ideally in Island soil, and land owners on Vashon Island with acreage ready for the plow can now secure plants under a co-operative plan.  Authorities declare the Olympic berry to be the most outstanding development in berry culture of all time.  Mr. Greider, who lives on the Peter Erickson place, just back of the telephone office at Center, has a very interesting story to tell on the possibilities of profit with the Olympic berry.  The culture of this berry is practically the same as the various species of blackberries, loganberries and other similar types.  The plants are set from 8 to 9 feet apart in rows approximately 8 feet wide.  The shoots, or runners, are handled the same as blackberries, and in preparation for fruiting season are placed on wire suspended from posts arranged at the proper distance over the planted area.  The fact that the United States government has issued a patent on the “Olympic Berry,” permitting the use of a geographical name that is without precedent is history making in itself. 

• Ellisport Items – Once more Ellisport residents hear the buzz and whirr of the mill.  It started up last Monday, February 9th, with practically the same employees as formerly, and is expected to continue from day to day.

• Mrs. Don Tjomsland drove onto the arterial highway from the Cove road Friday afternoon, crashing her car into the coupe being driven by Mrs. Royce Wise.  No one was injured, but the fenders and running board of the Wise car were smashed against the rock wall at the Matthews place.

February 25, 1937

• Storm Damage Is Heavy At Tahlequah – Comparable to the havoc wrought by the storm of October 22, 1934, was the damage caused by last week’s gale, which swept away portions of bulkheads, and demolished the entire walk west of the ferry pier at Tahlequah.  Not one bulkhead escaped, and the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Huhn was almost swept into the maelstrom.  The foundation is listing badly, and the bulkhead is practically a total loss.  Tahlequah’s “board walk”, which is the main thoroughfare, was destroyed to such an extent that at high tide persons are forced to use the Pohl road to get to and from the ferry slip.  Sunday a salvage crew, comprising Dr. David B. Cook, D.C. Summers, Fred G. Pohl, George and Joe Ford, Bert Lewis, Fred Wengel, Roy Swanson, C.P. Robarts and Kenneth Fry, combed the beach for some of the planks that had been carried away.  The found quite a number, which will be used to build another walk, when weather conditions permit.  Tahlequahites battled hard to save their beach property, but their efforts were futile in the face of the high waves that battered relentlessly for four hours.  The tide was only supposed to be 11.8 feet, but it was estimated to be at least 15 feet, due to the high wind locally, and also because of the water being swept in from the Straits.  Tuesday night and Wednesday morning passengers experienced great difficulty in boarding and coming off the ferry.  Most of the dolphins on the west approach to the pier have been knocked out for sometime, and the crews of the Defiance and Skansonia make landings under adverse conditions even in normal weather.  A pile driver arrived at the pier on Monday morning, and new dolphins will be put in.

• Harvester Duo To Hold Sway At Island Club – The Harvester Duo, Roy S. Newlin and E. Walter Lindgren, the Radio Revival Evangelists from Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, began a series of meeting last Tuesday evening at the Island Club under the auspices of the Vashon Island Christian Workers Committee.

• Fire Destroys Thompson Home – AT 1:45 a.m. Sunday night the fire alarm rang in Burton, arousing residents to fight the blaze destroying the home of Mrs. Laurel Thompson.  Nothing was saved.  It was surmised that the fire started from a defective flue on the second floor.

• Berry Company Formed – On account of the wide publicity and interest in the growing of the Olympic berry, which was given to the world by Hallack Greider, of Center, a business organization has been formed to supervise the formation of an industry that is taking on sizeable proportions, even at this early date.  Mr. Greider has seen fit to place the entire operations in the hands of the Olympic Berry and Fruit Exchange, with offices in the Northern Life Tower, Seattle. 

• Tahlequah Notes – Sales of a certain cigarette are mounting at the local store, the cause being the fact that some Tahlequahites, who don’t even smoke, are entering a national contest, and have to use wrapper to participate.

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March 1937

March 4, 1937

• Steamer Narada On Run To Islands Now – Quartermaster Harbor commuters arrived in Tacoma on the little old steamer Narada Monday morning as Capt. John Manson complied with an order from the state public service department that his Vashon Navigation Company resume service or forfeit its certificate.  Capt. Manson was given leeway of 15 days in which to prepare his Concordia for use on the run.  The Concordia is being changed over from steam to Diesel power.  Capt. George C. Dickart, who served the Island people with his launch, the Yankee Boy, since the Concordia was laid up last October, continued on the run until Sunday night.  His application to the state public service department for Capt. Manson’s certificate brought on the present order.  With permission of the department Capt. Manson had discontinued winter service until May.

• Still Writes Verses At Eighty-Six – Eighty-six years of rich experience has given to little Mrs. Ella Robison Beckes, of Ellisport, a philosophy that produces verses as naturally and as easily as it would produce complainings and sadness in disposition less happy.  Born in Illinois, Mrs. Beckes witnessed those historic and exciting happenings at Nauvoo, marked by the burning of the first Mormon temple, and the exodus of its members as they left to ultimately establish their present-day Salt Lake City.  Mrs. Beckes still recalls with clearness and accuracy the events that marked that phase of our history.  As the age of ten she was left motherless and assumed many of the duties of the household, her father’s small housekeeper.  She was well prepared to assume the responsibilities of her own home, and of marriage at the early age of seventeen.  An early widowhood, care of her children, matron of Park College, near Kansas City, Mo., life on a farm in Kansas, added still more varied experiences.  A few years after her marriage to Mr. Beckes they established their home in Washington, first at Grandview, then in 1919 on Vashon Island, where she has lived continuously at Ellisport, one of her best loved of that community.  A fall from which she suffered a broken hip about a year ago, failed to prove as tragic as her friends and family feared.  After some weeks in the hospital Mrs. Beckes was brought home, soon discarding her wheel chair for a cane, and now often forgetting to use the cane on her daily walks.  She is the object of the tender care of her daughter, Mrs. C.E. Woods, with whom she makes her home.  Her eyesight is gone, but her marvelous sense of humor, her interest in her family, her love of nature, all combine to keep her not only happy, but to keep her singing and producing those lovely bits of verse such as have appeared in the News-Record from time to time during the past years. 

• Vashon Scout Cabin Gets Stove Gift – The log cabin of the Vashon Boy Scouts has a new stove in the kitchen.  Mrs. Robinson, of Tuckahoe, presented the troop with a kitchen range to replace the worn-out stove they had been using.  Each member of the troop and the Scout Mother’s Club express their appreciation for this useful gift.

• Commercial Club Will File Protest – As a well attended meeting of the Commercial Club on Monday evening those present listened attentively to a scholarly talk on taxes, given by Prof. James Hall, of the University of Washington.  The talk preceded the regular business meeting, which proved to be more a transportation meeting than a routine Commercial Club meeting.  All present were deeply interested in the proposed change in ferry schedule which was posted late last week.  Apparently everyone who spoke had a good and reasonable objection to make, not so much to the curtailment of service, but to the change in time.  Various types of patrons have accustomed themselves and their business to the schedule which has been in effect for the past seven years.  The change will mean new schedules for buses and trucks; later hours of delivery for daily afternoon papers; inconvenience to the professional type of commuter now patronizing the 4:30 ferry; overcrowding on the 6 o’clock boat.  The fact was pointed out that already, though it is early in the season, on Sunday evening five cars were left on the dock on the 5:30 trip, and eleven on the 7 o’clock.  Among those in the first of the five cars was a couple.  The husband had insisted on his wife coming to the Island to look at property.  Protesting against the thought of living on an island she had been convinced somewhat against her will to decide on a likely piece of property.  It doesn’t require much imagination to figure out her reaction, and whether or not the sale of the property will be made.  Not only were numerous complaints of the schedule voiced, but equally caustic were the criticisms of present day methods of loading the ferries, or the use of the “little grind-organ” ticket dispensers, of the fact that the ferry was not able to keep on schedule because it had not undergone its usual winter overhauling that had previously been the rule.  These, and many more criticisms were voiced publicly and on the side lines.  A committee was appointed to investigate what the club should do in the matter, and instructions to the secretary to file a protest with the Department of Public Service ended the discussion.  The report form Jack Wendler came as a bolt from the blue to many present.  He stated that the original bill for the state operation of an Island ferry had been lost in committee, but that he felt certain, with the proper support, that a ferry from Des Moines to Portage could be secured at the session of the legislature nearing its close.  The idea was so entirely new that no action was taken, and the matter was tabled.  Mr. Wendler has worked hard on the proposition, but apparently only a few feel that the Des Moines – Portage ferry would provide more that a limited, and very seasonable service.

• Japanese Celebrate Anniversary – In observance of the thirtieth anniversary of the founding of the Vashon Japanese Association members and friends gathered at the Island Club Saturday afternoon.  Y. Usui presided over the meeting.  A special tribute was paid in the three charter members, S. Fujioka, R. Murakami and K. Tanimura, and to U. Nishiyori for his diligence in promoting the welfare of the association.

• Local News Items Of Vashon And Vicinity – Members of the Associated Knitting Matrons of America met at the home of Mrs. H.B. Menees for luncheon and work Thursday (today). 

March 11, 1937

• Sportsmen Select Site For New Clubhouse – About thirty-five members of the Sportsmen’s Club met Sunday at the club grounds to select a building site.  George Davis and Roy Parrish, of Burton, are making blue prints of the cabin.  Mr. Body, of the game department, will be over in April to exhibit films to the club.  All Boy Scouts of Vashon will be the honor guests.

• McLean Home At Rosehilla Burned Monday Morning – The beautiful McLean home at Rosehilla Beach was completely destroyed by fire during the early morning hours on Monday, March 1st.  The family had not moved out to the beach from Tacoma yet, and the place was unoccupied.  A number of Rosehilla summer residents came over for the first visit of the season Sunday, to see ruins and to check their own property.

• Finds Wedding Ring On Growing Hyacinth – Impaled on a hyacinth bud, an 18-karat wedding ring, owned by one of the fair Indian damsels that were wont to cavort decades ago on the potlatch grounds at Tahlequah, was found today by Mrs. Fred G. Pohl while gardening.  The gold band was down about an inch on the hyacinth spike and made a distinct depression caused by the expanding of the buds.  The ground where the unique discovery was made had been turned over many times by Mr. Pohl during the last few years, and was in the same locality that he has found spear heads, and other Indian implements for hunting and fishing.  One of his prized possessions is a beautifully carved agate point.

• John Ober Receives Post Office Commission – John Ober received his commission to act as postmaster of the Vashon office this week.  The commission was dated February 6th, but had not been forwarded to him before.  It has been decided that he will take over the work at the end of the quarter.

 March 18, 1937

• Unique Powder Horn Found At Glen Acres – High in the crotch of a tree at Glenacres, Harry Sakai found an antique powder horn last week.  It has evidently been hidden for years in its place of concealment, probably put there by an early settler or Indian fighter in the frontier days.  The Vashon grade school boys who are studying United States History, recognized the powder horn at once and there were many speculations as to its origin.  Harry traded it to Dick Clare, who is attempting to find out its history.

• Bob Weiss To Head Local Business Men’s Club – At a meeting held Tuesday noon at the Alibi, Bob Weiss was elected president for the coming year.  Clarence Weiss was elected vice-president; Agnes Smock, secretary; and W.D. Garvin, treasurer.  Business men are reminded again that the streets will be washed down Saturday morning at 6 o’clock.  The sand which was put down on the pavement during the winter snow period will be washed off and the streets left in a more presentable condition for the coming spring and summer.

• Local Items of Interest – Arthur Poultney is putting in a water main from the Elisha Morgan corner to the property of Digby Williams.

 March 25, 1937

• Huge Pre-Easter Egg Costs Hen Her Life – The two halves of a huge pre-Easter egg, layed by a Rhode Island hen two years ago, is being exhibited by Mrs. Carl Rooth, of Tahlequah, but the bird that laid it is no longer in the land of the living.  The unique egg measuring eight and a half inches in length, and six inches in circumference, contained three yolkes.  The strain was too much for “Biddy,” and she left this mundane sphere less than three hours after her remarkable feat.

• Sportsmen Build Driveway Into Club Property Sunday – The Sportsmen’s Club worked Sunday to complete a driveway through its property to the site of the future clubhouse.  Massa Mukai used his tractor and Al Roen ran the grader, and other members did the manual labor necessary for the road.

• Clam Diggers Warned To Observe Limit Law – Seven men from the mainland were warned Friday afternoon by Deputy Sheriff F.J. Shattuck and Deputy Game Protector Al Roen to discontinue their promiscuous digging of clams for commercial purposes from a beach at Tahlequah.  Clam diggers have been coming over in boats and cleaning up the beaches of clams in violation of the law, which states that the limit is twenty pounds for each shovel.  The law is applicable to local residents.

• Tahlequah Notes – The first activity of the customary maraudings of waterfront thieves was reported Monday by Fred C. Smith, residing east of the ferry pier.  A “Porcelain Pony” was torn loose from its moorings and stolen.

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April 1937

April 1, 1937

• C. August Petersen obituary

• Commercial Club, Park Board To Meet Monday Eve – The regular meeting of the Commercial Club will be held at the Island Club Monday, April 5th, at 8 p.m.  The Vashon State Park board has called a meeting for the same place and time, and will hold a brief business meeting in conjunction with the Commercial Club.  As the groups are both interested in the same results, the union of the meetings will work out most satisfactorily.  There will be an election of officers of the park board.

• Business Men’s Club To Build Picnic Shelter – At a meeting held Tuesday noon at the Alibi members of the Vashon Business Men’s Club decided to sponsor the erection of a shed back of the Island Club, which will furnish tables and benches, and a shelter over the stove for a picnic grounds.  L.C. Beall has donated the brick to extend the present chimney of the brick stove to the proper height above the roof of the 12 by 15 shed to be built.  Tentative plans are being made for the annual carnival, to be held some time in July, proceeds from which will be used for lighting and for the purchase of new fire hose.  The street washing crew, consisting of six volunteers, will start spring house-cleaning Friday morning at 6 o’clock.  Breakfast will be served to them one door south of the News-Record office at seven.

April 8, 1937

• Columbia Students To Hold Reunion – The little school began its service to the Cove district in 1893, that year that marked a number of other important events.  It consisted of one room, the part of the present building which is now used as cloak rooms and hall.  Miss Anna Barney was the first teacher, and there is a possibility that she will be among those returning for the reunion.

• Mukai & Son Putting In More Strawberries – B.D. Mukai feels that there is still money to be made in raising strawberries on Vashon Island.  Work is going forward on the planting of 35 acres of new berries, among which are varieties which have not been previously raised on the Island.  This will bring the Mukai strawberry acreage up to 100 acres.  Ten acres of loganberries are also being planted.

• Feed Company Moves Into New Quarters – The Vashon Feed Company is moving machinery and a stock of feeds into new quarters just north of the Bacchus lumber sheds on the Willis Blekkink tract.  Joe Davis, manager, will bring his family to the Island as soon as the Seattle schools close.

• Waynick Offers County Museum And Relics – L.C. Waynick has offered the King county commissioners a deed to his private museum and personal oil paintings of Indian tribal scenes for the county.  In return Waynick asked that the county road crews be instructed to turn over to him any fossils and Indian relics they find in excavations.  Waynick said he would retain the right to be in control and possession of his museum as long as he lives.

• High School Notes – Senior Play Gets Under Way – The story of the Senior Play, “Second Childhood,” is amusing from beginning to end.

• Local Items of Interest – Dr. Nichols has completed a road from his place (the old Boothroyd estate) to the main highway.

• Local Items of Interest – Mr. and Mrs. George Nelson, with their four sons, Gerald, Harley, Gordon and Junior, will move over the weekend into the Lutheran parsonage at Vashon.  The Nelsons, who came about a year ago from Minnesota, have been living at Lisabeula.  Their removal from that district will reduce the attendance at the Lisabeula school by a third, leaving but six pupils.

April 15, 1937

• 3 Near Death In Icy Waters On Narrows – Catapulted into the chilly waters of the Narrows west of Pt. Defiance, when their rowboat overturned, two men and a woman narrowly escaped drowning Sunday afternoon about two o’clock.  The trio, comprising Mr. and Mrs. Ted Roberts and Walter Brown, residing at the Baker hotel in Tacoma, were rescued by Nathan Howard and Raymond Rooth, who rushed to their aid in an outboard motor, and Arthur Wickstrom, skipper of the Foss Tug No. 16.  The attention of Howard and Rooth was drawn to the scene of the near tragedy by Edwin H. Gleb, of Tahlequah, who heard their frantic cries for help.  The Tahlequah News-Record correspondent accompanied the Foss on the rescue mission.

• Two Hundred Attend Homecoming – More than 200 persons, all of them, with the possible exception of twenty or thirty, former pupils and teachers of the Columbia school, gathered on Saturday evening for the first homecoming ever attempted in that district.

• Tahlequah Notes – Mrs. Carl Rooth, who, with her husband, were attempting to dislodge a pile of drift that was headed towards the bulkhead of their home, was plunged into the water when the pikepole she was handling snapped off at the flange.  The current was running fairly strong, and Mrs. Rooth was in the chilly water up to her neck for a few minutes before reaching the shore.

• Local Items of Interest – The old college property at Burton has been purchased by Mr. Woods, of the Standard Oil Company in Seattle.  He has put up a portable house on the property and is residing there with his family.

• Local Items of Interest – Water was piped last week from the Brady plant to the property of Arthur Long.  The water system on the Long place has been discarded for use.

• Improvements On Vashon Water District Started – A group of workers from the WPA started on the water project of the Vashon Water system Tuesday.  They are constructing a road down to the dams and pumping system to clear a way for the hauling of machinery to be used in improving the water supply.

April 22, 1937

• Black Ball Safe Blown At Harper – Apparently the work of experts the Puget Sound Transportation Company’s safe in the waiting room at Harper was blown sometime after the last trip of the ferry early Monday morning.  According to employees on the “Vashon” close to $200 was taken.  An envelope containing $118 in bills, on top of which carbon copies of the day’s records had been laid, was overlooked.  Since the waiting room is at the end of the dock some distance from the nearest residence nothing was heard, and the sight which greeted the employees of the open safe was a decided surprise.  The purser was in a somewhat embarrassing position without small change, and it is reported that he was obliged to borrow five cents to make change for the first fare paid.

• John Ober Appointed Scoutmaster For Vashon

• Government Will Furnish Headstones For Vets Graves – It has come to the attention of members of Island Post, V.F.W., that a number of graves of veterans in Island cemeteries are unmarked.  It is probably generally known that the government will furnish headstones for the graves of veterans at no charge except that involving in removing them from the nearest freight depot, and setting them up.  There are three types of stones.  One for the veterans of the Confederate States army; one for all veterans except those of the Civil and Spanish-American wars and another for Civil War and Spanish War veterans.

• Patrons Fail To Attend Budget Meeting – Patrons of the Vashon Island high school either have implicit faith in the board of directors; or are grossly uninterested in the procedure and finances of the district.  Not a single patron on Monday evening attended the public hearing of the budget, which had been announced more than a week ago.

• To Open Real Estate Office At Vashon – The north room of the new Garvin building at Vashon is being remodeled and refinished.  It has been leased to Charles England as a real estate office.

• Contract Let For Paving Job From Center To Burton; Work To Begin Soon – At Monday’s session of the Board of County Commissioners bids for three miles of highway from Center to the Burton dock were opened.  The lowest bid of $22,869 submitted by the L.J. Dowell Construction Company was accepted. The commissioners felt that the Dowell Company bid was conservative, and that the drainage problems involved had not been considered.  This problem will add materially to the cost of construction.  The new paving will be of a bituminous type.  Work will begin on the drainage as soon as weather conditions permit, and the laying of the pavement will progress as rapidly as possible.  With the short stretch of highway from the end of the pavement to the telephone office as an example of this type of paving considerable doubt of its worth has been expressed.  It must be remembered that bad weather prevented only the foundation work to be done there, and only the first, or “track,” coat was laid.  This particular stretch of highway has always presented a drainage problem that has defied all efforts.

April 29, 1937

• Reckless Driving Causes Death And Serious Injury to Two Center Children – Death Tuesday night claimed Grace Obuko, the little eight-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. K. Okubo, victim of one of the most horrible auto accidents the Island has ever had.  The child died at Seattle General Hospital, where she was taken with her sister, Mary, six, a victim of the same accident.  The sympathy of the entire community has been aroused by the occurrence that brought grief and suffering in its wake.  The children, on their way home from school, were struck by a car belonging to and driven by Heber Ward, of Center.  Ward apparently lost control of his car as he dodged around a machine driven by C.M. Ruhlen entering the arterial highway between the Rodda store and the Therkelsen residence at Center.  Ruhlen had apparently made a stop but did not observe the car coming from the north.  Ward swung in behind the Ruhlen car, but, according to his admission to Deputy Sheriff Shattuck, was going too fast to stop when he realized that he was heading directly toward the children standing beside the porch on the east side of the Therkelsen house.  After striking the children the car careened about and was headed north when finally brought to a stop with both of the tiny victims underneath it.  Apparently Mary, who suffered the lesser injuries, and who has a fair chance of recovery, was dragged by the car.  Grace was evidently struck by a headlight and fell underneath the car as it turned around.  She was unconscious when picked up, and was so badly injured that she did not regain consciousness before passing away several hours later.  As far as can be determined the injuries of the sister, Mary, consist of a broken leg, face lacerations and bruises, and it is believed that unless complications develop she has a good chance for recovery.  The death of Grace was attributed to a badly fractured skull.

• Suicide, And Near Murder, Attempted – Climaxing a separation of several months, Andrew Knutsen, of Spokane, in a jealous rage, shot his wife and committed suicide at Mrs. Knutsen’s home east of Vashon Monday evening.  Although two bullets entered Mrs. Knutsen’s body neither of them struck a vital organ, and she has a very good chance for recovery.  Having lived on the Island practically all of her life, Mrs. Knutsen has a wide circle of friends who are rejoicing in her fortunate escape from death.

• Forum – Dear Editor: Once more I am inviting those interested in saving the Old Log Church to meet with others of like mind on Thursday, May 20th, to discuss the proposition.  If you are interested, please come.  If not – I should like to know that, too.  Perhaps this will be my last appeal.  Yours very cordially, Everett M. Hill.

• Burton News Items – T. Butler has moved his barber shop into the old Burton hotel building.

• Burton News Items – Merle Burton, son of W.A. Burton, who went east several weeks ago, has purchased a plane in which he will fly to the coast.  He plans to reach the Island about May 10th, and hopes to utilize the field near the high school which was originally levelled for a landing field.

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May 1937

May 6, 1937 – Missing

May 13, 1937

• Closing School Days Will Be Busy Ones – High school commencement exercises will be held Thursday evening, June 3rd.  The speaker who has been chosen is C. Payne Shangle, of Bellingham.  Marion Maloney and Patty Doebbler will appear as valedictorian and salutatorian.

• Accident Unavoidable Is Decision – Before a jury of six, three men and three women, Heber Ward was exonerated for the death of Grace, and the injury of Mary Okubo.  The accident occurred at Center April 27th.  The coroner’s hearing held last Friday in Seattle brought our evidence that the accident was caused by a combination of circumstances that made it almost unavoidable.  Ward was absolved of blame by the jury.  Throwing himself upon the mercy of the court he admitted that he was travelling at a speed greater than was advisable and that he had consumed a small amount of alcoholic beverages just prior to the accident.  Witnesses for the state were C.M. Ruhlen, whose car, driven from behind the parked cars, was alleged to be the cause of the accident; “Happy” Bitle, Paul Pettelle, Max Therkelsen and Bert Edwards.  Witnesses for the defense were Dick Fuller and William Garvin, Jr.   Ward was defended by Judge Kalina.  Testimony developed the fact that at the particular point where the accident occurred the stop sign to the west of the highway is 50 or 60 feet distance instead of 20; that parked cars hide the highway to the north; that in spite of warnings to officials no action has been taken to make this a safe corner.  In addition to clearing Ward the jury recommended that immediate action be taken to remove as many of the hazards of this corner as possible, and particularly that the stop sign be placed correctly.  The sentiment locally is that this corner, as well as the bank corner at Vashon be made a four-way stop.

• Score Change In Ferry Schedule – By C.R. Roediger – If the residents of Vashon and Maury Islands desire to maintain present ferry schedules and rates it will be necessary for winter and summer residents to exert an effort.  The state Department of Public Service will grant a hearing if there are 25 signers to the petitions which will be circulated at Tahlequah and by C.J. Ramquist, president of the Burton Improvement Club.  It is to be hoped that other Island organizations will awaken to the need for actions – Huhn and Roediger were to confer Wednesday afternoon with Fred J. Schaaf, director of the Department of Public Service for the State of Washington, regarding ferry service and rates to Tahlequah, southern terminus for Vashon and Maury Islands.  The meeting was to be held at the Hotel Winthrop.  Director Schaaf appreciates the situation here, it is pointed out by Huhn, and will endeavor to assist in making a schedule that will be acceptable to everyone.  Seering the proposed change in transportation charges and schedule of the Washington Navigation Company, operating ferries between Point Defiance and Tahlequah, and other Inner Sound points, Charles G. Huhn, president of the South End Community Club, and C.R. Roediger, secretary-treasurer, filed a protest Tuesday with the State Department of Public Service, and Jay W. McCune, manager of the transportation department of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce.  Tahlequahites and residents of the southern part of Vashon Island are up in arms against the proposed changes, and feel that Mitchell Skansie, president of the Washington Navigation Company, is trying to make Vashon and Maury Islands shoulder the burden of some of his dead horse routes.  Under the proposed plan, submitted Monday like a dinner menu on an ocean liner to the folks who pour their shekels into the Skansie coffers winter and summer, the first ferry out of Point Defiance for Tahlequah would be 7:15 a.m., a quarter of an hour later than at present.  This makes it impossible for the folks on Vashon and Maury Islands to reach their work in Tacoma or elsewhere by eight o’clock.  Each additional run will be approximately fifteen minutes later, and instead of arriving home in time for dinner at 6:30, the folks will have to stave their hunger for fifteen minutes more.  Not only is this “tough”, but President Skansie puts another barb on the harpoon by making commutation tickets for passengers 90 cents instead of 60.  And the price of cars skyrocketed also to more than a dollar bill.  The tops now is 75 cents, except for foreign makes such as Rolls-Royce, etc., which never seem to angle over to Vashon and Maury.  And, after all, it looks like Capt. Richard, who did such a good job during the winter months for Vashon and Maury folks with his Yankee Boy, will get the business from Tahlequah and Point Defiance.  The Yankee Boy has installed its float at the dock near Point Delco, and, it is pointed out, can probably obtain permission from the King county commissioners to berth at the float alongside the ferry pier at Tahlequah.  Capt. Rickard was given the cold steel by the State Department of Public Service for giving adequate service to Quartermaster Harbor points during the dull months, and speculation is rife at Tahlequah as to what “dish” may be served him now by the boys who are in the driver’s seat at Olympia.

• Local News Items Of Vashon And Vicinity – Bill Shakespeare passed his examination successfully for citizenship Wednesday, May 5th, and will take the oath of allegiance June 8th.  He was born in England, and has been a British subject before taking the examinations.

 May 20, 1937

• Burton Community Day May 28 – One of the events of the year at the Burton school, and one to which pupils and patrons alike look forward, is the Community, or Patrons’ Day, which will be held this year on Friday, May 28th.  This day has been a feature for a number of years and represents the goal toward which the pupils strive so that they may perform creditably for their parents. 

• Schedule Of Ferries To Stand – The schedule of ferries operating between Point Defiance, Gig Harbor and Vashon Island will remain unchanged, for the time being.  Such is the word received by C.R. Roediger, secretary-treasurer of the South End Community Club, from Ralph J. Benjamin, supervisor of public utilities for the State Department of Public Service.  However, the folks patronizing the ferries, are none too pleased with the increase in rates, but nothing can be done to remedy this as the Washington Navigation Company, operating these ferries, was authorized.

• Two Island Mothers Laid To Rest – Mrs. J.M. Silvey and Mrs. Martin Hansen Obituaries.

• Work On Park Soon Finished – WPA work on the Vashon State Park will stop within the week as funds available have been exhausted.  Vashon-Maury Island is left with a park that is a credit to this section.  Our residents can well feel proud, for had it not been for the civic enterprise which made possible the tract of land the park would never have been.  The addition of electric lights has been a great improvement, as has the completion of two camp grounds, with stoves and water for the convenience of weekend tourists.

• Editorial – Why “State Park?” – It has caused us, - and, we learn, others, -a great deal of irritation every time we hear our fine new park over on Maury Island, referred to as “Vashon State Park.”  We do not particularly care to find out who is responsible for the park having been so named.  Otherwise we would not feel free to say that we thought the choice a very poor one.  To begin with the park is in no sense of the word a state park.  The site was purchased by popular subscription in order to utilize certain federal funds for improvements.  The land was deeded to the county to meet further requirements.  In no manner did state funds or approval enter into the transaction.  It will be recalled that contributions for the purchase of the land came from practically all parts of the Island.  In proportion Vashon Island did not do any more than Maury in buying the park site.  Hence our reasoning: The state has had no part nor parcel in the park in the past or present, so it should not be called a state park.  Since both island contributed for the purchase of the land, and must help with the future upkeep of the park, there is no good reason why the name of one island should be given in preference to the other.  Our contention, which we feel is a just and popular one, is that the park should be called the “Vashon-Maury Park.”

• Notice – To all our old berry pickers or any new ones, who wish to pick, we will pay one cent or better for gooseberries, sweet and sour cherries and currants.  W.J. Zimmerman, Walter Riefschnider.

• Victim Formerly Employed By Island Firm – Daily papers last week carried stories of the death of six men in a snow slide which occurred 60 miles north of Seward, Alaska, Monday, May 10th.  Among those who lost their lives was John Mehues, an employee of the Beall Greenhouse Company for several years.

 May 27, 1937

• Skansie and McCune Point Way To Get Better Ferry Tariffs For Vashon Island – More equitable rates for automobiles and motor trucks using the ferries between Tacoma and Tahlequah can be obtained, if the various organizations on Vashon and Maury Islands make a concerted effort.  Such was the declaration made Saturday night at an enthusiastic meeting of the Sound End Community Club, by Mitchell Skansie, president of the Washington Navigation Company, and Jay W. McCune, manager of the transportation department of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce.  All that is necessary is for the various organizations to draft a petition and present it to the State Department of Public Service, setting forth their wishes and requirements.  Those present learned many angles of the transportation problems that were an eye-opener.  One point, in particular, that scored heavily was the fact that the Washington Navigation Company is the only transportation firm in this district that does not receive pay for the freight it transports.  If trucks were charged for their loads, more equitable rates could be made.  The fact that no extra charge is made is ridiculous, McCune declared.  He said it has been the custom to charge for freight on any transportation line “ever since the Sound was dug.” – New Schedule To Go Into Effect June 1 – Mr. Skansie delighted the crowd when he announced a tentative schedule, effective Tuesday, June 1st.  In response to a plea made by the Burton Improvement Club, he said he would discontinue the 10:30 p.m. ferry from Point Defiance to Tahlequah, and would change the time of departure to 11:45 p.m.  This will give Island folks an opportunity to enjoy an evening in Tacoma. – McCune Says Free Ferries Will Come – Mr. McCune, in his address, declared that everyone is entitled to free ferry service.  He pointed out, however, that this will not come immediately, but is in the offing.  He praised Mr. Skansie, saying “he knows his stuff.”

• Would Restore Old Landmark – Almost sixty persons gathered at the Vashon Methodist church last Thursday evening to enjoy an excellent dinner, a season of fellowship, and a discussion of what was to be the fate of the Old Log Church.  Built in 1885, the first home of worship on Vashon Island, the Old Log Church provided a place of worship, a meeting place for the debating society and the various gatherings which brought the people of the community together for miles around.  As more churches and community meeting places sprung up; as the Old Log Church was removed from the spot upon which it stood and replaced by a more modern church building, it has fallen into disuse and is in a sad state of decay.  Realizing that if it is allowed to go much longer without some attempt to restore the old building we will be overlooking a possibility which we will live to bitterly regret a number of civic-minded citizens have been discussing the matter of restoration for sometime.  Called together by Rev. E. M. Hill, the matter was discussed thoroughly by a representative group from all parts of the Island.  The general opinion of those present at Thursday night’s meeting was that if we allowed the church, already in a sad state, to fall entirely into ruin, that we would be neglecting to do that which we would later deeply regret.  A suggestion that the old church be restored and used for a recreation center for the young people of the community failed to interest those present.  However, the suggestion was well received that if enough money could be raised and the church restored to its original plan it could be used as an Island museum which would attract many visitors.

• Southenders Planning Festivities – Tahlequah and the southern part of Vashon Island will occupy the center of the entertainment stage this summer, if plans submitted Saturday evening at a meeting of the South End Community Club.  There will be a strawberry festival in June, a dinner on the ferry pier in July, with a water spectacle, and a clam chowder party in August.  The president’s plans met with the approval of the entire membership.  A move, suggested by Mrs. William Berry, vice-president, to make club meetings more enjoyable for the young folks, received hearty endorsement.  Games and music will be arranged.

• Vets To Have Poppy Sale – The sale of Buddy Poppies by members of the Island Post, V.F.W., and its auxiliary will commence today and continue through Saturday.  The history of the Buddy Poppy sale, as well as its purpose, makes one realize that it represents more than the ten-cent purchase of an artificial flower.

• Baccalaureate Services To Be Sunday; Eighth Grade Exercises Tuesday, June 1 – CLASS OF 1937 – Ray Anderson, Don Bacchus, Robert Beall, Irene Bengston, Naomi Bethea, Jennie Bogunovich, Alice Coffin, Patricia Doebbler, Walter Dunbar, Olivia Fromback.  Marie Halvorsen, Sherburne Heath, Arthur Herstad, Mercedes Hidell, Mildred Hofmeister, Laincha Hotchkin, Charles Livers, Donna Lee, Charles Kimmel, Virginia Lund, Robert MacLeod, Marion Maloney, Robert Marshall, Zane Miller, Joe Milligan, Glen Miyoshi, Einar Moe, Phyllis Shattuck.  Jeanne Slagle, Clyde Smith, Minori Tanimura, Maxine Therkelsen, Betty Wendler, Howard Williams, Haruka Yoshida.

• EIGHTH GRADE GRADUATES – BURTON- Charles Allison, Lahoma Breiwie, Darline Hanson, Dean Hobson, Heda Kunugi, Evelyn Landers, John Penny, Robert Smock. CENTER – Alvin Bridges, Arthur Bridges, Harold Burton, Norman Burton, Doris Clough, Margaret Furbush, Robert Ofdenkamp, Tokio Otsuka, Paul Schwartz and Walter Wendler.  COLUMBIA – Murray Diller, Anne Edwards, Karl Ellingsen, Dorothy Johnson, Julia Legg, Viola McCone, Donald Paton, Harvey Petersen, Marland Swenson, Bill Walls, DOCKTON – Alice Hidell, Richard Plancich.  LISABUELA – Helen Wegener.  MAURY – No eighth grade this year.  VASHON – Estelle Beall, George Fujioka, Nora Hoshi, Howard Hutchinson, George Jenn, Arthur Long, Rachel MacDonald, Yonceichi Matsuda, Noma Menees, Francis Miller, Muriel Morley, Virginia Rand, Harry Sakai, Louis Strom, Kimi Takatsuka, Marybelle Tonk, Carl Wick, Robert Wight.

• Junior Hofmeister Takes Third Place At Renton – Entering two events at the track meet for rural schools of King county, which was held at Renton last Saturday Junior Hofmeister, of Burton, won third place in the pole vault and high jump.  The record of ten feet for pole vaulting, made by Arnold Hartvigsen, of Burton, six years ago, was broken this year by a boy from Haller Lake.

• Telephone Installed At Point Ferry Pier – Through the efforts of Fred Diel, on the roster of the South End Community Club, and a member of the staff of the Pacific Telephone Company, a pay phone has been installed in Louie’s Lunch on the ferry pier at Point Defiance.  This will doubtless prove of benefit to Vashon and Maury Island residents in many ways.  It is pointed out, too, that when fire broke out on the M.F. Defiance last year at the ferry pier, it was necessary to drive to Marble’s gas station to obtain a phone.

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June 1937

June 3, 1937

• Ferry Schedule Is Again Upset – The old saw, “In again, out again, Finnnegan,” applies in a big way to the ferry schedule offered by Mitchell Skansie, president of the Washington Navigation Company, to the residents of Vashon Island.  Mr. Skansie had a dandy schedule worked out, which he presented at a meeting of the South End Community Club.  It suited practically every member, and officials of other Island organizations, and was to become effective June 1.  The schedule was placed on the desk of Fred J. Schaaf, director of the state department of public service, but as Mr. Schaaf was departing for Spokane, orders were issued to maintain the old schedule until he could look it over.  In a conversation with Mr. Skansie, Charles G. Huhn, president of the South End Community Club, learned that the former still has hopes of giving Islanders the schedule he promised, which includes cancellation of the 10:30 p.m. trip, and placing of an 11:45 p.m. run from Point Defiance.  Mr. Skansie greatly regretted being unable to fulfill his promise, but will take the matter up direct with Mr. Schaaf on the latter’s return from the Inland Empire.

• Okubo Files $62,700 Claim – Tom Okubo, of Center, last week filed what is said to be the largest personal damage claim ever recorded in King county.  Basing his claim that the intersection at Center, where his daughter Grace, met death, and her younger sister serious injury, had not been properly marked.  Okubo feels that he is entitled to all of this amount.  The coroner’s jury absolved Heber Ward, the driver of the car which struck the girls, of blame, and described the accident as “unavoidable.”  Evidence was developed that C.M. Ruhlen, driver of the other car which was involved in the accident, was unable to see the car approaching from the right because of parked cars.  It was also stated that the “stop” signs were improperly placed.  The jury recommended that “authorities take proper steps in placing arterial signs at this corner.”  The tragic accident, which occurred April 27, called attention to the fact that traffic conditions locally must be improved if pedestrians are to be safe.  The Okubo children were well off the highway when struck.  With community sympathy in favor of Obuko much interest in this case has been created.

• Hard To Get Home – Many and varied are the tales of woe connected with ferry conditions at Southern Heights since the beginning of the strike.  At times the line-up of cars on this side was over a mile long, and on Monday, while returning from Tacoma, Mrs. V.C. Coutts was obliged to stand in line from 10 in the morning until almost 4 in the afternoon.

• The Ferry Situation – At a called meeting of the Vashon Island Commercial Club, held Monday evening at the Island club, discussion of the ferry situation was the order of the occasion.  Various suggestions were made, some discarded, others pronounced good.  Had the matter been left up to those present, the strike of the Inland Ferrymen’s Union would have been settled suddenly.  It was the consensus of opinion, after President Donald Kirkland had explained a number of possibilities, that as an isolated community it was not our problem to pass on the merits of either side.  That the thing Vashon-Maury Island needed was ferry service, and that we could not be too critical of the manner in which it was obtained.  The possibility of arbitration was presented, and rejected.  The operation of the ferry by the county seemed the best answer to the need.  A committee, with Paul Billingsley as chairman, was appointed and a petition to the county commissioners for immediate service was drawn up.  This was signed by everyone present.  A second petition directed to the state highway department was made ready.  This requested emergency action to bring about the operation of our ferry by the state, as a permanent program of the highway system.  A number of these petitions are being circulated, and those who have not had a chance to sign may contact Donald Kirkland.  Petitions now out are in the hands of Goldie Wise, Ann Billingsley, Thomas Beall, E.C. Thompson, Kenneth VanHouse and Mrs. Marie Covington.  There is one copy at this office which may be signed here.  On Tuesday morning, a delegation composed of C.G. Soike, Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Metzenberg, C.A. Wilder, Jack Wendler, George Eder, Wallace Beall and Paul Billingsley conferred with the county commissioners in an attempt to bring about operation of the ferries by the county, pending settlement of the strike.  Union officials had previously stated that the men would return to work, hours and wages being adjusted to their demands, only if this was to be a permanent arrangement.  No definite decision had been arrived at Tuesday, and a second meeting with the commissioners, union officials and Capt. John Anderson was held Wednesday morning.  Despite rumors and counter-rumors as we go to press Wednesday afternoon no definite agreement has yet been reached, according to a phone message from C.G. Soike.  Mr. Soike is hopeful that some agreement will eventually be reached, but does not feel that service can be arranged before the weekend.

• Strawberry Festival Date Is Announced – The strawberry festival and general entertainment being planned by the South End Community Club will probably take place Thursday night, June 17, it is announced by Charles G. Huhn, president of the organization.

• To Leave For Alaska – C.A. Wilder, connected for the past three and a half years with the News-Record, will leave Friday morning for Juneau, Alaska, where he has secured a position on a newspaper.  Lloyd Beecher, who has been employed in the advertising department of the Longview Daily News for the past 12 years has taken Mr. Wilder’s place at the News-Record.

• Louis Schmidt Makes Phi Beta Kappa At U – Louis Schmidt, Vashon high school graduate, made the honorary scholastic fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa, at the University of Washington.  He was further honored by receiving the highest award in the R.O.T.C. and was appointed cadet-colonel.  Governor Martin presented him with a medal of award for his achievements at their exercises.

• An Editorial – This side and that side; this faction and that, has urged upon the News-Record the necessity and propriety of making the proper editorial comment on the strike situation which hourly grows more dubious.  The more one considers the situation, the more one realizes that intelligent suggestion is not easy.  There are so many sides to the question; so many angles that are hidden from sight; so many under the surface phases that one person cannot hope to see the thing entire.  Over here on Vashon Island we are a simple folk; content to pursue the even tenor of our way; satisfied if we can make a decent living and not worried too much about long hours or wages.  Along comes a ferry strike that plays havoc with the life and prosperity of several thousand people in order to satisfy the demands of a handful.  Those composing that handful are our friends and neighbors, and we are interested in their receiving their just dues.  We have no quarrel with them.  Neither have we a quarrel with the operators.  We are still of that dark era when it was considered a man’s privilege to operate his own business.  We make this statement knowing well that it is not too popular.  It is not ours to say which is right and which is wrong but it is our privilege to regret a condition that brings unwarranted hardships and discomfort to a far greater number than is represented by either employees or operators.  When a gun is held to one’s head there isn’t much chance for argument.  We don’t know whether the ferries can be put into operation best by submitting the basic differences to arbitration, service being given while this is pending – or whether the end can be arrived at by county operation.  We do know that in the face of the farmers’ need, the welfare of our merchants and business people, the future of Vashon-Maury Island, and the peace of mind of all concerned that the right way for us is the one that will restore the service particularly imperative at this time and season. 

• Fire Destroys Dockton Shipyard – Fanned by a strong wind, fire completely destroyed the old, abandoned buildings of the Martinolich ship yards at Dockton Wednesday afternoon.  The fire was discovered by members of the Hidell family and word soon spread, bringing all residents of Dockton to the scene, as well as a considerable number from distant parts of the Island, attracted by the huge volumes of smoke which arose.  The Tacoma fireboat answered the appeal for help phoned in by Theo Berry, but the conflagration was of such a nature that little could be done, either from the water, or from the land, had means of fighting the fire been at hand.  Had the wind been in the opposite direction it is safe to say that all of the waterfront houses in the vicinity would have been destroyed.  As it was, no other property was endangered, and the fire, of an unknown origin, removed a hazard that has long been recognized.  Built some thirty years ago the Martinolich shipyards were enlarged during the war and provided work for 150 men.  From one of the most important yards in the northwest during the World War, business decreased and by 1921 the process of dismantling the buildings and disposing of the vast amount of machinery was well under way.  Many of the traditions centered in the tales of the activities of those and now seem almost impossible to believe as one contemplates the quiet little village of Dockton as it is today.  And when the former residents meet for their annual picnic near Labor Day, the disappearance of this old landmark will seem like the loss of a friend of early days.

• First Berries Marketed From West Side Field – As usual the first local berries to appear in Island stores were from the fields of B.A. Hunt of South Cove.  Also, as usual, these berries were perfectly ripened; the color was perfect and the taste delicious.  We would never admit that berries as good as those grown on Vashon-Maury Island ever existed, but we will admit that no epicurean thrill equals that which we experience when we hear the good news that the Hunts have marketed the first fruit of the season.

• School Closes For The Year – Farmers are faced with the difficultly of securing capable and dependable help to harvest small fruit and vegetable crops.  Our boys and girls, willing to work, have an opportunity such as they have not had for a long time to earn good wages.  Time was when the Island school children as a matter of course picked berries during the summer, but the competition of cheap labor, and poor working conditions have changed this practice.  Unusually good prices paid to pickers will give the boys and girls an incentive to work this season.

• Bus Operates Relief Schedule – To meet the demands for service during the present ferry conditions, the Vashon Island Transit company are operating on an emergency schedule.

• Ribbons Are Awarded At Community Day – Community Day at the Burton grammar school last Friday brought out a goodly crowd of parents and friends.  After lunch, games, races and contests provided a full program in which pupils and visitors took part.  The P.T.A. group served ice cream and cake.  Letters were awarded in baseball to Dean Hobson, John Penny, Charles Allison, Bob Smock, Bud Smith, Masa Kunigi, Junior Hofmeister, Bud Hansen, Bill Wilder, Robert VanDeVanter and Seth Bentley.  Those receiving letters for basketball were Dean Hobson, John Penny, Charles Allison, Masa Kuligi, Seth Bentley and Bud Smith.

• Obituary – Mrs. Rodney Ackley

• Tahlequah Notes – Tahlequah’s “main stem” which was battered by recent storms, is again in good order.  A crew comprising summer residents and those who live here the year ‘round, put in a big day Sunday, and completed the entire board runway. 

• Will Eat Island-Grown Peas – Rush Hughes is apparently a super-salesman.  On several occasions in his Langendorf hour he has told the world of the charms of Vashon Island, and particularly of the wonderful fruits and vegetables grown here.  He has talked so convincingly that he has sold himself on the idea of sampling Island-grown peas.  As soon as they can be secured by Mrs. Anna K. Norton the peas are to be shelled, rushed to Seattle and dispatched to Rush by air express.  Needless to say, after tasting a sample of our vegetables he will be more anxious than ever to visit the Island.

June 10, 1937

• Latest News About The Ferry – The latest report on the ferry situation as we go to press Wednesday p.m. is that both sides are hopeful of an early settlement – just as they have been every day for the past more than a week.  In the meantime Vashon Island farmers are patiently standing by, seeing their legitimate profit, the first in several years, dwindle with each Day’s delay.

• Fishing Derby Is Popular – Vashon Island’s first fishing derby went into full swing Sunday with four of the local anglers reporting their catches into the Alibi, the official weighing station for the contest.  Those checking in were Verna Weiss, 12 fish with a dressed weight of 11 pounds; Albert Therkelsen, 9 at 8 ¾ pounds; Earl Watson, 13, weighing 11 ¾ pounds, and Harris Ward, 14 at 13 ½ pounds.  The last named contestant also had the largest fish, a 17 ½ inch blackmouth.  The derby, open to all persons fishing in waters adjacent to Vashon Island, is being sponsored by the Vashon Sportsmen’s Club and will last for the duration of the current season.  Due to the elimination of the fish trap allowing salmon to continue on their journey down the Sound, Vashon Island is having its first good fishing in 20 years.

• Committee on Emergency Ferry Operation Submits Report – The following is an impartial unbiased report of the committee appointed by Donald Kirkland, president of the Vashon Island Commercial Club.  It answers far better than any news story could the question, “What is being done about the ferry strike?” and is furnished through the courtesy of Paul Billingsley, Sr. – Report Of Committee On Emergency Ferry Operation  June 1 – Your committee met in the offices of the county commissioners in Seattle.  Those present were: Soike, chairman; Beall, Billingsley, Eder, Metzenberg, Wendler , Wilder.  The petition adopted May 31 at the Island Club meeting, urging the county operation of an emergency ferry, was presented to the commissioners and read by them.  They then started that the county would be prepared to operate the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Harper ferry line provided: 1. That the ferry Washington, owned by the county, could be borrowed from Captain Anderson, to whom it is leased; 2. That Captain Peabody would give permission to use the Fauntleroy dock, which is owned privately by the Puget Sound Navigation Company; and 3. That the Inland Boatmen’s Union would man the boat, the county agreeing to observe their demanded hours and rates of pay.  Captain Anderson next appeared at the meeting and expressed his willingness to loan the Washington, but he pointed out that this ferry was under contract to carry picnic parties on June 4, 5 and 6, and that he would have to obtain some substitute ships to meet those engagements.  He agreed to attend to this immediately.  Mr. Deal, representing the Inland Boatmen’s Union, then informed the meeting that he saw no reason why the union should not consent to operate the ferry Washington.  Captain Peabody of the Puget Sound Navigation Company was then visited by the Vashon committee.  He consented to permit the use of the Fauntleroy dock by the ferry Washington operating under the authority of the county commissioners.  At the end of this day, therefore, there appeared to be no insuperable obstacles to the prompt installation of emergency ferry service.  June 2 – Re-assembling in the offices of the county commissioners, your committee first heard from Captain Anderson.  Present were: Chairman Soike, Beall, Billingsley, Shattuck and Wendler.  Captain Anderson had met with no success in releasing the ferry Washington from the picnic contracts.  Contact with the union officials then disclosed to the committee a new complication there.  The union would not, after all, agree to man the Washington unless Captain Anderson should agree to certain demands, which were being presented to him.  Mr. Deal expressed to the Vashon committee his belief that in any case, it would be preferable to have the interruption of service prolonged, in order by its effects on the community to make the people “ferry-conscious” so that demand for state-owned ferries would be strengthened.  However, it seemed that Captain Anderson, who was endeavoring to secure permission to raise rates in order to meet the new union demands, might keep his ships in good standing.  The Vashon committee therefore proceeded to follow up the picnic contracts on the ferry Washington to have these released.  The contract for Friday, June 4, was held by the Seattle Pacific College.  This concern agreed to release the ferry and accept any reasonable substitute.  The contract for the weekend, June 5 and 6, was held by the International Worker’s association.  Questioned, this organization stated it would have to discuss the matter of the ferry-release with the Boatmen’s union.  After such discussion it reported back to the committee that conditions made it impossible for the International Workers’ association to change the picnic dates or to use any other boat.  At the end of the second day it was apparent to the committee that the county ferry service was remote.  The buck was being passed with considerable agility by those anxious to prolong the emergency for trading purposes.  A meeting was held at Vashon in the evening to consider lines of action.  Present were: Chairman Soike, Beall, Berry, Billingsley, Eder, Petersen.  It was felt that future plans must wait on the outcome of Captain Anderson’s negotiations.  June 3 – On this day the development of the situation kept your committee inactive.  Captain Anderson got his permission to raise his rates, met union demands and kept his ferries on Lake Washington in operation.  Some other operators also met union demands and resumed operation.  The Puget Sound Navigation Company still held out, however, and negotiations were transferred to Olympia under control of Governor Martin.  These negotiations resulted in submission to the Inland Boatmen’s Union of an agreement involving immediate resumption of service and the arbitration of unsettled points in dispute.  The union was to consider this agreement the next day, June 4.  The expectation of an early resumption of service suspended efforts to push county operation of the Washington.  June 4 – The Vashon committee, at home awaiting the outcome of the Olympia negotiations, received word from Chairman Soike, in Seattle, to meet in Olympia with the other interested parties.  Messrs. Beall, Billingsley, England and Thompson went down, to find that the message had been in error.  There was no conference scheduled at Olympia and Governor Martin was making a hurried trip to eastern Washington.  However, the second Island petition of May 31, urging that the State Department of Highways guarantee uninterrupted ferry service, was presented to the governor through Secretary Hamilton.  The emergency was discussed also with County Commissioner Taylor, who was present, and who recommended further efforts with the union officials to gain their support to the county operation of the ferry Washington.  A meeting was accordingly held.  President Donald Kirkland, Beall, Billingsley, Cronander and Thompson; Chairman Soike and Wendler being in Seattle.  The following information was assembled, mainly by President Kirkland by long distance phone: 1. The union rejects Governor Martin’s proposed agreement and will submit a counter-proposition. 2. The Union will agree to man the ferry Washington on Monday, June 7, if operated by Captain Anderson under authority of the county commissioners. 3. Captain Anderson will make the ferry Washington available to the county commissioners on Monday, June 7. 4. While no county commissioner could be reached this night, no difficulty was anticipated at this source, as Commissioner Taylor, at Olympia, had assured the committee that every detail had been prepared to make the immediate operation of the Washington possible. President Kirkland accordingly telephoned the information to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.  While somewhat skeptical, the committee felt that all promises must be accepted at their face value until repudiated.  June 5 – No action was taken by the committee, as no information was received until late at night, when Wendler reached the Island with news that the Inland Boatmen’s Union now had refused to man the ferry Washington.  June 6 – The committee met in Vashon with President Donald Kirkland, and called to the meeting all business men of Vashon-Maury Island who could be reached by phone.  Present were: President Donald Kirkland, L.C. Beall, W.M. Beall, Lloyd Beecher, Paul Billingsley, H.C. Cronander, George Eder, Charles England, C.L. Garner, H.F. Kenmregh, C.G. Kimmel, H.B. Menees, B.D. Mukai, E.W. Pack, A.H. Petersen, L.S. Rodda, C.M. Ruhlen, C.G. Soike, Mrs. Agnes L. Smock, E.C. Thompson and Carl I. Wick.  Denied the emergency ferry by the union, and with the county commissioners confessing their helplessness, the meeting felt that effective action could be taken only by Governor Martin.  It was decided to send to Olympia as large a delegation as possible to express to the Governor the Island’s approval of his measures to date and to insist that the full power of his office be used to restore immediate ferry service.  Peters, at Port Blakely, and Purvis, at Port Orchard, representing Bainbridge Island and Kitsap county respectively, were reached by phone and promised support for this program.  The desirability of Monday versus Tuesday, and the question of supporting the plea at Olympia by a total shut-down of Island business and industry for the day, were discussed and phone calls sent out to reach the governor in order to make an appointment.  Through these calls, work was received from Fred Schaaf, department of public works, that Governor Martin would be in conference at Olympia that same afternoon.  It was moved and passed to proceed at once to Olympia with as many delegates as could go on such short notice.  A special ferry trip was provided and 14 cars with 40 delegates were in line.  Arriving at Olympia, the delegation found Governor Martin to be at the Olympian Hotel in conference with the ship-owners.  Mr. Schaaf discussed the business of the delegation until the governor was free.  He pointed out that after arduous negotiation the governor had submitted a working proposal which would immediately restore ferry service and which was fair, even liberal, to the union side.  The rejection of this by the union after its acceptance by the ship-owners, left the governor no alternative but further patient negotiation.  In reply to a specific question by the delegation, Mr. Schaaf stated that the state government of Washington possessed no power whereby the blockade of the Island and cross-sound communities could be lifted without permission of the ship-owners and boatmen’s union.  When Governor Martin appeared he was duly informed of the intolerable conditions imposed on Island farmers and business men by the prolongation of the strike; and it was insisted that the south end outlet by no means gives adequate emergency service.  His efforts at a settlement were recognized and he was told that the delegation, representing the people of Vashon-Maury Island, felt that a fair basis for agreement had been suggested by him and should be immediately made the basis for resumption of ferry service.  The failure of our efforts to secure the emergency ferry Washington was also brought to his attention.  In general, the governor told the delegation that he hoped for an early settlement.  Reminded that this strike was the second in two years, and that if this rate was continued, the Islands could expect no future prosperity, he replied that he felt sure this would be the last strike.  After a group picture taken by Norman Edson, the delegation was dismissed.

• The ferry strike is forcing some rather startling substitutions for transportation.  Martin Garner, who is working for the Taylor Airplane company at Boeing Field has flown over home several times and finds the golf course a fine landing field.  A Seattle commuter living at Vashon Heights quite frequently utilizes a seaplane, recently making three trips in one day.

• Berry Crops Moving – Mukai’s plant got under way Wednesday with still more berries in demand in spike of a ferry strike.  The Puyallup and Sumner Ass’n began shipping last Friday and today are shipping both strawberries and gooseberries.  The Bodie depot began receiving gooseberries Wednesday morning.  An early termination of the ferry difficulties would still save the situation.

• Tahlequah Home Bought By Gleb – Keeping pace with other sections of Vashon and Maury Islands in property changes, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Roy E. Swanson was purchased Friday by Edwin H. Gleb of Tacoma.  The Swanson property is considered among the finest at Tahlequah, and Mr. Gleb contemplates a number of improvements so that he and his family may live here the year ‘round.  The property has a beach frontage of 87 ½ feet, and the purchase price is said to have been around $2,500.

• Tahlequah Notes – With the extreme low tides, Wednesday and Thursday, geoducks “got it in the neck.”  This beach is noted for geoducks ranging from two to five pounds.

June 17, 1937

• How Many Eggs? – Have you made up your mind how many eggs Island hens are furnishing for mainland customers?  The contest being staged by the Vashon Business Men’s Club will probably surprise a lot of old timers who think they know a lot about what’s happening in these parts.  Tickets may be obtained from any business house in Vashon as soon as you have made up your mind to the right answer.  And if your guess is right you many be listening to a new radio, the wife may be finding out how much fun an electric mixer can be, or possibly your Sunday roast will be cooked electrically.

• Temporary Service Is Resumed By Ferry – Somewhat inadequate, but nevertheless welcome ferry service was resumed with the early trip this (Wednesday) morning.  The “Washington,” property of King county, is being operated by the commissioners with a union crew receiving for the first time the scale of hours and wages demanded of the Puget Sound Navigation Company when the strike was called May 27.  Captain John Anderson, former manager under county operation, is again in charge of the route.  In comparison to the “Vashon,” the “Washington” appeared pitifully small and inadequate as she docked at the Heights.  In addition to a handful of cars from Harper she was able to take on only seven trucks, leaving two passenger cars on the dock.  With the union and the operator apparently stalemated, the final settlement of the strike remains as problematical as it did a week ago.  Rumor and counter-rumor make the final outcome impossible to foretell.  In the meantime we are forced to be thankful for small favors, namely that a more fortunate way is being provided to market a larger part of the Island fruit now being harvested.

• It Just Can’t Be Done – Partly in fun, partly in desperation, partly because it seems a good idea Vashon Islanders are suggesting the operation of our own ferry to Seattle.  Old timers point out what was accomplished in times past by a community movement of this sort.  On Wednesday morning two men offered to start the ball rolling with a hundred dollars each.  Governor Martin answering recently a query in regard to such a movement stated in no uncertain terms that such a project would not only be refused the protection of the state, but would not be permitted.  So that is that!

June 24, 1937

• Ferry, Buses Operate On New Schedule – Subject to change without notice, the ferry “Washington” has been operating on a more or less regular schedule for the past week.  With a capacity of less than half that of the ship “Vashon,” which takes care of the traffic during normal conditions the ancient “Washington” is forced to work overtime to provide even a poor substitute service.  The service, poor though it is, is serving a purpose to the fruit growers of the Island.  Since the settlement of the strike seems as far distant today as it did a month ago, desperation has made the growers thankful for small favors.  It cannot be denied that they have not been forced to take a loss because of the delay and congestion of traffic added to the weather conditions.  Fruit picked dripping wet would normally arrive at the cannery the evening of the day it was picked, in fair condition, when it is necessarily held over until the following morning and shipped on trucks that often are forced to wait on the dock, damage is unavoidable.  Island buses are operating on a modified schedule.  The traveling public is finding much material for comparison in the present service.  No buses are allowed on the ferries, and instead of the benefit of a ten cent rate on the ferry, the passenger must pay an extra nickel as he drops his 15 cents into the outstretched palm of the purser at the gate.  The two large buses operating on the mainland are forced to park at the entrance to the dock and in fair weather or foul, Mr. and Mrs. Traveling Public get a chance to stretch their legs after the trip across the Sound.  The commuter is finding travel under the present system not only a lot more expensive, but also much more arduous.  Critics of normal operation are strangely silent these days. 

• Applies To Vehicles Mainly – The regulation of traffic decided upon by the county commissioners on Tuesday applies principally to vehicles.  Two trips to Vashon only are for the convenience of returning trucks.  Drivers are urged to be at the dock 15 minutes before sailing time so that officers may see from Harper how many are waiting at the Heights.  Foot passengers will be taken care of as always and there are no restrictions placed on any class.  This information was secured from Capt. J.L. Anderson Wednesday morning by telephone.

• Dr. Nellie Jones Receives Award In Poetry Contest – Dr. Nellie P. Jones has received notification of the award of second prize for her poem, “The Homeland,” from the Federation of Women’s Clubs.  She entered the contest for regional poems to be published in the Federation club’s magazine in a nation-wide contest a number of months ago.  The Northwest is receiving much favorable publicity through her contribution to its beauty and grandeur.

• Whiskered Fish Found On Vashon Street – A live fish was found by W.F. Greer swimming in the gutter in front of Brenno’s garage Monday about the hour that the Russian flyers landed in Vancouver.  Its origin and species are mysteries, and the only solution offered that seems logical was that it dropped from the plane.  It differentiates from ordinary fish by having Russian whiskers about its face.  It is on exhibition at the Alibi.  Elmer Harmeling offers a luncheon to anyone who can classify it correctly and solve the mystery that is disturbing the business men of Vashon.

• Urges Public Cooperation – Members of the Vashon Island Post V.F.W. request the help of the public in locating all unmarked graves of veterans of any war.  It is their aim to have a marker for every grave.  These markers will be furnished free of charge by the government.  In reporting these unmarked graves it is not necessary that the relatives make the request for a marker.

• Dock Dinner To Be Held Next Month – Honoring the Washington Navigation Company for the splendid service it has maintained between Point Defiance, Tahlequah and Gig Harbor during the strike of ferries operating between Vashon Heights and Fauntleroy, the South End Community Club will hold a dock dinner on the east spur of the pier at Tahlequah on Saturday July 17.  Fred C. Smith, chairman of the dinner committee, declared plans are being carried forward in a big way.  There will be a water pageant and other festivities.

• Boat Gets A Bump – Mistaking the signals for reverse from the pilot house, the engineer on the ferry “Washington” late Sunday afternoon put on full steam ahead as the boat neared the dock at Vashon Heights.  The resulting impact drove the boat back about half her length, and gave the patrons on the dock, not to mention those in the waiting room, an interesting moment.  The cables on the top of the slip were broken, but otherwise no serious damage was done.

• Dockton News – Mr. Theodore Berry has opened a store at Manzanita Beach for the summer.

• Boy Scout Museum Receives Eleven Foot Snake Skin – Scoutmaster John Ober presented The Boy Scouts with an 11-foot boa constrictor skin for their museum.  The snake was shot 50 years ago by Mr. Ober’s father during his explorations on the Oronoko and Amazon rivers.  The skin glistens and gleams in a myriad of colors, and is in as good condition as when worn by the reptile in the jungles.

• Good Prices Offered For Small Fruits – This week finds Island-grown gooseberries practically all shipped.  With only about a 50 per cent crop, growers will realize practically as much this year as last.  Strawberries have been heavily damaged by almost two weeks of rain.  Good weather may yet save a good crop for growers of loganberries, although many fields were damaged by last winter’s unusual cold.  But in spite of it all the fruit still moves steadily to market, and from the Island’s one co-operative marketing association has been shipped to date many tons of gooseberries and strawberries.

• Adds Modern Equipment To Radio Shop – In adding some very modern, and intensely interesting new equipment to his radio shop at Vashon, W.H. Evans has made it as complete as any shop in Seattle.  True, the city shops may have a few more non-essential gadgets, but for doing actual work Mr. Evans doesn’t have to take second place for anyone.  This new equipment will soon be placed on display in the window of the shop, but in the meantime Mr. Evans will be glad to give visitors a demonstration of what an electric wave looks like and how it behaves.  The Vashon Radio Service has been located here at Vashon for four years and Mr. Evans feels that the excellent patronage he has established warrants the considerable expense to which has gone in adding this new equipment

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July 1937

July 1, 1937

• Lands Plane On High School Grounds – Merl Burton, on a flight from the east where he visited relatives, landed the plane which he recently purchased on the high school grounds Wednesday afternoon.  After a brief visit with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Burton, he left Saturday for Alaska, where he will engage in commercial aviation.

• Two New Homes Under Construction At Tahlequah – Two homes are under construction at Tahlequah, just east of the ferry pier.  They are being built for R.K. Beymer, Jr., and T.J. Lindahl on lots purchased from the Puget Mill company.  Lindahl’s cottage is practically completed, and Beymer’s will be finished within the next two weeks.  A fireplace will add to the comfort of the Beymer residence, which will be one of the finest at Tahlequah.

• Dock Dinner Is Postponed To Later Date – Original Date Conflicts With Vashon Carnival

• Skeleton Excavated At Quartermaster – Steve Landers and Al Hofmeister while excavating for a bulkhead between Burton and the Point discovered a human skeleton two and a half feet under the surface.  The bones were in perfect condition through the lower jawbone, but the top of the skull was gone, evidently having been bashed in and crushed to fragments.  There was no means of identifying the remains.  The finders and the curious crowd who gathered to view the skeleton are hoping that the mystery may be solved.  According to Deputy F.J. Shattuck, several skeletons have been found in the same locality.  He believes it is the site of an Indian burial ground.

• Passenger Rates Reduced – It is to be hoped that the welcome news gets into the city dailies that all passenger rates have not been raised – in fact, some have been reduced, believe it or not.  So much adverse advertising has recently been given Vashon Island fares.  Announcement was made this week by the management of the West Pass Transportation company that fares from the West side into Seattle had been reduced five cents, and are now 35 cents as compared to 40 cents previously charged.  This will no doubt encourage travel on the S.S. Virginia V which reaches Seattle at 10 a.m., and leaves on the return trip at 4:45 p.m.  Service on the Virginia was uninterrupted during the ferry strike and provided transportation for many who would otherwise have had to remain in the city.  The Virginia V docks at Pier 3 in Seattle and at the Municipal Dock in Tacoma.

• Island Roads To Be Oiled – Appropriations for oiling 10 miles of Island roads have been arranged for by King county commissioners.  This is a generous share of the oiling appropriation in King county.  The roads to be oiled are the Burton to Tahlequah, telephone office to Dockton, Portage to Judd Creek bridge and two miles on the Cove road.  The road from Shawnee to Tahlequah will have the first lift of the multiple lift type of oiling, which will last for several years.  The other roads will be covered with raylig which is suitable to sandy gravel.  The raylig is much less expensive than other types of oiling, and more territory can be covered at lower cost.  The name was originated by the Rainier Pulp and Paper company, “Ray” from Rainier, and “lig” from lignone, the sap of the wood pulp.  The committee had included the Beall road from Vashon to the Laughlin road, but there were not enough funds in the appropriation to cover this stretch at present.

• Narrowly Escapes Striking Fisherman – His vision obscured by a brilliant setting sun, Captain George Rickand, skipper of the Yankee Boy, narrowly escaped running down Carl Rooth who was fishing off Point Delco early Saturday evening.  Captain Rickard departed from his dock between the ferry pier and Point Delco, en route to Spring Beach.  Rooth was drifting directly south of Point Delco fishing for rock cod, and sighted the Yankee Boy bearing down upon him just in time to avoid being struck amidships.

• Organization – And July 4th – Properly speaking, this editor should be waving flags and beating drums – praising the glorious past of our nation, envisioning the more glorious future – as we face Independence Day.  Going back to that old bromide and remarking that we can’t see the forest for the trees we must plead guilty to not being able to see the Sound for one ferry.  Possibly our state of mind is more like that of the sailor in the crow’s nest.  The officer of the day called up and asked him how the visibility was.  The sailor replied “I can’t see it for the fog, Sir.”  Personally it seems as though about 90 percent of us are lost in the fog which enshrouds “our visibility.”  But honestly, can we feature those Revolutionary ancestors of ours not making some effort to correct an intolerable situation such as now faces every resident of Vashon Island?  We recall dimly of a pretty good scrap Americans once wages on the score of constitutional rights, (or maybe it was several times.)  We have read a lot in the city papers concerning a ten per cent increase in ferry rates.  And yet no one to date has apparently had nerve enough to take the governor at his word.  It would be interesting to see what would happen if some brave soul took up the promise of our state’s highest executive.  That would be a lot smarter than considering some of the very natural suggestions which have been flying about.  If we are willing to bear the burden of unprofitable ferry routes and let Vashon-Maury Island return to a native wilderness well and good.  If we want our ferry run killed, and with it hopes of all who love our Island why celebrate July 4th?  Again officials whom we have elected bid us wait patiently until all difficulties can be ironed out in the next 90 days or so.  And in the meantime shall we sit quietly by, paying our tribute in dollars and reduced real estate valuation?  Or shall we, by means of a sane and effective organization assert our rights to transportation at an increase comparable to that which the governor decreed?  The Island Commercial club has gone as far as is possible without the moral and financial support of the Island as a whole.  Only through a united front can we survive.  We have the nucleus of the Ferry Improvement association formed last winter.  Disappointing as the results of its activities proved in securing state operation of ferries, developed to its full possibilities it would prove a powerful organ with which state officials would have to reckon.  Ours is a potential power that needs only to be harnessed and put into motion.  But let’s not wait too long like bewildered children!

• Peach Growers Faced With Problem – It is important for peach growers of the Island to take steps to save their crop this season from loss that the damp weather will surely cause.  Undoubtedly the Washington Experiment Station can supply information.  It might be well for all to realize that the problems going with success in peach growing are of real interest.  If it were easy to keep peach trees bearing everyone would be in it and prices would not be satisfactory.  As it is, some of the conscientious growers of the Island have found a satisfactory means of profit.

• Taylor Answers Tahlequah Appeal – Replying to a letter from C.R. Roediger, secretary-treasurer of the South End Community Club, County commissioner Jack Taylor declared that the request to paint the waiting station at the Tahlequah ferry pier, and place another log under the float at the slip will be given immediate consideration by the board of county commissioners.

• A Market For Wild Blackberries – This office is in receipt of a letter from G.L. Ridean, head of the foods department for Frederick and Nelson, inquiring whether Island residents would be interested in a market for wild blackberries.  In the event that a sufficient quantity of berries was available, a receiving depot will be established, containers furnished, transportation arranged for and the prevailing price, now quoted at 8 ½ to 10 cents a pound paid.  It would be necessary, however, for some idea to be determined as to how many berries could be obtained.  A penny postal could contain all necessary information.  If those interested in this project will send this office the information at once we will agree to relay it to Mr. Ridean.  It is reported that there will be an excellent crop of berries this year, and several who have picked for shipment in the past say that at the prevailing price a fair wage can be earned.  Frederick and Nelson has put the Island’s Olympic berry to the fore, and are ready to do the same by the Island’s wild blackberry.  Mr. Ridean is the one who can turn the trick successfully.

• New Ferry Rates Arouse Islanders – The gloom which has enshrouded Vashon-Maury Island since the ferry strike was declared late in May was dispelled only momentarily with the resumption of service last Saturday.  Patrons were overwhelmed by the fares in effect, having been led to believe that the advance on all lines would be a matter of 10 per cent, over existing fares.  A near riot resulted when truck drivers learned that they must pay at a rate from 100 to five and six hundred per cent higher than before the strike.  Passenger car rates were advanced 25 per cent and foot passengers obliged to pay 33 1/3 per cent more.  Already dealt a staggering blow by events of the past month the mammoth increase in rates has affected every Island resident, permanent of seasonal.  Freight rates must of necessity be raised, with resultant increase in prices; profits to the producer will be reduced on eggs shipped off the Island; beach cottages will be vacated as summer residents find it impossible to pay the increased fares.  Realizing all this, members of the Vashon Island Commercial Club’s transportation committee were hastily called together Saturday evening to discuss the matter and outline a campaign.  It was decided that nothing could be accomplished on the mainland until Monday morning and the meeting was adjourned as soon as plans for a meeting in Seattle had been made.  It was decided that to retain an attorney was advisable, and Glenn J. Fairbrook was chosen because of experience in other cases similar to the Vashon Island problem.  Meeting with Mr. Fairbrook on Monday morning was Axel Petersen, C.G. Soike, Paul Billingsley, E.C. Thompson and Wallace Beall.  Finding that Ferd Schaaf, director of the department of public works, was in his office in Olympia, several of the committee, with their attorney, made a trip to the capitol and spent several hours with Mr. Schaaf.  It appeared that the department, in order to secure resumption of operation, had authorized an increase in rates amounting to 10 per cent until an agreement between the union and the Puget Sound Transportation company could be reached.  The schedule of tariffs put into effect had apparently not been submitted before becoming effective and had the authorization of the department only in the blanket permission for the 10 per cent increase.  It was pointed out that Vashon-Harper rates were proportionately higher because they had been too low in the past.  During the very strenuous and enlightening hours the committee spent at the County-City building in Seattle and in Olympia some very interesting possibilities were brought to light, particularly in a study of the Kitsap county Transportation company’s contract with King county and schedule of tariffs.  If the matter is aired in the courts it is interesting to surmise whether the matter will meet the same fate as did the contract between the Washington Navigation company and Pierce county several years ago.  It might be a shock to a lot of us for whim that famous contract has furnished an unfailing topic of conversation to know that it is either a scrap of paper or a tower of strength in this most serious transportation emergency.  The sharp falling off of transportation over our ferry line reflects the effect of the increase in rates and merchants are resigned to a minimum of summer business when there was every reason to expect the best in years.

July 8, 1937

• Carnival Will Feature Many Attractions – Vashon Business Men’s Annual Carnival To Be Held July 16 and 17

• A brilliant two-hour display of fireworks was staged at the Heights the evening of July 4.  Practically all the residents of the North End enjoyed the spectacle.  Dudley Roberts, Dick McDonald, Morgan Doebler and C.E. Bragg furnished the fireworks and managed the display.

• Holiday Visitors To Island Numerous – Island Stores Report Good Business Over The Week-End – Although heavy holiday traffic was reported at both ends of the Island at the close of the double Fourth of July holiday, for some reason there was not the usual evidence on the highways distant from the ferry landings.  At the North End, in spite of two ferries at times the line of waiting cars extended up the hill to the Geiger corner.  It would appear the increase in rates had more effect on bus travel than on other forms of transportation.  Island stores reported a sharp flurry of business on Saturday, and milk deliveries were taxed to the utmost to take care of the additional holiday customers.  All of which indicated that in spite of increased rates on both ferries, Vashon-Maury Island still has a drawing power that shows we have what a large number of tourists are looking for, and that there is no reason to feel that we will not emerge from this period, which seems possibly the darkest in our history.

• Not A Word To Say! – This week we aren’t going to say a word about the “ferry situation.”  Mr. and Mrs. Public have cried loudly about the increase in rates.  We have our own private opinion of the damage it is doing our Island.  But on a perfectly beautiful day like this it is not our intention to worry about the situation since no official or committee saw fit to have a snappy protest down at the ferry dock for the hundreds of holiday visitors to sign.  It looks as though we, or the Seattle Chamber of Commerce overlooked a perfectly obvious bet.  If the powers down in Olympia aren’t told what we think they are perfectly right in assuming that we are will satisfied with the status quo.  (And that, brothers, is the name of the fix we’re in!”)

• Don Gilson In Lead In Fishing Derby – Twelve Pound Salmon Best Fish Caught To Date In Sportsmen’s Derby

• Tahlequah Notes – With record crowds of motor vehicles and passengers on every trip of the M.F. Skansonia, M.F. Defiance and M.F. Vashonia, holiday throngs were well handled by the Washington Navigation company.  The Vashonia made a regular shuttle service Sunday and Monday.  With the late ferry from Point Defiance to Tahlequah, Islanders have an opportunity to participate in Tacoma entertainments.  The launch, Yankee Boy, operating between the Point Defiance dance pavilion, Point Delco and Spring Beach, enjoyed a splendid week-end patronage.

July 15, 1937

• Bud Smith Leases Fuller Garage – Announcement was made this week of a business change at Vashon, when Clyde (Bud) Smith took over the garage connected with the Fuller Service station.  With a host of friends and a reputation as an excellent mechanic built up by performance over a period of several years there can be little doubt that in setting up in business on his own, Bud is pretty well assured of success.  He has already added new equipment to the shop and can take care of any type of mechanical work.  And best of all Bud gives that service “with a smile” that the public has learned to appreciate.

• Let’s Shed A Collective Tear! An Open Letter By Donald Kirkland – Outstanding among the many little lessons I have learned from a brief activity in Island affairs, this stands out most clearly: We, a body of 5,000 people living on Vashon Island are as helpless and impotent as an infant jellyfish.  Like all infants, all we can or are expected to do is cry!  Crying is the only thing short of violence we could legally do when the interests of a handful of workers serving us cut off our highway to market!  Crying is all we can do when other interests raise the premium we pay to live on Vashon Island!  Raise our ferry rates 100 per cent at the height of the summer season!  Crying is all we are expected to do when our public officials condone the rate increases!  There is a picture of 5,000 heads taking down their hair to cry!  It is suggested that we cry at once all together.  IT MAY BE THAT A VERY BIG WAIL COULD ROCK A FERRY BOAT!  Some tears will be shed at the Island Club at 8 p.m., Monday night, July 19.  Your neighbor, Don Kirkland   P.S. – There is a plan underfoot to hire competent counsel to represent Vashon Island at the coming rate hearings.  That may be called “crying through a mouthpiece.”  How else can it be shown that the Vashon Island Ferry route should be considered along for rate making purposes?  That is not an accepted principle today!  If you have a plan for Vashon Island ferry service, you can act at once yourself by presenting it to a group of friends, and coming to this meeting and offering it in a clear cut fashion!  As in all civic affairs, there is need for people with time, ideas, or money, and a willingness to help.  – D.P.K.

• Ferry Meeting Will Be Held Monday Night – Island Club To Be Scene Of Efforts To Secure Reduced Ferry Rates For Island – After the excessive rates which truck operators have been paying since the first of the month, the new schedule of tariffs which went into effect on the North End ferry brought partial relief.  This was a temporary action, pending investigation of the department of public works into the ferry rates and service schedule of the Puget Sound Navigation company.  Although they have worked quietly and few realized the hours and effort they were expending, much of the work which brought about this downward revision was done by C.G. Soike, who headed a committee for the Washington Motor Freight Association, as well as acting for the local commercial club, and by a committee composed of Paul Billingsley, Wallace Beall, E.C. Thompson and Axel Petersen.  Glenn Fairbrook, of the firm of Fairbrook and Williams, has given excellent legal advice, and has spent a part of every day in keeping in touch with each new move at Olympia.  Public opinion, however, has not been lulled to rest by the reduction in truck rates, and is slowly crystallizing and demanding action which will at least attempt to secure a reduction in passenger and car rates in line with the promised 10 per cent increase, instead of the 25 and 33 1/3 per cent raise now in effect.  Members of the Vashon Business Men’s Club held a special meeting on Wednesday evening for the purpose of making plans for cooperation with the Commercial Club.  The executive committee of the Commercial Club will meet this (Thursday) evening at the News-Record office to outline a campaign.  On next Monday evening the Commercial Club will hold a called meeting in the auditorium of the Island Club.  All community clubs are asked to send representation.  President Donald Kirkland is especially anxious to hear from all interested in this question, and to receive practical suggestions.  It is inevitable that many views will be aired that will have only a slight value, but out of the component expression of sentiment something worthwhile should evolve.  The hearings on the subject of ferry rates will begin early in August, soon after the first, and if evidence is to be presented as to why the ferry rates now in effect should not be continued permanently a campaign must be planned.  This is the primary purpose of Monday night’s meeting which promises to be one of the largest ever held on Vashon-Maury Island.

• Editorial - It Pays To Make A Fuss – The reduction in truck fares on the Puget Sound Navigation company’s ferries would not have been made had everyone kept silent.  Nor can we of Vashon-Maury Island claim a major part of the praise for our efforts.  With just a small exception, our part consisted in a lot of protests for home consumption, of which the powers who control matters of this sort, probably never heard.  A few private individuals saw to it that Governor Martin and Mr. Schaaf knew what a few of us were thinking, and the committee of the Commercial Club designed for the purpose did an excellent job.  But the rank and file of us left those worthy gentlemen at Olympia entirely in the dark as to our sentiments.  From Newspaper and personal reports it would seem that our neighbors across the Sound made a rather successful attempt at organization.  And in the end it is the votes represented that talk to those gentlemen of the political world.  If we are ever going to get any place in our effort for lower ferry rates it is going to take more than a few mass meetings.  We know that ferry service is our life blood.  Practically all of us are sold on the idea of state operation of ferries.  We are lulled to sleep, however, by the bedtime stories of some political highbinders who chant “state operated ferries are just bound to come.”  They are NOT bound to come.  Lower rates are not bound to come.  They can be brought by intelligent planning, but the next regular legislature will not meet until 1939, and Governor Martin says nothing can be done about the matter until that time.  He who runs may read that in the heartbreaking attempt made last winter the Island were pretty well sold down the river.  It was almost inevitable in the face of plans so hastily made.  Those who worked worked honestly and well, but they were handicapped by the false promises of those upon whom they depended too much.  Our Commercial club is an excellent organization, but it is a general practitioner.  The ferry situation needs the help of a specialist, if a cure is to be effected, and that specialist should be a ferry improvement group with a carefully outlined program of attack and a treasury that will supply the campaign ammunition.  Leadership, cooperation and unselfishness will turn the trick.

July 22, 1937

• Olympic Berry Yield Is Heavy – Close to 40 visitors called at the Peter Olsen ranch on Sunday to see the Olympic berries, now at their peak.  They present a lovely sight, with the plants heavy with luscious fruit.  Mr. Grieder, who holds the patent on the Olympic berry, says that the yield will exceed four tons of fruit to the acre, practically all of which is contracted by Frederick and Nelson, of Seattle, for the food and restaurant department.  The berry will also be featured by the Marshall Field store in Chicago.

• Dock Dinner and Pageant at South End – July 31 Is Set As Date For Event At Tahlequah – Preceded by a marine pageant featuring elaborately decorated rowboats, the South End Community Club will hold its first annual dock dinner and dance Saturday night, July 31, on the $10,000 ferry pier at Tahlequah.  It will be a day of rest for the Fair Sex members of the organization, as all the chores will be done by mere men, it is announced by Fred C. Smith, chairman of the dinner committee.

• Raise Funds For Ferry Battle – Islanders Show Strength At Monday Night Meeting – Monday night’s meeting at the Island Club under the joint auspices of the Vashon Business Men’s Club and the Commercial Club was well attended.  It was estimated that close to 250 were present.  Charles Carey gave an impassioned plea for the privilege he felt should be given to everyone who preferred to live on Vashon Island, where, he stated, men and women of brains and breeding were sitting calmly by, allowing their rights to be bartered away.  Among those speaking were Adolph Hiersch, Roy Rosenthal, Garner Kimmel, A.M. Rivers and others.  It was clearly pointed out that the excessive passenger and car rates were reducing tourist traffic, discouraging purchases of Island real estate, and that the high truck rates were forcing a number of Island merchants to transfer to Tacoma, their accounts normally carried with Seattle wholesale houses.  The charge was made that the Seattle Chamber of Commerce had turned a deaf ear to appeals for help in securing reduced rates.  Charles Cary proved himself an able promoter, and within a surprisingly short time had more than $600 pledged to finance the fight for lower rates.  An attempt will be made to present evidence to the board of public works in the forthcoming hearings to demonstrate that Vashon-Maury Island has been built up and that the Vashon-Harper ferry run has been a paying one because of low rates which encouraged the volume of business.  An audit of the books of the Kitsap County Transportation Company, separate and apart from the Puget Sound Navigation Company, will be sought in an effort to establish the ferry route by which we are served as a separate entity and not as a part of the Black Ball system.  The many inconsistencies and apparent inequities of the tremendous rate increase which is damaging business on the Vashon-Harper route present interesting and complicated angles which will require expert assistance in addition to a carefully planned campaign of evidence by local patrons and property owners.  The meeting closed with an urgent appeal to every person affected, asking them to write to Seattle business houses, the chamber of commerce, Ferd Schaaf, of the department of public works, Governor Martin and to the county commissioners.  These letters may be left with John Metzenberg, who will mail out each day’s quota.  They should be delivered to him ready for mailing.  Those who prefer to wage an individual campaign were urged to get busy at once.

• Mrs. Short Is Correspondent For Maury Island – Mrs. H.H. Short has consented to send in items from her part of the Island.  Her telephone number is Red 833, and those having news items to contribute may call her up to Monday noon.  After that time Maury items may be included with those which Mrs. Short will mail us.

• Public Committee Meeting – The emergency ferry committee of the Vashon Island Commercial Club will meet at the Island Club at 8 o’clock each Friday evening, beginning this week.  The public is urged to attend these meetings and hear of the progress being made for lowered ferry rates.

• Speaking of heat, it is hard to believe that thermometers at Vashon registered above 90 degrees in the shade Saturday afternoon about three o’clock.

• Maury News Notes – The Maury Island residents are anxiously awaiting the time when the road from Portage to Dockton will be oiled.

 July 29, 1937

• Annual Meeting of Pioneers Is Held – The Vashon-Maury Island Pioneer society held its annual meeting and picnic last Sunday in the Odd Fellows hall, as usual, and thereby hangs a tale of some interest to weather fans.  The hall was originally chosen as a meeting place, as it would be more comfortable, for such of us as are not as young as we once were, in case the weather happened to be not the best – and for ten consecutive years just past, the weather has been perfect on the day of our meeting – which ought to be good evidence that a Beneficial Providence smiles upon us fossils at times, even though it does laugh loudly and frequently at us.  Fifty-one more or less hardy members of ancient history were present, 24 of whom are not now residents of the Island – a pleasing demonstration of the fact that real friendships were made in the old days and that most of those who once lived and labored here will forever retain some pleasant memories of Old Vashon.  No attempt was made at this meeting to have a set program, but, after the usual picnic dinner was wrecked, the meeting resolved itself into a catch-as-catch-can visit, with the apparent result that it was the most enjoyable meeting we have ever held.  The Secretary had on hand a book of over 300 old-time photographs, which rather seemed to “steal the show,” providing much discussion of the funny clothes – and faces – we once wore and more than a little laughter and sarcastic comment from the third and fourth generations present.  To the older ones it was convincing proof that Vashon has fairly well kept pace with other parts of the country in the march of progress.  The same old corps of officers, F.M. Sherman, president; F.W. Bibbins, vice president; O.S. VanOlinda, secy.-treas.-historian, was elected to serve another year.  Old friends present from abroad were: Mr. and Mrs. Frank Risser and Dorothy D. Risser, San Francisco, Cal.; Mr. and Mrs. George Risser, Marion and Carrie Risser, Bangor, Wash.; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur C. Butt, Mildred Butt, Woodinville, Wash.; Earl W. Lansing, Thos. E. Lansing, Mrs. Mollie Lansing, Mrs. T.J. Stinson, Olympia, Wash.; Mr. and Mrs. A.E. VanOlinda, Seattle, Wash.; Mr. and Mrs. A.E. Griswold, Seattle, Wash.; Mrs. H.D. Thompson, Audrey Thompson, Bremerton, Wash.; Miss Marjorie VanOlinda, Tacoma, Wash.; Miss Gladys Thunblad, Bangor, Wash.; Mrs. Caroline B. Tilton and Mrs. Mable Carpenter, Seattle, Wash. – O.S. VanOlinda

• Editorial – A Life or Death Struggle – Today Vashon-Maury Islanders are on the threshold of a struggle that means more than we perhaps realize.  The events of the past few weeks have shown clearly that development of our Island is not consistent with the high ferry rates we are now forced to pay.  We cannot evade the fact that our prosperity is definitely coupled with the transient summer resident, that resident being drawn from the strata of successful professional and business element.  That summer resident is being barred from our shores.  Realtors estimate that Island property values have been lowered from 25 to 50 per cent by the increase in fares.  A summer at the beach on Vashon Island costs $25 more a month than on a mainland beach. 
  Beginning August 9, hearings will be held to determine whether or not these so-called temporary rates will become permanent; whether or not they will be reduced; whether or not they will be raised still higher.  By means of funds secured by popular subscription, David J. Williams, as Island property owner, and Glen Fairbrook, a regular summer resident, have been retained.  These men were chosen because of their reputation for fair dealing, previous experience in matters of this nature, their ethical standing, and their interest in our Island.  These two attorneys are devoting their entire time to our affairs, and are anxious to contact any Island resident who can give them definite facts with which to work.  Their office is 660 Central Building, Seattle.  These attorneys must have the help of competent witnesses who can deal in fact, not theory.  One witness may be a farmer prepared to tell how his visits to the mainland have been reduced 50 per cent because of excessive fares.  One may be a farmer who has an egg route in the city who can give figures and facts showing how his profit has been reduced.  One may be a merchant who has the facts and figures to show how his 1937 summer business was 50 per center lower than that of 1936.  Still another may be the owner of a number of beach cottages who can point out how regular occupants have been unable on account of increased cost of commuting to live on the Island this summer.  There are any number of various ways and types of evidence that can be given.  But again – what is presented must be FACTS, not THEORY!  The facts, however, need not be couched in pretty phrases.  Just cold-blooded facts, telling of definite effects the high rates have had on individuals, communities, business organizations or private concerns.  The more varied the types, the more effective.  There is no doubt that this is the most vital transportation fight Vashon-Maury Island has ever had.  We are down to the last trench, and if this fight is lost we can see more vacant properties, greater loss of population, lower property values.  Arrayed against us is a public utility, void of any sentiment or mercy, officials who cannot see our need unless we ourselves present a strong case, legal forces bent on winning their case against us.  On Friday evening at the Island club there will be a meeting of the several committees of the Commercial club, and the attorneys.  It is urged that every person be there who is willing to go to the mat in this fight.  Mr. Fairbrook and Mr. Williams know the value of honesty and sincerity.  The person who is armed with facts is the one they are looking for.  Your facts may not seem important to you, but many facts, earnestly presented, will win the fight before us.  To be present at Friday night’s meeting and to testify at the hearing may mean a sacrifice of considerable time and a little money, but if by this means we can insure the future prosperity of our Island the sacrifice is small indeed.  PLAN TO DO YOUR BIT! 

• Notice To The Public. – David J. Williams and Glen Fairbrook, attorneys working for the reduction of ferry rates, request that every resident of Vashon-Maury Island willing to testify at the department hearings beginning August 9 in Seattle, be present at a meeting on Friday evening to be held at the Island club, beginning at 8:15.  Those appearing should be armed with definite facts of the temporary rates now in effect.  By being present at Friday’s meeting, time will be saved.  The attorneys have contacted a number of witnesses, but this does not indicate that they have secured all that are necessary.  The gravity of the situation and the limited time demands that Vashon-Maury residents prepare to make personal sacrifices in order to present a good case.  Come to the meeting prepared to give the attorneys a definite idea of what you have to offer in the way of facts.  This is a business meeting, not a protest meeting.

• Editorial – So What…? – An Island property owner ran a blind classified advertisement in a city paper.  It read something like this – “TO RENT FOR THE SEASON – a beach cottage, reasonable.”  She received 79 replies to her ad, but failed to receive a single reply to the letters she sent telling that the cottage was on Vashon Island.  A little later she advertised again, this time saying that the cottage was on Vashon Island and received one replay.  The other day in Seattle we encountered a mother of a rather large family that had been coming regularly each summer to Vashon Island ever since the older children were babies.  The family owns its own home here and is enthusiastic in appreciation of what the Island has to offer.  A number had spoken of their failure to arrive with the closing of the city schools as was their custom in previous years.  We asked this woman why they were not on the Island this year and she replied, “We just didn’t feel we could pay the higher fares for that big family of ours.  For the first time in 25 years we are summer city dwellers.”  And all of this at a time when there is more money to spend and more people interested in acquiring beach property; at a time when more Island property was changing hands than ever before when interrupted service caused by a strike, followed by an unwarranted increase in fares, brought to an end practically all interest in Vashon Island property.  This same thing is undoubtedly true of Bainbridge Island, and other Sound points.  According to the findings of the department of public works the earnings of the ferry companies under the higher rate schedule amount to only 5 per cent more.  Unfortunately these same findings do not show the terrific amount of damage which has been wrought by the same method.  The solution of the problem lies not alone in reduced fares.  With lower fares we must have an assurance of service.  Vashon Island has been built by confidence in our mode of transportation.  One real estate company has been working for almost 10 years to overcome the prejudice against an Island.  In spite of the ferry strike of 1935 they faced a season when many people were planning to buy Island property.  The question now is, “How long will it be before the suspicions of the public can again be lulled to rest?”  Vashon Island must plan a campaign, based upon actual fact, that will convince the department of public works that our entire future depends on equitable rates at both the north and south ends of the Island.  If a third ferry would help let’s again have a ferry from Portage to Des Moines.  But the condition toward which we must strive is a permanent arrangement that will make our Island accessible to the greatest number of substantial home-makers.  What better investment and wiser tax insurance could officials ask?  But it is an end which can only be gained through the proper presentation of our cause in the coming hearings.  We are at the cross-roads.  We have armed ourselves, handsomely for the fight ahead of us.  We have as counsel men who have a personal interest in securing cheaper and better fares and service.  Let us not through personal indifference fail to take advantage of every opportunity to impress those who hold our fate in their hands with the necessity and justice of what we seek!

• Vashon Island Commercial Club Presents Resolutions – At a meeting last Friday evening of the executive committee of the Vashon Island Commercial Club and the attorneys retained in the ferry matter the following resolutions were drawn up and have been presented to the board of county commissioners. – Resolution – WHEREAS, Vashon and Maury Islands are located wholly within the boundaries of King county, Washington, but are separated from King county by water so that the highways of King county and those of Vashon and Maury Islands are not connected with the remainder of the county; and WHEREAS, said Islands are highly developed farming communities producing large quantities of poultry, fruits and vegetables, and are ideally located for the development of small acreage farms; and WHEREAS, said Islands have numerous beaches on which summer homes have been established by many residents of Seattle, residents of portions of eastern Washington, and even other states in the Union; and WHEREAS, said Islands are geographically so located as to make it possible for persons having offices of business in Seattle to make said Island their year around home, and many persons do make said Islands their year around home and daily travel from Seattle and other points on the mainland to said Islands; and WHEREAS, the Commissioners of King county have long recognized that the development of Vashon and Maury Islands by the construction of roads and the connecting of the roads on said Islands with the roads on the mainland of King county was an obligation of the county, and that to develop the said Islands and furnish the necessary adequate transportation for said Islands reasonable ferry rates between said Islands and the mainland of King county was necessary; and WHEREAS, the Commissioners of King county for many years prior to December, 1927, furnished ferry service between the points on the mainland and Vashon and Maury Islands, and on the 27th day of December, 1927, leased to Kitsap County Transportation company its dock at Vashon Heights on Vashon Island, and contracted with said company to render ferry service which had heretofore been rendered by King county; and WHEREAS, said contract stipulated the service which should be given and the maximum fares which might be charged under said contract; and WHEREAS, Kitsap County Transportation Company has breached said contract arbitrarily and without consideration of the residents of Vashon and Maury Islands, increasing said rates from 25 per cent to 100 per cent above the rates existing theretofore and fixed in said contract as maximum rates; and WHEREAS, such an increase will cause, and has already caused, a great reduction in the number of persons  migrating to and from the Islands, both permanent residents and transients, and has increased the cost of marketing products of the Islands so that residents there may not compete on a favorable basis with those growing similar products elsewhere in King county, with the result that property on Vashon and Maury Islands will be greatly reduced in value if said rates are maintained permanently; and WHEREAS, Vashon and Maury Islands have developed to their present state a high class summer resort and permanent residential and farming section, on account of the faith of those coming to the Islands that good transportation would be maintained at fair rates, and great sums of money have been invested upon the assumption that the Commissioners of King county would require strict performance by the Kitsap County Transportation Company of the terms of said contract; and WHEREAS, your petitioners believe that adequate ferry service to Vashon and Maury Islands can be maintained at rates not exceeding those stipulated in said contract, but that said company has increased such rates in order to sustain unprofitable ferry routes to points in other counties and between points, none of which are in King County; and WHEREAS, the Department of Public Service of the State of Washington is about to conduct a series of hearings for the purpose of fixing a fair schedule of rates; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commissioners of King County be, and they are hereby, urged to attend upon the meetings of the Public Service Commission to be held in Seattle on August 9th, 1937, or very shortly thereafter, to the end that the said contract with Kitsap County Transportation company shall be adhered to by the said transportation company, and to the end that a large number of citizens of King county who have relied upon said contract and upon King county to protect them in their rights under it, shall be fairly treated; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in order to avoid arbitrary action on the part of the Kitsap County Transportation company in the future the Commissioners make a comprehensive study of the practicability of operating a transportation system between Seattle and Vashon and Maury Islands as a part of the highway system, acting alone or in conjunction with the Highway Department of the State of Washington, as such study may determine to be advisable.  Adopted this 27th day of July, 1937.  Vashon Island Commercial Club. – by Donald Kirkland, president.

• Southenders Are Looking For Truth – Somebody’s Spoofing, Aver Patrons Of Ferry Company – by C.R. Roediger – Says Ferd Schaaf, director of public service, “We’re going to turn the ferry situation inside out.  The first complete and thorough investigation of Puget Sound Ferry service ever undertaken will open in Seattle on August 9.”  Said Mitchell Skansie, president of the Washington Navigation company, in an address before the South End Community club at a recent meeting: “I want to give you adequate service and reasonable rates, but my hands are tied by the state department of public service.”  So now patrons of the ferry line operating between Tahlequah and Point Defiance want to see who’s spoofing.  It’s a cinch the two statements above don’t coincide.  Anyhow, an invitation has been extended to Mitchell Skansie and his staff to attend the Dock dinner, water festival and dance to be given on Saturday night on the ferry pier by the South End Community club.  If the ferry company’s head accepts, it may be that the folks will take a little time out from the festivities to ask a question or two.  Skansie, when he appeared before the club, had a very ambitious schedule mapped out for the residents of Vashon and Maury Islands.  But, goodness, gracious, it never saw the light of day.  Skansie declares he laid it on the desk of the Czar of public service, and lo and behold, it was never heard from.  The new schedule and rates do not appeal to the majority of folks residing at Tahlequah, and neither does it suit patrons from Burton and Vashon, if the various comments may be taken as a criterion.  Residents west of the ferry pier at Tahlequah are using the Yankee Boy.  The schedule is better and the fares more reasonable.  Of course, the Yankee Boy carries nothing but passengers and express.  The Sunday ferry schedule is the most aggravating.  One cannot get over from Tacoma on Sunday until 9 a.m.  The next ferry is at 1:20 p.m.  Then there’s a lull until 3:40.  The next one leaves the Point at 7:25 and the last boat is 11:40.  Such a schedule for Sunday is very displeasing to those anticipating guests.  The first boat arrives before the breakfast dishes are out of the sink, and the next one doesn’t dock until Sunday dinner vapors should be evaporating.  The only good thing to emerge from the new schedule recently put into effect, is the late ferry from Point Defiance.  Heretofore, passenger fares were a thin dime.  Now it costs 15 cents one way, or two-bits for the round trip.  Well, Southenders are waiting for some kind of new alibi.  Schaaf has laid his cards on the table.  So has Skansie.  What will be the outcome?  Many persons point out that Governor Clarence D. Martin should step in and see whether Schaaf is spoofing or the ferry companies trying to justify their present schedules and rates.  Vashon and Maury Islanders already know for certain that the state department handed Capt. George Rickard, skipper of the Yankee Boy, a decidedly rotten deal when they refused to grant him a franchise to operate between Tacoma and Quartermaster Harbor Points.  And now they want to know what next to expect.

• Yakima Car In Minor Accident Sunday – A 1937 Chevrolet belonging to L.W. Markham of Yakima slid off the road on the Shawnee-Burton stretch Sunday evening.  The right front wheel and axle were smashed, and the fender was crumpled.  The road is narrow and rough with a dangerous blind curve near Burton, and the accident was unavoidable.

• State Patrol Boat Visits Tahlequah – Looming out of the early morning mist like a grey spectre, the state patrol boat, Governor Meade, paid an official visit Sunday to the Tahlequah fishing grounds.  Without warning, the wardens signaled down a boat from one of the battle wagons in Commencement Bay.  The sailors were having a royal time fishing.  Next on the calling list was Arthur Fries.  He passed muster.  David A. Somerville was next, and he, too, had complied with rules and regulations.  Meanwhile, it was noticed that some fish were being jettisoned from other boats.  Mebbe, they were herring that spoiled suddenly.

• Tug Scoops Out New Swimming Grounds – Thanks to a stranded Foss tug, there’s a fine new swimmin’ hole on the Puget Mill company’s property at Tahlequah.  The tug stuck her nose too far into the sandy beach, and in trying to free herself, scooped out a dandy place for the gals and boys who like taking a plunge on this warm beach.

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August 1937

August 5, 1937

• Able Defense From Office Of Prosecutor – As we go to press comes that the interests of Vashon Island, as a part of King county, will be handled in the ferry hearings beginning Monday in Seattle, for the office of prosecuting attorney by Pat Tammany.  This is in accordance with an order issued last week from the county commissioners’ office, in response to a resolution presented from the Vashon Island Commercial Club.  According to David J. Williams, Mr. Tammany is capable, aggressive and eminently fitted to defend our rights, particularly in the matter of the contract between King county and the Kitsap County Transportation Company, which has been violated in the matter of rates.  Before entering his present office, Mr. Tammany had experience in public work with the City of Seattle in the office of corporation counsel.  At the time of his appointment he was connected with Senator Schwellenbach’s law firm.

• Vashon College Reunion – The regular annual reunion of the former teachers and students was held in the Masonic Hall at Burton on Sunday, Aug. 1.  Those present were: Mrs. Netta A. Jones, W.J. Stuckey, Margaret Winters Kelly, Marle Nesbitt Brewer, Mr. Hoagland, Pauline Dahlstedt Hoagland, L. Dee Jones and Mrs. L. Dee Jones, all of Seattle; Faye McClintock, Ida McClintock, Jessie Moore Taylor and Day Bentley of Burton; Dr. A.O. Brewer and Homer Manley of Langley; Grace Clark Furey of Portland, Ore.; Capt. Will E. Westerman, Mr. and Mrs. John F. Hall, Amy Frost Stewart and D.C. Stewart of Tacoma; Arthur J. Collins, Spokane; Abbie Woodruff Gibbs and H.A. Gibbs, South Bend; Walter Eckert, Grapeview; Estella Masters Hess, Salem, Ore.; Alice Langridge James and William F. James of Puyallup; Etta Venen Hartman, of Bly, Ore.; W.M. Nunn and Frances Sylvester Huwald of Olympia and Addle Davis Hubble of Hoquiam.

• Commissioners Say Prosecutor Will Aid Island – At a meeting of the commissioners held Thursday morning of last week, the resolutions from the Commercial Club relative to ferry matters was presented.  Quite accidentally knowledge of this fact became known in time for a few Island residents and commuters to be present.  Following the reading of the resolution, a discussion by the members of the board indicated a rather lukewarm attitude toward taking any active leadership in defense of the contract between the Kitsap County Transportation Company and King County.  A representative from the office of the prosecuting attorney was called and came armed with records of higher court decisions in the rate matters, showing that the entire authority rested with the department of public service.  It was quite evident that his opinion was highly prejudicial and was questioned not only by a number of the Island people, but by Commissioner Jack Taylor as well.  As the discussion continued, particular stress was placed on Article 3 of the contract, which specifically stated that rates could not be made higher than the maximum in the schedule of tariffs, prepared when the contract was made.  In view of the fact that the maximum rates were in effect in May, previous to the recent increase, a number of those present stated emphatically that they felt the contract had been violated, while Mr. Ewing, of the prosecutor’s office, stated in no uncertain terms that the contract was like the proverbial “scrap of paper,” at the same time contending that certain things could or could not be done because of it.  After a highly enlightening argument, in which Jack Taylor, supported by Tom Smith, took an aggressive leadership, the commissioners ordered that the office of prosecuting attorney be directed to make a thorough study of the matter, and to be prepared to act in defense of Vashon Island in an effort to secure the lowest rates possible and to establish the facts regarding the validity of the contract which has previously governed the operation of our ferry line since 1927.  The News-Record was informed on Tuesday, by the office of Commissioner Jack Taylor that the ferry hearing would begin at 10 o’clock next Monday morning in the central meeting room at Colman Dock.  To many interested persons this will come as a surprise, as it had been generally supposed, and hoped, that the hearings in outlying territories would be heard first, and that the hearings in the Seattle area would close, rather than open, the program.  While the News-Record is published only weekly, this office will be informed in advance as to when the hearings in which we are most interested will take place.  It is certain that the matter of rate hearings will not be reached for several days, as the first few days are usually devoted to testimony in regard to properties, etc., and highly technical matters of little interest or knowledge to the average ferry patron.

• Editorial – We Must Supply the Ammunition! – In a letter received last week our wise old friend, George Carty, he says “never in the history of our Vashon-Maury Island have the people been called on to go through so great a strain for their homes and property as at the present time, nor does it seem possible that such a thing could happen to hoist our ferry rates so high that they are prohibitive to pay.  If this high-handed work is let go on we might as well be wiped off the map.  It is gratifying to see all of the people taking such an interest in fighting for their rights.”  It still remains to be seen whether or not the people of Vashon-Maury ARE FIGHTING for their rights.  True, they have given generously so that competent legal help could be secured.  While these attorneys have an interest in the Island, they are, after all, just two individuals, with the usual limitations of arms, legs, brains and hours in the day.  No matter how they dig and delve, many times what they hoped would be a veritable flow of helpful information turns out to be the “duster.”  They need the help of every intelligent Island resident!  As Snuffy Smith would say, “Time’s awastin’,” and the time of our big battle draws perilously close.  Next Monday will witness the beginning of the hearing, which is to determine our fate, and the attorneys must have information of a reliable nature.  It is well enough to say “Let them worry.  They are getting paid for it.”  That is just the point.  They WILL BE PAID, but unless we get busy and furnish them with every iota of information at our command we will PAY AND PAY as long as we live on the Island.  We might as well face the fact that the prosperity and well-being of most of us is definitely linked up with the accessibility of our beaches to city dwellers.  Few of our business houses would be functioning if they had to depend entirely on the year-round residents.  This is a somewhat bitter truth to swallow, but it remains a truth.  And even penalize in our goings, we must consider their comings, and a blind person could realize what high rates have already done to our transient summer population.  In this week’s issue of the News-Record is a questionnaire, which can be used by those who do not feel they can afford the time or money to testify in Seattle.  It will take only a few minutes to fill in this questionnaire and mail it to Fairbrook and Williams, Central Bldg. Seattle, or to this office.  Or better still, attend the meeting at the Island Club Friday evening, and hand your questionnaire, and any additional information to Mr. Fairbrook.  In case your information can cover more than your immediate locality, it is not necessary to confine your territory to your own neighborhood.  For example, as last Friday night’s meeting, it developed that one commuter could not tell a lot about his immediate neighborhood, but he did have valuable information regarding a dozen commuters from various points.  LET’S GET BUSY BEFORE WE LAY THIS PAPER AWAY!

 August 12, 1937

• County Officials Give Whole Hearted Support – At a meeting last Friday of county officials and attorneys acting for Vashon Island in the present ferry rate hearings, full assurance was given by county commissioners and representatives of the prosecuting attorney’s office that not only assistance would be given through Pat Tammany, deputy prosecutor, to whom has been assigned the work of defending the contract with King county held by the Kitsap County Transportation company, but that the board of commissioners were behind us 100 per cent.  At a recent meeting of the county commissioners at which the resolution from the Commercial Club requesting such help from the commissioners was presented, Vashon Island’s case was so well-presented by a delegation of Island residents that the commissioners were awakened to their responsibility in taking an aggressive position.  Jack Taylor, as our representative, argued that the contract was a valid instrument, binding to both parties, and the result of the meeting was that the prosecuting attorney’s office was instructed to prepare evidence and map out a campaign of defense.  This attitude on the behalf of the county officials has been most gratifying to the attorneys in the case, as well as interested citizens who felt that an attitude of this nature would do much in securing lower rates and the segregation as a separate one of the Harper-Vashon-Fauntleroy run the objectives which are sought.

• Rate Hearings Probably Held First of Week – As we go to press we have just been in communication with the attorneys in the ferry matter and as far as they know the hearings in regard to the Kitsap County Transportation company will come up Monday or Tuesday of next week.  This office will be kept informed and anyone caring to call later in the week may have any information we are in a position to give.  It is vitally important that a large delegation of patrons and property owners be present when that part of the hearing relative to the operation of the Kitsap County Transportation Company comes up.  Figures already presented show that this is the most profitable run, and unless there is a definite segregation from the other runs of the Puget Sound Navigation company, our rates will be based on the other less profitable runs.  If the combined forces of the prosecuting attorney’s office and our attorneys, Glenn Fairbrook and David J. Williams, can succeed in keeping the portion of the business governed by the 1927 contract of King county with the Kitsap County Transportation company separate then the rates under that contract may possibly be restored.  Facts brought out to date show that the Kitsap County Transportation company’s earning for 1936 show a profit of 18.41 per cent under the nine-hour day and 17.34 per cent under the eight-hour day.  On the other hand, the Washington route, another affiliate of the Black Ball line has shown a loss of 39.02 and 44.36 per cents under the nine- and eight-hour day, so it can be easily seen that if the route upon which we depend is thrown in with the other routes there is little chance of rates other than higher ones.  Mr. Williams, in a letter received Wednesday morning, reports that everything is looking very favorable at the present, but that much depends on a large attendance at the hearing, and all of the possible information from the people of the Island.  Although quite a few of the questionnaires have been returned there are still too many outstanding.  He urges the prompt return of these.  In case the definite and specific figures asked for cannot be supplied, there is the blank for remarks, and practically anyone at all conversant with present conditions can give some bit of information that will help.

• Boats Lost From North End – Two boats were missing from Vashon Heights last week.  Henry Brosseau reported that his delivery boat had disappeared, and the nine and a half foot gray and white rowboat, belonging to Deb Harrington, was lost Friday.  The boats may have broken loose from their moorings and drifted away.  It is hoped that someone will find them and return them to their owners.  The delivery boat used by Mr. Brosseau is well known through the photographs and feature story of this unique delivery system which appeared in the Seattle Times last year.

• Island School Districts Fail To Meet Wage Requirements – In a story appearing in a Seattle daily last week, Vashon Island was given a bit of adverse publicity of which none of us can be particularly proud.  Although the high school and two grammar schools are adding one teacher each to their corps, three Island districts, Maury, Lisabeula and Columbia, fail to meet the $1,200 yearly minimum salary requirement provided for by recent legislation.  The law stipulates that if a district expends 70 per cent of its income for salaries, teachers may receive less than the $1,200 provided for.  Vashon-Maury Island is one of the few territories still retaining the little one, two and three room school houses, poorly graded and lacking in many of the advantages of larger systems.  While the wisdom of consolidation has been demonstrated by the greater efficiency of a unionized high school operating successfully over a period of eight years, there is still a feeling on the part of Island taxpayers that in losing their small schools they would be losing a certain individuality and independence.  The situation of our Island has proved to be more or less of a worry to county and state educational officials. 

• Ellisport Items – The mill has been running two shifts the past week getting a scow of lumber ready to leave for China.  It was taken out last Saturday.

 August 19, 1937

• Children Warned Not To Ride On Open Trailers – An accident on Monday near Center served as a warning to youngsters who are getting rides on open trailers.  A car with a trailer of lumber behind overturned on the highway Monday.  The lumber was splintered, and the boys riding on top of it rolled off to safety by a miracle.  This near accident has emphasized the danger of riding on trailers, and it is expected that the boys will take this as an object lesson and ride only where safety is assured.

• We Were Mistaken! – While we regret the necessity to do so, we are glad to be able to apologize for an error which appeared in last week’s News-Record.  Our authority was a clipping sent to us from a Seattle daily which is ordinarily more accurate than the average, and their authority was supposedly the office of the county superintendent of schools.  The Columbia district not only is paying its teachers the $1,200 minimum salary, according to a budget presented by the clerk, George Walls, but is hiring another teacher.  We extend our profound apologies to the Columbia district, and our congratulations as well.

• Editorial – The Fight Is Only Begun! – As the News-Record goes to press Vashon-Maury residents are preparing to attend the ferry hearing at 10 o’clock tomorrow (Thursday) morning.  As one notes the interest that is being evidenced by the butcher, the baker and candlestick maker; by the year-‘round and summer resident; by the commuter and the Island business people; by old and young, one cannot doubt that all are aware of the importance of what lies before us.  If there is not a good representation assembled tomorrow morning then we can no longer believe in signs.  Sentiment differs radically in regard to the hope for a restoration of the rates in force in May.  The schedule of tariffs files last week appalled many.  Others regarded it as a gesture, pure and simple – a threat of what might happen if we do not come to heel.  Still others feel that the purpose of the hearing is to establish valuations that will be used as a basis if and when the state takes over operation of the ferries a year hence.  One thing is certain that there is much in the wind of which the laity is unaware.  One thing we do know for dead certainty, and that is that reasonable ferry rates and the future of our Island are bound inseparably.  It is evident that although our ferry line is the most profitable of the Black Ball system, like the fabulous goose high rates will prove the ax that will put an end to the gold, not only as far as the operators are concerned, but also as far as our Island is concerned.  The rates at both the north and south ends of the Island are not consistent with our future development upon which the prosperity of the ferry lines serving us must be based.  On the peninsula there is an awakened interest in the Ferry Service Improvement Association.  This week a number of new memberships were reported.  This association, like so many of its kind, formed in a hurry and without mature though or plan, was a disappointment to many.  Even those responsible for the formation of the group did not hope to gain state operation of ferries at the last legislature.  They hoped, and succeeded in laying the groundwork.  An organized group, working for a larger goal, and representing a large bloc of votes can accomplish far more than a little group on Vashon-Maury.  We need the weight of numbers.  For this reason the association is capable of much value.  We must keep in mind the fact that we, the people, ultimately pay the bills.  Along with plans for the state operation of our ferry we should lay plans to prevent manipulations by unscrupulous officials, which will result in the purchase of those ferries at an inflated value.  Careful groundwork must be laid so that when the ferries are taken over by the state they will be purchased for no more than their actual value.  We must demand a workable plan by which the ferries will earn their way without being an added burden on the taxpayers.  If ever there was a time when organization is needed, when we should forget our petty jealousies and selfish interests, it is right now.  The present crisis had developed a wonderful interest.  Let’s not allow that interest to wane, or the fight to die.  Let’s keep ever in sight the fact that just and fair transportation rates are the life-blood of future development.  We are not children, crying for the moon, but earnest, sincere people defending our homes and desiring a future for the loveliest spot on Puget Sound – Vashon-Maury Island !

• Tahlequah Notes – Miss Thelma Castronuevo is recovering in a Seattle hospital from injuries sustained when she plunged from a runaway bicycle on the Fred. G. Pohl road.  The bike is owned by Dick Baker, and was new when it got its baptism in the gravel.

 August 26, 1937

• The Ferry Hearing – It is safe to say that approximately 300 persons were present at the ferry hearing on Thursday and Friday, many remaining all day on Thursday, although matters relative to the local run were not heard until afternoon.  It is all a matter of record by now.  But those who attended the hearing know, as should the public service commission, that there are very definite reasons why the people of Vashon-Maury Island believe that they are paying more than their share in fares, and that the King County-Kitsap County Transportation company contract should be upheld.  Our interests were ably taken care of by David J. Williams and Glen Fairbrooks, attorneys, and by Patrick Tammany, deputy prosecuting attorney.  This trio has spent weeks in securing evidence, and in preparing a case which would be effective in protecting the right of Island residents.  Splendid evidence was given by Jack Taylor, commissioner for the South District, who gave very definite reasons why the contract of December, 1927, should be upheld in toto.  By reason of the questions of Mr. Tammany, and Mr. Taylor’s testimony, evidence was entered into the records showing that from the beginning the Seattle-Vashon-Harper route had been considered a part of the highway system of King county, and was primarily for the development of an important part of that county.  This same note was sounded again and again during the hearing, as was the belief in the integrity of the contract.  Among those who testified for the Island on Thursday and Friday were Jack Taylor, John Reid, Austin Taylor, Morgan Doebbler, Wallace Beall, E.C. Thompson, Hubert Spalding, Fred Beattie, Massa Mukai, Donald Kirkland, Lewis C. Beall, Agnes L. Smock, Paul Billingsley, A.L. Burr and a number from Harper, who testified for their community.  Space does not permit even a brief review of the testimony given by these witnesses, other than that the character and circumstances of the patrons of our line were brought out again and again; the fact of faith in the ferry contract; the damage the higher rates have caused; and the hundred and one reasons why a route that is returning a handsome percentage of profit should not be penalized for the unprofitable runs elsewhere.  Of all the documentary evidence submitted page 6 of exhibit 41 was possibly the most telling. In it is summed the real reason why Vashon-Maury Island and Harper patrons feel that they are already paying too much.  It is as follows: Fauntleroy – Vashon – Harper Route – Revenues for 1936 - $146,461.11; Rate of return for 1936 - 22.32%; Increase in expense of governor’s proposed wage increase and nine-hour days - $9,290.97; Per cent by which revenues for 1936 would have to be increased to pay increase in expense and return same rate as 1936 - 8.3%; Increase in expense of governor’s proposed wage increase and eight-hour day - $11,313.61; Per cent by which revenues for 1936 would have to be increased to pay increase in expense and return same rate as 1936 - 7.7%; Per cent by which company’s proposed rates would increase 1936 revenues – 44%; Per cent by which 1936 revenues could be reduced pay proposed wage increases, nine-hour day with 8% return – 15.9%; Per cent by which 1936 revenues could be reduced, pay proposed wage increases, eight-hour day, with 8% return – 14.6%

• Tahlequah Lad Burned In Destruction of Boat – Refusing to head the admonitions of oldsters, Dick Beymer, 12 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. R.K. Beymer, Jr., was painfully burned Thursday afternoon when he and some companions used gasoline to fire a discarded rowboat.  The craft was set adrift and gasoline poured over it.  The hulk was wet, and did not respond to the gas treatment to suit young Beyner, so he got an extra supply.  Flames enveloped him when he tripped while trying to jump to the nearby rowboat where Lee Fry and other lads were on the sidelines to watch the hulk furnish a pyrotechnic display.  The injured lad was given first aid and then removed to Tacoma, where a doctor dressed the burns.

• Vashon-Maury Attorneys Appreciate Cooperation – In a letter received Wednesday morning from David J. Williams he asks us to express the appreciation of himself and Mr. Fairbrook for the loyalty of the people of the Island.  They regret that time prevented calling more witnesses; many of whom they feel could have contributed valuable testimony.  They feel that our case was well presented by those who did testify, and are encouraged by our success in getting most of the salient facts into the state records.

• Milk Trucks Serving Vashon Are Refrigerated – E.L. LeFevre, owner of the Island Tacoma Milk Shippers’ route, announced that in the near future both of his trucks are to be refrigerated.  The bodies are being insulated to the thickness of six inches, and brine coils installed.  On each trip into the city these coils will be filled from the ice machine with frozen brine, which will keep the temperature of the dairy projects at 45 degrees.  Mr. LeFevre states that at the present time his is the only dairy delivery bringing products from the plant to the door in its own equipment.

• Local Items of Interest – Mr. and Mrs. William B Sexson has purchased the Towne store at Cove and will open it as a combined grocery and drug store after a complete remodeling.

• Sexagenarians To Be Guests at Local Theater – George L. Eder, manager of the Vashon Theater, has extended an invitation to all persons 60 years of age or over to be his guests on Wednesday or Thursday evening, Sept 1 and 2.  The show is “Make Way for Tomorrow.”  The second feature, highly amusing, is “Wild Money.”  With each adult admission ticket sold you may bring, free, anyone over 60 years, according to Mr. Eder’s offer.  He is anxious for all who have reached three score to see the play “Make Way for Tomorrow.”

• Private Kindergarten Will Be Opened At Ellisport – Mrs. Ruth Newcomber Rider has announced the opening of a private kindergarten in her home at Ellisport, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 8th.  She is anxious to meet all mothers desiring to enroll pre-school children.

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September 1937

September 2, 1937

• New Vashon Island Dairy Is Now Open For Business – Opening for business on Wednesday morning, September 1, Ed Lande began delivery of raw and pasteurized milk to a goodly number of customers.  Mr. Lande already has a nice herd of Jersey-Guernsey cows, and has modernized his barns in accordance with the most approved requirements.  A new building in which the milk is cared for is equipped with a machine for washing bottles, sterilizers, refrigerating rooms, and all equipment necessary to meet the most rigid demands of dairy inspection.  The cement floors, and well lighted interior, lots of windows and ventilation, provides a plant for bottling milk that would please the most exacting housewife.  Woodie Rose is assisting Mr. Lande on the route and is making deliveries in an attractive new blue Ford pick-up.

• Closes Burton Office – Dr. W.L. Ellis, finding that increasing patronage at his Vashon office demanded more time than he had anticipated, is closing the office at Burton which he maintained during the summer months.  He can be reached each afternoon at his Vashon office, instead of at Burton, as previously.

• Island Nursery Resumes Operation At Vashon – Edward Harmeling has resumed the business of the Island Nursery, established in 1902, and will handle a complete stock of nursery stock.  The business, one of the first to be established on Vashon Island, was started by Stephen J. Harmeling and Sons, and carried on by Mr. Harmeling, Sr., and his son Ed, for 30 consecutive years.  During the past two and a half years, Ed went to Diablo Dam to do landscaping for J.D. Ross and the City of Seattle.  With an increased price for fruit, planters are increasing their acreage, and the business has been resumed to supply the demand.

• Twenty-nine Anglers Take Part In Finals – There was a gathering of the clan at Paradise Cove Sunday morning when the local fishing fraternity met in the small hours before sunrise to decide the salt water championships for Vashon Island for 1937.  It was a distinguished group of 29 anglers who left the float as the starter’s whistle blew at five a.m. to begin the race to the fishing grounds for glory and for the outboard motor donated by the Vashon Sportsmen’s Club.  The contest was not five minutes old when Glen Willers of the Dockton Willers hooked a “Humpy” that ran well over five pounds to take the lead in the affair.  Then Jenny Crocker, who hails from a long line of Colvos fisher folk landed a young King that tipped the scales at slightly over five pounds to place her in the running.  While the remainder of the contestants were dragging the depths with spoons, plugs and live herring, Frank Fuller, the big oil man from Ellisport, went back to the spot where he had hooked his qualifying fish the day before and connected with another “Humpy” that weighed five pounds and 15 ounces.  This fish proved to be the winner and Frank intimated that he felt so sure of the prize that he had refrained from qualifying until the last moment in order not to discourage the boys.  Glen Willers tried valiantly to get back into the lead by landing his second salmon of the morning, but it couldn’t quite make the grade and he had to be satisfied with second place.  Jennie Crocker took third.  A near riot occurred at the Bates float when the contest ended at nine a.m., when occupants of the Kimmel “yacht” anchored nearby and proceeded to tantalize the nostrils of the hungry fishermen assembled with odors of bacon and eggs.  The crowd dispersed immediately, presumably for breakfast and perhaps a little sleep.  The Derby was adjudged a success by Sportsmen’s club officials, both for fish displayed and increased interest in this salt water sport existing at our back door.  There were 29 semi-finalists led by Doley Duncan and his 17-pounder caught in the harbor.  The complete list of qualifying anglers is as follows: Virginia Batchelor, Bill Shakespeare, Con Tjomsland, Jennie Crocker, Dick Fuller, Louis Rodda, Bill Magill, Earl Watson, Albert Therkelsen, Harris Ward, Doley Duncan, Don Gilson, Gerald Grant, Walter Simonsen, Perry Sargent, Don Tjomsland, Cy Fuller, Margaret Tjomsland, Alfred Therkelsen, Frank Fuller, Art Fries, Bob Snow, Bud Everett, Phil Brown, Jr., W. Willers, C.G. Ruhlen, Glen Willers, John Staples and Allwyn Edson.

• E. Morgan Gives Message To Island Peach Growers – Growers of Rochester peaches on Vashon Island should organize and agree on prices each year.  Properly organized the growers can equip themselves, not only to produce this wonderful peach at its best, not only to avoid and eradicate diseases that affect both trees and fruit where proper methods are not followed, but above all our growers can insure prices that should be theirs if financial returns, year after years, are to be based on a standard that will mean financial success.

September 9, 1937

• Highway Is Completed As Far South As Burton Dock – The last work in the continuation of the permanent highway was completed the latter part of last week, and Vashon Island now has a hard surfaced road as far south as the Burton dock.  At a total cost of about $20,000, the three-mile extension was built by the L.J. Dowell Construction Company, under which the preliminary preparation, grading, ditching and laying of a two-inch coat of road mix was done.  At the end of 60 days after this work was completed the final coat of non-skid asphalt mixture was laid by the Washington Asphalt company.  Construction was under the supervision of Harry Sisler, county road engineer and James Marshall, construction engineer.  The final inspection was made by Frank Crook and Harry Woelber of the county engineer’s office, who spent several days here last week.  They pronounced the work excellent, and complimented the people of Vashon Island on the new permanent highway which will require little further maintenance.  At the expense of the owners of Burton property the surfacing was extended from the edge of the 20-foot strip of pavement to property lines, making an improvement that will reduce dust to a minimum, and which will greatly improve the appearance of the village.  J.F. Shaw of the road committee of the Commercial Club reports that his committee is getting ready requests to the county commissioners office for a similar piece of road from Tahlequah to join up with the new road.  This has been their objective for several years, and is bound to come in time.

• Ed Lande Buys Fitzpatrick Dairy Route and Equipment – For years it has been a mooted question as to whether or not there was a field here for a modern dairy.  Apparently the question has been answered.  Since opening his dairy here Ed Lande has had far more demand for raw milk than he has been able to fill.  Apparently Island consumers have confidence in the quality and the conditions under which this mild is being produced.  Milk from tested cows, milk that is cared for under the cleanest and most sanitary conditions possible, a service direct from the plant to the consumer within a few hours after the milk comes from the cow, has created a demand that is taxing the ingenuity of Mr. Lande to fill orders.  This week he announced the purchase of the Fitzpatrick Dairy routes and equipment.  This will add some very modern facilities for caring for the increased business.  While the passing of a long-established business like the Fitzpatrick Dairy is regrettable, it cannot be doubted that Mr. Fitzpatrick is passing on what he built up to very capable hands.

• Pioneer Picnic at Dockton Attracts Many Old-Timers – At the Pioneer picnic held at the Island Park Sunday for former Dockton residents, there were more friends of the early days gathered together than there had been in many years previously.  Most of the picnickers were those who had lived there when the dry-dock was a thriving business, including Mrs. Ross Lohry of Oakland, Cal., Mr. and Mrs. William Stuckey of Seattle; Mrs. James Stansfield and sons, Jim and Jack; Mr. and Mrs. William Miller of Winslow; Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Frederickson and two children, of Seattle; and Mrs. C.J. Fredrickson of Seattle, who lost her husband two weeks ago in a motor accident.  Mr. Fredrickson was well-known on the Island, and his friends are grieved to hear of his passing.  At the table of Mr. and Mrs. Claudia Petersen were Mrs. Mitchell Planchard and children of San Pedro, Mrs. Andrew Haug and family from Glen Acres, Evelyn Magnussen, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Manson, Miss Mary Jensen, Mrs. Chandler and daughter, Mrs. Harry Evans, and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hossler.  Mrs. Hossler taught school at Dockton in 1906 and 1907.  At the Hix table were Mr. and Mrs. Primo Marlotti and three children of Enumclaw, (Mrs. Marlotti was the former Ethel McConnel of Dockton.)  Mr. and Mrs. William Hay and children of Seattle, Mr. D. Barnes of Enumclaw and Leslie Hix of Seattle.  Frances Sherman was present to greet old friends.  He built the first house in Dockton, when the dock was where the Island Park now stands. 

• Cove – Cedarhurst and Colvos News – Editor’s note: Mrs. Myrtle Paulson is unable to continue as the West Side correspondent and Mrs. George Walls has consented to collect the items for the present.  You can assist her by phoning in news as early as possible in the week.

September 16, 1937

• Dedication Services Held For Columbia School Gym – With more than 100 patrons, former pupils, and friends present, the fine, new gymnasium at the Columbia school was dedicated and utilized for the first time in a joint meeting of the P.T.A. and a reception for the teachers, Mrs. Laurel Thompson, Miss Margaret Williams and Jack Reeves, who was at one time a pupil in the school in which he now teaches.  The new building, finished in rustic, and painted white, is larger than any of the other buildings comprising the school plant.  It is 36 feet wide and 60 feet long, 18 feet high, and suitable for any type of indoor athletics in which grammar school children would participate.

• Tahlequah Notes – Presaging what some folks declare will be an early winter, two large swarms of swallows winged their way southward Monday from here.

September 23, 1937

• Survey Made For Sidewalk; Vashon To Grammar School – E.E. Jones, senior draftsman under George Swain, supervisor of roads for the South District, spent several days the latter part of last week, surveying the sidewalk from the village to the Vashon grammar school.  This project will be sponsored by the Vashon Business Men’s club as a part of the PWA program.  If granted, it will consist of almost a mile of concrete sidewalk, from the Weiss corner to the school, along the easterly side of the paved highway. 

• Island Lad Gets Souvenir Of Coast League Game – Master David Roberts was among those present when the Seattle Indians and Sacramento tangled in a double-header Sunday.  An ardent baseball fan, David had the biggest thrill of his life when he received as a souvenir a bat, split by Eddie Fernandes, the well-known second baseman.  Mrs. Johnny Basier, wife of the Indians’ manager, with whom David was seated, secured the bat for him.

September 30, 1937                               

• Our 21st Birthday – It seems to be a matter of question whether properly speaking the News-Record will celebrate its 21st birthday with this issue or the next one.  This is the fifty-second issue of the twenty-first edition, and with it we reach our majority.  It would then appear that the first issue of October was the big day of our career.  How Time does fly!  So while we won’t be expecting a surprise party, or a new linotype, we hope that on next October 7 we will be receiving the good wishes of each and every reader.

• Findings Of The Public Service Commission – The findings of the department of public service, and facts upon which the new ferry rates were based were made public the latter part of the week.  That these rates were not higher is undoubtedly due to the excellent case presented to the commission by residents of Vashon Island through their attorneys, Glenn Fairbrook and David J. Williams, of the law firm of Fairbrook and Williams, and by Patrick Tammany, of the prosecuting attorney’s office.  Certain phases of the decision handed down by the commission are out of line with the position taken by many, particularly the disregard of the county contract; the inclusion of our route as a part of the entire Black Ball system; and the recommendation that the Manchester-Seattle and Harper-Vashon-Fauntleroy routes be discontinued in favor of a route from Colby direct to Colman Dock.  Just how this will be worked out is a matter for the future.  It is regrettable that the rates from Vashon to Harper are so entirely out of line, as this cuts off the Island from our neighbors on the Peninsula.  Limited space prevents more than a brief survey of rates, since the findings are too voluminous to be digested in a short time.  – Here is a comparison showing the old rates in effect before the strike; the emergency rates in effect since the strike, the company’s proposals, and the new rates fixed by the Department: Fauntleroy-Vashon Route – PASSENGER – old rate, 15 cents; since strike, 20 cents; company’s proposal, 25 cents; new rate, 20 cents with 35 cent round trip. FAMILY COMMUTATION – old rate, 10 cents; since strike, 15 cents; company’s proposal, 18 ¾ cents; new rate, 15 cents, 20 rides, 40 days. INDIVIDUAL PASSENGER COMMUTATION – 10 rides, 10 days; none in existence before strike or since; company’s proposal, 12 ½ cents; new rate, 10 cents.  This restores the 10 cent fare for the regular commuter living in Vashon and working in Seattle.  SCHOOL CHILDREN – old rate, 5 cents; since strike, 10 cents; company’s proposal, 7 ½ cents; new rate, 6 cents.  AUTOMOBILES – one way, old rate, 60 cents; since strike, 75 cents; company’s proposal, 75 cents; new rate, 70 cents with $1.30 round trip.  AUTOMOBILE COMMUTATION – 10 rides in 30 days, old rate, 50 cents; since strike, 60 cents; company’s proposal, 60 cents; new rate, 56 cents.  AUTOMOBILE COMMUTATION – 10 rides in 7 days, old rate, 30 cents; since strike, none; company’s proposal, 45 cents; new rate, 42 cents.  TRUCKS – Trucks are to be carried on the Fauntleroy-Vashon run on a scale-weight bases, 1 ½ cents per 100 pounds including weight of truck; on commutation tickets as low as 1.05 cents per 100 pounds.  AUTOMOBILES – light, old rate, 24 rides, 17 days,30 cents; new rate, 10 rides, 7 days, 42 cents.  VASHON-HARPER-ROUTE – These rates are the same as the Fauntleroy-Vashon run, except that trucks are to be carried at marked capacity since there are no truck scales at Vashon.

• Editorial – Accepted For The Moment – For the present we must be satisfied with the ferry rates, whether we like them or not.  The matter has been given considerable thought by those in a position to know, and while the fares are higher than we like, it would appear that to accept them for the time being would be the wiser course.  The fight which Vashon Island put up had its effect, and resulted in lower rates than would otherwise have been dealt out.  We presented a good case, and showed that we were very much in earnest.  There is little doubt that were we to take the matter into higher courts that we could prove the contract between county and ferry company of more value than the Department seems to consider it.  This would prevent the loss of contact with the Olympic Peninsula which now seems to threaten; it would reduce the rates, possibly; it would change the complexion in various ways.  But there is a question as to whether the game would be worth the candle.  State operation seems the inevitable answer to our problem.  The legislature does not meet until 1939.  But we do no need to wait that long to get busy.  The need of a vital organization – a Ferry Improvement Association if you please – is more imperative now than ever.  It remains to find the man of the hour.  LET’S FIND HIM AND GET TO WORK!

• Cove-Cedarhurst and Colvos News – The West Side Athletic Club has completed its organization, and under the title of the “Panthers,” is preparing to take on all comers in various fields of athletic endeavor.  The meeting place will be the fine new gym at the Columbia school.  Officers are Lester Sundberg, president; Milton Walls, vice president; Ray Anderson, secretary; Beverly Moore, treasurer; Art Sovold, manager.

• Tahlequah Notes – The Yankee Boy, operating between Point Defiance, Tahlequah and Spring Beach, will make its last trip this season, Sunday, October 10 it is announced by Skipper George Rickard.  Captain Rickard has just completed a splendid stairway and switchback from the dock to the path atop the hill so that passengers will have no trouble reaching their homes, regardless of tide conditions.  The Yankee Boy will resume service around May 15.

• The obituary of Alex Wickland was published.

• High School News – Weekly Gossip – Our weekly news items are sadly lacking in a certain something called “dirt” – so here goes!  Rumor has it that the newly-arrived Smith brothers are the men of the hour.  Kazuo Kanugi unsuccessfully shielded a very neatly written note lately signed by Mary N.  Don’t look now, but June Hayes and Lloyd Naylor seem to be striking up a musical romance to the tune of the violin and trumpet.  Did you know that John McKinstry, Flo Marshall and Harold Gauntlett constitute the present eternal triangle?  Seen at the Fair: Jack Rodda with Muriel Morley and Glen Polhamous, with Virginia Rand.  They say that Phyllis Williams emptied the pocketbooks of Jack Petersen and Hank Soike at Puyallup.  Maude Edson was seen retiring at breakneck speed at the mention of “date.”  Bill Smith was the envy of the school Monday when he rode to Puyallup between Miss Mathey and Miss Sunnell.  Your gossiping columnist ambles off for more blush-provoking “info.”

• A New Deal by Stephen J. Harmeling – It is now redivivus for the old Harmeling ranch.  A prospective buyer intended to make a real loganberry emporium of it but Uncle Sam would not come across with sufficient funds to warrant the success of the scheme and had to give it up.  A kind of a cooperative partnership has been arranged by which, it is hoped, the ranch will once more support itself.  A loganberry and lily enerate on the 50-50 plan, the old-timer Harmeling furnishing his mature experience and general supervision while his partner pays for the expense of operation.  The lily business will be expanded and the rich nursery will become a forest of logans and other worthy brambles.  The demand for the berries like the Olympic, the Young and especially the Logans will increase.  The area for their successful culture is quite limited.  They do exceptionally well on this Island.  With strong hope for abundant success, I am yours truly, Stephen J. Harmeling.

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October 1937

October 7, 1937

• WPA Announces Funds Are Available For Local Work – In a letter received this week from John M. Coffee, United States congressman for the Sixth District, comes news that will be of particular interest to residents of Vashon Heights.  Mr. Coffee makes official announcement of $3,650 for a WPA project which will include certain improvements at Vashon Heights.  The work will include construction of footpaths, clearing, grubbing, excavating, constructing bridges, culverts and other incidental work.

• Sale of Harmeling Ranch Is Announced This Week – The ranch of Stephen J. Harmeling has been sold and the new owner will take over the property in the spring when the final papers will be signed.  Mr. Harmeling will build on the southwest corner of the place, which he has retained.  The new owner has gone into the lily business on a partnership basis with Mr. Harmeling, and work was started immediately in developing this project.  Edward Harmeling has taken over the interests of the Island Nursery and will continue in this business that was established in 1902.

• Crowd Is Anticipated When Congressman Coffee Speaks – Plans of the South End Community Club to have as its guest speaker, on Wednesday night, October 20, Congressman John M. Coffee, are nearing completion.  As Congressman Coffee is a former resident of Vashon Island, having spent much of his boyhood here, a large crowd in anticipated by Charles G. Huhn, president of the South End Community Club.

• Rabies On Island Brings Warning From Authorities – Several cases of rabies have been discovered in the Lisabeula district, and while no injury to human beings has resulted, it is the recommendation of Deputy Sheriff F.J. Shattuck that all dogs be kept tied until further notice.  It is believed that the several dogs bitten by the first dog to develop the disease have died, but there is a possibility that other cases may develop, and every precaution should be taken.

• Island Boy Escapes Injury In Alaska Plane Accident – A story contained in a recent copy of an Anchorage, Alaska paper, tells of the miraculous escape of Merle Burton, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Burton, of Paradise Valley.  The accident occurred while he was flying the plane purchased last summer in Pennsylvania, and with which he visited the Island.  The plane was crated here and shipped to Alaska, where Merle had been using it in giving instruction to student pilots at Anchorage.  According to the newspaper story, the plane, a Taylor Cub, crashed after striking a tree and falling 75 feet.

October 14, 1937

• Ferry System Seeks Review Of Department Rate Order – A court attack on the proposed new Puget Sound ferry rates, scheduled to go into effect November 1, was launched in Olympia Friday by the Black Ball Ferry System.  In a petition filed in Thurston county superior court, the three Black Ball companies – the Puget Sound Navigation company, Kitsap Transportation company and the Washington Route, Inc., - asked the court to review the public service department’s orders covering the new rates and salary advantages to ferry workers.  The public service department was given until next Friday to reply.  Nine other transportation companies, two ferry unions, the Seattle chamber of commerce and residents of various interested communities, among them Vashon-Maury Island, were made parties to the action.  The petition was based on the contention findings and determination of fair values, for rate-making purposes, and of gross revenues were unlawful, unreasonable and erroneous, and that enforcement of the rates and charges would compel the companies to render intra-state service at a deficit.  Final result, the petition recited, would be confiscation of the system’s property, depriving it of property without due process of law.  The rates were described as discriminatory in some cases, preferential to certain communities, and prejudicial to others.  Pending final court action, the petition requested the emergency rates, now in effect, be continued.

• Salmon Rescued From Shark Loses Life To Tahlequahite – Fish yarns are numerous.  Genuine fish stories are scarce.  Here’s one that deserves the hard-rubber frying pan from the standpoint of novelty.  Oscar A. Saccate, Tahlequah resident, was standing on the Yankee Boy float at Point Delco.  He was meditating and glanced into the water.  Shades of Isaac Walton!  He saw a dog-fish pursuing a salmon, and driving the latter towards shore.  Saccate got a pole, and drove the mud-shark off, and then captured the salmon.  It had been injured, apparently by the propeller of a boat, but made a splendid sight on a platter.

• New Officers Are Elected By V.F.W. and Auxiliary – At the meeting held Tuesday evening of last week, Island Post V.F.W. selected as officers for the coming year, Claude Williams, commander; Ray Garrison, senior vice commander; George Bucknell, junior vice commander; John Metzenberg, quartermaster; Harry Janney, post advocate; Axel Petersen, chaplain; and Dr. W.L. Ellis, post surgeon.  The Auxiliary elected Dorothy Wick as president; Myrtle Janney, senior vice president; Petra Steen, junior vice president; Hannah Hofmeister, treasurer; Olive Morrison, chaplain; Irene Campbell, conductress; Jeanette Cole, guard; Beatrice Williams, Eloise Hawkins and Clara Tonk, trustees.

• 21 Years Ago – From the early files of the “Vashon Island Record” we take the following items.  It is interesting to note the changes time has wrought in even so short a time as 21 years.  – Among those registered this week at the Hotel Shamrock (Ellisport) are Mr. H.H. Smythe, of San Francisco, and Mr. Floyd Franklin, of Seattle.  W.L. Livesley came over from Seattle and spent a few days at the home place the past week.  Work on the bulkhead road leading to the ferry dock between Ellisport and Portage is rapidly nearing completion, the fill being finished from the Ellisport side to the ferry dock and 30 feet beyond.  Graveling from the Ellisport side is underway and will be done in 10 days.  Lisabeula is making preparations for the Ferry.  Mr. Tice purchased a machine this week.  Wonder if anyone can tell us where that ferry is and when it is going to start?  George S. Bonnell reports that he commenced his chicken year with one hundred and sixty-three laying hens and pullets.  In twelve months they produced 18,857 eggs and the cost was 17 ½ cents per dozen.

• The Fight Must Go On! – In filing notice of appeal to the courts against the ferry rate rulings of the Department of Public Works, the Black Ball ferry line warns us that there can be no slackening in our defenses.  During the course of the hearings we had abundant evidence of the policy of that corporation.  By its proposed schedule of rates and by the candid testimony of its officials the company served notice of its belief that if rates can be hoisted enough that greater profits can be squeezed out of a shriveled traffic than can be won from a traffic stream broadened by cheap rates.  We of Vashon-Maury Island were further enlightened at the ferry hearings.  We learned that our community had been particularly selected by the Black Ball management to carry the burden of the corporation.  The schedules of temporary and proposed rates left no doubt as to this program.  We have been left no illusions as to the willingness of the Black Ball management to discriminate heavily against us in its own interest.  To restrain such abuses is the function of the Department of Public Works.  No matter how untrammeled his ownership the ferry operator cannot name his rates without approval.  But in the case of the Vashon system the ferry operator – Black Ball line – is by no means untrammeled.  This system is operated by agreement, under a contract with King County and this contract is our most specific insurance against unfair discrimination.  Under the terms of this contract the Black Ball company has received substantial benefits in return for which it has assumed certain obligations as to schedules and rates.  Now this contract is imperiled from two sides.  Black Ball ignores its obligations, while retaining its benefits, while Director Schaaf asserts that its rate clauses are in conflict with the authority of the Department of Public Works.  With full recognition of the good faith and ability of Director Schaaf the residents of Vashon-Maury Island are compelled to resist this contention.  For the King County contract with the ferry company was a mutual bargain, based on specific circumstances.  The county turned over to the company a large investment in docks, approaches, boats, etc., and received in return mainly a guarantee as to service and rates.  This background cannot be ignored in order to “smooth out” the rate structure and to simplify Schaaf’s problem.  The King County commissioners take the same viewpoint.  Our first job, therefore, is to reinforce the county commissioners in either restoring the integrity of the King County ferry contract or in cancelling it in its entirety.  Quite apart from this is the job of resisting the Black Ball drive for still higher rates, in which we will be aligned with Director Schaaf, the Department of Public Works and the King County commissioners.  But in resisting the Black Ball appeal we must keep clearly in mind the fact that we are not DEFENDING the Schaaf rulings, for these, insofar as they ignore the contract, strip us of our best defenses against further extortionate rate increases.  To cope with these duties the Commercial Club has appointed the following committee – Paul Billingsley, Axel Petersen, Wallace Beall and E.C. Thompson.  This committee is unanimous in believing that the welfare of our community compels us to see this contest through to a finish.  It is vital to our future that our transportation to Seattle be kept as good and as cheap as our natural situation makes possible.  It seems clear to us all that this end will be reached only if we maintain our county contract position.  Proper steps have been authorized for this purpose.  We shall have our legal representatives at the hearings of the Black Ball appeal at Olympia on Friday and shall take such subsequent action as is necessary.  The moderate cost of this defensive campaign is to be met by contributions of $1.00 from those persons who know this fight MUST BE CARRIED TO A FINISH!  We start off this list with contributions from Bob Weiss, V.C. Coutts, Ira Thompson, W.L. Ellis, Mrs. May Davies and Mrs. Agnes L. Smock.  Voluntary subscriptions may be left at the News-Record office until other arrangements can be made.  It is believed that the entire cost can be financed by these voluntary subscriptions.

• Legal Notice – In the Superior Court of the State of Washington for King County, Notice of Hearing No. 302028 In the matter of the dissolution and disincorporation of Vashon Island Auto Transportation Co., a corporation.

• Tahlequah Notes – The Yankee Boy, serving Tahlequah and Spring Beach, made its last trip of the season Sunday night.  The run will be resumed early next May, it is announced by Skipper George Rickard.

• Center News (Held over from last week) – On Monday afternoon Elsa Mae Schmidt celebrated her 7th birthday with a party.  Her beautiful birthday cake, and the clever marshmallow favors for each child delighted the hearts of each of her little guests, Frieda Pattersen, Berta Stanley, Louis Rodda, and the twins, Esther and Eddie Schmidt.

• Local Items of Interest – Stephen J. Harmeling was the recipient of a gift dropped from an airplane Saturday by a friend, Earl Weller, who flew over the Island.

• Local News – Betty Tjomsland is recovering from an illness that has been diagnosed as scarlet fever by the attending physician.  She is under quarantine and will be out of school until the quarantine is lifted.

October 21, 1937

• Many Improvements Being Made By Dockton People – A new water system was started by the residents Tuesday.  Work was begun on clearing the stream on the hill south of town to gather the small streams together.  A small corner of the property owned by Conrad Amundsen was given for the water tower.  Trustees of the company who were elected at the last meeting were Theodore Berry, three-year term, Conrad Amundsen, two-year term, and Tony Roncevich, one-year term.  The Catholic church is being painted and will be refinished inside.

• Two Registered Druggists Now At Vashon Pharmacy – It was announced this week that Fred Dicus, formerly of Spokane, is now associated with the Vashon Pharmacy.  Mr. Dicus, a registered pharmacist, worked for Mr. Paul in his Spokane store for several years.  The present arrangement provides for better service for the public, making it possible to have prescriptions filled at any time.

• A Record, Surely! – Last December, the F.A. Weiss store was in need of license plates for the new truck.  An application, dated December 4, was sent to the license department at Olympia.  A member of the highway patrol made repeated efforts to get the plates, but to no avail.  During the past months the truck has been operating on the strength of the application.  On Tuesday, October 19, the license plates appeared!

• News-Record To Be Mailed On Thursday, Hereafter – In order to avoid working in the evenings during the winter months, the News-Record will be mailed on Thursdays, reaching patrons on Friday.

• Message In Bottle Floats From Dilworth To Canada – Barbara Jean Rand received a letter last Wednesday in reply to a message which she enclosed in a bottle and set adrift off Dilworth Point in June.  The bottle floated to the west coast of Vancouver Island, and was picked up in an isolated Indian village by Paul Lucas, an Indian who could neither read nor write.  The village is at Refuge Cove on Sidney Inlet, near Sulphur Hot Springs.  Paul Lucas took the message to K. MacFwan, marine instructor for the Standard Oil Co., of British Columbia, Ltd., who read the message for Paul and courteously replied.  Refuge Cove is in wild rugged country, and transportation is by boat only.  When the seas are rough, the village is stranded.  Mr. MacFwam makes periodical visits to the village, and it was while he happened to be there that the bottle was found.  He is a resident of Vancouver, B.C.

• Judge John Wilson Denies Ferry Company Application – Fighting bitterly every inch of the way, representatives of the Black Ball ferry system defended their petition in petitioning for a supersedeas to delay putting into effect the ferry rates fixed by the department of public service in recent findings.  The hearing which normally would have ended in three hours, lasted all day Friday and Saturday.  Vashon-Maury Island interests were defended by David. J. Williams, who was ably assisted by Pat Tammany, deputy prosecutor for King County, and Ferd J. Schaaf, director of the department of public service.  Mr. Schaaf defended the position taken by the department in fixing the rates to go into effect November 1, and gave testimony to prove that the rates allowed for a fair return on investment.  On Monday, Superior Judge John M. Wilson, of Thurston County denied the application of the transportation company for a supersedeas.  Nothing remains to prevent the new rates going into effect on Monday, November 1.

• Notice To All Dog Owners! – Word comes from headquarters that all dogs MUST be inoculated for rabies, killed or kept tied.  Those running at large must be taken up at once or they will be killed.  A veterinarian will be at the jail from 10:00 a.m. until noon, Saturday, October 23.  -F.J. Shattuck.

• Cannonball, Relic of Early Days, Found at Tahlequah – A relic of the days when Captain Vancouver, or some other early explorer, probably visited Commencement Bay many moons ago, a cannonball, six inches in diameter, was found buried four feet in the blue clay on the beach east of the ferry pier at Tahlequah.  The discovery was made by Steve Landers and Fred Dahl while building a bulkhead on the Franklin Olson property.  Landers’ shovel connected with what he believed to be a boulder.  Eventually the rust encrusted ball was unearthed, and is now on display in the collection of curios assembled by Jesse F. Shaw in the Burton Pharmacy.  This is said to be the second cannonball unearthed in these parts.  Some years ago, according to Tahlequah pioneers, a similar ball was found buried in the muck near the entrance to Quartermaster Harbor.

• Commercial Club To Dine At Goodwill Farm Oct. 21 – Members of the Commercial Club will gather at Goodwill Farm for one of those famous dinners this (Thursday) evening at 7:00 p.m.  The newly selected committee chairmen, officers, trustees and representatives are urged to report for duty.  The newly elected officers are Ira Thompson, president; Norman Edson, vice-president; Arthur Poultney, secretary, and C.F. VanOlinda, treasurer.  The chairmen have been chosen for the committees as follows: Public service, C.G. Kimmel; membership, A.H. Poultney; program, Coy Meredith; education, Professor McElvain; transportation, Dr. Bennett; publicity, Norman Edson; welfare, Mrs. F.J. Shattuck; roads, H.C. Cronander.  It is the aim of the club to secure representation from all civic organizations and in districts where there are no such organizations, a representative will be selected.  All organizations who wish to select someone to represent them are asked to do so at once and have them report immediately.  The following organizations have already been represented: Vashon Business Men’s club, Mrs. Agnes Smock; Burton Improvement club, Norman Edson.  Unorganized districts: Colvos, John Ober; Lisabeula, F.J. Shattuck.

• Newly-Organized Keyboard Club Will Present Program – The first program of the newly-organized Keyboard club will be given October 25 in the music room of the Vashon Grade school.  The purpose of the club is to promote musical interest among students of the piano at the Vashon Grade school.  Officers of the club are Rachael MacDonald, president; Jean Taylor, vice-president; Margy Lou Steen, secretary and Sid Bacchus treasurer.

• Report on Ferry Findings – The document which presents the Findings of Fact and Order by the Department of Public Service in the matter of ferry rates, etc., while requiring 49 typewritten pages for the presentation is a remarkable clear and simple digest of the testimony and results of the hearings which were held throughout the month of August.  The findings were presented under 20 headings and these lead to the issuance of 12 specific orders.  In general both the findings and orders bear witness to the competence, shrewdness and devotion of public interest of the Department and in particular of Ferd J. Schaaf, director, W.D. Lande, supervisor of transportation and Ralph J. Benjamin, supervisor of public utilities, before whom the hearings were held.  The fact that the rulings must nevertheless be regarded as unfair to and unacceptable to the residents of Vashon-Maury Island is due in large part to causes beyond the control of these officials.  Findings 1 and 2 cover the history of the strike, the governor’s arbitration, the emergency rates, the authorization of an investigation by the Department of Public Service and the scope of the investigation.  Not discussed, but also on record and burned in the memory of this community are three other elements of the situation.  1. The Black Ball management abused the emergency rate order; imposing on the Vashon system increases of over 100 per cent and proposing even higher increases.  The management showed to the full limit of its power of its intent to discriminate against this system and this community.  2. The power of the Department of Public Service has not saved us from the payment of excessive rates throughout the entire summer season, nor has it kept the Black Ball’s will to discriminate from taking effect in the final findings as will be seen.  3. These losses have been forced on us against the protest of King County and in violation of clauses of the contract under which the ferry company obtained from King County its lease of the Vashon system.  Findings 3, 4 and 5 give the financial history of the ferry companies: (a) Black Ball lines, Puget Sound Navigation Co., Kitsap County Transportation Co., Washington Route, Inc;, (b) Ballard-Ludlow Ferry Co., (c) Chuckanut Inter-Island Ferry Co.  The Black Ball lines have a total capitalization of about $2,730,000, of which $168,500 represent bonds, the balance capital stock at par value.  The operations are also described and the problems of transportation on Puget Sound are discussed.  The conclusion is drawn in 4 that the former competition between the Kitsap County company and Black Ball lines “absorbed revenues that should have been devoted to modernization of equipment and service – in the long run the public has suffered greatly from this selfish struggle.”  The principle is this set up that competitive and independent routes are to be avoided in favor of concentration in large scale operations.  The danger that this program may lead to the abuses of monopoly is not faced although in fact it has been our experience that the competition of the Kitsap County and Black Ball lines was of advantage to the public in improved service and lowered rates, while the Black Ball monopoly of recent years has been of advantage only to the corporation.  Under private ownership of ferries it will require the strongest possible pressure by state authorities to get these theoretical benefits of concentrated large scale operations passed on to the public.  The final conclusion of Finding 5 is this: “Everything seems to point to the consolidation of operations over short water routes where services can be given by fast, modern ferries.”  With this we agree merely pointing out the steps forward this goal must conform to both natural advantages and to existing rights and agreements.  Finding 6 is of serious import to our community.  In it the Department rules that the Vashon ferry system should not be considered independently but that “for certain purposes we should consider the operation of affiliated corporations as a whole.”  Again we cannot quarrel with the theory.  But in fact, the Vashon system has a special history.  In it King County has invested money taken from the road funds of both Vashon and the southern mainland communities and the citizens of both Vashon and Harper have added private contributions.  Certain rights over this system have never been surrendered by King County and neither the Black Ball line nor the Department of Public Service can treat it merely as another affiliated unit.  It is impossible for us to understand the theory of fairness whereby the Department now compels this line to pay the largest rate increases of any.  Findings 7 to 12 inclusive establish the fair value for rate making purposes of the various ferry companies, based on their “prudent investment” value plus necessary working capital.  The fair value for the Black Ball lines is found to be $4,054,000, of which $3,120,600 represents the Puget Sound Navigation company and $933,400 the Kitsap County Trans. Co.  Finding 13 favors the ultimate elimination of the Fauntleroy-Harper service in favor of Seattle-Manchester.  We feel that the natural advantages of the Harper route, plus Vashon, have not been properly considered.  Findings 14, 15 and 16 analyze the effects of the newly authorized rates on the future operating revenues of the various companies.  Puget Sound Co. will be increased from $1,356,642 in 1936 to $1,483,200 with the same volume of traffic, and increase of $127,000, or 9.3 per cent.  Kitsap County Co. will be increased from $385,458 in 1936 to $460,890, an increase of $76,000, or 20 per cent.  Combined Black Ball lines increase 11.6 percent; Ballard-Ludlow Co. will be increased from $83,743 in 1936 to $92,000, an increase of $8,360, or 10 per cent.  It will be observed that the Kitsap company traffic inclusive of Vashon, will pay a 20 per cent increase, twice as much as the others.  Findings 17 discuss future expenses of the ferry companies, which are to be increased by the wage settlement and also by the operation of buses in the Bremerton and Bainbridge areas.  The ferry employees receive $115,000 additional from the Puget Sound company and $21,400 from the Kitsap County company.  The Bremerton and Bainbridge communities receive bus service subsidized to the amount of $13,000.  The Vashon community receives nothing.  Findings 18 establishes a procedure for calculation of depreciation for Black Ball equipment; $73,230 per annum is allowed.  Findings 19 and 20 estimate the net operating income and the rate of return on fair value of investment for the Black Ball and other lines.  Puget Sound Co. will earn $204,160, paying 6.54 on investment; Ballard-Ludlow will pay 6.74 on investment; Kitsap County will pay 10.01 on investment.  Thus the Kitsap County Co. of which the Vashon-Fauntleroy line has always been the backbone, still must contribute the largest proportionate profit to the Black Ball treasury.  Findings 23 gives the schedule of rates; 24 discusses the problem of scales for trucks; and 25 estimated the increased revenue which the Black Ball lines will receive which will be $202,000.  Findings 26 is a discussion of the rates.  It states “we have considered operations of all the respondents as one complete transportation system, dedicated to the service of the public.”  We believe the Department has had this ideal, but we believe also that in order to simplify the problem the Department has evaded its responsibility to King County and to Vashon Island.  The Vashon ferry line can carry its weight in the ideal complete transportation system without the destruction of its county contract.  Findings 27 in effect does so destroy the contract, for in it the Department asserts its jurisdiction over the rates and services of the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Harper system.  When these are changed for the worse the county is deprived of the benefits for which it bargained in making the contract with the Kitsap County company.  We believe this summary of the ferry findings is sufficient to substantiate the statement that the rulings must be regarded as unfair and unacceptable to the residents of Vashon-Maury Island.  The main grounds of objections are: 1. The lumping of our ferry system into the consolidated Black Ball group.  The action of the management during the past summer has destroyed all of or confidence in its good faith and fairness.  2. The threat of impairing our service by discontinuing the Harper run.  3. The increase of Kitsap County Co. rates by 20 per cent as against 9 per cent for the Puget Sound Co., and 10 per cent for the Ballard-Ludlow.  4.  The further discrimination shown against Kitsap County Co. by the fact that its rates are to pay 10 per cent on the fair investment value while Puget Sound Co. rates are to pay 6.5 per cent and Ballard-Ludlow 6.7 per cent.  5.  The assertion of jurisdiction over our rates to the impairment of the King County contract.  But more serious to us than all of these objections together is the fact that not only has the Department of Public Service denied the legal force of the rate clause of the King County contract, but it has obviously given neither this contract nor the benefits obtained therefrom by the Black Ball company any serious weight in apportioning the new rates.  If this can be done on the first exercise of the Department’s assumed power by officials whose fair intentions we concede, how might we fare the next time under officials of another type.  We cannot give up the specific protection of a valid contract of the vague hope that state officials will never yield further than have Schaaf, Lane and Benjamin to the unfair demands of arrogant operators.  Until the ferries are, in fact, handled by the state like highways from the general tax money “dedicated to the service of the public” we must hold to the contract wherein King County has properly insured the rights of its citizens in the use of the ferry system which it did so much to establish.  -FERRY COMMITTEE OF COMMERCIAL CLUB, Paul Billingsley, Chairman.

• Complaints Made Against Tardy Schedule of Mail – Complaints against the new mail schedule for the Island were lodged Wednesday night with Congressman John M. Coffee when he spoke at a special meeting of the South End Community Club.  With the S.S. Virginia, holding the mail contact until next June, departing one hour later from Tacoma, mail delivery to the South End of the Island is not made until after 3 p.m.  This, it is pointed out by Tahlequahites and residents of Southern Heights, is a regular backwoods schedule.

• 21 Years Ago – The freight and passenger house on the Vashon Heights dock has been moved to its proper place.  The repairs sufficient to enable a team to go on the dock is all that is needed at the present.  – Mr. Ellsworth is building another large chicken house.  It is modern in every way.  With this addition he expects to have room for 10,000 chickens. – C.A. Renouf, of Cove, takes pleasure in showing visitors through his greenhouse.  In one house he exhibited English cucumbers 19 inches long and three inches in diameter. – The steamer Elihu Thompson came in to Dockton last Sunday to her old sheltering place for the winter.  – Ranchers are busy digging potatoes, which are a good crop here.  Some are selling, others are holding for higher prices.  – Electric lights at Cove makes things look quite up-to-date. – We are going to have a shed for Colvos wharf as soon as we get together and the commissioners give us lumber (sure, they will), and we’ll do the rest.

October 28, 1937

• Car Overturns But Bort Sprowls Escapes Injury – Bort Sprowls, of Southern Heights, feels that the man on the flying trapeze is not the only one who can turn somersaults and get away with it.  It must be explained, however, that Bort’s “turn” wasn’t an act – it just happened.  He was driving his car up the steep hill on the Pohl road, just west of the main highway.  The car coughed.  So did Bort.  Then the car started to slide back, but eventually turned turtle.  Bort stayed with.  He couldn’t get out.  But he emerged without a scratch.  Not so for Henry’s masterpiece.

• President Sends Thanks For Rare Lilies Received – C.P. Robarts, of Tahlequah, is in receipt of a letter from President Roosevelt thanking him for the beautiful Amazon lilies sent from Vashon Island to John Boettiger’s home in Seattle, while the presidential party was sojourning there recently.  The lilies are gorgeous, and a very rare variety found only in the Amazon country.  They were presented to Mr. Robarts by a sea captain more than a quarter of a century ago.

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November 1937

November 4, 1937

• 30 Years Ago – Editor’s Note – We understand that our 21 years ago items are creating considerable interest, particularly among that generation of our readers who grew up on the Island.  By way of variety we will go back a bit farther to the Vashon Island News, of May 24, 1907.  Through the kindness of R.W.F. Martin, we recently acquired a number of the papers edited by S.J. Harmeling, Jr., and later by John Reid, now editor of the University Press.  Two stories will, we believe, be of particular interest to many of our readers.  Some of us, rank newcomers of less than 20 years residence, will be unfamiliar with a number of the names mentioned.  HERE AT LAST – Mr. L.C. Beall, Jr., brings the first Automobile to Vashon Island – Mr. H. Steen loses first place – The News expected to laud Mr. H. Steen this week in honor of his bringing the first automobile to Vashon Island.  His machine, however, has been delayed, and now to our friend L.C. Beall Jr., the popular manager of the H.Harrington Co., goes the honor.  In a large black 12-horse power Franklin, Mr. Beall with a party of six, covered the distance from the wharf to the Beall home Wednesday evening in the record time of nine minutes.  The chauffeur in charge of the machine is no one less than our former Islander Mr. J.A. Hess, now a demonstrator for the Franklin Company.  Mr. Hess will be in charge for a few days and will explain to Mr. and Mrs. Beall, the mysteries of their new pet.  The News congratulates Mr. Beall in his purchase.  – Miss Doris Thorston entertained a party of her young school friends in honor of her thirteenth birthday last Saturday.  Mrs. Harrington assisted by Miss Mary Dixon gave the young people a pleasant evening.  Many of the young ladies looked very becoming in their new spring dresses, especially Miss Dixon, who wore her new gown lately received from Paris.  After enjoying themselves in playing games and having a generally good time refreshments were served.  Before going home the young people wished Miss Doris many happy returns.  The names of those present were: The Misses Florence Rickert, Ester Zimmerman, Bessie Smart, Helen Gorsuch, Ethel and May Deppman, Gladys Wolf, Ruth and Lily Torkelson, Alice Moles, Ethel and Effie Steen, Margaret Harmeling, and Master Delbert  Harrington, Glen Wolfe, George Smith, Bernie Kennith and Benny Bates, Forest Pierce, Paul Thorston, James Thorkelson and Willis Blekkink.

• Stephen J. Harmeling Is Great-Grandfather Again – Mr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Green became the parents of an eight-and-a-half-pound boy, born Monday evening, November 1, at Burton.  The baby has been named Joseph S., Jr.  He is the second great grandchild of Stephen J. Harmeling, and great-grandpa Stephen and Grandpa Elmer are taking full credit for the husky bear.

• June In January – Very recently, along with some fine yellow Hallowe’en pumpkins, we received several fine boxes of delicious strawberries, the gift of B.D. Mukai.  We don’t know about June in January, but we do know that plants and flowers still continue to grow on Vashon Island, even though the hint of Thanksgiving is in the air.  Now comes another case of reversal of seasons.  Mrs. William Steen, just to be on the safe side, early this week potted and moved into the house from the yard an Easter lily bearing three beautiful blossoms.  What wouldn’t Los Angeles make of a story like that?  The redoubtable captain would have to go down to California and buy six more ferries to take care of the influx of new people who would desire to make this garden of Eden their homes if we had the system those California rooters have.

• Editorial – Who Is To Blame? – For the first time in a number of years serious property damage was done by Hallowe’en youngsters.  The depredations were not the work of mischievous youngsters by of older youth that should have recognized at least the fundamentals of property rights.  Some of the tricks played were genuinely funny, and showed not only a sense of humor, but downright ingenuity.  The hearty laughs that resulted have been good for all of us.  We are almost inspired to admire the determination that prompted the group which raised the old derelict Ford to a new high on the Vashon water tower.  That stunt required brawn and a certain amount of nerve.  In our day it was matched by the students who led Dean Willard’s old mooley cow up into the chemistry laboratory of Knox College, and in its time was an old trick to the fathers of the current students.  The two truckloads of crates piled on the editorial stoop was a good joke, particularly as the editor and a couple of high school freshmen were deeply engrossed in conversation not 30 feet away, and the best watch-dog in three states slumbered peacefully at the rear of the house.  The only tragedy was the discovery of the owner of the crates, the Scotch honesty that inspired their return, and the disappointment of the sons when they returned home Monday evening to see an easy source of kindling vanished.  Pranks of this nature indicate no meanness of spirit, nor violation of property rights, for on All-Saints’ Eve loose boxes are bound to walk down the street.  The things which make us wonder just how good a job we, as parents, are doing in teaching good citizenship are those which bordered on lawlessness.  True, our schools should be carefully enough locked that entry is not possible, but the fact still remains that such entry is not lawful.  Automobiles are rather expensive things to be tampered with, and not safe when functioning improperly.  Public buildings maliciously damaged cost somebody good money to repair.  True, there was not a watchman at Vashon, as in years past, but it still should have been safe for patrons of the local theatre to park cars in the village without fear of molestation.  There are few lads today who do not know to the fraction of a penny the value of a car, the damage of a few wires loosened here and there, the near-sentiment the average driver has for his car, and the care he usually gives it.  Each boy, 12 to 21, who tampered with someone else’s car knew he was tampering with that for which he would fight if it were his.  The fact that there were not several special officers on the job didn’t alter the facts in the case.  It was an out and out case of poor citizenship and rotten sportsmanship.  An editorial should suggest a specific remedy.  We can’t.  All this editor can do is wonder of Saturday and Sunday night’s mischief resulted from the failure of us, who are their elders; because we are a rural community without police facilities, or have we as parents and teachers set them an example, by word or deed that makes them disregard principles of good citizenship?  Or is it  that leadership among the young is lacking, and each and every boy is afraid NOT to go with the mob?  If he’s afraid to stand along on Hallowe’en…then when?

• Cove – Cedarhurst and Colvos News – Mrs. George Walls, Black 1193 – What might have been a serious accident occurred Monday morning when a firecracker went off in the hand of Bud Long, tearing the flesh of the palm quite badly.  The boy was taken to Dr. Ellis’ office for treatment.  After dressing the wound, Dr. Ellis, as a preventative measure, gave anti-tetanus serum.

• Students Attend Conference – On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Vashon was represented at the University of Washington Leaders’ and Journalists’ conference by Ruth Willers, Girl’s club president, Dot Wight, student body president, Gerald Garrison, publicity manager, and Margaret Rees, Annual editor.  The representatives reported their most striking impressions were the hospitality, the seriousness of the students, and the fatiguing vastness of those campus walks. 

• Advertisement – Can’t Sleep? There are times when it pays to be wide-awake – but when you want to go to sleep isn’t one of them!  Don’t walk the floor or count sheep – drink a big glass of hot milk.  You’ll be surprised how quickly rest will come!  Telephone Black 982 and our driver will call! Lande Dairy two miles north of Vashon.

November 11, 1937

• 30 Years Ago – Vashon College Notes – The cantata “Under the Palms,” given in Vashon College chapel on Friday evening was indeed a musical treat for the appreciative audience that filled the large room.  School talent was assisted by about 50 singers from Tacoma, who, with many friends came to Burton on the steamer Relience.  Active preparation is being made for the 15th annual commencement.  Nine students will be graduated from the difference courses this year.  The new catalog is not on the press and will be ready for distribution in about two weeks.  Many inquiries are being made in regard to future enrollments and prospects are bright for a full enrollment next year.

• 30 Years Ago – Vashon needs a cannery and needs it this season.  Why not organize a cooperative company and begin at once?  The News will be glad to receive suggestions along this line and help to interest some of our fruit growers to help support the project.

• 30 Years Ago – According to Chief Wappenstein of the Seattle police force, the practice of carrying pistols is becoming common in that city.  There is much satisfaction in knowing that such practice is no necessary here.  So far as we know there is not a single instance on record of a holdup or burglary on our Island.

• Friend of Shattuck Family Victim of Airplane Crash – Members of the F.J. Shattuck family were terribly shocked last Wednesday to learn via radio of the death of their young friends, Kenneth Schmidt, a naval cadet, one of the five who crashed in the bomber at Boeing Field.  Mr. Shattuck and Phyllis hurried at once to Sand Point to learn details and to offer their assistance. 

• Island Club Asks Return of Borrowed Kitchen Utensils – The Island club has loaned several of their large kettles and at the present time cannot locate two aluminum kettles and one copper boiler, very much needed for dinners.  Those who have these articles, or know of their whereabouts are requested to communicate with John Ober so that they may be available for use at the Father-Son banquet this Thursday, November 11.

• Another Change – After experimenting for two weeks on publishing on Thursday, instead of on Wednesday, we have switched back to the earlier day, since it suits our advertisers better.

• Burton News – Miss Catherine Goldie, Phone Red 1032 – Jesse F. Shaw has on exhibition in the Burton Pharmacy an interesting clock which is 150 years old.

• High School News – Typing Classes – Of interest in the typing classes are the speed tests given every week.  In the first year class Elsie Kimmel holds the record with twenty-three words a minute with no errors.  Florence Marshall leads the second year class with forty-nine words a minute and three errors.

• Local Items of Interest – Young bicycle riders who stunt on the pavement at Vashon are warned again of the danger in the traffic and from parked cars ready to pull out.  The offenders are boys from 10 to 12 years of age.  These boys are asked to cooperate with the automobile drivers who attempt to follow traffic regulations.

• The obituary for John Deppman appeared.

November 18, 1937

• The “Golden Age,” New Puget Sound Ferry  (photo) – Here is the speedy diesel motor ferry Golden Age at the dock on San Francisco Bay, where she is undergoing preparation for her trip to Puget Sound.  She is one of the six ferries recently purchased by the Black Ball Line for use on Puget Sound routes.  The Golden Age, the Golden Bear and the Golden State will all arrive within the next two or three weeks.  The others will be brought up later.

• Gets Perfect Heart Hand But Isn’t Allowed To Play – R.K. Beymer sat at the card table scanning his had with great circumspection.  He thought it was Christmas.  In fact, he felt certail Santa Claus had moved up the date on the calendar.  He pinched himself to make sure he wasn’t in the hands of Morpheus.  Yes, siree!  Dad had a pat hand of 13 hearts.  Smacko!  He boldly bid seven, after tossing a sly glance to his partner, Charles Roediger.  He figured to put the double-O on the opposing players, Mrs. C.R. Roediger and Eddie Daily.  Daily dealt the dynamite, after Beyner had cut the pasteboards, Roediger noticed Beymer’s eyes dilate, as he scanned the one-suit hand.  Daily (but don’t let Culbertson get a load of this) opened the bidding at one no-trump.  Roediger, at his left, bid two clubs.  Mrs. R. supported Daily’s wheeze, with a jump bid.  Bingo!  Beymer, having recovered from the shock, blatantly announced seven hearts.  That was too much for Daily, but Mrs. R. announced seven no-trump, and Beymer was sunk.  Of course, the contract was set several tricks, but Beymer is still figuring what the score would have been, if he had been permitted to play his hearts.  It was the first deal of the evening, and Beymer’s comment at the time was pertinent: “If it weren’t in the Roediger’s home and you folks were too much of saps to deal from a cold deck, I would have suspected skullduggery.”  Now was there?  Better put Finn Shattuck on the trail.

• School-to-Vashon Sidewalk To Be Started On Monday – According to George Swain, supervisor of roads for the South District, work will begin next Monday morning on a cement sidewalk from the Vashon grammar school south to the village.  This is a WPA project made possible by funds for materials allowed at this week’s meeting of the county commissioners.  Workers will be transferred from the job at the Heights, which consisted of the construction of trails.  This work was halted for a short time on Monday by a slide near the Charles Taylor place which resulted when pipes of the Heights Water Corporation were moved.  Apparently the pipes were all that held a large amount of dirt, softened by the recent rains.  As the dirt slid down the hillside, it destroyed a fine cedar bulkhead which had just been completed.  The proposed sidewalk will parallel the highway, and will be a boon to pedestrians.  It will be separated from the pavement by ditching, which should make it safe from some of our chronic speeders.

• Fire Department Called Twice To Save House – The Vashon fire department was called out twice Saturday night to extinguish fires in the same dwelling, the home of Mrs. Fredricka Boxer, just north of the Good Will Farm.  The fires were caused by an overheated stove which set the roof ablaze.  A heavy rainfall aided in preventing the spreading of the fire.  Mr. Metzenberg answered the first call, extinguished the fire and returned home to be called back a second time.  He found the stove had been heated red hot for the second time, and the roof recaught from the stovepipe.  Fortunately his prompt response to the alarm enabled him to subdue the flames once more and the damage was slight.

• Tahlequah Girl Married Secretly To Burton Boy – Adding another to the list of secret marriages involving Tahlequah young folks during the last few months, Miss Dorothy M. Bachelor was wed Wednesday, November 11, in Everett, to Leo Hawkins Long.

• Body Found Off Maury Last Week Is Still Unidentified – The body of a middleaged man found floating in the Sound off the southeastern point of Maury Island last Wednesday, has not as yet been identified.  The gruesome find was made by an Island resident, Inge Larsen, who notified Under-Sheriff Shattuck.  He in turn notified the Seattle office and the body was taken in charge by the coroner’s office.  It was apparent that the man had come to his death at least six weeks ago.  The clothes, which were almost destroyed, were rough, indicating that they were those of a workman.  The report that the body was that of an inmate of the Good Will Farm, whose disappearance coincided with the length of time the officials felt had elapsed since death was apparently unfounded.  A wire around the neck of the man indicated that death had not been accidental, but whether murder or suicide may never be known.

• Clifford Corbin Escapes Death By Fire In Crash – That the town of Vashon did not suffer another disastrous fire, and that Clifford Corbin was not burned to death is a case of a kind providence, rather than man’s intelligence.  As it is, the young man is serving a 30-day sentence in the county jail for reckless driving, with his driver’s license revoked for one year, and Ed Mace Vashon garage man is contemplating the ruin of his gas pump and big front window.  The accident occurred about 4 o’clock last Thursday afternoon.  Corbin coming north on the highway and driving at a terrific rate lost control of his car and swerving across the pavement crashed into the gas pump in front of the Mace garage, breaking it off, and coming to a stop after crashing into the front of the building.  Fortunately the tank at the top of the pump was empty.  Had it been filled there is not a chance that young Corbin could have escaped with his life, or that the garage could have been saved.  As it was, the small amount of gas in the pump ignited and fire extinguishers were necessary.  In discussing the case Under-Sheriff F.J. Shattuck pointed out the severity of a sentence that involves the revoking of a driver’s license.  One who receives such a sentence is automatically forbidden to operate any motor vehicle during the time his sentence is suspended.

• 30 Year Ago – Editor’s Note: These items are from copies of the Vashon Island News published in 1907.  One of our valued readers last week thought they were current items and wrote concerning one of them.  We understand that our readers are greatly interested in these gleanings from our old files, and we shall continue them as long as the material holds out. – Mr. W. Garvin has bought another lot adjoining his present one, on which he is erecting a home.  Mr. N. Peterson is about to build a large building on his corner lot.  We understand there will be a number of office rooms in addition to a spacious meat market.  While Mr. C.A. Barton was driving his regular run, carrying the R.F.D. mail from Vashon, one of his horses stepped through a hole in the road and broke its leg, also breaking one wheel off the buggy and doing some damage to the harness.  It occurred on the puncheon road between Mr. Reed’s and J.W. Stevenson’s. 

• Local Items of Interest – Gus Bacchus and Digby Williams were hunting near Aberdeen Saturday and Sunday Bob Weiss, Billy Robinson, Dick Harmeling and Howard Collins also left for a hunting trip near Aberdeen, but they were stopped by a minor automobile accident Saturday night.

• Local News – Charles Kimmel returned Friday from a trip to Flint, Mich., where he visited relatives and purchased a new car.  He will be employed in the C.G. Kimmel store this winter.

November 25, 1937

• News-Record To Start Big Subscription Drive – Each Candidate To Win Prize – Only Sixteen Young Ladies Allowed To Compete For Sixteen Prizes

• Please, Please, Pretty Please! – There is scarcely a week goes by that we are not driven to desperation trying to figure out the spelling of an unfamiliar name, or a questionable date in a news story or club notice.  There isn’t a single seventh son of a seventh son around the News-Record office – and we just naturally can’t do any long-range mind reading.  Naturally you know what you mean when you write a story, but unfortunately we don’t, hence errors for which we cannot possibly be to blame.  And there are few errors harder to endure than the misspelling of one’s name in public print.  So, if you have no typewriter, and have the least suspicion that the stupid editor may not be able to read your handwriting, by all means take particular pains in writing names and dates plainly, even though you have to resort to printing.

• Body Found Floating Off Maury Island Identified – The body found floating off Maury Island last week has been identified as that of Peter Kramer.  Old bullet scars in his side and foot furnished the clue.  That his death was a cause of suicide, exact time and place unknown, where examination definitely established the fact that the wire around his neck had been placed there before drowning.  Kramer, who was 45 years of age, a transient laborer employed at the Good Will Farm, had been in the United States for nine years. According to Mrs. Lena Johnson, superintendent at the Farm, Kramer was a good worker, unusually intelligent and willing to please.  While intoxicated he took the Farm car, after having been told not to drive unless given permission, and rather than face Mrs. Johnson he departed, leaving all of his personal belongings at the Farm.  What became of him after he left the Good Will Farm is a matter of conjecture, as no one saw him after he left.  Although Mrs. Johnson had made inquiry in Seattle she did not think it at all strange that she could learn nothing of Kramer, though she wondered at his not sending for his clothes.  With the identification of his body still another sad story of suffering and sorrow has been brought to a close.

• We Make Amends – Although we obtained our information from what we felt was good authority it appears that the story regarding the Boxer fire in last week’s News-Record was erroneous in a number of details.  The reputation of Mrs. Boxer (Frederick Deppman) is too well known for even a hint of the suspicion which she feels was cast on her name by our story.  We have no hesitancy in offering the apology which is demanded on the following letter from Mrs. Boxer, and we are only too glad to give the correct version of the story of the blaze, as recounted by Mr. Baxter, an inmate of the Good Will Farm, and an eye witness to the whole affair.  We offer there letters verbatim: - Nov 22 Mrs. Smock, I am enclosing letter that will give you some facts in relation to recent small blaze on my premises.  I demand that inclosed letter be printed in NR & given the same prominence as your lying, defamity version of the fire, also I demand an apology from you printed in next issue on front page.  F.D. Boxer – Editor, The News-Record, I have no idea as to who was the source of your information on which you based your article concerning the fire at the Boxer residence last Saturday, the 13th.  As I discovered the blaze, turned the hose on it till fire wagon arrived & Mr. Metzenberg extinguished it with his chemicals, & was the last man to leave it, I wish to state that your article was untrue in almost every particular also slanderous & you owe Mrs. Boxer an apology & retraction in as conspicuous a position in the News-Record as the original article.  Of course no one who knows Mrs. Boxer will think she is an imbicile or that she was trying to complete the destruction of her property.  In fact there was no red hot stove at any time & the second call for the fire department was caused by a slight blaze in shingles on roof which was extinguished by Mr. Barney Osbern with our hose before Metzenberg arrived the 2nd time.  Mr. M will verity this statement that the 2nd fire was out on his arrival & Mr. Osbern that there was not any red-hot stove.  It is inconceivable that you could have obtained your information from any one here during the fire so must conclude that your false statements were manufactured out of whole cloth.  There may be a reportorial lisence such as the ”poetic lisence” & you were drawing on your imagination.  My opinion is that Mrs. Boxer should sue you for lible providing you have anything that could be levied on.  B.H. BAXTER, Vashon, Nov. 21st ‘37

• Harold Brenno Suffers A Broken Leg In Accident – Harold Brenno suffered a broken leg while working on a car at his garage last Friday.  Attempting to crank it while the car was in gear, it moved forward, pinning his left leg between the bumper and the workbench, breaking both bones below the knee.  Bob Bacon, mechanic in the garage, stopped the motor and extricated Harold.  With the assistance of passerby, he was carried into the office and Dr. McMurray was called.  He advised that Harold be taken to Seattle for the purpose of making X-rays of the injured member.  Bob Evans assisted in making a stretcher and Wilfred Evans and Kelley Weiss took the injured man to Seattle in the Weiss truck.  He returned from the hospital the following day.

• Editorial – Truly We’re Sorry – It is always unfortunate when feelings are hurt, and we of the News-Record are honestly sorry when through any fault of ours others are made unhappy.  Being human, we err now and then.  We try to give the news to our readers, and we would never knowingly distort the facts in a case.  Last week we published the story of a fire.  We obtained our information from an authoritative source, and even yet can see nothing wrong with the story.  However, it caused a veritable “tempest in a teapot.”  Not only was the paper attacked, but the operator of the fire truck, because he did not see to it that the story in the News-Record was different.  What his reaction was, and how he will feel about leaving home and going on another similar errand of mercy can easily be imagined.  A fire is news; a death is news; an accident is news – in fact, anything that interests you is news for your entire circle of friends.  Mistakes can be avoided if, when you know pretty well that an item will be reported by somebody, the person most interested were to call the News-Record and give us HIS version, how much happier everyone would be, and how much more accurate than to depend on hearsay.  We are making what amends we can, willing to give, word for word, not dotting an “I” nor crossing a “T,” the letters expressing the opinion in which two good people hold us.  We are sorry these letters were necessary.  But if every sensitive person will give us half a chance we will see to it that the facts in the case are presented exactly – word for word.

• Cove – Cedarhurst and Colvos News – Clara Dahlgren – Almost all the West Side children who haven’t had the whooping cough before, are experiencing a siege of it now.  As far as we know, none are seriously ill.

• Obituary of Mrs. Nellie Matson

• Local Items of Interest – Glenn Willers arrived home last week after two months’ absence.  He has been working on a purse seine boat out of Everett.

• Local News – Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Law announce the birth of a son Monday, November 8.  “Michael” is the name suggested by members of the family, but it has not been officially selected as yet.

• Keyboard Club of Vashon To Entertain Burton Club – The Keyboard Club of Vashon will entertain the Keyboard Club of Burton at their regular monthly meeting on Monday afternoon, November 29, at 3:30 p.m., in the Vashon school.  The members of the Cove piano class have also been invited.  Those playing piano solos will be Margery Lou Steen, Jean Taylor, Doris Backlund, Donna Spalding, Bonnie McCormick, all of Vashon; Anne Jeannette Poultney, Mai Lillian Bucknell, Naomi Sawyer and Edith Larson, from Burton.

• Burton Community Club Holds Regular Meeting – The Burton Community Club held a meeting on November 18 which was presided over by the new president, Leroy Harris.  Plans were made for constructive work for the year, including a project to have the road from Burton to Tahlequah hard-surfaced, and for an entertainment to raise funds for the street lights.

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December 1937

December 2, 1937

• News-Record To Reach All Homes On Vashon Island – General Circulation Planned For Benefit Of Christmas Advertisers

• Here Are The Candidates In The News-Record’s Campaign – District Number 1: Dunsford, Bonnie (Ellisport); Jones, Frieda (Vashon); Livers, Georgia (Center); Morley, Muriel (Glen Acres); Shattuck, Phyllis (Vashon); Shride, Judith (Vashon); Soike, Claire (Center); Tonk, Marybelle (Vashon); Wilson, Ruth (Vashon) – District Number 2: Edwards, Bernice (Cove); Frombach, Olivia (Maury); Joy, Peggy (Burton); Pedersen, Jensine (Robinson Point); Rolando, Dorothy (Tahlequah); Willers, Ruth (Dockton)

• Extra $10.00 Cash Prize Will Be Given In Drive – One of Sixteen Candidates To Win New Award In Addition To Jewelry Prize For Work To Cover Four-Day Period

• Roswell Johns Resigns His Position At Local Bank – After more than nine years of service in the Vashon State Bank Roswell Johns tendered his resignation as assistant cashier, effective December 1.  Ill health was given as the reason.

• Jasper Therkelsen Regains Sight Following Operation – Following an operation for cataract on his eye, sight was restored to Jasper Therkelsen after six years of blindness.  Mr. Therkelsen can now see well enough to shave himself and to tell the time.  The other eye will be operated on this Friday, and he expects to have the full use of his eyes for reading and close work.  Mr. Therkelsen is in his 91st year and will observe his next birthday on January 25.

• Robert Carver and George Carver Die Within Week – This week we received a clipping from a Highland Park, Ill. Newpaper, sent by Mrs. E. Morgan. R.K. Carver, former owner of the home now owned by the Shride family, lived on the Island for a number of years, and both Mr. and Mrs. Carver, who survives, had many friends who were saddened by the news of his death. “Robert K. Carver, of Highland Park, Illinois, died suddenly Tuesday evening at his home, following a heart attack.  News of the death of his brother, George P. Carver, who passed away early this week in California had just been made known.

• Obituary for Remembrance Morford appeared.

• William Penn Morford – Funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the Methodist church at Vashon for W.P. Morford, whose death on Friday, November 26, came as a shock to the entire community, coming as it did so soon after the death of his son, Remembrance, just a few days previously.

 December 9, 1937

• Petition Is Circulated To Extend Pohl Road West – With more than twice as many signatures as are required, a petition to extend the Pohl road to Spring Beach was filed Monday with the King county commissioners by Forrest Ritz, the manager of this popular summer resort on the West Pass.  If the commissioners see fit to build this additional half mile or so of road considerable land would be opened up in this section, is the belief of the petitioners.  Plans have been made to present the petition to H.C. Cronander, chairman of the road committee of the Vashon Island Commercial Club at its recent meeting.  Fog, however, interfered with transportation and a carload of the signers was forced to turn back to Tahlequah.  The only method of reaching Spring Beach for nine months of the year is by the S.S. Virginia, or on foot from Tahlequah.  This is very unsatisfactory, Mrs. Ritz points out, and lack of highway facilities is retarding the growth not only of Spring Beach but of contiguous territory.  Should the operators of the West Pass Transportation company, owners of the S.S. Virginia, succeed in obtaining the mail contract for another year, service on the Island could be bettered materially by picking up the pouches at Spring Beach instead of at Cove, which is the present point of delivery.  It is also pointed out that if the Pohl road were extended the residents of Spring Beach and nearby homeowners would probably be in a position to obtain electricity from the Puget Sound Power and Light Company.  The management, it is said, has intimated that if a road were constructed, the present pole line would be extended from Tahlequah, which, with the present set-up would require about a mile of line.

• Mallard Duck Picked Up Was Banded In Spokane – The mallard drake picked up late this spring at Tahlequah by Nate Howard, son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Rooth, was banded in Spokane, according to word received today by C.R. Roediger from the Department of Agriculture in Washington D.C.  Roediger sent the number of the band to the department, and the reply stated the duck had beeen released from the Spokane banding station, but so far the date of its release had not been determined.

• Fine Popcorn Is Grown By C.J. Olsen Near Burton – Nine rows, 225 feet long, yielded 400 pounds of excellent popcorn on the C.J. Olsen farm near Burton.  Seed of the Black Beauty variety, was sent to Mr. Olsen from Montana.  The marked contrast in growing conditions apparently made no difference, for the corn matured quickly and is of excellent quality, popping almost 100 per cent.  Although black, in color, when popped it is snowy white and of surprising tenderness.  Mr. Olsen is finding a ready market for his corn at a price that would yield him close to $350 an acre.  At the present high price of popcorn it would appear that he could make a nice profit on land that apparently is ideally suited to its needs.

• Reconstruction of Power Lines Is Now Under Way – Construction work on a new power line through Paradise Valley was started December 7 to serve E.L. Livers, Herbert Ward, Hamilton Bascom, Louis Stoltz, Sam Watson, George Zeb, R.G. Garrett, the Royce Wise place and the Joe Bidle place.  A full crew is at work and the line is expected to be finished within a week.  Construction of new power lines and other improvements include the increasing of voltage from 2300 to 6600 from Portage to Burton and the reconstruction of lines there.  A new bank of transformers will be set up at Burton to serve Magnolia Beach thereby improving their service.  This work, already started, will take about four months.  A crew of eight men are working on this, including four linemen from Seattle, George Fletcher, Glenn Collins, Sam Hastings and Mr. Providence, who have moved over here with their families, and as groundmen, Lake Calhoun, Alvin Bidle, Bob Wilbur and Martin Garner.  A new line has been put in from Sargent’s corner to the Highland Park ranch, and the regulator rack has been moved to the cable pole at Robinson’s corner, which gives regulation over the entire Island now.  A line was recently completed at Dockton from Martin’s corner south and west to the Hake road to serve the new water system installed at Dockton this fall.

• Obituary of Per Person appeared

• Burton News – Miss Catherine Goldie, Phone Red 1092 – The old College ground has been ploughed and graded by the new owner who will plant an orchard and berries on the land.

• Tahlequah Notes – Mrs. C.R. Roediger – There’s an automatic fog signal on the ferry pier at Tahlequah.  Reason: ferry navigators became confused in the fog last Tuesday and wound up at the entrance to Quartermaster Harbor.  Someone failed to switch on the electric signal and the captain had no way to obtain his bearings.

• Sportsmen’s Club Notes – Ladies Only – Feminine friends of the Vashon Sportsmen’s Club are hereby invited to attend the next meeting of the organization which will be held at the Island Club on Friday, December 17.  There will be eats, entertainment and education.

• Sportsmen’s Club Notes – Champions of 1937 – Dick Harmeling, trapshooting; Al Roen, hunting; Frank Fuller, fishing; George Jenn, Pheasant; George McCormick, bear; M.E. McDougal, hogcalling; Con Tjomsland, duck; Bill Shakespeare, log peeling; Joe Green, clam chowder; Dick Fuller, predator; Martin Larsen, cooking; Earl McCormick, father; Elmer Harmeling, cribbage; Harris Ward, rowing; Garner Kimmel, yachting; Lunsford Black, dog raising.

• Flowers Still Blooming In Tahlequah Gardens – Well, folks, most everyone knows the mildness of the Puget Sound climate, but when flowers are still blooming around December 10, “ain’t that sumpin’?”  Three Canterbury bells are in full regalia in the D.C. Summers garden, and mums and double nasturtiums are available at Roediger’s place.  Marigolds, roses and petunias are also going strong, and if frost does not descend, there’s not telling how much longer one may step out and pick a bouquet.

 December 16, 1937

• Good Will Farm Scene of Commercial Club Meeting – L.C. Beall called attention to the traffic hazard created by careless parking in the village of Vashon.  He stated it was impossible to get a view of oncoming traffic until one had driven out into the lane.  Various other suggestions were made for improving local conditions.

• Men of Cove Congregation To Serve Lutefisk Dinner – Members and friends of the Cove Methodist church will enjoy an unusual treat when the men of the congregation serve another one of those incomparable lutefisk dinners, to which the public is invited.

• Community Playground To Be Constructed At Burton – Work on a community playground will be started at Burton December 21, on the site of the old Burton grammar school grounds.  The first thing that will be done is the tearing down of the old grade school followed by the preparation of the grounds for a playshed and recreational activities.  The work is being done under the supervision of Lunsford Black with funds from the W.P.A. and the community.  Because of the scenic location and central position this playfield will be a great asset to the town of Burton.

• The Obituary of Ole C. Martinson appeared.

December 23, 1937

• Olivia Frombach Wins Campaign – While scores of interested observers impatiently awaited announcement of final results, the Vashon Island News-Record’s subscription campaign came to an official close Saturday night, December 18, when the judges broke the seals on the ballot box and then – after a period of strenuous counting – announced the final results.  Olivia Frombach, of Maury, the official judges’ statement disclosed, was the winner of the grand capital prize, and Bonnie Dunsford of Ellisport and Ruth Willers of Dockton were declared winners of the district One and district Two capital prized, respectively.

• Electric Organ Installed In Presbyterian Church – All who heard it at the Presbyterian church last Sunday were delighted with the newly-installed Hammond Electric organ.  Helen Johns Dunlap, a student of organ, will continue as accompanist.

December 30, 1937

• Two Parties Given For High School Students – Two parties both sponsored by the Vashon Island High School P.T.A. were held Wednesday evening.  Both began at 6 o’clock and ended at 11:30.  The rules agreed upon by the student body and P.T.A. of no smoking, no liquor, no leaving the building and no persons except parents over 21, were strictly complied with.  A small fee was charged to defray expenses.  One party was held in the high school gym for all students who enjoy an evening of dancing.  The other party held in the Center school recreation hall, was for the students who preferred an evening of games.

 

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